handbook

PSSA Any student who did not score proficient or advanced on a Keystone exam taken in prior school years, will be required to takePSSA tests are required by the State of Pennsylvania. For the them again in the 2014-15 school year. PALCS will continue toStudents in grades 3 through 8 will be tested in Math and Reading. abide by the regulations and make any changes to the KeystoneIn addition, students in grades 4 and 8 will be tested in Science. Exam requirements as directed by the Department of Education.The state has announced that PSSA scores will be included onstudents’ high school transcripts. However, parents may contact PALCS Local AssessmentsGuidance to have the PSSA testing results withheld from thetranscript. The tests are given to help ensure that every child Students in all grades will be required to participate in localachieves a state-defined level of scholastic competency. assessments are given at the beginning of the year, at mid-year, and at the end of the year. PALCS currently uses the Measures ofTesting will be conducted at a variety of sites around the state. Academic Progress (MAP) which is designed by NorthwestEfforts will be made to locate a testing site within an hour of each Evaluation Association (NWEA).  MAP assessments are adaptive,student’s home, but in some cases it may be necessary to travel aligned to national and state curricula and standards, and arelonger than an hour. These tests are given over a 2-4 day period, delivered over the web.  The MAP assessment will provide PALCSdepending on the student’s grade level. teachers and administrators with actionable data about where each child is ready to begin learning.  To ensure authenticity and dataKeystone Exams validity, the assessments will be delivered in a virtual proctored environment.The Keystone Exams were developed by Pennsylvania educatorsand are aligned to the Keystone Exams Assessment Anchors and Students in grades 3-12 will participate in Achieve 3000, a programEligible Content.  The Exams are end-of-course assessments which gives students non-fiction reading opportunities at theirdesigned to assess performance in the content areas of Algebra I, individual reading level.  Students will take an assessment at theBiology and Literature.  Future content areas to be assessed include beginning of the year and at the end of the year to show theirAlgebra II, Chemistry, English Composition, Geometry, growth.U.S.History, World History, and Civics and Government. Additional local assessments may be used throughout the schoolDuring the 2014-15 school year, students in 11th grade who have year as needed. In addition, course-level quarterly exams will becompleted Algebra I, Biology, and Literature are required to take given at the secondary level.the Keystone Exams in Algebra I, Biology, and Literature. Beginning with the graduating class of 2017, students are requiredto score Proficient or higher on each exam in order to graduate. 50

SPECIAL EDUCATION OVERVIEW • Collaborate with regular education teachers to discuss how to most effectively meet the needs of each individual student.Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School’s mission is to provide amodel online school where a compelling, customized, and multi- Flexibilitysensory curriculum is delivered through the Internet. PALCScomputer-based curriculum and instruction engage and educate The special education program works well for students withthe special education student with a rich infusion of multimedia medical disabilities that require frequent hospital stays orfeatures. rehabilitation at home. With a laptop computer, children can take their school to the hospital. Furthermore, students can and oftenServices provided by Special Education Resource Teachers: do access their school work at any hour of the day and night and during the weekend, as dictated by their individual needs. • Assist with assignments; PERFORMANCE AND FINE ARTS OVERVIEW • Modify and present assignments in a different mode to ensure understanding and success; The Center for Performing and Fine Arts offers a specialized, advanced program in arts education for students with exceptional • Collaborate with and educate Home Facilitators on how best to aptitude as well as the maturity and dedication to pursue a pre- assist their child with academics; professional course of study in the arts. As this is a multi- disciplinary program, students are expected to have aptitude and • Correspond (via phone, chat room, virtual classrooms, email) interest in multiple areas of the arts. Acceptance into the program with students on a weekly, daily, or as-needed basis; is not guaranteed to any student and is based on an audition and interview process that focuses on aptitude, passion, and self- • Provide one-on-one instruction time with students in the discipline. Study of the arts requires a serious commitment, and virtual classroom; this is a competitive program. • Conduct IEP meetings annually and reconvene IEP meetings as The Center for Performing and Fine Arts offers four main areas of needed; concentration: theatre, dance, fine arts, and music. Individual courses run for a full year. Please note that this is a graded • Research and provide assistive technology or supplemental program. Students receive letter and number grades for each software programs as needed; course. These grades will appear on each student’s transcript and will be part of their cumulative record. • Provide quarterly IEP Progress Reports to Home Facilitators indicating the student’s progress toward achieving IEP goals and objectives; and 51

