[PDF] AIM Academy 1200 River Road Conshohocken, PA AIM1 (2461) Community Handbook - Free Download PDF (2024)

AIMAcademy 1200RiverRoad Conshohocken,PA19428 www.aimpa.org 215­483­AIM1(2461)

CommunityHandbook 2015­2016

IssuedAugust,2015

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TABLEOFCONTENTS HistoryofAIMAcademy.………………………………………………………….

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Mission&Philosophy………………………………………………………………

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CommunityServiceatAIM……………………………………………….………..

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CollegeCounseling…………………………………………………………………

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TutoringCenter……………………………………………………………..………

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AthleticProgram……………………………………………………………………

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SocialEvents……………………………………………………….……………….

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Tuition&Fees………………………………………………………………………

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SchoolProcedures……………………………………………………………..……

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SchoolHours…………………………………………………………..……

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Attendance……………………………………………………………..……

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Lateness…………………………………………………………….……….

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Lockers……………………………………………………………………...

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Arrival&DismissalProcedures…………………………………………….………

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SchoolClosing/DelayInformation………………………………………….……….

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Blackboard…………………………………………………………………...

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Communications…………………………………………………….……………….

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FamilyVacationsDuringtheSchoolYear…………………………………………....

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After­SchoolCare…………………………………………………………………....

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After­SchoolClubsandActivities……………………………………………………

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LunchandSnack………………………………………………………..…………….

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DressCode……………………………………………………………………………

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Grading&Homework………………………………………………………………..

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InternetandComputerUse……………………………………………..…………….

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AIMAUPTermsandConditions………………………………….………...

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TechnologyUseandContract……………………………………………....

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Behavior……………………………………………………………………………....

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StudentCodeofConduct……………………………………………………..

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Faculty&StaffCodeofConduct…………………………………………….

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ParentsWorkingwithSchools/SchoolsWorkingwithParents………………

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StudenttoStudentInteractions……………………………………………….

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PublicDisplaysofAffection………………………………………………....

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Bullying……………………………………………………………………….

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CyberBullying……………………………………………………………….

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AIMAcademyPolicyonDrugs&Alcohol………………………………………...

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AbusePrevention………………………………………………………………….....

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ProactiveHealthIntervention………………………………………………………..

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DisciplinaryConsequencesofUseandAbuse……………………………………….

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Suspension…………………………………………………………………………..

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PeriodofSuspension………………………………………………….......................

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ReportingSuspensionsandChangeofStatustoColleges…………………………..

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DisciplinaryAction………………………………………………………………....

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ChildAbusePrevention&Intervention……………………………………………..

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Off­CampusContact…………………………………………………………………

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SexualHarassmentPolicy……………………………………………………………

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ThreatAssessmentActionPlan………………………………………………………

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Transportation……………………………………………………………………..…

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StudentFieldTrips……………………………………………………………….…..

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BringingThingstoSchool……………………………………………………………

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BirthdayParties/Celebrations………………………………………..…………….…..

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Health………………………………………………………………………………….

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PhysicalExaminations……………………………………………….………

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HealthScreenings…………………………………………………………….

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IllnessorInjury…………………………………………………………..…..

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MedicationinSchool…………………………………………………………

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MedicationPolicyProtocol……………………………………………………

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PrivacyofStudentRecords…………………………………………………………..

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FaxesandStudentRecords………………………………………………………….

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StudentReportsandConferences……………………………………………………

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AIMAcademyHome&SchoolAssociation(HSA)…………………………………39 TheDevelopmentOffice………………………………………………………………

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GeneralInformation…………………………………………………………………… AIMAcademyParent/StudentDirectory…………………………………….

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EmergencyPlan………………………………………………………………..

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ContactInformation…………………………………………………………….

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AnonymousReportingofParentandStudentConcerns………………………..

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AIMAcademyRequestforApprovedAbsences……………………………………....

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HISTORYOFAIMACADEMY AIMAcademyofficiallyopeneditsdoorsinSeptemberof2006with24studentsingrades2­7.Today, AIMAcademyservesover302studentsingrades1­12.AIM’s​ commitmenttoexcellenceaccountsforour dramatic​ enrollmentgrowthfrom24to302studentsinnineyears.​ Thiscommitmentincludes evidence­basedacademicprogramming,accountabilitythroughprogressmonitoringandthefocusona cross­disciplinaryteamapproachincludingspeechandlanguagepathologists,occupationaltherapistsand schoolpsychologistsallmappingthepathtoindividualizedstudentgrowthandachievementtomaximize potential.WeareproudoftheAIMgraduates'100%collegeacceptancerate. Bestpracticesareonlyaseffectiveastheteacherswhoimplementthem.AtAIM,youwillfinddedicated educatorswhohavetheirspecialeducation,content­areaand/orreadingspecialistcertifications.Inaddition, teacherspursuecertificationintheWilsonReadingSystem®aswellastraininginLouisaMoats'LETRS® framework.Ourteachersarecommittedtostayingontopoftheresearchandhaveloggedover​ 1500hours inprofessionaldevelopment​ thatdirectlyenhancestheinstructiondeliveredtotheirstudents. IntegratedServices,SpeechandLanguage,OccupationalTherapy,andPsychologicalServicesarean essentialcomponentoftheAIMAcademymodel.Aseducatorsweweretaughttheimportanceoftherole oflanguageacquisitionandreading.Weunderstandtheimportanceoffineandgrossmotordevelopmentas wellasthesocialandemotionalwell­beingofchildrenasitrelatestoacademicsuccess.Buttruly integratingthesedisciplinesintoaneducationalmodelisunique.Undertheleadershipofateamoffull­time speechandlanguagepathologists,occupationaltherapistsandschoolpsychologists,astate­of­the­art diagnostic­prescriptiveapproachisbroughtintoeveryclassroomatAIMAcademyandsupportedthrough theknowledgetransferconveyedtoeachclassroomteacheraswell.Individualtherapyisprovidedina seamlessmannertothosestudentswhor*quirethisadditionalassistance. In2006,AIMAcademybecamethesecondWilsonPartnerSchoolintheUnitedStates.AIMAcademy teachersarecertifiedintheWilsonReadingSystemwhileover4,000teachersfromthealloverthecountry havebeentrainedinFundations,WilsonReadingSystemandJustWords.Traineeshavecomefromasfar awayasSouthAfricaandQatar.Inaddition,AIMAcademyreceivedthedesignationtobeaLETRS (LanguageEssentialsforTeachersofReadingandSpelling)affiliate.

