Student & family Support Guide - Fort Wayne Community Schools - Fort Wayne Community ... (2024)

Fort Wayne Community SchoolsStudent & familySupportGuide

TABLE OF CONTENTSA Message from Your Superintendent...........................................................................................1 FWCS Mission, FWCSVisionDISTRICT HIGHLIGHTSHighlights.................................................................................................................................2Information About Schools.........................................................................................................3School Locations Map.................................................................................................................5STUDENT AND PARENT RESOURCESSchool Calendar.........................................................................................................................6 School Hours, Registration Days, Calendar, Parent Teacher Conferences, Report Card Distribution, Commencement DatesAttendance................................................................................................................................8 The FortWayne Community Schools considers regular attendance to be a vital role in academic success. KeepingYour Child Home, Weather, Make-up Days, Getting Notice, Power Outage, What It Means, Single Bus Concellations and Delays, Athletics and Extracurricular ActivitesSchool Closings and Delays....................................................................................................... 10Family and Community Engagement Center................................................................................ 12 EnrollingYour Child, ReviewingYour Options, If You Move, FWCS Clothing Bank, Homeless Assistance/Families in Transi- tion,Work Permits, Dress Code,YMCA School-Age Childcare/Y-Care, Community OrganizationsTranslation Help Available........................................................................................................ 15Transportation......................................................................................................................... 16 Eligibility, ExpectationsHealth and Wellness.................................................................................................................. 17 Student Insurance, Immunizations, Screening Programs, Emergency Care and Response, Medicine in School, Head Lice, Bloodborne DiseaseSafety and Security................................................................................................................... 19 Search and Seizure, Safety, Guns in School Buildings, Building Operation PlansSchool Meals and Other Fees..................................................................................................... 20 Nutrition Services, Meal Change Policy,Textbook and Materials, Educational Materials, Assistance Applications, Library/ Media Center Fees, Activites, Returned Check/NSF PolicyOnline Resources are available at https://fortwayneschools.org/................................................. 22 Pinnacle Gradebook, Peachjar, Food Service Menus, School Calendar, Destiny School, Library Fees, Pay Book Fees, Online FWCS appLegally Speaking...................................................................................................................... 22 Custody, Lost or Stolen Items, Bullying, Student and Conferences Records, Special Ed, Child Find, Electronic Devices, Cellular Phones, Other, Internet Safety, Acceptable use of Technology Policy, FWCS Nondiscrimination Policy and Grievance Procedure,Title 1 and 504READINESS TO LEARNINGPyramid for SuccessTM............................................................................................................... 25Code of Conduct ..................................................................................................................... 27 What to Expect IfYour Student Misbehaves, Suspensions, Alternative Consequences Level4 Probationary Contract, Request for Expulsion or Alternative Placement, Extracurricular/Co-Curricular Participants, Standard of Conduct, EnforcementRights and Responsibilities....................................................................................................... 29 Student Rights and Responsibilites, Parents Rights and Responsibilites, Staff Rights and ResponsibilitesProgressive Levels of Corrective Responses................................................................................. 31 Corrective Responses, Level 1: Classroom and Building Based Corrective Response, Level 2: Support Staff, Admininstrative and Classroom Teacher Corrective Response, Level 3: Intensive Personalized Corrective Response, Level 4: Corrective Response for SeriousViolations, Levels of ResponseGlossary of Terms..................................................................................................................... 48Board of School Trustees................................................................................................ Back Cover

A Message from Your Superintendent Dear Fort Wayne Community Schools students and parents, Welcome to the 2019-20 school year! I am pleased to present this year’s Fort Wayne Community Schools Family and Student Support Guide. This book contains information that students and parents need to know regarding daily life in our district, from school meals to our programs and services. We hope this information will be a valuable tool for you. We know there is nothing more important to you than quality educational programs in a safe, secure environment. We are committed to offering the highest quality of curriculum and instruction in all of our programs. We also understand that every child is different, and each of them has great potential. To meet the needs of every child we offer a wide variety of programs, services and extracurricular activities for every type of learner and their special inter- ests. At Fort Wayne Community Schools, We Are Your Schools. We are commit- ted to working cooperatively with parents and the community to prepare our students for success in the endeavors of their choice. Sincerely yours, Wendy Y. Robinson, Ed.D. SuperintendentMissionFort Wayne Community Schools educates all students to high standards enabling them tobecome productive, responsible citizens.VisionFort Wayne Community Schools will be the school system of choice and a source of commu-nity pride. 2019-20 family & student support guide 1

HIGHLIGHTSWelcome to Fort Wayne Community SchoolsFort Wayne Community Schools is THE Choice district, offering high quality academics and an array of enrichment options outside theclassroom. There is no better place for your child to learn, grow and succeed than Fort Wayne Community Schools, because it not onlyprovides a rigorous and supportive curriculum, but also offers unique courses and programming such as:College and Career Readiness • A wide selection of Advanced Placement classes or Collegiate Connection offered at every high school • Dual-Credit courses offered in high schools and at local universities, giving students opportunities for both high school and college-level credits • Ample opportunities to earn Core 40, Honors and Technical Honors Diplomas, and a graduation pathway, helping students get into the colleges or career path of their choice • Personalized college and career readiness and college tours • Personalized college and career planning • College and Career Readiness workshops, conferences and symposiums • Magnet Schools and Programs for All Interests • Montessori at Bunche Early Childhood Center and Towles Intermediat School grades one through five • New Tech at Towles Intermediate School grades six through eight • Fine Arts at Whitney Young Early Childhood Center, Weisser Park Elementary School and Memorial Park Middle School • Math and Science at Irwin Elementary School • Latin Grammar Academy at Brentwood Elementary School • Spanish Language Programming at Lindley Elementary School • NASA Explorer School at Franke Park Elementary SchoolSpecialized Programs of Study at Every High School • International Baccalaureate (IB) at South Side High School • Project Lead the Way Engineering at Northrop High School • Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences at Snider High School • Early College business, New Tech Academy and ROTC at Wayne High School • Early College and Global Studies/World Languages at North Side High School • Career Education Programs at the FWCS Career Academy at Anthis o Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) o Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) o Indiana Cosmetology Licensing o American Welding Society (AWS) o Careers in Early Education (CDA) o Precision Machine (7 NIMS Certifications) o IT Academy (CompTIA A+ Certification) o Criminal Justice (Telecommunicator I) o Fire Science (Firefighter I & II)Character Education and Individualized InstructionCharacter Education is offered through the Readiness to Learn System as a component of our Pyramid for Success. This System isresearch-based consisting of nationally recognized frameworks such as: o Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) o Restorative Practices o Adverse Childhood Experiences Study o Neuroscience – Adolescent Brain Research o Foundations for Young Adult Success research from the University of Chicago Consortium on Chicago School Research2 2019-20 family & student support guide