For more information, please contact Mrs. Pat Harvey at Student Support610-430-6525 x 1230. • \" Enrollment in BtSS Moodle course • \" Frequent check-in via Moodle Message/Palcsmail withUNIVERSITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM OVERVIEW Academic Advisor • \" Check-in via phone call with Academic Advisor as requiredAdmission to the University Scholars Program is performance- • \" Username/password chart and Virtual Lesson/Lesson Helpbased and highly competitive. Students must be academically Schedulegifted and able to demonstrate a high degree of motivation and • \" Weekly or Daily To-Do-List if applicablesuperior classroom performance. Middle school course work is • \" Reminders for end of Progress Checks and Marking Periodscommensurate with what a student would get at a public high • \" Other supports as neededschool in rigor and content, while it is also designed to meet thematurity of the students. High school coursework is largely college Home Facilitator Supportlevel, including many Advanced Placement (AP) College Board • HF support section in student BtSS Moodle courseapproved courses. Students must demonstrate the intellectual • Frequent check-in via Moodle Message/Palcsmail withability and motivation to handle this level of coursework in order Academic Advisorto be considered eligible to participate in the Program. • Check-in via phone call with Academic Advisor as required • Help with setting up a good learning environment, gettingThe Bridge to Student Success (BtSS) Program organized, creating a daily schedule, etc. • Parent Pal referral if applicableThe BtSS program is a support system for students and families • Access to the Parent Resources sitethat focuses on the following: • Other supports as needed • Improving school attendance • Improving the consistency and quality of class work submissionsThe BtSS program is monitored by an Academic Advisor assignedto your child who works together with you, classroom teachers,guidance counselors, and the principal to create a personalizedsupport plan for your child. Here are some additional supports weoffer: 52

If your child meets the criteria and is placed in BtSS we lookforward to working with you to eliminate educational barriers andput your child on the Bridge to Student Success!C.A.R.E. TEAM (Concern, Awareness, Response,Encouragement)At Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School, the StudentAssistance Program is called the C.A.R.E. Team. C.A.R.E. standsfor Concern, Awareness, Response, and Encouragement. The Teamconsists of specifically trained and certified teachers prepared toassist students and parents during times of stress and difficultythat may present a barrier to student learning. The C.A.R.E. Teaminvites all students and parents to take advantage of the PALCSstudent assistance program services by visiting our webpageunder the Student Resources tab on Moodle, or by contacting oneof the guidance counselors, school administrators, and/or amember of the student assistance team. 53

SECTION 6Technology MaterialsCONTENTS1. Internet Reimbursement Policy2. Instructional Property Agreement and Acceptable Use Policy3. Equipment and Materials ReturnsINTERNET REIMBURSEMENT POLICY At the beginning of every school year the following items must be completed and returnedIn order to receive Internet reimbursement, the to PALCS:following items must be returned to PALCS,Attn: ISP Reimbursement, 1332 Enterprise Drive, A.  The completed and signed InternetWest Chester, PA 19380. Service Provider (ISP) Request for Reimbursement Form.I. Reimbursement Request54

