Mountain Laurel Academy

Educational Services

Family Handbook

2022-2023

 Welcome to Mountain Laurel Academy

 Mountain Laurel Academy is a non-profit, non-traditional learning center dedicated to serving the local community. Each child registers with the State as a homeschooled student. In this “university” design student’s study at the center 60% of their academic week, with the remaining 40% spent in independent study. MLA provides, and is accountable for, all the student’s academic needs. This includes all curriculum instruction, work assignments, grading, assessment, and record keeping. There is a strong focus on student accountability, motivation, and independence. Mountain Laurel believes that this approach will truly prepare students for the rigors of college study.

 Our faith compels us to offer our gifts, love, and services to all who may be in need. We believe strongly in the Christian values of caring, acceptance, and family and welcome students of all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Our only requirement is that students are motivated and eager to learn and that families will support them in this unique learning environment.

 In this small-school setting, we truly believe that all who attend and work here are “family”. We operate on this basis, and our expectation is that everyone treats each other with respect, compassion and understanding. In this way we hope to teach, learn, and grow in a nurturing, caring environment where all feel welcomed, safe, and among friends.

 Mission Statement

 Mountain Laurel Academy’s mission is to provide our surrounding communities with an alternative to traditional educational options. We strive to offer an academically challenging curriculum to students who are educationally focused but who are not being well served in a larger-school environment and who need an option to traditional home schooling. This is achieved in a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment with an emphasis on critical thinking, independent study and accountability. 

Mountain Laurel Motto

 Knowledge, Understanding, Wisdom

 Board of Directors & Faculty

 Jeff Hites, Chairman & Co-Founder

Danielle Barnes, Vice-Chairwoman

Meg Norris, Secretary-Treasurer & Co-Founder

Hollis Lathem, Community Board Member

Daniel Blackman, Community Board Member

Geoff Chalk, Community Outreach

Faculty

 Meg Norris English, History, Latin, Psychology, Economics & Government

Meg Norris is a doctoral candidate in education and a certified teacher in Georgia. She is co-founder of Mountain Laurel Academy and founder of Opt Out Georgia. She has delivered hundreds of speeches all over the country on standards-based education, student data mining, the effects of toxic stress in our classrooms, and child learning and development.

Meg lives in Big Canoe and is married to Ken Norris. She has two beautiful children, Marie Riley, a nurse practitioner in Athens, GA, and DK Norris an art student in NYC, and one spoiled fur baby, Simon.

Jeff Hites Math, Science, Critical Thinking, Leadership

Jeff began his life in education after retiring from a career in medical sales, medical education, and financial consulting. Following a lifetime of working with youth in church groups, Boy Scouts, Special Olympics, coaching, and the Shrine Children’s Hospital, teaching was a natural calling. A graduate of Penn State University with a degree in science, he brings to the classroom a science and math background, along with a wealth of real-world experience, and an innate curiosity about what makes things tick.

 Jeff lives in Big Canoe with his wife, Barbara. He has two grown children. Katie, married to Air Force Major Andrew, is an environmental engineer, law student, and mother of 4-year-old Wyatt and 4month-old Rowan. They reside in Florida. Chris is a wilderness guide in Alaska, a ski instructor in Vail, Colorado, and part-time author living in Bozeman MT.

Keely Chalk English, History, Spanish, Middle School Science, Study Skills

Georgia born and bred, Keely attended Georgia College in Milledgeville where she received her Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education with emphasis on Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts. She earned her certifications in Reading and Gifted Education and her Master’s Degree in English Education from North Georgia College. After teaching in public school for 17 years, she left to partner with her husband in his business venture.

She is married to her college sweetheart, Geoff, and has a daughter, Chantelle (MLA alum and current student at Georgia College and State University). She is very close to her family and you can often find her spending time with her mom and younger sisters and their families.

*MLA employs a number of volunteer and content specific teachers to instruct on a wide variety of elective subjects, including, but not limited to, Cursive Writing, Flight Instruction, Art, Music, Etiquette, Life 101 Subjects, Spanish, Latin, American Sign Language, Government etal. Many guest speakers also interact with our students on Fridays and cover a range of interesting subjects such as Korean Culture, Herbology, Civil War History, Geology, Local Government, GA History, Banking, Nutrition, College Preparedness, College Life, Various Career Options and many others.

