School Hours

Starwood Academy of Frisco is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., 12 months a year. School is closed during certain holidays. These dates are listed on the school year calendar. During poor weather conditions, both an email and a text message will be sent if there are changes to the school schedule.

Campus Address

3443 Lebanon Road

Frisco, Texas 75034

Mission

Starwood Academy of Frisco is a learning community composed of children, their families, and a dedicated staff. Our program provides excellent Montessori instruction for students ages 18 months to 15 years. While a strong academic curriculum is our foundation, the school’s ultimate goal is to help students develop a love of learning and a passion for individual growth that will last throughout their lives.

Core Values

A Vibrant Community

Respectful Relationships

Lifelong Learning

Excellence in Education

A Love of Life

Administration

Head of School - Anita Hanks

Assistant Head of School - Amber Walker

Education Coordinator - Marcy Bourdo

Classroom Guides

Starwood Academy of Frisco adheres to the highest standards of academic excellence for our lead guides. All lead guides are Montessori credentialed at their respective levels. As a team, they strive to uphold Starwood's core values and live out the Starwood mission. Guides seek to direct the interests and tendencies of the child, serving as facilitators to the child’s development. Each guide is responsible for leading their class in accordance with Montessori philosophy, the guidelines of the American Montessori Society and the general policies of Starwood Academy of Frisco. They establish daily plans and long‐term goals for each child and the class and work to develop good communication with the families of their students.

Classroom Assistants

Starwood Academy of Frisco endeavors to provide the most caring and committed individuals to assist in the classroom environment. The assistant nurtures independence for each child by modeling Montessori principles through classroom interactions and personal behavior. Assistants receive ongoing training in Montessori philosophy and child development. This ensures quality care is consistent through the school day and extended hours program.

Contact Information

Phone Number

(972) 885-8585

Fax Number

(972) 703-4585

School Website

starwoodschools.com

Licenses and Affiliations

Starwood Academy of Frisco is state-licensed through Texas Health and Human Services and is regularly inspected to ensure everything meets or exceeds standards.

Texas Health and Human Services

North Austin Complex

4601 W. Guadalupe St.

Austin, TX 78751-3146

P.O. Box 13247

The school is subject to inspection by state and local health, fire, licensing, and building agencies. Regulations and inspections pertain to team member qualifications, the facility and playground, nutrition, health and safety matters, record-keeping and child-to-staff ratios.

Starwood Academy of Frisco is accredited by the American Montessori Society, and has earned the distinction of being a Full Member School. An AMS membership represents our dedication to the Montessori philosophy, maintaining a credentialed teaching staff, a fully equipped classroom environment and to meeting all operational standards as established by the organization.

American Montessori Society

116 East 16^th Street

New York, NY 10003

(212) 358-1250

amshq.org

Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, educator and innovator, Montessori is a child-centered educational approach based on nurturing and cultivating a child’s natural desire to learn.

With a focus on individual development, all aspects of the child are taken into consideration – academically, emotionally, socially and physically – allowing the whole personality to take shape, not just the intellect.

Montessori education encourages the joy of learning at an early age and provides a framework in which intellectual and social maturity work together to provide the development of a true community.

Some unique aspects of a Montessori education include: multi-age classrooms; a diverse multicultural community; a prepared classroom environment that fosters independence; and freedom within limits allowing student choice under teacher guidance.

The Prepared Environment

Thoughtfully Prepared

The Prepared Environment is one of the most important parts of a Montessori classroom. Environments are thoughtfully designed to best support the child's success and allow for freedom of movement and choice. The beautiful, child-centered classrooms invite students in and encourage them to work. In many ways, the development of the child is dependent on their environment.

Student Belongings

At times, students may bring in items from home to share with their class for show and tell. Aside from these items, things such as toys, jewelry, money, stuffed animals, trading cards, fidget toys, etc. should remain at home or in the car. These items distract from the work in the classroom and may get broken or lost.

Make sure to label all items brought to school with the child’s name. The school is not responsible for lost items.

Change of Clothing

For the health and comfort of your child in the toddler or primary program, every child is required to have at school, a complete change of clothing including underwear and socks. The clothing should be in a clear Zip Loc bag with the child’s name on each item and the outside of the bag. Please bring clothing items on the first day of attendance.

Nap Mat

All toddler and primary students must bring a rolled nap mat approximately 50 x 20 x 1 inch in size every Monday to be left at school for the week. We will send it home every Friday for washing. Please do not send pillows, sleeping bags or stuffed animals for nap/rest time.

The general guideline is that students under four take a nap while others have a 30-minute rest time and then engage in extended work time in the afternoon if they do not nap. Please contact the front office if you need to request otherwise.

School Pets

Part of the Practical Life learning opportunities in a Montessori classroom is the care of pets. Having a classroom pet for a selected time provides a learning opportunity for all students. One of the lessons featured when a pet is introduced to a classroom is that one must always wash hands after handling a pet or the pet’s supplies such as food or water bowls. Please notify the front office if your child has any animal-related allergies.

Classroom Visitor Guidelines

Over the school year, we offer many opportunities for families to visit the school and their student's class. All visitors are required to check in at the front office first and receive a visitor’s pass. Check-in will require a valid photo ID. If a parent/guardian wishes to visit a classroom, the following guidelines must be followed.

• Parent(s)/guardian(s) should not disrupt the learning environment in any way. If the visitor has concerns or questions regarding the curriculum, classroom or guide, a meeting can be arranged at a future date and time. Disrupting the classroom is not an option, the parent or guardian will be asked to leave the room immediately if a disruption occurs.

• Parent(s)/guardian(s) are not allowed to record any part of the school or classroom; including video, photo, or audio due to the privacy of other students.

• Cell phones should be silenced and not taken out during the visit.

Assessments

In Montessori, we use multiple forms of assessment to determine social, personal and academic progress for each individual child. This mostly includes daily and weekly observation and tracking of engagement in the prepared environment for individual children as well as the entire class. Additional forms of assessment include oral and written demonstrations of knowledge through presentations and lessons to peers.

Learning Outcomes

Each program, primary through middle school, has written learning outcomes that describe the knowledge or skills students should acquire by the end of each level. Learning outcomes provide a platform for classroom guides to discuss student readiness for the next level.

During the elementary and middle school capstone years of each developmental level, specific learning outcomes are formatted as “I can” statements. These statements are utilized by students in regular meetings with their guide for goal setting and in preparation for their student-led conferences. This approach promotes a student’s autonomy in the learning process.