B. A complete, itemized copy of your Internet connection bill. A. September-December: reimbursed in March. The bill must include the preprinted name and address of the person being billed and all accompanying detailed B. January-June: reimbursed in November. To receive pages. reimbursement, all books and other PALCS property must be returned for the year. C. All requests for returning students must be received by October 31. Requests from new enrollments are accepted C. Reimbursement will be made for the current school year throughout the school year. The reimbursement cycle will only. PALCS does not reimburse for Internet service begin upon receipt of a copy of the Internet connection bill during the months of July and August. for the first full month of the student’s enrollment. V. Reimbursement Connections It is recommended that allII. Deadline for Reimbursement The cut-off date for qualifying for students have access to a basic high speed line to provide thea month of reimbursement will be the 15th of each Month.  For optimum online learning connection.example: A. High-Speed: PALCS reimburses one Internet connection A. If a student enrolls before the15th of the month, his/her per family for basic high speed/DSL charges only. (DSL: Internet connection will qualify for reimbursement for the high-speed Internet connection through the phone line. month. Cable: high-speed connection through a cable company.) B. If a student enrolls after the15th of the month, his/her B. Dial-Up: If necessary, dial-up service is provided through Internet connection will not qualify for reimbursement for a PALCS provider. For further details, please contact a the month. PALCS representative.III. Changes to Student Internet Services All service changes C. Wireless: wireless Internet providers (such as mobileduring the school year, including address, billing name, and rate phones, wireless USB broadband cards, or satellite) are notchanges, must be reported to the ISP Reimbursement Department. compatible with PALCS’ curriculum and computerWhen a new bill is received, please resubmit a copy to the ISP configuration.Reimbursement Department. Failure to report these changes couldresult in a delay of receiving your reimbursement. VI. Reimbursement Amounts Reimbursement will be paid only on the basic Internet high speed/DSL charge. PALCS reserves theIV. Reimbursement Schedule Reimbursement will be right to determine the basic reimbursement amount from theadministered two times throughout the year: submitted bill in accordance with the available service area rates. This information will be compiled from Pennsylvania Internet 55

Service Providers. Newly enrolled students may also qualify for Internet Safety - It should be clear that students may find ways toadditional reimbursements: access materials available through the Internet that are inappropriate, illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or offensive. A. Set-up fees for Internet access incurred by families who do not have service. (PALCS reserves the right to determine While the school will take measures to make it more difficult, the the reimbursement amount from the submitted bill.) responsibility for enforcing standards of behavior on the Internet lies with Responsible Party (parent, legal guardian, or other Home B. Installation of Ethernet cable to be run by the ISP provider Facilitator). Please feel free to contact the school with questions to the student’s workstation. (Receipt for this service must concerning safe Internet usage. be submitted for reimbursement. Maximum reimbursement: $150.00) I. PALCS Provided Technology C. Reimbursements will be capped at $50.00 starting with the A. PALCS Standard Equipment. Upon enrollment students 2014-2015 school year. are provided with a “hardware kit.” A standard hardware kit is comprised of laptop computer, printer/copier, aAdditional charges will not be reimbursed by PALCS: The microphone/headset, and an Ethernet cable. The standardfollowing charges will not be paid by PALCS: enhanced high type of computer is a laptop however there are occasionsspeeds and service packages that are not described above or in which a desktop computer is issued. Also students atnecessary for education; enhanced featured lines; taxes, surcharges certain grade levels and in certain programs may be issuedand fees; rental or purchase of equipment, modem or router; wire a tablet computer upon enrollment and/or during themaintenance; Internet security; and late fees, reconnection fees, course of a school year.etc., that are not incurred as a result of PALCS action or inactionand/or that are not in any way connected with required courses or B. Software. The installation or removal of software notthe provision of education to students. approved in advance by PALCS is strictly forbidden. Costs related to damage caused to computers or other devicesINSTRUCTIONAL PROPERTY AGREEMENT AND due to unauthorized use are solely the obligation ofACCEPTABLE USE POLICY Responsible Party.PALCS provides a computer for each student to enable access to C. Non-Adherence.  Students who jeopardize or sabotagethe many tools needed for attending PALCS, including access to their own or other students’ education by causingPALCS Internet based educational portal, online libraries, persistent technical issues that stem from the non-curriculum, and other educational tools and materials. 56

