Fossil Distance Learning ProgramProgram Handbook

Fossil Distance Learning Program

Program Handbook

www.fossildlp.weebly.com

1863 Pioneer PKWY E #455Springfield, Oregon 97477

Executive Director, Liz Barrowcliffbarrowcliff.l@fossildlp.com

Dear Parents and Students,

On behalf of Fossil School District and Staff, I would like to welcome you to the Fossil Distance Learning Program (FDLP). FDLP offers a unique public school model: one that views the parent and the Educational Specialists as partners in the education of all children.

As a parent in FDLP, your role is critical in your child’s academic progress and requires involvement, dedication and commitment. Your Educational Specialist will work closely with you to provide you with the support and resources needed to ensure that your children receive a meaningful educational experience while enrolled in FDLP. Together, we will work with you to ensure that you are supported in all aspects of the school.

We hope you find the Parent Handbook a useful navigational tool. It has been designed to ensure that you have a good understanding of what FDLP entails as a public charter school. It is important you read the handbook in its entirety, as it contains essential information you need to know. Please be aware that these handbooks do not include all FDLP policies and procedures. If you have additional questions please talk to your Educational Specialist.

We are excited that you have chosen FDLP as the best educational option for your children. Working together, we believe FDLP can effectively meet the needs of parents and students throughout the state of Oregon. We look forward to working with you throughout the school year.

Sincerely, Liz BarrowcliffPrincipal, FDLP

This handbook is one of the primary communication tools designed to help parents and students better understand our program and their educational opportunities. We strongly encourage parents to read it thoroughly. We hope that this handbook will answer any questions or concerns that may arise about this program. If there are questions or comments, please share them with the Educational Specialist. Parent involvement is critical in providing an educational opportunity that is as unique and student-centered as the Fossil Distance Learning Program is.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of FOSSIL DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM is to empower families, Educational Specialists, and community members by creating an educational culture that offers academic and social support and prepares students for a successful transition to the world of further education opportunities.

PHILOSOPHY

Fossil Distance Learning Program (FDLP) strives to uphold parent rights and choice in education. Through choice of curriculum, Educational Specialists, and program options, parents can monitor materials that affect their children's attitudes, values, and beliefs.

The educators and participants of FDLP believe that the best learning occurs when:

The parent is directly involved in the teaching/learning process Teaching styles are tailored to each individual student's needs One-on-one teaching is the primary arrangement Real life "context-based" learning is emphasized There is enrichment through field trips, workshops, technology and individualized

curriculum Schooling is viewed as one aspect of an education The entire community serves as the school campus

What we offer:

The goal of the Fossil Distance Learning Program is to provide parents with the resources they need to assure that their child receives an effective and successful educational experience. We provide parents with four types of resources.

1. We provide families with guidance from professional, credentialed and experienced teachers, called Educational Specialists in our program.

2. We conduct workshops and field trips taught and led by our Educational Specialists and designed around our students’ needs and interests.

3. We supply you with a wide variety of curriculum and learning materials. 4. We provide you a network of other families pursuing similar goals as yours.

Enrollment

Who May Enroll in the Fossil Distance Learning Program? Any child physically residing in the State of Oregon who is of school age may request enrollment in FDLP. School age is defined as:

Kindergarteners must reach 5 years of age by September 1.

First Grade age 6 by September 1

Second Grade age 7 by September 1

Third Grade age 8 by September 1

Fourth Grade age 9 by September 1

Fifth Grade age 10 by September 1

Sixth Grade age 11 by September 1

Seventh Grade age 12 by September 1

Eighth Grade age 13 by September 1

Benefits of FDLP Enrollment

Educational Specialist – Each parent is assigned a certificated Educational Specialist who works as a partner with you in providing a quality educational experience for your child/ren. The Educational Specialist will provide support and resources to you. Choice of Curricular Materials and Resource – Parents and Educational Specialist work together to select appropriate curriculum from the approved list Technology Resources – Each family is provided access to an iPad or laptop for communication, accessing instruction, and online resources.Educational Funds – Funds are provided to FDLP for each enrolled student. FDLP uses the funds to establish an allotment for the primary purpose of providing research-based curriculum and materials that support student learning.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

The Fossil Distance Learning Program mission is to support the parent as we design the student’s educational program. We provide each child with a credentialed Educational Specialist who is the primary support and source of information about the school. The Educational Specialist will meet face-to-face with the parent/student at least once every 20 school days.

The Educational Specialist will answer any questions that may come up regarding the child’s education and the school during office hours (8am-5pm). If he/she is unable to answer the question, he/she will research the answer and get back to the parent in a timely manner.

The Educational Specialist will evaluate the student’s educational progress and will provide on-going feedback and support at the Learning-Plan meeting at the beginning of the school year or at periodical parent/Educational Specialist meetings, then assist with developing the subsequent learning plans.