Assessment of Growth

Three times a year students in our elementary and middle school programs participate in Measuring Academic Progress (MAP) testing to assess their progress in reading and math. Rather than testing to specific benchmarks, this assessment simply allows us to ‘map’ each student’s individual academic growth to help us guide them through the curriculum. The assessment also reinforces the observations of the guides to identify areas of strength and need for your child in relation to state standards.

Reporting of Student Progress

• Conference reports are emailed to families twice per school year (once per semester) for all toddler and 1st or 2nd year primary students.

• Families of students in their final year of primary through middle school are emailed a conference report 3 times per school year (once per semester and at the end of school year in May).

• Conference reports provide parents/guardians with information on main lessons and concepts covered within a program. Lessons are identified as being presented, repeated and practiced, demonstrating continuous improvement or demonstrating proficiency.

Admission to the school is contingent upon the following:

• Each parent/guardian must meet all requests by the admissions team, which could include: a Virtual Information Session, meeting with the Head of School and/or Assistant Head of School, scheduling an academic assessment, providing previous school records, etc.

• Full payment of the enrollment fee and the first and last month’s tuition via FACTS Tuition Management.

• All enrollment forms must be completed prior to the first day of school. This includes all student health documentation requirements, emergency permission forms, community dining food allergy/intolerance info and family acknowledgment of the handbook.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Starwood Academy of Frisco admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Additionally, Starwood Academy of Frisco does not discriminate based on any of the characteristics above in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or athletic and other school-administered programs.

The school reserves the right to withdraw any student who does not meet its academic requirements or fails to conform to its rules and regulations. Dismissal, suspension, probation or withdrawal may occur without the making of specific warnings.

Financial

Tuition is paid via automatic draft through FACTS Tuition Management on the first of each month. Email reminders will also be sent from FACTS. A FACTS Payment Plan Enrollment Fee of $50/family/year (for monthly payments) or $20/family/year (for semester and annual payments) will be assessed. If a payment is returned or fails to FACTS, there will be a $30 returned payment fee for each payment attempt returned along with a $30 late fee for payments made after the first of the month.

Enrollment is understood to be for the full school year (August-May). Any and all fees paid are nonrefundable. A minimum of 45 days’ notice and a completed Enrollment Contract Change Form are required to withdraw the child from the school or make any program changes. Please see Enrollment Contract for details.

Additional fees may occur from time to time for school events and/or field trips.

New Student Enrollment

Immunization Requirements

Texas law requires that all children entering public or private schools and institutions of higher learning be immunized. Validation of immunization records by a physician or public health clinic will be required for entering school. Any new enrollees who have not completed all immunizations at the time of enrollment must complete them as soon as medically feasible. If there is a specific reason why the examination or immunizations cannot be done, a medical or religious exemption must be submitted. Click here to see Recommended Immunization Schedule.

Starwood team members are not required to have specific vaccinations.

Student Health Testing Requirements

A written or signed health statement from a healthcare professional indicating your child has received a physical examination within the last 12 months is required annually for all students. This Health Statement form or a statement from your child's pediatrician may be used to fulfill this requirement. Annual vision and hearing records are required for children ages four and older. Spinal screening is required for female students who are 10 and 12 years old and male students who are 13 or 14 years old. Vision, hearing and spinal records must be obtained from your child’s physician and be provided to the front office.

Class Assignment

As partners in education, parents/guardians are welcome to make written class assignment requests. However, these requests are not guaranteed. The school strongly discourages class changes in the middle of the school year unless a student is promoted to the next level.

Change in Enrollment Status

Program Changes

When submitting a request for a program change from the original enrollment contract, a 45-day notice is required. Please specify an effective date for the change to take place. There are no consecutive monthly program changes permitted, and the school does not allow program changes in December and May. All requests are contingent upon availability.

Withdraw From School

The school requires withdrawal notices at least 45 days before the effective date. Tuition is nonrefundable and nontransferable. In the event of withdrawal, prepaid May tuition will apply to the last 30 days of attendance as long as the notice is submitted 45 days before April 1, 2023.

Re-Enrollment/Summer Enrollment

Re-enrollment decisions are made by the administration and faculty based on an annual review of each student’s academic progress, social and emotional development, and any special needs (if applicable). Attitudes and values expressed by the child and parent/guardians are also taken into consideration. Invitations to continue at Starwood Academy of Frisco are normally automatic yet are not guaranteed.

Re-enrollment and summer enrollment information is emailed to current families in early February-March. Submitting the completed contract online by the due date ensures a reserved space for the following school year.

Families with concerns about re-enrollment should communicate with their guide or the Assistant Head of School as soon as possible. Every reasonable effort will be made to work with families as they consider re-enrollment.

Starwood Academy of Frisco is open year-round and offers an Expanded Learning program for students during June and July. Learning is a continuation of the high-fidelity Montessori curriculum students receive during the traditional academic year. Enrollment is not automatic and a Summer Enrollment Contract, supply fee and monthly tuition are required for attendance.

Class Assignments

All guides/team members do not work during the summer and some of the classrooms will be closed. Students may have different guides in June and July than they have during the school year.

Communication

During the summer, we do not send weekly emails. Families will receive an email prior to the June and July sessions with important summer program information. Contact information for team members working over the summer will be provided.

Dress Code

Uniforms are not required during the summer sessions. Students may wear appropriate summer clothing with closed-toed shoes.

Extended School Closure

In event of the occurrence of a force majeure event that causes Starwood Academy of Frisco to reduce its staffing or services, or to otherwise temporarily cease operations, the school will endeavor to resume operations as soon as practicable (as determined by the school at its sole discretion). As used herein, a “force majeure” event shall include acts of God, war, terrorism, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, acts of government, explosions, fire, floods, lack of utilities, property damage, plagues, pandemics, epidemics and such other acts or events that are beyond the control of parties.

In the event that the school is closed by government order and/or by the decision of the school administration for the safety, health and well-being of its students, then the school will provide distance learning as a substitute for onsite classes.

Outdoor Activity Expectations

Students will follow all playground rules and procedures established by the individual teacher(s) and/or the assistant head of school. Children should be dressed appropriately for outdoor activities. Outdoor activities such as recess will take place unless there is inclement weather; wind chill of 32 degrees or less, or heat index of 100 degrees or more.

Dress Code

A school uniform from Mills Uniform Company must be worn every day. Other brands may not be substituted.

