Salt Lake Arts Academy
Parent Handbook
2009-2010

Welcome to the Salt Lake Arts Academy. We are excited to have you join our parent / student
community this year. In this handbook, you will find important policies and procedures. Please
take time to read through these and keep them on hand for future reference.

Admissions
The Salt Lake Arts Academy is strongly committed to excellence and fairness. The school will
not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, or eligibility for
services. SLArts does not administer entrance exams and does not review any academic records
before admissions. The only requirements for admission include:
• Students and families desire the rigorous and academically challenging program
• Students are committed to the hard work necessary to achieve success
• Students and families read and agree to actively support the school’s goals and objectives
• Students and parents subscribe to the ideals of the school
Parents or guardians may apply for admission for a child by completing an open enrollment
application. If the school receives more applications than it has spaces available, it will conduct a
lottery to order the applications and prioritize students for admission. More details regarding the
admission process are available on our website: www.saltlakeartsacademy.org.
Withdrawing students–If you are moving and are withdrawing your child from school, please
call, come by the school or send a letter with your child a few days prior to the withdrawal date.
This will give ample time to complete the necessary paperwork.

Attendance Information
When you are absent–Students are expected to be in school 180 days, except in cases of illness
or emergency. A valid excuse, written by the parent/guardian, must be received by the school
after the student returns to school. This excuse must contain: student’s name, date of absence,
reason for absence and signature of parents/guardian. Unexcused absences and sluffing are
serious infractions and will be treated as such.
Scheduling Appointments–Please schedule appointments outside of school hours. Private
lessons should not be scheduled during school hours. If your child must leave during school
hours, a parent or authorized individual who has been listed on the student registration form must
sign them out at the school office.
Procedures for Unexcused Absences: At the beginning of each school year, parents will
receive notice of the attendance policy and procedures.
􀂃 After 5 unexcused absences, parents will receive a truancy letter.
􀂃 At 7 unexcused absences, parents must meet with the principal to establish a plan for
improved attendance.
􀂃 At 10 unexcused absences, parents will be required to meet with the School Intervention
Committee. The student will be placed on a probationary contract to closely monitor
daily attendance.
If unexcused absences continue, parents & students may be referred to programs that will more
appropriately meet the needs of the student and parents.
Procedures for Excused Absences: At the beginning of each school year, parents will receive
notice of the attendance policy and procedures.
􀂃 If a student is ill more than 3 consecutive days, a doctor’s note is required.
􀂃 For a family activity or travel, prior written approval must be obtained from principal to be
placed in student’s cum folder; arrangements made with classroom teachers for missing
work.
􀂃 If a student is excused for 10 or more days, parents will be required to meet with the
Principal to create an individual plan to address the student’s academic needs and to limit
further absences.
If excused absences reach 15 days, parents will be required to meet with the School Intervention
Committee to evaluate the student’s performance in school and to outline a plan to minimize
further absences. Student will be placed on a probationary contract.
If excused absences continue, student’s placement at the Arts Academy may be referred to
programs that will more appropriately meet the needs of the student and parents.
Arriving Late–Student attendance and tardiness are recorded in the school daily. Excused
tardiness includes doctor and dentist appointments with a note from the doctor. Tardies that are
due to bus / TRAX disruptions will be excused. All tardies not meeting this criteria will be
considered unexcused unless excused by the Principal.
According to state law, unacceptable reasons for being late include but are not limited to: babysitting,
sleeping in, missing the bus, helping with housework, running errands, lack of
transportation, visiting relatives, trouble with alarm clock, a bad morning, or chores at home.

