Making Waves Academy
UPPER SCHOOL
Student-Parent Handbook
2017-18
4123 Lakeside Drive
Richmond, CA 94806
Phone (510) 262-1511; Fax (510) 262-1518
www.makingwavesacademy.org
2
Preface
This handbook serves as a guide for students and families at Making Waves
Academy (MWA) by outlining the important policies and expectations. The
handbook is not all-inclusive. It does not attempt to include all rules, nor does it
attempt to account for all situations. As MWA continues to grow and evolve and as
new, unexplored situations present themselves, rules may be added or changed in
order to provide a safe and productive environment for all.
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MWA Upper School
Kimberley Carr
Upper School Director
Eleanor Boli
Associate School Director
Ahjia Moore
Associate Dean of Students
Elizabeth Martinez
Associate Dean of Students
Jon Siapno
Director of College and Career Counseling
Alton B. Nelson, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Making Waves Academy Board of Directors
Alicia Malet Klein, President
Eric Abrams
Maricela Navarro (Parent)
Esther Hugo
Daryle Morgan
Contra Costa County Office of Education
Karen Sakata, Superintendent of Schools
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Table of Contents
I. Making Waves Academy Mission, Vision, & History ........................................................ 8
Mission ................................................................................................................................ 8
The History of Making Waves ............................................................................................ 8
Wave-Maker Affirmation ................................................................................................... 9
Core Values ....................................................................................................................... 10
II. Academic Calendar & Daily Schedules .......................................................................... 11
Upper School Daily Bell Schedule ................................................................................... 13
III. MWA Expectations ......................................................................................................... 14
Student Expectations ....................................................................................................... 14
Parent/Guardian Expectations ........................................................................................ 14
Staff Commitments .......................................................................................................... 14
IV. Upper School Program ................................................................................................... 15
Upper School Grading Scale ............................................................................................ 16
Grade Point Scale ............................................................................................................. 16
California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (“CAASPP”) .................. 16
Teacher Qualifications ..................................................................................................... 16
Homework Policy .............................................................................................................. 16
Upper School Requirements for Graduation/ Grade Promotion ..................................... 16
Graduation ....................................................................................................................... 16
Grade Level Promotion...................................................................................................... 17
Courses Offered By Grade Level ...................................................................................... 17
All School Meeting and Community Building Time ....................................................... 18
Study Trips ....................................................................................................................... 18
Upper School Extended-Day Academic Support Opportunities ..................................... 18
Upper School Interscholastic Athletics Program ............................................................ 18
V. School-wide Services, Expectations, & Guidelines ........................................................ 20
Student Support Services ................................................................................................. 20
504 Policies and Procedures ............................................................................................. 20
Enrichment ....................................................................................................................... 21
Attendance ........................................................................................................................ 21
Tardies/Lateness ................................................................................................................... 21
School Messenger System ............................................................................................. 22
Excused Absence .............................................................................................................. 22
Excuse To Obtain Confidential Medical Services ........................................................ 23
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Unexcused Absence .......................................................................................................... 23
Excessive Absences ........................................................................................................... 23
Early Release .................................................................................................................... 23
Authorized Reasons for Early Release and Absences ..................................................... 23
Attendance Expectations and Requirements .................................................................. 23
School Attendance Review Board (SARB) ....................................................................... 23
SARB Hearing .................................................................................................................. 24
Arrival/Dismissal Policy ................................................................................................... 24
Expectations for Parents, Guardians, and Students ................................................................ 25
Immunizations and Physical Examinations ................................................................... 25
Nutrition Policy ................................................................................................................ 26
Food Drop-Offs ................................................................................................................ 26
Bus Rights and Responsibilities ...................................................................................... 27
Outside Expectations ....................................................................................................... 28
Homeless Students ........................................................................................................... 29
Nondiscrimination Statement .......................................................................................... 30
VI. MWA Dress Code ........................................................................................................... 31
Making Waves Academy Professional Dress Guidelines ................................................ 33
Upper School Dress Code ................................................................................................. 31
Upper School Casual Dress .............................................................................................. 33
VII. Making Waves Academy Student Discipline .............................................................. 34
Discipline Policy ............................................................................................................... 34
Student Code of Conduct .................................................................................................. 34
Restorative Action ............................................................................................................ 34
Disciplinary Consequences .............................................................................................. 34
School Safety Policy Guidelines ....................................................................................... 35
Expulsion Infractions ....................................................................................................... 35
Possession of a weapon and/or dangerous object(s): ............................................................. 35
Obscenity, Profanity and Vulgarity: .................................................................................... 35
Sexual Harassment: ........................................................................................................... 36
Fights/Threats/Bullying: .................................................................................................... 36
Controlled Substances (Drugs or Alcohol): .......................................................................... 36
Academic Integrity ........................................................................................................... 36
Plagiarism ........................................................................................................................ 36
Cheating .......................................................................................................................... 36
Ways to Avoid Plagiarism and Cheating .............................................................................. 36
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Consequences for Plagiarism .............................................................................................. 37
VIII. Campus Safety Protocols and Procedures ................................................................. 38
Search and Seizure ........................................................................................................... 38
Searches ........................................................................................................................... 38
Anti-Bullying Policy ......................................................................................................... 38
What is Bullying? ............................................................................................................. 38
What is Cyber Bullying? .................................................................................................... 39
Reporting .......................................................................................................................... 39
Investigation ..................................................................................................................... 39
Appeal ............................................................................................................................... 40
Consequences for Bullying ............................................................................................... 40
Harassment Policy............................................................................................................ 40
IX. Discipline, Suspension and Expulsion Procedures ....................................................... 41
Disciplinary Infractions ................................................................................................... 41
Suspension ........................................................................................................................ 41
Expulsion .......................................................................................................................... 43
Due Process Regarding Suspension and Expulsion ........................................................ 43
Responsibilities of Parties ................................................................................................ 44
X. Upper School Discipline System ..................................................................................... 45
Classroom Management Policy ........................................................................................ 45
Behavioral and Immediate Referrals .............................................................................. 45
Upper School Procedure for Immediate Referrals .......................................................... 45
XI. All School Emergency Evacuation Plan ........................................................................ 50
All School Lockdown Drill ................................................................................................ 50
Notice of Pipeline Hazard ................................................................................................ 50
XII. School Property and Personal Possessions ................................................................. 51
Lockers and Locks ............................................................................................................ 51
Textbooks .......................................................................................................................... 51
Computer/Internet Use Policy ......................................................................................... 51
Computer/Internet Use Guidelines ................................................................................. 51
Cell Phone/Electronics Policy........................................................................................... 52
XIII. Visitor Policy/Guidelines ............................................................................................ 53
XIV. Directory Information and Pupil Records .................................................................. 54
XV. Uniform Complaint Procedures (“UCP”) Annual Notice ............................................. 57
Uniform Complaint Procedure Form ............................................................................... 59
XVI. Acknowledgment Form and Student-Parent Commitment Form ............................. 61
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I. Making Waves Academy Mission, Vision, & History
Mission
Making Waves commits to rigorously and holistically preparing students to gain acceptance to and graduate
from college to ultimately become valuable contributors to the workforce and their communities.
The History of Making Waves
Twenty four years ago, John Scully, Managing Director of the investment firm, SPO Partners, had a vision. He
shared this vision with fellow Branson School (a private school in Ross, CA) Board Member, the late Reverend
Eugene Farlough, Pastor of the Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church in Richmond. Together they created
Making Waves, an organization that would support the health, well-being, education and pre-career
development of urban children. John’s vision grew from his experiences and his observation of numerous
public education systems in the state of California and throughout the nation. He came to realize that the
disparity in equal educational opportunity between the “haves” and the “have-nots” in our society was
increasing at an alarming rate. John also concluded that unless innovative programs were created to support and
augment the efforts of certain public school systems, this circumstance would continue to worsen. This
deteriorating condition was unacceptable because of its inevitable outcome: millions of Americans lacking the
skills required to provide an adequate quality of life for themselves, their families and the communities in which
they reside.
Making Waves has grown dramatically since its founding in 1989. From its origins as an after-school tutoring
and teaching program, it evolved into a comprehensive and holistic program The program was founded on a
focus on the whole child and provided an array of services, including, academic support, transportation, meals,
mental health counseling, college placement and financial aid counseling, high school and college visits and
scholarship support.
Building on a solid foundation built over 20 years, the organization took the next logical step, the development
of a charter school. Making Waves Academy (MWA), a charter school serving grades 5 through 12, targets
students classified as socio-economically disadvantaged and educationally underserved students in Richmond
and San Pablo Title I public schools. In July 2007, MWA opened with its Wave of 100 fifth grade students, the
12th Wave. After two years of successful growth with 200 Wave-Makers the school moved to its permanent site
at 4123 Lakeside Drive in July 2009. In the fall of 2011, MWA added the Upper School, to serve students in
grades 9-12. In June of 2015, MWA graduated its first class of seniors - Wave 12! In the 2017-2018 year, we
project an enrollment of about 790 students in grades 5-12.
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Wave-Maker Affirmation
1
I am a Wave-Maker!
I am an agent of change.
I can control my destiny if I set my mind to it.
I am determined to be an intelligent, organized, and disciplined person.
I will not let anything get in the way of my success.
I am a Wave-Maker!
I am willing to get an education.
I will go to college.
I will complete the Making Waves program because I am determined to go to college.
I am a Wave-Maker!
I look at life with a positive attitude.
I believe love and support are priceless.
I will help people less fortunate than me.
I will build houses for the homeless.
I will adopt children.
I will be devoted to non-violence and help end violence in our community.
I will increase the peace.
I am a Wave-Maker!
I will help rebuild my community.
I will clean up graffiti.
I will recycle.
I will keep my streets clean.
I am a Wave-Maker!
I am a valuable person.
I will believe in myself.
I will achieve my goals.
I am creative.
I will be an impossible me and recycle my success.
I am a Wave-Maker!
I am a powerful person.
I am strong, smart, generous, and caring.
Success is achieved through hard work and perseverance.
I am willing.
I am a Wave-Maker!
1
Richmond’s Second Wave created the Wave-Maker’s Affirmation in order to foster community and create goals for the group. Since then, it has been
adopted by successive Richmond and San Francisco Waves. Most large group meetings and events begin with The Wave-Maker’s Affirmation.
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Core Values
During the 2013-14 school year, as part of the WASC Accreditation renewal process, the Making Waves
Academy community went through an inclusive process of revisiting and refining the school’s Core Values.
Participation in this process included students, parents, faculty/staff, administrators, School Site Council
members, and Board Members. The result of the process is that the twelve original values were condensed
down to five values. Discussions by various constituent groups included discussing how and if specific values
could be or were embedded within one another. The revised five MWA Core Values are as follows:
Community
We combine our intellect and critical thinking to support each other and make healthy choices for ourselves and
positive changes in our community.
Resilience
We are agents of change, who, through hard work and perseverance, have the power to define ourselves and to
control our destiny.
Respect
We believe each person is valuable and we demonstrate respect by following our community norms.
Responsibility
We have integrity; we are accountable for our decisions and actions and their impact on self and community.
Scholarship
We are life-long learners who aspire to and achieve academic excellence.
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II. Academic Calendar & Daily Schedules
Important Dates Calendar
Academic Year 2017 – 2018
2017
August 14 Registration Day
August 15 Mandatory Orientation Day Wave 18 & Wave 22
First Day of School for Wave 18
First Day of School for Wave 22 – 2:05 p.m. Dismissal
August 16 First Day of School for All Students
September 4 Labor Day – SCHOOL CLOSED
October 9 Indigenous Peoples’ Day – SCHOOL CLOSED
October 13 Professional Development Day – SCHOOL CLOSED
November 10 Veterans Day – SCHOOL CLOSED
November 20 - 24 Thanksgiving Recess – SCHOOL CLOSED
November 27 School Resumes
December 18 – 31 Winter Recess – SCHOOL CLOSED
2018
January 1 Winter Recess continues – SCHOOL CLOSED
January 2 School Resumes
January 12 Professional Development Day – SCHOOL CLOSED
January 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – SCHOOL CLOSED
February 19 - 23 Presidents’ Week Recess – SCHOOL CLOSED
February 26 School Resumes
March 23 Professional Development Day – SCHOOL CLOSED
March 30 César Chávez Day observed – SCHOOL CLOSED
April 2 - 6 Spring Recess – SCHOOL CLOSED
April 9 School Resumes
May 28 Memorial Day – SCHOOL CLOSED
June 6 Last Day of School
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Calendario Académico
Fechas Importantes Calendario
Año Académico 2017 – 2018
2017
Agosto 14 Registración Day
Agosto 15 Día de Orientación obligatoria Onda 18 & Onda 22
Primer día de escuela para Onda 18.
Primer día de escuela para Onda 22 – Salida 2:05 p.m.
Agosto 16 Primer día de escuela para todos los estudiantes
Septiembre 4 Día del Trabajo – ESCUELA CERRADA
Octubre 9 Día de los Pueblos Indígenas – ESCUELA CERRADA
Octubre 13 Día de Desarrollo Professional – ESCUELA CERRADA
Noviembre 10 Día de Veterano de Guerra – ESCUELA CERRADA
Noviembre 20 - 24 Acción de Gracias – ESCUELA CERRADA
Noviembre 27 Comienza la escuela
Diciembre 18 – 31 Receso de Invierno – ESCUELA CERRADA
2018
Enero 1 Receso de Invierno continua – ESCUELA CERRADA
Enero 2 Comienza la escuela
Enero 12 Día de Desarrollo Professional – ESCUELA CERRADA
Enero 15 Día Martin Luther King, Jr. – ESCUELA CERRADA
Febrero 19 - 23 Receso Semana de los Presidentes – ESCUELA CERRADA
Febrero 26 Comienza la escuela
Marzo 23 Día de Desarrollo Professional – ESCUELA CERRADA
Marzo 30 Día de César Chávez – ESCUELA CERRADA
Abril 2 - 6 Receso de Primavera – ESCUELA CERRADA
Abril 9 Comienza la escuela
Mayo 28 Día de la Memoria – ESCUELA CERRADA
Junio 6 Último día de escuela
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Monday
Tuesday
Start
End
Min.
Full Schedule
Full Schedule
8:05
9:00
55
Period 1
Period 2
9:05
10:00
55
Period 2
Period 3
10:00
10:10
10
Break
Break
10:15
11:10
55
Period 3
Period 4
11:15
12:10
55
Period 4
Period 5
12:10
12:15
5
DT
DT
12:15
12:55
40
Lunch
Lunch
1:00
1:30
30
Advisory
Advisory
1:35
2:30
55
Period 5
Period 6
2:35
3:30
55
Period 6
Period 1
Friday
Start
End
Min.
Short Schedule
8:05
8:45
40
Period 5
8:50
9:30
40
Period 6
9:35
10:15
40
Period 1
10:20
11:00
40
Period 2
11:00
11:30
30
Lunch
11:35
12:15
40
Period 3
12:20
1:00
40
Period 4
1:05
2:00
55
Community
Wednesday
Thursday
Start
End
Min.