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MISSION&PHILOSOPHY Mission ● Toprovideextraordinaryeducationalopportunitiestochildrenwithlanguage­basedlearning disabilitiessuchasdyslexia,dysgraphia,anddyscalculia,utilizingresearch­basedintervention strategiesandanarts­basedlearningenvironmentthatiscollegepreparatoryinscopeand sequence. ● Todevelopacenterforeducationalexcellenceandprofessionaldevelopmenttodisseminatebest practicestoeducatorsbyprovidingaccesstothelatestresearch­basedcurriculum,technology,and training. Philosophy AIMAcademywascreatedwiththebeliefthatchildrenwithlanguagebasedlearningdisabilitiescanand willthriveinarigorousacademicsettingwhentheyaretaughtbyahighlycommitted,experiencedand creativefacultywhohaveongoingaccesstothelatestresearch,bestpractices,technologicalresources,and expertsintheirfield.Wededicateourselvestoputtingresearchintopracticeeveryday.Ourstudentsthrive inclassroomsthatoffermulti­sensoryandexperientiallearningandourprogramsaredesignedtofoster self­esteemandsocialresponsibility.Theiracademicandintellectualdevelopmentisfurtherenhancedby anarrayofextracurricularactivitiesandenrichmentinthearts,athletics,andcommunityservice.Itisour goal,thatupongraduation,ourstudentsarepreparedforthechallenges,complexitiesandchoicesavailable tothemattheuniversitylevelandbeyond.Curiosity,collaboration,compassion,confidenceandcritical thinkingaretheirtoolsforsuccess. IndependentStudents AIMAcademybelievesthatstudentsmusttakeresponsibilityfortheirlearningonthepathtoasuccessful collegecareer.Areasofresponsibilityincludeindependenceintheclassroom,ondailyhomework,andin thepreparationforvariousprojectsandexams.​ ​ Upper,MiddleandLowerSchooldivisionsincludestudents inestablishingaproductive,welcomingandenrichingenvironment.Studentsworkwithteachers,school administratorsandeachothertodevelop,planandorganizeschoolpolicies.Thefocusisoncreatingan environmentthatsupportsandrewardsthestudents’progresstowardbecomingmoreindependentintheir decision­makingandlearning.Thespiritandpracticeofcreatingsuchaclimateistheresponsibilityofall membersoftheAIMAcademycommunity.Focusingonschool­wideinitiatives,AIMAcademyStudent Councilparticipatesinthedemocraticdecision­makingprocessfortheentireschool.

COMMUNITYSERVICEATAIMACADEMY Fromtheopeningofourdoors,wehaveexpectedstudentstoparticipateintheircommunitybyactingas advocatesforthemselves,theirpeersandtheirlearning.Throughcommunityservice,wetakethisastep furtherandaskstudentstoconsistentlyreflectontheirconnectionstolearningastheyexistoutsideofthe classroom. TheCommunityServiceprogramatAIMAcademyhasthreemaingoals:

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∙​ LiveItToLearnIt:​ Toprovidestudentswithrelevanthands­onlearning experiencesbothlocallyandglobally ∙​ LocalandGlobalCitizenship:​ Toinstillstudentswithasenseofsocialresponsibility,thereby fosteringanunderstandingofthemselvesaslocalandglobalcitizens. ∙​ MulticulturalPrideandUnderstanding:​ Toempowerstudentstotakepurposefulactionin theirlearningastheybroadentheirunderstandingofcultures,realitiesandlifestyles. Thepromotionofreflective,meaningfulconnectionstolearningbeginsearlyintheAIMAcademyLower SchoolwithsuchpartnershipswithorganizationsincludingCradlestoCrayons.​ StudentsinAIM'sMiddle Schoolbeginin6thgradebyparticipatinginlong­standingpartnershipswithpublicserviceorganizations includingSHAREFoodProject,theStateofPennsylvania,andtheTetonScienceSchool.These partnershipsdirectlyconnectstudentstorelevanthands­onexperiencessurroundingtheMiddleSchool curriculum.​ ​ UpperSchoolstudentsmustcomplete​ 100qualityhours​ ofcommunityservicewithasmany organizationsastheywish.Manystudentschoosetoserveinlocalcommunityorganizations,butmanyalso providevaluableservicetoAIMbyvolunteeringatAIM’sRacetoRead,FallFestival,withintheAthletic Department,andduringAIM'ssummerprogram.TheStudentCouncilandInteractClubalsoprovidemany opportunitiesforUpperSchoolstudentstocompletetheirhours. AProgramofPartnerships: Tocreatemeaningfulandreciprocalexperiencesforitsstudents,AIMAcademyhasworkedtodevelopa portfolioofcommunitypartnersfromthePhiladelphiaareaandbeyond.Thesepartnersallowthestudents ofAIMAcademytoimmersethemselvesinameaningful,familiarplacewheretheycanusetheirskillsto helpbuildthecommunityaroundthem. WhyServiceLearning? AIMAcademycurriculumisbuiltaroundtheideaofstudentshavingadeepconnectiontotheconcepts theyarebeingaskedtomaster.Asameanstobolsteritscurriculumforitsstudentstotakethemostaway fromtheirexperience,servicelearningprovidesrelevancy,buildsempathy,generatescommunity,andgives studentsavoice. ServiceLearningResources: ForadditionalinformationaboutService­Learningvisitthefollowingorganizations’websites: NationalServiceLearningClearinghouse:​ ​ www.servicelearning.org NationalYouthLeadershipCouncil:​ www.nylc.org

COLLEGECOUNSELING AIMAcademyhasdevelopedacomprehensivecollegeplanningprocesswhichbeginsasstudentsenter AIM’sUpperSchool,andcontinuingthroughsenioryearasstudentsdiscerntheirbestfitcollegechoices. Theprocessissharedwithparentsandstudentsandincludesbenchmarksforcounselingsessions, standardizedtestpreparation,campusvisits,essaywriting,developmentofacollegelist,application,and decision.Atimelineandcalendarareprovidedtostudentsandparents,alongwithanindividualized collegeroadmapbasedoneachstudent’sinterests,abilities,andpreferences. AI​ MAcademyiscommittedtoensuringthatallstudentsarewell­preparedforsuccessfullyparticipatingin theACTtestforcollegeacceptance.ACTPrepclassesareprovidedaspartoftheschoolday.Thesecourses providebothgroupandindividualsupportandhaveresultedinstudentsmakingsignificantgainsintheir ACTscores.

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AnannualCollegeFai​ r,CollegeTour,an​ dvisitsfromcollegerepresentativesthroughouttheyearprovide opportunitiesforourstudentstoexplorecollegeoptions.Wefocusourcollegeadvisingongenuineand personalknowledgeofstudents,campusenvironments,andlevelsofacademicsupportavailable.AIM understandstheprocessofdeterminingtherightfitcollegeisbasedontheparticularneedsandexpectations ofindividualstudents,andwearecommittedtofindingthisfit. AIMAcademyisamemberoftheNationalAssociationofCollegeAdmissionCounseling(NACAC)and adherestotheStatementofPrinciplesofGoodPractice(SPGP).

TUTORINGCENTER AIM'sTutoringCenterprovideshighlyindividualizeddiagnostic­prescriptiveteachingwhichistailoredto meeteachstudent'sneedsandrangesfromteachingreadingreadinessskillstoprovidingremediationin variousacademicareas.Assistanceinlearningstudyskillsandorganizationalstrategiessostudentscan effectivelyandindependentlycompleteacademicworkisalsoprovided.Tutoringservicescatertochildren ingrades1­12.TutoringtakesplaceatAIMAcademyduringschoolhours,beforeschool,orafterschool hours(3:00­7:00pm),asagreedtointhetutoringcontract.Tutorsworkwithstudentsfrommanyarea schools.Itisrecommendedthattutoringshouldoccuratleasttwotimesaweek,preferablythree.Lessthan twosessionsaweekcanbecounterproductive,asitisextremelydifficulttomaintainanappropriatelevelof consistencywithsingleweeklymeetings. Parentswhoareinterestedinhavingatutorworkwiththeirchildshouldcompletetheon­linetutor application,locatedunderthe“Services”tabonAIM’swebsite.

ATHLETICPROGRAM AtAIMAcademy,athleticsisanintegralpartofaprogramthatincorporatesmanyareasoflearning. Throughinvolvementinteamandindividualsports,studentsgainself­confidenceanddiscipline,which alsosupportstheiremotionalandsocialdevelopment.Ourgoalisforourstudentathletestoalwayshavea feelingofaccomplishmentwhilebuildingschoolspiritandaconstantsenseofcommunity.Aphilosophy thatreflectsourcommitmenttocoachthewaythatweteach,assuresthateverystudentfeelsvaluedand supported. AIMAcademyisamemberoftheTri­CountyIndependentSchoolLeague.UpperandMiddleSchools offeravarietyofteam,individualandintramuralsportsineachseason.Weencouragestudentstotakefull advantageoftheseopportunitiestobuildcharacterandestablishvaluesbothonandoffthefield.The followingsportswillbeofferedforthe2015­2016schoolyear: Soccer CrossCountry Dance HorsebackRiding Basketball Cheerleading FlagFootball Golf

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Lacrosse UltimateFrisbee

Inadditiontoaphysicalexamination,studentsmustmeetcertaineligibilityrequirementsinorderto participate.PleaserefertoAIMAcademy’sActivityPolicyforspecificdetails.