A uniform check will be performed each month. Parents/guardians will be notified in writing of any infractions or items of distraction. This includes the shoe requirements of solid-colored shoes (no lights or wheels). Please see the Uniform Policy for specific guidelines.

Upper elementary and middle school students have the option of dressing out for Athletic Development. Attire that is appropriate to change into is school spirit wear, long/loose athletic shorts and supportive athletic shoes.

Classroom Celebrations

Treats/Candy

There are several times throughout the year when students celebrate events and holidays inside the classroom. However, the school does not permit any outside treats or candy to be brought from home. Any items brought in will be returned to the parent/guardian.

Birthdays Gifts

No flowers, balloons or gifts are allowed in school for your children on their birthdays or any other special occasion.

Invitations

If you are having a birthday party for your child, you may request a list of your child’s classmates' names for invitations. The school cannot release confidential information such as phone numbers, addresses, email, etc., without prior parental consent. Students should provide the invitations to their guide or the front office and not directly hand them out to students themselves.

Birthday Celebrations

Childrenʼs birthdays are wonderful events recognized by the school in a unique Montessori way. Toddler students have a tea party in their classrooms, which the birthday student serves classmates. The primary and elementary students have a special celebration called “The Celebration of Life” that is performed in honor of the child’s birthday. Please contact your classroom guide if you would like to schedule a celebration for your child.

Photo Release

Parents or guardians hereby assign Starwood Academy of Frisco the right to take photographs, video, record voice, distance learning sessions and likeness of their child(ren) for use in school brochures, website, social media pages and/or marketing/advertising.

Parents/guardians agree that Starwood Academy of Frisco will not be held responsible for all claims, injuries, liabilities, losses or damages that may arise from the use of their child’s voice or image.

It is understood and agreed that neither their child nor the parent or guardian will receive any remuneration or compensation in exchange for the use of their voice, physical likeness, still photographs or other depictions in any way.

In reading and understanding the above, parents give their consent to Starwood Academy of Frisco by signing off on the Handbook Acknowledgement Form. It is understood that if the parent/guardian does not consent, they must notify the school in writing.

Extended Hours

Starwood Academy of Frisco offers an affordable enrichment care program before and after normal school hours. Our Extended Hours program gives students the ability to arrive as early as 7 a.m. and stay as late as 6 p.m. Your child's time during extended hours includes outdoor playground time, indoor play and snacks.

Enrollment

Families have the option to enroll their students in Extended Hours when submitting an Enrollment Contract. Families can request to add extended hours during the school year by filling out an Enrollment Contract Change Form. Enrollment is contingent on availability.

Fee

The monthly fee for enrollment in the Extended Hours program is billed together with monthly tuition through FACTS Tuition Management.

Extended Hours Policies

• If your child will not be attending the program on any given day or if you will be picking them up at regular dismissal time through carline, please notify the front office or your child’s guide.

• A notice of discontinuance of service must be submitted via Enrollment Contract Change Form, including the last day of service. Any and all fees paid are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

• You must notify the front office before 6 p.m. if you will not be here by the school’s closing time. Extended Hours students not picked up by 6 p.m. will be charged a late fee of $5 per minute.

• If a student is picked up late three times within a given semester, the school reserves the right to discontinue that student’s use of Extended Hours.

Student Attendance Policy

Children who benefit most from the prepared environment are those who come to school every day. A consistent routine provides security for children, and a sense of security enables children to learn more readily. Because experiences in the classroom and with the materials are cumulative; consistent attendance is necessary for your child to take full advantage of all the environment has to offer. Students are expected to attend school every day.

Tardiness

If a student is tardy, the parent/guardian can drop them off at the front office to ensure minimal disruption to the classroom routine.

Elementary and middle school students arriving after 8:15 a.m. and toddler/primary students arriving after 9 a.m. are considered late. Following Dr. Montessori’s observation that all work has a beginning, middle and end, we expect all students to arrive at school and be picked up on time. It is not an overstatement to say that a child deprived of the proper beginning by a late arrival is deprived of the most important part of their school day. Lateness tends to make the child feel left out because work has started without them.

For all elementary and middle school students, as per state standards, students are required to be in attendance at least 90% of the school year to be promoted to the next level. Four tardies or four early departures will equal one absence.

Students are expected to stay in school until the scheduled dismissal time. Leaving school early should be limited to medical appointments or family emergencies. Abuse of early release may result in administrative action. If you have an unavoidable appointment and your child needs to leave early, please call the front office in advance to make the necessary arrangements.

Absence

Guides keep a record of the number of days missed and this is recorded in the student’s permanent record. If your student must miss school, please call the front office or email your student’s guide to report your student's absence. To ensure all students absent from school are accounted for, absences that are not reported are checked by calls to home, parent/guardian’s work and other numbers listed on the student’s profile form if necessary. Please make certain these phone numbers are always current and working. Once your child returns to school, please send a note to excuse the absence. Absences are excused for illness, family emergencies, religious reasons or bereavement.

All families must utilize carline during regular arrival/departure times.

Morning Arrival

Morning Arrival Times

• Students enrolled in Extended Hours may utilize carline as early as 7 a.m.

• Elementary and middle school students – 8-8:15 a.m.

• Toddler/Primary students – 8:30-9 a.m.

Morning Carline Procedures

• When you enter the carline line, please pull up as far as possible, put your car in park and do not exit your vehicle.

• A team member will walk to your car to greet your child and assist them out if needed.

• Each child’s belongings (bag, nap mat, water bottle, etc.) go on the floorboard of the car below their seat for easier access by the child.

Late Arrival/Early Departure

For late arrival or early departure, families enter the campus into the front office, and students will be walked to/from class by a team member. Parents/guardians are not permitted to walk into classrooms at drop-off or pick-up. Early departure is highly discouraged.

Afternoon Dismissal

Afternoon Dismissal Times

• Half-Day toddler/primary students – 12 p.m.

• Full-Day toddler students – 2:40 - 3 p.m.

• Full-Day primary students – 3 - 3:15

• Elementary/Middle School students – 3:30 - 3:45 p.m.

Afternoon Dismissal Procedures

• For afternoon dismissal, parents/guardians of primary students may utilize the left traffic lane around the back of the campus to enter stacking Lane B beginning at 2:45 p.m.

• Elementary and middle school parents must not enter carline until 3:30 p.m. If you arrive early, you must wait in parking lot C.

