Habit of Excellence
Responsibility
School Wide Learning Targets
I can demonstrate responsibility for myself, my actions, and my crew.
I can show initiative and ownership of my learning.
Discuss and draw the responsibilities you and your family members have
at home.
My Responsibilities at home
A family members
Responsibilities at home
Picture:
Picture:
Write a sentence about your picture
Write a sentence about your picture
Read through the Family Handbook and discuss and list the different
responsibilities you and your family members have at school and work.
My Responsibilities at school
(Use the Family Handbook to Help!)
A family members
Responsibilities at school or work
Picture:
Picture:
Write a sentence about your picture
Write a sentence about your picture
Why is it important to show responsibility?
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We want to catch you….
modeling Monarch Academy’s
Habits of Excellence.
But….we need your help! We invite you
to send in pictures and a description of
your child or whole family modeling one
of our Habits.
You are welcome to be creative in your display
or you can use our template attached. We do ask
that your submission is no larger than an 8 1/2 x 11
piece of paper, so it can be displayed on our wall
of excellence!
Some Guiding Questions to Support your Description:
Which habit of excellence are you demonstrating?
What did you accomplish?
How did you get started?
What did you overcome?
What was your proud moment?
Who did you work with?
We can’t wait to discover what kind of
Excellence takes place in the Monarch
Community!
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FAMILY HANDBOOK for 2015-2015
MISSION
The mission of the Monarch Academy Public Charter Schools is to prepare students for citizenship by
developing critical thinking skills, creative problem solving, self discipline, and a commitment to service in order
to thrive in the community in which they live.
BEHAVIOR PHILSOPHY
Monarch Academy’s culture is the primary force shaping student behavior. Our culture values mutual respect;
ownership of one’s behavior; and reflection as a path to growth. We are committed to providing consistent
expectations supported by explicit modeling and compassionate, creative feedback.
CELL PHONE/TEXT MESSAGING USE
Students may not use cell phones at school or on the bus unless they have “special” permission from a staff
member.
1st infraction – phone confiscated and returned to student at the end of the day
2nd infraction – phone confiscated and parent must pick up at school
3rd infraction – ADMIN/Parent discussion in regards to consequences to include loss of phone privileges at
school
In this digital age, we are noticing more and more of our students with Smart Phones and tablets. As you
know, having unlimited and unmonitored access to the internet exposes our children to the many dangers
that are out there including cyberbullying, pornography, and new/unfamiliar "friends" on social sites.
At school, students often talk about their online activities. Although we do not allow them to use their phones
during the school day or on the school bus, we hear about the websites they go to, the friends they are making,
the photos they are posting, and sometimes the drama that occurs as a result of students sharing. As a
responsible parent, we encourage you to monitor what your child is doing online. You are not invading their
privacy by looking at their history or accounts. Growth is not restricted by limiting access to the internet.
The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged phones.
IPODS and ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Due to our long bus rides, we do allow students to use Ipods (with headphones) and electronic games
(headphones or no sound) on the school buses (We do NOT allow students to use phones for
texting/calling nor for taking photos/videos on the bus) The expectation is the each student will use their
own devices (no sharing) and that the items will not cause a disruption on the bus. Again … the school is not
responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.
SNACKS
Families are asked to pack non-messy healthy snacks (ex.: apples, crackers and cheese, granola bars and
pretzels) along with a water container your child can easily access in the classroom. Due to many food
allergies, children will not be allowed to share snacks.
Prohibited items include:

Candy or chocolate

High sugary snacks – like cupcakes, tasty-cakes, doughnuts

Snacks containing nuts
If you wish to celebrate your child's birthday or another special event at school, consider sharing a favorite
story, dance, song or game with the class; bringing in non-food treats like festive pencils, folders, or school
supply type items; or purchasing a book dedicated to your child and donate it to the school or class library.
If you choose to bring a snack, non-food treats or spend time sharing with the class for a birthday/special event
it must adhere to the approve policy and be pre-approved by the classroom teacher – email is the best way to
communicate with the teacher.
TOYS and TRADING CARDS
This is a reminder that toys (to include footballs, basketballs etc) and trading cards (like Pokemon) are not
allowed at school or on the bus. As you can imagine -- things happen to these types of items such as being
lost, stolen or damaged. We do not allow students to "trade" or “sell” cards at school or on the bus.
We ask that you check your child's bookbag, pockets etc to ensure that these are left at home to enjoy.
UNIFORM PROTOCOL
Dress Code
Research indicates that schools using uniforms have a stronger school culture and students perform better.
We encourage our students to dress for success. We enforce the dress code guidelines to help keep an
orderly school environment focused on learning. Students who come to school with clothing that violates
school policy are asked to change into clean clothing that we keep at the school or to call a parent for a change
of clothing. The dress code is described in detail below.
On a regular school day, all students are required to wear the basic uniform, which includes:
Pants: Khaki colored through brown tone pants, short, skirt, or skorts (no denim or navy blue). Pants must be
a uniform style (no Cargo pants or “skinny” pants)
Dresses: One piece dresses or jumpers in either khaki or navy blue. Leggings in white, beige, navy, black or
brown may be worn underneath.
Shirts: Polo shirt (short and long sleeve) navy blue (preferred), white or light blue (no designs other than
Monarch Academy logo will be allowed)
Long sleeve turtle neck or crew neck shirts in navy blue (preferred), white, or light blue
Navy blue (preferred), white or light blue oxford shirts
Wingspan navy blue t-shirt
Ties are optional
Footwear: Socks in colors of white, beige, navy, black or brown
Tights in colors of white, beige, navy, black or brown
Close toed shoes – any color or style but must fit the following description:
 Canvas, leather, or synthetic leather uppers
 Soft-soled rubber bottoms
 Lace up, closed by Velcro, or elastic pulls
 Boots may be worn but must be covered by the pant leg – (do not tuck pants inside boots)
Shoe MAY NOT light up or have wheels. Shoes may be low-tops or high-tops … but not higher than
the ankle.
In addition to our basic uniform, the following may be worn inside:
Sweaters: With or without a hood, navy blue (no designs other than Monarch Academy designs will be
allowed)
Sweatshirts: With or without a hood, navy blue (no designs other than Monarch Academy designs will be
allowed)
Layers: In the colder months, student may layer shirt items but all items must be either navy blue (preferred),
white, or light blue (no designs other than Monarch Academy designs will be allowed)
The garments below are NOT considered part of our school uniform, and are not to be worn in the
classroom without permission:
Logo sweatshirts
Sweatpants, jeans or leggings worn to school as part of the uniform
T-shirts (except the Wingspan t-shirt)
Cargo pants with side pockets
Sweat pants
Skinny jeans
Flip flops, open toed sandals, high heel shoes or any shoe that lights up or has wheels
During winter months, snow boots may be worn to school but the uniform pant must be worn overtop – do not
tuck pants inside
We expect students to attend school wearing clothing that is clean, neat, and appropriate to a serious learning
environment. Shorts, skirts, and skirt slits should not be more than 2 inches above the knee. Additionally,
students must remove sunglasses, excessive jewelry, coats, hats, caps, knit hats, bandannas and outdoor
headgear (such as wool headbands) before entering the school building. Headgear maybe confiscated if worn
repeatedly in the building and held in the office for a parent to pick up. We believe strongly that students, just
like adults, need a balance of both physical and mental activity, and to spend time in outside environments.
Students will spend time in outdoor activities throughout the year, unless it is raining or there are extreme
temperatures. Please provide your child with climate appropriate apparel and sunscreen as needed. Snow
pants, boots, gloves, hats, and scarves may be kept at school during the winter months.
"Frequently Asked Questions" about uniforms:
Are students allowed to wear boots? (Ugg, Snow, etc.) Yes however the pant leg must be wide enough to
cover the boot. Pants may not be tucked into boots. Skinny jean-type pants are NOT allowed.
What can my child wear beyond the basic uniform to stay warm?The only extra garments we will allow
during the school day is a navy blue sweatshirt (with or without a hood and/or zipper) or a navy blue
sweater/vest. The garment may have the Monarch logo or be completely plain -- no other logos allowed.
During the winter -- children can wear a winter coat to school but it must be removed and hung up for the
day. When we go on field work (especially in the fall and spring) students must wear the navy blue sweatshirt
or sweater ... if they choose they can put a winter coat on top. No other colored sweatshirts/sweaters may
be worn on field work.
We strongly ask that you do not send your child to school in a non-approved sweatshirt or sweater as it causes
a problem if your child gets cold and has nothing to put on. We are going to strongly enforce this norm and
your child will have to remove any non-approved sweatshirts, sweaters or non-approved jackets.
Are girls allowed to wear shorts? Yes -- both boys and girls can wear modest shorts in the color of Khaki -modest means to the knee or very close to the knee
What defines a "skinny jean'-type pant? All pants must have wide enough legs so that a boot would fit
inside (even if the child is not wearing a boot). Skinny jean-type pants will not be allowed at Monarch.
Are children allowed to wear "cargo" pants (with large outside pockets)? No -- cargo pants are not
allowed.
Are girls allowed to wear boots with a skirt, shorts or a skort?
Students are not allowed to wear boots with a skirt, shorts or skort… Per the policy … boots may only be worn
with pants that cover the boots.
WATER FOUNTAIN AND WATER BOTTLES
The Monarch Academy is dedicated to using the most up-to-date brain-based strategies at our school. In
order for children to learn at an “optimal” level it is critical to be well-hydrated. For this reason children must
have a reusable water bottle in school each day to be kept at his/her assigned location. The water bottle
must be labeled with your child’s name. If a child needs to refill his/her water bottle throughout the day,
he/she may visit the water fountain for this
task. Children will not be allowed to regularly visit the water fountain “to just get a drink”. The use of this daily
water bottle will keep children from losing valuable instructional time in the classroom and provide an
immediate drink when children are thirsty. The teacher will use his/her discretion regarding the transport of
water bottles between home and school. It is each child’s responsibility to manage his/her water bottle to,
from, and during school.