AIMalsooffersavarietyofafterschoolsportsandactivitiesforLowerSchoolstudents.Theseinclude fitnesschessclub,Legorobotics,​ ​ intramurals,soccer,basketball,andhorsebackriding.

SOCIALEVENTS TheMiddleandUpperSchoolshostawidevarietyofsocialeventsthatarethoroughlyenjoyedbyall students.TheseactivitiesincludeanannualUpperSchoolprom,dances,skitrip,BBQ’sandmanyother opportunitiesforstudentstogettoknowtheirclassmatesandothersoutsideofthetraditionalacademic environment.ThestudentbodyatAIMAcademyisveryinvolvedintheplanningoftheseongoing activities.​ ​ LowerSchooleventsoftenincludefamilymembersaswellandarehighlightedbysucheventsas theAIMAcademyAnnualFallFest,swimpartyandotherseasonalactivities.

TUITION&FEES AIM Academy is committed to keeping our tuition rates as reasonable as possible while providing your child with the best possible education. The following tuition and fees have been approved by theBoardof Trusteesforthe2015­2016academicyear. TOTALTuition&feesforgrades1­5 TOTALTuition&feesforgrades6­11 TOTALTuition&feesforseniors

$32,352 $34,461 $35,711

Ourtuitionreflectsthecostofourhighlyindividualized,qualityeducation.AIMAcademyisclassifiedasa nonprofiteducationalinstitutionandallourfundsgotoprovidingthefinesteducationpossibleforour students. ChargesforOccupationalTherapy,Speech/LanguageTherapyandPsychologicalServicesarenotincluded intheregulartuition.Ifitisfeltthatyourchildwouldbenefitfromanyoralloftheseservices,youwillbe contactedastotherecommendationandfeesbeforehe/shebeginsreceivingsuchservices.Theregular tuitiondoescoversomepreliminaryscreeningandconsultationbytheSpeech­LanguagePathology, OccupationalTherapy,andPsychologicalServicesDepartments. Feesfortherapyanddiagnosticservicesshouldbesentdirectlytotheschool,ontheduedatesindicated, evenifparentsareseekingreimbursem*ntbyhealthinsurance.AIMAcademydoesnotsubmitbillsto insurancecompaniesandcannotwaitforparentstocollectinsurancepayments.Ifyouplantoseek reimbursem*nt,itisoftenhelpfulforyoutoobtainaphysician’sreferralpriortostartingservices. IfforanyreasonyourchildiswithdrawnfromAIMAcademyafterMay1,2015​ ,afterthechildhas enrolledforthe2015­16schoolyear,​ youremainresponsibleforthetuitionforthe2015­16school year.​ Ifthetuitionpaymentsandthenon­refundabledepositarelessthantheproratedamount,youremain obligatedforthebalance.Nodeductionoftuitioncanbemadebytheschoolforstudentabsences.

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TUITIONREFUNDINSURANCE­​ Iffamiliesselecttheten(10)paymentplan,tuitionrefundinsurance ismandatory.Iffamilieschooseeithertheoneortwopaymentplan,tuitionrefundinsuranceisoptional. ThecostoftheTuitionRefundPlanis1.3%ofthetuition.Itcoversonlyaportionofthetuitionobligation andhasanattendancerequirement.Formoreinformation,pleaserefertoourwebsite. FINANCECHARGE​ –Ifyouchoosetouseyourcreditcardforyourschoolyeardepositand/oryour tuitionpaymentsdirectlytoAIMAcademy,youwillbeassesseda3%servicefee.​ ​ Ifyouchoosetheten paymentplan,itisservicedbyHigherEducationServices(HES),atuitionmanagementservice.Theten paymentplanhasanannual$65feeandrequiresmonthlyauto­debitwithdrawals. LATECHARGE–​ HESTuitionManagementServiceswillassessyouraccounta$60latefeeifany paymentisnotreceivedwithin10daysfromyourpaymentduedate.Inaddition,HESwillassessa$55fee, andinaddition,AIMAcademywillchargea$35fee,onallchecksreturnedforinsufficientfunds.Please note:theschoolreservestherighttosuspendanystudentwhoseaccountis30daysinarrears. IfaPublicSchoolSystemassumesfundingforyourchildafteryouhavesignedacontract,areimbursem*nt ofthetuitiondepositandthetuitionpaymentswillbegiventoyouuponAIMAcademy’sreceiptof paymentfromthepublicschoolsystem.IntheeventthatAIMAcademyisnotifiedbyajurisdictionofthe withdrawalofyourchild’sfunding,theparentswillberequiredtopaytheremainingbalanceoftuition owedbytheschooldistrictwillbeduewithin30daysofnotification.AIMreservestherightnotto re­enrollornottocontinuetoenrollanystudentifSchoolfaculty,staff,orotherpersonnelaresubpoenaed byanyparentorguardianofthestudenttotestifyorprovidediscoveryinanyjudicialoradministrative proceeding. MISCELLANEOUSFEES­​ Providedasrequired. TAXDEDUCTIONS­​ Undercurrentfederalincometaxlaws,parentsofchildrenwithdisabilitiesmaybe abletoitemizeanumberofservicesasmedicalexpenses,suchas: ● SpecialEducationServices ● RelatedServices ● Transportation ● DiagnosticTesting Parentsareencouragedtoconsulttheirtaxadvisors. OPTIONALEXPENSES​ ­​ Occasionaltripsaretakentoenrichtheacademicprogram.Somemayrequire anadditionalcharge.