We provide all Oregon State mandated tests. Smarter Balanced is the assessment tool required by law for all school students. It offers specific information about the essential skills necessary to reach state benchmarks through identifying content standards and academic proficiency. The Educational Specialist will provide detailed information for the 3rd - 8th grade students as well as implement all testing at the appropriate times.

School wide assessments will be used at all grade levels for reading and math. They will show specific information about the essential skills necessary to reach state and national benchmarks through identifying content standards and academic proficiency in reading and math. Educational Specialists will be performing these assessments at least two times a year, in Fall and Spring. They will then go over results and evaluate the students’ performance levels.

The Educational Specialist and the school website will keep families informed of news and upcoming events with FDLP. This includes up-coming workshops, activities, holidays, and testing dates.

Some of the educational options will include: field trips, workshop participation, distance learning opportunities, contract programs with local vendors, small group instruction, and other educational activities. Your Educational Specialist will explain these options to you.

Responsibilities of the Parent and Student

Enrollment Meeting: Families must attend a Face to Face Family Enrollment Meeting. The Educational Specialist will provide information on the time and location of the meeting.

Read the Handbook: Parents are required to read the Parent Handbook.

Daily Instruction: The parent or legal guardian will work in partnership with the certificated Educational Specialist throughout the year. Parents are required to provide daily instructional support in the home approximately 5-6 hours a day on school days per the school year calendar. The State of Oregon requires FDLP students attend school the following minimum number of hours per year:

810 hours for grades K-3

900 hours for grades 4-6

990 hours for grades 7-8

Learning Plans: Individual Learning Plans are developed in partnership with the certificated Educational Specialist. The learning plan includes courses the student will be taking and curriculum choices made by the family.

Testing: students will participate in all assessments required by the State of Oregon as well as required school-wide benchmark assessments. We provide Educational Specialists to conduct the testing in each area central to a population of FDLP students. Parents will be notified of testing required for your child. Parents are responsible for ensuring their students attend the required testing. Tests include:

School wide Assessments – All students. Two times per year. Smarter Balanced- 3rd -8th grade students. Oaks Science—5th and 8th grade students. Kindergarten Skill Inventory – All Kindergarten students. Other diagnostic tests – as required by your Educational Specialist.

Attendance Planning and Portfolio Submissions: Beginning in September, K-8 parents will provide their Educational Specialist weekly update of plans for student learning and samples of student work. These updates should reflect student growth towards mastery of the standards. (Attendance 1 and Attendance 2)

Report Cards: Each semester, Educational Specialists and parents will discuss the final grade for each class. Your Educational Specialist will enter a grade based on the bi-weekly updates you have provided, documentation of student progress, and samples of student work per the portfolio submissions.

Parent Teacher Conferences: Parents, students and certified Educational Specialists will participate in the conference each semester. The conferences will provide students and parents the opportunity to discuss student progress and review student work. The portfolio will include examples of student work based on the Oregon Standards and the Common Core Standards.

Ongoing Communication with Educational Specialist: Educational Specialists and parents are partners in the education of each child. It is critical to communicate with your Educational Specialist regularly during the school year. The monthly meeting will be held virtually or in person, and will focus on educational issues relevant to your child. Please be respectful of staff office hours, which are from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. If you have questions or concerns for your Educational Specialist, please email them and they will get back to you within 24 hours. You are required to read the weekly ‘newsletter’ which is published each Friday on your Educational Specialist’s Class Page.

Communication Tools: Because FDLP is a distance learning school, you will receive essential information including important dates and deadlines via our website or email. It is important that you check your email throughout the week, preferably daily. Information is also posted on and updated frequently on your Educational Specialist’s Class Page.

Residency: Families are expected to reside full-time in the State of Oregon.

Annual Curriculum Return: At the end of each school year, parents will receive a list of curricular materials that must be returned. iPad’s and charging equipment must also be returned. Families may choose to check out their materials and iPad for the summer if their enrollment status is in good standing.

Program Attendance and Academic Requirements

Attendance records are maintained and reviewed by FDLP staff on a regular basis.

The parent is responsible for submitting attendance on the school website for EACH enrolled student.

You may only submit attendance during the current week. If you forget to submit attendance or your student will have an extended absence longer than five consecutive school days, please contact your Educational Specialist immediately.

If a student does not maintain regular attendance, loss of credit, denial of promotion, or withdrawal may result. Failure to attend required functions such as testing, conferences, or logon to online courses, will result in the student being marked absent. If this is a chronic issue, families will be put on a plan of assistance and educational fund restrictions will be put into place.

Absences may be excused if they are a result of illness or family emergency, as long as documentation is provided. If the unexcused absences affect the student’s academic performance, administrative action will be taken.