Block A
Block B
8:05
9:35
90
Period 3
Period 4
9:35
9:50
15
Break
Break
9:55
10:30
35
Advisory
Advisory
10:35
12:05
90
Period 1
Period 6
12:05
12:10
5
DT
DT
12:10
12:50
40
Lunch
Lunch
12:55
1:55
60
Marlin Hour
Marlin Hour
2:00
3:30
90
Period 2
Period 5
Upper School Daily Bell Schedule
Marlin Hour
Marlin Hour is a blocked period during the core day for teachers to engage
in intervention and accelerated programming for all learners. Teachers will
assist Tier 2 students with grade-level mastery; Tier 3 students will be
engaged by interventionists in remediation of foundational skills necessary
for student achievement. Accelerated programming will be available to
provide Advanced Placement support, course advancement, and
enrichment.
Community Block
Community Block is a time for our school to come together to build spirit,
develop connections, celebrate accomplishments and share information.
During this time, we will host All-School Meetings, Pep-Rallies, Wave
Meetings, Community Circles, and other community-building gatherings.
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III. MWA Expectations
Making Waves Academy is committed to educating students in an environment of safety, discipline, and high standards for
all. Self-discipline is necessary for each student’s success in school and within the community. MWA’s goal is to facilitate
the development of student self-discipline with the support of students, parents, and staff. In order to effectively develop,
implement, and support school-wide discipline, all parties must work in partnership to achieve this goal.
Student Expectations
In order to assist you in creating a more meaningful experience, achieving success, and making positive contributions to
your community, Wave-Makers are expected to:
o Know, understand, and follow all rules and regulations.
o Interact with other students, faculty, and staff in a respectful and positive manner.
o Accept fair and consistent discipline.
o Work hard to develop an intellectual understanding of the Core Values.
o Understand that harmful conduct to self and to others is not allowed.
o Respect and care for the property of self, others and school.
o Show consideration for peers, adults and self.
Each student is required to read, sign, and return the “Student Commitment Form”
Parent/Guardian Expectations
Family involvement is essential to the MWA community and student development and achievement. Parents play a vital
role in the ongoing success of our school and our students. MWA parents/guardians are expected to:
o Be active partners with us by volunteering up to 20 hours of service each year.
o Model the Core Values we aim to instill in our students.
o Work with school officials to resolve any discipline incident in a patient, restorative, and fair manner.
o Review and sign off on assessments and class assignments, as assigned by the teacher.
o Attend Student Family Conferences and school meetings.
o Actively monitor and assist with student progress.
o Communicate with all MWA staff in a professional and respectful manner.
o Reinforce MWA’s academic and behavioral standards at home.
o Help with special events (e.g., dances, fundraisers, etc.) when possible.
o Attend all monthly parent meetings.
o Communicate with the school by phone or note to verify student absences.
Parents/Guardians are required to read, sign and return “Parent/Guardian Commitment Form”
Staff Commitments
Making Waves Academy has high expectations of both students and staff. Staff members at Making Waves Academy are
committed to the highest levels of learning, achievement and integrity for themselves and others. MWA staff will adhere to
intellectual and scholarly development:
Teach a curriculum that is rigorous and culturally relevant.
Consistently reinforce MWA’s system of behavioral accountability and restorative practices.
Incorporate positive reinforcement as a key component of discipline.
Consistently integrate routines and procedures as part of the daily routine.
Teach and model appropriate behavior.
Communicate acceptable behavior on a daily basis throughout the school year.
Show consideration and respect for students, families, and the MWA community at all times.
Handle all situations in a professional manner.
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IV. Upper School Program
The aim of the Making Waves Academy Upper School is to effectively prepare students to gain acceptance to,
and graduate from, college. The courses offered and required of students are aligned with the A-G Admissions
criteria for the University of California. These criteria are some of the highest high school standards in the
country. Students successfully passing these courses with high enough grades have proven to be competitive for
admission to top public and private universities around the country. At their core, students will be required to
attain and develop strong writing skills, critical reading and thinking skills, and strong mathematical,
computational and problem-solving skills. A variety of Core subjects are offered in the 9
th
and 10
th
grade years.
In the 11
th
and 12
th
grades, Advanced Placement (AP) courses and other science, math, and art electives are
available. Students scoring a 3, 4, or 5 (on the 5 point scale) on an AP exam earn college credit in that subject.
Listed below are the course offerings for 2017-18 [Additional courses will be added and published in August]:
Grade
Math
English
Science
History
Language
Electives
9
th
Algebra I
Geometry
Fundamentals
of Algebra
English I
Earth and Space
Science
Spanish I
Spanish I
Advanced
Writing & Technology
Health & Wellness I
Fundamentals of Art
10th
Geometry
Fundamentals
of Geometry
Algebra II
English II
Biology
World History
Spanish II
Spanish II
Advanced
Fundamentals of Art
Health & Wellness II
Intro to Health Science
11
th
Algebra II
Pre-Calculus
Statistics
AP Statistics
English III
English III
Honors
Biology
Modern Physics
and Chemistry
AP Biology
Anatomy and
Physiology
U.S. History
AP US History
Spanish III
Spanish III
Advanced
Advanced Art
Ceramics
Health & Wellness 2
AP Psychology
Journalism & Multimedia
12
th
Pre-Calculus
AP Calculus
Statistics
AP Statistics
CSU
Expository
Reading and
Writing
Chemistry
AP
Government
Government
Economics
Advanced Art
Ceramics
Health & Wellness 2
Journalism & Multimedia
African-American Hist.
AP Psychology
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Upper School Grading Scale
A 92-100%
A- 88-91%
B+ 85-87%
B 82-84%
B- 78-81%
C+ 75-77%
C 70-74%
F 0-69
Percentages will be reflected on the report card along with the letter grade in order to show improvement
(i.e., raising a 43% to a 68%).
Grade Point Scale
Letter Grade
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
D
F
Grade Points (MWA)
NA
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.0
-
0.0
Advanced Placement
(AP) & Honors Points
(MWA)
-
5.0
4.7
4.3
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
-
0.0
Grade Points (UC)
-
4.0
-
-
3.0
-
-
2.0
1.0
0.0
Advanced Placement
(AP) & Honors Points
(UC)
1.0 additional grade point will be added for each semester in which a ‘C’ or better is
earned.
California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (“CAASPP”)
The School shall annually administer required state testing to the applicable grades (e.g., the California
Assessment of Student Performance and Progress.) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a
parent’s or guardian’s written request to School officials to excuse his or her child from any or all parts of
the state assessments shall be granted.
Teacher Qualifications
All parents may request information regarding the professional qualifications of classroom teachers
and/or paraprofessionals by submitting a request at either the Middle School or Upper School front office.
Those requests will be responded to within 24-48 hours of being submitted.
Homework Policy
Homework is an important part of the instructional program at MWA. Homework assignments increase
appropriately in quantity and variety as a student progresses each year. Homework reinforces classroom
studies and helps to develop student capacity to do independent work. Students will be given a planner
and are required to use it daily for recording homework assignments. Students are expected to complete
homework neatly, on time and with a parent signature (as required by teacher). Any problems or concerns
regarding the completion of homework should be communicated with the classroom teacher.
In the event of an unplanned absence, students are expected to request and make arrangements to
complete missing work upon their return to school. If students will miss class due to an approved absence
they must advise their teachers at least a week in advance so that the assignments may be compiled. For
every day of an excused absence, students have that number of days to turn in and make up assignments.
Upper School Requirements for Graduation/ Grade Promotion
Graduation
Making Waves Academy Upper School offers a comprehensive academic program aligned with the A-G
Admissions criteria for the University of California. Below, MWA Graduation Requirements are
displayed in comparison to the required and recommended courses for University of California and
California State Universities. In order to graduate, students must successfully complete each of the
required courses with a grade of ‘C’ or better. Students who will not have enough credits earned in time
for a June graduation are not eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony.
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*California Department of Education requires 3 years of History and 2 years of Physical Education.
**Science requirement includes one Life Science and one Physical Science course
*** G requirement satisfied by 3
rd
year of history (A).
Grade Level Promotion
Students must successfully complete a minimum number of course units to be promoted to the next grade
level, earning a “C” or higher in a minimum of four “core classes” each year, earning at least 8 credits in
courses required for graduation. Each successfully completed semester course earns 1 credit. Students
who do not successfully earn this minimum number of credits may be retained in their current grade level
and reclassified into a different Wave. Reclassification occurs at the close of the spring semester based
on credit standing.
Grade Level
9
10
11
12
Min. Req. Credits
for Promotion
6 Credits*
14 Credits*
22 Credits*
34 Credits
Total Required
Credits Possible
10 Credits
10 Total
12 Credits
22 Total
12 Credits
36 Total
12 Credits
48 Total
*Must pass grade-level English Course
Courses Offered By Grade Level
Each year, students will take courses appropriate for their grade level, and earn credits toward graduation.
The types of classes students will take will reflect the offering listed below.
9
th
Grade
10
th
Grade
11
th
Grade
12
th
Grade
English
Math
Science
Language
Health and Wellness
Writing/Technology*
Math Lab*
English
Math
Science
Language
History
Art
English
Math
Science
Language
History
Art/ Elective
English
Math
Science
History
Art/ Elective
Health and Wellness
*Not required for graduation, these courses provide foundational skills critical to success in later courses.
a-g
Content
Area
MWA
Required
Total
Units
UC/CSU
Required
Total
Units
UC/CSU
Recommended
Total
Units
a
History*
3 Years
6.0
2 Years
4.0
2 Years
4.0
b
English
4 Years
8.0
4 Years
8.0
4 Years
8.0
c
Math
3 Years
6.0
3 Years
6.0
4 Years
8.0
d
Science**
2 Years
4.0
2 Years
4.0
3 Years
6.0
e
Language
2 Years
4.0
2 Years
4.0
3 Years
6.0
f
Art
1 Year
2.0
1 Year
4.0
1 Year
2.0
g
Electives
***
0.0
1 Year
2.0
1 Year
2.0
CA
Health &
Wellness*
2 Years
4.0
TOTALS
34.0
32.0
38.0
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All School Meeting and Community Building Time
All School Meeting (ASM), assemblies and community building activities take place on Fridays in both
the Upper School and Middle School. During this community time, staff and students will work together
to:
Positively acknowledge individual students
Reinforce school-wide expectations and procedures
Address concerns within the community
Facilitate school-wide discussions in a public forum to develop public speaking and self- advocacy skills.
Celebrate the Core Values
Study Trips
Throughout the year, students will (depending on good academic standing) participate in various field
trips. Field trips are meant to reinforce MWA’s Core Values, while exposing students to different social
and intellectual experiences. Field trip serve important academic and community-building purposes and
attendance on these days is just as crucial as attendance other school days. In the Upper School, field
trips are sponsored by the Director of Student Activities, Grade Level or Content Departments, and the
College and Career Counseling Office.
Upper School Extended-Day Academic Support Opportunities
Extended Day hours in the Upper School are between 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, Monday through Thursday,
and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Friday.
From 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, students have the opportunity to attend Office Hours to receive direct help
from their teachers and academic tutors. At 3:30 pm, eligible Upper School students are encouraged to
participate in interscholastic athletics and clubs, and explore colleges and careers in the College and
Career Counseling Center.
Students may be required to participate in the Student Success Program (SSP) after school based on their
academic performance for the previous semester. The Student Success Program (SSP) supports students
with remediation, intervention, honing organizational skills, and building strong study habits to support
academic progress.
The Student Success Program is available to all Upper School students as a place for individual or group
study. Academic tutoring is held in the Upper School Library from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm Monday through
Thursday, and from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Friday.
Upper School Interscholastic Athletics Program
Interscholastic Athletic Participation is an enriching co-curricular opportunity for the students in the
Upper School. While all students are welcomed to try out and participate, there are expectations set by
the Bay Area Conference (BAC), North Coast Section (NCS) and California Intercollegiate Federation
(CIF), the three governing bodies for our participation in high school athletics. In addition, Making
Waves Academy has expectations for its student athletes as well. Participation in athletics helps teach
resilience, teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship, dedication, perseverance, fitness, and so much more.
Please be advised that parents/guardians must sign a concussion/head injury information sheet on a yearly
basis if their student is an athlete on any of the MWA’s athletic teams. This does not apply to an athlete
19 | P a g e
engaging in an athletic activity during the regular school day or as part of a physical education course.
For eligibility and participation requirements, please review our MWA Athletics Participation Policy
located at the Upper and Middle School offices.
The following sports are offered at MWA:
Fall Season (1
st
day of practice is 3
rd
Monday in August): Boys Soccer, Girls Volleyball, Cross Country
(Boys and Girls)
Winter Season (1
st
day of practice is 2
nd
Monday in November): Boys and Girls Basketball, (possibility of
Wrestling)
Spring Season (1
st
day of practice is 2
nd
Monday in February): Girls Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Track and
Field (Boys and Girls), (possibility of Boys Volleyball)
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V. School-wide Services, Expectations, & Guidelines
Student Support Services
MWA recognizes the importance of providing educational opportunities to all students regardless of
physical challenges or special needs. MWA is committed to serve the exceptional needs of such students
in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
Special Education Services are provided to allow students with disabilities to participate in their
educational experience within the least restrictive environment (LRE). Special education services are
provided by the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) to all eligible MWA students in
accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the policies/requirements of
WCCUSD’s SELPA Local Plan for Special Education. Students may be referred for special education
support services through the Response to Intervention model adopted by MWA. The School collaborates
with parents, the student, teachers, and other agencies, as may be indicated, in order to appropriately serve
the educational needs of each student.
Special Education Services are provided to allow students with disabilities to participate in their
educational experience within the least restrictive environment (LRE). Special education services are
provided by the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) to all eligible MWA students in
accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Education Code requirements,
and the policies/requirements of WCCUSD’s SELPA Local Plan for Special Education. Students may be
referred for special education support services through the Response to Intervention model adopted by
MWA.
Identification and referral is generally made through the Student Study Team (SST) process, by
evaluating the student’s response to intervention and possible need for a higher level of support, and by
consulting with WCCUSD’s appointed Special Education approved designee. Identification can take
place at any time in the school year and support will be given as soon as eligibility is determined by an
Individual Education Plan (IEP) team. Eligibility of students with disabilities for special education shall
be determined by the IEP team, which can include district specialists (psychologist, resource specialist,
speech and language therapist, program specialist, etc., as appropriate), MWA’s Student Support
designee, MWA administrator(s), MWA classroom teachers, the parent/guardian of the student, and often
times the student themselves.
If a student’s need cannot be met in the least restrictive environment within the MWA program, the
student’s needs are subject to a more appropriate setting [non-severe handicap] (NSH) and turned over to
WCCUSD or The Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) or designee program specialist to
have needs met within the district or allow the district to decide to provide services outside of the district.
504 Policies and Procedures
Students with a disability may qualify for regular or special education and/or related aids, services, and/or
accommodations under Section 504. Please refer to the 504 Policy which can be found in both the
Middle and Upper School offices.