Contact Information

 Physical & Mailing Address

929 Cove Road

 Suite D

Jasper, GA 30143

 MLA Email

[email protected]

 MLA Website

mountainlaurelacademy.com

 Facebook

https://www.facebook/mountainlaurelacademy

 Faculty Email

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

 Calendar 2022-2023

Sept. 6/7, First Day of School

Nov. 21-25 Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 19-Jan.9 Christmas Break

Jan. 20 Last Day of 1st Semester

Jan. 23 1st Day of 2nd Semester

April 3-7 Spring Break

May 20 Graduation

May 26 Last Day of School

 Policies & Procedures

 Admissions

 The admission process includes a visit to the Center and an interview with the student, parents, and faculty to discuss the unique learning process and student, and family, responsibilities. This also includes discussing curriculum options, student needs, family and Center expectations and to assess grade, and class, placement. Specific class selections, schedule, and curriculum choices are determined on an individual basis according to student’s educational background, prior testing, graduation requirements/needs, student interests, and input from student, family, and faculty. Final determination is based on the best interests of the student as agreed upon by the family.

 Admission is finalized upon presentation and completion of all necessary admission documents:

 MLA Registration Form

Copy of completed “Declaration of Intent to Homeschool” (DOI)

(This only takes minutes online:)

 https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Pages/Home-Study DOI.aspx

Copy of the student’s transcripts from prior school

Health & Medical Forms

Emergency Release Form

Transportation/Student Driver & Rider Form

Photo & Technology Release Form

Behavioral Expectations Form

Volunteer Form

 Attendance

 Students are required to attend the Center during the scheduled hours for their grade level (16.5 hours per wk. minimum State requirement based on 180-day schedule). MLA requires 21.5 hours HS/ 19.5 hours MS based on 165-170 day school year.

 Students will maintain a log of independent work hours they have completed. This is included in our official record of attendance.*

 Excused absences: Absences are excused for any reasonable cause, or with prior approval. Please notify MLA if the absence is planned in advance (Vacation/Dr. Appointment). This will save the teachers from calling to check on student status. A follow-up doctor’s or parent’s note is required. (Required for State & GAC certification). Missed work must be turned in upon returning to school, or within a reasonable amount of time, if needed, due to extenuating circumstances. (This must be arranged with the teachers)

 Unexcused absences: As with excused absences, any missing work must be turned in upon returning to                    school. (Assignments can be found on the online calendars). Additional work will be assigned to replace missed classroom instruction. This work must be completed for student to receive credit for missed instructional hours.

 Excessive Absenteeism: After three (3) unexcused absences, meeting with the student and parents will be      required to correct the issue and to determine how to avoid missing additional time. Unexcused absences will require additional work to recover missed instructional time and may require academic make-up days. More than six (6) absences will be subject to academic make-up days, and will necessitate a meeting with parents.

Make-up work due to absenteeism: Students are expected to meet with teachers to make up any missed  

work. Work is due upon return to school, unless there are extenuating circumstances which have been communicated with the teachers. The work must then be made up within a reasonable time frame, as scheduled by the teacher and student. Generally, this is by the next academic work day they attend.

 Tardiness: Students are expected to arrive at the Center in time for the beginning classes. Excessive tardiness is addressed as unexcused absences; 3 instances of tardiness will equal 1 unexcused absence.

 Unscheduled Closures (Weather): Students will utilize the school website/calendars to receive assignments. Work will be assigned to replace both independent work and missed instructional time. All assignments will be due upon return on the next scheduled school day.

 *Attendance records are kept as part of the “ThinkWave” grading and records program and are part of the student’s official record and transcript.

 NOTE: State law governs school attendance and absences in excess of (8) can incur consequences for a student continuing active status as a student at MLA as well as having legal consequences. Excessive absenteeism is considered truancy and must be reported to local authorities. Parents can be held legally liable for “Educational Neglect”. This applies to all public, private, and “home-schooled” students.

 *Additional requirements may apply to students receiving scholarships.

 Communication:

 MLA requests that families communicate promptly with the staff if:

·         The student is absent

·         The student will be missing time, when it is known in advance

·         There is an issue which may affect the student’s ability to function normally at home or at MLA

·         There is any concern which the staff should address

 MLA will communicate with the families promptly if:

·         There is any health or safety concern regarding the student

·         There is a change of schedule which requires a change in dismissal times

·         Weather becomes a concern, requiring early dismissal

(Families are notified by text and email and “Remind”)

·         There is any information which needs to be disseminated to the families concerning field trips, schedules, curriculum, or

special events

·         We need to work with parents to help them comply with any GA DOE requirements.

 MLA updates parents with a weekly, emailed newsletters to keep them informed of academics, important dates, reminders, and any other necessary information.

 NOTE: Parents are always welcome to visit the Center at any time. Teachers are also available before, between, or after classes to speak with parents or appointments can be made for a more convenient time.