INFORMATION ABOUT SCHOOLS. ProgramsPre-kindergarten High School Programs of StudyA number of FWCS elementary schools offer pre-K classes for FWCS has reinvented its high schools to better prepare students3- and 4-year-olds. Special Education programs for eligible for successful lives. The foundation of FWCS’ high school re-students are offered at Brentwood, Fairfield, Forest Park, Haley, design is rigorous coursework with real-world learning experi-Harrison Hill, Holland, Northcrest, Price, Washington Center ences and a culture of high expectations to prepare students forand Whitney Young schools, along with programs at several life after high school. In addition to developing a more rigorouscommunity sites. Programs for 4-year-olds are available under foundation for all students, each high school has a Program ofFederal Title I grants for children who live in the attendance Study, a specialized program that offers students an opportunityareas for Abbett, Adams, Bloomingdale, Brentwood, Fairfield, to try a career path and develop skills that can be used in theForest Park, Franke Park, Harrison Hill, Indian Village, Lindley, workplace. If your student withdraws from a Program of Study,Maplewood, Northcrest, Scott, South Wayne, Study, Washington he/she will be assigned to the student’s attendance area school.and Waynedale elementary schools. These schools house theirown pre-K programs. Additionally, pre-K is available for chil- Career Educationdren who live in the attendance areas for Brentwood/Haley The FWCS Career Academy at Anthis offers high school studentsand Price/Washington elementary schools. For these schools, the opportunity to explore career fields and learn workplacethe program is housed at the school in bold but serve students skills in the areas of automotive, information technology, earlyin both attendance areas. education, construction, culinary arts and management, medi-If there are more applicants than space available, FWCS will cal and dental careers, cosmetology, aviation mechanics, publicuse selection guidelines as prescribed by the U.S. Department safety, welding technology and machine tool technology. Afterof Education, including determining the academic needs of stu- completing their junior year, students may use their acquireddents, to admit students. skills on the job in cooperative learning situations in the com- munity. Students attend their home school for a half-day ofPre-kindergarten programs also are offered as part of the academic classes and extracurricular activities and spend a half-magnet school programs at Bunche and Whitney Young early day at the Career Academy. The morning session hours are 9:20childhood centers. a.m.-12:05 p.m., and the afternoon session meets from 12:45- 3:30 p.m. For information, contact your school’s guidance officeFull-Day Kindergarten or the Career Academy, 467-1010, www.fwcscareeracademy.To enroll in kindergarten for the 2019-20 school year, the child fwcs.k12.in.usmust be 5 years old by Aug. 1, 2019. For the 4-year-old pre-kin-dergarten program, the child must be 4 years old by Aug. 1, 2019. Continuing Education and Neighborhood ConnectionParents can apply for early entrance into kindergarten only. Ap- FWCS provides lifelong learning opportunities to all Allenplications are available at the Family and Community Engagement County residents. Programs include academic classes, HSECenter, 230 E. Douglas Ave. There is an application deadline for (formerly known as GED) preparation, English for non-nativeearly entrance waivers. Parents may contact the Family and Com- speakers (ELL), technology, electronics, business and computermunity Engagement Center for deadline information at 467-2120. classes, recreation and youth and family activities. Classes take place at the FWCS Bill C. Anthis Center, Ivy Tech, churches,Magnet Schools library branches and FWCS sites throughout the city.All students have an assigned school, based on family residencylocation. FWCS also offers six magnet elementary schools and FWCS assists community members who are 16 years of age andtwo magnet middle schools. Magnet schools have no attendance older by offering high school credit, credit recovery, equivalencyboundaries; students must submit a FWCS School Choice ap- programs and adult vocational classes. Classes are offered fiveplication for enrollment in these schools. Students are accepted days per week. FWCS also works in partnership with many busi-based on space availability. If a school has more applications than nesses and community-based organizations to provide educa-space available, names will be selected in a public lottery (with tional services and classes for employees and residents. Coursescomputer-generated lists). Once chosen, students will receive in literacy, computers and specialized vocational training areenrollment information from their magnet school principal. available or can be developed. For more information on enroll- ment and availability of classes, call 467-1060 or 467-1075.Students not selected in the lottery are placed on a waiting list.Students accepted into a magnet school or school other thantheir assigned school can break their intra-district transfer andenroll in their attendance area school only. Once accepted, par-ents need not apply again. 2019-20 family & student support guide 3

