Embedded Files
General School Policies
General School Policies
Cell Phone and Smart Device Policy
Cell Phone and Smart Device Policy
Scholars may bring cellphones and smart devices (i.e. Apple Watches) to school, but they must be stored away and not used during the school day, including during transitions. This policy supports a focused learning environment free from distractions. Devices will be stored in backpacks, lockers, lockboxes or SA-provided pouches, depending on the school model. For safety, scholars in grades 8-12 may take their devices during off-campus lunch. All devices will be returned to scholars before dismissal. To reach a scholar during the school day, please contact the Main Office.
Parental Classroom Observations
Parental Classroom Observations
We believe in transparency, and have always had an “open-door” policy allowing parents a 30-minute window to observe their scholar’s classroom. When parents come to observe their scholar’s classroom, they should first check in at the Main Office to let the school know they are there. They should avoid speaking with the teacher during the classroom visit to minimize distractions. For questions about the observation, please contact teachers via phone, email, or at dismissal. This policy goes into effect six weeks after the first day of school, once scholars have settled in.
School Supplies and Fundraising
School Supplies and Fundraising
You won’t have to worry about expenses, school supplies, or fundraising. In fact, fundraising of any kind is not permitted — we prefer that you focus your time and energy on your child’s academic success and well-being.
Gifts to Staff
Gifts to Staff
Our staff is thrilled to accept your thanks and kind words, but they do not expect gifts. To avoid issues of favoritism and competition, staff members can accept only gifts that are homemade (e.g., a card, a letter, your child’s art, or baked goods) rather than store-bought. Parents may collectively give a gift to staff in the form of a gift card only (no cash!), which may not exceed $150. This ensures that all gifts are appropriate and avoid any appearance of impropriety.
Requests for Specific Teachers or Peers
Requests for Specific Teachers or Peers
Each year, we do our best to ensure that your child is placed in a classroom with teachers and scholars who will provide them with the best possible learning experience. To accomplish this goal, a school may reassign a scholar to another classroom during the school year at its discretion. We do not accept or accommodate requests for a specific teacher or for certain scholars to be placed in the same class.
Transfer Requests
Transfer Requests
Success Academy offers internal transfers for eligible families who cannot continue attending their current school for emergency and convenience reasons, but who would like to remain within the SA Network. Approval of transfer requests is contingent upon available space at the requested school. School leadership will determine eligibility of request submissions to prevent disruptions to the school environment and the scholar’s learning.
To protect the lottery process, new-to-SA scholars are only eligible for transfers to schools admitting scholars via the lottery for their particular grade. Families are able to submit a transfer request that will take effect the following school year if a request is submitted in the second half of the year. If you would like to request a transfer, please reach out to your principal.
Health & Safety Policies
Health & Safety Policies
Mandatory Reporting
Mandatory Reporting
If we suspect that a scholar is being abused or neglected at home, we will make a report to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services at ocfs.ny.gov/main/cps or by phone at 800-342-3720.
Individual Supervision on Field Studies
Individual Supervision on Field Studies
If the school’s leadership decides that a scholar requires individual supervision to ensure their safety or the safety of others on a field study, Success Academy may request that a parent or volunteer chaperone chosen by the parent accompany the scholar.
Food Allergy Policy
Food Allergy Policy
Our schools are nut-aware but not guaranteed to be nut-free. Nut allergies are a medical condition that can cause severe and life-threatening reactions. For the safety of scholars with nut allergies, snacks and lunches brought to school should not contain nuts.
We acknowledge that peanuts and tree nuts are just two food allergens that can cause serious/life threatening reactions. For a full list of food allergens that require labeling in the United States, see here.
If your child needs to carry allergy medication such as an epipen or benadryl for potential food allergic reactions, please make sure that you have submitted a Medication Administration Form (MAF) completed by their doctor.
Health Policies
Health Policies
If your child has a fever, a contagious illness like COVID-19, the flu, or any of the symptoms or ailments below, please keep them at home and seek a doctor’s care. If a staff member observes your child exhibiting these symptoms and / or conditions, we will notify you and send your child home immediately. Your child may return to school once they are no longer symptomatic.
If your child needs to take any allergy medication (prescription or over the counter) during the school day or any Success Academy–sponsored trips or activities, make sure that you and your doctor have completed the Medication Administration Form (MAF). Please note this includes if your child has asthma and needs an inhaler.
To prevent the spread of germs, we ask scholars to frequently wash or sanitize their hands at school and do the same at home. More information about how we prevent the spread of certain common illnesses is below:
Respiratory Viruses (Including COVID-19): We remain steadfast in our goal of protecting the health and safety of our community, as well as responsive to DOH and CDC guidelines.
Pink eye: Poor handwashing is the main cause of the spread of pink eye. We ask scholars to frequently wash or sanitize their hands at school and at home. If your scholar takes medication for allergies, please make sure that your child is taking it regularly, as allergies can also cause symptoms of pink eye.
Head and Body Lice: You should routinely check your child’s head and body for rashes or bumps, itching, bites, or bruises on their arms, torso, or thighs. If your scholar has lice, you must take your child to the doctor to be evaluated and treated, and provide a doctor’s note and proof of treatment in order to come back to school.
Bed Bugs: When a bed bug is found on a scholar’s clothing, backpack, or seat pack, the scholar will be sent home and remain out of school while the family has the scholar’s home inspected. The scholar may return to school once the family shows proof of inspection and extermination. Learn more at epa.gov and Choosing and Working with a NYC Pest Control Company.
Ringworm: Ringworm is highly contagious. While ringworm can often be treated easily with over-the-counter antifungal medication — available in creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and powders — it is best to talk with your doctor about the best treatment.
Student Life & Celebrations
Student Life & Celebrations
Birthday Celebration Policy
If you’d like to celebrate your scholar’s birthday, you are welcome to provide each child in their class with a snack or treat, which can be dropped off at arrival. Please reach out to your scholar’s teacher to coordinate.
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