Founders Classical Academy
of Dallas
Parent-Student Handbook Supplement
2016-2017
Headmaster’s Welcome
Dear parents, guardians, and members of our school community,
As your new headmaster, I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Founders Classical Academy of
Dallas. Despite the challenges of our first year as a school, we were successful in laying the foundation for
future years of great growth and success. It is certainly a wonderful time to be a part of our school
community. I look forward to meeting and getting to know all of you as we share the critical common goal
of educating your child.
This coming year I hope to continue building the culture of our school so that every one of you
recognizes the important contribution you can make to the life of our community. Although we do much
of the work of educating your children during the day, we recognize you are ultimately responsible for the
raising of your children. We are so thankful that you have trusted them to us to help with this crucial part
of their maturity.
Classical education seeks to develop students into knowledgeable and virtuous citizens of a free
society. Our students receive an education that is knowledge-centered and virtue-centered. Our
content-rich curriculum in the humanities and sciences provides students with an opportunity to learn from
the greatest minds in history. Our high expectations and core virtues promote a school culture of good
character and excellence. We hope this will produce citizens of both knowledge and virtue who can
contribute and care for our society. By cultivating a love of the good, true, and beautiful, we hope our
students begin the lifelong path of learning with joy and humility.
We are excited that you are with us on this journey as we look forward to making our school
community stronger and greater each day.
Ductus Exemplo,
Matthew Stone
Headmaster, Founders Classical Academy of Dallas
1 School Administration:
Mr. Matthew Stone
Headmaster
Mrs. Ellen Thomas
Assistant Headmaster
Office Staff Contact Information:
Mrs. Linda Lingerfelt
Office Manager
Ms. Wendy Andrade
School Secretary
Office Hours:
7:00am-4:00pm Monday through Friday
School Phone Number:
469-607-6277
2 Table of Contents
Headmaster’s Welcome
Mission Statement
Program Overview
Uniform Policy
Academy Crest
Customs and Courtesies-​Ductus Exemplo
The Sentinel Code
Core Virtues
Student Discipline
Academic Program
Academic Standards and Promotion
Academic Integrity
Academic Textbooks and Supplies
Homework
Daily Grades and Progress Reports
Report cards and Grading
Grading Scale
Attendance Policy
Inclement Weather
Make-up Work Policy
Jupiter Ed
Student Drop Off and Pick Up
School Tardies
Picking Up Your Student Early
Who Can Pick Up Your Student?
Parent Contact with School Staff
Visitors on Campus
Classroom Interruptions
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Volunteers
Student Internet and Computer Use Policy
Social Media Policy
Video Viewing Policy
Meal Service
School and Classroom Events
Field Trips
FCA Extracurricular Activities and Eligibility
Lost Items at School
Appendix I-School Calendar
Acknowledgement and Agreement Form
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3 Mission Statement
Founders Classical Academy seeks to provide a well-rounded education that is distinctively classical, that
pursues knowledge, promotes virtue, and prepares students for prosperous lives in a free society. We teach
students:
· To love truth, goodness, and beauty
· To ponder and discuss our shared human condition
· To pass on the best of our Western and American heritage
· To embrace the liberal arts as necessary for free citizens of our Republic.
Program Overview
Founders Classical Academy provides the most time-tested methods of educating students, and at the same
time delivers the most cutting-edge education in America. Founders students receive a ​classical education.
The entire curriculum at Founders is based in the classical liberal arts and sciences with a strong emphasis
on civic education.
A classical education aims to recover the lost tools of learning in order to cultivate wise and virtuous men
and women who will be able to live as responsible citizens in our Republic. Our curriculum is classical—we
read, study, and master those subjects, books, and ideas that great men and women of the past have read,
studied, and mastered. Our curriculum is content-rich—we focus on ​knowledge-centered learning in the
classroom, fostering in students the sense of wonder and inquiry so necessary to complete learning. Our
curriculum is freeing or ​liberal, from the Latin ​liberalis—we focus on getting students to think critically and
rationally about things, believing, as Aristotle did, that the sign of an educated mind ​is that which can
entertain a thought and not accept it.
The curriculum is ​knowledge-rich and is built around the belief that there is a common body of knowledge
all members of our society should master in core subjects and in the fine arts.
Classical virtues​, as well as ​principles in self-government ​and ​civility​, are identified and clearly taught
in a seamless manner through course content.
Emphasis is placed on ​minds-on learning, fostering a spirit of inquiry and wonder in students.
Standardized tests do not ​drive the curriculum.
Literacy is taught through ​explicit phonics ​and ​traditional grammar ​and ​composition in the elementary
grades.
Greek and Latin ​root words are taught in the upper elementary grades. ​Latin studies ​are an integral part
of the upper school curriculum.
Math​ is taught ​conceptually​.
Science​ instruction is grounded in an ​historical context​.
Logic​, ​classical composition​, and ​rhetoric​ are emphasized in the upper school grades.
Literature and history ​instruction are rooted in ​primary sources ​and in ​great books​.
4 Instruction in the ​fine arts ​includes ​theory​, ​history​, and ​performance​.
Uniform Policy
Students at Founders Classical Academy of Dallas wear uniforms to eliminate distractions, level the playing
field, and remind ourselves of the importance of our academic work. Students should dress and groom
themselves in a manner which is traditional, modest, and not disruptive of the school’s intellectual life.