Alternative Programs opportunity for academic success. The goal is to help stu-FWCS provides several programs for students who are not dents assigned to the elementary alternative program developsucceeding in the traditional classroom setting. Programs are of- skills that will support social, emotional and behavioral needsfered at the elementary, middle and high school levels through- while strengthening academic skills. Learning to read and doout the district and can be found at school sites or at non-school math are positive actions, as are learning to be responsiblelocations. In most cases, students are referred by their home and respectful. Students receive whole group, small groupschool for the programs. For more information, contact your and individual academic and behavioral support using theschool principal. FWCS curriculum and Positive Action, the adopted character education program. Staff will focus on students developing an• Center for Academic Success at Nebraska and understanding that there is a connection between choices andAnthis their personal well-being. As students develop this under- Nebraska houses the district’s alternative program for students standing, they will be empowered to positively impact family, in sixth through 10th grades. The school maxi- mizes the use school and community. of community resources and traditional and non-traditional methods to support the educational, social and emotional • K-12 College and Career Readiness needs of every student during the The K-12 College and Career Readiness Program works to time they are in the building. As placement at the Center for encourage and support FWCS students to pursue their career Academic Success is temporary, the school uses a system of goals. While attending college may not be the ultimate goal for levels that students must complete while there. Students are all students, the FWCS K-12 College and Career Readiness required to complete specific academic, behavioral, social and Program promotes a college-going culture and encourages attendance require- ments. This system provides a structured students to aim high and reach their full potential. For more learning envi- ronment for students to be successful and information regarding college and career programming, please educates stu- dents who are at the greatest risk of academic contact 467-2120. failure or dropping out. Because students must complete spe- cific requirements before returning to their home school, the system increases the level of responsibility and makes them responsible for their own personal growth.• Youth Life Skills Youth Life Skills was established in 1995 to serve young adults ages 16-21 who have not yet earned a high school diploma or HSE. It is designed to help at-risk students by focusing on literacy and employment skills.Youth Life Skills offers a non- traditional approach to education, focusing on the students as individuals and catching those who have fallen through the cracks. The program offers a holistic approach to dealing with issues associated with poverty, a position most of the students are in and many will stay in without gaining the proper educa- tion and job training needed to be successful. Many students come to Youth Life Skills as an alternative to dropping out of school, to obtain additional high school credits, to attend a school with more flexible hours because they are pregnant or parenting or because a traditional high school program is not working for them for another reason. Students can attend morning sessions, afternoon sessions, evening sessions or full days.• Elementary Alternative Program Elementary Alternative Program is the alternative for stu- dents in grades K-5 located at Shambaugh Elementary School. The program is designed to provide support to students who are struggling with behavioral deficits that negatively impact4 2019-20 family & student support guide

SCHOOL LOCATIONS MAP 28 24 17 u 3 7 r u 4 2 10 14 r 6 22 8 3 2 20 12 9 3 6 10 5 1 5 21 11 1 8 4 s u 1 4 ▲ EARLY CHILDHOOD 27 CENTERS r 3 6 u 5 6 1 Bunche 2 Young r 1 r 2 ▲ 18 9 26 u 4 s 1 1 1 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Abbett 2 2 Adams 3 Arlington 25 s 2 4 Bloomingdale 7 2 4 u 30 16 5 6 Brentwood/Buschor Croninger 15 7 Fairfield 8 Forest Park 13 INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL 9 Franke Park 3 1 Towles 10 Glenwood Park 1 11 Haley l HIGH SCHOOLS 12 Harris 1 North Side 13 Harrison Hill 2 Northrop 14 Holland 23 3 Snider 15 Indian Village 4 South Side 16 Irwin 5 Wayne 17 Lincoln u 6 6 Career Academy at Anthis 18 Center for Academic Success 19 Lindley r 5 at Anthis 20 Maplewood Northcrest 21 Price 29 n MIDDLE SCHOOLS 22 St. Joseph Central 19 1 Blackhawk 23 Scott 7 2 Jefferson 24 Shambaugh 3 Kekionga 25 South Wayne 4 Lakeside 26 Study 5 Lane 27 Washington 5 6 Memorial Park 28 Washington Center 7 Miami 29 Waynedale 8 Northwood 30 Weisser Park 9 Portage 10 Shawneeu OTHER SCHOOLS & PROGRAMS r ADMINISTRATION/OPERATIONS1 Center for Academic Success at Nebraska 5 Automotive Center 1 Grile Administration Center 4 Transportation North2 Natatorium 6 Public Safety Academy of 2 Family and Community Engagment Center 5 Transportation South3 Parkview Education Center Northeast Indiana 3 Facilities/Printing Services/Media Services/ 6 Nutrition Services4 Construction Trades 7 Smith Field Aviation Technology Maintenance & Operations/Warehouse

STUDENT AND PARENT RESOURCESSchool Calendar FIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTER Aug. 13, 2019 – Dec. 19, 2019 Jan. 9, 2020 – May 28, 2020 First Quarter: Aug. 13, 2019 – Oct. 11, 2019 Third Quarter: Jan. 9, 2020 – March 12, 2020 Second Quarter: Oct. 14, 2019 – Dec. 19, 2019 Fourth Quarter: March 16, 2020 – May 28, 2020 SCHOOL HOURS FORT WAYNE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Elementary Schools – 8:20 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. REGISTRATION DAYS Bunche Kindergarten – 8:10 a.m. - 2:20 p.m. All FWCS schools will hold registration Bunche Pre-Kindergarten – 8:10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. for the 2019-20 year on WhitneyYoung Kindergarten – 8:20 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. Friday, July 26, from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. WhitneyYoung a.m. Pre-Kindergarten – 8:20 - 10:55 a.m. and WhitneyYoung p.m. Pre-Kindergarten – 12:20 - 2:55 p.m. Monday, July 29, from Noon - 7 p.m. Title I a.m. Pre-Kindergarten – 8:20 - 10:55 a.m. Title I p.m. Pre-Kindergarten – 12:20 - 2:55 p.m. All students must register at the school they will be attending, Towles Intermediate – 7:55 a.m. - 2:35 p.m. even if they have attended the school the previous year. Students new to the district should register at the Family and Community Middle Schools – 7:20 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. Engagement Center, 230 E. Douglas Ave., Fort Wayne. High Schools – 9:05 a.m. - 4:10 p.m. For information, call your school or 467-2120. FWCS Career Academy at Anthis – 9:20 a.m.-12:05 p.m. and 12:45-3:30 p.m. August 2019 September 2019 October 2019 November 2019S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 911 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 1618 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 2325 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 December 2019 January 2020 February 2020 March 2020 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 1 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 29 30 31 April 2020 May 2020 June 2020 July 2020S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 31 BOLD DATE End of Conference No Make-Up Day Students in Grading Period Dates School Attendance6 2019-20 family & student support guide