You may observe any class your child is in, visit with your child, or take them out for lunch on any day.

 Conduct & Discipline

 Studens and parents sign a conduct expectation form prior to admission. Students are expected to abide by all reasonable norms of behavior. Failure to do so is addressed, first, with the student, and, secondly, with the parent. Repeat offences result in disciplinary measures. Discipline for any uncorrected, disruptive behavior results in suspension or expulsion from the Center. All cases are handled on a case-by-case basis with any and all mitigating circumstances taken into account. MLA reserves the right to remove any student whose behavior is disruptive or detrimental to the learning environment, or safety and welfare of the students.

 NOTE: MLA has a “Zero Tolerance Policy” on bullying of any type, including bullying through inappropriate use of social media.

 ·         (See Appendix D for State Law and MLA conduct policy)

 Curriculum

 By using only certified teachers for core classes we have the ability to develop curriculum that is individualized for each student. MLA is dedicated to a challenging college – prep curriculum and students are encouraged to move ahead as quickly as they can master concepts and content. There is no single boxed curriculum we rely on. Every child learns differently and at different rates. We work with the students to identify their learning styles so that the teachers, and the students themselves, are better able to optimize their academically directed time.

 Mountain Laurel Academy administers the curriculum, assesses progress, scores and records content tests, and maintains transcripts for each student. This includes course content, texts used, hours, and course grade.

 NOTE: The independent study time, inherent in our school design, requires a good deal of maturity and self-discipline from our students. We help them in adjusting to this “learning behavior” through regular classroom discussion, individual follow-up, helpful tips and ideas, directed lessons, mentoring guidance, and practice. We feel strongly that this single focus on disciplined self-learning is the most important component in producing successful high school graduates, and in preparing them for success in college and beyond.

 NOTE: State law requires students to spend each “Independent Days” in self-directed study (5.0 hrs. for middle school & 5.5 hrs. for high school).  MLA requires more time for directed study, and, if, at any time, the staff feels that a student is not meeting this requirement, they will need to attend study sessions at MLA, necessitating additional fees.  Repeated failure to meet this requirement will lead to meeting with student and parents and may result in expulsion for not meeting minimum requirements. Parents and students must keep a log of “Independent Work Hours” to ensure compliance.

Textbooks: MLA will provide a class-set of textbooks. No “Common Core” texts are used and all efforts are made to use older editions to minimize cost. It is recommended that, whenever possible, a second set of text books be purchased by parents to keep at home. This prevents students from having to carry all their books every day and ensures they have their needed texts for their independent study days.

 Grading Scale:              90 – 100                     A

                                             80 – 90                       B

                                             70 – 80                       C

                                             Below 70                    F

Work Due: Work is due as assigned by the teacher. It is late if not turned in on the due date for any reason, one additional day’s grace for 90%, and after, a zero “0” is recorded. It is mandatory that missing work is still completed and turned in whether or not credit is given. MLA’s policy is that work always be completed for the knowledge that is gained through the process. This also reinforces the important lesson that requirements always be completed, regardless of conditions, circumstances, or rewards.

 NOTE: Missing Work: Missing work resulting in a “0” can have a devastating effect on a student’s grade. However, we are attempting to develop a sense of responsibility, accountability, and “ownership in the learning process” by our students. This can only happen if there are consequences for failing to meet deadlines, responsibilities, and other expectations. For this reason, we have a “No Excuses” policy for late, missing, or less-than-full-effort work. This is also a learning process for the students and we need parent involvement and buy-in to achieve the desired results. Those results are manifest in our graduates as they realize a very smooth transition into college and adult life. This is just a part in preparing our student properly for a successful future.

 Failing Grades: At any time a student’s cumulative average falls below a “70”, parents are notified and action  taken to recover the grade. In all instances, parents will be made aware of any student who has grades trending downward, long before they reach this point.

 Mitigation for failing grades or missing work: When a student’s grade drops below a 70%, or they are missing work resulting in a “0” and a dropping grade point average, we will notify the student and parents to mitigate the issue.  A plan will be agreed to by all parties to address the problem and reverse the trend. The student may be required to attend school on their “Independent Days” until such time that    work is completed; whether for a grade or not. The plan must be followed until such time that the grade surpasses 70% and all parties agree that the student is now meeting academic requirements. (MS students pay $25/day for on on-site adult tutor to supervise and help them with their work and to comply with the plan).

 Grade Tracking: Grades are tracked using the “ThinkWave” program. Students and parents are given full internet access to the program to view grades in real time.