ABSENCES

Ten (10) day drop policy

If a student has ten consecutive unexcused absences, that student must be dropped from our rolls. The family will be notified at the end of the week the child is absent, unless the parent has communicated with the Educational Specialist to excuse the absence. Parents may be required to produce a doctor’s note if excessive absences are caused by chronic illness.

Lack of Progress

In the event that the Educational Specialist feels a student’s progress is being hindered by excessive excused absences or poor work habits, the Educational Specialist will initiate a referral for a PIP (Performance Improvement Plan) and make contact with the parent. A parent conference, student contract or course load adjustment may result.

Other Pre-Arranged Absences

FDLP requests that families schedule vacations or special programs so as not to conflict with school. In the case of a planned absence, the student should consult with his/her Educational Specialist ahead of time. FDLP will need advanced notification of family plans that will cause a student to miss days to work on academics so that arrangements can be made by the Educational Specialist to help keep the student in good academic standing.

Excused Absences

The following are legal reasons for an absence to be excused according to ORS 339.065:

1. Student illness

2. Illness in the student’s immediate family if it prevents the student from completing work.

3. A medical or family emergency

4. Dentist or doctor appointment

5. Other reasons where satisfactory arrangements have been made in advance (see Pre-Arranged Absences)

Unexcused Absence Policy

Any absence that is not communicated with the Educational Specialist or does not apply to the list above will be considered an unexcused absence. Parents will have two school days after an absence to excuse the absence of a student.

In the event of an absence, which has not been pre-arranged, the parent is responsible to notify the Educational Specialist within two consecutive school days following the student’s return to school. Notice may be in writing, email or by telephone.

Snow days- Generally, we do not honor snow days if your resident district closes due to weather or other issues since much of the work is done in the home. If you have a home visit scheduled, your Educational Specialist will reschedule if they are unable to safely drive to your home. You should also check for messages from your Educational Specialist related to field trips or other activities that had been scheduled.

Students study a minimum of six subject areas: Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, and Electives.

All core curricula must be under the instruction of the Fossil Distance Learning Program. State statute requires that students be enrolled in one approved educational program. Tutoring or supplemental classes are encouraged, but do not replace core curriculum and are available after core curriculum is in hand. Core curriculum includes: math, language arts, science, and social studies.

The parent or legal guardian will work in partnership with the certificated Educational Specialist throughout the year. Parents are required to provide daily instructional support in the home approximately 5-6 hours a day on school days per the school year calendar. The State of Oregon requires FDLP students attend school the following minimum number of hours per year:

810 hours for grades K-3 900 hours for grades 4-6 990 hours for grades 7-8

Learning Plan: The Learning Plan will include the four core subjects: Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies at minimum. If your child is performing below grade level in any core subject, electives may be limited so that your child can focus on reaching grade level proficiency.

Creating the Learning Plan: Your Educational Specialist will assist you in selecting the curriculum your child will be

using during the upcoming year. Students who are not demonstrating academic proficiency will be restricted on the use

of Educational Funds for elective courses. Elective courses will be restricted or unavailable in these cases.

Educational Funds become available once the Learning Plan is completed and approved for each enrolled child.

Physical Education Requirements: All students in Kindergarten through grade 8 must participate in physical education for

the entire school year. Students in grade kindergarten through grade 5 shall participate in physical education for at least 150 minutes during each school week and students in grades 6-8 shall participate in physical education for at least 225 minutes during each school week.

Parent/Student Behavior Expectations

Students at all school-sponsored events are governed by FOSSIL DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM rules and regulations and are subject to the authority of FOSSIL DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM officials at the event. Students are also reminded that they are subject to discipline for conduct while traveling to and from activities.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

The FOSSIL DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM online learning community rules include all those listed in this handbook and any changes posted on the school website or distributed to students and their parents and any other roles clearly communicated to students by the FOSSIL DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM staff. Students and parents are invited to suggest changes. Following the FOSSIL DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM rules is a necessary to help create a supportive environment for student success.

PARENT/STUDENT TO EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST COMMUNICATION

With any communication between and parent/student and Educational Specialist it is expected that a parent/student will abstain from any form of vulgarity, slang or jargon, or inappropriate subjects. This includes all methods of communication such as electronic, verbal, or written.

Parents/Students may not use inappropriate language, discuss inappropriate topics or make disrespectful comments based on ethnicity, gender, creed, sexual orientation, race, disability, national origin, language spoken or marital status toward any FOSSIL DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM student or in the presence of FOSSIL DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM staff. Threats and intimidation are in violation of FOSSIL DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM expectations and will not be tolerated. Please immediately alert your Educational Specialist or another staff member if you become aware of inappropriate behavior by an FOSSIL DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM parent/student toward another parent/student or a staff member. Violation of this expectation is grounds for disciplinary action.