Students must be in uniform to attend classes. Students not found to be in uniform compliance will be
documented and referred to the office on the 5th violation;. For repeated minor, non-distracting uniform
issues, students may lose privileges such as recess. For major uniform violations may be sent to the office
and to call a parent or guardian to bring them acceptable attire. If acceptable attire is not brought to the
school, students will be sent home. These absences will not be excused.
K-8 Ladies-Uniform Components
· Hunter Green School Polo, long sleeve or short sleeve, with School Crest
· Navy Pleated or Flat Front Uniform Skirt or Jumper-Not shorter than 2” above the knee.
· Navy Uniform Pants
· Black shoes
· Navy or White Socks
K-2 Gentlemen-Uniform Components
· Hunter Green School Polo, long sleeve or short sleeve, with School Crest
· Navy Uniform Pants
· Navy Uniform Shorts (Optional)-(May be worn August –November, and March-June)
· White Tee Shirt-(Optional)
· Black shoes
· Navy Socks
· Black Belt
3-8 Gentlemen-Uniform Components
· Hunter Green School Polo, long sleeve or short sleeve, with School Crest
· Navy Uniform Pants
· White Tee Shirt-(Optional)
· Black shoes
· Navy Socks
· Black Belt
K-8 Ladies and Gentlemen-Optional Uniform Components
· Solid Navy or Hunter Green Cardigan Sweater with School Crest
· No hoods or jackets are allowed in the classroom during instruction
5 K-2 Ladies and Gentlemen-PE Uniform
(K-2 Students do not dress out for PE, but should have PE Shoes to change into)
· Tennis Shoes-solid black or white
3-8 Ladies and Gentlemen-PE Uniform Components
· Hunter Green Tee Shirt with School Logo
· Navy Gym Shorts
· White Gym Socks
· Non-marking Tennis Shoes-solid black or white
​Uniform and Grooming Standards
· All school shirts must be tucked in.
· Skirts shall fall no higher than + 2 inches above the knee as measured when the student is standing.
· Students may use any backpack as long as it is clean and tasteful.
· Hair must be clean, neat, and styled traditionally. Only natural colors are allowed. No unusual or radical
hairstyles.
· All girls’ and boys’ polo shirts may have the top button un-buttoned. All other buttons must be buttoned.
· Modest jewelry is allowed. An object that has a purpose other than jewelry cannot be worn as jewelry,
(e.g.chains or collars). Girls may wear no more than two necklaces at one time. Girls may wear one
earring per ear, on the earlobe, and it must not be larger than a quarter. No stretched piercings (gauge)
or holes may be visible. Boys will not be permitted to wear earrings.
· No gel nails, Next Gen, or acrylic nails are allowed
· Tattoos must be covered at all times.
· Makeup must look natural. Black nail polish and lipstick are not acceptable.
· No hats or sunglasses in class. Hats include visors and bandannas. Religious headgear is allowed.
· Chewing gum is not allowed.
· Good personal hygiene is expected at all times. This includes wearing neat, clean clothing.
Strong/offensive body odors or excessive use of perfumes or cologne are inappropriate.
Academy Crest
Our school crest artistically represents the core principles and ideas Founders professes. Placed on a gold
shield, the symbol of nobility, character, and honor, is a white stone tower. The tower is supported by two
base stones representing wonder and imagination. There are thirteen stones in the body of the tower, each
representing a different grade and core virtue, kindergarten through twelfth grade. At the top of the tower
are five stones, with three stones in the middle of the tower representing the good, the beautiful, and the
true, and the end stones representing civic-virtue and classical education. The tower sits on a field of dark
green, representing life, innocence, and hope. Behind the tower is a dark blue sky with seven stars
6 representing the world of knowledge and wisdom and the seven liberal arts— logic, grammar, and
rhetoric-the ​trivium, and astronomy, music, arithmetic, and geometry,-the ​quadrivium.
Customs and Courtesies-​Ductus Exemplo
The motto of Founders Classical Academy of Dallas is ​Ductus Exemplo, meaning ​leading by example. At the
heart of our character formation is the cultivation of personal excellence in each student. Students are
challenged by educators who themselves strive to be models of virtue, in and out of the classroom. The
faculty and staff of Founders focus on service to the students, our families, and communities.
The Sentinel Code: ​Ductus Exemplo, Lead by Example
I will ​honor those things which are ​good, true, and ​beautiful.
​I will show ​respect to others at all times.
I will ​do good things for others without being asked.
I will ​strive for excellence in all things.
I will ​fulfill my commitments and not give up or act discouraged.
I will ​think of others before thinking about myself.
Founders Classical Academy of Dallas Core Virtues
Kindergarten
Respect and Responsibility
1st Grade
Diligence and Perseverance
2nd Grade
Gratitude and Generosity
3rd Grade
Courage and Heroism
4th Grade
Loyalty and Faithfulness
5th Grade
Compassion and Forgiveness
6th Grade
Self-Denial and Self-Discipline
7th Grade
Graciousness and Courtesy
8th Grade
7 Patriotism and Service
Student Discipline
Founders Classical Academy encourages students to act according to specific standards that promote
learning, integrate and make evident good citizenship in the school culture, and align behavior with honor,
respect, service, excellence, and perseverance.