• When you enter the dismissal lane, please pull up as far as possible.

• Display your child’s identification sign in the window. This will enable team members to quickly retrieve your child(ren).

• A team member will walk each student to their vehicle.

Carline Safety

In order to expedite the carline, please keep in mind a few of the following essential details:

• Cell phone use is prohibited in carline lanes.

• Follow all traffic signs.

• No passing, U-turns or driving in the wrong direction.

• Stay in your vehicle.

• Place your car in park during carline. Failure to do so could place team members and children at risk.

• Team members will be unable to place a child in a car that does not follow the Texas child passenger safety law that requires children be placed in a rear-facing car seat until out-grown (a minimum of 2 years of age). As of 2018, the law requires children under age 4 and less than 40 pounds to ride in a booster seat.

Walking/In-Person Check Out

• If you live nearby campus and would like to walk your student(s) to and from school, there is a designated walker pick-up area. Please wait there for your student(s).

• Wait at the end of the sidewalk near the gym exit door and notify a team member of your student's name.

• While discouraged, if you must park and pick up your student, you must use parking lot A.

• Parking lot B is not accessible during afternoon dismissal as this creates a conflict in traffic patterns.

• Crosswalks are marked so that you should avoid walking through the carline lane.

• Families walking up to pick up instead of using carline will experience a short wait time for assistance.

Late Dismissal

Students not picked up within 15 minutes of their dismissal time, will be kept in an Extended Hour classroom until their parent/guardian arrives. A fee of $15 per hour, or fraction thereof, with no prorating available, will be charged to your FACTS account.

Illness

To comply with state law and to safeguard the health of all children, please keep your child at home if they display any of the following symptoms within 24 hours of the school day:

• Fever (100.4 degrees F or higher)

• Cough (unless related to another diagnosis)

• Sore throat

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Nasal congestion/nasal discharge

• Diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain

• Muscle or body aches

• New onset of headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Fatigue

Symptoms at School

In the event a student displays symptoms while at school, the school will do a visual or physical assessment of a child to identify potential health concerns. Any student with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, vomiting, diarrhea or any other contagious condition, will be required to be picked up by a parent or other authorized individual within 30 minutes of the notification. The student must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication or follow COVID-19 quarantine policies before returning to school.

Any sibling of a student identified as having a COVID-like illness will be required to leave the school, as well, and isolate at home until it is determined if the ill student has COVID-19.

Communicable Illnesses

Any student with suspected pink eye, unexplained rash or any other type of communicable illness, must have a doctor’s note before being re-admitted to school. The school reserves the right to send any student home who is believed to be contagious.

Contagious Illness Notification

Please notify the school when your child contracts a contagious disease (influenza, strep throat, hand foot and mouth, fifths disease, etc.), so that other families can be notified. Since school children are easily susceptible to communicable diseases, the school reserves the right to make judgments concerning the child’s ability to participate in daily school activities.

Head Lice Policy

If a student has head lice, the following protocols are followed:

• The student will be sent home if nits and/or lice are found at school.

• The student must receive treatment to get rid of the head lice (specific hair shampoo treatment is available at your local pharmacy and/or outside agencies may be contacted for assistance with this).

• The student must be nit-free for 48 hours before returning to school.

All school bedding should be washed at home, using bleach along with your regular detergent. If you do find anything resembling lice in your child’s hair, please call the front office to report it so that the school can follow proper procedures.

COVID-19 Illness and Quarantine Guidelines

To keep our community safe, we ask that you contact the front office immediately if your student or someone in your household:

• Has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19

• Is showing symptoms of COVID-19

• Has tested positive for COVID-19

Positive Case of COVID-19

In the case that a student or team member has tested positive for COVID-19:

With symptoms

• Follow the isolation guidance issued by the CDC

• Return to school when all three of the criteria below are met:

1. At least 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared (day of the first symptom is day zero) and

2. At least 24 hours have passed fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication and

3. Other symptoms have improved

If the team member or student has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and wants to return to campus before completing the above self-isolation period, the individual must obtain a healthcare professional’s note clearing the individual for the return based on an alternative diagnosis.

Without symptoms

• Isolate for 5 days from the test date (day of the test is day zero)

• Monitor for symptoms

• Return to school when:

  • • At least 5 days have passed from the test date and no symptoms have developed

Please note:

• It is highly recommended to wear a well-fitting face covering at school for five days after isolation.

• Any siblings of a student with COVID-19 must also remain home to minimize the risk of transmission to others. See guidelines for positive household contact below.

If COVID-19 is confirmed in a child or team member at Starwood Academy of Frisco, the following actions will be taken by the school administration:

• Contact the local health department and Texas Health and Human Services

• Inform every family on campus of a positive COVID-19 case that resulted in exposure on campus

• Complete cleaning/disinfecting procedures

Confirmed COVID-19 Case with a Household Contact

Household contacts are required to quarantine regardless of vaccination status. Anyone who has had a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 within the past 90 days is exempt from quarantine.

In the case that there is a positive COVID-19 individual in the household:

• Individuals must quarantine for five days following the last date of close contact (day 0) with a negative test on or after day 5

• Monitor for symptoms

• Notify the front office if any symptoms develop

• Submit a negative diagnostic test to the front office on or after day 5

Return to school if:

• On day 6 no symptoms have developed and a negative test has been submitted to the front office or

• 10-day quarantine is an option without testing

Close contact is defined as anyone who was within six feet of an infected person for 15 minutes or more, with or without a face covering, from 48 hours before the person started feeling sick or tested positive until the time the person was isolated.

Exposure to COVID-19

If a parent/guardian believes that they or their child has had close contact with someone with COVID-19 but are not currently sick, they should monitor their health for the above symptoms and test after day 5 of exposure. If symptoms develop, test and stay home. It is highly recommended to wear a well-fitting face covering at school for 10 days after a known exposure.

COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing

Antigen (rapid) diagnostic tests and molecular (such as laboratory PCR tests) are acceptable. However, we recommend that individuals with symptoms and a negative antigen test contact their pediatrician to determine if a follow-up PCR test is needed to confirm a negative result.

Facemasks

For our students and team members, whether they wear a mask is an individual decision. Some may choose to continue to wear their face coverings, others may choose not to. We will respect everyone’s discretion and individual choice.

Reporting Accidents and Incidents

If your child should have an incident at the school, the front office team will notify parents/guardians via phone during the day or speak to them personally at the time of pick-up. Parents/guardians will be asked to sign an Incident Report at pick-up.