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Enrichment
Making Waves Academy offers supplemental instructional support and enrichment as additional
opportunities for academic success. Eligible Upper School Students have the opportunity to participate in
extra-curricular clubs and interscholastic athletics during this time, while other students may be required
to participate in the Academic Support Program to focus on areas of academic need.
Attendance
It is imperative that each student be present, punctual, and prepared to participate in each of his or her
classes- a student’s academic success is dependent on the ability of him/her attending school regularly. If
students are absent, their parent/guardian must call the school or provide written documentation of the
absence no later than 8:30 am on the day of the absence. Parents/Guardians are also required to call if a
student is going to be late. The school will call all Parents/Guardians of absent students unless they have
already notified the school. Parents cannot arbitrarily take students out of school before the start of
vacation days.
Children chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade
are much less likely to learn to read by the end
of third grade. By sixth grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign of drop-out. By ninth
grade, good attendance can predict graduation even better than eighth-grade test scores. Clearly, going to
school regularly matters!
We look forward to working with you in a meaningful partnership for your child. We at Making Waves
Academy will continue to work very hard with you to ensure that your child receives the best education
possible. To provide your child with an outstanding education, your child must maintain excellent
attendance.
Making Waves Academy’s absence/tardy line is: 510-262-1511
All school children of school age (6-18 years old) are legally required to attend school. Making Waves
Academy will aggressively pursue solutions to attendance issues.
Making Waves Academy allows 10 days of excused absences for illness without verification from a
doctor; absences without verification after 10 days will be considered unexcused. No student may have
his or her grade reduced or lose academic credit for any excused absence, when missed assignments and
tests that can be reasonably provided are satisfactorily completed within a reasonable amount of time.
Students missing 4 or more full-day unexcused absences (per semester) are subject to not receiving credit
for their semester course.
Tardies/Lateness
Arriving to class and school on time is a critical element of academic success, as well as representing a
skill that is necessary for success in post-secondary and work environments. Habitual tardiness or
lateness may affect a student’s good standing at Making Waves Academy.
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For students who arrive late to a class period, the following steps will apply:
Student reports to the Front Office for Tardy Referral
Tardy Referral is recorded in PowerSchool
If student was late to an AM class, the student attends 25 minute lunchtime detention
If student was late to a PM class, the student attends a 25 minute after-school detention
It is the student’s responsibility to attend detention on the date that s/he is assigned. Arriving late to detention, or
incurring multiple tardies on a single day, will result in the issuance of a referral.
Tardies excused for medical reasons require written verification by a medical professional.
School Messenger System
One of our goals at MWA is to improve all of our students’ academic success. A necessary component to
achieving success is by having your student attend school consistently, arriving on time and ready to
learn. MWA uses an automated notification feature that will call parents and guardians in the event that
your student has an unexcused tardy or absence.
If you receive an automated notification that your student is tardy, it is critical that you work with your
student to ensure they arrive on time every day. Tardiness disrupts the classroom setting and interferes
with the learning process, often significantly impacting student performance. Arriving on time is a
critical skill for success in post-secondary education and in the workforce, and patterns of tardiness may
affect your student’s good standing at MWA.
If you receive a notification that your student had an unexcused absence, please contact the school by
phone immediately at 510-262-1511 to explain and clear the absence. Also, please bring a signed note to
verify the absence. For example, a note from a doctor counts as an “excused” verification of an
absence. The note should be brought to school within 72 hours of your child’s return to school.
Excused Absence
The following are excused absences:
Illness of student (more than 10 absences excused for this reason are considered excessive;
verification by a medical professional is required)
Medical, dental, optometry, or chiropractic appointments. Parents are encouraged to
schedule appointments after school hours.
Quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officer.
Funeral of immediate family (parent, grandparent, sibling or any relative living in the
immediate household of the pupil) limited to 1 day in state, 3 days out of state
Legal matters*, Religious holidays or ceremony, not more than 4 hours per semester *
Funeral ceremony other than immediate family *
Unforeseen emergencies (i.e. natural disasters) will be handled on a case-by-case basis
For the purpose of spending time with a member of the pupil’s immediate family, who is an
active duty member of the uniformed services, as defined in EC § 49701*
For the purpose of jury duty in the manner provided for by law
Illness or medical appointment during school hours of a child of whom the pupil is the
custodial parent
*Must be requested in writing by parent/guardian prior to absence and approved by district-designated official.
23 | P a g e
Excuse To Obtain Confidential Medical Services
Students in grades 7 to 12 may be excused from school for the purpose of obtaining confidential medical
services, without the consent of the student’s parent/guardian.
Unexcused Absence
Student absences will be recorded as unexcused for the following reasons: Any absence other than
those listed above as excused absence.
More than 3 unexcused absences per year are considered excessive and results in a referral to the Student
Attendance Review Board (SARB) for truancy proceedings.
Excessive Absences
Students accumulating more than 10 excused absences are considered excessive and may be referred to
SARB for truancy proceedings.
Early Release
Early Release is a privilege granted by the Division Director to specific students who meet the attendance,
academic and behavioral expectations outlined below. This privilege allows students the opportunity to
leave school after their last core classes in order to engage in an alternate enrichment activity.
Authorized Reasons for Early Release and Absences
Making Waves Academy (MWA) students will only be considered for early release and absences based
on the following reasons:
Personal Reasons (e.g., funeral service, legal obligations, medical/dental appointments)
Observance of or attendance to a religious celebration, holiday, ceremony, or retreat
Sports, outdoor education, or other educational programs
Socialization (peer group, psychological services, etc.)
Additional academic support.
Attendance Expectations and Requirements
Students are allowed to leave at the end of their last core academic class at 3:30 pm. Students are not
allowed to leave before then, unless it is an emergency.
School Attendance Review Board (SARB)
When a student is a habitual truant, or is irregular in attendance at school, the student may be referred to
the School Attendance Review Board (SARB). The first intervention is conducted by the school SARB
which is composed of representatives from the school (administrator, social worker, teacher, staff) and/or
member(s) of the county (law enforcement, members from the county office, or welfare). During the first
intervention, the family and the school sign an agreement regarding the student’s attendance. Should the
student continue to have attendance difficulties that lead to a violation of that agreement, the student may
referred to the Contra Costa County SARB. At the County SARB hearing, the problem is addressed,
possible solutions proposed, and a formal, legal binding contract is made between the parent, student, and
school. Violations of the contract may lead to referral for legal action to the District Attorney’s office
24 | P a g e
It is the responsibility of Making Waves Academy to maximize the use of all available resources and
services to resolve attendance and behavior problems. The law states that parents must be made aware of
their child’s absence in the most cost-effective method possible.
The following procedure will be followed to insure parents are aware of their student’s absences and the
interventions to be implemented:
First Notification of Truancy Letter
o Sent for any combination of 3 Unexcused Absences (UA) or Unexcused Tardies (TX), or
excessive (more than 10) excused absences
Second Notification of Truancy Letter (Habitual)
o Sent for 6 full day Unexcused Absences (UA) or Unexcused Tardies (TX) or excessive (more
than 10) excused absences
o A mandated parent/student conference is held to identify areas of support. SART team meeting is
required and fulfills mandated conference requirement.
Third Notification of Truancy and Referral to SARB Letter
o Sent for 8 or more full day Unexcused Absences or Unexcused Tardies, or excessive (more than
10) excused absences. Letter is sent only when site is prepared to send the SARB Referral packet,
as the letter alerts the family that this will take place.
o During this hearing, the student’s attendance and academic record will be reviewed. A formal
legal, binding contract is made between the parent, student, and school. Violations of the contract
may lead to referral for legal action to the District Attorney’s office, and a possible
recommendation for expulsion from Making Waves Academy.
SARB Hearing
The parent will be given notice by certified mail for the scheduled hearing to meet with the school’s
SARB to consider a proper plan for correcting problems with attendance. Notices for SARB are sent by
mail 10 days in advance to address on file. The parent and student will be asked to sign an attendance
contract. Failure to comply with the contract will result in the order of a citation to appear in court.
To avoid possible expulsion from Making Waves Academy, students should attend all classes daily and
on time. Parents/Guardians are expected to notify the school when the student is out for valid medical
reasons by phone or written note. Parents/Guardians may also contact the schools’ Registrar on a regular
basis to make sure there are no attendance issues that have been missed. There is a maximum allowable
amount of one week from the date of the absence to clear it before it becomes unexcused.
Arrival/Dismissal Policy
In order to protect and ensure student safety, MWA is a closed campus. This means that from the time of
Arrival to the time of Dismissal to home, students may not leave campus. All Parents, Guardians and
students are expected to follow MWA’s Arrival and Dismissal policy, including traffic guidelines, time
frames, and directives from MWA Staff members and volunteers facilitating Arrival/Dismissal in order to
maintain a safe environment for all students.
Time
Frame
Procedure
Early Arrival
7:00- 7:45
All students (MS/US) report directly to MPR
Car drop-off behind Building 2 at MPR rear entrance
Students must remain in the MPR under supervision of site supervisor
Arrival
7:45-8:05
Car drop-off at side gates to basketball courts. Student drop-off may
only happen in designated drop-off area. Parents/Guardians may not
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park in MS lot or along Lakeside Drive to drop-off students
MS students report directly to MS campus
US students report directly to US campus
Dismissal
3:30-4:00
Students may leave campus via MWA bus, car, walking to public
transportation or home
US students may not enter MS campus. MS siblings should report to
Dismissal area to meet US siblings
Students not leaving campus are expected to report to sports, club
activities, or after school programming under the direct supervision of
MWA Faculty or Staff. Any student remaining on campus after 4:00
pm will be placed in an academic program upon the close of Dismissal
Students may not leave campus and return without permission from
the Dean of Students [exception: students participating in sanctioned
MWA activities, such as athletics*]
*After the close of the Dismissal, Parents/Guardians picking up MS and US
students will need to notify the Front Office to grant permission to MS students
to wait in the US Front Office for pick-up.
Expectations for Parents, Guardians, and Students
It is the responsibility of Parents/Guardians to clearly communicate with their students on a daily basis
regarding student Dismissal plans. Phones are available in the Front Office for students to use during
their breaks or lunch times if they need to advise their Parents/Guardians of their requested time for pick-
up, after-school plans, etc.
Students and Parents/Guardians are expected to respectfully and courteously follow traffic laws, posted
signs, and the directions of all MWA Staff and Volunteers during Arrival and Dismissal. Additionally, as
a community courtesy please be mindful of the volume and appropriateness of your music when picking
up your child during Dismissal.
The Dismissal process takes approximately 25-30 minutes. Students and Parents/Guardians should plan
ahead if there is an appointment or other commitment for which they need to leave school promptly.
Parents/Guardians should review the Early Release procedure if they anticipate needing to leave school
early in order to attend an appointment (appointments are excused per the reasons outlined in the
Attendance Policy).
Students and Parents/Guardians that do not follow the Arrival/Dismissal Policy jeopardize the safety of
our students and staff, and will be subject to the following:
Detention or Suspension for student
Suspension from after-school programming
Report to Law Enforcement as mandated by California Education Code
Meeting with Head of Schools to discuss student placement at MWA and potential Recommendation for
Expulsion
*US Athletes are permitted to leave campus and return for later practices and games with the permission of the
Athletic Director. Athletes must return promptly at the start time of their activity supervised by MWA staff, or wait
in the designated academic program area. Athletes may not bring unapproved food back to campus.
Immunizations and Physical Examinations
To ensure a safe learning environment for all students, the School follows and abides by the health
standards set forth by the state of California. Students will not attend school until all require records have
26 | P a g e
been received. The immunization status of all students will be reviewed periodically. Those students
who do not meet the State guidelines may be excluded from school until the requirements are met.
Students who have been exposed to a communicable disease for which they have not been immunized
may be excluded from school at the discretion of the School.
Nutrition Policy
Part of the Making Waves holistic approach involves children being properly nourished. Statistics show
that brain function is related to nutrition, and unfortunately, many students are less prepared to learn
because they do not consume consistently nutritious meals on a regular basis. The purpose of Making
Waves Academy’s Nutrition/Food Guidelines is to serve as a point of nutritional reference to provide
consistency for both staff and students.
Our priority is the health of our young people. Any message that runs contradictory to messages they
receive from our food service policy or in Health and Wellness, Science, or any other class, regarding
healthy food choices and nutrition, undermines our approach and philosophy on student health. We want
our students to build healthy eating habits that they follow now and in the future, but they need help in
doing this. Some of our students live in communities where a large part of the population suffers from
preventable diseases directly related to diet and food choice. As a result of living in communities where
healthy food options are not always available, we want to ensure that our community has the requisite
knowledge to make healthy food choices.
MWA participates in the National School Lunch Program. Applications for free or reduced price meals
are included in the first day packets to all families and can also be obtained in the main office. All
families are encouraged to complete the application form in order to include as many eligible students as
possible.
Food Drop-Offs
Any food being dropped off to students by families during the school day must be brought directly to the
Front Office of the Middle School or Upper School. Students may pick up their food from the Front
Office once it has been approved by the Dean of Students.
MWA Food Service is committed to:
Providing students with healthy and nutritious foods; all students will have access to healthy and nutritious
food from MWA.
Encouraging the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat milk and whole grains.
Supporting healthy eating through nutrition education.
Encouraging students to select and consume all components of the school meal.
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The following outline provides a guide to the foods and beverages that are
suggested
by MWA for
students to bring for everyday breakfast, snack, and lunch:
APPROVED
Why is this the healthy choice?
• Snack/protein bars
• Healthy sandwiches
• Cereal/oatmeal
• Baked savory snacks (i.e. pretzels, crackers)
• Homemade meals
• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Yogurt
• Whole grains
• Food items that are low in fat/ calories
• Water
• Whole grains provide fiber and vital nutrients
to fuel a healthy metabolism.
• Lean protein allows for proper muscle
development.
• Diets rich in calcium support healthy bone
growth.
• Fruits and vegetables provide necessary
vitamins and nutrients for proper develop and
brain function.
• Water keeps the body hydrated and operating.
It also helps flush out toxins.
The following outline provides a guide to the foods and beverages that are
not
approved
by MWA for
students to bring to school other than on special occasions identified on the school calendar:
NON- APPROVED*
Why is this not healthy for our daily food choice?
• Sodas
• Candy
• Gum
• Sunflower seeds
• Fast food
• Home-Cooked Foods may not be
brought to campus for public
consumption or sale during school
hours.
• High sugar consumption can lead to diabetes and
excessive weight gain
• Foods high in fat can lead to high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, excessive weight gain, and
diabetes.
• Caffeine is a stimulant, affecting your heart rate
and blood pressure. Caffeine also has addictive
properties- meaning the growing/developing
body can become dependent.
• Processed and artificially-flavored foods contain
unhealthy chemicals and discourage healthy
body development.
*Non-approved foods will be confiscated and disposed of. Students that receive multiple infractions of the Nutrition
Policy will be issued a referral to the Deans’ Office.
Bus Rights and Responsibilities
Use of the MWA Bus Service is a privilege. For the safety of all bus riders the following guidelines must
be followed:
Food and drink (including water) are prohibited on the bus.