adherence to this Contract will be subject to disciplinary any other materials included with the shipment of action or expulsion. computers. In the event the original boxes/packing materials are not available at the time equipment return to D. Substitutions.  PALCS reserves the right to substitute or PALCS is necessary, it is Responsible Party’s sole change these provided technologies at any time at its sole obligation to obtain boxes and approved shipping discretion. materials as described in the following section. E. Ownership.  Any equipment issued by PALCS is the sole C. Packaging Materials. The original packing materials property of PALCS. Under no circumstances are students mentioned in Item B above are “critical” when utilized to and/or families permitted to remove desktop computer return equipment. Items returned utilizing other equipment from the student’s place of residence or keep containers/boxes must meet the standards of UPS any equipment following withdrawal or graduation from packaging requirement which is a “double wall strength the school without a contract agreement. Any issues standard.” This type of container helps to ensure that the surrounding equipment not returned to the school will items returned are in a reusable, non-damaged condition. result in withheld reimbursements to the home facilitator The boxes must also be packed with peanuts or foam that and/or will be directed to the proper legal authorities. protects the contents from being smashed or broken Responsible party agrees to pay replacement fees for during the shipment process. Please keep in mind that materials that are not returned. Responsible Party mentioned within this document is liable for the replacement cost of all damaged items.II. Equipment Delivery, Setup, and Return D. Set-up.  Responsible Party is responsible for the set up of A. Equipment Shipment.  All equipment will be shipped the system when it arrives at the home. The computers from an authorized provider or from the school itself to will be shipped with instructions on how to set up the the current primary or specified shipping address of the equipment to the school specifications. Included will b e student as listed on the enrollment form. Serial numbers of telephone contact information for assistance in setting up all equipment are recorded and tracked to assure that the the equipment. In the case of  any malfunction or other correct equipment is returned to the school following issues affecting the proper use of the equipment, withdrawal or graduation. Responsible Party should report the issue immediately to the contact person as designated on the information sheet B. Boxes, Packing Materials, Instructional Manuals. It is included with the equipment shipment. If the issues are Responsible Party’s sole obligation to retain all boxes, not resolved within two (2) business days, Responsible packing materials, instructional manuals, contact lists, and 57

Party should report this information to the school office of protect materials from damage or loss.  Loss and/or student services so that alternate arrangements can be significant damage must be reported to PALCS within made. forty-eight (48) hours of occurrence. PALCS reserves the right to substitute Textbooks and Instructional Materials E. Return of Equipment.  Equipment must be returned to the where necessary. school in its original boxes with original packing materials or in approved packing containers/boxes immediately B. Consumables.  PALCS will provide, upon request, one ink upon equipment replacement or withdrawal or graduation cartridge per student each school year. PALCS will not from PALCS. This includes all parts such as keyboard, provide paper, markers, crayon, replacement ink cables, wires, software, mouse, webcam, headset, and any cartridges, or other consumables used in the ordinary other hardware or software provided to the student course of education. These consumables are solely the during the course of his/her enrollment in the school. obligation of Responsible Party to provide. Costs associated with repairing or replacing hardware lost or damaged while in the student’s possession is the sole C. Boxes and Packing Materials. It is Responsible Party’s sole obligation of Responsible Party.  Should the account obligation to retain boxes and packing materials included become delinquent, Responsible Party agrees to pay with the shipment of books and other instructional collection costs and/or reasonable attorney fees. materials. In the event the original boxes/packing materials are not available at the time such materials are toIII. Textbooks and other Instructional Materials be returned to PALCS, it is Responsible Party’s sole obligation to obtain boxes and shipping materials. A. Textbooks and Instructional Materials. Should any materials be received from PALCS in damaged condition, IV. Lost, stolen and damaged equipment it is the sole obligation of Responsible Party to notify PALCS immediately. At no time does ownership of the A. Insurance.  Responsible Party agrees to maintain, at his or materials designated for return transfer from PALCS to her expense, adequate insurance to cover damage, loss, student. Responsible Party shall be liable for loss or theft, vandalism, or any other cause that results in loss or damage to any Instructional Materials until received by damage to the PALCS equipment to its full replacement PALCS. All textbooks and textbooks with accompanying value. Responsible Party agrees to be financially liable for CDs must be returned in original case and in same the equipment regardless of any insurance proceeds. condition as received (other than normal wear and tear). Responsible Party will take all reasonable precautions to B. Equipment damage/loss.  Responsible Party must notify PALCS within 48 hours of the occurrence or discovery of 58