 Hours Tracking: Students and their parents are responsible for officially maintaining a “Log of Independent Work Hours”. This will be turned in to MLA monthly to remain in State and GAC compliance. Students are provided with an agenda to help track hours.

 Advanced Placement (AP): Selected AP course offerings are determined each year based on student needs and previous offerings.

 Honors Courses: Whenever possible, courses are offered as Honors with non-Honors options for those who choose the alternative.

 Finals: Final Exams are administered at the end of each semester. These exams account for 10% of the semester grade.                      

 Electives: Spanish, ASL, Latin and Art are offered for most grade levels. There are also Leadership, and “Life 101” electives earned throughout the year. Additional Electives, including Health, PE, Technology, music, aviation and others are offered based on individual student needs and graduation requirements. Elective credit may also be given for activities students participate in outside of school including sports, music, internships, etc. These require 40 credit hours and must be pre-approved.

 Online Classes: Some courses may, although rare, occasionally may be offered online as schedules dictate. In these cases, there is always teacher support provided.

Internships: Offered on an individual basis according to interest and need. These are arranged by MLA to be attended on independent study days. Credit is given when additional class requirements are met.

 Testing: National Standardized testing (ITBS) is administered every year for all students. Note: No other “standardized testing” will be administered. Students in grades 5 through 11 take the ITBS each year so that parents and staff are up-to-date on progress.

 Tutoring: Additional tutoring may be arranged with an approved outside tutor, and may take place at MLA as approved by the staff. Students are given numerous opportunities to receive free tutoring from the teachers during study halls, or scheduled tutoring time, as well as after school if prearranged.

GA DOE Graduation Requirements: (MLA complies with all GA DOE requirements)

                       English 4 units
                         Mathematics 4 units
                         Science 4 units
                         Social Studies 3 units (MLA requires 4)
                         Foreign Language 2 units the of same language (Many colleges prefer 3 total language credits)
                        Physical Education 1 unit** (including ½ Health credit)
                         **1/2 PE credit may be satisfied through sports participation
                        Fine Arts 1 unit
                        Other Electives 4 units
                        Total Units Required *Total Carnegie Units required for graduation: 23 (MLA 25+)

 Records & Transcripts: Copies are kept on file by MLA (with duplicate copies held off-site) and copies given to all parents, who will then be in possession of the official records. These include attendance, transcripts, SAT/ACT reports and standardized testing reports. All records     are held for a minimum of 7 years.

 HOPE Scholarship:  Granting of the “HOPE Scholarship” is now based on grades and the completion of sufficient “rigor courses” (AP level courses, Chemistry, Advanced Levels of Languages, etc.). Our graduates consistently graduate with 8+ “Rigor Courses”, and students and parents will be continually counseled on this issue. Every MLA graduate who attends college has received the HOPE Scholarship. Many have also qualified for the Zell Miller Scholarship. In addition, our Valedictorian and Salutatorian will automatically receive the Zell Miller Scholarship. This includes automatic admission to some State universities in GA.

 Electronic Devices and Technology

 Phones, laptops, iPads, & Tablets are not permitted, unless pre-approved with the administrators. Students have access to school computers for research and to write papers. Any other research material is available in the library or from a teacher. Appropriate use is expected.  (Please read the Technology Agreement).

MLA is a “phone free zone” and phones are locked up until students leave each day. The only exception being High School students leaving Campus for lunch. During lectures, handwritten notes are required.

Extracurricular Activities, Field Trips, Leaving Campus

 Fridays often involve leaving campus for field trips and other activities. Students ride with adult drivers, although exceptions may be made for HS drivers to drive themselves and family members when parental approval has been given. All students must have a release form on file to attend these events. Additionally, students of driving age must have a parental form on file allowing them to leave campus for lunch, drive any other student, and delineating any parental rules or restrictions. For all non-driving students, a form must be signed by a parent to allow them to ride anywhere, from campus, with another student. Only HS students may opt to leave campus for lunch. Activities fees are charged monthly for the cost to attend various activities and to cover the cost of group lunches eaten off campus.

 Fund Raising

 As a non-profit entity, MLA conducts fundraising activities for the following:

·         Cover operating expenses

·         Build a reserve fund for emergencies

·         Provide a Scholarship Fund

·         To keep tuition costs as low as permissible

 Fundraising may occasionally include the participation of students and/or families, but participation is never mandatory. However, we strongly encourage active participation by all of our MLA families so that we can continue to deliver quality educational services at a reasonable, affordable price to everyone.

