Paragon 2011-12 Student-Parent Handbook

The Paragon Difference

Paragon provides a dynamic, fun, and stimulating environment in exchange for a student and parental commitment to excellence. It is this partnership that makes Paragon a success and an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Paragon produces students who are well-rounded, inquisitive, thoughtful, concerned for others, devoted to (and knowledgeable about) democratic and entrepreneurial principals. Paragon strives to inspire students to become articulate, ethical, and eager for further learning.

School Philosophy

Our students strive for independence, acceptance, self-expression, and academic and personal success while at the same time requiring a tremendous amount of support and encouragement. Paragon stresses student responsibility and teaches that self-discipline, goal-setting, and teamwork are the keys to academic success. Paragon strives to help students master a core of essential knowledge; learn to think logically and independently; value honesty, self-reliance and respect for others; and apply their learning to real-world situations.

School Hours

Paragon Prep is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. on all school days unless otherwise noted.

• For 3rd and 4th grades, the school day begins at 8:00 A.M.
• For 5th and 6th grades, the school day begins at 7:30 A.M.
• For 7th and 8th grades, the school day begins at 8:30 A.M.

The school day concludes at 2:30 P.M. for 6th grades, 2:45 P.M. for the 5th grade, 3:00 P.M. for the 3rd and 4th grades, and concludes at 3:30 P.M for 7th & 8th grades.

AfterCare (a paid, after school tutorial time) runs from 2:30 to 5:30 P.M. daily except for early dismissal days.

Bad Weather Policy

On bad weather days, Paragon will always follow the decisions made by Austin Independent School District regarding delays and cancellations.

Attendance

Students at Paragon must be prompt and regular in attendance. Paragon’s academic school year is 177 days long each year (the state minimum is 175).  Attendance will be taken each day and students are expected to attend each day unless they are ill or their parent or guardian has furnished good reason for them missing school.  Students will be responsible for completing both class work and homework missed due to excused or unexcused absences and tardiness. Students who are absent more than 5 days in one school year are at risk of losing credit for that school year.  Such cases will be reviewed by the school’s administration.

The school should be notified of planned absences in advance and students should work ahead on assignments before they leave if possible. Missed assignments are available on the web page after 4:00 each day. If you do not have access to the web obtain a copy of the assignment page from Paragon’s Homework Book in the school lobby after 4:00 each day.  If your child will be absent or if there will be a delay in picking your child up from school, notify the school office by phone or e-mail. If someone who is not so designated on enrollment forms is to pick up your child, please call or write the office.

Required Dress

Paragon emphasizes the qualities of neatness, courtesy, self-respect, and mutual respect. The school dress standard plays an important role in learning these principles. All students are required to wear collared shirt and cotton twill (khaki-style, including corduroy) pants or shorts of any color. Though shirts may be worn in or out, students’ midriffs must be covered at all times. All shorts must extend farther down the thigh than the student’s fingertips when arms are held to the sides. College sweatshirts and caps maybe be worn at any time. Plain sweatshirts and/or sweaters may be worn over collared shirts. Denim pants or shorts as well as tee shirts from Paragon or any college may be worn on Fridays. Open shoes are not permitted. For PE classes, students may wear tee shirts (with sleeves), shorts (finger-tip length), or sweats. Compliance with these standards is a requirement for continued attendance and participation in Paragon programs.

Homework and Preparation

To be prepared for each day’s classroom experience, a student must conscientiously complete his/her assignments, both written and unwritten. The students are encouraged to schedule time each day after school for homework preparation.

Grading and Reporting

Paragon Prep employs a conventional scoring system. Student grade point averages are calculated using a straight average of their academic courses. 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 70-79= C 0-69 = F
Paragon Prep observes a trimester schedule with academic reports being sent to parents in November, March and May. Paragon teachers upload their grades to a parent accessible webpage on a weekly basis for the use of parents and students.  Students must maintain an average of 70 in all classes to be eligible to re-enroll for subsequent years of education at Paragon.

Compulsory Service

Students will participate in cleaning the school and school grounds on a regular basis. All students will share Compulsory Service duties.

Testing and Evaluation

A quiz covers material that a student should know from having conscientiously completed the homework. Quizzes are given regularly in most classes and may or may not be announced. A test differs from a quiz in that a test requires special preparation beyond the normal night’s assignment. Teachers generally give students at least one week’s notice before a test, and normally students take no more than one test in the same day. Tests are not normally given on Mondays. Students are given several major exams at the end of each trimester that is comprehensive in nature. In addition to tests, which originate in the classroom, Paragon students take nationally standardized tests annually.

