HOMESCHOOL ACADEMY OF SOUTH JERSEY
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Student & Parent Handbook
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"We can help you Homeschool your child”
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The HASJ is committed to providing students with academic classes to enrich and fulfill the New Jersey educational requirements.
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The Homeschool Academy of South Jersey
1800 E. Broad Street
Millville, New Jersey 08332
Secondary 609-805-2548
Elementary 609-805-7242
Email: staff@homeschoolacademysj.org
Website: www.homeschoolacademysj.org
The Staff is proud to announce another year of exciting and stimulating courses for all age students
at the Homeschool Academy of South Jersey (“The Academy”). It is our hope and goal that your
student’s home school experience will be enhanced with the courses we are offering this year.
Please note that the Academy classes offered have an “all inclusive” tuition fee. This means that
everything needed : books, lab fees, supply fee, registration fee and diploma fee are included.
There is an additional charge for a foreign language of $50.00
Hours & Days of Operation:
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September 14th—May 31, 2011
Tuesdays —8:30-4:30
Option Thursdays —Myriam’s Study Hall with Assistance AM $20, PM $20, All Day $35
Orientation Day: Parents are expected to attend the first day for a 60 minute orientation.
Begins: September 14, 2010
School Year Ends: May 31st, 2011
Graduation: Thursday, June 9, 2011
Holiday closing: December 21 & 28, 2011
Weather related closing: Same as Millville Public schools for closing.
We will not have any delayed openings.
All curriculum will be completed by the last day of classes so that grades may be distributed in a timely
manor. Quarters are nine weeks long. Student progress reports can be viewed on SnapGrade.
Please note that all rules and guidelines are set forth in an effort to make the experience at The Academy
an orderly, peaceful, and pleasant one. They will be enforced to ensure the safety and security of the
Academy as a whole.
1st Quarter: September 14, 2010—November 9, 2010
2nd Quarter: November 16, 2010—January 25, 2011
3rd Quarter: February 1, 2011—March 29, 2011
4th Quarter: April 5,2011—May 31, 2011
Official Guidelines and Policies of HASJ
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All members (parents, teachers, and students) will be required to:
• Read these guidelines and the policies on the HASJ website www.homeschoolacademysj.org.
• To show respect and consideration for all Academy staff, parents, teachers and students present in the
Academy. Demeaning and ridiculing of others will not be tolerated.
• To show respect for the building in which we meet. Respect will include “quiet time” inside the building at
all times. No loud talking and no running will be tolerated.
Arrival and Dismissal policies of the HASJ.
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• NO student (regardless of age) will be dropped off outside of the building.
• A parent (or other designated adult) Must accompany their student (s) into the building, via the side door
and sign in.
• Every student (regardless of age) must be registered by the parent, when they are dropped off. The
parent will be required to notify the Academy, in writing, as to who will be picking up their student (s) after
completion of their last class.
• No student is to be left on Academy premises for more than 15 minutes after the completion of their last
class. Doors are locked at 5:00 PM.
• Parent will be assessed a $10.00 fee per incident, per student, for any student remaining for more than
15 minutes after the close of the Academy day payable at that time. For Pre-planned after school
activities: Parents will give written permission, including their agreement to pick up their child promptly at the
hour designated for the end of such activity.
• Bring your own lunch. Snack foods and drinks are available for purchase.
• Students may leave the school at lunch time with their parents. Parents must sign them out and in when
they return. Parents are not permitted to take other children with them.
• Students are expected to come to class prepared and on time, with all class assignments completed and
all supplies necessary to complete the tasks in class.
• Parents are responsible for providing their student with basic school supplies (pens, pencils, eraser,
notebooks and/or paper, book bag, etc.), and any other supplies the teacher asks their student (s) to bring
in to complete work in their classes.
• Each parent should supply their child with an Agenda book for assignments to be written in.
• All homework assignments will be posted on the SnapGrade website by Wednesday at noon. It is the
responsibility of the student to check this website for all homework assignments and notices from their
teachers and Academy Staff.
Attendance/Missed Class Policies
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• Students missing a day of school or a class will be responsible for checking the Snapgrade website as
soon as possible for any make-up work and weekly assignments. All assignments are due the following
week, unless the parent makes a personal call to the teacher.
• All students – especially those working toward high school credits – are required to complete all
homework assignments and tests.
• It is the responsibility of the student and parent to ensure that all assignments are completed. Parents
should review assignments at home as the ultimate responsibility for the Homeschool Education lies
with them.
• Students will only be permitted to miss two days per marking period.
• Students are required to call out the night before, or between 7:30-8:30 the morning of the absence.
Calls may be made to the HASJ number to report the absence.
• Absences: Whenever possible send a responsible person to retrieve any worksheets for that day which
will be located in their mail folder at the check in desk. The responsible party may bring in any homework
that is due that day and leave it with the study hall personnel .
• All assignments must be turned in the week the student returns to school. There is no grace period.
• Excused absentees for such things as vacations will be allowed one additional week to complete
homework assignments for each week absent.
• Students will be penalized ten points off the grade for each week late.
• It is the students’ responsibility to make up all tests and quizzes that were missed during an absence.
This can be completed during lunch hour.
• For extended absences and additional help, tutoring is available at a charge of $15 per hour for the time
the teacher spends with your child. This is to be arranged with the individual teachers.
• All grades, homework assignments and missing assignments are posted on Snapgrade.com. You will be
emailed your link to Snapgrade.com.
• .Grade System:
4th –12th (numerical)
A 92-100
B 83-91
C 74-82
D 65-73
F 64 & below
The Homeschool Academy of South Jersey admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to
all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the
school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its
educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other
school-administered programs.
The Staff of HASJ
Rose Sias—Director
The following standards are generally recommended for our students.
Students should wear clothing that is clean and suitable for school activities, keeping in mind the weather
conditions and good taste. Shoes must be worn at all times. Pants are to be worn around the waist and
securely fastened.
The following are more specific:
• Blouses should cover the mid-section and be in good taste
• Clothing should not advertise societies vises
• Clothing should cover the underwear
• Hoods should not be worn over the head
• No hats in the building
• Sunglasses are reserved for out door use
• Clothing should not contain holes above the knee
• No shoes with wheels
• No pajamas
• Shorts must be finger tip length
Pants hems should not excessively drag the floor
In an effort to address our student’s safety and welfare, with minimal distractions, the staff will be
responsible for enforcing this dress code fairly and reasonably.
If students are in violations of the dress code, they may be asked to wear a cover-up or call home and ask
for reasonable clothing. There may be disciplinary actions dependant on the student’s attitude.
Electronic Devices
Cell Phones – may not be seen/used during classroom hours. They must be on vibrate and put away.
Cell phones may not be used to check time, text message, take pictures or any other function during
classroom time. If cell phones are out and/or used, they will be written up on a disciplinary action and
phones will remain on the teacher’s desk until the next class.
Electronic Devices - Any type of Walkman, MP-3 players, I-Pods, Side-kicks, pagers, etc., or any other
electronic device are not allowed to be used or seen during classroom time. If they are out and/or used,
they will be written up on a disciplinary action and device will remain on the teacher’s desk until the next
class. Students need special permission to bring a personal laptop computer.
HASJ STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
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Homeschooling allows FREEDOM, but with freedom comes RESPONSIBILITY
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Minor Responsibilities
• Behavior should be commendable.
• Maintain proper table manners in the lunch room.
• Arrive to class on time before the late bell. Should a staff member or teacher hold you beyond the late
bell, ask them for a signed slip.
• Refrain from physical conduct other than hugging.
• Guard your language.
• Follow Dress code policy. See attached sheet.
• Refrain from unsafe acts.
• Bring book bag with you to class packed with all items you will need for the day.
• Maintain self-control.
• Cooperate with teachers and staff.
• Watch your conversation so other students do not become agitated.
• Maintain a peaceful disposition in class, hallways, cafeteria and playground.
• Cell phones may be used during the 5 minutes between classes, at lunch time, playground or after
school. They should be out of sight during class time. Leave your Walkmans and I-Pods at home.
• Complete all homework assignments on time for full credit.
• Mail folders contain important information for parents only.
• Absolutely NO GUM in the building.
Major Responsibilities
• Remain on the school grounds.
• Ask permission to leave class rooms.
• Students can not leave the school property with anyone other than their parents or adults approved by
their parents. Teachers are not to give students rides unless emergency cases. Student that will be driving
themselves will need to complete our Waiver forms.
• Students are to remain at lunch time unless their parents take them out for lunch. Parents should sign
them out when they leave and in when they return.
• Properly care of school property.
• Complete your own school work.
• Show respect for all teachers, students and staff.
• Use caution in unsafe situations.
• Behavior should always be praise worthy.
• Always handle other students’ property with respect.
• In the event that an incident does not clearly fall into the above categories, the
administration reserves the right to interpret the code.
Minor infractions will be handled by the teachers. Disciplinary Notifications will be emailed. Major infractions
will be cause for suspension for one week. Homework will still be due on the week the student returns.
Students will be on probation for the remainder of the school year. Expulsion will result for any more
infractions. We make every effort to handle each situation on an individual basis.
HASJ Statement of Purpose
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The Homeschool Academy of South Jersey was created by parents interested in providing any homeschool
family, regardless of religious beliefs, ethnic background or financial situation an alternative to schooling
strictly at home. The Academy is not affiliated with any religious organization, but does practice Bible
principles with an emphasis on excellent character. It is a place where children of varying ages can gather
in a classroom atmosphere and learn various academic subjects, as well as, enrichment classes of
diversified interests. The HASJ diploma can be earned by meeting NJ requirements through our accelerated
high school program. Parents can feel comfortable that their children are in an atmosphere where they are
supported and treated with respect by skilled teachers and students alike.
Code of Conduct for our Parents (updated 6/20/10)
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Homeschooling allows FREEDOM, but with freedom comes RESPONSIBLITY.
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The amount of time spent at HASJ will be far less than the time spent in school each day. Our motto says,
“We can help you Homeschool your child.” The rest is up to you. Listed below are our expectations.
Time
HASJ will cover the basic academic subjects with a few electives. Education doesn’t stop there. Parents will
need to invest time and energy to ensure that all assignments are completed on a timely basis. Parents
need to provide daily accountability, directions, and tutoring.
HASJ should be just a part of your total educational program. Continue to seek out opportunities and
strategies for maximizing their education. Watch educational movies, visit museums, read books, take up a
hobby, teach practical skills around the house and yard, or take a short class being offered in the
community. There are numerous ways to increase your child’s knowledge in an enjoyable format.
Unrealistic Expectations
Some families undertake homeschooling as a list-ditch effort to prevent rebellious teenagers from dropping
out of school. Homeschooling may be a good option for cutting off negative influences aggravating the
situation, but “tough-love” and good counseling are more effective in a child’s life. Read some good
parenting books and/or seek out a good pastor.
The HASJ can not remove all of your child’s character flaws, rescue them from academic failure, or
miraculously cure family problems. Homeschooling is an academic choice, not a solution for fractures in the
family life.
Independent Learners
CHILDREN LEARN BEST WHEN THEY TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR LEARNING. We need to model
what we want our children to become. Our own attitude toward learning is the key influence on our children’s
view of education. Let them see you reading, investigating, and discussing new areas of inquiry as adults,
they will come to value lifelong learning, too. The sequence of events for transferring responsibility begins
with:
Show him how to do it.
Do it with him.
Watch him do it.
He does it alone.
He decides when it needs to be done.
High School Students
.The Homeschool Academy provides the accreditation that Homeschoolers so desperately need to validate
their homeschool work for high school credit. The Academy will take full responsibility for directing your
curriculum, assisting in the accumulation of a portfolio of dated/corrected student work, evaluating work that
is done, providing records, and thus issuing the diploma. Physical education, practical arts and electives are
completed at home. Parents are advised during the first meeting with the homeschool consultant how to
maintain records during the school year. Parents will need to schedule a meeting with the consultant prior to
the following school year in order to review records for work completed at home.
New Students—IMPORTANT
First year homeschooling families need to provide a letter to the Board of Education in their district of their
intent to homeschool. This letter should be mailed prior to the first day of school. See the sample letter
below.
It is your responsibility to be aware of your rights as a homeschooling family. Please read the Frequently
Asked Questions for homeschoolers from the State Department of Education in New Jersey. Visit their
website at: http://www.state.nj.us/education/genfo/overview/faq_homeschool.htm.
SAMPLE LETTER
123 My Street
My Town, NJ 08xxx
Date
My Local Board of Education
School Superintendent
#243 School Street
My town, NJ 08xxx
Dear Dr. Name, Superintendent,
This letter is to inform you that our child NAME & GRADE will be educated at home as of this DATE as
provided for by N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25. We understand that we are taking full responsibility for the educational
outcome of our child.
I have read the New Jersey Department of Education’s Homeschooling: Frequently Asked Questions, as found
on the NJDE’s website. This has informed me of my rights as a Homeschooling parent.
Should you have any questions, please submit them to me in writing. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
(signed)
Mr. & Mrs. Your Name
MAKE THREE COPIES OF THIS LETTER. SEND ONE ‘RETURN RECEIPT’ TO YOUR BOARD OF
EDUCATION. SEND ONE COPY TO YOUR SCHOOL’S ATTENDANCE OFFICE. WHEN THE RECEIPT IS
SIGNED AND RETURNED ATTACH IT TO THE THIRD COPY AND KEEP IT ON FILE. IT IS YOUR
PROTECTION AGAINST TRUANNCY FINES.