PLAGIARISM

FOSSIL DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM students are expected to do their own work and cite the work of others as appropriate. Plagiarism is the willful presentation of some else’s previously written, published, or copyrighted material as one's own. Such material may include work that appears in print, online, or in audio or video formats. Copying work from another student may be regarded as plagiarism if done without consent and if credit is not given to the original writer. Penalties for plagiarism may include failing the assignment in question, failing the course or project, failing the trimester, or being subject to a dismissal hearing. FOSSIL DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM may choose, at its discretion, to employ plagiarism-detecting software.

CHEATING

FOSSIL DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM expects any student's individual work to be solely the result of his/her own effort. The penalty for cheating may include failing the assignment, project or exam in question, failing the course, or doing alternative assignments to earn credit for that assignment.

OVERVIEW OF DISCIPLINE CONSEQUENCES

The purpose of disciplinary action at FOSSIL DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM is to ensure that both the individual students and the FOSSIL DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM community stay focused on growth and learning. Depending on the nature of the infraction and the student’s past performance any or all of the following consequences may be instituted:

Level 1 OffensesFirst Offense Range of

ConsequencesRepeated Offense Range of Consequences

Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum

Lack of Progress

Parent Notification

Goal Setting Meeting

Administrator Notification

Goal Setting Meeting + PIP Contract

Missed ES Meeting

Parent Notification

Parent Meeting

Parent Meeting +Restriction of

Funds

Goal Setting Meeting + PIP Contract

Missed Communicatio

n

Parent Warning

Parent Notification

Parent Meeting + Restriction

of Funds

Goal Setting Meeting + PIP Contract

AbsentParent

NotificationGoal Setting

Meeting

Parent Meeting + Restriction

of Funds

Goal Setting Meeting + PIP Contract

Dismissal- after 10 days of no work/communication

Unpaid debts of Repair Fees

Parent Notification

Parent Notification

Parent Meeting

If in excess of $50 then ED Funds may be held until

payment is made or payment schedule established

Level 2 OffensesFirst Offense Range of

ConsequencesRepeated Offense Range of

Consequences

Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum

Plagiarism or cheating

Warning SuspensionAcademic

ConsequenceSuspension

Technology Misuse Parent Meeting Dismissal Parent Meeting Dismissal

Technology Intentional Abuse

Parent Meeting Suspension Dismissal Dismissal

Defiance of Authority/

InsubordinationParent Meeting Suspension

Parent Meeting + Contract

Dismissal

Bullying/Cyber Bullying/Harassmen

tParent Meeting Suspension Parent Meeting Dismissal

Disorderly Conduct/

ProfanityParent Warning Suspension Parent Meeting Dismissal

Disrupting the educational

environmentParent Warning Suspension Suspension Dismissal

Level 3 Offenses

First Offense Range of Consequences

Repeated Offense Range of Consequences

Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum

Alcohol/Weapon Suspension Dismissal Dismissal Dismissal

Assault/Fighting Suspension Dismissal Dismissal Dismissal

Drugs/Medication/

TobaccoSuspension Dismissal Dismissal Dismissal

Vandalism or Theft

Parent Meeting Suspension Suspension Dismissal

STUDENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Associations

Oregon law prohibits the existence of any secret society in public schools (ORS 336.610(1)). A secret society is an organization composed of students, which has an element, or purpose that is concealed from the public and shared only confidentially among members of the organization. This would include creating an online group for illegal or inappropriate reasons.

Rights of Students

Court decisions have indicated that young people in the United States have the right to receive a free public education. The courts have also stated that students have certain rights under the United States Constitution. Constitutional rights are not absolute and in the school setting reasonable limitations may be placed upon the exercise of these rights in order that the schools may effectively fulfill their function of educating young people. In taking disciplinary action, school officials will consider students’ rights and safety and will afford students their rights to fair consideration free from action that is arbitrary, capricious, or inappropriate for the offense committed.

Threats and Intimidation

Any student who engages in conduct, by word or action, that constitutes threats or intimidation will be subject to immediate disciplinary action. For those students who, by their written or spoken statements, are threatening to harm others by using firearms, explosive devices, or deadly and dangerous weapons, appropriate law enforcement officials shall be notified. Students should immediately inform a Educational Specialist, counselor, or administrator regarding any threat or intimidation of students.

Identifying Students With Special Needs

Steps to special education enrollment: Once the special education records have been received from the district of residence or

most recent school attended, an IEP meeting will be held by the IEP Team.

The IEP Team will determine what services are to be provided and amend the current IEP as needed.

FDLP Educational Specialists can share with you strategies for working with your student to help with any deficits or strengths. Your Educational Specialist and Administrator will assist in developing a Response to Intervention (RTI) plan using a Student Study Team (INTERVENTION) process. Interventions must be implemented for at least 6 weeks to ensure fidelity and to monitor progress. After 6 weeks if interventions do not produce positive results, the INTERVENTION team will determine the next steps with a possible referral for special education. When testing is determined to be an appropriate course of action, either the FDLP staff or an FDLP contracted provider conducts an evaluation.