School Calendar Classes Begin (Grades K-12)...................................................................... Aug. 13, 2019 Classes End.......................................................................................... May 28, 2020* NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS Labor Day.............................................................................................. Sept. 2, 2019 Fall Break............................................................................................. Oct. 11, 2019 Release Day for Pre-K–12 Fall Conference Days................................................Nov. 8, 2019 Thanksgiving.................................................................................. Nov. 28 & 29, 2019 Teacher Work/Make-up.......................................................................... Dec. 20, 2019* Winter Vacation....................................................................Dec. 23, 2019 – Jan. 3, 2020 MLK Jr. Day........................................................................................... Jan. 20, 2020 Release Day for Pre-K–12 Winter Conference Days............................................ Feb. 7, 2020 Reserve Make-up Day............................................................................March 13, 2020 Spring Vacation..........................................................................March 30 - April 3, 2020 Good Friday......................................................................................... April 10, 2020 Reserve Make-up Day................................................................................ May 1, 2020 Reserve Make-up Day...............................................................................May 15, 2020 Memorial Day.........................................................................................May 25, 2020 Teacher Work/Make-up........................................................................... May 29, 2020* PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCESParent Teacher Conferences for all students in Pre-K–12 will take place two times during the 2019-20 school year. School will be in session all day onWednesday and Thursday with conferences held Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Evening hours will be adjusted due to the change in school times.Friday will be a release day for students and staff. The Fall Parent Teacher Conferences will be held Wednesday, Nov. 6, and Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019.The Winter Parent Teacher Conferences will be held Wednesday, Feb. 5, and Thursday Feb. 6, 2020. REPORT CARD DISTRIBUTION Oct. 24, 2019, or conference; Jan. 16, 2020, or conference; March 26 and June 11, 2020 2020 HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT DATES June 4: Wayne • June 5: North Side, Northrop • June 6: Snider, South Side * May change due to emergency- or weather-related make-up days. In years with extreme weather situations, other days scheduled as off may be used as make-up days. Fort Wayne Community Schools is on Facebook and Twitter. Look for information on school and district happenings, pictures of school events and details of weather delays and cancellations. Twitter users can find us by searching for FWCS. Facebook users can find our page by searching for Fort Wayne Community Schools. 2019-20 family & student support guide 7

ATTENDANCE Tardiness/Early Departure A student is considered tardy if he or she is not present at theFort Wayne Community Schools considers regular attendance beginning of class/school. A student is not counted as tardy ifto be a vital role in academic success. Research shows that it is the bus is late. An early departure is when the student leaves thedifficult for students to learn if they are not in class. It has been class/school prior to the end of the student’s instructional day.proven that educational achievement is directly related to atten- This will count the same as a tardy.dance. A student who misses school ultimately misses education-al experiences that cannot be retrieved in its entirety. A student that arrives to school one hour late but less than half a day, or departs one hour early but less than one half day with-Pursuant to Indiana Code 20-33-2-3.2, “ ’attend’ means out an approved excuse will be counted as ‘severe tardy/earlyto be physically present: (1) in a school; or (2) at an- departure.’other location where the school’s educational programin which a person is enrolled is being conducted; dur- Students who find it necessary to leave school before theing regular school hours on a day in which the educa- completion of their school day must receive the approval oftional program in which the person is enrolled is being the proper school authority and sign out in the school office.offered.” Students who are excused early from school must leave schoolParents are responsible for having their children in school. Indi- property immediately.ana law prescribes that parents must have their children in publicor private school from the age of 7 until the date on which the Absences Counted as Presentchild: 1. Serving as a page in the General Assembly 1. Graduates. 2. Serving at the polls on election day (grades 6 through 12) 2. Reaches at least 16 years of age but less than 18 years of age; and 3. Court appearances documented by a probation officer or officer of the court a. The student and the student’s parent or guardian and the principal agree to the withdrawal; and 4. Religious observance or instruction b. At the exit interview the student provides written 5. Homebound instruction acknowledgement of the withdrawal and the student’s 6. Placement in a hospital or other juvenile facility provid- parent or guardian and the school principal each pro- ing instruction vide written consent for the student to withdraw from 7. Doctor or dental appointment not exceeding two hours, school. Unless the withdrawal is due to a hardship, verified by a physician or dentist the student’s driver’s license will be invalid until the student reaches the age of 18. 8. Field trips, with approval of the principal 3. Reaches the age of 18 years. 9. College visitations by juniors and seniors (limit of two per year), with prior approval or notice from principalIt is a parent’s responsibility to call the school by 9 a.m. the daya child is absent. If the parent does not call, the school will at- 10. Cessation of services for special education studentstempt to call the parent that day to document the absence. Notes when specified in Individualized Education Programfrom doctors, dentists or other health care providers must be (IEP)received by the attendance office within three school days of the 11. National Guard duty for not more than 10 days perdate the student returns to school. Notes not received within school yearthree days will not be accepted. 12. Serving on the state standards task force upon appoint-If a total of five days of absence is reached anytime during the ment and as permitted by statuteschool year, a student must have a note from a medical doctor or 13. Pending placement in an alternative programany further absence will be counted as unexcused. However, aperiod of chronic illness may be considered a single day for this 14. Placement in short term inpatient treatment programrequirement. that provides an instructional programA parent who has a son/daughter with a chronic illness may have Excused Absencesa medical doctor complete a form and file it at the school. After The District will accept a parent call for excused absences upreview by school health personnel, the form may exempt the to five days in a school year. Additional absences due to ill-parent/student from securing a doctor’s statement each time the ness require a doctor’s slip for days to be excused. However, astudent is absent for that school year. If the student has an ap- period of extended illness may be considered a single day for thisproved chronic illness form, the parent is responsible on a daily requirement. A parent who has a son/daughter with a chronicbasis for reporting the student’s absence. illness may have a medical doctor complete a form and file it at the school. After review by school health personnel, the form8 2019-20 family & student support guide