The following list, though not exhaustive, outlines some basic rules and standards for students at Founders
Classical Academy of Dallas.
1. Teachers have the authority to set their specific classroom rules and procedures within the parameters of
the Responsive Education Solutions Handbook and the Founders Classical Academy Parent-Student
Handbook. Students are expected to abide by these rules. ​Students must be engaged in the learning process
at all times and may not prohibit or interfere with the ability of teachers to teach or other students to learn​.
Students are expected to clean up their areas before leaving the classroom.
2. Students should walk quietly while in hallways on the right side of the hallway. There will be no running
or horseplay as students move on campus, including in between classes. Whether students are walking to
class, the office, restrooms, or gym the same standards apply.
3. Gym and outdoor recess areas are part of the school environment. Students may use these areas for
athletics and recreation; however; students remain responsible for their actions and must treat others with
respect and consideration while enjoying time in these areas.
4. Lunchtime is an important part of the day and is necessary to rejuvenate the body and mind. Students
should communicate calmly and quietly during lunch and respect others’ desire to eat and relax. The last
five minutes of the lunch period will be set-aside for students to clean their immediate area quietly and
return to class.
5. Social interaction is a vital part of the learning culture. Students are expected to treat each other with
civility at all times. Cruelty to others, including physical confrontation, verbal threats, bullying, and other
forms of dishonorable behavior, WILL NOT be tolerated. Indeed, the expectation of Founders Classical
Academy is that students will move beyond selfish individuality and bad behavior to become active
members of a community of learning that exhibits concern for others and pride for their school
community.
Student Code of Conduct (Found in the ResponsiveEd Parent/Student Handbook)
1. Attend all classes daily and on time
2. Prepare for each class, taking appropriate materials and assignments to class
3. Meet school standards of grooming and dress
4. Exhibit an attitude of respect and courtesy toward individuals and property, and conduct themselves in a
responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline
8 5. Refrain from making profane, insulting, threatening, or inflammatory remarks
6. Refrain from engaging in disruptive conduct or cheating
7. Obey all school and classroom rules
8. Respect the rights and privileges of students, teachers, and other staff and volunteers
9. Cooperate with and assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline
Standard Class Rules
1. Listen attentively and speak in a courteous manner.
2. Be obedient.
3. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
4. Show respect for people and property.
5. Play in a safe manner.
Demerits, Referrals and Other Disciplinary Actions
Students in grades K-5 will utilize a color chart to monitor classroom behavior. Each student will be
assigned a clip which will show their color each day. The clip can move up or down depending on the
student’s behavior. The child’s color will be sent home every day to be initialed by the parent that evening.
Each color on the chart corresponds to a specific student action:
*Purple: virtuous student
*Blue: a student making good choices consistently
*Green: ready to learn; every student starts on green
*Yellow: warning, redirections are necessary
*Orange: student should be removed from the learning environment but stay in class to keep a reflection
or other
“cooling off” assignment; a student may lose recess as a result
*Red: office referral necessary
Students in grades 6-8 will receive demerits for lower level offenses. Teachers have the ability to assign
consequences or detentions before or after school or during lunch for violations of the student code of
conduct.
A student who would like to discuss a demerit with a teacher, ask questions, or present additional
information should do so after class, preferably during a lunch period or after school., if the teacher is
available.
If a student becomes a disruption to the learning environment, even after the teacher has attempted
multiple redirections and interventions, they may be sent to the office to meet with an administrator and
potentially receive more serious consequences. Referrals are given to all students for repeated lower level
offenses, or single but weightier offenses. The following list outlines consequences associated with
referrals:
9 1st Referral - Student is removed from class and meets with an administrator. A phone call is placed to the
student’s home and a possible parent meeting may be suggested.
2nd Referral - Student is removed from class and meets with an administrator. A parent meeting occurs and
the student is sent home that day.
3rd Referral - Student is removed from class and meets with an administrator. A parent meeting occurs and
the student maybe suspended. The parent shall attend all classes with the student on the first day back
from suspension.
4th Referral - Student is removed from class and meets with an administrator,. A parent meeting occurs, a
multiday suspension maybe implemented with the possibility of expulsion.
*Note: some Level II and III offenses result in immediate suspension or expulsion. Refer to the
Responsive Education Solutions Student-Parent Handbook for lists of Level I, II, and III
discipline-offenses and consequences.
All behavior will be documented in Jupiter Ed. Parents are encouraged to monitor Jupiter, their child’s
homework folder/planner, and communicate any concerns directly to the teacher should they arise.
Academic Program
The K-8 curriculum follows the ​Core Knowledge sequence with some modifications to accommodate Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements, in addition to some classical education
enhancements. Core Knowledge (CK) is a knowledge-rich curriculum sequence that effectively places in
students the grammar of each subject area preparing them for more advanced studies in later grades. Core
Knowledge is a systematic course sequence built upon the following principles:
1) learning is built upon previous learning, 2) reading comprehension and overall academic success are
dependent upon a solid foundation of academic knowledge, 3) there is a common body of knowledge
(cultural literacy) that all citizens should learn, and 4) students must be better prepared to become more
informed and responsible citizens of our Republic.