Wave-Makers must board and exit the bus in an orderly manner. Enter the bus quietly and in a straight line.
Upon exiting, wait for the Bus Monitor to call your name and check for your Authorized Transporter.
Wave-Makers must follow the directions of the Bus Monitor at all times.
Wave-Makers must line up in a single-file line and board or exit the bus quickly, quietly, and safely (QQS).
Voices must be kept at a level 1 at all times. If a Wave-Maker has a question or a concern, they should raise
their hand.
Wave-Makers may not use inappropriate or disrespectful language at any time, on the bus or out of bus
windows, or at the bus stop.
Wave-Makers must occupy one seat and place backpacks and other belongings on their lap or under the
seat.
Wave-Makers must remain in their seat at all times, keeping the aisles clear, and facing forward.
Wave-Makers must ask the Bus Monitor for permission to open and close windows.
Wave-Makers must not leave litter or throw anything out of the windows.
The Bus Monitor has a cell phone for emergencies and phone calls to parents/guardians.
If a Wave-Maker is unable to follow the bus rights and responsibilities, the student will be suspended or
expelled from riding the bus. The family will be responsible for transporting the student to and from school.
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Outside Expectations
To maintain consistency and a positive school climate throughout the MWA community the following
rules and expectations apply in all outdoor spaces across the MWA campus:
GENERAL RULES:
1.) Follow all directions from MWA staff members and adhere to all school rules.
2.) Share equipment and space.
3.) Keep all areas clean and tidy.
4.) Say “NO” to bullying. Tell a teacher if you see or experience bullying.
5.) Practice good sportsmanship.
6.) Freeze at the end of recess when the whistle is blown, then proceed immediately to designated line-up
areas.
THE GARDEN:
Students are never to stand on, get inside, or jump over raised beds.
Students must never pull or pick at plants in the garden without teacher permission.
Students are never to eat anything from the garden without consulting with a teacher.
Students are not to hide behind plants at any time.
Turf/ Field:
No food, beverages, or eating allowed on turf.
No backpacks or students wearing backpacks allowed on turf.
No lounging, hanging out, sitting, or loitering on turf area; students must be actively playing a game or
sport.
FENCES/GATES:
Stay inside MWA’s fences at all times. No students are permitted to be outside of fences.
Students may not play or climb on fences.
Students may not throw any objects through or over the fences or gates.
Gates at the front entrance, picnic area, and basketball courts are for adult use only.
EQUIPMENT:
Students will not have access to MWA Health and Wellness equipment. Students may bring recess
equipment from home to share with others, and may store their own equipment in their lockers.
If personal equipment brought from home goes over the fences, students and parents may retrieve it
after school.
If MWA or Health and Wellness equipment goes over the fences, MWA staff will supervise retrieval.
No bats or hardballs are permitted for use at MWA.
No jump ropes may be tied on fences or used in any physical way towards another person.
No rollerblades, Heeley’s, scooters, or skateboards.
Students may not climb poles or hang from hoops on the basketball courts. Hoops are for balls only.
PICNIC BENCHES AND CEMENT LEDGES/BENCHES:
Students are to clean up after themselves after consuming food or beverages, trash is to be picked up
and disposed of appropriately upon staff member instruction.
Students cannot stand on picnic tables, benches, or cement ledges/benches anywhere on campus.
RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES, AREAS, AND EQUIPMENT:
Any areas outside of the fences are off limits to students.
Any area around or near storage sheds are off limits to students.
Students are to remain off all landscaped and garden areas, including the sand/pebble/bark areas.
Unsupervised students are not allowed in classrooms or hallways.
No rock throwing; what is on the ground stays on the ground.
Tag or Flag football only; no tackling or contact sports.
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No dog piling, wrestling, play-fighting, or similar games.
No cheerleader flips, cartwheels, or gymnastics
Homeless Students
The term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate
nighttime residence due to economic hardship. It includes children and youths who (42 USC 11434(a)):
1. Are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar
reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative
adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in
hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement;
2. Have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily
used as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings;
3. Are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train
stations, or similar settings;
4. Runaway children or children who are abandoned; and
5. Migratory children and unaccompanied youth (youth not in the physical custody of a parent or
guardian) may be considered homeless if they meet the above definition of “homeless.”
o Homeless status is determined in cooperation with the parent or guardian. In the case of
unaccompanied youth, status is determined by the School Liaison.
o School Liaison: The Chief Executive Officer or designee designates the following staff person
as the School Liaison for homeless students ((42 USC 11432(g)(1)(J) & (e)(3)(C).):
Brandi Pretlow, Social Worker
4123 Lakeside Drive
Richmond, CA 94806
Ph. (510) 262-1511
The School Liaison shall ensure that (42 U.S.C. 11432(g)):
1. Homeless students are identified by school personnel and through coordination activities with
other entities and agencies.
2. Homeless students enroll in, and have a full and equal opportunity to succeed at Charter School.
3. Homeless students and families receive educational services for which they are eligible, including
Head Start and Even Start programs.
4. Parents/guardians are informed of the educational and related opportunities available to their
children and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their
children.
5. Public notice of the educational rights of homeless children is disseminated at places where
children receive services, such as schools, shelters, and soup kitchens.
6. Enrollment/admissions disputes are mediated in accordance with law, the Charter School charter,
and Board policy.
7. Parents/guardians are fully informed of all transportation services, as applicable.
8. The School Liaison collaborates with State coordinators and community and school personnel
responsible for the provision of education and related services to homeless children and youths.
o For any homeless student who enrolls at the School, a copy of the School’s complete policy shall
be provided at the time of enrollment and at least twice annually.
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Nondiscrimination Statement
MWA does not discriminate against any student or employee on the basis of actual or perceived
disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual
orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes in the California
Penal Code.
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VI. MWA Dress Code
Making Waves Academy strives to foster high standards in all areas of the school program, including
student attire and personal appearance. At the Academy we believe that student attire has a significant
impact on student behavior and school culture. Therefore, in order to promote and maintain a safe and
inclusive learning environment, MWA has implemented a school-wide dress code policy.
All students are required to follow the MWA dress code outlined below, from the time they arrive until
the time they leave campus. In general, students’ clothing should fit properly- not too baggy or too tight.
If students or parents are unsure about the MWA dress code, it is their responsibility to seek clarification.
MWA Dress Code applies to in-class, on-campus, and off-campus field trips.
For students who violate the Dress Code, the following steps will apply:
Discussion of Infraction and Reminder of MWAUS Dress Code Expectations
Student receives a Dress Code Demerit
Student is sent to the Front Office to adjust Dress Code as necessary
Dress Code Demerit is entered in PowerSchool
Following Dress Code is a general proxy for being able to follow school rules and contributes to keeping
the campus safe. After multiple Dress Code Infractions within a quarter, the student may also incur the
following consequences:
Parent-Student Conference with Dean
In-house suspension
Loss of privileges, including eligibility for Casual Dress and Professional Dress Days
Discussion of appropriateness of placement at MWA
Upper School Dress Code: For Normal School Days
MWA now has moved to a school uniform as opposed to just a dress code. As such, families are
expected to purchase pre-approved uniform items from the MWA school uniform vendor. Uniform items
for purchase will include shirts, pants, sweaters, and ties. Students now have more choices among other
items hey wear to school such as outerwear, socks, belts, shoelaces, and hair accessories.
Making Waves Academy strives to foster high standards in all areas of the school program, including
student attire and personal appearance. At the Academy we believe that student attire has a significant
impact on student mindset and behavior. In order to cultivate a sense of pride in one’s appearance, to
provide the daily opportunity to acclimate to an external standard of dress, and to promote and maintain a
safe and inclusive learning environment, MWA has implemented a school-wide dress code policy.
All students are required to follow the MWA uniform dress code outlined below, from the time they
arrive until the time they leave campus. In general, students’ clothing should fit properly and reflect a
sense of professionalism to the academic environment- clothes should not be ripped, torn, overly baggy,
inappropriately tight or revealing. If students or parents are unsure about the MWA dress code, it is their
responsibility to seek clarification.
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Bottoms (pants, shorts, skorts, & skirts)
o ONLY uniform bottoms (NAVY BLUE uniform pants, shorts, skorts, and skirts)
Must be worn at waist level (belts are encouraged)
Shorts and skorts must extend to the end of the fingertips (with the student’s hand resting
comfortably by their side and CANNOT be tight fitting
Skirts cannot be more than 3 inches from the top of the knee and CANNOT be tight fitting
Shirts
o ONLY uniform tops (WHITE or SKY BLUE collared sports-shirt (“polo” shirt) or a button-down
collared dress shirt (an “Oxford” shirt)
No t-shirts (exceptions: college t-shirts on “College Friday”; NO MWA Wave t-shirts
Sweaters
o ONLY uniform sweater vests (NAVY BLUE)
o No emblems, logos, decorations, or decorative trim allowed
o Any color University/College sweaters and hoodies are permitted
Jackets
Colors: white, gray, light blue, dark blue, brown or black
Not permitted: writing, emblems, or logos. Jackets may not be worn in the classroom at any
time.
Shoes
Colors: white, gray, light blue, navy blue, brown or black. Shoe strings must also be one of the
approved colors above.
Shoes with laces MUST be tied; shoes with straps MUST be strapped.
Not permitted: open-toed shoes, sandals, slippers, or boots. Shoes must have a hard soled bottom.
All visible clothing accessories (including vests, socks, belts, etc.):
Colors white, gray, light blue, navy blue, brown or black.
Not permitted: inappropriate language, slogans, or symbols. Hats, caps, and head coverings other
than beanies are not permitted at any time (beanies are permitted for inclement weather; hats are
permitted for MWA athletics teams during afterschool hours or during team-related events).
Students who have hats or other inappropriate accessory items visible after arriving on campus
will have them confiscated. Students will get them back at the end of the day the first time, picked
up by their parent the second time, and held for the remainder of the school year the third time.
Identification Badges
Each student will be issued a Making Waves Academy ID badge. MWA-issued ID badges and
lanyards are to be worn around the collar all times.
Not permitted: defacing or marring MWA ID badges.
It is the student’s responsibility to replace lost or damaged ID badges. The cost of ID badge
replacement is $5.
Jewelry, Hair, and Makeup
Earrings must be the size of a quarter or less (including dangling earrings).
Facial and body piercings are heavily discouraged.
Hair and makeup must be worn in such a manner that it is not distracting or disruptive to the
orderly educational process. No heavy application of makeup or bright make-up is to be worn to
school or formal school functions such as field trips.
Backpacks
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Only school backpacks suitable for carrying books and school materials are allowed. Backpacks,
purses, and handbags are not to be worn while in the classroom – either when seated or standing.
They should be hung appropriately upon entering the classroom.
Exceptions to the Dress Code will be allowed on specific “Casual Dress” and “Professional Dress” days. Please
see the guidelines for Professional and Casual Dress. However, Professional and Casual Dress does not include
tight or form fitting clothing, sheer or see-through clothing, torn or ripped clothing, or clothing
Upper School Casual Dress
MWA students have the opportunity to earn the privilege of “Casual Dress” to demonstrate individuality
and personal responsibility through choosing their attire on selected days. On “Casual Dress Days”,
students may wear the following attire:
Jeans and T-shirts
Name Brand Clothing
Colored Clothing
Clothes with Logos
The following attire is NOT permissible on Casual Dress Days:
Leggings, sweats, or athletic pants
Slippers, sandals or flip-flops
No ripped or tattered clothing- this includes tops, bottoms, and outerwear
No tank tops or tube tops
No inappropriate logos or images
Shorts, skirts and dresses CANNOT be more than 2 inches above the knee (skirts) or above fingertips
(skirts/dresses) and CANNOT be tight fitting.
*If a student is not able to comply with the Casual Dress Guidelines, s/he will be required to wear the standard
MWA uniform. Upper School students may participate in Casual Dress Day depending on their eligibility.
Making Waves Academy Professional Dress Guidelines
Professional Dress Days, occurring once each month, provide students with regular opportunities to
demonstrate wearing appropriate attire for professional business environments. Ensuring that we prepare
our students to appear confidently and appropriately in professional environments is key to their success
in the workplace and post-secondary education. The following clothes are appropriate for professional
dress:
- Slacks, pants, or knee-length skirts in black, brown, navy blue or gray
- Formal blouses or long sleeved, buttoned up, collared dress shirts in white, pastels or muted colors
- Blazers, suit jackets in black, brown, navy blue or gray
- Sweaters in black, brown, navy blue, gray, pastels or muted colors is acceptable
- Suits and ties
- Formal dress shoes (not to exceed 2” if heels) and a belt
- Earrings should be quarter-sized or smaller, and any jewelry or accessories should be discreet.
Note: If a student does not own or cannot obtain Professional Dress attire, Standard Dress Code attire is acceptable.
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VII. Making Waves Academy Student Discipline
Making Waves Academy believes that each student has liberties that include freedom of expression
(artistic, intellectual, individual), freedom from physical aggression, and freedom from concerns
regarding personal safety in the school environment. To support the growth of our students (Wave
Makers), Making Waves Academy believes in the Youth Model. This model of student support asserts
that students, especially students coming from urban environments, are not broken, but have valuable skill
sets to be accessed. In addition, Making Waves Academy provides resources that target the development
and acquisition of various skills (academic, intellectual, and socio-emotional) in preparation for collegiate
and professional environments. Making Waves Academy’s discipline philosophy is predicated on the
belief that students’ needs and strengths should be assessed in order to assist her/him in navigating
towards academic and life goals.
Discipline Policy
Discipline at Making Waves Academy is a collaborative effort that involves administration, faculty,
parents, and students. Students are expected to alert an adult should they witness a behavior that may harm
or violate the norms of the community. Discipline is understood through the lens of reflection, empathy,
respect, and relationship. Discipline is not intended nor used as punishment to limit holistic development,
but administered to guide the development and needs of students.
The teacher is the first point of contact for behavioral infractions. If a student commits an egregious act,
they are immediately sent to the Dean of Students. The role and responsibility of the Dean of Students is to
aid in the development of the students’ character and academic acuity, while working closely with families
and various constituencies to further support the students’ socio-emotional development.
Effective discipline teaches soft skills - the characteristics that define an individual’s disposition and
influence his or her relationships with peer groups and the community, necessary for college
readiness/matriculation and life-long success. The core values serve as a basis for developing these skills,
as well as providing our community with a series of norms for accountability. By reinforcing the
Academy’s core values, we are teaching the soft skills necessary to cultivate the students’ overall
character, so that Wave Makers become positive contributing members of society.
Student Code of Conduct
Teaching and learning for all students is the highest priority. Therefore, one student’s misbehavior will
not be allowed to interfere with the learning opportunities of other students, or the teacher’s responsibility
to teach all students. In working to promote both academic and social development, MWA’s school-wide
discipline polices are intended to enforce school-wide behavior and academic expectations. Students who
fail to adhere to these expectations by committing a disciplinary infraction(s) will be given a
disciplinary consequence(s).
Restorative Action
One of the core tenets of MWA is the importance of Community, one of MWA’s Core Values. As such,
where applicable, students are assigned restorative actions as part of their disciplinary
consequences.