SCHOOLPROCEDURES A.SchoolHours Theofficialschooldaybeginsat8:00am.Theschooldayendsat3:10pm.​ ​ Ifyourequirecarebefore8:00 am,thereisbeforeschoolcarethatbeginsat7:30am. Yourchildshouldarrivenolaterthan8:00amtoavoiddisruptionoffirstperiodclasses.Forfurther explanation,seethelatenesssectionbelow. B.SchoolAttendance

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TheacademicprogressofAIMAcademychildrenis,toagreatextent,dependentuponcontinuityofregular routines.Weaskforyourclosecooperationinmakingsurethatyourchildattendsschooleveryday. AIMAcademybelievesth​ atattendanc​ eisanimportantpartofbecomingasuccessfulstudent.Weknow thatourstudents’presenceinclassroomsandtheirinteractionswiththeirteachersandwitheachotherare hallmarksoftheeducationweprovide.​ ​ Assuch,inordertobeconsideredforpromotiontothenextgrade, studentsmustbeinattendanceforatleast90%ofthefullandhalfdayslistedintheschoolcalendar. Exceptionstothisminimumnumberwillbeconsideredinthecaseofextenuatingmedicalcirc*mstances. Considerationdoesnotguaranteeapproval. StudentswithmorethanfivecumulativeabsencesarenoteligibleforDistinguishedHonorRoll.Students withmorethaneightcumulativeabsencesarenoteligibleforHonorRoll.IntheMiddleandUpperSchools, attendancewillbetakenforeachclassperiodbytheteacher.Thiswillberecordedintothestudent informationsystemandwillbereflectedonthestudent’sreportcard. Ifyourchildisillorunavoidablecirc*mstancesarise,werequireatelephonecallpreferablyby8:00ambut nolaterthan8:30am.Ifyoudonotknowhowlongyourchildwillbeout,thenpleasekeepintouchwith ourfrontdesk.Wesubmitmonthlyattendancerecordstothelocalschoolsystemsandhavetostatereasons forabsences.Relatedservicesnormallyprovidedtoyourchildonadaytheyareabsentmaynotbemade up.Parentsarenonethelessresponsibleforpayingforeachmissedopportunity. Pleasetrytoscheduledentist,orthodontist,anddoctorappointmentsduringafterschoolhoursandarrange specialtreats,visitsandtripssotheywon’tconflictwithourschedule.Ifyourchildmustleaveschoolearly foranappointment,orwillreturntotheschoolafteranappointment,aparentorguardianmustcomeinto themainlobbytosignhisorherstudentinorout.Studentswillnotbepermittedtoleaveorre­enterthe buildingunlesstheyareofficiallysignedin/out.Parentsofolderstudentswhodriveareexpectedtonotify theofficeofanyschedulechangesinadvanceofthestudentleavingthepremises. C.Lateness AIMAcademystrivestomakeeveryminutecountintheschoolday.Studentsthrivewhentheyarriveona timelybasisandareabletoorganizetheirmaterialsandcheckinwiththeirhomeroomteacheroradvisor beforefirstperiodbegins.Pleaseensurethatyourstudentarrivespromptly.LowerSchoolstudentswhoare latemustbemustsignedinatthedeskinthemainlobbybyaparentorguardian.MiddleandUpper Schoolstudentsaregivenalatepassfromthefrontdeskinordertobeadmittedtoclass,aftertheyare signedinbyaparent. D.Lockers Lockersareprovidedtostudentsinfourthgradeandhigherfortheschoolyear.Studentsareallowedto keeppersonalandschoolitemsintheirlockers.Studentsareexpectedtohavetheirownlocks.

ARRIVALANDDISMISSALPROCEDURES Pleasefollowtheseprocedurescarefully.Itisveryimportantbothforthesafetyofthestudentsandto facilitatetraffic. A.MorningArrival Lowerschool​ parentsareaskedtodropofftheirchildrenatthefrontoftheschoolat8:00am,wherea facultymemberwillgreetthechild.Parentsshouldcomeinthemainroadentrance,followthesignsfor dropoffinthefrontofthebuildingandallowthechildtoexitthevehicleandtobereceivedbythestaff memberonduty.Weaskthatyouuseyourbestjudgmentinthisregard.Ifitappearsthatthereisalongline