In addition to certain modifications to accommodate TEKS, curriculum enhancements are added in the
lower school to include additional novels and the study of Latin and Greek root words in grades 3-5.
Phonics, spelling, writing, and English grammar are taught by methods and resources from The Riggs
Institute orthography. Singapore Math is used in grades K-7 to teach math concepts.
Latin begins in the sixth grade and continues into middle school. Formal instruction in logic begins in
eighth grade. While the Core Knowledge sequence ends with eighth grade, the knowledge-rich spirit of CK
continues in the middle school curriculum at Founders. One difference between lower and middle school
instruction is that dialectical methods (also called Socratic discussion) are employed for course instruction
in the middle school, thus, the process of learning rhetoric that begins in the early grades reaches advanced
stages in the middle school. Founders Classical Academy’s middle school feature a rigorous liberal arts and
sciences curriculum. Students learn content in a more disciplined fashion, with focus being given to the
importance of western civilization. In the humanities, priority is given to original sources and great books.
10 Math and science offer rigorous training in fundamentals and theories, including both logical methods of
inquiry and the scientific method. Fine arts are promoted early with Core Knowledge and continue
throughout the middle grades with both in-school and extra-curricular opportunities in art, chorus,
orchestra, and theatre.
Grades 6-8 Sample Course Sequences for a Student Beginning in 6th Grade:
Sixth
Seventh
Eighth
English: Literature/Grammar
&
Composition
English: Literature/Grammar
&
Composition
English: Literature/Grammar
&
Composition
CK History & Geography
CK History & Geography
CK History & Geography
Singapore Math
Singapore Pre-Algebra
Algebra I
CK Science
CK Science
CK Science
Latin Ia
Latin Ib
Latin 2
CK Art & Music
CK Art & Music
CK Art & Music
Physical Education
Physical Education
Physical Education
Logic I (Informal Logic)
Academic Standards
Founders Classical Academy upholds high academic standards for all students regardless of background,
socio-economic status, or ability. The curriculum is content-rich, following a classical, traditional education
model, with provisions to challenge all students to achieve academic excellence.
Promotion and graduation requirements meet or exceed state requirements.
Students experience a defined curriculum and must earn promotion and graduation.
All students are given the opportunity to acquire mastery of study skills which make learning possible and
encourage self-motivation.
Students are assessed formally and comprehensively, through class-work, regular assignments, research
projects, and periodic tests, the levels of which will be measured against district, state, and national norms.
Interventions are provided for students struggling to acquire essential knowledge and skills.
11 Academic Promotion: Literacy
Promotion Criteria for Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade​-Adapted from Atlanta Classical
Academy Handbook
Students must have a solid foundation in literacy to ensure their success in school. Without solid reading
skills, subjects such as history, the sciences, and mathematics are inaccessible to students. The ability to
read, particularly in the primary grades, Kindergarten, First, and Second, will be a requirement for
promotion. Students in primary grades will follow the method of reading competency set forth in the Riggs
Phonics program. Since students will advance in literacy over the course of the year and will be given
explicit phonics instruction, a student's inability to read well at the outset should not be a cause for
concern.
Academic Promotion: Grading
Promotion Criteria for Kindergarten through Sixth Grade-Adapted from Atlanta Classical
Academy Handbook
In addition to competency in literacy, students in Kindergarten through Sixth Grade are expected to attain
mastery in core subjects, (English, Spelling, Grammar, Composition, History, Mathematics, and Science),
demonstrated by at least a C average. Competence is attained by knowing the material and completing all
assignments. Completion of assignments demonstrates the ability of students in various subjects as well as
the mastery of study skills necessary for success in later grades. Every effort will be put forth to ensure the
success of every student, regardless of academic facility. Students whose grades or skills fall below the
requirements for their grade will be retained.
Promotion Criteria for Seventh –Eighth Grade Students
It is the goal of Founders Classical Academy that parents, teachers, and students work together throughout
the year to ensure that the personal excellence of each student is being cultivated. A student must maintain
a 1.7 GPA (70%) average in core courses (English, History, Math, Latin, and Science) to pass to the next
grade level. If a student fails more than one core class for the year, they will automatically be retained in the
current grade level.
Academic Integrity
Students are responsible for academic behaviors and are expected to produce their own work at all times.
Students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty shall be subject to grade penalties on assignments,
papers, or tests ​and disciplinary penalties (copying and plagiarism are Level II offenses in the Responsive
Education Solutions Code of Conduct).
12 Academic dishonesty includes cheating or copying the work of another student, unauthorized communication
between students during an examination, and plagiarism.
Plagiarism is defined as using someone else’s work and presenting it as one’s own. Students must give credit
when using the words or ideas of another. Plagiarism can include copying one sentence, one page, or an
entire paper without properly citing the source. Merely rephrasing someone else’s words is a form of
plagiarism.
The determination that a student has been academically dishonest shall be based on the judgment of the
classroom teacher and school administrator, taking into consideration written materials, observation, or
information from students. For a first offense, a student will initially receive a zero on the assignment,
assessment, or paper, and will be assigned to serve two detentions at the minimum. If the offense involves
a major assignment, paper, or test, the student will redo the work or take an alternate assessment. Points
will also be deducted in the amount of one-third the value of the final assignment, paper, or assessment
grade. Smaller daily assignments and small quizzes will not be made up.