Disciplinary Consequences
A disciplinary consequence is an action taken as a direct result of a disciplinary infraction. Disciplinary
consequences are assigned to students at the discretion of the Dean of Students and may vary depending
on the severity and frequency of the disciplinary infraction. If it has been determined that a student has
committed a disciplinary infraction, the student may be subject to, but not limited to, the following
consequences:
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Loss of privileges: A specific period of time wherein a student may not participate in school-sponsored
activities and/or events.
Detention: A period of non-instructional time when the student is detained because of a school rules
infraction is called a detention (e.g., being benched during recess or staying after school).
Writing activity: Depending on the topic of the consequence (e.g., bullying, name calling) the student may
be required to write an essay. Students may be required to present their essay to their peers during
community building time.
Beautification: A period of supervised non-instructional time in which a student participates in campus
clean-up.
In-House Suspension: When sent out of class with a Behavioral Referral, students are not allowed to
return to class for the duration of the period. Student can also remain on campus but out of class for the rest
of the day. Student and parent/guardian must participate in re-entry meeting prior to return to the
classroom.
Confiscation of possession(s): MWA may at any time confiscate items that are considered to be
“prohibited items.” Subject to any legal obligations, these items may be withheld until the end of the school
year, and/or may be retrieved at this time by the parent/guardian.
Required parental attendance: MWA believes that parental involvement plays an instrumental,
important, and significant role in the resolution of classroom behavior problems. As such, parental presence
may be requested in the case that student misbehavior is persistent and for cases in which it has been
determined that it is the best strategy to promote positive interaction between the student and the teacher
and to improve classroom behavior. If a student receives 3 or more Referrals in a month, a parent or
guardian may be required to shadow that student for a period of time.
Denial of school-provided transportation: A specific length of time (which may extend the duration of
the school year) wherein a student is not permitted to ride school-provided transportation. During this time,
it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to arrange alternate transportation for the student.
Out-of-school suspension: 1-5 days in which the student may not attend school, return to campus, or
attend any school-sponsored events. Student and parent/guardian must participate in re-entry meeting prior
to return to the classroom.
Expulsion: The permanent removal of a student from MWA. Such action must be recommended by the
Head of School. The Disciplinary Committee of the MWA Board along with the MWA CEO conduct a
formal hearing to determine if the recommendation for expulsion will be accepted.
School Safety Policy Guidelines
It is the policy of Making Waves Academy to provide a safe environment for students and staff by
removing students whose actions cause a potential or continuing danger to students and/or staff. In
addition to disrupting the educational opportunities of other students, should any student commit any of
the following infractions, the student will be recommended for expulsion from Making Waves
Academy:
Expulsion Infractions
Possession of a weapon and/or dangerous object(s): Students are prohibited from possessing weapons,
imitation firearms, knives of any type (including Swiss-army or multi-tools including a knife attachment),
or dangerous instruments of any kind in school buildings, on school grounds or buses, at a school-related
events or school-sponsored activities on school grounds.
Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity: Students that are habitual
offenders of derogatory/prejudiced remarks regarding another student’s skin color, ethnicity, sexual
orientation, etc., will not be tolerated.
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Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is a violation of state and federal laws and is not permitted at
Making Waves Academy.
Fights/Threats/Bullying: Students are encouraged and expected to take the following steps to resolve
conflict instead of resulting to physical action, threats, or intimidation:
Inform a Dean of Students, teacher, site monitor, security or any adult in the general vicinity.
Walk away from the situation that appears to be escalating, then seek out assistance.
Take deep breaths to help calm down.
Request a conflict mediation meeting with the Dean of Students to help resolve potential conflicts.
Consequently, fighting, repeated threats to fight, or bullying as a means of creating or resolving conflicts
will result in a recommendation for expulsion.
Controlled Substances (Drugs or Alcohol):
Both of the following circumstances can result in suspension and a possible recommendation for
expulsion:
Using, possessing, attempting to buy or selling a controlled substance (illegal drugs or alcohol) or being
under the influence.
Students possessing, attempting to buy, under the influence of, using or selling alcohol or other drugs or
related paraphernalia at school or at a school event will be recommended for an Expulsion.
o This includes possession of tobacco or nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes
(including electronic smoking devices, e-cigarettes, hookah pens) snuff and smokeless tobacco.
(Please Note: Any of the aforementioned offenses may be reported to the proper legal authorities.)
The above school rules and regulations apply to all school activities, on or off campus, including school-
sponsored activities and events, as well as in transport to/from school grounds.
Academic Integrity
At Making Waves Academy (MWA), students are expected to give their best at all times and to
consistently put forth the effort needed to achieve academic excellence. Forgery, plagiarism, and
academic dishonesty of any kind are not tolerated.
Plagiarism
Submitting someone else’s work as one’s own, including that of tutors, friends, parents or siblings or
paraphrasing without giving credit to the source:
Turning in purchased papers or papers from the internet written by someone else
Helping others plagiarize by sharing one’s work, even if a student is unaware it will be copied
Using someone else’s idea without giving credit to the original source
Note: Students can use other people’s ideas and even paraphrase or quote their words, but they must give
them credit in the writing. Using phrases such as “According to…,” and “In the book…” acknowledges
the original author or content owner. Students should cite all sources in a bibliography.
Cheating
Copying assignments that are turned in as original work
Trading assignments with other students
Using unauthorized notes or technology, such as bringing notes into a test or using a computer program to
translate an assignment and turning it in as one’s own
Sharing answers before, during or after quizzes or tests. Students must be responsible for their own papers
and make sure others cannot copy their work
Ways to Avoid Plagiarism and Cheating
Plan ahead. Rushing to get one’s work done the night before a big project is due may make it more
tempting to cheat or plagiarize.
Be sure to understand the assignments. Students should not rely on your friends for information about what
is required.
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Students should not read someone else’s paper or homework before doing their own work. Students should
seek clear direction from teachers about when and how collaboration with partners is appropriate.
ALWAYS cite the sources used in drafting a paper, report, project, etc. Follow the citation format required
by the teacher or content area.
Keep a list of the sources used (including the author, title, publisher and copyright date). Make sure to note
which information you got from which source.
Students should protect their own work. Ensure that other students do not have access to homework,
essays, projects, tests, or other assigned work that has been completed. If someone else plagiarizes a
student’s work, the academic integrity of both, assignments or assessments, is compromised and both
students will receive the same grading consequence.
When in doubt about what to do to avoid cheating or plagiarism, ask the teacher or administrator.
Consequences for Plagiarism
1
st
Infraction
o The student…
is issued a referral
is given a “0” or “F” on the assignment
has a phone call to their home informing the parents/guardians
has to re-do the assignment.
Has to serve Detention - which includes the student reviewing the consequences for plagiarism and
writing a reflection essay
2
nd
Infraction
o The same consequences for the 1
st
Infraction
o Parent conference with the College and Career Counseling office to discuss the implications of academic
dishonesty in the present and in the future
3
rd
Infraction
o The same consequences for the 1
st
Infraction
o The student is suspended and potentially considered for expulsion
Note: Students with repeated acts of academic dishonesty are subject to immediate removal and
ineligibility for online courses.
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VIII. Campus Safety Protocols and Procedures
Search and Seizure
Searches
Making Waves Academy is fully committed to promoting a safe learning environment. To ensure this
Making Waves Academy will act in accordance with state law to provide procedures and policies with the
goal of eliminating the possession and use of prohibited items such as weapons, illegal drugs, and other
controlled substances by students on school premises and at school activities. As necessary to protect the
health and welfare of students and staff, law enforcement, academy security personnel, and/or
Executive/Senior Leadership may search a student’s personal property, and/or property belonging to
Making Waves Academy under the student’s use and control and may seize illegal, unsafe, or otherwise
prohibited items. A student and his/her belongings may be searched if there is reasonable suspicion that
the student is engaged in a violation of the law or established school rules. Any illegal items and the
possession of illegal items (as defined by state law and MWA’s policies and guidelines) may be subject to
law enforcement. As such Making Waves Academy will conduct periodic locker searches throughout the
year. Copies of the MWA Search and Seizure policy can be requested at the Middle and Upper School
offices.
Anti-Bullying Policy
MWA has a no tolerance bullying policy. Bullying by any individual at MWA is strictly prohibited and
such conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from school. MWA
will report all abuse to the appropriate legal authorities as required by the law.
As used in this policy, “discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying” describe the intentional
conduct, including verbal, physical, written communication, or cyberbullying, that is based on the actual
or perceived characteristics of disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or
ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these
actual or perceived characteristics. In addition, bullying encompasses any conduct described in the
definitions set forth in this policy.
To the extent possible, MWA will make reasonable efforts to prevent students from being discriminated
against, harassed, intimidated and/or bullied, and will take action to investigate, respond, and address any
reports of such behaviors in a timely manner. MWA staff who witness acts of discrimination,
harassment, intimidation, and bullying will take immediate steps to intervene, so long as it is safe to do
so.
What is Bullying?
“Bullying” means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications
made in writing or by means of an electronic act, and including one or more acts committed by a student
or group of students which would be deemed hate violence or harassment, threats, or intimidation, which
are directed toward one or more students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one
or more of the following:
1. Placing a reasonable student (defined as a student, including, but is not limited to, a student with
exceptional needs, who exercises average care, skill, and judgment in conduct for a person of his or her
age, or for a person of his or her age with exceptional needs) or students in fear of harm to that student’s or
those students’ person or property.
2. Causing a reasonable student to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his or her physical or
mental health.
3. Causing a reasonable student to experience substantial interference with his or her academic performance.
4. Causing a reasonable student to experience substantial interference with his or her ability to participate in
or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the Charter School.
“Electronic Act” means the transmission by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a
telephone, wireless telephone, or other wireless communication device, computer, or pager, of a
communication, including, but not limited to, any of the following:
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1. A message, text, sound, or image.
2. A post on a social network Internet Web site including, but not limited to:
a. Posting to or creating a burn page. A “burn page” means an Internet Web site created for the purpose of
having one or more of the effects as listed in subparagraph (1) above.
b. Creating a credible impersonation of another actual pupil for the purpose of having one or more of the effects
listed in subparagraph (1) above. “Credible impersonation” means to knowingly and without consent
impersonate a pupil for the purpose of bullying the pupil and such that another pupil would reasonably
believe, or has reasonably believed, that the pupil was or is the pupil who was impersonated.
c. Creating a false profile for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in subparagraph (1) above.
“False profile” means a profile of a fictitious pupil or a profile using the likeness or attributes of an actual
pupil other than the pupil who created the false profile.
3. Notwithstanding subparagraphs (1) and (2) above, an electronic act shall not constitute pervasive conduct
solely on the basis that it has been transmitted on the Internet or is currently posted on the Internet.
What is Cyber Bullying?
“Cyber bullying” means bullying by use of an electronic act(s) as described above. Cyberbullying
includes, but is not limited to, using electronic communication to intimidate, control, humiliate, and/or
manipulate another person.
Reporting
All staff members are expected to provide appropriate supervision to enforce standards of conduct and, if
they observe or become aware of discrimination, intimidation, harassment, or bullying, to intervene as
soon as it is safe to do so, call for assistance, and report such incidents. The Board requires staff to follow
the procedures in this policy for reporting alleged acts of bullying.
All other members of the school community, including students, parents/guardians, volunteers, and
visitors, are encouraged to report any act that may be a violation of this policy to the Dean of Students or
designee. While submission of a written report is not required, the reporting party is encouraged to use
the report form available in the Main Office. However, oral reports shall also be considered. Reports
may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action cannot be based solely on anonymous
information.
Students are expected to report all incidents of discrimination, intimidation, harassment, bullying, teasing,
or other verbal or physical abuse. Any student who feels she/he is a target of such behavior should
immediately contact a teacher, counselor, principal, or staff person so that she/he can get assistance in
resolving the issue consistent with this policy.
MWA acknowledges and respects every individual’s rights to privacy. To that end, consistent with legal
requirements, all reports shall be investigated in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties
and the integrity of the process to the greatest extent possible.
MWA prohibits any form of retaliation against any reporter in the reporting process, including but not
limited to a reporter’s filing of a complaint or the reporting of violations of this policy. Such participation
shall not in any way affect the status, grades or work assignments of the reporter.
Investigation
Upon receipt of a report of harassment, intimidation, or bullying from a student, staff member, parent,
volunteer, visitor or affiliate of MWA, the Dean of Students or designee will promptly initiate an
investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Dean of Students or designee will notify the
complainant of the outcome of the investigation. However, in no case may the Dean of Students or
designee reveal confidential student information related to other students, including the type and extent of
discipline issued against such students.
Complaints shall be investigated and resolved within thirty (30) school days, unless circumstances
reasonably require additional time.
All records related to any investigation of discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying will
remain in a secure location in the Main Office of the Charter School.
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In those instances when the complaint filed under this policy also requires investigation under the
Uniform Complaint Procedures, such investigation will be undertaken concurrently.
Appeal
Should the Complainant find the Dean of Students or designee resolution unsatisfactory, he/she may
within five (5) school days of the date of resolution, file an appeal with the Designated Appeals
Committee. In such cases, at least three (3) certificated School employees who are unfamiliar with the
case and who have been previously designated and trained for this purpose shall be assembled to conduct
a confidential review of the Complainant’s appeal and render a final disposition.
Consequences for Bullying
Students found to be bullying are subject to the disciplinary consequences up to and including suspension
or expulsion. In addition, any student involved in bullying activity, regardless of their role, may be
required to participate in the following:
Bullying Education: Participation in a specific number of bullying “workshop” sessions centered around
bullying education (i.e. statistics, prevalence, impact of bullying)
Restorative Justice: Specific activities aimed to repair the damage cause to the school community by bullying
(i.e. write an essay on the harmful effects of bullying and present essay to the school community)
Psychological Services: A specific number of individual or group counseling sessions facilitated by a
therapeutic clinician.
Harassment Policy
MWA is committed to providing a work and educational atmosphere that is free of unlawful harassment.
MWA prohibits sexual harassment and harassment based upon pregnancy, childbirth or related medical
conditions, race, religion, creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or
ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or any
other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance or regulation. The School will not condone or
tolerate harassment of any type, including bullying, discrimination, or intimidation, by any employee,
independent contractor or other person with which the Charter School does business, or any other
individual, student, or volunteer. This policy applies to all employees, students, or volunteers and
relationships, regardless of position or gender. The School will promptly and thoroughly investigate any
complaint of harassment and take appropriate corrective action, if warranted, including those on social
networking sites and communication devices.
All complaints of harassment will be treated seriously. Students are expected to guide all of their actions
with others using the MWA Core Values. Material that is considered verbally or physically threatening,
obscene, racist, discriminatory, will not be tolerated. The school will address harassment which includes
social networking threatening posts and/or correspondence that comes to the attention of the school.
Making Waves Academy reserves the right to access and review any and all information in an attempt to
preserve the safety, health, and overall well-being of the student.