any theft, damage, destruction or other loss of any school- Services office of the school. If dial-up service is required, owned equipment. Responsible Party is responsible for the PALCS will provide the dial-up service. However, cost of the equipment. In most cases, Responsible Party additional telephone communication must be available for will file a claim with  his/her homeowner’s insurance PALCS to contact students while they are online. carrier, and PALCS will assist this process by submitting all of the information related to the cost of the equipment. VI. Technical Support Responsible Party must immediately forward to PALCS Asset Recovery Department copies of all police reports, A. These support services will be provided only for students fire reports, insurance claims and any other applicable of the school and concerning issues related to school reports. equipment. No services can be provided to those outside of the school or for the personal equipment of the student C. Intentional/Unintentional Damage, Neglect, or his/her family or friends. Use of support services for Environmental Contamination. Responsible Party is to non-school issues, equipment, software, or other matters is make every effort to protect PALCS equipment from a violation of this agreement, and violators will be subject damage (whether intentional or unintentional), neglect, to disciplinary action by the school. Support is provided and environmental contamination so that returned by the staff of the Student Services office at the school. equipment may be re-used. Responsible Party is solely They can be reached via PALCSMail to Student Services or responsible for the cost of repairing and/or refurbishing by calling the school office. and, if necessary, replacing such damaged equipment. VII. Acceptable UseV. Internet/Phone Services A. Appropriate Use by Students.  Students are responsible for A. Internet services will be provided to every student/ behaving in an appropriate manner on the school’s household. Responsible Party may choose to use any computer, just as if they were present in a traditional Internet service carrier available to them. The school classroom or school-sponsored event. The school may recommends a high-speed connection to provide the suspend or expel any student behaving inappropriately. optimum online learning connection. Other connections may be insufficient for some aspects of online education; B. Personal Responsibility.  The student is personally an inadequate connection is not an acceptable excuse for responsible for his/her actions in accessing and using the incomplete school assignments. Assistance in choosing an school’s computer resources. Students are advised never to Internet service company is available from the Student access, store, keep, or send anything they would not want 59

their parents/guardians, teachers, or school 1. Copyright/License Agreements. Students will administration to see. All communications in the school observe and respect copyright and license are logged and available for review by school-authorized agreements. personnel, and communications over the Internet are often public in nature. Computer storage areas may be treated 2. Passwords/Personal Information.  Students like the traditional school locker, the contents of which will keep passwords and personal information may be reviewed by school administrators to assure that confidential. students are using the computer system responsibly. Content deemed inappropriate will be confiscated and, if 3. Proper Use.  All use of computer technology called for, turned over to the appropriate authorities. must be related to or in support of the educational goals of the student as stated by the school. 1.  Software.  Students should never download or install any commercial software, shareware, or 4. Illegal Activity.  The use of the Internet and/or freeware onto their computer unless they have computer technology for any illegal activity written permission from a staff member at Including, but not limited to, gambling, PALCS. advertising, spamming, sending offensive materials, spam mail, discriminating remarks, or 2. Inappropriate Behavior. Students should not use obtaining pornographic or other obscene material profane, abusive, or impolite language when is strictly forbidden. The use of the Internet and communicating online. They should not access computer technology for fraudulent or illegal any materials that are in violation of school rules copying, communication, taking or modification of and policies. If a student encounters such material is strictly forbidden. Such action will be material by accident, he/she should report it to referred to the federal authorities. his/her parents/guardians immediately. Students will restrict their access to material 5. Right to Remove.  PALCS reserves the right to deemed inappropriate by staff and parents/ remove any student violating these or other school guardians. policies to prevent further unauthorized activity and to protect other students, staff, and property.C. Conduct. Students will use appropriate conduct toward others. VIII. Responsibility A. Responsible Party must monitor his/her student’s compliance with this contract. Violation of this contract 60