Discipline Policy & Procedures
The mission of the Salt Lake Arts Academy is for all students to become thoughtful, capable
contributors to the world community who will take responsibility for shaping its decisions and
design.
In order to meet the mission of the Salt Lake Arts Academy, students are expected to use good
judgment, self-monitor, and reflect. The following are three areas of focus:
Showing appreciation by:
• Observing classroom etiquette
• Respecting others’ work
• Valuing others’ learning styles
• Protecting the resources of our community
• Listening attentively
Showing respect by:
• Allowing teachers to teach and students to learn,
• Arriving to class prepared with materials, completed homework, and an inquisitive mind,
• Accepting an adult’s instructions or requests without argument,
• Using a polite and appropriate voice when stating needs or intentions,
• Valuing others’ belongings,
• Protecting and taking responsibility for school property,
Maintaining safety by:
• Being cautious and observant when traveling,
• Avoiding areas that are off-limits to students,
• Keeping hands, feet and body in control,
• Playing only in places that have been identified for play
• Avoiding aggressive, reckless, or hostile behavior.
Teachers will handle most minor discipline issues within the classroom. If minor problems
continue after in-class interventions, or if a more major problem occurs, a student will be referred
to the office.
Level I. First time referral for issues that may include, but are not limited to:
o Disruption of classroom learning
o Disrespect of other students / teacher
o Disregard of school rules & procedures
Response:
1) Student will thoughtfully complete a reflection form while waiting for Ms.
Wadsworth.
2) Ms. Wadsworth will review the form with the student and determine an
appropriate consequence. Examples:
o One week of lunch duty
o Loss of special activity
o Letter of apology
o Time out
3) Ms. Wadsworth will review with the student what actions will occur if
there is a second infraction.
4) The student will take the reflection form home to be signed by parent. It must
be returned to Ms. Wadsworth, signed, before student may return to class.
5) Student must verbally apologize and request permission of teacher to return to
class.
6) Student will complete assigned consequence.
Level II. Second referral for a minor infraction or first referral for a major infraction that
may include, but is not limited to:
o Endangering self or another person
o Damaging school or student property
o Disregarding out-of-boundary limits
o Arguing or defying the instructions of a supervising adult
o Sluffing a class, but remaining on campus,
o Leaving campus without permission.
Response:
1) Student will thoughtfully complete a reflection form before meeting with Ms.
Wadsworth, or with her substitute.
2) Ms. Wadsworth will review the form with the student and determine an
appropriate consequence. Examples:
o In-school suspension for 1 – 3 days
o Suspension from student activities
o Contract
3) Parents will be notified by phone of the infraction and impending action.
4) Ms. Wadsworth will review with the student what actions will occur if
there is a third minor infraction or a second major infraction..
5) The student will take the reflection form home to be signed by parent. It must
be returned to Ms. Wadsworth, signed, before student may return to class.
6) Student must verbally apologize and request permission of teacher to return to
class.
7) Student will complete assigned consequence.
Level III. Third referral for a minor infraction or second referral for a major infraction.
Response:
1) Student will thoughtfully complete a reflection form before meeting with Ms.
Wadsworth, or with her substitute.
2) Ms. Wadsworth will review the form with the student and determine an
appropriate consequence. Examples:
o Out of school suspension for 1 – 3 days
o Parent Shadow during school hours
o Parent supervised community service at the school
o Suspension from student activities
o 3 week behavior contract
3) Parents must come in for a conference before student may return to classes..
4) Ms. Wadsworth will review with the student and parents what actions will
occur if there is a fourth minor infraction or a third major infraction.
5) Student must verbally apologize and request permission of teacher to return to
class. Student will complete assigned consequence.
Level IV. Fourth referral for a minor infraction or third referral for a major infraction.
Response:
1) Student will complete a reflection form before meeting with Ms. Wadsworth,
or with her substitute.
2) Ms. Wadsworth will review the form with the student and determine an
appropriate consequence. Examples:
o Out of school suspension for 3 – 10 days
o Suspension from student activities
3) Parents and student will be required to meet with the Behavior Intervention
Committee to formulate plan to retain placement at the Arts Academy.
Parents / Students may appeal discipline decisions to the Governing Board if they are in
disagreement. To file an appeal, they must contact the Governing Board president in
writing within 10 days of the discipline action and request a hearing.

Do It Right
Each term, students are given 100 Do It Right points. They can lose 5 points for a minor offense
that can be made up through 15 minutes of community service. Students will qualify for special
activities throughout the year by maintaining at least 80 Do It Right points. Students will need to
bring up their points to the 80 point requirement at least 3 days before the special event.

Dress Code
One of the extraordinary opportunities offered by Salt Lake Arts Academy is participation in
local events and interaction with community organizations. Appropriate attire shows respect for
the Academy and the places and people that work in cooperation with the school. Students are
expected to come to school dressed in a neat, clean, safe and modest manner. Attire should be
appropriate to the weather, classroom, and the activity that is scheduled for the day. Clothing and
accessories should not interfere with a student’s ability to learn or a teacher’s ability to teach.
Clear dress and grooming guidelines facilitate consistent enforcement of dress code rules. The
following expectations are presented to assist students and parents.
. • Attire should be size appropriate and untattered.
. • Underwear must be covered by clothing at all times.
• Because of frequent activities involving walking, shoes should be comfortable
and safe.
. • Clothing with inappropriate logos or advertisements is not suitable for school. Specific
concerns with dress/attire will be handled on an individual basis. As the school year progresses,
refining and clarification of this dress code may be necessary.