If you believe that your student may have been subject to discrimination and would like to request a
School investigation, please request a copy of our Uniform Complaint Policy and complaint form and/or
our general complaint policy and form, which can be obtained in both the Upper and Middle School
offices. MWA Administration can help you distinguish between these policies and forms as needed.
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IX. Discipline, Suspension and Expulsion Procedures
Disciplinary Infractions
A disciplinary infraction is considered to be any action in violation of MWA’s code of conduct that
occurs while the student is at school, in route to or from school, or at a school-sponsored event/activity
(also known as “extended learning spaces”). This includes waiting for, or riding on, school-provided or
public transportation to and from school or any school-sponsored event or activity. Determinations of
disciplinary infractions are subject to the discretion of Dean of Students or the Head of
School/designee(s). Students that have committed a disciplinary infraction(s) are subject to a disciplinary
consequence(s).
MWA is committed to educating students in an environment of safety, discipline and high achievement
for all students. As a result, MWA makes significant efforts to help students understand the rules of
comportment at MWA, the self-discipline necessary for success in school and the community, and the
way to interact with other students, staff and community members in a respectful and positive manner.
MWA develops and maintain a comprehensive set of student discipline policies. These policies are
printed and distributed as part of the school’s student handbook. This handbook clearly describes MWA’s
expectations regarding attendance, mutual respect, work habits, safety, fighting, violence and substance
use, as well as MWA’s policies regarding the grounds for suspension or expulsion.
Students accused of any infractions of the discipline code are provided their due process rights as mandated
by state and federal law, and in accordance with MWA’s policies. This includes notification of any
suspension to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) in their home language, a comprehensive collection and
examination of the facts, a meeting with the students involved and their families concerning the facts, and a
fair and timely conclusion/consequence.
Behaviors that may lead to suspension include, but are not limited to, physical violence or threats of
violence, possession of controlled substances, possession of weapons and defiant and disruptive behavior.
These behaviors are detailed below.
In order to address incidents of relatively minor student misbehavior, the first step will typically be for our
SST to meet, so that staff and family members can discuss and determine appropriate interventions to be
taken, and for our SST to subsequently hold a follow-up meeting. MWA believes students should be in
school during school hours so they are learning, and so as not to put any undue burden on their working
families. We will make every effort not to suspend children when feasible and prudent, by imposing in-
school alternatives to sending children home, such as detention or Saturday school.
A student whose conduct constitutes a clear and present danger to herself/himself or others may be
immediately suspended and later expelled by our Board of Directors upon the recommendations of the
Dean of Students, Head of School and Chief Executive Officer.
Suspension
A disciplinary action that temporarily removes a student from the school is called suspension. A
suspension may last from one (1) to five (5) days and may be given as a result of one of the following
student actions:
Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, offered, furnished, delivered, or was under the influence of any
controlled substance, alcohol, medicine, tobacco or nicotine product, or intoxicant of any kind.
Unlawfully possessed, offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia.
Use of force to caused, attempt to cause, or threaten to cause physical injury to another person.
Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.
Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.
Stole, attempted to steal, or receive stolen school property or private property.
Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
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Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause or participated in an act of hate violence.
A student who aids or abets the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person.
Possessed, sold, or furnished any knife, gun, or object that could be construed to be a weapon.
Possessed an imitation firearm that is substantially similar in physical properties to an existing firearm.
Made terrorist threats against school officials and/or school property. [“Terroristic threat” shall include
any statement (written or oral) by a person who willfully threatens to commit a crime which will result in death,
great bodily injury to another person, or property damage, with the specific intent that the statement is to be taken
as a threat, even if there is no intent of actually carrying it out, which, on its face and under the circumstances in
which it is made, is so unequivocal, unconditional, immediate, and specific as to convey to the person threatened,
a gravity of purpose and an immediate prospect of execution of the threat, and thereby causes that person
reasonably to be in sustained fear for his or her own safety or for his or her immediate family’s safety, or for the
protection of school property, or the personal property of the person threatened or his or her immediate family.]
Intentionally harassed, threatened or intimidated a student or group of students to the extent of having
the actual and reasonably expected effect of materially disrupting class work, creating substantial
disorder and invading student rights by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment.
Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers,
administrators, or other school officials/school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.
Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault.
Committed sexual harassment. For the purposes of this section, must be considered by a reasonable
person of the same gender as the victim to be sufficiently severe or pervasive to have a negative impact
upon the individual’s academic performance or to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive
educational environment.
Harassed, threatened, intimidated, and/or retaliated against a student who is a complaining witness or
witness in a school disciplinary proceeding.
Engaged in, or attempted to engage in hazing. [‘Hazing” means a method of initiation or pre-initiation into
a student organization or body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational
institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical
or mental harm to a former, current, or prospective student.]
Engaged in an act of bullying, including, but not limited to, bullying committed by means of an
electronic act.
1) “Bullying” means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications
made in writing or by means of an electronic act, and including one or more acts committed by a student or
group of students which would be deemed hate violence or harassment, threats, or intimidation, which are
directed toward one or more students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more
of the following:
Placing a reasonable student (defined as a student, including, but is not limited to, a student with
exceptional needs, who exercises average care, skill, and judgment in conduct for a person of his or her
age, or for a person of his or her age with exceptional needs) or students in fear of harm to that student's
or those students' person or property.
Causing a reasonable student to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his or her physical or
mental health.
Causing a reasonable student to experience substantial interference with his or her academic
performance.
Causing a reasonable student to experience substantial interference with his or her ability to participate
in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the Charter School.
2) “Electronic Act” means the creation and transmission originated on or off campus, by means of an
electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone, or other wireless
communication device, computer, or pager, of a communication, including, but not limited to, any of the
following:
A message, text, sound, image, or web link.
A post on a social network Internet Web site including, but not limited to:
Posting to or creating a burn page. A “burn page” means an Internet Web site created for the purpose of
having one or more of the effects as listed in subparagraph (1) above.
Creating a credible impersonation of another actual pupil for the purpose of having one or more of the
effects listed in subparagraph (1) above. “Credible impersonation” means to knowingly and without
consent impersonate a pupil for the purpose of bullying the pupil and such that another pupil would
reasonably believe, or has reasonably believed, that the pupil was or is the pupil who was impersonated.
Creating a false profile for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in subparagraph (1)
above. “False profile” means a profile of a fictitious pupil or a profile using the likeness or attributes of
an actual pupil other than the pupil who created the false profile.
Notwithstanding subparagraphs (1) and (2) above, an electronic act shall not constitute pervasive
conduct solely on the basis that it has been transmitted on the Internet or is currently posted on the
Internet.
Note: All suspended students must participate in a re-entry meeting with parent/guardian prior to returning to the classroom.
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Expulsion
An action by the MWA removing a student permanently from MWA for misconduct is called an
expulsion. Students may be expelled for offenses listed above under “suspension” or as noted in MWA’s
discipline policies. Students must be expelled for any of the following acts when it is determined
pursuant to the procedures below that the student:
Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, explosive, knife, or other dangerous object.
Caused significant injury/harm to a current member of MWA through physical or emotional harm, and/or
significant effects of threatened harm that detract from the overall safety of the campus and community.
MWA engages in progressive discipline whenever appropriate and depending on the nature of the
offense. We encourage all students to follow all school rules at all times because, depending on the
nature of the offense, it is possible that MWA will proceed directly to suspension or expulsion.
Due Process Regarding Suspension and Expulsion
The MWA Board establishes policies and standards of behavior in order to promote learning and protect
the safety and well-being of all students. When these policies and standards are violated, it may be
necessary to suspend or expel a student from regular classroom instruction.
Except where suspension for a first offense is warranted in accordance with law, suspension shall be
imposed only when other means of correction fail to bring about proper conduct.
Expulsion is an action taken by the MWA Board for severe or prolonged breaches of discipline by a
student. Except for single acts of a grave nature, expulsion is used only when there is a history of
misconduct, when other forms of discipline, including suspension, have failed to bring about proper
conduct, or when the student’s presence causes a continuing danger to him/herself or others.
Suspended or expelled students shall be excluded from all school-related extracurricular activities during
the period of suspension or expulsion.
Suspended or expelled students shall be excluded from all school-related extracurricular activities during
the period of suspension or expulsion.
The following steps occur when a student is recommended for expulsion:
A timely investigation of what happened
Suspension of the student while the investigation is underway
The parent/guardian and student is notified of the findings of the investigation
The parent/guardian and student is notified whether or not the staff recommends expulsion
The parent/guardian and student is invited to an expulsion hearing
The Discipline Committee of the MWA Board of Directors and MWA CEO runs the hearing
The Discipline Committee will take between 24-48 hours in notifying the family of the final
determination of whether or not to expel the student
The decision to expel is final and is documented in the student’s file
A complete copy of MWA’s Suspension and Expulsion Policy is available in the main office of each
school.
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Responsibilities of Parties
1. STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Read, understand and follow the MWA school rules and regulations;
Submit to the authority of teachers, administrators and classified employees who have student supervisory
assignments with respect to student behavior during school activities;
Demonstrate good behavior while on the school grounds, while going to and from school, during the lunch
period, and during or while going to or coming from a school-sponsored activity;
Respond to the school staff in a fashion that shows individual respect;
Read and understand the discipline policies outlined in the school handbook and posted in teachers’
classrooms. If a rule or policy is unclear, request that the faculty member explain its meaning.
2. PARENTS’/GUARDIANS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Read and understand school rules and regulations relating to discipline;
Discuss all components of the school Comportment Policy with the student;
Work with the school to modify and correct unacceptable student behavior;
Respond to the school staff in a timely and respectful manner.
3. TEACHERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Support and enforce all school rules and regulations fairly within classrooms, halls and campus;
Communicate with and respond to students and parents in a timely and timely manner;
Propose, participate, and recommend conferences with parents, counselors and administrators concerning
students with serious behavioral problems;
Report to the Head of School or counselor all serious or willful acts of misconduct by students and other
individuals;
If appropriate, give detentions for tardiness, unexcused absences, minor behavior infractions, or institute
other appropriate consequences for these kinds of behaviors.
4. ADMINISTRATORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Administration shall inform teachers of each student who has engaged in any of the acts described in any of
the subdivisions. Administration shall provide the information to teachers based upon any written records
that the school maintains in its ordinary course of business or receives from a law enforcement agency;
Communicate with and respond to students and parents in a fashion that shows individual respect;
Issue in-school suspensions and detentions for those students who demonstrate unacceptable behavior and
who fail to honor this policy;
Give suspensions from one (1) to five (5) days to students when other means of correction fail to bring
about good conduct or when the action of that student presents a danger to persons or property or threatens
to disrupt the educational process;
Monitor at-risk students with ten (10) or more days of suspension, and keep parents informed about
corrective actions being instituted to assist students to improve behavior.
5. COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITIES
On a limited basis, the community police may cooperate with the MWA administration in the investigation
of incidents where the law may have been violated.
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X. Upper School Discipline System
The purpose of the Making Waves Academy Upper School approach to Student Discipline is to give each
student the opportunity to self-correct inappropriate behaviors before receiving consequences. It is
designed to be transparent, progressive, and restorative. Nevertheless, please be aware that Making
Waves Academy and its staff members not obligated to administer every consequence within a given
range or to first administer lesser consequences within a range. This is true for both middle school level
and upper school level discipline.
The Upper School Discipline Policy also allows for celebrating and recognizing good behavioral choices
and behaviors. Students receive recognition for numerous behaviors and acts that contribute positively to
the classroom and school-wide communities and overall learning environment.
Classroom Management Policy
When a student does not follow classroom expectations, the following are strategies utilized by faculty to
redirect behavior for positive individual and learning outcomes:
1. Verbal Warning: spoken cue to student that behavior is not appropriate
2. “Pause” or “Check-In”: provision of time/space for student to reflect, de-escalate as necessary and make
the choice to positively change his/her behavior
3. Application of classroom consequences per teacher’s Classroom Management System, listed in syllabus
4. Parental Contact by teacher
5. Scheduling of Parental Conference by teacher as needed
6. Application of Academic and/or Behavioral Intervention Strategies by teacher
If the student does not positively re-direct his or her behavior, s/he will be issued a Referral and sent to
the Dean of Students.
Behavioral and Immediate Referrals
Students are issued Behavioral Referrals for not responding to behavioral redirection from an adult, or for
committing an infraction requiring Immediate Referral to the Dean of Students. Please see below for the
range of consequences for Behavioral Referrals, as well as for infractions requiring Immediate Referral to
the Dean of Students.
Upper School Procedure for Immediate Referrals
The below behaviors will result in Immediate Referral to the Dean of Students. These referrals carry the
same consequences listed above.
INFRACTION
DESCRIPTION
CONSEQUENCES
A Referral is issued for each of these
infractions, in addition to other
consequences listed below
(unless otherwise specified)
Non-Report to
Detention
Students must report to lunch or after-school detention
on the date that they are assigned.
1
st
Infraction: Referral
o Mandatory Lunch Detention and
After-School Detention the
following day
2
nd
Infraction : Referral
o Parent Conference
o Campus Beautification Lunch
and After-School
o Suspension 1 day
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Usage or Possession of
cell phone or other
electronic device
during school hours
Please Reference MWA Cell Phone/ Electronics
Policy.
1
st
Infraction: Confiscation of
device until the end of the school
day
o Detention
o Parent notification
2
nd
Infraction: Confiscation of
device until Parent/ Guardian pick-
up
o Parent Notification
o Parent Meeting
3
rd
Infraction: Confiscation of
device and/or suspension.
o Parent Notification
o Two week phone submittal to
Front Office
Violation of Arrival/
Dismissal Policy or
Closed Campus Policy
See MWA Arrival/ Dismissal Policy.
1
st
Infraction: Referral
o Restorative Action Required
2
nd
Infraction : Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Parent Conference
3
rd
Infraction: Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Suspension 3-5 days
Depending on the severity of the
infraction, the following may also apply:
o Suspension from after-school
programming
o Possible Report to Law
Enforcement
o Parent Conference with US
Director to discuss student
placement at MWA
o Recommendation for Expulsion
Out of Class or Off
Campus without
Permission
Students are to be in possession of a hall pass at all
times, and may not leave the classroom during class
time without a pass signed by an MWA Staff member.
Students may not leave campus prior to dismissal
without signing out in the Front Office with
permission of a Parent or Guardian.
1
st
Infraction: Referral
o Restorative Action Required
2
nd
Infraction : Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Parent Conference
3
rd
Infraction: Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Suspension 1 day
Forging a
Document/False
documentation
Students are not to place false calls, submit
documents, such as absence excuses, parent
permission forms, teacher clearances etc., that are not
authentic. Students are not to use false ID when
leaving campus or during school activities.
1
st
Infraction: Referral
o Restorative Action Required
2
nd
Infraction : Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Parent Conference
3
rd
Infraction: Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Suspension 1-5 days
Academic Dishonesty/
Cheating
Any student who is caught cheating, such as
plagiarism, copying, allowing others to copy, etc. is
subject to immediate disciplinary action. Students
who commit multiple acts of academic honesty are
subject to ineligibility or immediate removal from
online programs.