Program Accessibility: The Charter, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, is committed to offering employment, physical facilities, communications, and transportation practices that provide equal opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in all phases of the charter’s programs, services, and benefits. Anyone who wishes to avail themselves of charter programs, services, or benefits and is concerned about accessibility should contact the school principal. Accommodations to provide program access will be made in accordance with Section 504 and the ADA when reasonable notice is provided to the site administrator or board. (Accommodations may include relocation of an activity to an accessible location.)

INTERVENTION: In an effort to support academic growth for all students in FDLP, teams made up of Educational Specialists and administrators, meet monthly to review the academic progress of students. The team reviews a wide range of data to include standardized testing scores, student portfolios, assessment grades, monthly progress updates, progress in online programs, input from the assigned Educational Specialists or others who may be working with the student. The intent of this review is to focus additional support for students who are not demonstrating growth or may be going “backward” in skill development.

When the determination of the team is that a student is not making adequate academic progress, the team will develop a Response to Intervention (RTI) plan that may include one or more of the following measures to facilitate an increase in student learning.

For each core content area the student is in need of additional academic support, an additional course will be added to the LEARNING PLAN. The curriculum for these courses may be online and graded by FDLP.

Change curricular program to a research-based intervention curricula decided by the INTERVENTION Team.

Grade Retention

Curriculum and Instructional Support

Educational Fund Amounts: The annual allotments are added together to form the allotment for the family.

Grades K-8 = $500 per semester per student

Educational Fund Disbursements: One-half of the annual allotment is released at the beginning of the school year for first semester and the remaining half for the second semester. Educational Funds are unavailable if a parent is out of compliance with FDLP’s parent responsibilities or receipt of orders is not confirmed by deadlines. The Educational Fund is available again once the parent is in compliance with all FDLP responsibilities and enrollment status is returned to good standing.

Orders: Once an enrolled student’s Learning Plan is approved, orders for the semester may be placed.

All curriculum orders must be placed first, before invoice orders can be placed.

Your Educational Specialist will verify that all items align with the students Learning Plan and submit the order through the website.

All curricular materials purchased with Educational Funds remain the property of FDLP. At the end of the each school year, parents will receive a list of curricular materials that must be returned.

If you choose to use curriculum that is not approved by FDLP for your core curriculum, required standard aligned workbooks and/or curriculum must also be purchased and used. Approved curriculum is necessary in order to be in compliance with FDLP.

Classes and Lessons for Instructional Support: Instructional support is available for students who are demonstrating academic proficiency or consistent growth towards established goals. Up to 50% of each individual student’s annual Educational Funds may be used to supplement daily instruction through Instructional Support is available the first semester. Any unused portion of the 50% may be used in the second semester.

The Instructional Support allowance is per student and cannot be combined. Instructional Support includes guided instruction and activities. All instructional support requests must align with courses found on the student’s LEARNING PLAN.

Parents contract with instructors of their choosing for supplemental instructional support. These instructors are not contracted by FDLP nor are they employees of FDLP.

Guided instruction and activities must be available to the general public. If students are accepted only by auditions or “try-outs” or any other selection process, the instruction is not considered open to the general public.

Instructional Support is not available for instruction provided by any public or private K-12 school or co-op, instruction given by an immediate family member or instruction or activities through a business owned by the student’s family. An instructor must be at least 18 years of age.

An approved LEARNING PLAN does not guarantee payment for Instructional Support. Students must be in good enrollment status prior to payment of invoices.

Reimbursements to parents will not be made for any costs. If any parent responsibilities have not been met (state mandated tests, portfolio

submissions, return of school materials, etc.) and a family is out of compliance NO invoices will be paid by FDLP until the family is back in good enrollment status.

FAQ about Invoices

1. How do I get Fossil DLP to pay for lessons or classes?

Submit an invoice via the website. Confirm with the vendor that they have submitted a W9 via mail or the website fossildlp.weebly.com.

2. What do I tell the service provider/vendor?

When you initially contact a vendor for lessons or classes, it is important to inform them it takes 2-4 weeks for the invoice to be processed. This process is from the time the parent submits the invoice to the website. This time period seems untenable to vendors if they are not told in advance, but we have found vendors to be agreeable and work with us when they are aware of our process. The timeline to process an invoice is not due to neglect on the part of the district, but rather is the result of following protocols to ensure that all funds are spent and documented within the bounds of state statute. Your patience with the process directly corresponds to the patience of the vendor as they wait on their check(s). Vendors should never be surprised that the check came 2-4 weeks after the invoice, because you should communicate it when you ask for the invoice.