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ofcars,itwillbenecessaryforyoutoparkintheparkinglotandbringyourchildtothefrontdoor.After 8:10am,studentsareconsideredlate.Parentsshouldparkintheparkinglot,buzztheirchildinatthefront doorandfollowlatenessproceduresabove.Studentsarenotpermittedtocrosstheparkinglotwithout parentsupervision. MorningarrivalforLowerSchoolstudentstransportedbylocaleducationagencyschoolbuseswillbe discussedwitheachbusdriver.Typicallythebusarrivalwilloccuratthemainentrance. AllUpperandMiddleSchool​ studentsaredroppedoffdirectlyatthemainentranceregardlessof parentorbustransportation. B.AfternoonDismissal Lowerschoolparentswhoarepickinguptheirchildrenareaskedtofollowthecarlineasdirected.In inclementweather,itremainstheresponsibilityoftheparentsorguardianstobeoutsidethefrontdoor promptlyat3:15pm.At3:15pm,thestaffpersonassignedtoafternoondismissaldutywillreleasethe studentonlytotheauthorizedparentorguardian.UpperandMiddleSchoolparentswaitforstudentstobe dismissedbyfacultyandstaff.Thestaffmemberisassignedtoafternoondismissaluntil3:30pm.After thattime,remainingstudentswillbebroughttothefrontlobby. Afternoondismissalforstudentstransportedbylocaleducationagencyschoolbuseswillbediscussedwith eachbusdriver.AnAIMAcademystaffmemberwillbeassignedtothisafternoondismissalonarotating basis. StudentsaretogohomebybusorcaraspreviouslyindicatedinVeracross.Ifthereisachangeinplans, studentsmustbringanotefromhomeexplainingthechangeandsignedbytheparent.Parentsmayalso callthetransportationline(215­948­9301)orsendanemailtoDebSanto([emailprotected])orthe transportationdepartment([emailprotected]).Regularlyscheduledafter­schoolactivitiesdonot neednotes.Schooldistrictsdonotpermitnon­residentstudentstogoonpublicschoolbuses.Therefore, otherarrangementsneedtobemadeifstudentsonschoolbusesaregoinghomewithoneanother.

SCHOOLCLOSING/DELAYINFORMATION OurKYWschoolclosingnumberis694​ .Ifschooliscancelled/delayedorclosedduetoweather,the decisionwillbemadeby6:00am. BLACKBOARD​ –WeareusingasystemcalledBLACKBOARDfornotificationofschoolclosings, delaysinopeningandearlyclosings,duetoanycirc*mstance.BLACKBOARDisarapidcommunication servicethatcandelivermessageswithinminutes.Thesystemisprogrammedwithallavailabletelephone numbers(Home,WorkandCell)andemailaddressesasprovidedinVeracross.Itiscrucialforyoutokeep VeracrossupdatedonallpersonalandhomecontactinformationsothattheBLACKBOARDsystemcanbe activatedforschoolcommunicationasquicklyandefficientlyaspossible. Thefollowingarethe7waystocheckand/orverifyschoolclosingsordelays: 1. Blackboard:​ Thissystemwillautomaticallynotifyyouviaphoneandemail. 2. Television: 6abc(Channel6)​ –AIMAcademywillbelistedbynameatthebottomofthescreen.​ Pleasenote thatsometimesthereisadelayfromthetimethatweinformtheTVchannelstothetimethatthey posttheinformation.

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CBS(Channel3)andWPSG(Channel57)​ —AIMAcademywillbelistedbynameatthebottom ofthescreen.​ PleasenotethatsometimesthereisadelayfromthetimethatweinformtheTV channelstothetimethattheyposttheinformation. 3. Radio:​ KYWNewsradio1060 KYWSchool#is694 4. Online:​ ​ www.KYW1060.com​

InputKYW#694

5. KYWschoolclosingline@​ 215­925­1060(school#694) 6. Telephone:​ CallAIMAcademy@215­483­2461andlistentothevoicemailmessageforfurther instructionsregardingschoolclosings/delays. 7. Schoolwebsite:​ Closingordelaywillbedisplayedonthemainpage.

COMMUNICATIONS WeaskparentstosendnotesoremailstoDebraSanto(​ [emailprotected])​ aboutchangesin arrival/dismissalplansandthenfollow­upwithacalltothetransportationnumber(215­948­9301).​ F​ orms, checks,orothermessagescanbemailed,giventoamemberofthestaff,orleftwiththereceptionistatthe frontdesk.

FAMILYVACATIONSDURINGTHEACADEMICYEAR PleaseavoidschedulingyourfamilyvacationfordayswhenAIMAcademyisinsession.Ourteachers preparetheirlessonsforasetnumberofschooldaysandstudentswhomissevenadayarebeingdeprived ofvaluableinstruction.Ourstaffispreparedtohelpstudentswhomissschoolbecauseofillnessor absencesthatcannotbeprevented.StudentsatAIMAcademyareparticularlyinneedoftheconstancyof dailyworkandthedailystructureweprovide.​ Anyrelatedservicesmissedduetosuchvacationwillnotbe madeup. Onoccasion,whenafamilyhasgiventheDivisionHeadtwoweeks’noticeofaplannedabsence,the Schoolmayapprovesuchanabsence.Suchapprovalisgivenforimportantfamily,cultural,religious,or educationalevents.Thestudent’sgoodacademicstanding,fulfillmentofschoolobligations,and satisfactoryattendancerecordwillbeconsidered.Subjecttoteacher’sinputandareviewofthestudent’s attendancerecords,andiftherequestmeetsthesestandards,theDivisionHeadwillgivepermissionforan approvedabsence(see​ AppendixI​ forthe​ RequestforApprovedAbsence​ form).

AFTERSCHOOLCARE AIMAcademyunderstandsthatmanyfamiliesrequireafterschoolcareandwearepleasedtobeableto offertheprogramasaconveniencetoourfamilieswithstudentsinour​ LowerSchool,grades1to5.

SchedulesandRates

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TheAfterSchoolCareprogramismanagedbyAIM’shighlyqualifiedstaff.Classroomteachers supervisestudentactivitiesandassiststudentswiththeirhomework.

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AfterSchoolCareisavailablefrom​ 3:15­5:30pm​ daily.