A second offense would result in a suspension and a grade of zero with no possibility for makeup. A third
offense may result in expulsion. All instances of copying, cheating, or plagiarism will be noted and placed
in a student’s file. Members of National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society will also be
subject to a review by the society honor review board.
Academic Textbooks and Supplies
Founders Classical Academy will provide the best learning resources for its students. Books and other
resources loaned or given to students are to be treated appropriately. Students are responsible for these
materials. If resources given to a student are lost, the student must pay for any necessary replacement. If
loaned resources are lost or damaged, the student must also pay for its replacement.
Homework
The majority of class time should be spent in instruction and dialogue. Homework is reserved mainly for
reading and meaningful independent activities that provide practice for content learned in class,
preparation for upcoming lessons and assessments, or work on long-term assignments such as essays,
reports, and presentations. Students at Founders Classical Academy will be assigned “targeted” homework,
(as opposed to “busy work”), on a regular basis. It is an integral part of the school program and aids
students in advancing their studies. We ask parents to help communicate to students the importance of
establishing silent and distraction-free environments for completing all homework.
Students are expected to complete their assigned homework and parents are expected to monitor their
children’s homework activity. If a student does not complete homework as assigned, he or she may receive
a demerit or detention and lose credit for the assignment. Most importantly, the learning process will have
been hindered. Parents will be required to meet with the teacher and an administrator if a student is
consistently failing to complete assigned homework.
13 Homework Length​: There is a general rule of thumb that is connected both to research and traditional
practice. The rule is approximately 10 minutes of homework per grade level, plus some additional reading.
In kindergarten, this equates to 10 minutes of homework plus some reading time (parents are the ones
typically reading to children at this age, especially during the first part of the year). In eighth grade, this
means about 1 1/2 hours of homework a night. One consideration with homework duration, especially at
the beginning of the year, pertains to the students themselves. Some students work faster than others.
Students will adjust as the semesters go on. Once they learn teachers’ expectations and gain more
experience in reading, writing, and grammar, they will complete homework at faster rates.
Daily Grades and Progress Reports
Parents of students in the lower school can view student work via student folders/notebooks. Beginning in
second grade, parents can also view grades online through Jupiter. Jupiter username and passwords will be
sent home with students and/or shared by teachers through e-mail during the first couple of weeks of
school.
Progress Reports will be sent home mid-way through each marking period for all students. Parents,
however, are expected to regularly monitor student planners, notebooks, and grades. Generally speaking,
Progress Report grades should not come as a surprise to parents.
Report Cards and Grading Policy
A student may be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency in the
subject matter of the course or grade level. To earn credit or promotion, a student must demonstrate
mastery on grade level standards and meet school requirements for attendance. In addition, students at
certain grade levels will be required to pass state‐mandated tests as further requirements for promotion.
Report Cards are issued every nine weeks. They will, however, be held for students who have unpaid late
pick-up fees, late after-school childcare fees, and any other unpaid fees. Report cards that have been held
can be picked-up in the school office after the unpaid fee is paid.
Grading Scale
In kindergarten and first grade, the following grades are used on report cards: E = Excels, N = Needs
Improvement, S = Satisfactory, U = Unsatisfactory, NA = Not Yet Applicable. In second grade through
the middle school, numerical grades are reported.
One of the main purposes of grading is to determine levels of student academic mastery. Grades will be
assigned in all classroom subjects. The grading scale below is used for all grades except kindergarten and
first grade. Incompletes will only be given under special circumstances as determined by a classroom
teacher in coordination with the headmaster.
14 Grading Scale
Regular
Weighting
Pre-AP/
Honors
AP
A
94-100%
4.0
4.5
5.0
A-
90-93%
3.7
4.2
4.7
B+
87-89%
3.3
3.8
4.3
B
84-86%
3.0
3.5
4.0
B-
80-83%
2.7
3.2
3.7
C+
77-79%
2.3
2.8
3.3
C
74-76%
2.0
2.5
3.0
C-
70-73%
1.7
2.2
2.7
F
0-69%
0.0
0.0
0.0
Attendance Policy
Our mission at Founders is to provide an exceptional classical education and to encourage the virtues of
character necessary for human flourishing. This requires a commitment, over the course of many years, to
a specific course of study. A chief element of that commitment is regular and punctual attendance.
Absences from class may result in a serious disruption of a student’s mastery of the instructional content;
therefore, the student and parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences.
For Founders Classical Academy of Dallas’ policy on compulsory attendance and attendance for credit,
please consult the Responsive Education Solutions Parent/Student Handbook.
Tardies
Tardiness not only delays one’s own learning but interferes with the learning of one’s classmates.
Students who arrive after attendance is taken will be deemed absent. In order to excuse the
absence, parents must come to the front office and explain the emergency that caused the delay.
15 Students will be disciplined if tardies become habitual.
Please ensure that your child or children are dropped off at school on time.