3. What if I forget to submit an invoice?

A failure to plan on your part does not result in an emergency for the vendor or the Fossil School District. We do not “rush” invoices. Plan to seek out invoices for activities at least 6 weeks before the class begins. Please help us put our best foot forward; you are the face of Fossil Distance Learning Program in your community.

4. How many lessons can I submit in one invoice?

You may submit up to 3 months at a time. We will pay up to $500/semester for invoices.

5. Are there any restrictions on invoices?

Fossil will not pay invoices for membership fees. We also will not pay invoices from businesses providing religious services or classes with religious content.

Technology/Equipment

Technology use is an integral part of FDLP. Families are required to have a computer or iPad with the capabilities to run most modern software and access the internet. If you do not have a computer, an FDLP computer can be provided using Educational Funds.

Laptop: A computer is available upon request using allotment funds. A signed Computer Use Agreement is required for each computer.

iPad: iPads are available for use at home. One iPad is issued to each family. Families may order an additional iPad through the ordering center.

Under NO circumstances are families to tamper with the computer equipment or iPad. You may not remove/add any internal components to the equipment. Non-educational software and hardware may not be added to the computers without approval from FDLP. Additionally, the computer and iPad are for school use only. Conducting personal business, inappropriate use of email or downloading and inappropriate use of software is strictly prohibited.

Families are responsible for lost items or damaged equipment caused by misuse or abuse that is not covered by the warranty. You will be invoiced for repair of replacement costs.

Withdrawal Procedures

Withdrawal Procedures

Withdrawal – Notify your FDLP Educational Specialist of plans to withdraw as soon as possible. It is imperative this be done before enrolling in any other school. Fill out the withdrawal form on our website.

Students are automatically withdrawn from FDLP when a records request is received from another school. If a student needs records sent to another school, but does not plan to withdraw immediately from FDLP, discuss this with the FDLP Administrator.

*If FDLP has paid for a subscription or activities, families will be invoiced for the remaining prorated amount of the subscription or activities if withdrawal occurs at any time prior to the end of the school year. Some online subscriptions purchased for the withdrawing student may also be prorated and included on an invoice.

Returning School Materials – If a student withdraws from FDLP return of school property must be completed within 15 days of receiving a copy of the family inventory. All materials purchased by FDLP through Educational Funds are the property of FDLP. When a student withdraws, all items provided to the withdrawn student are required to be returned to FDLP within 15 days. The Central Office will email the family a list of items that must be returned. Families will be invoiced for repair or replacement of lost or damaged school property. All returns or payment for invoices or lost or damaged curricular materials and equipment must be made within 15 days of receipt of the family inventory. If the equipment and materials are not returned or invoices are not paid after three attempts to contact, including one certified letter, the matter will be turned over to a collection agency. Once an account has been turned over to collections, the family is responsible to pay the collection agency. Materials can no longer be returned to FDLP.

FERPA

Notification Rights under FERPA

Notice of Directory Information: FDLP may disclose certain information, known as directory information, at its discretion without consent. For further information:

http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/mndirectoryinfo.html

FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that your Fossil DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child's education records. However, your Fossil DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM may disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without written consent, unless you have advised us to the contrary in accordance with procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow your Fossil DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM to include this type of information from your child's education records in certain school publications. Examples include:

A playbill, showing your student's role in a drama production; The annual yearbook; Honor roll or other recognition lists; Sports activity sheets

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent's prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories - names, addresses and telephone listings - unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student's information disclosed without their prior written consent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s

How much are the funds available for my student?

How much flexibility in selecting curriculum do I have? What is required and what is optional?

One of the wonderful elements of the charter school movement is the emphasis on parent choice and flexibility in selecting curriculum. Parents have tremendous flexibility in selecting curriculum that will help to intellectually stimulate their child and suit his/her individual learning style, needs, interests, and preferences as long as the curriculum is aligned with Common Core Standards and the students are performing at grade level. Please keep in mind that Oregon State law prohibits a public school from ordering materials through religious-based distributors. All religious instruction is the responsibility of the family. Our requirement is that Common Core aligned, approved curriculum is in place. If you choose to use religious or any other non-approved curriculum for your core curriculum, FDLP requires Common Core aligned curriculum to be purchased for math and language arts.

Am I solely responsible for choosing curriculum for my child's education?

No. The Educational Specialist works with the parent to choose the most appropriate curriculum for the child. The Educational Specialist is familiar with a number of curriculum choices available, as well as teaching approaches, learning styles and how to access additional information.

Kindergarten-8th$500 Educational Funds per Semester

Where can I get ideas on choosing the right curriculum that will meet my child's individual learning needs?

The Educational Specialist is very knowledgeable about many of the curriculum choices available, and can assist parents in selecting materials that will be a good fit for their child. The important thing is to select materials that best meet the individual learning style and needs of your child. The Educational Specialist can help advise you in selecting curriculum that is a good fit.