1
st
Infraction: Referral
o Zero “0” on assignment or test
o Restorative Action Required
2
nd
Infraction : Referral
o Zero “0” on assignment or test
o Restorative Action Required
Parent Conference with College
& Career Counselor
3
rd
Infraction: Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Suspension 1-5 days
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Internet and
Technology violation
Students who sign the MWAUS Computer/ Internet
Use Policy Agreement are expected to live up to the
agreement. Accessing, distributing and/or exposing
other students to offensive or inappropriate material
via internet or technology may subject your student to
disciplinary action, as well as civil or criminal
penalties under California and Federal law.
1
st
Infraction: Referral
o Temporary or permanent loss of
Internet privileges based on
infraction
2
nd
Infraction : Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Parent Conference
3
rd
Infraction: Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Suspension 1-5 days
Possible report to Law Enforcement.
Bus violation
Students who sign the MWA Bus Rights and
Responsibilities Agreement are expected to live up to
the agreement. Violation of MWA Bus Rights and
Responsibilities may result in loss of bus privileges.
1
st
Infraction: Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Temporary or permanent loss of
Bus privileges based on MWA
Bus Rider Agreement
2
nd
Infraction: Referral
o Permanent loss of Bus
privileges based on MWA
Bus Rider Agreement
Loitering in
neighborhoods or
restricted areas
Students are not to hang out in the neighborhoods and
on private property while subject to school rules.
Students ignoring warnings will be considered defiant.
1
st
Infraction: Referral
o Restorative Action Required
2
nd
Infraction : Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Parent Conference
3
rd
Infraction: Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Suspension 1-3 days
Defiance of Authority
Students refusing to cooperate with ANY adult
personnel at MWAUS, including parent volunteers,
who are responsible for the safety and well-being of
all students. This includes offering a false name
and/or fleeing from school personnel
1
st
Infraction: Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Parent Conference
2
nd
Infraction : Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Mandatory Parent Observation
3
rd
Infraction: Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Suspension 1-5 days
Ongoing non-compliance with adult
directives will result in a recommendation
for expulsion due to safety concerns
Aggressive Language
Any student who participates in the following:
Obscene gestures
Profanity
Aggressive language
Any form of hate language
Whether verbal or in writing, at any student, school
employee or any adult volunteer, is subject to
immediate disciplinary action.
Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Parent Conference
o Suspension 1- 5 days
o Recommendation for Expulsion
Public Displays of
Affection (PDA)
Students are not to engage in excessive PDA (Public
Displays of Affection)
1
st
Infraction: Referral
o Restorative Action Required
2
nd
Infraction : Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Parent Conference
3
rd
Infraction: Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Suspension 1-5 days depending
on the severity of the infraction
Student may be suspended for the first
Infraction depending on the severity of
the act.
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Obscene behavior,
Exposure or
Possession of Obscene
Material
Any student who commits an obscene act or indecent
exposure, or exposes or is in possession of obscene
material, is subject to immediate disciplinary action
Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Parent Conference
o Suspension 1- 5 days
o Recommendation for Expulsion
Possible report to Law Enforcement
Safety Violation
Students are expected to abide by all classroom and
campus safety regulations. Blatant disregard for the
safety of others or self will be dealt with seriously.
Students who repeatedly do not follow adult directions
cause an unsafe environment for themselves, their
classmates, and the school environment. Students
who are driving unsafely on school grounds will result
in disciplinary action.
Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Parent-Student Conference
o Suspension 1-5 days
o Recommendation for Expulsion
False Fire Alarm
Falsely alerting the school, directly or indirectly, of a
fire or impending fire. Students with actual
knowledge that such a danger exists should
communicate with school authorities immediately,
and remain available for interview by law
enforcement and other emergency personnel.
Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Parent Conference
o Suspension 1-5 days
Possible report to Law Enforcement
Graffiti or Vandalism
Unauthorized words, drawings, etc, written or
scribbled on walls, desks, lockers, or other school
property.
Willful or negligent destruction of school property.
Referral
o Restorative Action Required
Depending on the severity of the
infraction:
o Parent Conference
o Suspension 1-5 days
Possible report to Law Enforcement.
Students will be financially liable for any
damage to school property.
Theft / Burglary /
Robbery
Extortion
Any student who unlawfully obtains the property of
another where an act of force or threat is involved,
any student who steals or attempts to steal school or
private property will be subject to immediate
disciplinary action
Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Restitution to victim
o Parent-Student Conference
o Suspension 1-5 days
o Recommendation for Expulsion
Possible report to Law Enforcement.
Possession of Stolen
Property
Any student who is unlawfully in possession of the
personal property of another or in possession of
another person's property without permission is
subject to immediate disciplinary action.
Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Restitution to victim
o Parent-Student Conference
o Suspension 1-5 days
o Possible Recommendation for
Expulsion
Possible report to Law Enforcement.
Bullying / Cyber
Bullying
Unwanted aggressive behavior done to intentionally
hurt another person, physically or mentally. Behaving
in such a way to gain power over another person.
Any student engaging in behavior that intentionally
inflicts injury or discomfort upon another person
through physical contact, words, or other ways is
subject to immediate disciplinary action. Being cruel
to others by sending or posting harmful material using
technological means; an individual or group that uses
information and communication involving electronic
technologies to facilitate deliberate and repeated
harassment or threat to an individual or group.
Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Anti-Bullying Agreement
o Parent-Student Conference
o Suspension 3-5 days
o Recommendation for Expulsion
Possible report to Law Enforcement.
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Instigation / Acts of
Intimidation/
Harassment
Any student engaging in or having any part in hazing,
instigating violence, or threatening in any manner or
form that may result in possible injury or public
humiliation of another is subject to immediate
disciplinary action. (Acts of intimidation and/or
menacing any other person are included in this
category, as well as unwelcome comments or
references to one’s race, ethnicity, national origin,
sex, sexual orientation, religion, or political beliefs).
Instigating a fight applies to those spectators whose
presence at the conflict encourages the fight to occur.
Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Anti-Bullying Agreement
o Parent-Student Conference
o Suspension 1-5 days
o Recommendation for Expulsion
Possible report to Law Enforcement.
Fighting / Causing or
Attempting to Cause
Injury
Any student involved in a fight, or causing a fight to
occur, or attempts to cause injury to another person is
subject to immediate disciplinary action
MWA does not view becoming actively involved in a
fight as self-defense.
Referral
o Restorative Action Required
o Parent-Student Conference
o Suspension 3-5 days
o Recommendation for Expulsion
Possible report to Law Enforcement
Gang-related fights will result in
recommendation for expulsion
Two acts of violence in the same year or
three separate acts throughout the
student’s four year high school career
will result in Recommendation for
Expulsion.
Possession of Weapon
or Destructive Devices
Any weapon or destructive device of any type or form
is not to be brought onto campus. Any student who is
found to be in possession of or who transports a
weapon or any destructive device to the school
premises, or while in attendance at any school
sponsored activity, or in the vicinity of the school
where students normally congregate will be subject to
immediate disciplinary action.
Referral
o Suspension of 5 days
o Report to Law Enforcement
o Recommendation for Expulsion
Drugs and Drug
Paraphernalia / Under
the Influence
Any student that unlawfully possesses, offers,
arranges, furnishes, or negotiates to sell drug
paraphernalia. This includes tobacco products,
alcohol, or controlled substances.
Any student found to be under the influence of a
controlled substance, an alcoholic beverage, or an
intoxicant of any kind.
Referral
o Suspension up to 5 days
o Report to Law Enforcement
o Potential Expulsion Hearing
Selling drugs or drug paraphernalia can
result in a suspension and potential
Expulsion Hearing.
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XI. All School Emergency Evacuation Plan
MWA has a detailed emergency plan. In the case of an emergency it is important that students listen to,
and follow exactly, the instructions given by any MWA staff member or emergency personnel.
All School Lockdown Drill
In the event of a dangerous situation, crisis in process or stranger on campus, “Lockdown Campus” would
be declared by the Chief Executive Officer, Directors of School, or designee.
The procedure for the lock down as facilitated by faculty and staff is as follows:
“Lockdown School” is announced over our PA system,
Staff will quickly check outside their rooms to allow any nearby staff or students to enter before locking the
door.
Doors are locked. Lights are turned off. Windows are covered.
All students and staff will duck out of sight, cover and remain in place until notified that the need for
lockdown is over.
If your students feel anxiety as a result of this drill, students are encouraged to speak with any on site
psychological counselor or staff member.
Notice of Pipeline Hazard
An 8-inch diameter liquid petroleum pipeline, owned and operated by Kinder Morgan Energy, Partners,
LP (Kinder-Morgan) traverse the western portion of the Making Waves’ property behind Building 2
(4131 Lakeside Drive). J House Environmental, Inc. prepared a pipeline hazard analysis to identify
potential safety hazards associated with school facility operations in proximity to this pipeline.
This analysis concluded, “The Kinder-Morgan refined petroleum product pipeline that traverses the
western portion of the 4123 and 4131 Lakeside Drive site is not anticipated to pose a significant safety
hazard to students or staff at the proposed charter school.”
A copy of the complete 26 page J House Environmental, Inc. pipeline hazard analysis is available for
viewing at the Main Office, Making Waves Academy, 4123 Lakeside Drive, Richmond, CA.
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XII. School Property and Personal Possessions
Lockers and Locks
Students will be assigned a locker with a lock. Only locks provided by the school will be used on the
lockers. Students should keep the combination to themselves. Lockers are for your belongings and school
supplies. Students are responsible for the organization and cleanliness of their locker. Lockers may be
searched to the extent allowed by law. As such, students should not leave items in their locker that they
would be embarrassed by if seen by school officials or any illegal contraband such as weapons, cigarettes,
drugs (even prescription drugs – which should be kept in the nurse’s office). Students should not leave
food in their locker as it attracts rodents and ants into the school building. Students should not leave any
PE clothing in the locker over the weekend. Students should not leave any valuables or irreplaceable
items in their locker including money. There will be a $5 replacement fee for any lost locks.
Textbooks
Students will be issued textbooks for their classes. Instructional materials are an expensive resource and
Making Waves Academy (MWA) provides sufficient instructional materials in accordance with state law.
Instructional materials provided for use by students remain the property of MWA. Students are
responsible for returning borrowed materials in good condition, with no more wear and tear than usually
results from normal use. Students are required to cover their textbooks. If a student textbook is found not
under the possession of its owner on campus, it is returned to the Front Office and the parent is notified.
The parent or guardian of a minor student shall be liable for the replacement cost for the textbook loaned
to the student that the student fails to return or that is willfully cut, defaced or otherwise damaged. The
cost of the textbook varies based on the subject matter and cost of shipping. Textbooks purchased by the
student or parents will not be accepted as a replacement in lieu of funds.
If the student & parent/guardian are unable to pay for the damages or return the property, they can work
with MWA Administration on arriving at some period of time to pay for the damaged or missing
property.
Computer/Internet Use Policy
Making Waves Academy provides internet access to students for educational purposes only. The use of
the internet is necessary for many school research projects. Misuse of the internet violates school board
policy and subjects your child to school disciplinary consequences.
Computer/Internet Use Guidelines
Students must complete a cyber-ethics and safety course every year.
Students should have no expectation of privacy at any time while using MWA resources, nor at home when it
pertains to school business.
MWA is authorized to monitor e-mail logs and internet histories of students and does so.
Students should use the Internet/network for appropriate educational purposes and research.
Students should use the Internet/network only with the permission of designated school staff.
Students should be considerate of other users on the network.
Students must use appropriate language for school situations and must not use vulgar or profane language or
images, including those with implied vulgarity and/or profanity.
Students should immediately report any security problems or breaches of these responsibilities to the
supervising teacher.
Students must adhere to copyright laws and plagiarism rules when using the Internet.
Students may not share user IDs and passwords required to access e-mail and other programs.
Students may not give out personal information about themselves or where they live.
Students may not fill out forms on the Internet without parent/teacher permission.
Students may not send pictures of themselves through e-mail.
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Students may not have access to e-commerce or publicly provided Internet Service Providers or e-mail services.
Students will receive school e-mail accounts upon teacher request and parent permission if the accounts are
needed for educational projects.
Students may not use proxy avoidance sites (sites that allow the user to bypass the district Internet filter) or
other sites indicated as blocked. Use of these sites violates this contract and could result in loss of Internet
access and/or other disciplinary actions.
Students may not intentionally degrade or disrupt Internet network services or equipment. This includes but is
not limited to tampering with computer hardware or software, vandalizing data, invoking computer viruses,
attempting to gain access to restricted or unauthorized network services, unauthorized redirection of school web
pages or violating copyright laws.
Students may not work directly on teacher or MWA webs without express written permission from Making
Waves Academy IT Director, and Head of School.
Students may not construct websites using content or links that violate state or federal laws.
Students may not use the network in a fashion inconsistent with directions from teachers and other staff.
Students should treat the school computers with respect and should use care when using MWA equipment.
No food or drink is allowed when using computer equipment.
Student access to the Internet shall be for school related purposes only.
Students should acknowledge the source of information included in their work. (Please see “Plagiarism ” on
page 35)
To see our full policy, please request one from the front desk of the Middle School or Upper School.
Cell Phone/Electronics Policy
At Making Waves Academy students are not permitted to use a cell phone and/or electronic device on
campus during school hours, aside from break and lunch time, this does not include passing periods. It is
the belief of MWA that cell phones/electronics are disruptive to the educational environment and
therefore are completely restricted. If students are instructed to bring cell phones to school by the parent
for safety reasons and to communicate with them before/after school or during lunch, the cell phone must
be turned off, and not visible during the school day. If any student is seen with cell phone or found to be
in possession of a cell phone or any other electronic device during school hours (aside from break and
lunch time), and/or while riding school-provided transportation, it can and will be confiscated.
If students are seen with a cell phone or prohibited electronic devices during unauthorized times, it will be
confiscated. A second time a student is seen with a cell phone and or prohibited electronics it will be
confiscated and kept until a parent/guardian can meet with a Dean of Students. After a third confiscation,
the student will be asked to check their phone at the office at the beginning of the day and the student can
pick it up at the end of the day when they are going home for a period of two weeks. The cell phone or
prohibited electronic device can be confiscated whether or not the student is the owner of the phone or
not. Cell phones and electronics may be confiscated from students by any MWA staff. If additional
infractions occur involving a cell phone or electronic device, the student will be subject to more severe
consequences including suspension.
In cases where it is necessary for students to bring a cell phone on campus students must receive prior
permission from the Head of School or their designee. Approved cell phones should be checked in to the
Front Office safe upon arrival to school and picked up at the end of the school day.
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XIII. Visitor Policy/Guidelines
Making Waves Academy believes in partnering with parents to support our students. As parents have
expectations of the Academy, we have expectations of our parents regarding professional conduct &
deportment. While parents are on the grounds of Making Waves Academy, parents are prohibited from
the following:
Providing students (who are not their own) with personal contact information. For example business cards,
email addresses, social media information, phone numbers, websites, etc. are not permitted.