Inclement Weather
When snow, ice, or any inclement weather threatens a school closing, tune into local news to find out if
Founders Classical Academy will be closed. We follow the Dallas ISD when making our decision. If DISD
is closed for inclement weather, Founders will follow suit. If DISD has a delayed opening, Founders has a
delayed opening. The headmaster will inform families via email, Facebook, or remind.com when school is
either delayed or closed. Please stay informed of weather conditions and do not bring your child to school
unnecessarily. If the school is closed staff members will not be on campus.
Make-Up Work
It is the responsibility of students to make up missed classwork and homework after any absences, planned
or unplanned due to illness, in a timely manner. A student, or parent in the case of young children, may
contact the teacher, check for assignments online, or contact a classmate. DO NOT contact the school
office.
Missed work due to an absence must be made up within the same number of days missed, not to exceed 5
days. For example, if a student is absent one day, he or she has one school day in which to make up the
work; a two-day absence would mean two school days in which to make up the work, etc.
A student that is absent on a day when a major assignment (essay, lab report, etc.) or exam is due MAY
NOT extend the due date of the assignment. The student should expect to submit the work and/or
make-up the exam on the day of his or her return. Absences during the preparation time of a major
assignment may not extend the due date. Assignments taken home before or during an absence are due the
day the student returns to class,—this includes assignments given to a student to complete while on a trip.
Grade penalties will affect assignments turned in late.
Note: make up work policies refer to ​excused absences. An ​excused absence is defined as an illness, (verified
with a parent or doctor’s note), field trip, family vacation, or other absences as described in the RES
handbook.
Jupiter Ed
FCA Dallas uses Jupiter Ed (www.login.jupitered.com) to post grades, assignments, behavior reports, and
serve as a means of communication to students and families. Parents can sign up to receive email and/or
16 text alerts to stay informed of their child’s academic progress. Log-in information will be provided to
parents the first week of school. For additional help and support, please contact the school office.
Student Drop Off and Pick Up
The doors of the main office building are not open to students until 7:15 a.m. Faculty and staff are not on
duty to supervise lower school students until then. We respectfully ask that after the third day of school
you utilize our drop-off services and not park and walk your child to class. An employee will be at the
drop-off site to help get your child out of the car and into the building (for younger students). Other staff
members will be in the hallways making sure students get to their classes. School doors are locked at 8:00
a.m. for security purposes. School begins promptly at 8am.
School pick-up begins at 3:00 p.m. for grades K-1 and 3:30 p.m. for grades 2-8. Parents are strongly
discouraged from picking up their students during the last 30 minutes of school. Learning is still taking
place and homework assignments are often being discussed and written down. All students must be picked
up no later than 15 minutes after school. If you are late for pickup, your child may be unable to participate
in after school tutoring, clubs, athletics, etc. Habitually tardiness to pickup will result in a parent conference
with a school administrator.
School Tardies
Students are expected to be with their classes by 7:50 before the Pledge is recited and announcements are
made. Students arriving in class after 8:00 a.m. are considered tardy. All tardies are unexcused, except for
instances when children have written doctors’ notes. Tardy students need to go directly ​to the school office
to sign-in and receive a tardy slip before going to class. DO NOT drop your child off at the portables for
any reason. If the weather is inclement (e.g. raining) when you wake up, please plan to leave 5 or 10
minutes early to avoid being late. Five tardies will count as an unexcused absence and result in a student
detention. Students could be considered truant for excessive tardies and might be asked to make up the lost
instruction time to stay on track for promotion. Excessive tardies, which disrupt student learning, will
result in a parent-teacher conference and possible dismissal from Founders Classical Academy.
Picking Up Your Student Early
In order for a student to leave during normal school hours, a parent or an adult with written parental
authorization must sign the child out in the school office. A staff member will locate the student and take
him or her to the waiting adult in the school office. No child will be released to any adult at the classroom
door. When possible, please refrain from picking up your child before release time. Again, we want to
utilize each possible teaching moment. We ask that you schedule doctor and dentist appointments before
or after school or on a scheduled day off. In those cases when early pick-up is unavoidable, please email
your teachers with the time you would like your child sent to the office so he or she will be ready for your
arrival. You may also call the office in advance of an early pick-up so your child can be retrieved before
your arrival. If your student has a planned absence from school, please make arrangements in advance with
17 the student’s teachers and administration. All make-up work is to be completed by the date the student
returns to school.
Who Can Pick Up Your Student?
Only persons whose names are on the Emergency Contact or Student Release forms on file with the office
can pick up a student. Special arrangements can be made by a parent or guardian to allow others to pick up
a student by (1) sending a note to the student’s teacher, or (2) by calling the school office before 2:30 p.m.
Parent Grievances
Should a parent have a grievance concerning a particular class or the administration of the school, it should
be resolved using the following protocols. Issues that arise in a particular classroom should always be
addressed to the teacher first since the teacher will always have more direct knowledge of the student and
the situation than anyone else. For further clarification regarding complaints, please see the RES
Parent-Student Handbook pgs. 54-57.
The Teacher: Parents should always schedule a meeting with the teacher outlining the nature of the meeting
in ad- vance. Depending on the seriousness of the issue, a school administrator may be present. Under no
circumstances is it acceptable for a parent to confront a teacher about an issue with students present,
including his or her own.
The Assistant Headmaster: If the grievance cannot be resolved with the teacher and the matter regards
discipline, the parent should schedule a meeting with the Assistant Headmaster.