Note: Families receiving scholarship/tuition assistance are expected to participate in fundraising activities

 Georgia Student Scholarship Organization (GaSSO): Without this program, we do not have scholarships!

 GaSSO is the most important fund-raising vehicle we use to support scholarships, operating expenses, keeping tuition costs low, and many of the other costs associated with operating a school.

 The Georgia Student Scholarship Organization (GaSSO) is a non-profit “Student Scholarship Organization”, established by the state of Georgia, which administers the “Qualified Educational Expense Credit Program” (QEE). This program, established by GA House Bill 1133 in 2008, provides a $100,000,000 fund to provide school choice options by directing funds to private schools in the form of scholarships for qualified students. This legislation allows individuals and corporations to redirect a portion of their Georgia state tax liability into this fund and provides a 100% tax credit when you file your taxes. There is also a federal tax deduction for this donation. This program directly impacts how many, and the size of, scholarships we can offer!

 All funding for our financial assistance to families is through this program and all families requesting scholarships must be signed up with GaSSO. We also strongly encourage all of our families to participate in the QEE program through GaSSO. The program costs nothing, provides a federal tax deduction, funds all of our financial aid (scholarships), and is instrumental in allowing MLA to keep tuition costs low.

·         For more information, please refer to Appendix A.

 Medical & Medicines

 All students must have an updated medical, and medical emergency, form on file. MLA does not have a nurse on-site, but we dispense any medication necessary with strict parental/physician approval. Medicines must be kept on-site, in their original containers, along with necessary forms. It is also the parent’s responsibility to notify MLA of any health issues, allergies, or needed medicines and promptly update us of any changes.

Mentoring

 We have several adult Mentors associated with the Center. A Mentor may be assigned to a student (with parent input and approval when the need arises) and will meet with their mentee on a regular basis to help and assist the student with any issues, concerns, or to just be a friendly voice and guiding hand. While the teachers act in this capacity on a daily basis, these Mentors are able to address things outside of the teacher’s purview.  They meet with students as schedules allow, although Friday mornings are often reserved for Mentors to come in and meet and talk with students.

 Re-enrollment

 Student re-enrollment forms are mailed or emailed, to currently enrolled families, or may be picked up at MLA by new families, by March 1st of each school year. The form outlines the procedures and timeline for enrolling your student for the following Fall Semester. These forms guarantee a spot for your student and lock in announced tuition rates. They also present any and all existing fees, charges, and discounts as well as delineate the commitment being made by the Center, and by the family.

 Safety

 The MLA facility meets all existing Fire Marshall and local safety requirements, and emergency procedures are in place for fire, storm, or intruder situations.

 ·         See Appendix B

 Scholarships and Financial Aid:

 Mountain Laurel Academy offers needs-based financial assistance to a limited number of qualifying families in an effort to help as many students as possible obtain a quality education. Our program provides a reduction in tuition for qualified students in all grade levels. This assistance is for families who are able to pay a reasonable portion of the tuition but may find it difficult to afford the entire amount*. Financial Aid is an annual reward which must be reapplied for each year. Eligibility and award amount is subject to change year to year, either increasing or decreasing, based on a family’s changing financial situation and available funds through donations to GaSSO.. A separate application and supporting documentation are required to be considered for this program. While admissions decisions are made separately from financial aid consideration, the Board of Directors. Please direct any questions about this program to the MLA staff.

 *There are no 100% scholarships and only tuition is covered. Other fees apply.

 1.      How Scholarships are funded: Scholarships (which supply our Financial Aid funding) are provided through Georgia Student Scholarship Organization (GaSSO).

 Mountain Laurel Academy partners with Georgia Student Scholarship Organization (GaSSO), a state designated Student Scholarship Organization to provide needs-based scholarships for our students. Any scholarships/financial aid awarded by MLA will come from, and be limited to, funds available from this program at the time we consider scholarship applications. We strongly encourage all our families to contribute to this program to whatever extent they are able. The program costs nothing to donors. Instead, you are simply redirecting state taxes you are already paying to a scholarship fund… in exchange for a full tax CREDIT!

All individual and corporate GA taxpayers are eligible to participate in this program.

·         Additional information in Appendix A

 2.      How to apply and donate to GaSSO: Without these donations, there are no scholarships!

 Setting up an account and donating (redirecting tax dollars) is a short and easy online process. After participating, you will be provided with a 100% tax credit (100% return of donation when you complete your taxes). The only requirement is that you are a GA taxpayer with some tax liability due the state. You will also be eligible for a federal tax deduction...at no cost.

