Lead Academy Weekly News 3-15-20

(para leer este mensaje en español, utilice las opciones en el menú en la parte superior de la página web)

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update

We are continuing to closely monitor the current status of the COVID-19 outbreak.  Currently, we are continuing to clean surfaces thoroughly and frequently as well as place a heavy emphasis on personal hygiene and hand washing.  There a few more specific actions we are taking:

• We are eliminating all non-essential visitors during the school day and limiting after-school activities and events.  As a result, parents will not be allowed to have lunch with students or send in a class treat (ex: birthday treats).
• Indoor public events will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
• Field Trips will be evaluated on a case by case basis and communicated out to parents.  Refunds will be issued for any cancelled trips.  
• Outdoor activities such as sporting events will continue until further notice.  We are awaiting more information from the High School and Middle School athletic leagues. 
• We have created a virtual/distance learning plan should school be closed for a short or extended period of time. In the event of a closure, this plan will be communicated out to parents.  Instruction will be provided for students in both virtual and paper formats.  More details to come.

The bottom line is we are continuing to watch and listen to the State Department of Education along with SC DHEC.  They are providing us multiple updates each day and it is a very fluid situation.  We will continue to update with any new or changing information. Please be patient with us as we work hard to ensure the safety and health of both students and staff. Please direct any questions about this situation to Carlie Feno or Chase Willingham so that we can keep the office staff and phone lines open.  Contact information for Mrs. Feno and Mr. Willingham can be found here:

Carlie Feno- cafeno@myleadacademy.com 864-465-4025

Chase Willingham - cwillingham@myleadacademy.com 864-916-1372

Spectrum is offering internet discounts and free internet right now: https://corporate.charter.com/newsroom/charter-to-offer-free-access-to-spectrum-broadband-and-wifi-for-60-days-for-new-K12-and-college-student-households-and-more

Spanish-Speaking Parent Night

Familias, muchas gracias por su entusiasmo alrededor de la noche para familias hispanas. Hemos tomado la decisión de posponer el evento para proteger mejor la salud de todos. Tenga en cuenta que aún vamos a celebrar el evento y nos pondremos en contacto nuevamente sobre la nueva fecha en un mejor momento. Gracias de nuevo y esperamos verlos a todos pronto.

2020-2021 Calendar

I have had a few people ask about the 20-21 calendar.  We always wait until Greenville County releases their calendar and then we make any modifications we feel are necessary before releasing our's.  Our final 20-21 calendar will be released by the end of March after our board approves it at the next board meeting.  Our start and end date along with all major breaks such as Spring Break, Thanksgiving, and winter break will all be the same as Greenville County. The calendar will be released after this week's board meeting. 

Lost and Found

Please make sure you check lost and found in the front office for items.   Anything left behind that is not a Lead Academy item (Shirt or jacket) is donated at the end of each month to a local charity.  

EPIC Leaders

To learn more about our new EPIC Leaders initiative, read this article: https://www.myleadacademy.com/article/196553?org=lead-academy

Box Tops Collection 

Please send in any Box Tops Clips by Tuesday (2-25). We will continue to collect these as long as they are available. Be sure to download the Box Tops for Education App and keep earning money for our school. 

Dental Services

We're excited to bring to Lead Academy, a complete dental care service for our students.  Lead will be one of the first schools in the Greenville area to use this service.

Dental Access Carolina will partner with Lead to provide our students with comprehensive dental care during school hours.  The dental service will include cleanings, x-rays, and fillings.  STUDENTS DON'T MISS SCHOOL, PARENTS DON'T MISS WORK

Parents will be provided with complete information packets that are in both English and Spanish. Please look for these packets, fill them out and return to the school nurse as Dental Access will be starting in March.

School Zone

Please note that after a long process, Mauldin Road in front of the school is now a school zone.  Please watch your speed and slow down so we can keep everyone safe.  Many have asked about the possibility of a red light at the school intersection.  We have discussed this extensively with DOT and, at this time, it doesn't seem possible due to many factors.  However, we are continuing the conversation.  

Jackets

Just a reminder that only Lead Academy jackets may be worn inside the building.  Students may wear any jacket outside.  If you need to purchase a jacket, please contact Mrs. Steadman.  

Inclement Weather

Just a reminder as we finally begin seeing some winter weather patterns, we follow Greenville County's weather decisions.  If they have a delay or close, we do the same unless otherwise communicated.  

Cold Weather

Our policy for outside play during cold times is 40 degrees.  It must be 40 or above for students to go outside for classes or recess.  

School Fees and Balances

As a charter school, we operate off a very tight budget and every dollar counts.  We maximize every dollar to have direct impact on students. With that said, it is very important that all school fees and lunch balances are taken care of in a timely fashion.  Notices are sent home frequently as a reminder.  Currently, any student with a negative balance of more than $50 will have all money turned into the front office (field trips, events, and other fees) applied directly to that debt first per board policy.  Our board is also working on an updated debt policy which will be published in October.  Anytime you need assistance or a payment plan, please reach out to us and we will work something out.  If you have questions, please let us know.   

New App!

 LEAD Academy has a new app! Find sports scores, menus, and news updates. Download on Android: http://bit.ly/2YacBnc or iPhone: https://apple.co/2YdqEIO.  The app contains forms to submit a parent excuse for an absence as well as a safety form to report any issues relating to bullying or safety.  

2019-2020 School Calendar

View the 2019-2020 calendar here: https://drive.google.com/open?...

19-20 Student Handbook

This year's handbook can be located here: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/428334/19-20_Student_Parent_Handbook.docx

Important Upcoming Dates

3/20- Teacher Workday- No School for students. 

3/23- No school for students (makeup day #3 we did not use yet)

3/24- Students will have normal school day (This is makeup day #1 we did use during storms)

3/27- Report cards