may exempt the parent/student from securing a doctor’s state- ment the absence. A parent who tells the school that ament each time the student is absent for that school year. If the child has the flu or other illness will not be contactedstudent has an approved chronic illness form the parent is still again during that illness.responsible for notifying the school of the student's absence. 2. The Required Parent Notification will be mailed to theExcused absences are as follows: parent after five or more excused or unexcused absenc- 1. Personal illness that is excused by a written note from a es. physician will not be counted as part of the five parent/ 3. Three unexcused days: Contact parent by mailing the guardian excused absences. Absences beyond the five Official School Notice Concerning Attendance stating parent/guardian excused absences in a school year that upon the seventh unexcused day a Delinquency Affidavit are not accompanied by a written note from a physician will be filed. The school will attempt to contact the par- will be considered unexcused days. A note must be pro- ent by telephone. vided to the school upon the student’s return to school. 4. Seven unexcused days: Contact parent by mailing the Physician note must be provided to school Habitual Truant letter. The school will file a Delin- within three school days after student returns. quency Affidavit with the Status Offender Court 2. Death in the family (Maximum five days for parent, Alternative Program (SOCAP). step-parent, sibling or grandparent. Maximum of three 5. Ten unexcused days: The school will file a report with days per school year for cousins, aunts or uncles). the Department of Child Services (DCS) for educational 3. Inclement weather (in the parent’s judgment). neglect. The school will file additional report to DCS for 4. Head lice (first day only). every additional five unexcused days. 5. The child lacks proper immunizations (one day only). 6. Ten or more truant days: The school will file a Truancy Affidavit. 6. Out-of-school suspensions (A student who is suspended is absent but counted as an excused absence for report- Make-Up Work ing purposes). Students who are absent will be provided the opportunity to 7. The building principal may excuse an absence in an receive assignments during the absence and, if possible, to emergency situation such as absences related to deploy- make-up work upon their return. The student is responsible for ment and return of parents in the military. requesting make-up work. The time frame for completing make- 8. Pre-approved college visits (maximum of two with veri- up work shall be the total number of days absent, plus one. fication from the college). Extended illness shall be handled on an individual basis. Students who have seven or more unexcused absences will beTruancy permitted to make up work at the discretion of the teacher.Fort Wayne Community Schools defines a ‘habitual tru-ant’ as a student who is chronically absent, by havingunexcused absences from school for more than ten Dropping Out A student who is between the ages of 16 and 18 is bound by thedays in one school year. requirements of compulsory school attendance and may not 1. Head lice or a lack of proper immunizations after the withdraw from school before graduating unless (a) the student, first day. the student’s parent and the principal agree to the withdrawal; 2. Absence due to loss of bus privilege. (b) at the exit interview, the student provides written acknowl- 3. Vacations during school time are unexcused. Parents/ edgment of the withdrawal that meets specific requirements and guardians are advised to plan family activities when the student’s parent and school principal each provide writ- school is not in session. ten consent for the student to withdraw from school; (c) the 4. A student who is not at school and/or in class without withdrawal is due to a financial hardship and the individual must an approved excuse. be employed to support the individual’s family or a dependent, an illness or an order by a court that has jurisdiction over the 5. Students with seven or more unexcused days in one student. A written acknowledgment of withdrawal must include school year will be referred to the YMCA Status a statement that the student and the student’s parent understand Offender Court Alternative Program (SOCAP). that withdrawing from school is likely to reduce the student’s 6. Other reasons not noted as excused. future earnings and increase the student’s likelihood of being unemployed in the future. Unless the withdrawal is due to aNotification to Parents hardship, the student’s driver’s license will be invalid until the 1. It is a parent’s responsibility to call the school by 9 a.m. student reaches the age of 18. the day a child is absent. If the parent does not call, the school will attempt to call the parent that day to docu- 2019-20 family & student support guide 9