 ·         For details, see Appendix A

,3.      Who should set up a GaSSO account: All MLA families

 Even if you are not donating to, or requesting a scholarship from GaSSO, all families need to set up an account through the GaSSO website @ https://go.georgiasso.com/applications/new?school_id=484.

  Important: GaSSO provides the vast majority of our funding outside of tuitions. The only way to access these funds is through the program. For anyone to receive the benefits this program provides, they MUST be enrolled in the system. This is true for those receiving any amount of financial aid, as well as those who receive no assistance. Our goal is to keep tuition low, or to reduce tuition costs. You must be enrolled to receive these current and future benefits.

 4.      To request Financial Aid (Apply to receive a % scholarship):

 Families requesting financial assistance will be required to do the following:

 1.      Request a scholarship through GaSSO (https://go.georgiasso.com/applications/new?school_id=484)

Note: Requesting Financial Aid does not require donating to GaSSO. However, you DO need to register with the program to submit a request.

2.      Meet Georgia Department of Education qualification criteria

3.      Submit an application and supporting financial documentation to FACTS Management, a third-party organization which processes all financial assistance requests. This ensures that financial aid is directed to those families most in need while maintaining the confidentiality of our applicant’s personal financial information.

 *This process may take up to two to three weeks to complete and should be done simultaneously with your enrollment application. Awarding of scholarships will be dependent on FACTS Mgmt. and MLA receiving all the requested documentation, having completed MLA enrollment paperwork, with deposit, and available funds at the time of application. There is no guarantee that a scholarship will be awarded. Final determination will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors of MLA and will be based on available funding, financial need, family circumstances, and date of application.

 ·         Please see Appendix A for additional information and detail about the program:

Scholarship requirements: For those receiving Financial Aid

Students receiving financial assistance will be expected to maintain the following base-line requirements:

           1. Required attendance: Scholarship students are required to attend classes. Three or more unexcused absences will result in a meeting with student and parents for a reevaluation of the student’s eligibility to continue to receive scholarship assistance. The same rules will apply to a total of 8 or more absences, whether excused or unexcused.

           2. Required minimum academic standing: Student must maintain a “B” average (80%+) in all courses. Parents are notified if grades dip below this mark so that corrective action can be taken. Grades which drop below 70% will subject the student to a reevaluation of his, or her, scholarship eligibility.                             

                         3. Independent Work: Students are required to spend a minimum number of hours   on their “Independent Work Days” completing assigned work (5.5 hrs. for MS, and 6.5 hrs. for HS). Any activities, jobs, or other recurring situations which prevent the student from completing these requirements, may lead MLA to reevaluate the student’s eligibility.

Social Opportunities Outside of MLA

There are numerous activities held off campus for students to interact with other youth in the area, and to help in community programs, and receive service hours for college. These include, but are not limited to, local Oktoberfest’s, “Trunk or Treats”, Church Youth activities, fundraising events, GA Adopt-a-Stream, community parades and festivals, various community service opportunities, and involvement with local middle and high school events.

Staff Requirements: (“Mandatory Reporter”, Discrimination Policy, Certification, Ethics, Background Checks, Reporting Violations)

 ·         See Appendix

 Transparency and Accountability

 MLA operates as a 501(c)(3), non-profit entity. We are guided by a Board of Directors consisting of Teachers, Parents, Community, and Church members. Our finances are handled by a CPA and a Bookkeeping firm and we are fully insured. Our By-Laws, financial statements, and insurance coverages are all available upon request. In all ways, we strive to operate in an open and transparent manner for the comfort and security of our families.

 Tuition and Other Costs

 Tuition may vary depending on which services are chosen. Please inquire as to specific a fee schedule for your needs.

 Note: New tax laws, as of 1/1/2018, may allow for a 529 deduction of tuition payments.

 $7600/yr Tuition. (paid monthly over 10 or 12 months) for a full academic program and discounts are available for prepayment of tuition

$50 Application Fee/family

$300 Supplies/Materials/Lab Fee each Semester

$50/month Activities Fee

AP courses may require additional lab/material fees. Senior fees are $175 to cover graduation costs.

Multiple-student discounts are available.

Tuition is due on the 1st of the month and late fees apply after the 5th. Payments are made through Bank Draft, or through online payments through PayPal (these will incur a 3% processing fee).

 Volunteers

 Volunteers are welcomed and appreciated! We particularly need drivers and chaperones for field trips and other activities. Volunteers must have a background check on file with MLA. (These can be obtained for $8 from the Sherriff’s Office in your county). Drivers will also need to submit insurance and coverage limits information to be kept on file. We value and appreciate our parent, and community volunteers as they make the MLA, and our student’s learning experience, a much richer one.