Do I have to purchase educational materials with my own money?

No. Since we are a public charter school, we have public funds available that are budgeted for purchasing educational resources and supplies for your child's education. Once your child's enrollment in our school is finalized, we will allocate funds to your Educational Specialist on a semester-by-semester basis that can be used by you to purchase resources and supplies.

Does the money allocated for educational resources and supplies belong to me?

No. The money used for purchasing supplies and resources for your child's education belongs to the school. As a public charter school, however, we are able to offer greater curriculum flexibility and parent choice than is available in a traditional public school, giving you greater participation and decision-making in the process of choosing educational supplies and resources for your child. All material purchased by the FDLP belongs to the District and must be returned at the end of the year or when your child withdraws from the program. All non-consumable items that you purchase for your child's education remain the property of the school. You use these items for as long as your child is enrolled in our school and then return them upon withdrawal.

What types of educational resources are available to use for my child's education?

Funds may be spent on books, manipulatives (mathematical tools), computers and educational software, small group instruction, group educational activities, athletics, and many other learning resources. It is the parent's responsibility to find out from his/her Educational Specialist all of the options available so that the best allocation of resources might be made for each student.

Can we just buy whatever we want with our funds?

No. Purchase of educational materials must be consistent with the course of study the student has chosen. There are also restrictions by Oregon State law regarding the type of materials that can be purchased using public funds. The Educational Specialist AND the Administrator prior to purchase must approve all materials/programs requested by a parent.

What happens if we lose a book or other materials that need to be returned to the school?

The non-consumable resources that you use to support the education of your child belong to the school. If you lose or damage them, you are responsible for their replacement cost.

What happens if I don't like what I ordered when it gets here?

All items are marked as school property and therefore cannot be returned to the vendor.

What is the difference between consumable and non-consumable education resources?

Consumable items are items that cannot be reused, such as paper, workbooks, and pencils.

What happens if we plan to continue enrollment with your school next year and we want to continue using some of the educational materials over the summer?

No problem. As long as your enrollment status is in good standing with us, you can continue using educational materials through the summer.

In general how long after we've ordered the materials does it take for them to arrive?

We work with many vendors, each with its own ordering and delivery timetable. In general, materials are delivered to your Educational Specialist anywhere from 2-6 weeks, depending on the vendor and the availability of the items you have chosen.

How are the materials delivered to us?

Your Educational Specialist will deliver your materials to you.

How do you keep track of the materials we've ordered and how much money we have available in our resources account?

We have a record of all of your orders. You may view all orders that you have submitted in the Drive of your school email account.

What happens if we run out of funds before the end of the school year and we need additional materials for our child's education?

You can network with other families to see whether they have materials that you can borrow. The public library is also a good resource, as is the Internet. Finally, you can supplement the need for materials with your own money if all other resource venues are unable to provide you with what you need.

Can I purchase educational materials and resources directly from vendors?

No, not with the funds allocated to your child's school account. Purchases of materials with school funds can only be made through the Educational Specialist and require Administrator approval. Of course, should you choose to purchase materials with your own money, you can work directly with whatever resource suppliers you choose.

Can I purchase educational materials from religious-based publishers and distributors?

No, not with public school funds. Oregon State law prohibits the District from purchasing any religious-based materials using the public educational funds provided to us by the State.

Are there any other restrictions to the types of resources and supplies I am able to purchase for my child's education?

Yes. In addition to religious-based materials and materials that are not consistent with your child's course of study, any materials that may cause harm or danger to your child or others may not be purchased. The following items are some of the examples that have been deemed unacceptable by administration: furniture, poisons (other than for chemistry), knives, bows, arrows with sharp tips, dart boards and darts with sharp tips, popcorn poppers, trampolines, swimming pools, rocket engines with fuel packs, ready-made clothes, ready-made jewelry, tattoos or tattoo kits, stationery for personal use, any weapons (pop-guns, sling shots, bb guns, potato guns, paint guns, etc.), party favors, personal hygiene items, cloth to make clothes. Please view the No Purchase List for specific details.

If I have specific questions about educational resources for my child, whom can I contact or where can I find additional information?

Contact the Educational Specialist; they are the best source of information regarding educational resources.

Educational Specialist FAQ’s

Who is the Educational Specialist and what do they do?

The Educational Specialist is a credentialed (licensed by Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission) teacher who provides professional educational support to parents and students. The primary role of the Educational Specialist is to:

Evaluate the student's progress. Complete the required paperwork and documentation for each student. Advise and counsel both parents and students. Communicate school information to the parents. Keep current with school policies and procedures. The Educational Specialist is considered the main liaison between our school program

and the family and should be the primary source of information for each parent.

How often do I meet with my Educational Specialist?