may result in disciplinary action which may include 1. Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) suspension or expulsion. COPPA applies to commercial companies and limits their ability to collect personal information fromEQUIPMENT MATERIALS AND RETURN children under 13. By default, advertising is disabled for PALCSs presence in Google Apps for Education. NoAt the end of the school calendar or on the date of withdrawal personal student information is collected forfrom PALCS: commercial purposes. This permission form allows the school to act as an agent for parents in the collection of • Students/families will return to the school all textbooks, CDs information within the school context. The school's use and any other materials issued to the student for that grade of student information is solely for education purposes. level. Families will receive specific instructions as to which materials must be returned. 2. Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) The district is required by CIPA to have technology measures and • Students who intend to continue at PALCS will retain their policies in place that protect students from harmful computer, printer and other hardware accessories. materials including those that are obscene and pornographic. This means that student mail containing • Graduating students or withdrawing students will return their harmful content from inappropriate sites will be computer, printer and other hardware accessories to the school blocked. CIPA: http://fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/ in the original packaging with all accompanying cipa.html documentation and accessories. 3. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) • Families will be billed for damaged and/or missing items. FERPA protects the privacy of student education records and gives parents the rights to review student • Students will be denied their diplomas if they have not records. Under FERPA, schools may disclose directory returned all appropriate school equipment and materials. information but parents may request the school not disclose this information. • Materials/computers/hardware will be returned at the FERPA: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ school’s expense via a return account with transport carriers. ferpSCHOOL RESPONSIBILITY • A.\" Technology use at PALCS is governed by federal laws including: 61

SECTION 7Student ActivitiesCONTENTS1. Extracurricular Activities and Sports Team Eligibility2. Student Club Policy3. Educational Outings4. Work PermitsEXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND extracurricular activities offered by their homeSPORTS TEAM school district provided that they are not offeredELIGIBILITY by PALCS. Students must comply with the policies and meet the specific eligibility criteriaThe Charter School law, known as Act 22 of 1997, set forth by that home school district. Studentis part of the Pennsylvania School Code cited as athletes must also satisfy eligibility requirements24 P.S. -  24 P.S. § 17-1719-A (14), and requires established by the Pennsylvania Interscholasticthat students be permitted to participate in62

Athletic Association. Students who are members of a sports team that is not directly related to the curriculum or educationalwith their home school district must continue to meet grade mission of PALCS will receive school sponsorship, regardlessrequirements to be part of the team. Coaches needing academic of whether it meets the other criteria for sponsorship.  All clubsinformation from PALCS must make a request in writing to the offered at PALCS must be aligned to an appropriate PAChild Accounting Office and provide their E- mail address. PALCS Educational Standard.will only notify the home district when grades fall below a “C.” B. Clubs which meet at least one of the following criteria will beWeekly updates cannot be accommodated whenever possible, considered curriculum-related:PALCS will assist students and parents to secure the opportunityto participate in the extracurricular activities for which they are 1. The subject matter of the student group or club iseligible. actually taught or will be in a regularly scheduled PALCS course.STUDENT CLUB POLICY 2. The subject matter of the group or club is such that itPolicy concerns the body of courses as a whole.PALCS will maintain a student club program appropriate to the 3. Participation in the group or club is required for amaturity of our student groups and as varied as the curriculum, particular course.staff and facilities permit.  The program will be designed to offerfor the greatest number of students academic-based interest 4. Participation in the group results in academic credit.exploration, wholesome recreational and social activity, andopportunities to develop leadership skills within these activities.   C. The Principals and Director of Academics will approve new requests for club school-sponsorship based on the followingClubs may only be school-sponsored, related to the curriculum considerations:and must have a faculty member sponsor. 1. The potential of the club to help participatingSchool-Sponsored/Curriculum-Related Clubs students meet the goals of the school’s curriculum. A. Curriculum-related clubs are the only clubs currently 2.The level of student interest in the club. sponsored by PALCS.  The controlling factor in deciding whether a club will be sponsored by the school will be whether 3.The fiscal ramifications of the sponsorship. that club is directly related to the PALCS curriculum.  No club 4.The availability of qualified personnel to supervise the club; and 63