The Headmaster: If the grievance cannot be resolved with the teacher and the matter regards academics, the
parent should schedule a meeting with the Headmaster.
The Regional Director: If the grievance cannot be resolved after meeting with school administration, then a
parent should submit the grievance to the RES Regional Director.
Visitors on Campus
Please consult page 15 of the Responsive Education Solutions Parent/Student Handbook for the District
policy on visitors on campus.
You may not go to your child’s classroom, the lunchroom, the gym, or any other place on campus without
stopping at reception, signing in, and getting permission. Office staff, or school administrators will be glad
to assist you. Every classroom interruption sets back learning time. Teachers are distracted and some
students are unable to refocus on their lesson once interrupted. This procedure is in place to ensure your
18 child receives the most academic time available without distraction, as well as to ensure his or her safety, by
knowing who is on campus at all times.
This procedure also applies to student drop-off and pick-up. When teachers arrive in the morning they
have certain preparations that must be completed before receiving students. After school teachers have
lesson plans to wrap up, tutoring to conduct, papers to grade, calls to return, etc. and still leave the school
early enough to spend time with their families in the evening. All of our teachers welcome parent/teacher
conferences as long as they are scheduled in advance and on their calendars. To schedule meetings use the
protocols described earlier in this document
(see “Parent Communication to Administration, Faculty, and Staff”).
Classroom Interruptions
It is extremely important that parents do not interrupt classes during the school day by going directly to the
classroom and drawing the attention of the teacher away from his or her responsibilities. This applies even
to questions that may seem to be minor. An e-mail or note should provide parents with a means of quick
communication.
In an effort to promote our school’s mission and foster good habits and student responsibility, we strongly
discourage classroom interruptions. We understand, however, that items are sometimes left behind. If
lunch, homework, or other school materials are not brought with the student at the time of arrival, the
student may call home before 8:00 a.m. or during a passing period. If drop-off is agreed upon by the
student and the parent, the parent may visit the school office to drop off the item. The student may leave
the classroom only at teacher’s discretion to come to the office to retrieve the items. Otherwise, students
will be expected to retrieve their materials in between classes.
Volunteers
Founders Classical Academy welcomes parent and grandparent volunteers; in fact, they are vital to making
our school the best it can be. Every minute volunteers provide is appreciated. As with anything, however,
there must be guidelines. We ask our volunteers to fill out an online background check found at
www.dallasfounders.com. Follow the prompts: Campuses >Dallas > Volunteers, and then complete the
application.
Volunteers are asked not to interrupt a classroom for any reason other than an emergency. Classroom
disruptions (no matter how quiet you are) detract from the education process.
Volunteers may occasionally overhear confidential school or student information. Failure to keep
confidences may result in one’s inability to continue as a volunteer.
19 PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) exists to support the education of children at Founders Classical
Academy by fostering positive relationships among school parents, faculty, and staff, and by sponsoring
assistance to FCA faculty. Any parent or legal guardian of a student at the school, and any administrator or
teacher, may become a volunteer-member. Please refer to FCA PTO By-laws for specific information
about member obligations, officers, elections, and committees. PTSA holds regular meetings, including a
welcome-informational meeting at the beginning of the school year.
Telecommunication and Electronic Devices
Students are prohibited from using telecommunications devices, including cell phones or other electronic
devices (unless otherwise issued by the school for the purpose of instruction), on school campus during
school hours, and devices are to remain off and out of sight (in backpacks or lockers) during the school
day. These devices will be confiscated and a $5 fee will be charged in order for the device to be returned to
the parent/guardian. For district-wide policies regarding telecommunications or electronic devices, please
see pages 46-47 of the Responsive Education Solutions Parent-Student Handbook.
Student Internet and Computer Use Policy
Please consult the Responsive Education Solutions Parent/Student Handbook (pgs. 57-60) for our policy
on the use of school internet and computers.
Video Viewing Policy
Videos may be used in class from time to time to support student learning. Classroom videos must meet
specific curricular objectives and will not have profane language or sensual content.
Teachers must receive prior approval from the headmaster or assistant headmaster order to show a video.
Teachers are responsible for previewing videos to ensure they are appropriate. In grades K-3, only G rated
videos may be shown. In grades 4-8, G and PG videos may be shown; if a PG-13 video is approved for
showing, a parental permission slip must be sent home with students. In grades 9-12 G, PG, and PG-13
videos can be shown. If a clip from an R-rated video is approved for showing (e.g. from the Civil War film
“Glory”), a parental permission slip must be sent home with students.
Meal Service
The school offers breakfast and lunch. Free and reduced lunch applications can be obtained and turned
into the main office.
School and Classroom Events
A birthday is special and in order to help celebrate it you may send cupcakes or cookies for your student’s
class. You must notify your child’s teacher a week prior to the birthday celebration. For those with summer
birthdays, please check with your teacher for a designated day to celebrate. No invitations to parties may be
20 given out in a class unless all students are invited, or all girls or all boys are invited. Treats should be sent in
single sized portions that do not require the teacher to divide and serve. For example, a cake requires
cutting and serving not to mention a knife to cut, plates and forks to serve. Cupcakes and a napkin are the
better choice. If you serve a large birthday cookie, please cut it before sending it to class. Be sure to provide
napkins and any other utensils that may be required. The time for birthday celebrations is lunch period.