Should a parent refuse to follow procedure and protocol and cause a disruption on the grounds of Making
Waves Academy, Making Waves Academy has the right and WILL enforce California Education Code §
32210, as well as any other legal remedies available as deemed appropriate by MWA.
California Education Code Section § 32210 states, “Any person who willfully disturbs any public school
or any public school meeting is guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punished by a fine of not more than
five hundred dollars ($500).”
Parents/Guardians are welcome to visit their children’s classes. As always, for the protection of our
children, all Parents/Guardians or other visitors must check in at the main office upon arrival to the school
and wear a visitor badge during their stay.
The following guidelines are required for classroom visits:
A request to visit shall be made to the Head of School or MWA administrator at least 24 hours prior to the
proposed visit.
Unless requested by the instructor, the visit shall be for no more than one period.
Parents/Guardians are asked to sit in a designated seat (that either the classroom greeter or teacher will lead
them to at the beginning of class). Visitors are asked not to distract the teacher or students in any way.
Parents cannot use cellular phones, cameras (still or video), tape recorders or other recording equipment.
Recording devices are absolutely prohibited. Please turn cell phones off prior to entering the classroom.
Parents/Guardians are allowed to visit only their child’s classroom.
To ensure the regular school program continues during such visits, Parents/Guardians should not expect
teachers to meet with them at these times for conferences. Student progress, conflicts, or other subjects for
possible discussion between Parent/Guardian and teacher should be scheduled in advance for a time that
does not interrupt instructional periods.
While Parents/Guardians are encouraged to visit the school throughout the year, visitors can impact the
learning process for some students. Without the permission of the instructor, individual classroom visits
should be limited to no more than two classroom visits during each grading period, unless otherwise
indicated by Head of School or administrator who approved the classroom visit.
If Parents/Guardians feel it necessary to discuss their visit or give input, please make an appointment with
the front office to meet with the Head of School or administrator who approved the classroom visit.
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XIV. Directory Information and Pupil Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), a Federal law, requires that the School, with
certain exceptions, obtain a parent/guardian written consent prior to the disclosure of personally
identifiable information from your child's education records. However, the School may disclose
appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless a parent/guardian has
advised the School to the contrary in accordance with this policy.
“Directory information” is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy
if released. Directory information can 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. MWA has designated the following information as directory information:
• Student's name
• Address
• Telephone listing
• Electronic mail address
• Photograph
• Date and place of birth
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended
• Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic
systems that cannot be used to access education records without a PIN, password, etc. (A student's
SSN, in whole or in part, cannot be used for this purpose.)
If you do not wish for MWA to disclose directory information from your child's education records
without your prior written consent, you must notify the School in writing at the time of enrollment or re-
enrollment. Please notify the Head of School – Middle School or Upper School Directors – sent to the
official address of 4123 Lakeside Dr., Richmond, CA 94806.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate
educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor,
instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel)
or a person serving on the school board. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor
outside of the school who performs an institutional service or function for which the school would
otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use
and maintenance of personally identifiable information from education records, such as an attorney,
auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official
committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting
another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational
interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional
responsibility. In addition, the School forwards education records to other agencies or institutions that
have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll.
Pupil records maintained by the School consist of any item of information directly related to an
identifiable pupil, including but not limited to subjects taken, grades received, standardized test results,
attendance record, and health record. Pupil records are maintained at each school where the pupil is
attending. The school principal or designee is responsible for maintaining each type of pupil record and
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the information contained therein. Additional records, such as psychological and special education
reports, are maintained at those respective offices. Except for directory information, pupil records are
accessible only to parents or legal guardians, a pupil 16 years or older or having completed the 10th
grade, the personnel, including independent contractors, for the School who have a legitimate educational
interest in the pupil and other specified persons under certain circumstances prescribed by law. Pupil
records pupil may be obtained within five (5) business days of request by the parent/guardian. When a
student moves to a new school/ school district, records will be forwarded upon request of the new district
within 10 school days. If you believe the School is not in compliance with federal regulations regarding
privacy, you may file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office of the U.S. Department of
Education at 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.
The parent of a pupil or former pupil has the right to inspect their student’s educational records. The
parent may challenge the content of their child’s pupil record to correct or remove any information
recorded in the written records concerning his or her child which the parent alleges to be any of the
following:
1. Inaccurate information
2. An unsubstantiated personal conclusion or inference
3. A conclusion or inference outside of the observer’s area of competence
4. Not based on the personal observation of a named person with the time and place of the observation noted
5. Misleading
6. In violation of the privacy or other rights of the pupil
A parent may use a pupil record challenge to appeal a suspension of a pupil which has already been
served.
To challenge a pupil record, a parent must file a written request with the Chief Executive Officer to
correct or remove any information recorded in the written records concerning his or her child.
Within 30 days of receipt of a written request from a parent, the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief
Executive Officer’s designee must meet with the parent or eligible student and the certificated employee
who recorded the information in question, if any. The Chief Executive Officer must then sustain or deny
the parent or eligible student’s request and provide a written statement of the decision to the parent or
eligible student.
If the Chief Executive Officer sustains any or all of the allegations, he or she must order the correction or
the removal and destruction of the information. The Chief Executive Officer or Chief Executive Officer’s
designee must then inform the parent or eligible student of the amendment in writing. However, the
Chief Executive Officer shall not order a pupil’s grade to be changed, unless the teacher who determined
the grade is, to the extent practicable, given an opportunity to state orally, in writing, or both, the reasons
for which the grade was given and is, to the extent practicable, included in all discussions relating to the
changing of the grade.
If the Chief Executive Officer denies any or all of the allegations and refuses to order the correction or the
removal of the information, the Chief Executive Officer must inform the parent or eligible student of their
right to a hearing under FERPA.
The parent or eligible student may, within 30 days of the refusal, appeal the decision in writing to the
Board of Directors. Within 30 days of receipt of a written appeal from a parent, the Board of Directors
will hold a formal hearing, in closed session, with the parent, eligible student and the certificated
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employee who recorded the information in question, if any, and determine whether or not to sustain or
deny the allegations. The Board of Directors will give the parent or eligible student notice of the date,
time, and place, reasonably in advance of the hearing. The Board of Directors will give the parent or
eligible student a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the requested amendment of
pupil records. The parent or eligible student may, at their own expense, be assisted or represented by one
or more individuals of their choice, including an attorney.
The Board of Directors will inform the parent or eligible student of its decision in writing within a
reasonable period of time. The Board of Directors’ decision will be based solely on the evidence
presented at the hearing, and must include a summary of the evidence and the reasons for the decision. If
the Board of Directors sustains any or all of the allegations, it must order the correction or the removal
and destruction of the information. However, the Board of Directors shall not order a pupil’s grade to be
changed unless the teacher who determined the grade is, to the extent practicable, given an opportunity to
state orally, in writing or both the reasons for which the grade was given and is, to the extent practicable
included in all discussions relating to the changing of the grade.
The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final.
The Chief Executive Officer or the Board Chairman may convene a hearing panel to assist in making
determinations regarding pupil record challenges provided that the parent has given written consent to
release information from the pupil’s records to the members of the panel convened. The hearing panel
shall consist of the following persons:
1. The Chief Executive Officer of a public school other than the public school at which the record is on file.
2. A certificated employee.
3. A parent appointed by the Chief Executive Officer or by the Board of Directors, depending upon who
convenes the panel.
If the final decision of the Board of Directors is unfavorable to the parent, or if the parent accepts an
unfavorable decision by the Chief Executive Officer, the parent or eligible student shall be informed of
their right to submit a written statement of objections to the pupil record information. This statement
shall become a part of the pupil’s school record and shall be maintained for as long as the record is
maintained.
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XV. Uniform Complaint Procedures (“UCP”) Annual Notice
MWA has the primary responsibility to insure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and
regulations and has established procedures to address allegations of unlawful discrimination, harassment,
intimidation, and bullying, and complaints alleging violation of state or federal laws governing
educational programs and the charging of unlawful pupil fees.
The School shall investigate and seek to resolve complaints using policies and procedures known as the
UCP adopted by our local board. Unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying
complaints may be based on actual or perceived age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, gender
expression, gender identity, gender, genetic information, disability, nationality, national origin, race or
ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or on a person’s association with a person or group with one or
more of these actual or perceived characteristics, in any program or activity that receives or benefits from
state financial assistance.
The UCP shall also be used when addressing complaints alleging failure to comply with state and/or
federal laws in:
Adult Education
Consolidated Categorical Aid Programs
Migrant Education
Career Technical and Technical Education and Training Programs
Child Care and Developmental Programs
Child Nutrition Programs
Foster and Homeless Youth Services
No Child Left Behind
Special Education Programs
Safety Planning Requirements
A complaint of noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees may be filed pursuant to the local UCP. A
pupil enrolled in a public school shall not be required to pay a pupil fee for participation in an educational
activity. A pupil fee includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:
A fee charged to a pupil as a condition for registering for school or classes, or as a condition for
participation in a class or an extracurricular activity, regardless of whether the class or activity is elective or
compulsory, or is for credit.
A security deposit, or other payment, that a pupil is required to make to obtain a lock, locker, book, class
apparatus, musical instrument, clothes, or other materials or equipment.
A purchase that a pupil is required to make to obtain materials, supplies, equipment, or clothes associated
with an educational activity.
A pupil fee complaint shall not be filed later than one year from the date the alleged violation occurred.
Complaints of noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees are filed with a principal of a school. A
complaint regarding pupil fees may be filed anonymously if the complaint provides evidence or
information to support an allegation of noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees.
UCP may also be used for complaints of noncompliance with the requirements governing the Local
Control Funding Formula or Sections 47606.5 and 47607.3 of the Education Code, as applicable, and
complaints of noncompliance with the requirements of Education Code Section 222 regarding the rights
of lactating pupils on a school campus. If MWA finds merit in a complaint, or if the Superintendent finds
merit in an appeal, the MWA shall provide a remedy to the affected pupil.
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Complaints other than complaints relating to pupil fees must be filed in writing with the following
compliance officer:
Alton B. Nelson Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
4123 Lakeside Drive
Richmond, CA 94806
(510) 262-1511
Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, must be filed within six (6)
months from the date the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, occurred or the
date the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged discrimination, harassment,
intimidation, or bullying, unless the time for filing is extended by the superintendent or his or her
designee.
Complaints will be investigated and a written Decision or report will be sent to the complainant within
sixty (60) days from the receipt of the complaint. This sixty (60) day time period may be extended by
written agreement of the complainant. The School person responsible for investigating the complaint shall
conduct and complete the investigation in accordance with California regulations and in accordance with
the School’s procedures.
The complainant has a right to appeal the School’s Decision to the California Department of Education
(CDE) by filing a written appeal within 15 days of receiving the Decision. The appeal must include a
copy of the complaint filed with the School and a copy of the School’s Decision.
Civil law remedies may be available under state or federal discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or
bullying laws, if applicable. In appropriate cases, an appeal may be filed pursuant to Education Code
Section 262.3. A complainant may pursue available civil law remedies outside of MWA’s complaint
procedures. Complainants may seek assistance from mediation centers or public/private interest attorneys.
Civil law remedies that may be imposed by a court include, but are not limited to, injunctions and
restraining orders.
A copy of the UCP policy and complaint procedures is available free of charge in the Main Office. For
further information on any part of the complaint procedures, including filing a complaint or requesting a
copy of the complaint procedures, please contact the front office or the Compliance Officer listed above.
The UCP Form is included at the end of the Handbook.
Note: The Full Uniform Complaint Policy can be requested at the Middle School or Upper School
front desk.
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Uniform Complaint Procedure Form
Last Name: _______________________________ First Name/MI: ________________________________
Student Name (if applicable): _____________________Grade: _______ Date of Birth: _____________
Street Address/Apt. #: ____________________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________ State: _______________ Zip Code: ___________________
Home Phone: _________________ Cell Phone: _____________ Work Phone: ______________________
School/Office of Alleged Violation: __________________________________________________________
For allegation(s) of noncompliance, please check the program or activity referred to in
your complaint, if applicable:
Adult Education
Career/Technical Education
Child Development
Programs
Foster/Homeless Youth
Consolidated Categorical
Programs
Migrant and Indian Educ.
Pupil Fees
No Child Left Behind
Nutrition Services
Special Education
Local Control Funding
Formula
For allegation(s) of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying, please
check the basis of the unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying
described in your complaint, if applicable:
Age
Ancestry
Color
Disability (Mental or Physical)
Ethnic Group Identification
Gender / Gender Expression /
Gender Identity
Genetic Information
National Origin
Race or Ethnicity
Religion
Sex (Actual or Perceived)
Sexual Orientation (Actual or
Perceived)
Based on association with a
person or group with one or
more of these actual or
perceived characteristics
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1. Please give facts about the complaint. Provide details such as the names of those involved,
dates, whether witnesses were present, etc., that may be helpful to the complaint investigator.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Have you discussed your complaint or brought your complaint to any Charter School personnel?
If you have, to whom did you take the complaint, and what was the result?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Please provide copies of any written documents that may be relevant or supportive of your
complaint.
I have attached supporting documents. Yes No
Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________
Mail complaint and any relevant documents to:
Alton B. Nelson Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
4123 Lakeside Drive
Richmond, CA 94806
(510) 262-1511
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XVI. Acknowledgment Form and Student-Parent
Commitment Form
Please complete, detach and return to homeroom or advisor teacher
(PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY)
Student Name ______________________________ Wave _______
The MWA Student-Parent Handbook is designed to promote and support student
success by outlining the important policies, procedures and expectations of the
Academy.
We are requiring that all parents and guardians read and review MWA’s Student-Parent
handbook with their student and return this cover sheet acknowledging that this
document has been received and read.
I have received and read a copy of the MWA Student-Parent Handbook. I
understand that if I have any questions about the handbook, I may consult the
Head of School and/or designee(s).
Student Full Name: _____________________________________
Student Signature: ______________________________________
Parent/Guardian Full Name: _________________________ Date: __________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________ Date: ___________
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Parent and Student Commitment Form
Student Commitment
As a student I will:
Set goals
Be a scholar
Make mistakes and learn from them
Arrive at school on time ready to learn
Reflect on and evaluate my performance
Act with truthfulness, kindness, and respect
Treat all people with respect, kindness, and dignity
Put forth my best effort to be the best Wave-Maker I can be
Discover and develop my voice, my talents, and my strengths
Discover and develop my value to the group, the school, and the community
Take responsibility for my actions, my relationships, my community, and my
environment
Student Name (Print) _________________________________
Student Signature ___________________________________ Date:_____________
Parent Commitment
As a parent I will:
Take primary responsibility for discipline.
Work to develop in my student good behavior habits as well as proper attitudes regarding
school-life and life in general by teaching through example.
Work with school officials to resolve any discipline incident in a patient, objective, and
fair manner.
Attend parent-conference sessions and mandatory monthly meetings.
Actively monitor and assist with my student’s progress.
Communicate and work closely with Making Waves Academy staff.
Communicate with all MWA staff in a professional and respectful manner.
Student Name (Print) ________________________________
Parent Name (Print) _________________________________
Parent Signature ___________________________________ Date _____________