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AfterSchoolCarewillbegintheweekof​ September15,2015​ andendonthelastfulldayof school,​ June9,2016​ .

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OnlineregistrationisavailableonyourVeracrossportal.ToguaranteetheavailabilityofAfter Care,pleaseregisterNOLATERTHANSeptember11,2015.Onceenrolled,wearenotableto reimbursefamiliesforunusedcontracteddays.

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Duringregistration,pleasespecifywhichday(s)youwillrequireAfterSchoolCare.

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Pleasenote:studentsnotpickedupby5:30pmwillbechargedalatefeeattherateof$10for every10minutesthereafter.

Days/Week

Costperyear (1payment­dueattimeofregistration)

1day

$700

2days

$1400

3days

$2100

4days

$2800

5days

$3500

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AfterSchoolCarewillbeavailableonnoondismissaldaysatarateof$120aday(12:00­5:30).To enroll,aseparateregistrationformwillbeemailedtoyou. o

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Noondismissaldaysthisyearare:October15,November13,December18,January15, February14,May6,June3,andJune10,2016.

Ifyouwouldlikemoreinformation,pleaseemail​ ​ [emailprotected].

AFTERSCHOOLCLUBSANDACTIVITIES WeareexcitedtobeabletooffersomeamazingextracurricularactivitiesforLowerSchoolstudents includingavarietyofsports,roboticsandartsthatwillappealtostudentsofallages.Inaddition,After SchoolCarewillbeavailableforstudentswhosignupforAfterSchoolactivitiesbutcan'tbepickedup until5:30pm.PleasereviewthelistonVeracross,andnotethatstudentsarewelcometoparticipatein multipleactivitieswhereschedulesdonotconflict. Registrationisliveonourparentportal,Veracross,andtherearethreeoptionsavailable: 1​ .Extracurricularprogramsonly​ ­Thereare8activitiesthisFallthatendbetween4:20pmand4:45pm. *Seelistattached

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2.​ Extracurriculars&AfterSchoolCare​ ­Forthosefamiliesthatneedalaterpick­uptimewhenan extracurricularactivityends,younowhavetheoptionofyourstudentjoiningtheAfterSchoolCareuntil 5:30pm. 3.​ AfterSchoolCareonly​ ­Availableforfamiliesbeyondtheschooldayfrom3:15­5:30pm.*See documentattachedfordetails. Whenyoulogin,clickthelinkthatsays​ LowerSchoolAfterSchoolCare&ExtracurricularActivities RegistrationOpen.​ ​ Followthestepstoregisterperactivityandsubmitpayment.

LUNCHANDSNACK AIMAcademyhasbeenfortunateenoughtoestablisharelationshipwiththeVetriFoundationfor Children,anon­profitfoundationwhichassistsschoolsinestablishingverythoughtfullyconceivedschool lunchprograms.Theirprogram,called​ Eatiquette​ ,aimstotransformachild'slunchfromthetraditional cafeteriaassemblylinetoanenvironmentwherechildrensitatroundtables,passplatesoffoodtoone another,and​ experiencesocialinteractionandcommunicationwhileenjoyinghealthyfoodchoices. Theprogramutilizesfamilystyleseatingandcreatesaninteractiveenvironmentwherekidsdon'tjusteat lunch,theydine. ● Teachersandadultvolunteers​ model​ forstudentshowtosetatable,howtoworktogetherasa team,howtotrynewfoods. ● Childrenlearnto​ serve​ eachother,torespectthosewhopreparedtheirfood,andto​ appreciate​ how healthyfoodcanmakeyoufeel. ● Thecommunityleavesthe​ DiningCommons​ fueledbothphysicallyandpsychologically,readyto tackletheafternoon'slearningchallenges. Thisprogramisthepassionof​ MarcVetri​ ,theexecutivechefandowneroftheacclaimedVetriFamily RestaurantsinPhiladelphia:VetriRistorante,OsteriaPhiladelphia,OsteriaMoorestown,Amis,AllaSpina, PizzeriaVetriandLoSpiedo.WithintwoyearsofopeninghiseponymousPhiladelphiarestaurant,Marc wasnamedoneofFood&Wine'sTenBestNewChefsandreceivedthePhiladelphiaInquirer'shighest restaurantrating. ● Mealsare​ preparedfromscratch​ and​ totallyonsite ● Locally­sourced​ andgrownfoodsarethebasisformenus ● Freshsaladanddessert​ ,usuallyfreshfruit,areservedateverymeal ● LStablecaptains​ bringplattersoffoodtothetabletoshare,whileMSandUSstudentareserved individuallyandthensit“round­table”styleaswell ● Tablesare​ setandclearedbystudents Webelievethattheresultsof​ “sittingtogether”​ atlunchpaydividendslongbeyondthelunchperiod.Our program ● Provides​ freshfooddaily ● Teachesstudentsabout​ eatinghealthy ● Gives​ opportunitiestointeract​ withstudentsandteacherstheymightnotseeina"normal"day ● Encouragesconversation​ whichisalmostalwaysmorethoughtfulandtopicalthanthatwhich usuallyoccursoverlunch

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Webelievethattheentireexperienceresultsinhealthiereating,providesauniqueeducationalopportunity and,moreimportantly,fun. ForthosefamiliesnotparticipatingintheVetri–inspiredlunchprogram,AIMAcademystrongly encouragesstudentstobringlunchestoschoolthatwillbenefittheirreadinesstolearnandoverall academicsuccess.Researchshowsadirectcorrelationbetweengoodnutritionandacademicachievement andperformance.Parentsshouldprovideanappropriateamountoffoodfortheirstudentfortheday includinganutritioussnack.