. pre-school attendance SCHOOL CLOSINGS proceduresFort Wayne Community Schools considers preschool part of AND DELAYSthe districts full, regular curriculum. Because space is limited, The decision to close schools is made day-to-day. The Superin-failure to regularly attend preschool may result in a loss of place- tendent may decide to close schools because of bad weather orment. All Fort Wayne Community Schools attendance policies in the interest of students’ safety. In rare cases, one school mayapply to preschool with attention to the following requirements. be dismissed early or closed because of a power outage, flood orThe attendance policies may be found on page 32. other condition that makes it impossible for students to attend• Students enrolled in full-day pre-school must attend for the classes. In most cases when schools close, however, it is because full day. of bad weather.• The District will accept a parent call for excused absences up to five days. Additional absences due to illness require a doc- . Keeping Your Child Home tor’s slip for days to be excused. Parents have the first and ultimate responsibility for their chil-• For one unexcused absence, contact with the parent or guard- ian by a telephone call, letter or parent conference must oc- dren. Parents must decide for themselves if their child’s route cur. to school is safe on days when the weather is bad and schools• For three unexcused absences, contact with the parent or remain open. Students are given an excused absence in these guardian by mailing the Official School Notice Concerning At- cases; however the parent must call in the absence. The child is tendance (Pre-school) stating that upon the seventh unexcused marked absent for the day and is allowed to make up any school absence, a loss in placement may occur. work. FWCS defines inclement weather as being physically se-• Seven unexcused absences may result in a loss of placement. vere weather. Examples could include snow or ice that impedes• Fifteen tardies or early departures may result in loss of place- travel, tornado, flooding, dense fog (visibility below 164 feet/50 ment. meters), etc.• Students enrolled in half-day preschool, if there is a two-hour delay for weather, an absence will be excused. . WeatherMorning preschool students, except for Bunche, will attendfrom 10:20 to 11:55 a.m., arriving at school with grades K-5. Because FWCS includes 150 square miles of urban, suburbanBunche pre-school students will attend from 10:10 to 12:15 and rural neighborhoods, conditions often vary throughout thea.m. Afternoon pre-school students who take the bus to school district. It is difficult to judge conditions over the entire districtwill get on the bus one hour later, with all pre-school students based on one section, so when the weather is poor, school of-attending from 1:20 to 2:55 p.m. ficials are out driving by 4 a.m. to experience road conditions firsthand. School officials may also check with the county high- way department, Indiana State Police, city street department, National Weather Service and neighboring school districts for additional information. To sign up to receive text messages, text yes to 67587. . Make-up Days The state requires a 180-day school year. Make-up days are scheduled in the 2019-20 school calendar on March 13, May 1, May 15 and May 29. Any remaining days to be made up will be added to the end of the school year. In years with extreme weather situations, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, breaks and other days scheduled as days off, may be used as make-up days. If such days are used, parents will be notified.10 2019-20 family & student support guide

. Getting Notice Single Bus Cancellations and Delays The Transportation Department reserves the right to temporari-Parents should tune in to television and radio stations for notice ly suspend bus stops due to local conditions. Because of the largeof school cancellations or delays. Parents can sign up to receive number of FWCS buses, the district does not announce delaystext messages via School Messenger by texting YES to 67587. or cancellations of individual buses. Parents are encouraged toInformation about closings and delays are also posted on FWCS’ form telephone committees and relay information. Parents cansocial media sites, website and the FWCS mobile app. Notices also go to the FWCS website at www.fortwayneschools.org andare posted as early as possible, usually by 5:30 a.m. School click on the “Bus Status” icon to find out the status of a bus. Heremay be delayed one or two hours or delayed at first and then you will find a complete listing by school of which buses arecancelled as weather conditions worsen. Parents should stay tuned running 15 minutes or more behind schedule.You will need toto radio,TV and the Internet since a delay may become a closing if know the number of the bus your child is riding.weather conditions worsen. Please make plans for your child in case ofbad weather. Buses are equipped with two-way radios for quick communica- tions, and drivers work hard to stay on schedule. At times, buses. Power Outage may be late if traffic or weather conditions interfere or regularIn case of a power outage, classes will continue in schools where drivers are absent. Please be patient under these circ*mstances.there is sufficient natural light. Parents will be notified if classes Athletics and Extracurricular Activitiesare dismissed in their child’s school because of an extended On days schools are closed, there will be no athletic practicepower outage. during regular school hours. If conditions improve, practices and games may be held in the evening at high schools. Coaches and. What It Means advisers usually set up a telephone committee to notify studentsTwo-Hour Delay of schedule changes. However, middle and elementary schoolIt allows time for the district to monitor changing weather con- evening activities will be cancelled.ditions. If the weather worsens, the Superintendent may decideto close schools for the day. Parents should have a plan for theirchildren if the delay turns into a school closing.• Morning classes at the FWCS Career Academy at Anthis will be held from 11:20 a.m.-1:20 p.m.; afternoon classes will be held from 1:50-3:30 p.m..• No breakfast is served to students.• Half-day pre-k students, except for Bunche, will attend from 10:20-11:55 a.m., arriving at school with grades K-5. Bunche 3-year-old pre-k attend 10:10 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Afternoon half-day pre-k students will attend from 1:20-2:55 p.m. Bus riders will board the bus one hour later than their normal pick-up time.Schools ClosedNo classes meet. Schools are not open to students.Early DismissalThere are rare times when weather conditions become severeduring the day and schools are closed prior to the usual dismissaltime.• Announcements of an early dismissal are made before 12:35 p.m. to allow bus drivers to be ready to take students home. Parents should tune in to radio and television stations and the Internet to hear of dismissals.• Middle school students are taken home first, followed within about 45 minutes by elementary school students, followed by high school students. 2019-20 family & student support guide 11

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CENTER The Fort Wayne Community Schools Family & Community Engagement Center, also known as FACE, opened in the Spring of 2016. The Center is located at 230 East Douglas Avenue in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. FACEwas created to address the ever-changing needs of the dynamic and evolving community we serve. Essentially, theCenter facilitates and supports the needs of our students and families to ensure that all students are educated to high standards and have equitable opportunities to succeed. Student and family support services provided at FACE include enrollment and registration, homeless assistance, community programs, recruitment and retention, positive behavior intervention and supports, personalizededucation and K-12 college and career planning. The center also hosts a Parkview Health Clinic for FWCS students, which provides vision screenings, hearing screenings, lead screening, immunization services and school entry or sports physicals. CONTACT INFORMATION 230 E. Douglas Ave. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Family and Community Engagement Center 260-467-2120 Phone 260-467-7299 Fax Student and Family Support Services 260-467-2120 Phone 260-467-1974 Fax HOURS OF OPERATION Monday- Friday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. D. Faye Williams-Robbins, J.D., Ed.S. Chief Officer of Student, Family and Community Engagement12 2019-20 family & student support guide