In the event of a medical emergency, a school administrator/front office team member will notify the parent or legal guardian. If the parent or legal guardian is unavailable, the school maintains written permission to treat the child at the hospital as well as call 911 for emergency medical attention.

If a child has an injury that requires them to not participate in a school activity, a note from a medical professional is required.

Dispensing Medication

All medications (prescription and non-prescription) and sunscreen/insect repellent brought into the school must be labeled with the child’s name and in the original bottle/box that it was purchased in. The school cannot administer eye, ear, nose drops or sprays.

The school asks that sunscreen/insect repellent be applied at home in the morning. For those students enrolled in the Extended Hours program, sunscreen can be sent to school and will be treated like a medication.

Authorization Form

Written authorization must be given to the school to administer medicine and sunscreen. The child’s name, type of medication, amount and time of dosage must be included. A new authorization form must be filled out every week. Each medication must be filled out on a separate form. If a child requires an EpiPen at the school, an additional authorization form that is signed by the child’s physician must be given to the school. These forms are available in the front office. Please do not send any medication, vitamins or medication forms with your child.

Community Dining

The Community Dining Program, which is included in the tuition, entitles students to full participation in school dining. The program includes daily snacks and lunch. Since all students participate in the Community Dining program, students may not bring food from home to school (ex: breakfast in the morning, snacks packed in backpacks or treats for a celebration or special event).

Toddler and primary classrooms will participate in family-style dining. Elementary and middle school students will eat from the hot lunch line in the Community Dining Hall. You can click here to view the lunch menu or download the Nutrislice app for your device.

Water

Elementary and middle school students may bring a reusable water bottle to school. Students will be able to refill these containers as needed.

Food Allergies

The school will work individually with each family whose child(ren) have special dietary needs. Each student must complete a Food Allergies and Intolerance survey before the first day of school.

Supporting Academics

Supplementals

As an enhancement to our standard curriculum, we offer our students weekly sessions in the following areas:

• Movement - Toddler and Primary

• Athletic Development - Elementary and Middle School

• Music - All programs

• Spanish - Primary through Middle School

• Drama - Elementary through Middle School

All students are required to participate in moderate or vigorous physical activity. The physical activity may occur in movement, athletic development, music, structured recess or breaks for physical activity within the regular classroom.

Physical Education Exemption

Requests for students to be temporarily excused from participation in physical education require written instructions from a medical professional. The PE instructor/teacher may develop physical activities for students who may have physical disabilities (a broken limb, allergies, etc.) in accordance with medical instructions.

Extra-Curricular Classes

An array of challenging and fun extra-curricular classes are available to enrolled children on campus in the afternoons. These programs are optional and there is a fee in addition to the school tuition. All classes are run by experienced instructors from the community. Examples of activities include basketball, soccer, STEAM, drama, piano, gymnastics, dance and chess.

Registration

• Registration and payments for all extra-curricular classes are completed directly with the vendor/instructor.

• Notification for registration takes place starting at the beginning of the school year and in January for the spring semester.

• Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Once a class reaches its maximum registration, a waiting list may be started.

• Families may be notified if a class is not offered because of insufficient enrollment.

Dismissal Information

Extra-curricular activity start times are selected to coincide as closely as possible with dismissal times but do vary between activities. Some classes begin later in the afternoon.

All families whose students are not enrolled in the monthly Extended Hours program are expected to pick up their students at their regular dismissal time and return for the class. Students may be able to stay in an extended hours classroom until their activity begins, depending on the availability. Families must call the front office each week on the day of the activity to see if there is a space available for their child. A fee of $15 per hour, or a fraction thereof, with no prorating available, will be charged to your FACTS account.

Extra-Curricular Policies

• Classes are not held when school is not in session.

• Students must be picked up on time from their respective classes.

• An hourly fee will be charged if the student is not picked up at the program’s scheduled ending time. Students will be taken to an Extended Hours classroom until parent/guardian pick up.

• Students must adhere to the same rules and regulations of the regular school day.

Field Trips

As the Primary Leaders Club, elementary and middle school students’ interest in society and the larger world develops, trips outside of the classroom and off-campus take place during the school day. Students greatly benefit from the experiences they receive by participating in these events. A few weeks prior to the event, families will receive field trip information, the cost and an online permission form. Parents/guardians are responsible for paying for their child’s field trip fees. Upon authorization, the fee will be billed to your FACTS Tuition Management account. Refunds will not be provided if a student does not attend. The permission form and payment authorization must be completed prior to the day of the event. Transportation services are contracted out to a third-party provider.

While participation in a field trip is voluntary, if it involves an entire classroom or development level, the school cannot provide an alternative curriculum for students who opt out. Students not participating would not attend school on this day.

Supporting Children Who Are Struggling

Academically

Wherever there is a child struggling in school, the odds are there are parents/guardians struggling to figure out how to find the most effective help for that child. Some children find themselves falling behind their peers, despite a lot of effort, because they are frustrated by learning disorders. Some fall behind because they have a hard time focusing on learning, or making an organized effort to get school work done. The Montessori materials are specially designed to help children learn concepts more easily than abstractly. Using these materials, all their senses, individualized instruction and a nurturing environment all help when a child is struggling. Guides, parents/guardians and administration work together to develop strategies to help the child.

Behaviorally

Montessorians believe in natural and logical consequences as opposed to punishment. Conflict resolution and respect for the environment, (both physical and environmental), are also important aspects of our approach. For it is one of our ultimate goals that our students do the right thing, not because they will be punished if they donʼt, but because they donʼt want to adversely affect the people and world around them. Children who struggle with behaviors that are detrimental to themselves, others, or the environment are nurtured and helped within the classroom. Communication between the guide, parent/guardian and administration is essential to put in to place strategies to help the child gain control of themselves through purposeful activity.

True Discipline

Discipline in a Montessori environment does not rely on force imposed by an authority figure. Rather, it refers to the balance and inner control developed by children who are engaged in meaningful activity. The prepared environment allows freedom of choice and promotes safety, respect and fair treatment amongst the students and class. These boundaries support the internalization of prosocial behaviors such as self-control, consideration for others and a sense of responsibility of oneself and the welfare of the group.

Discipline Policy

At Starwood Academy of Frisco, our goal is to help children on a path toward self-discipline. Specific methods of discipline consistent with the Montessori philosophy are:

• Modeling desired behaviors.