Grades / Assessment / Standards
Students are assessed weekly on three standards: Mastery; PEPR (Preparation, Effort,
Participation, Risk-Taking); and CAB (Cooperation, Attitude, Behavior). In place of letter
grades, students are evaluated on a 5 point rubric. All three standards are of equal weight.
Student grades can be accessed on-line by going to our school website: www.SLARTS.org. On
the left side bar, choose “classrooms;” select the teacher. On their page, select “grades.” Enter
your student’s last name and password. Contact us if your student has forgotten his/her
password.
As a public school, we are required to administer the IOWA standardized test to 5th and 8th
graders each fall and the CRT in math, science and language arts to students in all 4 grades.

Harassment
To provide a positive environment based on mutual respect of each and every person, certain
guidelines for appropriate behavior need to be recognized by each student. SLArts’ community
recognizes individual differences in culture, race, ethnic origin, religion, gender, and life style
preferences. Inappropriate behavior, either verbal or physical, disregards the feelings of others,
is demeaning and will not be tolerated. This includes unwelcome physical advances,
unwarranted verbal remarks, and derogatory or discriminatory statements.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment is illegal* and is defined, in part, as unwelcome and unwanted sexual advances
of a physical or verbal nature. Sexual harassment may include but is not limited to:
. • Coerced sexual relations (rape)
. • Uninvited pressure for sexual activity–real or implied
• Obscene, insensitive, stereotypical, or suggestive remarks or actions, including jokes,
insults, or verbal remarks of a sensitive nature; this would encompass sexual comments
about a person’s clothing, body, or behavior
. • Uninvited touching in any form
. • Display of explicit, offensive, or demeaning materials
RACIAL/ETHNIC HARASSMENT
Racial/ethnic harassment is any abuse–written, physical, or verbal (including “humor”)–
of an individual or group on the basis of race or ethnic heritage. Harassment may include
but is not limited to:
. • Demeaning graffiti
. • Epithets based on race or ethnicity
. • Racially/ethnically stereotyped remarks or “humor”
. • Insensitive or cruel comments or actions in or out of class
PERSONAL HARASSMENT
Personal harassment is the physical or verbal abuse of any member of the school
community. Harassment may include easily identified acts of verbal or physical
abuse, or it may take on more subtle, but equally damaging, rumor mongering,
stereotyping, or abusive teasing or shunning.
*Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 defined sexual harassment as “unwelcome
sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a
sexual nature.” Much of the law is job related, but a recent Supreme Court ruling
specified that sexual harassment is unlawful even when the alleged conduct causes an
individual no economic harm or loss of job benefits.

Health Information
Illness–If your child is ill, please take the time to notify the school.
• Before sending your child to school, please be sure that he/she is well enough to be in school.
• Please do not assume your child will get better at school.
• We have no provisions to care for sick children.
• Our teachers are entitled to a duty-free lunch and cannot attend to children whose parents have
requested they be kept inside.
Becoming ill at school–If a student becomes ill at school, every effort will be made to contact the
parents who should be available to come check the student out at the office and take him/her
home. Please notify the office of any updated emergency numbers. An ill student may not walk
home alone. We request that you, or someone you designate, pick up your child.
Chronic or serious conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, etc., which could conceivably
require emergency treatment, should be brought to the attention of school personnel immediately
and noted on the registration card. This information is important for the safety of your child.
Medications–Teachers are not allowed to administer any medication, including aspirin.
Medication can be administered from the school office under the following conditions:
1. Students who need to take any kind of medication must have written authorization from a
parent/guardian AND the student’s physician. (These forms are available in the office.)
2. Prescription medication should be brought to the school office in its original pharmacy
container. The pharmacist will put medications in two bottles upon request.
3. It is the parents’ responsibility to keep medication in adequate supply.
4. For the safety of all, medications will not be sent home with children. Parents are requested to
pick up medication from the main office.
5. If your child must take short-term medication (antibiotics, etc.) for any reason, please make
arrangements to administer the doses yourself.
6. Students with EpiPens or rescue asthma medications are allowed to keep them with them,
easily accessible. Their forms should indicate that the doctor/practitioner and the parents
request that this type of medication be kept with the child.