DRESSCODE OurPhilosophy ThegoalofAIMAcademy’sDressCodeistocreateanatmospherethatisconducivetolearning.Our DressCodesupportsgoodgrooming,neatappearance,andage­appropriateattire.Studentsareexpectedto appeartastefullydressed,inproperlyfittingclothing,appropriatetotheeducationalenvironment.Clothing cancontributetoasenseofprideandprofessionalism,andreinforcesthemessagethatschoolisimportant business.Thisisparticularlyimportantforourhigh­schoolstudentswhowillsoonexperience job/internshipinterviewsandotherprofessionalworkforceexpectations.Weunderstandthatwardrobe choicesdependonindividualtasteandvalues.Establishingaclearunambiguousdresscodeischallenging andasaresult,certainarbitraryelementsmayappear.TheDeanofStudentsisthefinalarbiterofany disputeregardingtheDressCode. General Thisdresscodeappliesforallstudentsingrades1through12.Allclothingmustbecleanandingood repair(e.g.,notears).Collarsandcuffsmaynotbecutortorn.Undergarmentsshallnotbevisibleor exposed.Clothingandaccessoriesbearingimagesormessagesshouldbeappropriateforschoolandmust notpromotealifestylethatisinconsistentwithgoodtaste,educationalvalues,andgeneralwellness.The displayofimagesorsloganswithquestionableordoublemeanings,offensive,ordisturbing,andthosethat straininterpersonalorinter­grouprelationships,areprohibited. Head

Boys Girls Hatsarenotappropriateattireinschoolandmustberemoveduponentrytothebuilding. Shirts​ :Collaredshirts,turtleneck shirts,collaredAIMGearshirtsare indresscode.

Tops

Sweaters/Sweatshirts​ :Sweaters andsweatshirtsmustbewornwith acollaredorturtleneckshirtclearly visibleunderneath.Sweatshirts witha​ hood​ shouldbev­neck,¼ zip,½zip,orfullzipsothatthe collaredorturtleneckshirtis clearlyvisibleunderneath.

Shirts​ :Collaredshirts,turtleneckshirts,collaredAIMGear shirts,andblousesareindresscode.Shirtsandblousesmust coverthemidriff,chestandback,andsubstantiallycoverthe shoulders.Tankstyleshirtsordressesmusthaveshoulder strapsthatareatleastaswideasthewidthofthestudent’s hand(includingthethumb)measuredattheknuckle,sothat theysubstantiallycovertheshoulder.Girlsshouldweartheir topstothecollarbone.Acamisoletopmaybelayered underneathashirtordressinordertocreateamodest neckline. Straplessorspaghetti­strappedtopsordresses​ arenot permitted. Sweaters/Sweatshirts​ :V­neckandscoop­necksweaters

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mustbewornwithacollaredorcrewneckshirtclearly visibleunderneathinordertocreateamodestneckline. Sweaterswithamodestnecklinemaybewornaloneasa shirt.Athleticsweatshirtsmustbewornwithacollaredor crewneckshirt(notanathletict­shirtorcamisole)clearly visibleunderneath.Sweatshirtswitha​ hood​ shouldbe v­neck,¼zip,½ziporfullzipsothatthecollaredshirtor crewneckshirtisclearlyvisibleunderneath. AthleticT­shirtsandathleticjerseysarenotpermitted.Crewneck“hoodie”sweatshirtsthatare tightattheneckarenotpermittedasitisverydifficulttoseeashirtattheneckline. Bottomsshouldbeneatand professionallooking,andneither tootightnortooloose.

Bottoms

Pants/Shorts:​ Khakis,chinos,neat cargopants,dresspants,and coloreddenimjeans(notblueor blackdenimmaterial)are permitted.Pantsmusthavepockets, belt­loops,button/snapclosure,a zipper,andbefreeofholes,tears, orrips.Knee­lengthshorts(of similarmaterialandconditionas statedabove)arepermitted. NotPermitted: ● Intentionallydistressed jeans/pants/shorts. ● Sweatpants,pull­onpants,and athletic/trackpants.

Bottomsshouldbeneatandprofessionallooking,and neithertootightnortooloose. Pants:​ Khakis,chinos,Capripants,neatcargopants,dress pants,andcoloreddenimjeans(notblueorblackdenim material)arepermitted.Pantsshouldhavepockets, button/snapclosure,andazipper.Professionalfittingdress pantswithoutpocketsareindresscode. Sweatpants,skin­tightjeggings,pull­onyogapants,and athletic/trackpantsarenotpermitted. Shorts/skirts/dresses​ :Modest(closertokneethanhip) lengthshorts,skirtsanddresses,areindresscode.Shorts musthaveabutton/snapclosureandazipper.Girlsare encouraged,butnotrequired,towearshorts(suchas spandexorrunningshorts)underneathknee­lengthor shorterskirtsordresses. Leggings,yogapants,jeggings,orotherextremelytight pantsmaynotbewornaloneasabottom​ butmaybe wornunderneathfinger­tip(infrontandback)lengthtops thatmeetdresscode.

Sneakers,shoes,boots,andsupportivesandalswithalow(