• Encouraging and giving support for positive behavior.

• Setting clear limits and delivering logical consequences.

• Being alert to undesirable behavior and redirecting activities.

• Reasoning, explaining and helping to solve problems.

There must be no harsh, cruel or unusual treatment of any child. The following types of discipline and guidance are prohibited:

• Corporal punishment or threats of corporal punishment.

• Punishment associated with food, naps or toilet training.

• Pinching, shaking or biting a child.

• Hitting a child with a hand or instrument.

• Putting anything in or on a child’s mouth.

• Humiliating, ridiculing, rejecting or yelling at a child.

• Subjecting a child to harsh, abusive or profane language.

• Placing a child in a locked or dark room, bathroom or closet with the door closed or open.

• Requiring a child to remain silent or inactive for inappropriately long periods of time for the child’s age.

Respect for the child necessitates alternative strategies. Our guides have unique training that enables them to observe and guide each child to the activities necessary for their development. A set of reasonable limits is used to manage classrooms.

Corrective Action

Parent/Guardian Notification

Parents/guardians will be notified when the action consists of a minor disobedience that poses no harm to the community of learners. With minor misbehaviors, the guide applies logical specific consequences in the form of redirection. A guide may assign the child to work in an isolated area of the classroom or even have the child stay by their side while giving a lesson to others. Redirection is the most highly constructive and developmentally appropriate approach to discipline. The guide contacts the parent/guardian(s) regarding the inappropriate behavior.

Discipline Report

A Discipline Report will be filed when the action consists of misbehaviors that disrupt the community of learners. The child will be removed from the classroom and escorted to the front office. This begins the document phase where a Discipline Report will be sent home to the parent/guardian(s) and a copy placed in the child’s permanent file. Disciplinary problems will require a meeting with the parents/guardians and the school administration to discuss appropriate interventions.

Suspension/Expulsion

Suspension and expulsion constitute a scenario where a severe misbehavior(s) or ongoing misbehaviors occur. The parent/guardians(s) will be notified and the child will be asked to immediately leave the school. If the school feels that the situation cannot be rectified or poses harm to the community of learners, the Head of School or school administrators reserve the right to suspend or expel the child from the school.

Students are accepted into Starwood Academy of Frisco on a probationary basis for the first 30 days of attendance. Additionally, a trial period may be initiated at any time due to disruptive behavior. The trial is considered an orientation and evaluation period for all students returning, newly entering or moving up to a new level at Starwood Academy of Frisco. Families are notified by the classroom guides of any problem that arises during this period and guides urge parents/guardians to notify them if their child brings home a school-related problem. The school wants all students to be successful, if problems continue, a meeting is scheduled with parents/guardians to discuss intervention strategies. After observation has been made by the child’s classroom guide, Head of School/Assistant Head of School and any other appropriate professional, the school may recommend during, or at the end of this evaluation period, that a child be withdrawn.

Student Code of Conduct

Starwood Academy of Frisco’s behavioral standards ensure a safe and secure school setting for students which allows them to thrive and grow. Violators of established behavioral standards disrupt and interfere with the rights of the community of learners and must be immediately addressed. Parents/Guardians and their elementary or middle school student(s) are required to sign the Code of Conduct along with the Handbook Acknowledgement.

Definition of Discipline

Discipline is the positive enforcement of behavior as established by the Code of Conduct, fully understood and based upon reason, judgment and consideration of the rights of others. When self-control falters and self-discipline fails, disciplinary actions outside the individual must be taken. Parents/guardians, guides and others responsible for the welfare and education of the students will cooperate to support and enforce these rules.

Behaviors Warranting Disciplinary Action

Below is a list of behaviors and offenses that may warrant appropriate disciplinary action (including but not limited to):

• Absenteeism (excessive).

• Aggressive behaviors, including but not limited to, bullying, hitting, pushing, shoving, and/or spitting.

• Defacing or destruction of school property.

• Disruption of class, study or instruction.

• Leaving school grounds without permission.

• Misuse of electronic communication devices.

• Obscene or profane language.

• Student action that presents a danger to the safety and well-being of themselves or others.

• Other criminal acts in violation of local, state or federal laws.

Bullying Definition and Consequences

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged students that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated over time. Parents/guardians will be notified of concerning behavior incidents. Any aggressive behavior by a student will be dealt with appropriately and in accordance to the established Code of Conduct.

Code of Conduct

The success of Starwood Academy of Frisco’s Code of Conduct depends on the support of each member of the school community. Starwood Academy of Frisco is dedicated to ensuring that communication between the school and families is continual, ongoing and fair.

Parent/Guardian Commitment

• To maintain high expectations for my student and the school.

• To demonstrate a consistent interest in my student’s progress at school.

• To support my student’s best efforts.

• To support and work with the school’s team members to promote my student’s learning as a partner, not as an adversary.

Student Commitment

• To be safe

• To be truthful

• To be accountable

• To be respectful

Homework Policy

As a student progresses through the elementary and middle school programs, the amount of responsibility increases, which is partially displayed through the assignment of homework. The purpose of homework is to foster each student’s independence, self-discipline and confidence while helping students learn good study habits and that learning takes place in and out of school. Homework provides parents/guardians the opportunity to observe and assess their student’s progress and their ability to complete tasks independently.

Guide Expectations

As educators, it is important to assign meaningful homework that (1) reinforces learning through familiar work and encourages repetition that will build fluency or (2) assigns work that cannot be completed within the school setting. Homework must be developmentally appropriate for each student and must focus on:

• Providing a strong academic foundation.

• Developing a love of learning and an understanding that learning is for life.

• Encouraging students in their passion for growth and challenging them to do and be their best.

• Acknowledging assignments with feedback to students and/or parents/guardians.

Parent/Guardian Expectations

The best way to help each student with their homework is by guiding them through the process, not doing it for them. This can be done by:

• Helping the student find a suitable time and place to work on their homework.

• Establishing ground rules that are appropriate for the homework routine and consistent with the routine.

• Ask guiding questions about deadlines, your student’s progress, what items are needed, etc.

• If you recognize that the student is having difficulty or is frustrated, contact the student’s guide in order to speak with them about the assignment.

Student Expectations

• Put forth your best effort and take pride in the assignments that you are given. This can be done by:

• Talking with your guide if there is a misunderstanding regarding the homework prior to the deadline of the project.

• Set time aside each day to work through your assignments.