 Withdrawals

 MLA is a non-profit enterprise, which operates on a narrow budget, planned around the number of students we are contracted to serve.

 Withdrawals should be accompanied by a brief, written note, stating the reasons for withdrawing the student. Extenuating circumstances, such as a job transfer, moving out of the area, or health issues, will allow for MLA to void the contract without penalty. This will require supporting documentation.

 PLEASE NOTE: Withdrawals for any other reason, or without sufficient notice, will be subject to forfeiture of deposit, and remaining tuition payments as outlined in the contract.

 If all current fees and tuition are paid, parents will be given a transcript of grades to that point, and MLA will assist with any information which may be required by the new school for academic placement or records requirements.  Please allow a few days for everything to be put together for pickup or transfer to the new school.

 Appendix

Appendix A:

Mountain Laurel Academy Scholarship Program

Procedures

Scholarship consideration is based on any combination of financial, medical, academic, and/or or any other situational need. The determination of which families qualify for scholarships is considered on a case-by-case basis with emphasis on a family’s overall ability to support the cost of a private school education. Scholarships are awarded based on available funding at the time we consider applications. Families must reapply each year and final determination of awards is at the discretion of the Board of Directors of MLA.

1. Complete an enrollment application for MLA

2. Complete an online application for financial aid through FACTS Management. This will require a small fee and supporting financial documents and will remain completely confidential.

3. Request a scholarship from MLA though GaSSO (a five-minute online process)

4. Final determination is made by the Board of Directors, with preference given to the neediest students, and due consideration made for the earlier application dates.

5. The numbers of scholarships and the amounts of each is limited by the existing funds available in the MLA Scholarship Fund at the time scholarships are being determined.

6. The Board of MLA will consider requests at any time of the year based funding and existing need.

 Requesting a scholarship from GaSSO: This application simply makes you eligible to receive any scholarship or financial aid considerations and ALL FAMILIES should apply each year whether they require assistance or not.

1. Complete application @ https://go.georgiasso.com/applications/new?school_id=484 This application only takes a few minutes to complete. (Details about this program below).

2. Be sure to name Mountain Laurel Academy as the school your student is attending.

3. Be sure your child meets Georgia eligibility requirements.

4. Inform MLA that you have requested a scholarship and are entered into the system.

5. If you are applying for financial aid, complete the FACTS Management application (see below).

 Student eligibility requirements:

 ·         Must be a Georgia resident and be 4 years old by September 1st

·         Qualified to enroll in Pre-K, Kindergarten, or first grade - automatically eligible

·         Was enrolled in public school last year- automatically eligible

·         If never attended public school, second grade and up must attend a Georgia public school for at least six weeks

 The six-week public school attendance requirements shall be waived in the case of a student who:

·         Based on residence, would be assigned to a low performing school

·         Documented cases of physical violence or verbal abuse threatening physical harm

·         Homeschooled year prior

·         Previously eligible

Scholarship applications will be available February 1st through December 31st

Applying for financial assistance: This step is for families who are in need of financial assistance with tuition costs and will require supporting financial documentation. There is a small application fee required.

Financial aid applications are submitted online to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. FACTS is a third-party company that conducts a secure, confidential financial analysis to determine a family’s financial need. Apply online, follow the steps provided and submit all the tax documentation required by FACTS. Financial aid assistance can only be awarded after a student has been accepted and registered with MLA. The FACTS process can take several weeks, so families are encouraged to apply for aid at the same time they apply for admission. If you do not qualify for financial aid, or the award amount is insufficient for your needs, your registration fee will be fully refunded and you may withdraw your student with no penalty.

 Application process with FACTS:

1. Apply online at FACTS. One application per family.

2. Application is self-guided mand you can navigate in and out of the program as necessary. Online email and a 24/7 hotline are provided for assistance with the application.

3. After completing the application, upload w-2’s, most recent state and federal tax returns and any other documents requested. Awards can only be finalized once all requested items have been received.

4. All information is kept secure and confidential by FACTS Management.

5. The application fee can be paid by credit card at the end of the application process. (Those receiving awards will have the application fee refunded on their first invoice).

6. FACTS will forward a report to MLA outlining their recommendations based on financial need. This will not include confidential financial information from the applicant but, instead, a “qualification score”.

7. Final determination will be made by MLA’s Board of Directors and will involve any extenuating circumstances and family considerations.

8. Family will be notified of their final determination.

 Please Note: No 100% scholarships are given.

 GaSSO Program: Enrollment and donation details for those wishing to participate.