. Enrollling your child Attendance and/or behavior problems may result in the student having to attend school in their new attendance area or district.To enroll a child in school, a parent or guardian must provide Transportation will not be provided in these cases. For informa-a birth certificate, the name and address of the last school the tion, call Student and Family Support Services at FACE, 467-child attended, if any, photo identification and two proofs of 2120.residency. This information must be presented within 30 daysof enrollment. While you may enroll your student at any FWCS . FWCS Clothing bankschool, there are many benefits to enrolling at FACE, including FWCS operates a clothing bank for students in need. Con-medical screenings, immunizations and wrap-around services tact your school’s Case Manager or Counselor for more infor-that make it a one stop shop. The child’s immunization history mation. Clothing Bank donations are accepted at 230 E Douglasmust also be given. A child cannot enroll until the school has this Avenue, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802.record or an official schedule for the childreceiving immunizations. . Homeless Assistance/ families in transition. Review your options The FWCS Families in Transitions Program provides resourcesAll students have an assigned school based on family residence to help eliminate the barriers faced by homeless students fromlocation, but FWCS allows students to attend any school in the pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Through resources such asdistrict, based on space availability. Schools offer a wide array timely and consistent transportation, school supplies, meals andof programs to match student interests and needs. Parents may textbooks, tutorial assistance and program support for parents,apply for a child to transfer to a school outside his or her regular our program services the needs of our community. For moreattendance area. Schools with more applicants than space are information, contact Student and Family Support Services atpart of a public lottery selection process to determine which FACE, 467-2120.students are admitted, with the remainder placed on a waitinglist. . Work PermitsTo receive a 2019-20 School Choice lottery application or for a A student aged 14-17 must have a work permit unless employedbooklet with a complete listing of available programs, contact as a golf caddie, newspaper carrier, domestic servant or farmStudent and Family Support Services at FACE, 467-2120. It laborer. To obtain a work permit, the student must: 1) alreadyshould be noted that if a student transfers outside their atten- have been hired; 2) the employer must complete an Intentiondance area, yellow bus transportation will not be provided. Bus to Employ card; and 3) the student must return the Intention totransportation will continue to be provided from various estab- Employ form and provide proof of age.lished bus stops throughout the district for the elementary mag- Students should take the Intention to Employ card and proof ofnet schools (Bunche, Croninger, Irwin, Weisser Park and Young), age to their FWCS high school. Non-FWCS students should takeTowles Intermediate School, Memorial Park Middle School and the Intention to Employ card and proof of age to the Family andhigh school programs of study if the student lives outside the No Community Engagement Center, 230 E. Douglas Ave. Each highTransportation Zone. school has posted where to obtain the work permit and the hours that this service is available. The work permit will be processed inStudents living outside the FWCS boundaries who are interested the student’s high school within 24 hours. The student may pickin enrolling in FWCS may visit our website at www.fortwayn- up the permit and take it to the employer.eschools.org for information on how to apply. Policies regarding work permits shall be established in each high school and made public to the students.. If You MoveThe parent or guardian must notify the school of any address . Dress Codechanges. The parent or guardian will need to provide two proofs School uniforms will be required in some schools. In schoolsof residency, a photo identification and fill out an Address where uniforms are required students are expected to be inChange Form. Students who move outside the school’s atten- uniform. If there are questions about uniform requirements ordance area or the FWCS district may complete the school year issues about obtaining uniforms, parents or guardians shouldat the current school. However, the parent or guardian will have contact the school.to complete an assignment application and have their child enter Inappropriate clothing or other attire that may disrupt thethe FWCS School Choice lottery for the following school year. classroom is not allowed. Examples include, but are not limited 2019-20 family & student support guide 13

to: clothing with slogans, sayings or messages that are solicitous, Harris............................................................. Harrisprofane, obscene or advertise such things as alcoholic beverages, Harrison Hill................Fairfield, Harrison Hill, South Wayneillegal substances; apparel representative of or worn in a way toindicate gang affiliation; and/or apparel depicting derogatory or Holland......................................................... Hollandinflammatory racial, ethnic, memorial apparel, religious slogans Indian Village............................................Indian Villageor symbols or symbols of violence. Irwin............................................................... IrwinThe purpose of having a dress code is to maintain a positive andsafe school atmosphere that is conducive to a serious environ- Lincoln..........................................................Lincolnment for all of our students. The following rules apply to define Lindley.......................................................... Lindleyour dress code General Dress Code Requirements: Maplewood................................. Maplewood, Waynedale• Shirts and blouses will not come above the waistband of the Northcrest..................................................Northcrest pants or skirts when both arms are fully raised above the head.• Shirts and Blouse with spaghetti straps or tank tops may not Price................................................................Price be worn to school. Shambaugh................................................. Shambaugh• Pants with belt loops shall be worn with a belt that is properly St. Joseph Central................................St. Joseph Central fastened. Pants shall be worn so that the waistband is worn at the waist and not below the waist. No underclothing may be Towles.............................. Towles (after-school care only) exposed. Washington....................................... Washington, Study• Skirts, skorts, shorts and dresses shall be no shorter than mid- Washington Center............................. Washington Center thigh in length• Make up that is distracting to the learning environment may Weisser Park............................Abbett, Scott, Weisser Park not be worn. Whitney Young....................................... Whitney Young• Shoes must cover the child’s entire foot. Shoes exposing the toes or large portions of the foot will not be permitted. Pre-School Care: Due to the many variations for out Pre-School Programs, please contact Ann Conroy at 449-8464 or Stacy Gilbert at. Services 449-8266 to discuss your specific options.YMCA School-Age Childcare All Pre-School students must be dually enrolled at a FWCSThe provider of FWCS extended childcare for the school year is Pre-K program to be eligible to attend.the YMCA School-Age Childcare Program. In keeping with theYMCA mission, it values the lives of all children and works to Morning Pre-School begins at the start of the school day.enhance the quality of their experiences at every opportunity. Afternoon Pre-School dismisses at the end of the schoolThe YMCA offers safe, challenging and fun programs for youth day.up to age 12 by giving them ways to explore their world beyond Morning/Afternoon Pre-Schoolhome and school. The YMCA School-Age Childcare Program Fairfield���������������������� Abbett, Bloomingdale, Fairfield,sites offer many options to fit the needs of parents and children. Harrison Hill, Indian Village, Maplewood, Scott, South Wayne,Before-School Care Programs: 6:30 a.m.-start of school day WaynedaleAfter-School Care Programs: end of school day-6 p.m. Holland����������������������� Brentwood, Franke Park,Program Site���������� School(s) Served Forest Park, Holland, Northcrest,Arlington..................................................... Arlington WashingtonBrentwood................................................. Brentwood Afternoon Pre-School OnlyBunche.......................................................... Bunche Bunche (P3 only)����������� BuncheCroninger................................................... Croninger Before & After care for Pre-K students is only available atForest Park....................................... Adams, Forest Park Bunche, Harrison Hill, Holland and Whitney Young.Franke Park.............................Bloomingdale, Franke ParkGlenwood Park...................................... Glenwood ParkHaley.............................................................. Haley14 2019-20 family & student support guide