The Educational Specialist will be contacting you to arrange for your attendance at a mandatory enrollment meeting. At this meeting the student’s Individual Learning Plan will be developed, outlining the student’s personalized learning plan and courses of study.

At the initial meeting, the following will occur:

Determine appropriate courses/classes/curriculum. Initial assessments of student. Determine how academic progress will be measured. Discuss policies, procedures, and student/parent responsibilities. Schedule regular meeting times and locations.

Students study a minimum of six subject areas: Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, and Electives.

You must have a face-to-face meeting with your Educational Specialist a minimum of once every twenty school days.

Where do the Educational Specialist and I meet?

The Educational Specialist will be meeting with each family in person or virtually one time every twenty school days. Additional meetings will be available during the remaining days of the month at scheduled activities and field trips in each region.

Is it O.K. to contact my Educational Specialist anytime?

Educational Specialists will have a phone number you can call, and email is always an option. However, your Educational Specialist will return the call or email during times that are appropriate contact times for their schedule. Please do not call/text your Educational Specialist outside of normal working hours (8-5pm) or on the weekend.

Expectations & Responsibilities FAQ’s

Are students required to take standardized tests? If so, at what grade levels?

Yes. According to Oregon state law our public charter school must administer any state-mandated test whenever one is provided. The currently mandated state test is SMARTER BALANCE for grades 3-8. The OAKs Science Test will be given to 5th and 8th graders. School wide assessments will be given several times per year for math and reading.

When during the school year are the standardized tests given?

The tests are generally administered during the spring. However, the specific test dates will vary by exam and may not be established until sometime during the current school year. Please check with your Educational Specialist for the specific dates and times assigned for your region.

Are there materials available to help my child prepare for the state-mandated tests?

Yes. There are materials available to help your child prepare. Contact your Educational Specialist for more details.

What happens if my child doesn’t meet the state standards on the state-mandated test?

Each student in grades 3–8, contingent upon district policy, has one annual opportunity to take SMARTER BALANCED English Language Arts and Math as available by grade. Students in grades 5 and 8 will have two opportunities to take the Oaks Science test.

ALL students will be required to test during the Spring testing session.

Is my child expected to perform as well academically as in a traditional public school?

Yes. Both the State of Oregon and the Federal Government have stated as one of their goals or reasons for creating and authorizing Charter Schools’ is to “provide an alternative to traditional public education”. They go on to clarify however that academically; students will perform at least as well, if not better, than students in traditional Oregon public schools. For our charter school to continue operating we must demonstrate above average academic performance to the State of Oregon.

No Purchase List The items found in this chart may NOT be purchased using curriculum funds.When in doubt, consult your Educational Specialist for more guidance.

Art SuppliesSupplies must be appropriate for age, course of study, and what a typical school would provide to a student in that grade levelOrder quantities must be appropriate to the student’s needs and course of study

The following are examples of what will not be purchased:Portfolios (used to hold and organize work)Air brush kitsPotter’s wheelAny single art item above $25 must be approved by Educational Specialist

MusicSheet music is approved for students taking a specific music class or course; sheet music is considered a consumable item

The following are examples of what will not be purchased:Items such as musical or entertainment CDs, DVDs, videos, etc. may only be requested if:

The student is taking a music appreciation course and the material is appropriate to that course

Special approval is given by the Educational SpecialistMusical instruments

Recorders are considered consumable and may be requested if cost is $15 or less Musical instruments for purchase or rent

Dangerous MaterialsThe following are examples of what will not be purchased:Adhesives; sealants, you order regular Elmer Glue or a glue stickCarving knives; knives in generalChemical kits; chemicalsRocket engines/rocket kits

Memberships & Testing Fees Fees and Memberships will not be paid.

MiscellaneousThe following are examples of what will not be purchased:

Office chairsTables; including drafting tableEaselsStands; including pocket chart and music standsChalkboards and/or whiteboardsCamerasLampsFish Tanks/Aquariums

Miscellaneous Office SuppliesThe following are examples of what will not be purchased:Book bagsPrinter/Copier paper Bulletin boardsCalendars; day planners; Educational Specialist lesson plan booksPrinter ink cartridgesStaplersTape

PE EquipmentThe following are examples of what will not be purchased:Balls, jump ropes, scooters, stiltsOther sport specific equipment

Religious CurriculumAny religious or sectarian materials Curriculum

Sports, Dance, and TheatreThe following are examples of what will not be purchased:Clothing of any type, including uniforms and shoesNo permits/tickets for activities, parks, sports, skiing, riding, etc.

Toys The following are examples of what will not be purchased:Toys such as Legos or Duplos or Shrinky DinksSpecial approval from Educational Specialist is required for any item that may be perceived as a toy and must provide curriculum justification

******Any single item that exceeds $100 must receive prior approval from the Educational Specialist and must be fully justified