Field Trips
Students will have the opportunity to participate in field trips during the school year. Volunteer parents will
be needed to help chaperone. Siblings are not permitted on field trips so volunteers must make childcare
arrangements before the trip. All volunteers will need to have background checks on file in the school
office prior to chaperoning students (Note: background checks can take 2-3 weeks before completion).
Students must have signed permission slips to attend field trips. Portable audio devices, head/earphones,
hand-held video games, etc., are not allowed to, from, or during a field trip. Parents chaperoning students
are responsible for the behavior of students in their care. No inappropriate conversations, words, or
behavior should be allowed. If a child’s behavior becomes an issue, it should be brought to the attention of
a school employee immediately.
Chaperones are expected to help teachers maintain respectable student behavior for the duration of the
field trip. Chaperones should always follow the rules set forth by the teachers and/or school. If students
are asked to bring a sack lunch, chaperones should bring a sack lunch as well. Chaperones should not make
any extra stops for refreshments not scheduled by the teacher.
Chaperones responsible for looking after students should never leave them unattended. If an emergency
occurs, please find another adult that can take responsibility for your students while you handle the
emergency. If students have been instructed by the teacher to be at a certain place at a certain time, it is the
responsibility of the chaperone to see that they are there. Chaperones must participate in all the activities of
their group. For the safety of the students, if you are not willing or physically able to keep up with the
students assigned to you, please do not volunteer. Students must wear FCA school uniforms on field trips
unless otherwise directed by teachers and/or administration.
Extracurricular Activities
Participation in school‐sponsored activities is an excellent way for students to build virtue, develop talents,
and build strong friendships with other students. These activities also help build an important ​espirit de corp
on campus. All students are encouraged to participate in student clubs, performance groups and/or team
sports; however, participation in these activities is a privilege, not a right.
The following extracurricular activities will be added to Founders Classical Academy as the school grows:
Basketball, Baseball, Cheerleading, Chess, Chorus, Cross County, Debate, Geography Bee, History Day
Competition, Journalism, Latin Club, Math Olympiad, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor
Society, Oratorical Festival, Orchestra, Photography, Science Club, Science Fair, Soccer, Softball, Spelling
21 Bee, Student Council, Theatre, Track & Field, Volleyball, and Yearbook Please refer to the Responsive
Education Parent/Student Handbook (pgs. 3-4) for the policy regarding eligibility for sports and
extracurricular activities.
Lost Items
Please make sure your child’s first and last name are on items he or she wears or brings to school, including
lunchboxes and containers inside the lunchboxes. This will help us identify the items when they are
misplaced. The lost and found will be located in our main office. Any leftover items will be donated on a
two week basis.
2016-2017 School Calendar
County District Campus # 221801049
REPORTING PERIODS First Period 08/22/16 – 10/21/16
Second Period 10/24/16 – 1/13/17
Third Period 1/17/17 – 03/24/17
Fourth Period 03/27/17 – 06/02/17
DAYS 43
43
43
47
177 Total School Days
HOLIDAYS
Labor Day September 05, 2016
Columbus Day October 14, 2016
Thanksgiving Break November 21-25, 2016
Christmas Break December 23, 2016 - January 06, 2017
Martin Luther King Day January 16, 2017
Washington’s Birthday/Student Holiday February 20, 2017
Spring Break March 13-17, 2017
Bad Weather Day April 14, 2017
Memorial Day May 29, 2017
Bad Weather Day June 02, 2017
BAD WEATHER MAKE-UP DAYS
April 14, 2017
June 2, 2017
Early Release Days
1. October 13, 2016
2. November 11, 2016
3. December 22, 2016
4. February 17, 2017
5. March 10, 2017
STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS
October 14, 2016
February 20, 2017
22 June 2, 2017
TEACHER WORK DAYS
August 15-19, 2016
June 5-9, 2017 June 5-8, 2017
Paraprofessionals​:
August 17-19, 2016
Founders Classical Academy
2016-17 Campus Handbook
Acknowledgement Form
The Founders Classical Academy handbook outlines the policies and procedures put into place to promote
an academic, safe, and orderly school environment. Parental and guardian support in cooperation with
school faculty and staff will help provide the best possible learning environment for students.
It is important for all students to be aware of the expectations the school has for them and that each parent
encourages his or her student to follow the academic and behavioral standards outlined in the campus
handbook.
Your signature is requested to acknowledge receipt of the campus handbook and your commitment to
abide by the provisions contained herein.
MY SIGNATURE INDICATES I HAVE RECEIVED AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE POLICIES
OUTLINED IN THE FOUNDERS CLASSICAL ACADEMY HANDBOOK.
(Only one copy needed per family)
El manual de la Academia Founders Classical Academy de Dallas describe las tacticas y procedimientos puestos en práctica
para promover un entorno escolar académico, seguro y en orden. Apoyo de los padres y tutores en colaboración con la facultad
de la escuela y el personal ayudará a proporcionar el mejor ambiente de aprendizaje para los estudiantes.
_______________________________________
Student (s) Name
_______________________________________
Student (s) Signature
_______________________________________
23 Parent Signature
________________________________________
Date
Please turn this page into the school office.
24