Student Discipline

At Paragon Prep students are expected to act in accordance with the Paragon Honor Code. Classroom discipline is the responsibility of each teacher and the majority of classroom disruptions are handled at the classroom level. If a student’s continued disruptions interfere with the continued progress of the class, a meeting will be arranged with the parents to discuss the student’s behavior and disciplinary action.  Minor infractions of the Honor Code will be noted in each student’s Behavior Report. Repeated infractions will result in mandatory attendance of detention.  Please note that that a student’s (or parent’s) disregard of the rules or personnel of the school may be deemed sufficient cause for dismissal.  Nothing in this handbook limits the school from dismissing any student at any time for any reason that the school deems worthy.

In practice, the rules and expectations of the school are spelled out in Paragon's Honor Code and more specifically in the "Paragon Policy" pages that are kept in each student's MOAT Book and that are sent home to parents each fall.  Students' behaviors are tracked and noted in the following 4 areas when they make “mistakes” or “exceed our expectations”:  Respectful of Self and Others, Academically Prepared, Positive Contributor, Responsibility.

When students achieve 6 “exceeds expectations” they are issued a certificate of commendation.

When students make repeated mistakes, it results in the following sequence of events:

Level 1.    Students who make 6 mistakes in a single category in a single trimester go to a 2 hour-detention with the principal.

Level 2.    Students who go to more than 1 detention in a trimester in a single category may need to attend a meeting with the principal and his or her parents to discuss the situation and make necessary adjustments.  This is handled on a case-by-case basis and usually involves setting goals and thresholds that, if crossed, could result in moving to the third level of discipline.

Level 3.  Students who continue to record similar mistakes after the second detention and parent meeting may be assigned to a in school suspension or suspension from school.

Level 4.  Students who refuse to change their behavior after repeated detentions and/or parent meeting and/or suspensions may be expelled or not invited back for the following year of middle school. Note- students might advance more quickly to Level 4 as a result of specific acts of violence or disrespect.

 To follow your student’s behavior, go to www.paragonprep.com, click on “Current:” then click on “Behavior Report”.  There you will enter your student’s Login ID and Password

Academic Dishonesty

A student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a grade of "0" for the assignment and will meet with the principal and his or her parents to discuss the seriousness of the situation.  A student who commits a subsequent act of academic dishonesty will be suspended from school for one week in addition to receiving  a grade of "0" for the assignment and having another meeting  with the principal and his or her parents.

Lunch Rules

1. All Honor Code rules must be followed.
2. Students should remain seated while eating.
3. Students cannot leave the deck for any reason without permission.
4. No throwing food, climbing, or standing on seats or tables.
5. Students must clean up after themselves.
6. Silent lunch will be given for the group if its members consistently break these rules.

Grievance Policy

If a parent or student has a grievance with a particular teacher about a specific item or event, he or she is encouraged to contact that teacher to resolve the issue. If the issue cannot be resolved with the teacher alone, parents and students should contact one of the school founders- David McGrath or Mark Hathaway. Any grievances that are not with a particular teacher about a particular item or about a particular class should be addressed to one of the school founders.

Fund Raising

Paragon Prep is funded by tuition alone, operates on a balanced budget, and does not engage in  fundraising campaigns. Student or parent groups may have fundraisers to support their activities or causes, but participation in these by any parent or student is strictly optional.

Honor Code

The Paragon Honor Code plays an important role in maintaining an optimum environment for learning and enjoying school. Students are obligated to memorize and uphold the Paragon Honor Code.

•  I will be respectful of school personnel, fellow students and parents. I will keep all rules as set by the class, teacher and administration. I will not ridicule, ostracize or demean others. I will not do anything to harm other students or the staff.
• I understand that all students have the right to a quiet and orderly school environment. I will respect this right.
• I will respect the property rights of all. This means that I will not deface, vandalize or in any way damage the property of fellow students, the staff or the school. I will help keep the classrooms, bathrooms, and outdoor areas clean and orderly.
• I will be in attendance each day unless sick or specifically excused by the administration. I will complete all homework and class assignments missed due to absence. I understand that I will not be allowed to make up exams missed due to unexcused absences.
• I will make good use of class time for all academic work. I will complete all homework and class assignments in a timely manner.
• I will arrive at and depart from school as authorized by my parents or school administration.
• I will be honest with others and with myself. I will do my own work. I will not copy from other students nor allow others to copy from me. I will not plagiarize or cheat in any way.
• I understand that chewing gum is not allowed at any time on campus.
• I will abide by the Paragon dress standard.
• I will strive for excellence in all things at all times.