• Bringing the homework back to school on or before the deadline.

Homework Guidelines

Homework Assignments:

• Lower Elementary students have a weekly Show and Tell research project each week. These, as well as additional assignments and resources, are located in the Lower Elementary Resources folder on Google Drive (a link can be found in each Weekly Update email).

• Upper elementary and middle school students use Google Classroom to keep families updated with class announcements and assignments. Parents/guardians can access this site by using their student’s username and password, which are issued the first week of the school year.

Non-Completion of Homework:

• • When homework has not been completed, the parent/guardian and/or student should take ownership and speak with their guide to discuss a plan. If no contact has been made, an Incomplete Homework Note may be sent home.

Feedback on Assignments:

• Homework will be assessed by using rubrics or through written notes on the homework assignment. The follow-up will be sent home in the student’s folder the Thursday following the due date.

Technology Policy

Starwood Academy of Frisco is committed to utilizing and teaching the proper use of technology in a way that is meaningful and appropriate in the classroom, preparing our students for an ever-changing digital and global world. Our focus on using technology is enhancing the experiential learning, problem-solving and communications skills that are such an integral part of the Montessori curriculum. The integration and utilization of technology increases as the student progresses through elementary and middle school.

Please review and discuss the following expectations with your student.

The student will:

• Use all technology tools in a responsible and careful manner.

• Use electronic devices and the internet at school for guide-approved schoolwork only.

• Obey copyright laws and not take credit for someone else’s work.

• Not download, view, send or display inappropriate pictures or messages.

• Tell an adult if something inappropriate or questionable is displayed on a device by another student.

• Only share passwords with a team member or parent/guardian and not give any other student access to their account for any reason. All usernames and passwords are considered school property and cannot be changed without administrative permission.

The student understands that everything completed online or searched on the internet can be traced and is never fully erased. Since the use of technology is intended for educational purposes, students shall not have any expectation of privacy in the use of school technology.

Personal Devices

Starwood Academy strongly discourages Personal Technology Devices (PTD) such as computers, phones and smart watches. Any device brought to school must be turned off and remain off while on campus. If communication is needed, phones are available for student use in the front office. Messages may be left for students at the office during the school day.

Students may not use a personal device, electronic, digital, or computer device to make any electronic or digital communication which disrupts the educational environment—even if that communication is made outside of the school. If the learning environment is impacted by technology use outside of the school, it is at the school’s discretion to intervene. Otherwise, it is the family’s responsibility to monitor their student’s technology use and set expectations accordingly.

Types of inappropriate communication includes but not limited to:

• Inappropriate harassing

• Intimidating

• Threatening

• Bullying

• Inappropriate tweets, blogs, images or texts

Students who engage in electronic or digital communications which disrupt the education environment are subject to disciplinary actions. This may include confiscating the phone from the student during the day and returning it at the end of day. In repeated offenses, the personal device will be confiscated, and the parent will be notified and required to pick up the device in the office.

Classroom Harmony and Making Tough Decisions Programs

Following the Montessori tradition of guiding students to discover versus being handed the information, these programs, led by Aurolina Valdes, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, work to help students feel comfortable about exploring and discussing sensitive topics in a safe and healthy manner. A strong emphasis will be placed on acknowledging and respecting each student’s personal and family values. Students will be strongly encouraged to explore their families’ moral, ethical, and/or religious beliefs by engaging in conversations at home. The classroom conversations will neither pass judgment on any behavior nor will they promote any activity that might expose the students to physical and/or emotional risks.

By allowing students to have serious conversations about these topics before they actually have to make these decisions, we believe that they will gain self-confidence and the required tools to decide what is “right” for themselves in the context of their values.

Program Guidelines

• Every person’s opinion and questions will be respected.

• As some topics may be uncomfortable, it is ok for students to feel nervous, giggle or laugh a little bit. However, it is NOT ok to laugh AT others. That includes making fun of the opposite gender, a certain group of people, or even a “lifestyle”.

• Students are to understand that all answers have a factual as well as a morals/values aspect. Parents and guardians are the best sources to provide the values side of the answer.

• Responses to questions may be delayed to ensure that facts are presented in a respectful way.

Upper Elementary Classroom Harmony Program Overview

The Upper Elementary Classroom Harmony program is designed for students to engage in interactive lessons that:

• Help students learn to express their own opinions and views while respecting those of others.

• Help develop a community of trust where students feel safe, regardless of similarities or differences.

• Prepare students to feel comfortable discussing difficult topics that will be addressed with the Making Tough Decisions program in middle school.

• Program topics include:

  1. • Creating a Positive Environment/Listening Skills

     • Respect the Differences Yet Find Commonalities

     • Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover; Avoiding Assumptions and Stereotypes

     • Joking, Teasing, Bullying – Where is the Line?

Middle School Making Tough Decisions Program Overview

The Middle School Making Tough Decisions program is designed for students to engage in interactive lessons that:

• Teach essential health skills by providing students with information about positive behaviors and consequences.

• Teach the challenges of adolescence and brain development that affect decision-making.

• Promote positive behavior choices so that students become their own health advocates.

• Begin conversations in a way that parents can continue at home and supplement with discussions about family morals and values.

• Program topics include:

  1. • The Teen Brain

     • The Influence of Media in Our Decisions

     • Personal Values

     • Substance Abuse

     • Cyber-Safety

     • Basics of Human Reproduction

As part of the Classroom Harmony and Making Tough Decisions programs, 6th, 7th and 8th-year students participate in a Human Sexuality Course. The lessons discuss the physical changes human bodies experience during adolescence and introduce human reproduction. The material is presented to students to provide facts and direct all decisions back to the parents to discuss based on their own values and family morals. Parents/guardians are required to attend a meeting with Aurolina Valdes prior to the lessons to review their content. Families have the option to opt their student out of participating in the Human Sexuality course.

We view education as a partnership between the school and the family, and each member has a part to play. Robust, two-way communication between home and school is the cornerstone of a healthy community because it provides the foundation for trust, understanding and collaboration.

Communication

Communication between families and team members is a key component of student success. Parents/guardians are responsible for notifying the school of any change of address, telephone number or e-mail address.

Parent/Guardian Communication with Starwood

• Phone - Call the front office with any needs and leave a message if necessary. Guides will return calls after school day hours.

• Email - Email is the best way to reach all team members. Guides are generally available to respond to emails before and after school hours. Click here for the 2022-2023 email directory.