Just So You Know
Backpacks To minimize clutter in classrooms, students may not use backpacks during the school
day. They may use a moderate sized book bag.
Books & Materials– Students are responsible for books and instructional materials taken home
from school. When students damage or lose books or other school property, parents will be
expected to pay to have the item replaced.
Cell phones– Students may bring cellphones to school, but they must be in their lockers between
8:25–3:35. If students are caught with a cell phone during school, it will be removed from them
and turned into the office. A parent will have to pick it up. If this occurs a second time, we will
hold the phone for one month. If it occurs a third time, the phone will be kept for the remainder of
the year.
Concerns–The majority of problems arising in a school can be solved through consultation
between the student, teacher, parents, and/or principal. Concerns should be brought to the
attention of school personnel beginning with your child’s teacher. Teachers are available
between 8:00 and 8:25 a.m. and from 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Parents may also call and request a
conference.
Curriculum–SLArts follows the Utah State Core Curriculum. All textbooks used are from the
State textbook adoption list.
Electronic gadgets– No electronic toys & gameboys! This is a new policy! We want to
encourage social interaction and physical play. Leave the electronic toys and gameboys at
home! I-pods, headphones, games, and other such electronic gadgets are not permitted during
school hours other than before/after school.
Insurance–All students are eligible for accident insurance. Free health insurance is available to
all students under the age of 18 through CHIP. If you desire coverage for the school year,
information is provided through the office.
Language–Students are expected to use appropriate language while at school. Profanity and the
use of obscene gestures are not appropriate whether directed toward the staff or other students.
Students who fail to observe these rules will be subject to disciplinary action.
Respect for Property–Students are responsible for the proper care of all equipment, supplies and
furniture supplied by the school and are expected to show respect for school and community
property and for the personal property of others. Students who deface, damage or destroy school
property will be expected to pay for repairs or replacement costs for the items.
Skateboards– Students must park their skate boards in the designated holding areas once they
arrive at school. No skateboarding is permitted on the grounds.
Snowballing–Salt Lake City ordinance forbids the throwing of any object on or across the streets
or sidewalks. The throwing of snowballs before, during and after school is forbidden.
Special Accommodations–In compliance with the law, Americans with Disabilities Act,
individuals needing special but reasonable physical or language accommodations, such as
interpreters–including sign language–or other methods of communications, during a meeting
should notify the school secretary at least three working days prior to the meeting.
Supervision–Students will be supervised throughout the day. When traveling via TRAX,
automobile, or on foot, students will be accompanied by adult supervisors.
Telephone–children should use the telephone only in cases of emergency. To reduce confusion
and interruptions, please make arrangements for unusual situations. Students are not to use the
phone for social reasons. Teachers or students may not be called to the telephone during
instructional time unless for an emergency.
Visitors–Parents, you are welcome anytime. However, it is expected that any person entering a
school will check in at the office and receive a visitor pass or a badge. If you desire more than to
just visit, such as a conference with your child’s teacher or the principal, please call ahead to
schedule a convenient time to meet. Parents need to respect teacher’s time prior to school each
day as teachers are preparing for students’ arrival. All other individuals– brother, sisters,
relatives or ex-students–are not to visit in the classrooms.
Walking to School–Students may be held responsible for any disorderly conduct on their part
going to and from school if that conduct affects the school climate, classroom instruction, or
student and staff welfare and safety. Students are to show respect for school and community
property. Students may be held responsible for property which they damage or deface.

Lunch
Students are required to bring their own lunch. Beverages and some snack foods will be available
for purchase. Students will not be allowed to leave campus to buy lunch.

Parent Involvement
We believe parental involvement is essential to the purpose and effectiveness of the Academy.
Not only will the school look for opportunities to support families but also there is a strong
expectation that parents will contribute in various ways to the support of the Academy and the
education of their children. The education of adolescents must be a team endeavor and every
attempt will be made to make this a collaborative effort.
Here are ways you can be involved:
􀂃 Parent Leadership Association – Meets the first Thursday of each month at 4:30.
􀂃 Family Village Nights – Parents are invited to come together to socialize and hear
from experts about issues relevant to youth and education
􀂃 Coffee & Conversation – One Friday morning a month, parents are invited to gather
informally to discuss issues on their minds and meet other parents.

Standards For Excellence
Students are expected to strive for excellence in all aspects of their learning. These
standards define the expectations that they are held to and by which they are evaluated.
Meaningful Understanding of Core Concepts
• demonstrate an enduring level of understanding by your ability to explain, interpret,
apply, empathize, show perspective and self-knowledge..
Skill Progression and Refinement
• draw from previous knowledge
• build upon what you have learned
• maintain an open mind for improvement
Effort/Participation/Risk-taking
• focus on class activities and assignments
• demonstrate willingness to try new things
• show positive and appropriate involvement
• generate ideas and add to the creative process
Cooperation/Attitude/Behavior
• listen and follow instructions
• be sensitive to others’ feelings and knowledge
• demonstrate willingness to work toward group goals
• be respectful of classroom rules
Preparedness
• arrive on time to class,
• be prepared to learn with required notebook, instruments, clothes and / or supplies