5.The impact of adding or eliminating the club on the WORK PERMITS balance of types of clubs available in the total student activities program. Work Permits are needed for students aged 14 – 17 who want to work during the school year and/or the summer. Permits should D. All school-sponsored clubs will be under the ultimate control be obtained from the student’s home school district. It is advisable of PALCS and its School Board, and will comply with all to contact the school district administrative office first to make policies and procedures of the school.  The Principals and arrangements to pick up the paperwork. Employment rules vary Director of Academics may set standards for academic by age category. eligibility for participation in these activities at their discretion. Rules for students aged 14-15PALCS TRIPS/EVENTS • 3 hour maximum on school daysPALCS offers a variety of trips/events for students to attend.Some trips are led and organized by PALCS teachers. Other trips • 8 hour maximum on non-school daysare led and organized by the PALCS Parent Network. Teachers donot typically attend PALCS Parent Network organized trips/ • 18 hours per week maximum when school is in sessionevents. All trips/events are extracurricular and are optional.Students are encouraged to attend teacher led and Parent Network • 40 hours per week maximum during the summer work hoursled trips/events whenever possible to connect with their teacher, of only 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. when school is session work hours of 7class and/or other parents and engage in experiences that extend a.m. to 9 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Daythe academic curriculum. Please refer to the following guidelinesregarding educational trips/events: Rules for students aged 16-17 • In all cases, parents/Home Facilitators must provide the • 8 hour maximum on any given day transportation and accompany the student. • 28 hour per school week maximum when school is in session, • Students are expected to dress appropriately. plus additional 8 hours on Saturday and on Sunday with 44 total maximum hours • Students must comply with all school policies, and follow the direction of the adults who are supervising the trip/event. • Maximum of 8 hours per day and 44 hours per week during the summer. 64

• Work hours start after 6 a.m. daily and end at midnight Sunday through Thursday • No work hour limits during the summer • Rules for students aged 18 and older • Students eighteen years of age may work full-time during the school year according to Pennsylvania law.If a student is behind in any of his/her classes or has a “C” averageor below, a job is not advisable until after the school year hasended to insure successful completion of all courses in order tomove to the next grade. Students who are working must adjusttheir work schedule to meet class requirements such as webcasts,chats, etc. 65

SECTION 8Students Attending Learning CentersContent1. Independent Learning Centers2. Independent Learning Center’s CalendarIndependent Learning Center and Learning Centers. More information about theseCenter Coordinator Information Independent Learning Centers can be found by clicking here. Independent learning centersEvery single PALCS students can access their provide the opportunity for students to meet in aschoolwork from any computer with an Internet physical location to interact with other PALCSconnection. Though most students work online students. They also provide working parents thefrom the comfort of their own home, PALCS has option to elect to have Learning Centerpartnered with some Independent Learning66

Coordinators assist in facilitating their child's education during the information shared with an Independent Learning Center will beday. those in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).How do I elect to have Learning Center Coordinators assigned tomy child? It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to contact PA Leadership Charter School immediately if the student no longer attending anTo have Learning Center Coordinators assigned to your child to act Independent Learning Center or begins attending anotheras a communication link between PALCS and the Independent Independent Center so that PALCS may disable informationLearning Center a Consent to Release and Exchange Information sharing access. PALCS reserves the right to terminate ourand Records for Students Attending Independent Learning Centers relationship with an Independent Center at any time. If PALCS nomust be signed. By signing this release you are giving PALCS longer affiliates with a Learning Center, we will (1) notify youauthorization and consent to release, exchange and receipt of immediately, (2) discontinue sharing student information with therecords and information, and/or communications as they relate to center, and (3) continue to support your student as they learn fromyour child's educational planning. The following records may be your chosen location.released to or shared with and/or requested by the IndependentLearning Center: What calendar should I follow if my student attends an Independent Learning Center?· Academic Records/Grades By clicking here you can access PALCS 2015-2016 School Calendar.· Attendance At times Independent Learning Centers may be closed during days PALCS is in session. Students remain responsible for logging in· Health Records and attending classes if PALCS is in session even if the Independent Learning Center is closed.· Disciplinary Records· Special Education or 504 Records· Verbal Communications· Related Service RecordsPlease note that without a signed Consent to Release and ExchangeInformation and Records on file for your student the only 67

Who is responsible for my child’s equipment if he or she attendsand Independent Learning Center?Your student’s PALCS provided computer has been specificallyassigned to him or her. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure the instructional property agreement andacceptable use policy remain compliant. To do so equipmentshould travel to and from the center. 68