. Community . English language Organizations learners (ell)Fort Wayne Community Schools cooperates with community Following state and federal guidelines, all students who speak agroups and organizations that sponsor activities of an educa- language other than English, as identified through each student’stional/enrichment nature for students and staff by distributing original Home Language Survey, are assessed to determine theirmaterials electronically via Peachjar, a free online service for level of English proficiency. Students who qualify for servicesschools. Please note that FWCS does not provide supervision or through the ELL program receive English language developmenttransportation to these non-school-sponsored activities. FWCS instruction and support at every FWCS school. For information,only distributes the information regarding special activities as a contact your school or the ELL Department, 467-2105.service to families and the community agencies.Make sure you check to see how your child will be supervisedand make transportation arrangements before you allow yourchild to participate in any of the activities. TRANSLATION HELP AVAILABLE If you need assistance with translation or interpreting throughout the school year, please contact your school office or the department of English Language Learners at 467-2105. The call will be answered in English. Ukoliko Vam tijekom školske godine bude potrebna pomoć pri pismenom ili usmenom prevođenju, obratite se Vašem školskom uredu ili, telefonom, odjelu za pružanje podrške na 467-2105. Na Vaš poziv će biti odgovoreno na engleskom jeziku. Si necesita ayuda con traducciones o interpretaciones a lo largo del curso escolar, por favor póngase en contacto con la oficina de su escuela o con el departamento de servicios de ayuda llamando al 467-2105. La llamada será con- testada en inglés. 2019-20 family & student support guide 15

TRANSPORTATIONGetting students to and from school every school day is a huge • Avoid shouting and speaking loudly across the bus.task and among the most complex responsibilities entrusted to • Keep windows and doors closed at all times unless given per-Fort Wayne Community Schools. mission by the driver to open.We transport 16,000 students daily to FWCS buildings, plus • Use proper language.extra-curricular programs, after school activities and remedia- • Use technology devices at the discretion of the bus driver.tion programs. Taking pictures is prohibited on the school bus.Our bus fleet consist of 254 yellow buses and 47 Special Purpose • Follow directions of the driver.Buses (activity buses). Our yellow buses cover 145 square miles • Wear seatbelts at all times.and travel over 3 million miles per year transporting students. Parent/Guardian Expectations • Notify the Transportation Department of any health problems. Eligibility your child may have while riding the bus.In the State of Indiana, riding a bus is considered a privilege. • Write younger children’s names, addresses, and phone num-Eligible students may ride school buses for free. bers on their book bag, including any emergency contacts. • Have child(ren) at the bus stop five minutes prior to arrival ofSchool transportation services are offered to eligible students the bus.who live within the boundaries of the Fort Wayne Community • Plan safe routes for children walking to and from bus routeSchools. Students are eligible for bus transportation if the while reminding children to watch for traffic when crossingdistance between the student’s home and the school of atten- the street.dance, when measured by the radius of their assigned school, is a • Contact your child’s school or the Transportation Depart-minimum of 1 mile for elementary students, a minimum of one- ment, if you have a concern regarding your child’s bus ride.and-one half mile for middle school students, and a minimum of • Reminder that it is unlawful for any unauthorized person in-two-mile for high school students. cluding parents, to board a school bus without the permissionStudents transferring to a school other than their assigned school of the Transportation Department.will not be eligible for transportation services. Transportation Transportation Expectationswill be provided for magnet schools for students living outside • Create bus routes.of the established No Transportation Zone (NTZ). For the • Notify parents of bus assignment, bus stop assignment and busPrograms of Study at the high schools, only students who were arrival time to the stop.accepted into the Programs of Study through the lottery process • Provide a safe and positive environment to and from school.and live outside of the NTZ for the school they will attend will • Collaborate with the school administrator to address studentbe provided bus transportation. management issues. • Provide instructions and expectations to passengers regarding. expectations bus safety rules and the use of safety equipment.The bus is an extension of the school. The goal is to help stu-dents demonstrate proper behavior on the bus and to ensure thatbus travel is safe. Principals/designees working with drivers,parents, and other transportation personnel have the responsibil-ity and authority to handle discipline incidents that occur on thebus and at bus stops.Student ExpectationsStudents who wish to enjoy the privilege must follow certainrules and regulations in order to ensure safe and orderly bustransportation.• Report to the bus stop five minutes prior to arrival of the bus.• Be respectful to all individuals and property.• Remain in their assigned seats as directed.• Keep hands and feet to themselves.16 2019-20 family & student support guide