School Communication with Parents/Guardians

• Weekly Update Email Newsletter

• Emails

• Phone Calls or Text Message

• Storypark app

• Meetings

• Website

• Facebook or Instagram

School Emergency

In the event of a school emergency, Starwood Academy of Frisco will contact families by deploying a ParentAlert text message. If you chose to opt-out of non-emergency text messages, you must notify the school in writing.

Inclement Weather Closings

In case the school needs to close due to inclement weather, both an email and a text message will be sent to families if there are changes to the school schedule.

Storypark

Toddler, primary and lower elementary guides utilize Storypark, an easy-to-use application designed specifically for teachers to share photos, videos and information about student progress at school. New families will be added to the app and one parent/guardian will receive a notification to join.

Parent/Guardian Classroom Observations

• The school welcomes visits and observations from parents/guardians of our students.

• To schedule an observation, please contact the front office.

• We will schedule all observations at least one day in advance, with one family at a time observing.

• A 30-minute observation period will be during your student's Montessori work time to provide the most effective experience.

Conferences

Parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss their child’s academic progress at the appropriate time. It is important that neither the students nor the guides be distracted during school hours. Families should bring their suggestions for improvements as well as their grievances directly to the Head of School or Assistant Head of School.

Formal conference days are held in October and February for all students. Parents/guardians are invited to call the school and make appointments for any further conferences throughout the school year. Both parents/guardians are urged to attend all conferences.

Students in the third year of lower elementary and all upper elementary and middle school students participate in a student-led conference. During the conference, students demonstrate responsibility for their academic performance by providing a review of their work to their parents/guardians and guide.

Volunteers

One of the best ways to feel connected to the Starwood Academy of Frisco community is through volunteering. We value the vital role that parents and guardians play in the success of our school. Parents who volunteer are required to annually complete a background check and participate in a Parent Volunteer Orientation. Volunteering includes classroom activities such as reading to the class, assisting with crafts and projects or listening to student readers.

Family Connections

Family Connections is a regularly hosted event to help parents/guardians develop as full partners in their children’s Montessori journey. Throughout the school year, our faculty and guest speakers provide workshops and learning opportunities for our families. These events are communicated through weekly email updates. Our goal is to form a collaborative partnership with each of our families and the school hopes that parents commit to these events regularly.

Procedures For Questions

For answers to your questions and solutions for your concerns, please refer to the following guide for direction:

Front Office

• Help with tuition, billing, or questions about FACTS

• Help with a change of address, change in pick-up person/schedule, change in medical info, etc.

• Questions about attendance

Your Child's Guide

• Specific questions about your child’s work, progress or interests

• How or when to celebrate a birthday

• Pick-up/drop-off messages

• Behavior issues in class or at school

• Questions about curriculum

Education Coordinator

• Help with special needs or outside testing, including paperwork, rating scales or forms

• Volunteer Opportunities

• Family Connections

• Primary Leaders Club (PLC)

Assistant Head of School

• School Policies

• General Procedures

• Tours and Admissions

• Questions or Concerns

• Unresolved Issues

At Starwood Academy of Frisco, we ask that you contact the guides directly. Because we expect the guides to be working with the children, they will return calls or emails as planning schedules allow.

Unresolved questions or concerns:

There are times in which concerns or questions are unresolved from a parent/guardian perspective. We welcome feedback on unresolved issues and encourage families to ask questions and communicate in partnership with the school. Please use the resolution plan below to know who to escalate concerns to next:

1. Always start with the guide directly involved

2. Then go to the Assistant Head of School

3. Then go to the Head of School if you haven't received a reply or feel the issue is unresolved

Confidentiality

All information contained in your child’s records, including your personal information, is confidential. Anyone who is not directly involved in the care of your child or affiliated with Texas Health and Human Services, protective services, or other government agencies will not have access to your child’s records without your written authorization or court order.

Traffic Safety

The safety of our students on and around campus is a top priority. Parents, guardians and visitors must obey all traffic and school zone laws as well as comply with school procedures for drop-off/pick-up lines, and parking areas. Please refrain from using cell phones while operating a vehicle on our school campus.

Visitors

All visitors will need to check-in at the front office. In order to have access to the building, beyond the front office, individuals must present an approved photo ID (state-issued driver’s license). The ID will need to be scanned into the visitor management system, which alerts the school if a visitor is identified as a risk.

Custodial

Some families have legal custodial orders that address who is permitted to pick up or visit a child. If there are custody orders or protection orders relating to your child, a copy must be provided to Starwood Academy of Frisco for your child’s file. This information is confidential and solely for the safety and well-being of your child. Families must notify the front office when custody orders change or expire. Please note that employees cannot be responsible for supervising parenting time (visitation), and, as a result, visitation for non-custodial parents is not permitted in our centers.

Check-Out Procedures

Only individuals listed on an Authorization for Pick-Up Form with a photo ID will be allowed to check out a student from the school. If there are any changes to the authorized individuals during the school year, the new person(s) must be added to the authorization form before the student will be released. If a need should arise during the day for your child to be picked up by an unauthorized person, please call the front office to inform us of the person and their driver’s license number. To continue to ensure the highest safety for all students, no student may leave with another student without advance parent/guardian authorization.

Safety Drills

Starwood Academy of Frisco practices, evaluates and makes adjustments to safety drills throughout the school year. The school practices a minimum of 18 safety drills per year in compliance with state requirements. These drills will include one fire drill every month, four severe weather drills, and four security drills. If you would like to see a copy of the school’s Emergency Preparedness Plan, please see the front office.

Gang-Free Zone

All child care centers must inform parents or guardians of the gang-free zone designation. Certain gang-related criminal activity or engaging in organized criminal activity within 1000 feet of a child care center is a violation of the law and therefore subject to increased penalty under state law.

Preventing and Responding To Abuse and Neglect of Children

All Starwood Academy of Frisco team members are required to have annual training to help increase employee awareness of issues regarding child abuse and neglect.

For further information on preventing and responding to abuse and neglect of children, including warning signs that a child may be the victim of abuse or neglect, please go to www.preventchildabuse.org or call 1-800-CHILDREN.

Starwood Academy of Frisco uses the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center at 2205 Los Rios Blvd, Plano, TX 75074 for consultation in preventing and responding to abuse and neglect of children. For more information, please call (972) 633-6600 or visit caccollincounty.org.

To report child abuse or neglect, parents may contact the Child Abuse hotline at 1-800-252-5400.