 The GaSSO program, through state legislative action, provides Georgia taxpayers with a tremendous opportunity. All parents have a fundamental right to choose the best educational option for their children and this law supports this right by empowering tax paying citizens to improve their educational options…at no cost to them.

 How it works:

 This is a long standing, proven program which benefits GA taxpayer donors, scholarship recipients, and your local community. In exchange for contributions to our partner Student Scholarship Organization, GaSSO, you will receive a 100% state income tax credit! This means that your entire donation will be credited back to you when you file your tax return. And this donation is a simple redirection of tax monies you were already liable for to the state of Georgia. Additionally, you are eligible for a federal tax deduction for the same donation. All at no cost to you!

 How to contribute and take the tax credit:

  1. Pledge: Go to https://www.georgiasso.com and sign up (a five-minute process) (This can be done from June through October)

2. GaSSO will submit your info for a match with GA Department of Revenue January 1

3. You will receive an approval letter by February/March

4. Fund your donation within 60 days of approval.

5. Receive a GA Tax Credit in January prior to tax filing

 Donation Limits:                      

                                                    Donation Amount                    GA Tax Credit

• Individuals $1,000 max $1,000

• Married/Joint $2,500 max $2,500

• S-Corp $10,000 max $10,000

• C-Corp 75% of GA Tax Liability 75% of GA Tax Liability

Appendix B:

Emergency Procedures

Review/practice monthly

Fire:

            1. Teachers will direct students to the nearest exit

            2. Exits are marked with emergency exit signs in each room.

            3. Exit routes are posted in each room.

            4. Students are to move to the farthest point of the parking lot/back yard.

            5. Teachers assess life and safety issues 1st.

            6. Call 911 if necessary.

            7. Count students, check rooms if possible.

            8. Assure students are safe until emergency services arrive.

Tornado/Weather Issues:

1.      Maintain weather alert status/updates

2.      Assess weather problems and take necessary action

3.      If time permits, consider early dismissal.

4.      Student and staff safety take priority

5.      If weather is serious, and imminent, seek safety

6.      Head to safe locations as advised

           Intruder/Threat:

1.      Announce “Threat at ___________ door!”

2.      Students will be directed to door at opposite/diagonal side of building, await instructions.

3.      Call 911/ Hit panic button if it is available

4.      Mr. Hites will address the threat

5.      Mrs. Norris will direct students/call 911

6.      If instructed, students will be led outside and as far away from the building as possible

Appendix C:

Staff Handbook

Staff Requirements:

All staff will be required to follow the guidelines set forth by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and the Georgia Department of Education regarding professional ethics, licensing certification, workplace harassment and discrimination policies, and mandatory reporter requirements. All staff will also be required to undergo state and federal background checks.

 1.      Certification

 All teaching staff must have a current, valid Teaching Certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Any non-teaching personnel, including tutoring assistants, are not required to be licensed.

 2.      Code of Ethics

 All staff must read “The Code of Ethics for Educators” on the GAPSC website (https://www.gapsc.com/rules/current/ethics/505-6-.01.pdf). MLA staff will adhere to these rules when acting on behalf of the school and in all interactions with the students, their families, and the community.

 3.      Policy on Discrimination and Harassment

Mountain Laurel Academy is an equal opportunity employer and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any type, based race, creed, color, national origin, age, or sex. All employees are expected and required to abide by this policy. No person will be adversely affected in employment with MLA as a result of bringing complaints of unlawful harassment.

 4.      Mandatory Reporter Responsibilities

 Georgia law requires all educators to be “mandatory reporters” if they suspect instances of child abuse or neglect. All MLA staff is required to take the GA Department of Education Mandatory Reporter training offered at the following website location.

https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/CTAE/Documents/Child-Abuse-Prevention-Training.pdf

5.      Background Checks

All MLA staff members are required to undergo a state and federal background check prior to employment. These can be obtained at the county sheriff’s office for a nominal charge.

6.      Reporting violations of policy

Any staff member who believes that another MLA employee has violated any of these policies may contact, or file a formal complaint with, any member of the Board of Directors for MLA. These Board members are listed in the MLA Handbook and are also in the public domain. Any such contact will be held in strict confidence and will not jeopardize the employee’s employment.

Employee Affirmation

By signing this document, you confirm that you have read all the materials noted above, regarding Mountain Laurel Academy’s policies on certification requirements, professional ethics, discrimination and harassment, and mandatory reporter responsibilities, and agree to abide by these policies. (You will also receive a copy for your records).

 NAME_______________________________________________________

 DATE________________________________________________________

Appendix D: