1. education
2. school

APPLICATION COVER SHEET Provide the name of the person that will serve as the primary contact for this Application. One person should serve as the contact for follow-up, interviews and notices regarding this Application. NAME OF CHARTER SCHOOL: LaMensa Academy -New Generation School (LANGS) NAME OF NONPROFIT CORPORATION THAT WILL HOLD THE CHARTER: LaMensa Academy -New Generation School Focus: Reading, Science and Math in Everyday Life. Has the Corporation applied for non-profit status? Yes ~ No
NAME OF CONTACT PERSON: :=E=liz::;:.:a::.:;:b;..::e=th.:. .;A=.:-.T""'a=-y.. =.lo;;:;.:r:.. . -_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
TITL1J:/RELATIONSHIP TO NONPROFIT:
~N~on:!..-..::..P...:..;ro:::.::fic!.!It~_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
MAILING ADDRESS: 8355 Woodsmuir Drive
TELEPHONE (day): (561) 624-2986
West Palm Beach, FL 33412
CELL PHONE:
EMAILADDRESS:=tt=fa=m=i~ly~4~@~a~o~I~.c~om~
~(5=6~1}.£..:3=8:.:::;..5-..:;.9:::.:58=5:.....-_ _ _ __
_________________________
NAME OF MANAGEMENT COMPANY (if any): ;:;,. :N"""on::.,;:e::.. -.-_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
NAME OF PARTNER ORGANIZATION (if any):
;:;..:N=on=e~_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
The proposed school will open in the fall of school year: =-20~1::.:2=--_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Term of Charter Requested: -"'T~h~r::::.;ee:::....l.::(3:...L}_=t~o_=F_=iv.!.,;e::.....l..!:(5<..L)_Jy'-"e:.=a"-'rs"____ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
School Year
I First Year
I Second Year
• Third Year
Fourth Year
Fifth Year
i
--"""
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Total Student Enrollment
Grade Levels
I Pre-Kindergarten Third Grade
I Pre-K to Third Grade
Pre-K to Fourth Grade
Pre-K to Fifth Grade
Pre-K to Fifth Grade
"""-""
100
125
144
216
216
I
I certify that I have the authority to submit this application and that all information contained herein is
complete and accurate, realizing that any misrepresentation could result in disqualification from the
application process or revocations after award. I understand that incomplete applications will not be
considered. The person named as the contact person for the application is so authorized to serve as the
primary contact for this application on behalf of the organization.
Signature
Date
Printed Name
1
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
I. EDUCATIONAL PLAN
1. Mission, Guiding Principles and Purpose
•
Provide the mission statement for the proposed charter school.
"Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is
a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength
for our nation."
John F. Kennedy
1917 1963
Thirty-fifth President of the United States of America
The LaMensa Academy's The New Generation School (LANGS) in the western communities is
committed to the development of the whole child, providing a rich and stimulating classroom
learning environment in which certified, trained teachers guide children to reach their full
potential as self-reliant, confident, self-disciplined, life-long learners. Each child is allowed
freedom of choice, is encouraged personal responsibility both socially and academically, and is
provided guidance in setting individual goals. One of our missions is to inspire academic
excellence; to nurture curiosity, creativity, and imagination; and to do so with an environment
rich with warmth, kindness and respect.
To fulfill this mission, the LaMensa Academy's New Generation School (LANGS) will provide:
the parental option to choose proven teaching strategies at LaMensa Academy New
Generation School for elementary children;
rigorous standards for achievement that will equip children with high academic and strong
character-building skills;
parent access to information regarding the reading level and learning gains of the child;
LANGS prepared learning environment where children experience freedom and self­
discipline;
certified teachers who are prepared to meet the educational needs of each child on an
individual basis.
The LaMensa Academy New Generation School will provide opportunities to help children
succeed by creating experiences that are:
challenging - allows children to make meaning of new experiences aimed at powerful
thinking and "big ideas",
sustainable creates deeper meaning in a child's world and the atmosphere around them by
building on prior knowledge and experiences.
language rich offers opportunities for children to understand and use language.
complex language the core of all other learning
focused supports children in receiving new levels of understanding and abilities and,
playful- the very essence of who we are in the early childhood field.
The LaMensa Academy New Generation School will be using High Reach Learning Material,
Multiple Intelligence Theory with the assessment built into each unit and year end test to make
sure the students meet Annual Years Progress (A.Y.P) assessment built in each program.
2
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
• Describe how the school will utilize the Guiding Principles found in s. 1002.33(2)(a). Using the Guiding Principles 1002.33(2)(a) LANGS exists to provide the highest quality of
care and schooling for children. We believe our school children will achieve their highest
potential in a nurturing and caring environment. Our staff members will be trained to respect
the dignity and individuality of each child, remembering at all times the trust that parents
have placed in our care. Children will learn how to constructively interact with other children
and adults. We aim to impart life-skills consistent with each child's development and to
extend their range of personal skills. We encourage parents to be actively involved in the
program, contribute ideas, and take an interest in their child's development and growth.
Together we can achieve the highest level of learning and care.
• Describe how the school will meet the Prescribed Purposes for charter schools found in s. 1002.33(2)(b). Using the Guiding Principles in l002.33(2)(a) LANGS will offer students the opportunity to
engage in an interactive, multi-age learning environment that will include knowledge-based
instruction. Our staff members will be trained to respect the dignity and individuality of each
child, remembering at all times the trust that parents have placed in our centre. By
developing sensory, motor, emotional skills, children will learn how to constructively interact
with other children and adults. We aim to impact life-skills consistent with each child's
development. We encourage parents to be actively involved in the center, contribute ideas,
and take an interest in their child's development and growth. Forming partnerships with
community businesses, instituting a mentor program will increase learning opportunities for
all students, with a special emphasis on low-performing students. Ongoing progress of these
students will be monitored utilizing the assessment program that accompanies the curriculum.
• Describe how the charter school will fulfill, if applicable, the Optional Purposes of
charter schools found in s. 1002.33(2)(c).
The LaMensa Academy New Generation School will serve kindergarten to third grade.
Our program design will be an expansion of the capacity of the curriculum ofthe School
District of Palm Beach County with the addition of our new units in science and mathematics
for everyday living.
Our School is dedicated to providing an educational and positive environment, focusing on
the development of each child within the supporting community of teachers, parents and
administrators. The Academy's curriculum will afford opportunities and challenges designed
to stimulate and motivate each child toward interactive learning. We propose to integrate the
efforts of parents and community agency to help every child succeed in schooL We will
maximize academic success by making and stretching instructional strategies to the student's
abilities. We will partner with the Palm Beach County school system to provide professional
development opportunities for all staff.
3
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
4
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
2. Target Population and Student Body
• Describe the anticipated target population to be served.
The target population to be served is a general population, including students who are 4 years
old by September 1 through students in third grade. Therefore, LANGS will target students
in grades Pre-Kindergarten through third grade.
The LaMensa Academy New Generation School will serve students residing within the Palm
Beach County School District and if applicable, students covered under an inter-district
agreement. Our immediate target population includes those students residing within our
immediate neighborhood as well as those residing within approximately a S mile radius of our
proposed school facilities. Our expanded target population includes students living in Palm
Beach Gardens, City of Lake Park, Riviera Beach, North Palm Beach, Acreages, Jupiter, Juno
Beach and West Palm Beach.
We believe LaMensa Academy (LANGS) represents an appealing choice for parents of
students who have a strong desire and aptitude towards enhanced learning with an emphasis
on arts and individualized instruction. Parents and students will be advised with regard to the
reasonable expected academic or artistic eligibility standards (if any) which would be
included in our enrollment application, and which would be consistent with the school's
mission and purpose. Such standards would be in accordance with current state law and
practice in public schools and will not discriminate against otherwise qualified individuals.
Any student that submits a timely application for enrollment in grades K-3 is eligible to
attend, unless the number of applications exceeds the capacity of the program and facilities.
All applicants will have an equal chance of being admitted through a random selection
process.
LaMensa Academy New Generation School anticipates a diverse student body and our
school's enrollment practices will comply with anti-discrimination provisions in accordance
with the law, and specifically with provisions of s. 1000.OS. Students with disabilities and
ESOL students will have an equal opportunity of being selected for enrollment. Enrollments
may include exceptional students, including those students who are capable of receiving
special education services within a mainstream classroom. We will follow an inclusion
model in accordance with appropriate ratios that have been proven effective within the
school's chosen instructional educational model. The school will adhere to all applicable
provisions of federal law relating to students with disabilities, including the IDEA, section
S04 ofthe Rehabilitation Act of 1974; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990. Additionally, we will adhere to all applicable provisions of the federal law relating to
students who are limited English proficient, including Title VI ofthe Civil Rights Act of 1964
and the Equal Opportunities Act of 1974.
S
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readiflg, Scieflce afld Math ifl Everyday Life.
• Provide for each year of the charter you are seeking, the grades that the school will
serve, the number of students to be served in each grade, the number of students
expected in each class and the total number of students enrolled.
School Year
First Year
Second Year
Third Year
Fourth Year
Fifth Year
Grade Levels
Pre-kindergarten Third grade
Pre:::K to Third grade
Pre-k to Fourth grade
Pre-K to Fifth grade
Pre-K to Fifth grade
Total Student
Enrollment
100
125
144
216
216
As a charter school, LANGS will welcome all students. Our class sizes will be less than
Florida's constitutional class size requirements.
• Describe the plan and methods the school will employ to comply with Florida's
constitutional class size requirements.
LANGS will be less than Florida's constitutional class size requirements.
Constitutional Class Size Requirements
LANGS will comply with Florida's constitutional class size requirements for all core classes
by grade level. In accordance with Florida Statute 1002.33(10)(d), enrollment preference
may be given to the following students:
Future growth in enrollments will be controlled by class in order to ensure continued
compliance with class size reduction requirements. With additional enrollments (up the
capacity limits allowable under its charter), the school will hire additional teachers and open
up additional classes.
Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a positive sense of self-esteem.
LaMensa approach will be based on building self-esteem with noncompetitive activities that
help children to develop strong self-images and the confidence to face challenges and change
with optimism.
The innovative practices at The LaMensa Academy New Generation School will be evident
to visitors upon entering a classroom. Our innovative use of the multi-age classroom allows
children to advance in the complexity of their work without waiting for the group as a whole.
Younger children usually want to do what the older children are doing. A vertically-aged
classroom offers an inherent motivation for children to constantly challenge themselves. The
older children benefit tremendously from this grouping as they become the teachers and the
leaders, developing confidence and independence. This process of sharing what they know
reaffirms that they have already learned.
Every child will advance more quickly in some areas than others; this is a natural part of
growth and LANGS classroom is able to adapt to the individual needs of the child. For
6
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
instance, if a child is mastering material quickly, the teacher will give a lesson on more
complex materials which may already be in the multi-age classroom for the older children. If
a child is having a difficult time grasping a concept, the child is allowed to focus on that area
until ready to move on. Often the teacher uses a second presentation or a slight variation
which helps a child understand a concept more easily. A multi-age classroom naturally
provides for different levels of ability and therefore offers diversity, stimulation, and a path
for growth integral to the success of the LaMensa Academy New Generation School
philosophy_
7
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
3. Educational Program Design
• Describe the school's daily schedule and annual calendar, including the annual number
of days and hours of instructional time.
LaMensa Academy (LANGS) student attendance will align with the School District of Palm
Beach County's 180 school day calendar. The anticipated hours of instruction will be from 8
a.m. to 3 p.m. Morning care will begin at 7:30 a.m., where breakfast may be served.
Students not being picked up at the conclusion of the school day will participate in after
school clubs or team activities, tutoring programs or an on-site after-school licensed school
enrichment program.
With the approval of the Board, the Principal will generate an annual school-year calendar,
which will include the information on the district's calendar as well as school specific events
and key dates. The Board may, at its discretion, alter the school calendar or school hours in
the event of emergency, natural disasters, due to circumstances beyond the control of the
school, or other factors as deemed necessary. Notwithstanding such alteration, the school
will still provide the minimum required instructional days and instructional minutes require3d
per year in accordance with Florida State Statute.
A summary of the anticipated work calendar for students and staff is as follows:
•
•
•
•
Students - minimum of 180 calendar days per year
Teachers - minimum of 196 calendar days per year
Office Staff - minimum of 206 calendar days per year
Co-Administrators & select administrative/operations staff - 12 month schedule
with time off allocated during school breaks according to their respective contracts.
Daily Schedule
8:00 am - 8:15 am ............... Large Group open _journal writing ............................................ Attendance/announcement 8: 15 am - 8:20 am ............... Visit with friends 8:20 am - 8:30 am ............... Library and check on homework assigned 8:30 am - 9:15 am ............... Mathematics 9:15 am -10:35 am .............. Reading Block 10:35 am -11:05 am ............ Language arts ............................................ Spelling ............................................ Mechanics of writing 11 :05 am -11 :35 am ............ Physical Education 11 :35 am -11 :45 am ............ Wash hands 11:45 am -12:15 pm............ Lunch 12: 15 pm -1 :00 pm ............. Art/Music/Social Studies 1:00 pm -1 :40 pm ............... Science 1:40 pm -2:00 pm ............... Creative Writing 2:00 pm ............................... Dismissal 8
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Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Employee Calendar Dates 2010-2011 School Calendar 260 T & I and 260 NT (12-Month Employees):
• Work extended-hour days on July 6, 7 and 8,201 0, but they are off Friday, July 9 because it
is a four day extended-hour work week which results in no scheduled work that Friday. They
are also off Monday, July 5, 2010 in recognition of Independence Day.
• Work extended hour days July 12-15, July 19-22, July 26-29, August 2-5, 2010 and are off
each Friday of these listed four-day extended-hour work weeks;
• Work regular hours beginning Monday, August 9, 2010 and are off on all days having the
Telephone symbol;
• Work extended hour days March 14-17, June 6-9, June 13-16, June 20-23 and June 27-30,
2011, and are off each Friday of these listed four-day extended-hour work weeks; and
• Elect to work either Friday, September 9,2010 (Rosh Hashanah) or Friday, April 22, 2011
(Good Friday).
188 T (Permanent Substitute Teachers):
• Work regular hours on August 13 and 16,2010 and on all student attendance days.
250 T (250-Day Designated Teachers):
• Adhere to the special 250-Day Teacher Calendar provided by their respective Departments.
196 T & I (includes Teachers, Academic Coaches, Guidance Counselors, Media Specialists,
School Psychologists, Speech & Language Pathologists, Audiologists, Family Counselors,
and Junior ROTC Instructors):
• Work regular hours on August 11, 12, 13 and 16,2010 and on all student attendance days,
plus Octoberl5, November 2, January 3, February 21, March 21, and June 3.
206 TI (Assistant Principals):
• Work regular hours on July 27,28 and 29, 2010;
• Work extended-hour days on August 2, 3, 4 and 5,2010; and
• Work regular hours on Monday, August 9 and Tuesday, August 10,2010, and all days
that Teachers Work.
216 T & I (Assistant Principals):
• Work regular hours on July 20,21, and 22, 2010;
• Work extended-hour days on July 26,27,28,29, August 2, 3, 4 and 5, 2010;
• Work regular hours on Monday, August 9 and Tuesday, August 10,2010, and all days
that Teachers Work; and
• Work extended-hour days on June 6, 7, 8 and 9, 2011, and this completes their work year. 10 Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
226 T & I (Assistant Principals):
• Work regular hours on July 13, 14 and 15, 20 10;
• Work extended-hour days on July 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, August 2,3,4 and 5,
2010;
• Work regular hours on Monday, August 9 and Tuesday, August 10, 20 10, and all days
that Teachers Work; and
• Work extended-hour days on June 6,7,8,9, 13,14,15 and 16,2011, and this completes
their work year.
180 NT (Police Aides, Bus Drivers and Bus Attendants):
• Work regular hours on all student attendance days.
182 NT (Various categories of non-instructional employees):
• Work regular hours on August 13 and 16,2010 and on all student attendance days.
187 NT (Food Service Workers):
• Work regular hours on August 12, 13 and 16, 20 10 and on all student attendance days,
plus November 2, 201 0, January 3, March 21 and June 3, 2011; however, they are not
scheduled to work on October 15, 2010 and February 21,2011.
190 NT (Various categories of non-instructional employees):
• Work regular hours starting on Wednesday, August 11, 20 10, and all days that Teachers
Work.
193 NT (Food Service Managers):
• Work regular hours on Monday, August 9, 201 0, at a location determined by their
Department; and
• Work regular hours on August 10,11,12,13 and 16, and all student attendance days,
plus November 2,2010, January 3, March 21, June 3 and June 6,2011, plus attend the
October 15, 20 1a and February 21, 20 11 in-service trainings at a location determined by
their Department.
206 NT (Various categories of non-instructional employees):
• Work regular hours on July26, 27, 28 and 29, 2010;
• Work extended-hour days on August 2,3,4 and 5, 2010;
• Work regular hours on Monday, August 9, and Tuesday, August 10,2010 and all days
that Teachers Work; and
• Work extended-hour days on June 6, 7, 8 and 9, 2011, and this completes their work
year.
216 NT (Various categories of non-instructional employees):
• Work regular hours on July 19, 20, 21 and 22, 2010;
• Work extended-hour days on July 26,27,28,29, August 2,3,4 and 5, 2010;
• Work regular hours on Monday, August 9, and Tuesday, August 10,2010 and all days
that Teachers Work; and
• Work extended-hour days on June 6, 7,8,9, 13, 14, 15 and 16,2011, and this completes
their work year.
11
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math ill Everyday Life.
216 (R) (School Police Officers):
• Adhere to the special School Police Calendar provided by their Department.
226 NT (Various categories of non-instructional employees:
• Work regular hours on July 12,13,14 and 15,2010;
• Work extended-hour days on July 19,20,21,22,26,27,28,29, August 2,3,4 and 5, 2010; • Work regular hours on Monday, August 9, and Tuesday, August 10,2010 and all days that Teachers Work; and • Work extended-hour days on June 6,7,8,9,13, 14, 15, 16,20,21,22 and 23, 2011, and
this completes their work year.
• Describe the proposed charter school's educational program and/or curriculum
approach, emphasizing the innovative instructional methods or approaches to be used.
The LaMensa Academy's New Generation School (LANGS) will be a comprehensive,
coherent, research-based solution for students, K-3.
LaMensa's New Generation's design has school choice for phonics instruction, which help
students, parents and School District of Palm Beach County because of five crucial elements
of school improvement:
1. It lowers the teacher/pupil ratio in a standards-based system with assessments that
monitor progress.
2. It helps aligning instruction to next generation standards and focusing teaching on moving
students from where they are to where they need to be.
3. Strengthen instruction with the use of systematic phonics instruction.
4. Builds professional learning communities.
5. Engages parents and the community.
LANGS will use Guided Reading and Cooperative Learning.
The LaMensa Academy New Generation School (LANGS) inclusive education program is a
multifaceted educational approach which help students acquire knowledge and skills needed
to meet high academic standards. The School District of Palm Beach County provides
education to its students through a variety of teaching methods and strategies coupled with
innovative instructional methods. Some instructional methods are thematic units, shared
reading, guided and independent reading. Thematic units are the foundation for curriculum
modifications.
12 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Science alld Math ill Everyday Life.
• Describe the research base on the educational program and lor curriculum approach. Phonetic Instruction
Research-based methods of reading instruction Grade K-3. Sharon Vaughn is the author and
director at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas.
Collaborative planning and collaborative teaming permits the delivery of services within the
general education classroom as part of the daily instruction all students receive. Extended
classes provide opportunities for additional practice, slower-paced instruction and in-depth
exploration of topics.
• Describe how the educational philosophy and/or approach aligns with the school's
mission.
Our philosophy for education is that early childhood experiences are:
active: to enable children to explore, investigate, experiment, think and-communicate in a challenging and stimulating environment. relevant: by building on children's experiences, ideas, interests and cultural backgrounds. Planned: to care for children's emotional, social, intellectual and physical growth. child centered: focusing on the developmental needs and learning styles of children. a foundation for future education and reflect those values that promote co-operative human endeavor. • Explain why the educational philosophy and/or approach are appropriate for and likely
to result in improved educational performance for the school's target population.
Our philosophy for teachers is that they:
acquire an understanding of children's development through careful observation and interaction using this information to drive instruction. explicitly model the learning processes and introduce knowledge areas to children; e.g. Language, Mathematics, Science technology, Music, Art, etc. work together with children in these knowledge areas and jointly construct understandings. gradually hand over responsibility for various learning tasks to the children as they gain understanding and confidence. • Provide evidence that the existing design has been effective and successful in raising student achievement. Our philosophy for the community:
to help meet the needs of the community for an early childhood education facility.
to contribute to the wholesome growth and development of the citizens of the community.
to enhance the role of the LaMensa Academy New Generation School as an integral part of
the community.
to provide a setting where people of various religious and ethnic backgrounds can work
together
13 Charter School Application
•
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Explain how the services the school will provide to the target population will help them
attain the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards, as required by section 1002.33,
F.S.
The services the school will provide to the targeted population will help them attain Next
Generation Sunshine State Standards. The Next Generation standards for students enhance
learning and are vital to enrich the balance of education. The curriculum focus on the Next
Generation Florida Sunshine State Standards includes skills and technique, creation and
communication, cultural and historical connections, aesthetic and critical analysis, application
to life. Students will be exposed to and gain an appreciation of the different art styles, and
they will be immersed in the pure fun of drawing, painting, printmaking, modeling, and other
activities as defined by the Next Generation Florida Sunshine State Standards.
14 Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science alld Math ill Everyday Life.
4. Curriculum Plan
If the curriculum is already developed:
• Describe the school's curriculum in the core academic areas, illustrating how it
will prepare students to achieve Next Generation Florida Sunshine State
Standards.
The educational program of LANGS is based on the philosophy that allows children to learn
about the world based on individual needs and interests. The method provides an enriching
and educational environment in which children may discover, explore, and develop their
excitement for learning. The LaMensa Academy - The New Generation School method will
be used as the tool to provide an integrated elementary curriculum based on the Next
Generation Florida Sunshine State Standards.
LANGS will provide a rigorous academic program characterized by individualization and
high standards for all students. Certified teachers will work with parents and students to
develop personalized learning contracts for students, based on the Grade Level Standards in
Language Arts, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and Social Studies.
• Describe the school's reading curriculum, providing evidence that reading is a
primary focus and that there is a curriculum and set of strategies for students
reading at grade level or higher and a separate curriculum and strategy set for
students who are reading below grade level.
Macmillan Core Reading Program will be used to support the Next Generation Florida
Sunshine State Standards as this program is aligned with the standards. Teachers will utilize
research based strategies that will address the needs of all students. Reading in all curricular
areas will be implemented to address the interests of all students.
Students, teachers and parents will be responsible and accountable for each child meeting or
exceeding the Grade Level Standards for each subject area.
The multi-age classroom will offer a warm and supportive atmosphere that incorporates a
high level of expectation for the quality ofthought, work and mastery of content and skill.
• Explain how exceptional students and students who enter the school below grade
level will be engaged in and benefit from the curriculum.
A Progress Monitoring Plan (PMP) is intended to provide the school district and the school
flexibility in meeting the academic needs of the student and to reduce paperwork. A student who is
not meet the school district or state requirements for proficiency in reading and math shall be covered
by one ofthe following plans to target instruction and identifY ways to improve his or her academic
achievement.
1. A federally-required student plan, such as an Individual Education Plan (lEP);
2. A school-wide system of progress monitoring for all students; or
3. An individualized Progress Monitoring Plan [Florida Statute §1008.2S(4)(a)-(b)]
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Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
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Each plan must outline an intensive remedial program in the area(s) of weakness designed to assist
the student in meeting state and/or district expectations for proficiency. Listed below are the steps
for implementing the PMP.
1. Each student who does not meet the levels of performance as determined by the
district/state in reading, writing, science and mathematics for each grade level or
who scores below level 3 in reading or mathematics must be provided with
additional diagnostic assessments to determine the nature of the student's difficulty,
areas of academic need, and strategies for appropriate intervention. [Florida
Statute§ 1008.25( 4)(a)]
)y
)y
~
~
)y Data from the additional assessments are to be used to formulate the student's
PMP.
Diagnosis and remediation will occur as soon as possible after a student has
been identified as deficient in reading, writing, mathematics and/or science.
Students deficient in reading must be provided with daily Immediate Intensive
Intervention (iii). (State Board of Education Rule 6A-6.054(1)(K-12»
If the student identification occurs during the last nine weeks ofthe school year,
the diagnosis will be made at the beginning ofthe following school year with
remediation immediately following.
Remediation must occur until expectations are met (Florida Statute
§1008.25(4)©; State Board of Education Rule 6A-6.054(1)(b»
2. The PMP for a student who has been identified as deficient in reading must identify
~ A valid and reliable diagnostic assessment such as Diagnostic Assessment of
Reading (DAR) or identified sections of the K-3 Literacy Assessment
(Fountas and Pinnell Assessment) should be used to identifY the student's
specific reading deficiency.
~ The desired levels of performance in these areas [Florida Statute
§1008.25(4)(b)];
~ The instructional and support services to be provided to meet the desired
levels of performance [Florida Statute §1008.25(4)(b)].
Schools shall also provide for the frequent monitoring of the student's progress in meeting the
desired levels of performance.
3. At the conclusion of the school year, the teacher(s) of the student who had a PMP is to
determine whether the student is in need of further remediation and make recommendations
regarding the student's educational program for the following year.
4. All students identified as needing remediation at the end of the previous school year must
receive a PMP by October 1st . Every effort should be made to implement a PMP as early in
the year as possible, but implementation must occur no later than October 1st.
5. The PMP process must begin as soon as students are newly identified as needing
remediation. The PMP must be in place and implementation begun for students, including
those who transfer into the school district within 45 calendar days of being identified as
needing remediation.
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6. All PMPs are to be developed through the collaboration of the receiving teacher(s) and the
parent(s)(guardian(s) Florida Statute § 1008.2S( 4)(b)] and approved by the principal. In the
case of students receiving continued remediation, recommendations of the sending teacher(s)
are to be reviewed as a part of the PMP process.
7. It is the responsibility of the teacher, the grade chair and the principal to ensure that the PMP
is substantive and that the outlined instructional and support services are provided. The
school district will assist schools and teachers in the implementation of research-based
reading activities. [Florida Statute §1008.2S( 4)(b)]
The PMP should clearly identify:
)0> The specific diagnosed academic needs to be remedied;
)0> The success-based intervention strategies to be used;
)0> A variety of remedial instruction to be provided;
)0> How, when, how often, by whom, and how long intensive remedial instruction is to be
provided; and the monitoring and reevaluation activities to be employed.
ESE Students with Disabilities
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 requires:
)0> The IEP for each child with a disability to include:
)0> A statement of measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals,
designed to --­
)0> Meet the child's needs that result from the disability to enable the child to be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum. When an ESE student with a disability is determined to be performing below grade level in reading,
writing, mathematics, and/or science the IEP Team may be convened to review the IEP. The
student's IEP must address all of the student's educational needs including the student's below grade
level performance. The IEP Team may consider a PMP to address the student's educational need in
reading, writing, mathematics and/or science.
As described, each student enrolled in the charter school will have a developed plan that will
be reviewed on a regular basis with the student and parent. It is the intention of the
administration to ensure that teachers communicate frequently with parents and keep them
informed of the student's progress or lack of progress.
However, the obligation to the student and parent does not stop with communication, but to
determine how to assist the student in achieving the goals listed in the plan. A CST may
again meet to determine if a student should be further evaluated. The school will provide an
Academic Improvement Plan (AlP) for students who do not meet district levels of proficiency
in reading, writing, mathematics, and/or science. Each plan must outline an intensive
remedial program in the area(s) of weakness designed to assist the student in meeting state
and/or district expectations for proficiency.
The school will provide the additional remediation for students who have AlP's through a
variety of instructional strategies, which will meet the needs of the individual students. Some
remediation techniques include:
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Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
*instructional tutors (teacher assistants or volunteers)
*alternative instructional materials
*computer-assisted instruction *after schoollbefore school tutoring sessions *variety of content software for reinforced activities *curriculum modification *summer school programs *classroom accommodations The Next Generation Florida Sunshine State Standards (SSS) will be the central focus ofthe
curriculum, integrating language and literature, mathematics, science, geography, art, music,
and dance. Classrooms will be prepared for group discussion, incorporating interest centers
filled with intriguing learning materials, fascinating mathematical models, maps, charts,
historical artifacts, computers, scientific specimens and apparatus, and plants and animals that
the children are raising.
Through this methodology, the student will be engaged in learning in many ways, including
isolated study; a seminar; a cooperative learning group; designing and presenting a skit;
creating a musical or a story; conducting an interview; describing the community in a song or
dance; reading, telling, writing, or listening to a story.
All students will clearly demonstrate academic skills as measured by the personal contract for
grade level expectations, the student's portfolio, and technology SSS-based assessments.
• Describe how the effectiveness of the curriculum will be evaluated.
The curriculum, based on Next Generation Florida Sunshine State Standards, forms an
interrelated body of knowledge with many cross-references
Curriculum will be driven by the Next Generation standards. These state standards will be
the foundation for our curriculum.
For the most part, in the classroom, the child learns independently using the component in the
environment. The teacher is a catalyst for learning and observes and guides the child toward
learning activity that meets or exceeds grade level expectations. The learning environment
cultivates individualization, responsibility, concentration, independence, problem solving
abilities, social interaction, interdisciplinary breadth, and competency in basic skills.
The elementary environment reflects the child's sage of development and offers an
integration of the arts, sciences, geography, history, and language that evokes the native
imagination and enhances abstract abilities.
Content, based on Next Generation Florida Sunshine State Standards, is presented as
part of large-scale narrative in which the origins of the earth, life, human communities
(agricultural and urban), empires, and modem history unfold, always in the context of life
as a whole;
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formal scientific language in zoology, botany, anthropology, geography, geology, etc. that
exposes the child to accurate, organized information and respects the child's intelligence
and interests.
uses timelines, pictures, charts, and other visual aids, providing a linguistic and visual
overview of the first principles of each discipline.
mathematics with a combination of textbook materials, manipulatives and hands-on
concrete materials that simultaneously reveal the arithmetic, geometry, and algebraic
correlations.
a reading curriculum and materials that provides for group learning as well as individual
growth and interests;
an emphasis on open-ended research and in-depth study that uses primary and secondary
sources (books) as well as other materials;
the LaMensa Academy New Generation School prepared environment, with manipulative
materials that have been scientifically designed and tested, wherein each material isolated
one concept without distraction, and allows the student greater and greater levels of
difficulty and abstraction leading to. greater independence in his own learning growth;
and the ongoing use of community resources beyond the four walls of the classroom.
• Describe the school's reading curriculum, providing evidence that reading is a primary focus and that there is a curriculum and set of strategies for students reading at grade level or higher and a separate curriculum and strategy set for students who are reading below grade level. The child is also expected to demonstrate skills with various media and technology. The
LaMensa Academy New Generation School will be connected to the world with the use of
open-ended curriculum-based software, multimedia opportunities, and the Internet.
The teachers will be trained in the use of multimedia software aligned to the Next Generation
Florida Sunshine State Standards. Technology will be integrated into the classrooms using
mini-labs. Class projects can be done together on the mobile wireless laptop lab, wherever
possible. Students will acquire skills such as data collecting, research, word processing,
graphing, and age-appropriate multimedia presentations.
• Identify the research base and foundation materials that will be used to develop the school's curriculum. This curriculum will be performance-based in keeping with Florida's Next Generation
Florida Sunshine State Standards. Mastery of grade level expectations, the child's reading
level, and learning gains will be emphasized and communicated to the child and to the parent.
The focus of the educational program received by students are the Next Generation Florida
Sunshine State Standards with a teaching approach. Also, in the LaMensa Academy New
Generation School students will be required to experience community service as they develop
a clear awareness of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. The educational program in
the multi-age classroom not only meets grade level expectations, but allows and encourages
the individual students to exceed expectations. (Exhibit A: 2009-2010 Elementary School
Student Progression Plan)
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Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
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• Explain how exceptional students and students who enter the school below grade
level will be engaged in and benefit from the curriculum.
Small group and/or individualized intensive instruction focused on their area of deficiency.
Progress monitor those students on a regular basis enabling them to move within their class as
skills are mastered. Progress will be monitored through student-teacher conferences and
focused assessments.
It is the aim of the Founding Board of Directors that each student who completes the
LaMensa Academy New Generation School will have a personal development plan for the
years beyond the elementary school.
• Describe how the effectiveness of the curriculum will be evaluated. General goals for the educational program: * Continual student academic progress for ALL students.
* High expectations for ALL students and the pursuit of academic excellence.
* Continual emphasis on professional development activities for teachers, administrators,
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
staff, Founding Board members, and other members of the school community.
of the highest caliber professional instructional leaders (administrators),
Recruitment
certified teachers, and experienced staff.
Recruitment
of trained, experienced teachers.
Implementation of innovative instructional methodologies with the Montessori approach
to teaching and learning.
The use of technology and multimedia to enhance student achievement.
The involvement of parents, extended family members, community and business partners
in the activities and events at the school.
The
use of effective evaluation and an accountability system of administration, teachers,
staff and student achievement;
Extensive communication with parents, extended family members, Founding Board
Directors, teachers, staff, and school community through a variety of media forms
including newsletters, memos, school monthly calendar, e-mail, posters, school website,
telephone trees, school committee meetings, and school assemblies.
LANGUAGE ARTS AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS Literacy and communication
skills are critical tools needed in today's world. The LaMensa Academy New Generation
School will be committed to providing each student an enriching experience in the areas of
reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The LaMensa Academy New Generation School
approach, combined with the MacMillan Reading program, will foster the child's
appreciation for literacy through presentation skills, storytelling, dramatizations, literacy,
listening to audiotapes, watching videotapes, group and individual readings, chart stories,
book reviews and reports, guest speakers, and trade books. Writing will be a major focus of
the curriculum, with each grade level expected to meet the requirements for skills needed in
the "Florida Writes" assessment. Students will be introduced to rubrics, and will practice
using rubrics with peer assessment. Each grade level will follow the standards for their
specific grade level in order to expose students to areas of writing for mastery. This
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Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
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immersion in all areas of language is conducive to mastery oflanguage arts and the Next
Generation Florida Sunshine State Standards.
MATHEMATICS - The mathematical emphasis is hands-on learning of concepts and
applying them to problem solving in real-world situations. Students will learn to reason
mathematically and develop higher order thinking skills by integrating verbal and written
communication into mathematics. More than computation, the goal of mathematical
instruction will involve reasoning, problem solving, estimating, communicating, and acquire
a positive attitude toward math through positive experiences with math. All areas addressed
by the Next Generation Florida Sunshine State Standards will be the focus of math
instruction. These standards include: number sense, concepts, operations, measurement,
geometry and spatial sense, algebraic thinking, data analysis and probability. In the
classroom, math comes alive. Math is more than a textbook with problems to be solved.
Math evolves into a viable, interesting, fun, and lifetime skill for students.
SCIENCE The explosive growth of scientific knowledge and continual dev.elopments in
technology are transforming our society. The approach to a science education is designed for
lifelong learning through investigation and inquiry. The science curriculum will be based on
the Next Generation Florida Sunshine State Standards - nature of matter, energy, force and
motion, processes that shape the earth, earth and space, process of life, how living things
interact with the environment, and the nature of science. Students will use the scientific
method to complement their investigations in science. Students' natural curiosity will be
enhanced through a Montessori (hands-on activities) approach to science. Everywhere you
look, there are wonders both big and small must waiting to be explored. LaM ens a Academy,
your home, and your community are all boundless laboratories full of mystery, excitement
and surprise. We will try to uncover the magic all around us and tap the innovator within
us .. .in the Science of Everyday Life (Exhibit B: Sample lesson - Science activity). Just in
time for back-to-school there will be a lot more awaiting students including:
• Fun for everyone! Check out the interactive innovation center for students, parents and
teachers. Through virtual labs, videos and more learn how major science innovations
are developed and how they impact our daily lives.
• Parents will find more family activities for all seasons that help students discover the
real-world science around them.
• Teachers will find unique standards-aligned lesson and supplemental videos that connect
classroom science lessons to what students interact within their everyday lives.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Social studies will focus on areas delineated in the Next Generation
Florida Sunshine State Standards: History time, continuity, and change; Geography, people,
places, and the environment; Civics and Government - government and the citizen;
Economics - production, distribution, and consumption. The emphasis in the classroom is
the development of responsible citizens, who demonstrate patriotism and loyalty while
developing a respect for other cultures.
VISUAL ARTS The visual awareness of a student's surroundings enhances learning.
Education in the arts is vital to a rich and balanced education. The curriculum focus on the
Next Generation Florida Sunshine State Standards includes skills and technique, creation and
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Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
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communication, cultural and historical connections, aesthetic and critical analysis, application
to life. Students will be exposed to and gain an appreciation ofthe different art styles, and
they will be immersed in the pure fun of drawing, painting, printmaking, modeling, and other
activities as defined by the Next Generation Florida Sunshine State Standards.
PERSONAL WELLNESS - Fitness, skill development, cooperation, and enjoyment are all
necessary for a successful personal well ness program. Through the approach, students will
study the standards: physical education literacy, responsible physical activity behaviors, and
advocate and promote physically active lifestyles. Fitness is a component ofthe educational
program that ensures each student understands the importance of a fit and healthy lifestyle.
The child in LANGS will learn life skills through a variety of fun and interesting activities,
including wellness activities from aerobics and dance to healthy cooking and eating.
New Legislation Relating to Physical Education
The 2008 Legislature passed Senate Bill 610 which was signed into law by Governor Crist on
June 2, 2008. It included changes in statute as it relates to physical education for students in
grades K-8. The following questions and answers are provided below for your information:
What does Senate Bill 610 do?
• Requires each district school board to include the availability of one-on-one counseling
concerning the benefits of physical education in their written physical education policy
• Requires 6th grade students who are enrolled in a school with one or more elementary
grades to receive 150 minutes of physical education per week
• Continues to require 150 minutes each week for students in grades K-5 and requires at
least 30 consecutive minutes of physical education on any day during which physical
education instruction is conducted.
• Requires the equivalent of one class period per day of physical education for one
semester of each year for students enrolled in grades 6-8 beginning in the 2009-2010
school year
• Provides waiver options for students and requires that each district school board is
required to notify parents of waiver options prior to scheduling a student in physical
education.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1. Is the new requirement of at least 30 consecutive minutes a daily physical education
requirement?
No. The requirement is that "on any day during which physical education instruction is
conducted there are at least 30 consecutive minutes per day."
Example 1: A student attends 50-minute physical education classes on Monday,
Wednesday and Friday. They have met the requirement for a total of 150 minutes per
week as well as 30 consecutive minutes on any day that physical education instruction is
conducted.
Example 2: A student attends 45-minute physical education classes on Tuesday and
Thursday. The classroom teacher (or any other instructional personnel designated by the
principal) conducts 30-minute physical education activities on Monday and Wednesday.
22 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
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They have met the requirement for a total of 150 minutes per week as well as 30
consecutive minutes on any day that physical education instruction is conducted.
Exhibit C: Florida Departrnl;:Ilt of Education TechIlical Assistance Paper K-8 - Physical
Education.
2. A student attends 45-minute physic::al education classes on Monday, Tuesday and
Thursday for a total of 135 minutes. Can the classroom teacher (or any other
instructional personnel designated by the principal) provide the remaining 15
minutes and have met the requirements fQr that student?
No. If only the remaining 15 minutes are provided, the student has not completed the
additional requirement of 30 consecutive minutes on any day that physical instruction is
conducted. The teacher would need to provide a minimum of 30 additional minutes even
though the student will have a total number of minutes higher than 150 for that week.
3. Are students in grades K-5 eligiblefor the waivers listed in SB 61O? These waivers
and parent notification letters do not go into effect until the 2009-2010 school year.
Other areas of focus include character education, study skills, technology, music, and foreign
language.
The LaMensa Academy New Generation School in the western communities will offer a
combined approach to teaching reading. Students will continue to study reading and use
writing in their research-based studies, but all students will take a minimum of 90 minutes in
the morning to practice their reading skills in a systematic manner using the research-based
MacMillan Reading for Florida. Teachers may move students to different classrooms to
group them according to reading ability and grade leveL Some students may move ahead to a
group representative of a higher grade level.
90 Minutes rotational model will include whole group activity; Independent reading; Small
groups; Interactive technology; Whole group wrap-up.
This will provide focused FCAT preparation for students each day as teachers move to a
more traditional approach with students on grade level. The teacher will teach grade-level
expectations and test taking strategies for FCAT. The student will practice the target skills in
the language and format of FCAT. Students will apply the target skills using leveled
resources. The teacher will assess the target skills in the language and format of FCAT.
The essential components ofthe research-based reading program, MacMillan Reading for
Florida, include the following:
*
Phonological A wareness/Phonemic Awareness - Kindergarten begins with six weeks of
phonemic awareness activities, building to larger linguistic units, and move toward initial
sounds and ending sounds, etc. First and Second Grade builds on phonemic awareness skills
introduced in kindergarten, and intervention strategies provide more support for developing
phonemic awareness.
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* Alphabetic Knowledge- MacMillan Reading provides a systematic approach to learning
the alphabet. Following an introductory unit of working with larger linguistic units words,
syllables, and environmental print - children begin to identify, name, and write letters each
day of the week. Children distinguish and learn capital and lowercase letters; they begin to
recognize alphabetical order.
*
Phonics Phonics instruction in MacMillan Reading is early, explicit, and systematic.
Instruction begins in kindergarten and goes through first and second grade on a daily basis.
In first grade, students move from simple words to more and more complex words. At each
stage, the pattern is taught first orally. Then the letter-sound relationship is taught and then
blended to make words.
*
Decodable Text MacMillan provides a variety of reading materials for children. A
unique reading selection in every lesson at grades 1 and 2 is the Phonics Story. The Phonics
Stories are built on a logical, systematic sequence of phonics. The Phonics Story prepares the
children for reading the main selection of the lesson. The Ehonics Selections and the Main
Selections are engaging reading, and have a high proportion of words children know how to
read. These carefully written texts give practice in phonics without sacrificing meaning.
They are engaging and motivating for beginning readers. MacMillan Reading also provides
Decodable Readers and Phonics Readers for additional practice.
*
Fluency - MacMillan Reading provides materials and instruction to help children develop
as fluent readers. First and foremost, MacMillan develops the word identification skills
children need to free themselves from word-by-word decoding. Word Walls are used
throughout MacMillan Reading for instruction in high frequency words. MacMillan also
provides specific instruction in reading fluently, as children are taught to read expressively
and with attention to pronunciation, rate, pace, tone, and volume. Research-proven methods
for enhancing reading fluency are included throughout MacMillan Reading. Beginning with
grade 3, selected passages are suggested for fluency practice and assessment. Students are
given suggestions for reading with expression, reading with appropriate phrasing, reading
with attention to punctuation, pronunciation, and volume.
* Vocabulary - Vocabulary is developed in a variety of ways. At kindergarten, children
work orally with words that relate to the Big Book and concept words. Children learn 2-3
words per week. In first and second grade, children work with vocabulary that uses the
phonics skills, high-frequency words, and additional selection words. Daily word wall
activities support high-frequency words. Orallanguage, spelling, and writing activities for the
week are based on the theme of the stories children are reading. Beginning with grade 3, the
focus is on vocabulary strategies. After building background for the selection, the teacher
delivers vocabulary instruction, teaching strategies for vocabulary in context, using
synonyms, using antonyms, or figuring out multiple meanings.
*
Listening Comprehension - Critical comprehension skills are systematically introduced,
modeled and reviewed beginning in kindergarten. Literal comprehension is covered weekly.
Such comprehension skills as main idea, recall and retell, character, predict, sequence, and
summarize are introduced and reviewed through listening. In first and second grade,
comprehension skills are developed first with listening every week. This frees the children
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Reading, Sciellce and Math ill Everyday Life.
from the job of decoding and lets t hem concentrate on learning comprehension strategies
such as realism and fantasy, theme, main idea, author's purpose, and plot are introduced and
modeled using a short passage the teacher reads aloud. Children practice and apply these
strategies when they read the main selection. Beginning with grade 3, comprehension
strategies are mainly developed through reading the Main Selections and the Paired
Selections. However, several selections are appropriate for reading aloud and for using them
as vehicles for listening comprehension.
* Reading Comprehension - MacMillan Reading teaches comprehension explicitly and
systematically. The authors developed the Scope and Sequence of skills and the instructional
plan prior to developing the texts. This allowed for selection and placement of
comprehension skills in a systematic and logical way. The comprehension skills are those
consistently found on standardized tests and are those that research indicates good readers
use. MacMillan Reading focuses on the following comprehension skills: classify, categorize,
predict, summarize, identify text structure, recognize cause and effect, draw conclusions,
identify main idea and supporting details, compare and contrast, identify sequence, recognize
fact and opinion, and make judgments. Beginning in grade 3, a skill lesson is provided for
each comprehension skill. Students then apply the skill in the Main Selection and Paired
Selections. The Paired Selections beginning in grade 3 provide opportunities for students to
read across texts, make connections, and think critically when they read.
*
Infonnational Text - MacMillan Reading provides a wide variety of reading materials:
stories, poems, magazine articles, infonnational texts, etc. At kindergarten, infonnational Bid
Books are part of the program and fonn core instruction for the week. At grades 1 and 2,
many Phonics Stories and Main Selections are infonnational in nature. These selections also
reinforce practice and instruction in skills and strategies the children need. Beginning with
grade 3, the Paired Selections offer an infonnational piece for almost every Main Selection.
The instruction focuses on text structure, text features, reading infonnational graphics, etc.
* Ongoing Fonnative Assessment MacMillan Reading provides ongoing instruction in the
fonn of "if... then ... " statements throughout the lessons. These statements help teachers
know if students are able to demonstrate skills and understandings.
With the approach, the child is expected to master intellectual skills (reading and writing) in
order to research, organize, evaluate, and synthesize infonnation. The children will be
encouraged to demonstrate inquiry skills, oral language and learn how to synthesize across
subject areas.
For students reading below grade level, MacMillan Reading offers re-teaching activities for
any student who does not completely grasp the lesson. The teacher will allow time for small
group re-teaching later each day.
Additionally, to support all students as they learn to read or to become better readers, the
classroom will be filled with language support centers, and children will be engaged in
reinforcing what they have learned through manipulative phonics materials, word strings,
rhyming activities, word games, clapping syllables and moving manipulatives to represent
syllables, blending activities, practicing sight words with flash cards, rhyming activities,
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reading and writing poetry, predicting with pictures, choral and partner reading, songs,
sequencing, writing, listening and reading along to audiotapes, reading for fun and bean-bag
reading comers with a variety of high interest reading materials in the classroom.
The teacher will spend small group time re-teaching the child who is reading below grade
level, and will guide the child to spend more time at leaming centers that will develop the
identified areas of weakness. Additionally, the child will have tutorial assistance, peer
guidance, and coordinated home reading.
Trained teachers are able to integrate the teaching of all subjects, not as isolated disciplines,
but as part of a whole intellectual tradition. The teacher is a facilitator, observer, director,
enthusiast in the subject he or she is teaching. The teacher interacts with the child in a way
that exercises authority in a very different way. The art of working with students in the
model is knowing when and how to intervene, and when not to.
The teacher works in partnership with the student and parent to monitor growth as the child
meets and exceeds grade level expectations. The teacher keeps a personal contract with each
student, and teaches the student to maintain a portfolio of work.
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Student Performance, Assessment and Evaluation
• State the school's educational goals and objectives for improving student achievement.
Indicate how much academic improvement students are expected to show each year,
how student success will be evaluated, and the specific results to be attained.
• Describe the school's student placement procedures and promotion standards.
• If the school will serve high school students, describe the school's graduation
requirements, to include the methods used to determine if a student has satisfied the
requirements specified in section l003.43,F.S., and any proposed additional
requirements.
• Describe how baseline achievement data will be established, collected and used.
Describe the methods used to identify the educational strengths and needs of students
how these baseline rates will be compared to the academic progress of the same students
attending the charter school.
• Identify the types and frequency of assessments that the school will use to measure and
monitor student performance. Include a description f how students will participate in
the statewide assessment program and what other assessments will be used to document
student progress.
• Describe how student assessment and performance data will be used to evaluate and
inform instruction.
• Describe how student assessment and performance information will be shared with
students and with parents.
• Describe, to the extent possible how student progress and performance will be evaluated
and compared to closely comparable student populations.
School and Student Performance
LaMensa Academy New Generation School believes that assessment and evaluation are integral
parts of the learning process. Assessment and evaluation of student achievement ensure that students
acquire the knowledge, skills and values essential for full participation in the school's and societal
goals and educational resources. Inaddition to being accountable for the very specific Student
Performance Goal stated in Florida Statute 1008.345, and the specific academic performance
standards and goals in kindergarten to third grade, LaMensa will demonstrate the following skills
-Effective communicators through listening, speaking, reading and writing in a critical reflective and
responsible fashion using a variety of media. Mastery of age appropriate skills in mathematics and
logical reasoning applied to real life situation.
-Fundamental skills in speaking, reading, writing and listening comprehension.
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Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alltl Math ill Everyday Life.
-Meeting or exceed Florida content and perfonnance standards in the areas of EnglishiLanguage arts, History/Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and the Fine Arts. -Physical skills, enabling participation in individual and team activities. -Social responsibility through working cooperatively in a variety of situations. -Self-motivated, lifelong learners, with healthy habits of fitness, hygiene and safety. -Good stewards of resources-theirs and the environment School Improvement Plan (SIP) LaMensa Academy New Generation School will work toward exceeding student perfonnance Goals as stated in Florida Statute 1008.345. The Principal, assisted y the Governing Board and through the input of the School Advisor Council, will develop an annual School Improvement Plan (SIP). The goals and objective on the SIP will be aligned with the Florida School Accountability Indicators and will include specific objectives in reading, writing, mathematics, science and technology arts. Additionally, an objective in reading will be earmarked for the bottom perfonnance group at the school. The Board will mandate fiscal support for the SIP, ensuring human resources and instructional materials are structured to meet the state objectives. The SIP will include detailed action plans for each ofthe stated objectives along with strategies to address the academic needs of the subgroups stipulated by the No Child Left Behind legislation. SIP implementation will be monitored by a designee ofthe Governing Board to gauge progress and to provide technical assistance to the school. A fonnal mid-year check and end-of-the-year evaluation will be conducted annually to detennine adequate progress. The SIP is a document to be shared with the stakeholders and the annual report will articulate the school's progress in meeting its stated objectives. The final report will be shared with all stakeholders. Student Performance Goals by Grade(s) During the charter tenn, LaMensa Academy New Generation School will endeavor to meet the following objectives: Grades 1 through 3: All students will demonstrate at least one year's growth in reading and mathematics. This will be evidenced by their outcomes from the fall and spring administrations ofthe Sunshine State Standard Diagnostic Assessment and/or district, state or purchased assessment test. The yearly progress of individual students will be tracked by calculating the annual progress over tie based 0 the scores of the FCA T (or replacement assessment) developmental scale. Grades 1 and 2: Improvement will be detennined as follows based on the outcomes from the fall and spring administration of the SSS Diagnostic assessment: • Academic growth rates in reading for students at LaMensa New Generation School will meet
and/or exceed the national growth rates.
28
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Sciellce and Math ill Everyday Life.
• At least 50 percent of students scoring in the lowest quartile in reading will demonstrate at least
one year's growth by the end of the academic year.
GrCides 3 and above:
• Based on the Florida School Accountability System, the school will minimally score at or above
average on the accountability formula and/or meet or exceed the performance of comparable
schools in the district.
• In reading, the school will achieve a 5% minimum annual increase in the amount of students, as
defined by SBE rule 1.09981, meeting high standards on the reading portion of the FCAT -SSS.
At least a 10% annual increase in the amount of students demonstrating learning gains on the
reading portion of the FCAT -SSS, grades 4 and above. Upon reaching 80% in these indicators,
the school will meet these objectives by either maintaining this level or performance or making
further improvement.
• In math the school will achieve a 5% minimum annual increase in the amount of students, as
defined by SBE rule 1.09981, meeting high standards on the mathematics portion of the FCAT­
SSS. At least a 10% annual increase in the amount of students demonstrating learning gains on
the mathematics portion of the FCAT-SSS, grades 4 and above. Upon reaching 80% in these
indicators, the school will meet these objectives by either maintaining this level of performance
or making further improvement on this level of performance.
• For the lowest performance group in reading the school will achieve a 10% minimum annual
increase in the amount of students in the lowest performing group demonstrating learning gains
on the reading portion of the FCA T-SSS. Upon reaching 80% in these indicators, the school will
meet these objectives b either maintaining this level or performance or making further
improvements on this level of performance.
Grades 4
in 2012 - 2013:
• A minimum of 85% of students, as defined by SBE rule 1.09981, will meet high standards on the
writing portion of the FCAT.
GrC!des 3, 5, in 2013-4:
• The school will achieve a 5% minimum annual increase in the amount of students, as defined by
SBE rule 1.09981, meeting high standards on the science portion ofthe FCAT-SSS.
Individual Student Performance Monitoring
Students will take the FCAT in reading, mathematics and science each spring, and hislher scores will
be reported using the 100-500 score scale. The students' performance will be compared to the five
achievement levels and the transformation of the FCAT score to the developmental score will
demonstrate student's progress.
• within FCAT achievement level
• in terms of the mean score for all students in the state
29
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
• in tenns of the cut-off scores for the achievement levels
Charts, and/or data plots will make it possible to answer the questions, "Are students making one
year of progress for each year in school?"
School's Promotion Standards
LANGS will follow the district's Pupil Progression Plans for students in grades K-5 and for students
in grades 6-8. The plans outline the proficiency levels required for progression from one grade level
to the next and are established to ensure that each student gains a year's worth of academic progress
in each given school year. If adequately yearly progress is unrnet, the Pupil Progression Plan
outlines remedial program requirements. It will be the school's responsibility to provide students
with effective instruction and intervention programs that monitor progress, promote continuous
achievement, and make provisions for each student's individual needs.
Assessments
LaMensa New Generation School will establish a systematic and comprehensive method for
assessing students using the School District's Pupil Progression Plan in compliance with Florida
Statute 1008.34, 1000.03, 1008.345, and 1008.25.
Assessment is usually expressed as feedback that identifies progress made, detennines current needs
and guides future decisions about teaching and learning. At LANGS school, the emphasis will be on
data-driven decision making with two complementary assessment processes: Fonnal Assessments,
which are large-scale standardized assessments; and Classroom-based Assessments, which are
implemented by the classroom teacher.
Fonnal Assessments include:
• Standardized tests, taken by each student annually, are used to plan improvements in program
delivery. The state and district required tests will be administered according to the provisions of
the district's policies and the state's educational legislation.
• School Climate Surveys will be conducted annually to gather infonnation regarding students',
parents', and staff feelings about the school and their ideas on how the school can be improved in
areas such as curriculum, leadership, parent support, student learning, school safety, facilities,
and extra-curricular activities. Survey results will provide critical feedback on stakeholder
perceptions and will serve as a guide for improving school services.
• Standards-based Unit Tests: These tests measure student achievement on the school's grade-level
standards-based curriculum content. Unit tests will be given to all students at either at the end of
each nine-week period or at the end of specific unit chapters in reading, language arts,
mathematics, science and social studies.
• Writing Assessments: The LaMensa Academy New Generation School will give a series of
assessments to measure student writing proficiency. The tests require students to write responses
to assigned topics in a single testing period. Once again teachers and students will use diagnostic
feedback to guide teaching and learning. This includes participating if/as required in
administering Palm Beach Writes.
30 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math lit Everyday Life.
• Diagnostic Base-line Tests: These are given to collect base-line infonnation in order to assess
academic levels for instructional placement decisions. These tests are re-administered after
instruction has taken place to re-evaluate a student's academic leveL These will include the
Sunshine Standards Diagnostic as well as school selected tests to fill any gaps as necessary (e.g.
FAIR, SAT-I 0; Princeton Review, etc.)
Classroom-based As~~ssments include:
• Rubrics describing the specific criteria used to assess projects and/or perfonnances
• Observation Checklists identifying the critical attributes of specific activities and indicate the
levels of mastery individual students have gained.
• Learning Passports demonstrating how well students express ideas, organize thoughts, interpret
data and apply skills. Students will keep logs for independent reading, journal writing, science
notes and observations.
• Portfolios showcasing a systematic collection of student work over a period of time
• Teacher Created Tests (utilizing curriculum tools and resources) designed to measure
understanding and mastery of classroom work.
• Anecdotal Records describing observations of student interactions, participation, learning styles
and strategies.
• Student-Teacher Conferences highlighting strengths and weaknesses in student perfonnance
(from documented observations of student work and work habits as well as students attitudes and
social behaviors).
• Audio and video clips showing authentic individual and/or collaborative perfonnances., Student
and/or group clips may include drama perfonnances, speeches, interviews, debates,
demonstrations, oral readings and musical productions.
• Questionnaires and worksheets to assist students, parents and teachers I identifying dominant
learning styles (intelligences).
• Self-evaluations designed to help individuals identify their personal strength themes (older
students, parents and staff).
• Projects representing a cumulative expression of the student's learning (may be written and oral,
collaborative and include the use of various media).
• Report Cards (including narrative as well as grade applicable letter grades) documenting
student's progress towards mastery of skills.
31 Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science alld MatI! ill Everyday Life.
Classroom-based testing (teacher created tests in particular) will reflect the mastery-based foundation
of LANGS instruction. These skills tests are designed to test student mastery of specific skills taught
during a unit of study in the core subject areas and include but are not limited to:
•
Reading anthology unit tests
•
Mathematics chapter tests
•
Spelling tests
•
Science and Social Studies chapter tests
•
Math fact tests
•
Multiple Choice
•
True/False
•
Short and Extended Response
•
Fill in the Blank
•
Grid Responses
District and State Standardized Tests
According to the FLDOE's School Rating System each school measures individual student
success by student performance on the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT).
The FCAT individual student performance data is then combined to analyze and measure the
school's success. The number of points a school accumulates is then equated to an overall
school grade based on the percent of students meeting high standards in reading, writing,
mathematics and science and the percent of the lowest 25% making reading gains. The
meaning of high standards is defined as those students who score an achievement level of three
or higher in reading and/or mathematics.
LANGS School goal' is that all applicable student groups and sub groups be tested for FCAT.
Alternative assessments would be given to any student meeting the criteria outlined by the
FDOE. Appropriate accommodations will be made for students classified as Limited English
Proficient (LEP) or as Students with Disabilities (SWD) as dictated by applicable state law or
by a student's IEP. Examples of accommodations include: extended time, usage of a
translation dictionary, small group testing, and extended or extra breaks. Testing will be
conducted in accordance with the administration and security measures as outlined by the
FDOE and the district's testing procedures. National and statewide assessment tests will be
used when prescribed to assess students' strengths and weaknesses to determine how well the
students have met the schools educational goals and state standards. LANGS School will
strive to achieve and maintain an 'A' school rating.
32 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math in Everyday Life.
The following is a list of the statewide assessments that will be used by the school as part of its
plan to assess student performance.
Sunshine State Standards Diagnostic Tests
Florida Charter School law requires each charter school to administer a pre-and post­
assessment test every year. LANGS School will use the SSS Diagnostic Assessment tests,
which will allow teachers to analyze, evaluate, and track individual student progress within
each of the testing areas. Baseline achievement levels for all students are determined by the
fall test administration. The measure of each student's rate of academic gain will be
determined by the end of the year through the comparison of pre-test and post-test results.
Where additional assessments may be required, the school will utilize Princeton Review,
Stanford Achievement Test 10th Edition (SAT -10), or other recognized, evidence-based tests.
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT)
The FCAT is the foundation of the statewide assessment and accountability program. The FCAT
program includes assessments in reading and mathematics in grades 3, writing in grades 4 and 2012­
13 and science. Student achievement data is used to report educational status and annual progress for
individual students, schools, districts, and statement. The FCAT measures student performance on
selected benchmarks in reading, mathematics, and science as defined by the Sunshine State
Standards. The Sunshine State Standards articulate challenging content that Florida students are
expected to know and skill areas they are expected to perform. The results are distributed to the
school and the parents when they are received. The baseline of student academic achievement levels
is established using student academic performance on the Florida Assessment Programs in grades 3
and above.
Florida Assessments for Instruction in Reading
In August 2009, the Florida Department of Education made Florida Assessments for Instruction in
Reading (FAIR) available to K-12 public schools free of charge. Developed by the Florida Center
for Reading Research in collaboration with Just Read, Florida!, this new assessment system will
provide teachers screening, diagnostic, and progress monitoring information that is essential to
guiding instruction.
F AIR is considered a comprehensive assessment system in that it provides information to K-12
teachers with the inter-related elements of reading, including phonemic awareness, phonics,
vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. While the FCAT is designed to focus on the assessment of
learning and is considered an outcome measure, the FAIR focuses on providing information for
student learning. It provides teachers with the student-specific data needed to guide reading
instruction.
Four types of FAIR assessments have been developed to provide teachers with screening, diagnostic
and progress monitoring information for grades Kindergarten through 12:
•
Broad Screen
•
Broad Diagnostic Inventory
•
Targeted Diagnostic Inventory
•
Progress Monitoring Tasks
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Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math i1l Everyday Life.
The purpose of the screening is to alert teachers to those students who have a high probability of
reading success with well-planned instruction. Conversely, it alerts teachers to students who may
have more difficulty and require targeted learning objectives.
For K-2 students who do not meet the screening criteria for success in reading, a Targeted Diagnostic
Inventory is individually administered to isolate key reading skills that are necessary for successful
reading. In grades 3-12, maze and word analysis tasks are administered via computer to access
relative strengths and weaknesses in fluency, low level comprehension skills, and orthographic skills.
An Informal Diagnostic Toolkit for grades 3-12 is being developed and includes instructional-level
reading comprehension passages, a phonics and word analysis inventory, a sight word inventory, and
templates for passage specific teacher questioning techniques.
Ongoing Progress Monitoring Tasks are available through oral reading fluency passages in grades 1­
5 and maze passages in grades 3-12. Plans are underway to continue development with additional
progress monitoring tools for letter-sound knowledge, phonemic awareness, and word building in
grades K-2 and instructional-level comprehension passages for grades 3-12.
In grades K-2, the screen will take between 3-5 minutes. The Broad Diagnostic K-2 will take 10-15
minutes per task. The Targeted Diagnostic Inventory testing time will vary by student. In grades 3­
10, the adaptive reading comprehension screen will take approximately 10-45 minutes depending on
student ability. The maze and word analysis tasks will take approximately 20-35 minutes.
The assessments are administered in September, January and April of the school year by the
classroom teacher for grades K-2 and for grades 3-12, the assessment is internet-based and can be
delivered individually or in a lab setting. Student results will be part ofthe Progress Monitoring and
Reporting Network (PMRN) system. In K-2, the scores will be entered via hand or an Internet-based
scoring tool. In grades 3 scores are automatically sent to the PMRN site from an internet-linked
computer. Screening data will be reported for progress monitoring purposes.
By adopting FAIR, the impact on instructional improvement at LANGS will be that teachers will
have a comprehensive assessment system, covering all the key areas of reading, with data that
quickly identifies students who will be successful and those that need further diagnosis. Additional
diagnostic tasks will be available to isolate key areas of concern. Instructional routines that are
linked to the assessments will be available through FCRR to support instruction. These measures
will be used statewide and provide consistency among schools and districts. They will also allow
districts to streamline their assessments and reduce redundancy. Students will receive instruction
tailored to their individual needs and designed to promote reading success throughout the grades.
34 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Science Qlld Math ill Everyday Life.
A summary of assessment testing to be used by the school is shown in the table below: Grades
Assessment • Florida Kindergarten Readiness Survey
• DIBELS
• ECHOS
• Florida Assessment in Reading (FAIR)
• Oral Language Assessment
• Scholastic Reading Inventory
• Palm Beach Writes (Grades 2,3)
• Sunshine State Standards Diagnostic (Reading, Math-Grades 2)
• Alternative Assessments for ESE students when appropriate (by
IEP)
I-K_-_2_ _+-_. CELLA (any LY-ESOL student)
• Florida Assessment in Reading (FAIR)
• Scholastic Reading Inventory _
• Princeton Review Common Assessments
• Palm Beach Writes
• Sunshine State Standards Diagnostic
• FCAT
• Alternative Assessments for ESE students when appropriate (by .
IEP)
3-5
• CELLA (any LY-ESOL student)
~----
In addition to the statewide assessment program, LANGS will utilize the following assessment measures: • Florida Assessment in Reading (FAIR), which will be employed to develop customized
individual learning plans.
• Palm Beach Writes is a series of assessments that measure student writing proficiency in
grade 4. The tests require students to write responses to assigned narrative or expository
prompts in a test environment similar to the FCAT Writes.
• School Climate Survey (will be referred to as Climate Change) of parents, students, and staff
with the purpose of determining their satisfaction with their school experience and with
gathering their ideas about how the school can be improved in the areas of curriculum,
leadership, parent support, student learning, school safety, and facilities. Survey results will
provide critical feedback on stakeholder perceptions and serve as a guide for improving
school services.
35 Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Evaluation
Baseline Achievement Data
Baseline achievement data will be defined, collected and utilized over a single year as well as
longitudinally on a continuing basis. Pre- and post- assessments will be conducted annually (and
most importantly in year one). Pre-test data will be utilized as the baseline for determining student
placement and student performance levels at the start of the year. This baseline will factor in the
development of academic goals for each student and in the development and delivery of classroom
instruction strategies designed to target student needs, remediate student weaknesses and reinforce
strengths. Year-end post-test data will then provide evidence of each student's success based on the
rate of change between the tests.
The baseline levels of academic achievement established during the first academic year will be
compared to academic achievement levels in subsequent years, once data is available, in order to
assess rates of academic progress for the school and its students. Continued longitudinal
examination of academic achievement levels will be performed to establish ongoing rates of
individual learning gains.
LaMensa Academy New Generation School will also compare its student learning gains rates with
national progress rates. In order to establish a national progress rate, the national norm will be
defined based on two points in time when norm-referenced standardized tests are administered. The
computed gain will be plotted in a graph that demonstrates the national growth rate. Using the
available data from the previous year and the data from the first administration of the statewide
assessments at LANGS, the school will compute the gain for its students and use the results to
determine the improvement rate in comparison with the national gain. This process will continue
longitudinally in subsequent years. Student perfonnance data on the FCAT will be compared to the
student results at the state and district levels.
Based on the demographical data provided by the FDOE, LaMensa Academy New Generation
School will identify schools that are comparable demographically and that use the same
measurements. The school will determine rates of progress based on comparable measurements and
compare its results with those from other schools. An acceptance range of plus or minus five percent
(±5%) or plus or minus 0.5 (±0.5) standard deviations from the mean will be used when comparing
student populations. Comparable populations are determined by the following variables: ethnicity;
gender; school size (student population); LEP, ESE, and Free and Reduced Lunch populations; and
similar academic achievement based on the same assessment instruments at the same grade level in
reading, writing, and mathematics. These comparisons will be made using the fall administration of
the SS Diagnostic Assessments and/or additional tests used for grades 1-8 and the spring
administration for grades 1 and 2 and FeAT data for grades 3-8, kindergarten DIBELS and/or FAIR
scores will be used.
36 Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math itl Everyday Life.
Data Used to Evaluate and Inform Instruction
The use of each measurement and testing standard will provide the necessary feedback to determine
the success of the program at each grade level. LANGS assessment program will be designed to
provide valid, reliable, and timely information for teachers to modify instruction, select appropriate
modes of classroom activities, monitor student progress, and use assessment results effectively. The
program (and in particular, the resulting data) is designed to inform teachers about the effectiveness
of their teaching and the progress being made by their students. The teachers and teaching teams will
be equipped to apply and integrate assessment data in order to improve student performance.
Various strategies can be employed directly at the classroom level in response to intervene in the
situations that might become evident through the assessment data. On a more comprehensive scale,
and after careful analysis, the Principal will be in a position to communicate student performance
strengths and weaknesses to the Board of Directors and School Advisory Committee. These
governing bodies will then use this information to assist in the school improvement plan goals and
objectives and for determining what additional financial, instructional and supplemental resources
may be required.
We will utilize an approved comprehensive assessment program to inform students, teachers, and
parents about where a student is succeeding and what needs strengthening. Assessment serves as a
feedback system to guide teachers in lesson planning and individualizing instruction. This plan
ensures the long-term educational success of each child and assists students in making the academic
years both rewarding and memorable. The assessment serves as a record of each child's personal
and educational accomplishments, and includes an individual learning method that allows a child to
utilize his/her strengths and then focus more intently on areas that may need improvement. All of
this information is recorded and evaluated throughout the school year. Students who are identified as
needing additional assistance will receive extra educational aid. An Academic Improvement Plan
(AlP) will be created, which details the specific needs and methods of remediation. Small group
instructions, differentiated materials, and additional opportunities for skill practice are some of the
strategies used in the AlP.
The student's teacher will consider all information available to assess the student's strength and
weakness, such as; the student's academic performance prior to hislher enrollment, the results of any
achievement testing, examples of the student's work, a written or oral statement for the student about
what they like to learn and a parent or guardian'S statement about how their child learns best, reports
and observation for the student's teachers, and information and suggestions from the student's
parents. Projects, assignments, tests and other information that indicate mastery of specific skills
will be collected in the student's portfolio as evidence of progress made. A measure of each
student's rate of academic gains will be determined at the end of the year through their individual
portfolio and the comparison of the fall and spring pre-and post-test outcomes.
LaMensa Academy New Generation School will provide the necessary steps to help ensure a
successful and enriching experience for every student. The school will provide an individualized
approach to educating children academically as well as providing him or her with personal guidance
as he or she grows and changes at the school. We're committed to bring parents/guardians, teachers,
and students together to help provide a strong support system for individual growth.
The school will combine student assessment data, and teacher running records, to determine a
student's strengths and weaknesses. Utilization of this analytical data will be how a student's
37
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
academic strengths and weaknesses are identified, student improvement plans are created, and
adjustments are made in classroom instruction.
Sharing Student Assessment and Performance with Students and Parents
Communications with parents/guardians and students regarding student performance will play an
important part in working together as a team. LANGS intends to accomplish this in both traditional
as well as innovative ways. The Governing Board may choose to develop its own report card (one
that complies with Florida Statute and District Pupil Progression Plan); however, until then, the
school will utilize the PBCSD progress report, report card and distribution calendar.
Progress reports will be provided to all school families mid-term in each grading period. For primary
and intermediate grade (K-5) students, parents will receive three progress reports and four report
cards during the school year. In addition, communications will be sent home throughout the year
notifying parents of student performance on Sunshine State Standards Diagnostic tests, Scholastic
Reading Inventory (SRI) and any other significant assessments the school may conduct. These sores
will also be reviewed by the appr.opriate teacher with each student in order to ensure students are
aware of their current progress position and the position they need to target before year-end. Parents
will also be informed of deficiencies that require a Progress Monitoring Plan (PMP) and remediation
during school and/or through out of school tutoring. Additional communications will occur through
agenda notes, progress printouts, parent-teacher conferences, phone calls whose purpose is to include
parents in the discussion regarding their child's progress, strengths and weaknesses in academic
performance.
Parent-teacher conferences in particular will be of great importance. At these conferences, parents
will share their expectations and views of the educational program the teachers will report the child's
academic accomplishments and social achievements, and together they will both set goals for the
child.
38 Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science alld Math ii, Everyday Life.
6. Exceptional Students
Special Education:
• Describe how the school will comply with state and federal requirements for
serving students with disabilities, including the procedures that will be utilized for
identifying students with special needs, developing Individualized Education Plans
and providing a full range of services.
We will collaborate with Palm Beach County Department of Exceptional Student Education
(ESE) to identify, address and provide services for students with special needs.
• Identify the staffmg plan for the school's special education program, including the
number and qualifications of staff.
We will collaborate with the School District of Palm Beach County and ESE to obtain the
staff, as needed.
• Describe how the school's effectiveness in serving special education students will
be evaluated.
LANGS will adhere to and implement an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program in
conformance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, guidelines, and directives,
including but not limited to Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). The administration will
use the School District of Palm Beach County's "Special Programs and Procedures for
Exceptional Students" (SP&P) document for its ESE programs.
Special Education
LaMensa Academy New Generation School (LANGS) will ensure that students with
disabilities be provided state and federally mandated services, recognizing that the school is
obligated to provide a full continuum of services to disabled students to the same extent as
other schools in the district. The school will require its teachers and administrators to attend
the district's special education training programs to the same extent required of other schools
as appropriate. All students will participate fully in all activities and programs in the school
including, electives, extra-curricular activities, field trips and special events. The school will
use the district's forms and procedures related to pre-referral activities, referral, evaluation
and re-evaluation for ESE eligibility, IEP development and placement. Appropriate
designated personnel will attend lEP meetings and utilize district's forms to ensure
consistency between the school and the District.
Least Restrictive Environment
LANGS believes that the inclusion model provides an excellent opportunity for exceptional
student to be served in the least restrictive environment. The school will ensure that to the
maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities are educated with children who are
non-disabled, and that special classes or other removal of children with disabilities from the
regular educational environment will occur only if the nature or severity of the disability is
such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot
be achieved satisfactorily. If the IEP dictates that the school cannot provide the appropriate
services in the least restrictive environment, the CST will work in conjunction with the
39
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
District to detennine the appropriate placement of the student. It is the intention of the school
to work with the District to detennine the very best placement of students with special needs.
We understand that LANGS may not be the appropriate school for all students ad will work
with the parent and the School District to find the right schooL
As the school grows, and depending on the number of enrolled students with IEP's, additional
support and training will be implemented, including the hiring of additional teachers certified
in Special Education and/or aides (Paraprofessionals) with fonnal training in Special
Education. In support of the school's adoption of an inclusion model, teachers and staff will
be required to attend professional development workshops held by the Florida Inclusion
Network (FIN) covering topics like:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
support facilitation training
hands-on activities
differentiating lesson plans
Behavior management
Writing quality IEP goals
LEA training
Philosophy of and reason for Inclusion
The legal requirements ofIDEA as it applies to Least Restrictive Environment
Curriculum modifications and accommodations
The provision of supplementary aids and services in the general education classroom
Basic behavior modification techniques
Differentiated instruction
ESE/Regular Ed Teacher Collaboration
The inclusion of students with significant disabilities, including EMH, Autism
Spectrum Disorder, TMH, & PMH
• Allocation of Resources for Inclusion
• The transition process (middle schools only)
• Placement Detennination Process, including the Infused Skills Grid
Intervention Program
Even in the best circumstances, learners encounter peaks and valleys, stops and starts,
successes and setbacks in the process of acquiring knowledge. When complicating factors
are present, achieving learning objectives can become even more difficult for the affected
students. In such cases, we must pay close attention to our students and notice when
additional help is needed in an effort to enhance learning opportunities. Response to
Intervention (RTI) is a systematic way of detennining individual student needs and engaging
necessary supports to meet those needs.
RTI is both an early intervention strategy within the general education and one part in the
process by which students may be identified to receive special education and related services.
The underlying research on early intervention suggests that early readers can be caught up to
grade level. Too often, students are simply diagnosed with learning disabilities without ever
having participated in any intensive early intervention.
40
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
While RTI derives from the recent authorization ofthe IDEA, the intent ofRTI is to reduce
the number of students who are classified as having a disability. The legislation attempts to
achieve the following:
• Provide early identification and intervention with students who struggle with learning
to read
• Develop an alternative method oflocating students with disabilities
• Provide effective, intensive, evidence-based early intervention
• Monitor each student's progress, using data-based documentation
• Produce accelerated reading growth to meet annual yearly progress (A YP) criteria
• Create a multi-tiered problem-solving team
• Provide high-quality professional development to teachers oflowest-performing
students
RTI Principles Realizing that early and ongoing reading success is critically important for our students, LANGS will embrace the following principles ofRTI within the school's reading program: • All students can learn and are a part of a single, proactive educational system which
uses all available resource to teach all students.
• Curriculum and instructional approaches must have a high probability of success, thus
we will use scientific, evidence-based instruction efficiently and effectively.
• Instructionally relevant assessments will be used that are both valid and reliable,
which include: Screening to collect data for the purpose of identifying low and high
performing students at risk for not having their needs met; Diagnostic to gather
information from multiple sources to determine why students are not benefiting from
instruction; and Formative in order to collect frequent, ongoing information, including
both formal and information data, to guide instruction. Note: The Florida Assessment
for Instruction in Reading (FAIR) will provide the primary assessment information to
guide reading (and other core subject) instruction at the school. Additional
information regarding FAIR is provided in section 5 of this application.
• Problem-solving methods will be used to make decisions based on a continuum of
student needs. Providing strong core classroom curriculum, instruction and
assessment will be the foundation supporting the provision of increasing levels of
support based on increasing levels of student needs.
• Data will guide instructional decisions, which means curriculum and instruction,
resources and professional development decisions will be aligned to assessment data.
• Professional development, follow-up modeling and coaching will ensure effective
instruction at all levels. This will be accomplished by providing ongoing training and
support for instructional staff to assimilate new knowledge and skills and by orienting
the entire instructional team to anticipate and be willing to meet newly emerging
needs based on student performance.
41
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
• Leadership will be the key in providing strong administrative support to ensure
commitment and resources, in providing strong teacher support to share in the
common goal of improving instruction, and in building internal capacity and
sustainability.
Source information and research supporting the RTI approach include: Lyon, Fletcher,
Shaywitz, Shaywitz, Torgeson, Wood, Schulte, & Olsen 2001; Iowa Department of
Education, 2006; Fuchs & Fuchs, 2007; Florida Center for Reading Research.
Additional Intervention Strategies
The following methods will be employed at the primary level:
•
•
•
•
Teaching phonemic awareness directly at an early age
Teaching frequent, highly regular sound-spelling relationships systematically
Showing children exactly how to sound out words
Using connected decodable text for children to practice the sound-spelling
relationships they learn
• Using interesting stories to develop language comprehension
• Using real stories to develop comprehension
• Explicit, Systematic Instruction in Sound-spelling Correspondences
Working with the School District of Palm Beach County, LANGS will adhere to the policies
and procedures outlined in the District's RTI manual, using the appropriate forms and
participating in regular training, as provided through the district.
The Child Study Team (CST) Team (multidisciplinary team including the student's
parent/guardian) will meet to determine if a documented disability substantially limits the
individual student's ability to care for one's self at school (i.e., walk, see, hear, speak,
breathe, or learn in the school environment). The team will consider a variety of sources such
as: medical information, behavioral observations, checklists, classroom tests, teacher
recommendations/reports, current grades, academic history, standardized test results, or other
reports. Any deviation and/or exemption to the general education content and requirements
would be the decision of the CST team (with parent/guardian notification).
Gifted and Talented Students: Gifted The school will serve gifted and talented students whenever they are identified by the school,
parent or agency.
The school's effectiveness in serving gifted and talented students will be screened by using
either the mean value of all the teacher's students in the INDY file or the percent of the
teacher's students making learning gains. These calculations can be done in an Excel
spreadsheet.
It is the intention of the Founding Board of Directors and Staff of the LaMensa Academy
New Generation School to adhere to and implement all requirements of federal, state and
42 Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
local laws, regulations, guidelines, and directives set forth in providing the appropriate
services to students who are English Language Leamer (ELL).
The LaMensa Academy New Generation School will adhere to and implement an Exceptional
Student Education (ESE) program in conformance with all federal, state, and local laws,
regulations, guidelines, and directives, including but not limited to Individuals with
Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The
administration will use the School District of Palm Beach County's "Special Programs and
Procedures for Exceptional Students" (SP&P) document for its ESE programs.
Students will be provided with programs and services implemented in accordance with
federal, state, and local policies and procedures.
This will include but not be limited to the following:
*
a non-discriminatory policy regarding identification, evaluation, and determination of
students will be a common practice at LANGS.
* Free appropriate public education (FAPE) will be offered to all students with disabilities
enrolled in LANGS.
43 Charter School Application
7.
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math ill Everyday Life.
English Language Learners (ELL)
• Describe how the school will comply with state and federal requirements for
serving English language learners, including the procedures that will be utilized
for identifying such students and providing support services.
The LaMensa Academy New Generation School (LANGS) will meet the School District of
Palm Beach County's ELL Standards (as outlined in the District's ESOL Procedures Manual,
Exhibit D) in order to comply with the Florida Consent Decree, including provision of a
district approved school-based ESOL Model ofinstruction for all LY (active) ELL students.
Students ofLANGS who are English Language Learners (ELL) will be appropriately
identified, assessed, served and monitored in accordance with federal, state and district
requirements. The Consent Decree is the State of Florida's framework for compliance with
the federal and state laws and jurisprudence regarding the education of ELL students. The
Consent Decree addresses the civil rights ofELP students, foremost of which is the student's
right to equal access to all education programs. English Language Leamer Students (ELL)
will have equal access to all programs at LANGS.
• Identify the staffing plan for the school's English language learner program,
including the number and qualifications of staff.
The school's admission personnel responsible for student registration will be trained in the
registration procedures for ELL students. Using the Home Language Survey (HLS), all new
students will be screened for language proficiency upon entry into the school in accordance
with the META Consent Decree. HLS will be a part ofthe student registration package. All
questions on the survey must be completed. The appropriate admissions personnel will verify
that the registration form has been signed and dated by the parent/guardian in the information
verification section located on the second page. The initial registration form is a legal
document that is to be maintained indefinitely within the student's cumulative folder. A copy
of both pages is to be made available to the District's ESOL Coordinator for placement in the
student's individual ELL folder.
In the event that LANGS enrolls 15 or more students of the same home language background,
a staff member who speaks that target language will be hired.
Florida state approved program assessments will be administered and the results will be
placed in the individual student's ELL folder. The ELL folder contains all individual student
data and includes a copy of the registration, assessment results and the Placement Review
Form. Students qualifying for ESOL services are entered into the District's TERMS. The
appropriate classroom teacher, responsible for the student, will be notified ofthe student's
language classification and begin implementing appropriate ESOL classroom intervention
strategies. The curriculum from the school's core subject areas includes significant
differentiated learning materials geared towards the needs of ELL students with an emphasis
on Spanish to English. (For a summary list of classroom intervention strategies that the
school may implement, see Exhibit D an extract from the District's ESOL Procedures
Manual.)
44
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Individual Limited English Proficient (LEP) Plans will be developed for each student
identified as ELL. The plan will emphasize the development of reading, listening, speaking
and writing skills needed to function within the classroom, and will address helping the ELL
student carry these skills out into their daily life. An active student's individual LEP Plan
will also document any accommodations to standardized testing that are needed.
Development of the LEP Plan will be a joint effort between the district assigned ESOL
Coordinator and LANGS ESOL contact person as well as with the classroom teacher. The
overall responsibility for maintaining and updating ESOL information will lie with the
school. The school's ESOL contact person will inform the district's ESOL Coordinator when
a new student arrives or when an ELL student withdraws from the school. The school's
ESOL contact person will adhere to all appropriate withdrawal procedures including those
pertaining to student records.
LANGS will provide ESOL Support where LEP students have equal access to appropriate
English language instruction, as well as instruction in the content areas in the mainstream
classroom. Comprehensive instruction will be used to ensure that the students are.not left
behind in acquiring grade-level content for academic performance while they are continuing
to learn English and develop cognitive academic language proficiency. The instructional
units of the ESOL curriculum within the core curriculum will provide a wide array of English
Language development activities for use during whole group and small group instruction (e.g.
those activities outlined in the Balanced Rotational Instruction Model) These activities will
include a focus on skill areas like:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Listening
Speaking
Reading Writing
Viewing
Presenting Vocabulary
Grammar
Data Entry
The ESOL core curriculum units will be supplemented with lessons and resources form the
district's Multi-cultural Department's website. These lessons are created for ESOL
instruction and relate to the Florida Sunshine State Standards. Differentiated instruction will
also be provided utilizing technology enhanced activities, RiverDeep Destination Reading I,
II, III and IV and more.
Follow-up services for LF identified ELL students will be performed by the school's
classroom teacher and monitored by the District's ESOL Resource Teacher to be assigned to
LANGS. The district's ESOL Coordinator will work with the school's teachers to provide
assistance where needed, including additional monitoring of student progress and
collaborative support and guidance with respect to program content and intervention ideas
and strategies. Classroom teachers will maintain (and be properly trained to use) a
comprehensive list of ESOL Classroom Intervention Strategies along with appropriate
activities for incorporating into their daily classroom instructions.
45
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Science alld Math ill Everyday Life.
All educational services provided to the student pursuant to an LEP Plan will be funded by
LANGS. Financial resources for ESOL specific materials will be provided within the annual
budget adopted by the Governing Board and will be allocated to the appropriate categories
(i.e. Instructional Materials, Curriculum Development, Software, Texts, etc.) Because ELL
students are entitled to all the services and resources provided in the school's basic program,
these allocated funds will be used exclusively to provide enhancements to the instructional
materials needed to support the school's ELL students. These will be in addition to the
school's regular instructional materials purchases. Allocation of ELL instructional material
funds will be made annually under the recommendation of the Principal and with the approval
of the school's Governing Board.
In accordance with the Consent Decree, all ELL educational services will be delivered by
ESOL certified or ESOL endorsed teachers, or by teachers who are actively seeking ESOL
endorsement through participation in workshops and classes provided through the District.
LANGS will utilize all of the district's forms and procedures relating to entry, reevaluation
for ESOL services, exit from the program and will participate in ELL development and
conferences. The school will conduct ELL Committee meetings pursuant to district, state and
federal guidelines and ensure that appropriate personnel are in attendance. The school will
have an assigned staff member who will be responsible for keeping all ELL students folders
and data screens current.
Parent involvement in ELL programs is the key to improved ELL student performance.
Parent engagement begins with the school's marketing and recruitment. LANGS will make
contacts in English and in the native language of its target area by marketing widely to area
libraries, places of worship, community and recreation centers, service groups, etc.
Throughout all of its marketing, recruitment and public relations endeavors reading out to
prospective parents, the school will communicate in English and the native language(s).
Parents of ELL students will be invited to a LEP committee meeting where they will be
introduced to the school's programs and informed of the provisions available to them. We
anticipate hiring multi-lingual staff fluent in languages other than English. The school will
endeavor that all communications intended to go to the homes of ELL students will be
provided in a manner that can be understood by parents not proficient in English (in the
native language(s) where feasible. An interpreter will be provided where necessary.
The Consent Decree requires parent involvement by establishing a Parent Leadership Council
(PLC) at each school. The PLC at LANGS will serve as the liaison between parents and the
school to help monitor the implementation of the MET AlDOE Agreement in the school.
During PLC meetings, ELL parents will be trained regarding the role and purpose of the PLC,
the ESOL program at the school, current school events and volunteer opportunities. PLC
meetings will be held regularly throughout the year and likely will be scheduled in
conjunction with other parent meetings (e.g. Open House/Orientation, SAC Meetings, etc.)
During these meetings all information and handouts will be presented in the parents' native
languages to ensure they understand. Where necessary, language facilitators will be provided
for translation.
46
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math ill Everyday Li/e.
The Comprehensive English Language Learning Assessment (CELLA) will be administered
in accordance with the state assessment calendar to all eligible ELL students. ELL plans will
document any accommodations that ELL students require in participating in district and state­
wide assessments. The school will send a letter home to students' parents informing them of
the accommodations they will be receiving. Twice yearly, the school will be reviewed by its
assigned District ESOL Coordinator, who will submit a completed ESOL Compliance
Review Form into the School District of Palm Beach County's Charter Schools Department
LANGS whole purpose is to help each individual child reach his or her academic and
personnel potential. This includes all ELL students.
47 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Sciellce and Math ill Everyday Life.
8. School Climate and Discipline
• Describe the school's daily schedule and annual calendar, including the annual number of days and hours of instructional time. LaMensa Academy New Generation School (LANGS) student attendance will align with the
School District of Palm Beach County's 180 school day calendar. The anticipated hours of
instruction will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Morning care will begin at 7:30 a.m., where
breakfast may be served. Students not being picked up at the conclusion of the school day
will participate in after school clubs or team activities, tutoring programs or an on-site after­
school licensed school enrichment program.
With the approval of the Board, the Principal will generate an annual school-year calendar,
which will include the information on the district's calendar as well as school specific events
and key dates. The Board may, at its discretion, alter the school calendar or school hours in
the event of emergency, natural disasters, due to circumstances beyond the control of the
school, or other factors as deemed necessary. Notwithstanding such alteration, the school
will still provide the minimum required instructional days and instructional minutes required
per year in accordance with Florida State Statute.
A summary of the anticipated work calendar for students and staff is as follows:
•
•
•
•
Students minimum of 180 calendar days per year
Teachers minimum of 196 calendar days per year
Office Staff - minimum of 206 calendar days per year
Co-Administrators & select administrative/operations staff - 12 month schedule
with time off allocated during school breaks according to their respective contracts.
Daily Schedule
8:00 am - 8:15 am ............... Large Group open_journal writing ............................................ Attendance/announcement 8:15 am - 8:20 am ............... Visit with friends 8:20 am - 8:30 am ............... Library and check on homework assigned 8:30 am - 9:15 am ............... Mathematics 9:15 am -10:35 am .............. Reading Block 10:35 am -11 :05 am ............ Language arts ............................................. Spelling ............................................ Mechanics of writing 11 :05 am -11 :35 am ............ Physical Education 11:35 am -11:45 am ............ Wash hands 11 :45 am -12:15 pm............ Lunch 1 15 pm -1 :00 pm ............. Art/Music/Social Studies 1:00 pm -1 :40 pm ............... Science 1:40 pm -2:00 pm ............... Creative Writing 2:00 pm ............................... Dismissal 48
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STUDENT ATTENDANCE DAYS FOR THE 2010·2011 SCHOOL CALENDAR·Sehool District of Palm Beach County
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29
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Employee Calendar Dates 2010-2011 School Calendar 260 T & I and 260 NT (12-Month Employees):
• Work extended-hour days on July 6, 7 and 8, 2010, but they are off Friday, July 9 because it
is a four day extended-hour work week which results in no scheduled work that Friday. They
are also off Monday, July 5, 2010 in recognition ofIndependence Day.
• Work extended hour days July 12-15, July 19-22, July 26-29, August 2-5,2010 and are off
each Friday of these listed four-day extended-hour work weeks;
• Work regular hours beginning Monday, August 9,2010 and are off on all days having the
Telephone symbol;
• Work extended hour days March 14-17, June 6-9, June 13-16, June 20-23 and June 27-30,
2011, and are off each Friday of these listed four-day extended-hour work weeks; and
• Elect to work either Friday, September 9,2010 (Rosh Hashanah) or Friday, April 22, 2011
(Good Friday).
188 T (Permanent Substitute Teachers):
• Work regular hours on August 13 and 16, 2010 and on all student attendance days.
250 T (250-Day Designated Teachers):
• Adhere to the special 250-Day Teacher Calendar provided by their respective Departments.
196 T & I (includes Teachers, Academic Coaches, Guidance Counselors, Media Specialists,
School Psychologists, Speech & Language Pathologists, Audiologists, Family Counselors,
and Junior ROTC Instructors):
• Work regular hours on August 11, 12,13 and 16,2010 and on all student attendance days,
plus October15, November 2, January 3, February 21, March 21, and June 3.
206 TI (Assistant Principals):
• Work regular hours on July 27,28 and 29,2010;
• Work extended-hour days on August 2,3,4 and 5, 2010; and
• Work regular hours on Monday, August 9 and Tuesday, August 10, 2010, and all days
that Teachers Work.
216 T & I (Assistant Principals):
• Work regular hours on July 20,21, and 22,2010;
• Work extended-hour days on July 26,27,28,29, August 2,3,4 and 5, 2010;
• Work regular hours on Monday, August 9 and Tuesday, August 10, 2010, and all days
that Teachers Work; and
• Work extended-hour days on June 6, 7,8 and 9, 2011, and this completes their work year. 50 Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Scie/lce alld Math i/l Everyday Life.
226 T & I (Assistant Principals):
• Work regular hours on July 13, 14 and 15,2010;
• Work extended-hour days on July 19,20,21,22,26,27,28,29, August 2,3,4 and 5,
2010;
• Work regular hours on Monday, August 9 and Tuesday, August 10,2010, and all days
that Teachers Work; and
• Work extended-hour days on June 6,7,8,9, 13, 14, 15 and 16,2011, and this completes
their work year.
180 NT (Police Aides, Bus Drivers and Bus Attendants):
• Work regular hours on all student attendance days.
182 NT (Various categories of non-instructional employees):
• Work regular hours on August 13 and 16, 2010 and on all student attendance days.
187 NT (Food Service Workers):
• Work regular hours on August 12, 13 and 16,2010 and on all student attendance days,
plus November 2,2010, January 3, March 21 and June 3, 2011; however, they are not
scheduled to work on October 15,2010 and February 21,2011.
190 NT (Various categories of non-instructional employees):
• Work regular hours starting on Wednesday, August 11, 2010, and all days that Teachers
Work.
193 NT (Food Service Managers):
• Work regular hours on Monday, August 9, 2010, at a location determined by their
Department; and
• Work regular hours on August 10, 11, 12, 13 and 16, and all student attendance days,
plus November 2,2010, January 3, March 21, June 3 and June 6, 2011, plus attend the
October 15,2010 and February 21,2011 in-service trainings at a location determined by
their Department.
206 NT (Various categories of non-instructional employees):
• Work regular hours on July26, 27, 28 and 29, 2010;
• Work extended-hour days on August 2,3,4 and 5, 2010;
• Work regular hours on Monday, August 9, and Tuesday, August 10, 2010 and all days
that Teachers Work; and
• Work extended-hour days on June 6, 7, 8 and 9, 2011, and this completes their work
year.
216 NT (Various categories of non-instructional employees):
• Work regular hours on July 19,20,21 and 22, 2010;
• Work extended-hour days on July 26,27,28,29, August 2,3,4 and 5, 2010;
• Work regular hours on Monday, August 9, and Tuesday, August 10, 2010 and all days
that Teachers Work; and
• Work extended-hour days on June 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15 and 16, 2011, and this completes
their work year.
51
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science alld Math ill Everyday Life.
216 (R) (School Police Officers):
• Adhere to the special School Police Calendar provided by their Department.
226 NT (Various categories of non-instructional employees:
• Work regular hours on July 12,13, 14 and 15,2010;
• Work extended-hour days on July 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, August 2,3,4 and 5,
2010;
• Work regular hours on Monday, August 9, and Tuesday, August 10,2010 and all days
that Teachers Work; and
• Work extended-hour days on June 6, 7,8,9, 13, 14, 15, 16,20,21,22 and 23, 2011, and
this completes their work year.
52
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Re{ldillg, ScieJlce alld Math ill Everyday Life•
• Describe the school's philosophy regarding student behavior.
The LANGS written Discipline Policy.
When a problem arises from any source, whether the teacher, student or parent, the first
contact is usually with the teacher. The teacher brings the problems to the administration.
The teacher will be as to contact the parent on most problems. If a parent brings a problem to
the administration, we will confer with the teacher.
LANGS will use positive discipline for a more productive education climate. We have few
rules, but everyone will know what the rules are, if they are necessary. The rules will be
consistent and impartial. We will stop the little things. It is easier to put out a match than it
is a forest fire. We won't be afraid to acknowledge an error. We will promote the idea that
true discipline is self-discipline. We will not use sarcasm and ridicule on any student. We
will use system(s) of rewards and privileges. The administration, teachers and all staff will
exemplify self-discipline. We will not have teachers who are sometimes intemperate.
Teachers demanding prompt reprisal will be administered by the administration's office.
Emphasis placed on self-discipline by teacher, student and administration. Good citizenship
and conduct - characteristic of the faculty as well students courtesy, consideration, respect,
professional dress and manner, and good speech practiced by all.
Standards and rules will be subject to review and change, enforced until changed by due
process. The punishment meted out will be fitted to the individual rather than to the
transgression.
Faculty and students will cooperate in establishing maintaining and revising rules and
standards.
The program/curriculum will be challenging to all groups. Students believe in the discipline relationship: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Interpreting the reason and purpose(s) of the rules.
Fairness in enforcement.
Consistency of application of the enforcement.
Enforcement without embarrassment
Observance of the rules by teachers.
Opportunity to participate in making rules in areas where students are capable.
The LaMensa Academy New Generation School will have professional conduct,
manners and appearance.
Disciplinary action will follow most of the School District of Palm Beach County rules with
the abovementioned items.
53 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Mat/t ill Everyday Life.
• Describe the school's Code of Conduct, including the school's policies for discipline, suspension, dismissal and recommendation for expulsion. LANGS will collaborate with the School District of Palm Beach County with the stated
policies.
Caring for children is both rewarding and challenging. Part ofthe frustration of the
frustration according to Shari Steelsmith (2007) and weariness can come from dealing
with conflicts between you and the children (No! I don't take a nap!) and conflicts among
the children (I had it first! She hit me!). As the adults in charge, we must keep these
conflicts from getting out of control and creating an unpleasant environment for everyone.
We plan to use the following strategies with our students:
a match of child and caregiver in temperament.
use child's developmental stage
consider circumstances i.n the child's day (being overtired, sick, etc.)
cut down on inconsistent or differing rules and expectations at home and in child care
note the disparity between the child's ability and the caregiver's expectation.
address some student's desire for attention
be aware of experiences in the child's life (new sibling, divorce, illness in the family, etc.)
54 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
II. ORGANIZATIONAL PLAN
9. Governance
• Describe how the school will be governed, including documentation of legal structure (i.e. Certificate of Incorporation) • Provide an organizational chart for the school and a narrative description of the
chart. Clearly describe the proposed reporting structure to the governing board
and the relationship of the Board to the school's leader and administration.
• Provide a description of the responsibilities and obligations of the governing board
as a whole, individual members and officers of the board.
• Describe the policies and procedures by which the governing board will operate, including board powers and duties, board member selection and removal procedures and term limits, code of ethics, conflict of interest, and meeting schedule. • Explain how the founding group for the school intends to transition to a governing
board.
• Describe the plans for board member recruitment and development, including the
orientation process for new members and ongoing professional development.
• List each of the proposed members of the school's governing board, indicating any
ex-officio members and vacant seats to be filled. For each proposed member,
provide a brief description of the person's background that illuminates the
contribution he/she intends to make through service as a governing board member
and any office of the board that individual holds.
• Explain how parents and the community will be involved in the governance of the
school.
If the school is filing the application in conjunction with a college, university, museum,
educational institution, another nonprofit organization or any other partner, provide the following
infonnation:
• Name of the partner organization.
• Name of the contact person at the partner organization and that person's full contact infonnation. • A description of the nature and purpose of the school's partnership with the organization. • An explanation of how the partner organization will be involved in the governance of the school. 55
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
The LaMensa Academy New Generation School is a registered not-for-profit corporation.
LANGS has a 501(C)(3) status under the United Revenue Code as a tax exempt organization for
the sole purpose of organizing and operating a Florida Charter School. When we are approved
by the Palm Beach County School Board will operate the LaMensa Academy New Generation
School. The document listed below will be provided as required to the District and they will be
available for review upon request at the school office.
1. Articles of Incorporation
2. By-laws
3. IRS Notification ofEIN# and Tax exempt status.
Copy of the Articles of Incorporation, Exhibit E, submitted by the Corporation and a copy of the
proposed bylaws, Exhibit F, are attached.
Reporting Structure
LaMensa Academy New Generation School will select Directors and elect Officers in accordance
with its Bylaws. Each Director of the Board shall serve for an indefinite term until he or she
resigns or is removed in accordance with the provisions of the bylaws. Officers will be appointed
from the Board annually with terms staggered to ensure continuity. The Board will always seek
to maintain members of varied backgrounds from the public and private sector, including, but not
limited to educators, parents, business persons, and community leaders. The board of directors
will include the following Officers:
• President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
Board of Directors
The Board of Director's primary responsibility is to provide effective governance over LANGS's
affairs for the benefit of the children of the Palm Beach School District, and employee, suppliers
and the communities at large.
In all actions taken by the Board, the Directors are expected to exercise their business judgment
in what they reasonably believe to be the best interest of the children at LaMensa. In discharging
that obligation, Directors may rely on the honesty and integrity of staff and executor along with
its outside auditors.
56 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math in Everyday Life.
School District
Charter School Department
I
I
I
Governing Board
Principal
Auditor
I
Board Members
I
!
Teachers
I
I
I
I Non-Instructional support staff I
Parents
Business Partners
Students
Public
Number and Selection of Board Members
The school's Board will consist of business and community members as well as at least two
parents of a student cUlTently enrolled in the school. Once the school opens, communications
will be sent home with students inviting parent membership and Board meeting involvement.
Responsibilities and Obligations of the Board
The Board of Directors LaMensa Academy New Generation School (LANGS) will play an
essential role in the school's success through its initialleadership and ongoing oversight of the
school's operations. The Board will be accountable for the governance of all aspects of the
school and each Director will fully recognize and accept his or her responsibility for the
academic performance of our students and the sustainability of the school. Through its Articles,
Bylaws and under the terms of applicable Charter School law, the Board will be empowered to
determine the policies it deems necessary to effectively operate the school and to ensure ongoing
school improvement.
Each Director for LANGS will commit themselves to upholding the overall purpose of the school
in accordance with the principles mandated by Florida Charter School Statutes, namely:
• To meet high standards of student achievement while providing parents the flexibility
to choose among diverse educational opportunities within the state's public school
system
57 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math ill Everyday Life.
• To promote enhanced academic success and financial efficiency by aligning
responsibility with accountability
• To provide parents with sufficient information on whether their child is reading at
grade level and whether the child gains at least a year's worth of learning for every
year spent in the charter school.
Meetings and Parent/Community Involvement
Community partnerships and family involvement are two of the essential elements LANGS
require in order to succeed in fulfilling its mission. The regular meetings of the Board represent
an important component of securing their involvement.
The Board will hold scheduled monthly Board of Directors' meetings. Except for specific
confidential situations, in conformance with Florida Sunshine Law, meetings will be open to the
media and the public and will comply with Florida Statute 286.011. Reasonable public notice
will be made concerning the date, time and place of each meeting. Meeting minutes will be
properly maintained and made available for public review. Signed copies of adopted meeting
minutes will be on file at the school office and copies will be forwarded to the district if/as
required.
Parents will be provided with written notice regarding the process for attending and bringing
forward matters to the attention of the Board. During the meeting, time for public comment will
be allocated and parents will be always welcome. Parents will be afforded due process in all
educational and discipline matters that come before the Board. As stated in the discipline section
of this application, when warranted, it will be the Board's responsibility to recommend student
withdrawal/expulsion to the School Board of Palm Beach County.
Conflicts of Interest
As required for the granting of 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Status by the Internal Revenue Service the
Governing Board will adopt a conflict of interest policy, which will be thoroughly reviewed and
acknowledged by all Directors. Where applicable, the Conflict ofInterest Policy will also govern
specific actions of the school management and its employees.
All Directors of the corporation will submit annual financial disclosures, consistent with Chapter
112 of the Florida Statute. These disclosures will be filed with the District within thirty (3) days
of a member being appointed to the Board. Disclosures will also be made (if applicable) with
respect to the employment of relatives as specified by the recently adopted Florida Senate Bill
278.
Directors of the Corporation are prohibited from:
• personally benefiting or standing to benefit from the school's operations
• acting in a self-serving manner or for any self-serving financial benefit
• acting in hislher private capacity, selling services directly or indirectly to the school
• employing relatives in the school as defined specifically in the Florida Senate Bill
278, section, Restriction on the Employment ofRelatives
58 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Bonding, Insurance and Background Checks
Directors of the Corporation and employees of LaMensa Academy New Generation School who
have been granted authority to receive and expend funds on behalf of the school will be bonded
and insured. All bonds will run to the school, the not-for-profit corporation and the School
District of Palm Beach County. Bond and insurance documentation will be maintained on file in
the school's office for inspection. In addition, all Directors will undergo criminal background
clearance checks (including fingerprinting) according to the standards and procedures prescribed
by the district.
List of Governing Board Responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
• Understanding, maintaining and articulating the school's mission, purpose and vision
• Approving the initial Charter (and monitoring and approving any changes
• Hiring and overseeing the Administrators (including performing annual performance
evaluations)
• Overseeing the business, property and op.erational affairs of the school
• Setting overall curricular policy with veto control over all elements of the curriculum
• Approval of all fundraising plans
• Measurement of accountability goals, objectives and improvement plans (including
collaboration with the management team to set improvement goals and measurement
targets)
• Establishing overall policy for LANGS (including adopting an annual calendar,
Parent, Student Handbook and Faculty Handbook with guidelines for the management
team to follow)
• Approving the annual budget of anticipated income and expenses, and the causing of
the preparation of the annual financial audit report
• Conducting quarterly reviews of the budget (and monthly reviews of financial
statements)
• Reviewing the Bylaws, tax exemption status and other applicable regulations
(including employment law and applicable charter school regulation and legislation)
• Assuming legal responsibility for the fiscal and overall administration of the school
• Filing of an annual report to the Palm Beach County School Board (to be made
available to all parents of students at LANGS and posted publicly as required)
• Representing the school's interests to government bodies and agencies, (which
includes reporting as necessary to the charter authority)
• Review of the annual survey, Climate Change, and related assessment data to evaluate
the effectiveness of the SIP.
• Participating with the School Advisory Council and addressing concerns of teachers,
parents, students and community members concerning the affairs of LANGS.
• Addressing specific member concerns in accordance with school policies as outlined
in the Parent Student Handbook and in the Faculty Handbook
• Attending and publicly posting scheduled meetings
• Planning and participating in general meetings
• Maintaining written records of attendance and minutes of the Board's meetings
• Participating in the Initial and annual Refresher Governance Board Training as
required by Florida State Board of Education adopted Rule 6A.6.0784.
59 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math ill Everyday Life.
• Abiding by Florida's Sunshine Law and observing Florida's Open Government
Requirements
• Nominating community replacements to fill Board vacancies (ensuring Board
composition reflects balance and the expertise nec3essary for the school to achieve its
mission)
• Maintaining an awareness of any internal, external and financial developments that
may affect the school
• Following the Financial Emergency Requirements specified in Florida Senate Bill 278
(including filing and implementing a financial recovery plan if required)
• Building community involvement in support ofLANGS (including fundraising for
building projects, upgrades and expansion)
Reporting
The Board will serve as the sole fiscal agent for setting policies guiding the financing and the
operations ofLANGS. As required, the Board will report its progress to the Palm Beach County
School District (Sponsor), through the Charter School Department, which may include filing
monthly financial statements according to a format prescribed by the district. Applicable reports
will then be forwarded by the Sponsor to the Florida Department of Education along with the
other annual school accountability reports. The FLDOE will include in its compilation a notation
if a school failed to file its report by the deadline established by the department. The report must
include at least the following components:
Student Achievement PerfOrmance Data
Includes the infonnation required for the annual school report and the education accountability
system governed by Florida Statute 1008.31 and 1008.345. LANGS will be subject to the same
accountability requirements as other public schools, including reports of student achievement
information that links baseline student data to the school's performance projections identified in
the charter. The school will identify reasons for any differences between the projected and actual
student performance.
Financial Status ofthe School
Includes revenues and expenditures at a level of detail that will allow for analysis of the ability of
the school to meet financial obligations. The Board will ensure compliance with the terms of the
recently adopted Florida Senate Bill 278, which outlines specific obligations of the Board under
the section, Financial Emergency Requirements.
Facilities
Documentation of the facilities in current use and any planned facilities for use by the school for
instruction of students, administrative functions, or for investment purposes.
Personnel InfOrmation
Includes descriptive information about the school's personnel, including salary and benefit levels
of school employees, the proportion of instructional personnel who hold professional or
temporary certificates, and the proportion of instructional personnel teaching in-field or out-of­
field. The Governing Board will ensure compliance with the terms of the recently adopted
Florida Senate Bill 278, which outlines specific obligations of the Board under the section,
60
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math ill Everyday Life.
Restriction on Employment ofRelatives (and includes the disclosure requirement of the employment of relatives). Board Policies (Bylaws)
The Bylaws of the Corporation constitute the code of rules adopted by the LANGS, Inc. for the
regulation and management of its affairs and the overall governance of the school. These
proposed Bylaws will be adopted by the initially elected Board of Directors subsequent to the
granting of a charter by the Sponsor. The Bylaws are subject to amendment from time-to-time,
subject to the Corporation's Articles and current Bylaws. The Bylaws may be amended as
necessary to meet specific requirements mandated by law by the chartering authority.
Board Recruitment, Development and Training
Training for BoardMembers
All new Directors of the Corporation will participate in an orientation process in which they will
receive training and preparation for Board duties, responsibilities and procedures. New members
will meet with the school's management team in order to be familiarized with the academic
progress, curriculum discipline, school climate and the unique mission of LANGS.
LaMensa Academy New Generation School Board will comply with the July 2008 State Board of
Education adopted Rule 6A.6.0784, which states that:
(a) every member of the governing board of a charter school operating in Florida shall participate
annually in governance training on or before August 1 of each calendar year. The training must
be delivered consistent with a training plan that has been submitted and approved by the
Department as described in this rule.
(b) training for charter school governing boards with one or more members who have had no
previous board service or have served on the board for less than ninety (90) days must include a
minimum of four (4) hours of instruction focusing on government in the sunshine, conflicts of
interest, ethics, and financial responsibility as specified in Section 1002.33(9)(k), F.S.
(c) a minimum of two (2) hours of refresher instruction on the four (4) topics in Section
1002.33(9(k), F.S., may be offered if a charter school's governing board is composed entirely of
members who have served continuously on the school's board for ninety (90) days or more, and
all board members have completed four (4) hours of instruction as described in paragraph (l)(b)
of this rule.
Every year, members of Florida charter school governing boards must participate in state­
approved training by August 1 of that year. The type of training depends on the board members'
experience and whether they have already participated in an initial four-hour training course, but
all board members must receive training on an annual basis by August 1 of each year.
The annual budget includes an allocation for Board training. LANGS Board will utilize the state­
approved governance training courses provided by the Florida Consortium of Public Charter
Schools to help Board members meet this mandate.
61 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math ill Everyday Life.
• Four-Hour Initial Governance Board Training Course
This training is designed for governing boards with one or more members who have
had no previous board service or have served on the board for less than ninety days.
• Two-hour "Refresher" Governance Board Training Course
This two-hour course is designed for governing boards if ALL of the members have
served continuously on the school's board for ninety days or more and have
completed four hours of initial state-approved training. Members who are new to the
board must still complete the four hour course even if other members have previously
completed the four-hour training.
Pursuant to Florida Statute 1012.32, all Directors ofLANGS will be required to comply with
fingerprinting requirements and criminal background checks prior to joining the Board.
Directors will receive a manual which will include the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Corporation's Articles ofIncorporation
Corporation Bylaws
Florida Charter School Statutes (and any other related laws and regulations)
Annual Adopted Budget
Financial Statements (recent fiscal year)
Roberts Rules of Order
Forms, contact information and any other documents deemed necessary for them to
fulfill their duties as an active Director
The school's Board will consist of business and community members as well as at least two
parents of a student currently enrolled in the schooL The recently adopted Florida Senate Bill
278, outlines specific obligations of the Board under the section, Restriction on Employment of
Relatives (and includes the disclosure requirement 0 the employment of relatives). This law
specifically precludes school employees from Board membership. The Administrators of the
school will serve as advisors to the Board and cannot be voting members of the Board.
The names of the Board of Directors will be kept current at all times. The school will submit the
names of the Directors annually to the District, and notify the Sponsor in a timely manner of any
changes. Twice per year the names, addresses and phone numbers of all Directors will be
supplied in writing to parents of children enrolled in the schooL Additionally, a list of the Board
of Directors will always be available in the school office for parents and visitors, and will also be
provided at the sign-in table at every Board meeting.
It is intended that the Board consist of individuals who bring diverse perspectives and
experiences that truly represent the public's interest. Current Directors will consider
opportunities to enhance the Board by recruiting and nominating interested individuals who have
the time, skills and capacity to serve on the Board. Communications sent home with students
will regularly invite parent membership and Board meeting involvement.
62
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Science alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Any individual may submit a letter of intent to the Board seeking consideration for appointment
to the Board of Directors. Applicants will be invited for an intervi3ew with the Board, who will
examine their qualifications, experience, skills, motivation, demeanor and their availability to
serve effectively as an active Board participant. References will be checked, and once cleared,
the individual will either be recommended for appointment (if an open position is available) or
for nomination during the next election period (in the event that the maximum number of Board
positions is currently filled). All applicants will be given the opportunity to speak at the next
scheduled Board meeting and to receive written notification ofthe Board's final decision.
Initial Board of Directors.
The development of an active Board is an ongoing process. For the proposed LANGS, this
development is envisioned to evolve according to the following stages:
Founders
The Founders have been involved in formulating the mission, vision and overall concept for the
LaMensa Academy New Generation School and have endorsed the Corporation's Charter
Application.
The Founders include advisors, supporters and several anticipated initial Directors for the
Corporation, including the incorporators. Resumes are provided in Exhibit G.
Elizabeth A. Ta.ylor (Principal, retired)
, Founder/Director/Owner
~
8355 Woodsmuir Drive
Administration and Supervision
I West Palm Beach, FL
ESOL
--~-----------------------+-Delores Calloway
i Education - K -12
• Principal, County staff of Martin County Florida ,Administration and Supervision
3005 Bernardo Lane
Leadership
Riviera Beach, FL 33407
Early Childhood Specialis_t_ _ _ _- l
' Julia Bullard (Principal, retired)
, Education, Curriculum
1344 North Mangonia Drive
Administration and Supervision
Reading certified Teacher
, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Delores Walker
Education, Curriculum
i Administration and Supervision
• 1553 Sixth Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
International EdUC",a,tiona"l
I - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + - ._Education Speciali~
.,,'
, Betty Lawson
Former Principal
:~
612 SW 10th Street
Palm Beach County School District
I Belle Glade, FL 33430
LP--am--e-la-P-a-t-"te-r-so-n-(--F-o-rm-'--e-r-P-n-'n-c-ip-a-l-)----------+-1-P-a-lm--B-e-a-ch--C-ounty S~hool District
,
I
I
I'
• 1861 WoldorfStreet
i Realtor
"
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411_ _ _ _ _ _ _~1_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
LaVoise Smith, Ed.S. (Principal)
i Palm Beach County School Dist:J.ct•
----J, L_12_4_7_4-,E",-q-,-U~i,-ne_L_an_e_____________
I BU,siness ,a"nd Technology
~
_Wellin on, FL 33414
63
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readiflg, Scieflce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Initial Board
Upon approval of the charter, the Corporation will officially adopt its proposed Bylaws and
appoint a complete slate of officers. Three ofthe Founders are anticipated to stand for election
and two new individuals will be recruited for nomination to enhance the Board with individuals
who have the time, skills and capacity to serve (e.g. specifically an individual with public service
experience and/or fundraising and non-profit sector experience). Once the school opens,
communications will be sent home with students inviting parent membership and Board meeting
involvement.
The organization has already attracted an experienced and highly qualified group of advisors and
supporters. As the Founders attract and recruit potential Directors, there will be opportunities for
all school supporters to be further involved through the establishment of a School Advisory
Council (SAC). The SAC, if and when established, will consist ofteachers, the Co­
Administrators of the school, parents/guardians, and community representatives. This body will
elect its own officers, develop its own bylaws, policies and procedures, and committee structures
with the approval of the Board. The School Advisory Council will make regular reports and
recommendations to the Board. The Board of Directors will have final authority and approval
over all decisions. Directors on the Board may serve on the SAC or on specific SAC committees,
but may serve in an advisory capacity only.
Qualification for Director Candidates
The Nominating Committee selects the candidates for the Board of Directors. The Nominating
Committee reviews the qualifications of potential director candidates and makes
recommendations to the whole board.
He/she must exhibit behavior that indicates he or she is committed to the highest ethical
standards and shared responsibilities.
He or she may have special skills, expertise and background that would complement our school
goals and objectives.
He/she has financial expertise required to provide effective oversight of a diversified financial
services business.
He/she has achieved prominence in his or her business that demonstrates the ability to make the
kind of important and sensitive judgment that the Board is called upon to make.
He/she will be able to devote sufficient time and energy to the performance of his/her duties as a
Director.
64 Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Amendments
The Board may amend these guidelines or grant waivers, as needed, in exceptional
circumstances, provided that any such modification or waiver may not be a violation of any
applicable law, rule or regulation.
Advisory, Consulting and Employment Arrangements
The Director may receive compensation for transportation.
65
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readil1g, Sciel1ce al1d MatI! ill Everyday Life.
10. Management
• Describe the management structure of the school. Include job descriptions for
each administrative position and teachers that identify key roles, responsibilities
and accountability.
66
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
TITLE: PRINCIPAL
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Master's degree with School Principal or Professional School Principal certification and
additional certification coverages as required by law or rule of the State Board of
Education.
2. Successful experience as a school district administrator.
3. Evidence of successful teaching experience.
4. Evidence ofleadership ability, including motivating school personnel to achieve District
goals and objectives.
S. Evidence of knowledge of school-related data and the ability to utilize such data for decision-making purposes. 6. Evidence of ability to serve as a change agent in schools.
7. Evidence of ability to interact collaboratively with students, parents, school-based personnel and community organizations. 8. Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
JOB ANALYSIS DIMENSIONS: Communication
Decision Making
Commitment to Vision and Mission
Facilitative Leadership
Proactive Orientation
Organizational Ability Management Control/Delegation Critical Thinking Skills Organizati onal Sensi tivity Achievement and Development Orientation PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential Functions: 1. Functions collaboratively with the School Advisory Council to assess school needs, develop
a meaningful School Improvement Plan, and introduce those changes in school programs
and personnel assignments that will result in achievement of school performance objectives
and other District goals.
2. Provides proactive, comprehensive and facilitative leadership for the school in the planning
and implementation of school improvement initiatives, including implementing a
challenging curriculum.
3. Oversees from an administrative point of view the daily operation of the school.
4. Observes teacher performance and provides assistance to individual teachers in an effort to
improve classroom instruction and student performance.
S. Supervises and evaluates all school-based personnel, including conducting performance
appraisal sessions which are extensions of a Board-approved personnel assessment system,
making reappointment recommendations and providing staff development/training
opportunities.
6. Manages and supervises the school's financial resources, including the preparation of the
school's budget, the monitoring of internal accounts, and the review and approval of
purchases and payments for all goods and services received.
7. Enhances the decision-making capabilities of all school-based personnel through
involvement of staff and faculty. Develops new skills and approaches to implement the
school improvement and accountability,
67
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
ReadiJlg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Li/e.
Principal (continued)
8. Encourages increased involvement by parents, businesses and other community interests
through partnerships designed to achieve both management and academic improvement and
accountability.
9. Gathers, analyzes and uses data from varied and multiple sources to form concepts and
hypotheses, and to consider alternatives.
10. Maintains appropriate records related to pupil attendance, FTE generation, instructional and
non-instructional school-based personnel, and property inventories and ensures the
accuracy and timeliness of all school reports.
11. Supervises the school's food, transportation, maintenance, facility and support services.
12. Provides a clean, safe and nurturing school environment.
13. Provides effective communications with and seeks input from parents, teachers, students
and the community via systematic processes.
14. Coordinates community activities relevant to the school within the school area.
15. Keeps fully abreast of and diligently enforces appropriate federal, state and local statutes;
and complies with audit requirements, School Board policies and administrative directives.
16. Emphasizes increased literacy in reading, writing, and mathematics for all students,
including Students in Exceptional Student Education and English for Speakers of Other
Languages.
17. Focuses on improved achievement for all students at the school center, with emphasis on
quartile one students.
Additional Job Functions:
1. Follows adopted policies and procedures in accordance with School Board priorities.
2. Conducts oneself in the best interest of students, in accordance with the highest traditions of
public education and in support of the District's Mission Statement.
3. Performs other duties as assigned.
Capable ofliftinglcarrying 20 lbs and occasionally up to 50lbs; some physical activity required.
68 Charter School Application TITLE:
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Scie/lce and Math ill Everyday Life.
CUSTODIAN
QUALIFICATIONS
1. High school or vocational school diploma or equivalent, preferred.
2. Ability to read labels.
3. Ability to understand verbal instructions.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential Functions:
1. Routinely completes daily work schedule for areas assigned within time frequency provided.
2. Routinely follows proper cleaning procedures and uses proper chemicals and cleaners safely,
productively, and according to directions given in training.
3. Routinely uses and operates the cleaning equipment and tools in accordance with the training
instructions provided.
4. Moves furniture, collects and disposes oftrashlgarbage, dusts, furniture, cleans vents, fans,
walls and performs other related tasks necessary for the cleanliness of designated
school/location:
5. Performs routine maintenance on facility, i.e. changing light bulbs, filling paper and soap
dispensers, assist in setting up for meetings/conferences, etc.
6. Cleans equipment and tools after use and maintains cleanliness and order in storage areas.
7. Attends training courses as required and responds to instructions both on the job and in
training classes.
8. Routinely reports safety hazards, malfunctions of equipment or plant facility to immediate
supervIsor.
9. Inspects work upon completion of assigned schedule and completes any unfinished work.
Additional Job Functions:
1. Follows adopted policies and procedures in accordance with School Board priorities.
2. Conducts oneself in the best interest of students, in accordance with the highest traditions of
public education and in support of the District's Mission Statement.
3. Performs other duties as assigned.
Capable of lifting/carrying 100 lbs; considerable physical activity required.
69 Charter School Application TITLE:
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science alld Math ill Everyday Life.
ACCOUNTING CLERK IV, PAYROLL
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Minimum of one (1) or more years of successful experience in a general office setting.
3. Demonstrated ability to input computer data in a rapid and high volume environment.
4. Demonstrated ability to organize large amounts of data for filing.
5. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups, and effectively communicate, both orally
and in writing.
6. Knowledge of current computing technologies and software applications appropriate to the
position's job responsibilities.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential Functions: 1. Coordinates the disbursement of payroll checks to various locations, and maintains all special
requests for check distribution,
2 Processes and inputs one time payments, supplemental payments, athletic official payments,
and coach's supplement payments.
3. Coordinates the collection of information for payment process with athletic officials and
bookkeepers.
4. Performs high volume data entry including direct deposit maintenance and other general
information.
5. Assists in processing payroll information from different locations.
6. Compares information entered into the payroll system to output on the summary and balance
report.
7. Prepares filing for direct deposit cards, W-4's, etc.
Additional Job Functions:
1. Follows adopted policies and procedures in accordance with School Board priorities.
Conducts oneself in the best interest of students, in accordance with the highest traditions of
public education and in support of the District's Mission Statement.
3. Performs other duties as assigned.
Capable ofliftinglcarrying 20 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs.; some physical activity required.
l'
~0,'"
~
•
.
70 Charter School Application TITLE:
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readil1g, Science alld Math ill Everyday Life.
FOOD SERVICE ASSISTANT I
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Minimum eighth grade education.
2. Knowledge of sanitation and safety requirements in a quantity food service operation.
3. Ability to follow directions in English.
4. Ability to communicate with students, teachers, administrators and other food service personneL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential Functions: 1. Performs efficiently all jobs assigned such as preparing food, serving, cleaning, cashiering
and operating dish machine.
2. Follows work schedules and District standardized recipes.
3. Carries out assignments in a timely manner sing effective time and motion techniques.
4. Follows all regulations, policies and procedures relating to safety, sanitation, personal hygiene, meal service, food production and equipment use and care. Additional Job Functions:
1. Follows adopted policies and procedures in accordance with School Board priorities.
2. Conducts oneself in the best interest of students, in accordance with the highest traditional of
public education and in support of the District's Mission Statement.
3. Performs other duties assigned.
Capable ofliftinglcarrying 50 lbs. and occasionally up to 75 Ibs.; moderate physical activity
required.
, . . . 111
'~ 71 Charter School Application
TITLE:
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Science and Math ill Everyday Life.
SECRETARIAL CLERK I
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of current computing technologies and software applications
appropriate to the position's job responsibilities, including accurate keyboard speed of 40
words per minute.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of modem office practices and procedures.
4. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
5. Ability to deal effectively with the public.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential Functions: 1. Performs standardized clerical or record-keeping functions, e.g., completing and mailing
forms or form letters, maintaining established records and preparing new records, assembling
and posting data, and composing routine letters.
2. Prepares various materials or tabulations from copy or rough draft.
3. Responds to information requests, refers office callers, greet office visitors and explained
well-defined rules and regulations.
4. Sorts and tiles various correspondence, reports, vouchers and other materials.
5. Maintains confidentiality regarding departmental and business matters.
Additional Job Functions:
1. Follows adopted policies and procedures in accordance with School Board priorities.
2. Conducts oneself in the best interests of students, accordance with the highest traditions of
public education and in support of the District's Mission Statement.
3. Performs other duties as assigned.
Capable ofliftinglcarrying 20 lbs. and occasionally up to 50 lbs.; some physical activity required.
72 Charter School Application TITLE:
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math in Everyday Life.
LUNCHROOM AIDE
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Minimum eighth grade education.
2. Ability to follow directions in English.
3. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups, and effectively communicate.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential Functions: 1. Follows detailed instructions and defined practices and routine procedures to observe and
assist pupils during cafeteria hours.
2. Provides students with needed assistance such as opening packages and encouraging students
to eat their meal during the designated time frame.
3. Instructs students to follow health and safety practices and to observe good manners.
4. Assists students in checking that tables are clear and free oftrash.
Additional Job Functions:
1. Follows adopted policies and procedures in accordance with School Board priorities.
2. Conducts oneself in the best interests of students, in accordance with the highest traditions of
public education and in support of the District's Mission Statement.
3. Performs other duties as assigned.
Capable ofliftinglcarrying 20 lbs. and occasionally up to 50 lbs.; some physical activity required.
73 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math ill Everyday Life.
+ Outline the criteria and process that will be used to select the school's leader and
process by which the school leader will be evaluated.
+ Provide a staffmg plan for each year of the charter term.
+ Explain the school's plan for recruitment, selection, development and evaluation of
staff.
The techniques of personnel management relate directly to many aspects of the instructional
process.
Obtaining competent teachers and aides.
To begin with, the management team who utilizes physical facilities effectively,
arranges a good teaching program, obtains adequate equipment and supplies, schedules
school activities systematically, and allocates special assignments fairly, also facilitates
the work of her teachers.
However, the relevance of good personnel management to the administrative function
is largely a matter of emphasis. For example effective administration may result from
the desire for efficiency; trying to apply efficient business and industrial management
techniques to school administration in other words, striving for administrative
efficiency for its own sake.
Hence, the principal who emphasizes personnel management sees managerial
efficiency as a boom to teaching effectiveness. She analyzes the work-a-day need of
her teachers and then develops managerial techniques to help achieve those needs. In
this case, administrative efficiency is a means: facilitation of good teaching is the end.
The principal will have business management responsibilities. LANGS is small and the
principal will need to exercise good planning, wise controls, and efficiency
management in procuring, distributing, and utilizing equipment and supplies to be used
by classroom teachers-and also in the use of physical facilities. She will need to
exercise the same planning and controls in deploying and supervising the personnel
concerned in the business management of the LaMensa Academy New Generation
School.
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Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math ill Everyday Life.
11. Education Service Providers
We do not know if we will need to prove other education services. Providers of these
services will be obtained, if needed, using the School District of Palm Beach County
guidelines and requirements.
- No Management Company
Other:
Contracted service
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Language Therapy
Psychological Services
Art, Music Therapy
Other Services
Social Work
Counseling
Other health impairment
Glasses, Hearing aides
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Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science alld Math ill Everyday Life.
12. Employment
• Explain the school's compensation plan, including whether staff will be publicly or
privately employed.
LaMensa Academy New Generation School will be publicly employed.
LANGS will use as a guide the School District of Palm Beach County Policies and
Procedures for compensation.
• Describe the personnel policies and procedures to which staff will be required to
adhere, including expectations for participation in the school's professional
development program.
It will be the policy ofLANGS to abstain from discrimination on the basis of religion,
race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, marital status, age, parental status or
disability in employment practices.
LANGS is committed to the principle of fostering diversity in order to enrich the
educational experience of all students through exposure to adults from many
backgrounds.
Applicants for employment will complete a medical examination and upon receipt of a
medical clearance from a professional selected by LaMensa or the School District of
Palm Beach County.
All applicants will have a criminal background check.
All applicants are required to self-report any arrests and convictions.
Resignation and Termination of Employees
An employee seeking to resign shall complete the form to you at your hiring or US
1176 on the School District of Palm Beach County websites at
www.palmbeacbkI2.fl.us/records/formsearch.asp
All are temporary Interim for the first 9 weeks. At a conference, the principal will
notify you as to your status after the 9 weeks.
An employee in the temporary category can be terminated with a 3 day notice (written).
LANGS will use as a guide the School District of Palm Beach County Policies and
Procedures for hiring.
76
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science ami Math ill Everyday Life.
13. Parent and Community Support and Partnerships
• Describe how the school will involve parents in its operations.
Parents will be invited to participate at every level of opening/development of LaMensa
Academy New Generation School (LANGS).
Family-School Learning Agreement
To ensure that new student families understand and accept the importance that LANGS
places on ensuring the school climate reflects its commitment to its governing core values
and that the student, the parents and the school all work together as a team to create the ideal
school community, the school will utilize a Family-School Learning Agreement that will be
drawn from its Parent Student Handbook. This agreement, which will set forth the rights,
responsibilities and expectations of each member of the team, will be reviewed by the
Principal with prospective students and parents prior to the start of school.
Volunteer Opportunities
A key ingredient to the academic success of the school will be the use of volunteers,
specifically parents. Non-academic volunteers will be essential to assist with reading
groups, working with cluster groups, office work, and other non-instructional duties. The
school will request each parent to serve a designated number of hours to help with the
operational needs of the school and at the same time instill a sense of ownership and
community.
School Advisory Council
The School intends to support the initiation of a Student Advisory Council (SAC). This
organization will be given freedom to express opinions as well as feedback concerning
school policies and operations. The SAC will include the Co-Administrators as well as
teachers, parents, office administrators, and other volunteers.
Bo~rd
of Directors
The school will reserve at minimum two spots on its Board of Directors for qualified
parents. This influence in decision making and governance oversight will allow for the
concerns and needs of parents to have a direct impact. Influential community officials will
be considered for additional seats on both ofthe Board of Directors and on various advisory
committees.
Advisory Committees
LANGS intends to recruit a number of individuals that can be drawn on for expertise in
given fields. Parents and/or professionals will be considered for these committees.
Parent/Family Communications
Newsletters, interim reports, report cards, e-mail and personal meetings/contacts will be
utilized to assist teachers and administrators in maintaining communication with parents and
families. In addition, student behavior will be monitored through day-to-day interaction
with peers, teachers, and administrators.
77
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Scie/tce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
The school will endeavor to facilitate parent involvement in situations that might be having
an adverse impact on their child's learning experience. The school's administrators will try
to assist parents in locating and utilizing resources in the community to help intervene in
such situations. LANGS desires that parents and staff work together as a team to ensure
every child has the best opportunity to realize their highest potentiaL
• Describe any community partnerships.
At this time, there are no existing community partnerships; however, LANGS will
endeavor to develop community partnerships once the school opens.
• Outline the methods that will be used for resolving disputes between parents and
the school. Conferences, mediation.
Dispute Resolutions
By maintaining a positive school-environment and communicating closely with the
school community, which involves parents, children and teachers, LANGS believes
most concerns can be dealt with either through the classroom teacher or directly with the
PrincipaL Any parent with a complaint regarding a school-related issue will be
encouraged to follow the chain of command by addressing the matter directly with the
individual(s) involved. If unable to resolve their concern with that individual, a meeting
may be scheduled with the Principal and that individual. If the matter is still not
resolved, the parent may contact any Board Member and request a mediation meeting
with the Board representative, the Principal and the individuals) involved. Any Board
action will be taken up at the next scheduled Board Meeting and the decision of the
Governing Board will be final.
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Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
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14. Student Recruitment and Enrollment
• Describe the plan for recruiting students, including strategies for reaching the
school's targeted populations and those that might otherwise not have easy access
to information on available educational options.
Explain how the school will achieve a racial/ethnic balance reflective of the community
it serves or with the racial/ethnic range of other local public schools.
LANGS recruitment and enrollment processes will be conducted both in a traditional and non­
traditional method. The responsibility for the development, implementation and oversight of an
approved recruitment and enrollment plan will be assigned by the Board and Principal with
ongoing communication and support of the Governing Board. Board involvement and support of
these initial efforts will be vital given the impact enrollment levels will have on the fiscal stability
of the schooL
Student Recruitment
The initial Board (including founding committee members and advisors) bring with them
tremendous collective marketing experience, which will be utilized to the fullest in order to
ensure the school reaches its targeted population; the admission process is open, fair and in
accordance with applicable law; and that enrollment targets are met for the sake of financial
stability and ongoing school viability.
The following elements form the basis for LaMensa Academy student recruitment efforts:
• Every personal contact or interaction represents a potential student (student family) or a
potential referral of a future student.
• All marketing and recruitment activities must be conducted in accordance with our
mission and governing core values.
• Recruitment is a process that takes time and final decisions should not be made hastily.
• Our strongest advocates will be successful and happy students/parents - the process we
envision is ... enroll, re-enroll and secure referrals.
• The better we serve our community, the more support we will enjoy.
Community Support
Experience indicates that relationship marketing will be the most effective as the school's
primary recruitment strategy as opposed to investing primarily in expensive traditional mass
advertising campaigns. Recruitment activities have begun (informally) in that community
stakeholders have already been consulted and have voiced unanimous support for the school.
Communications were initiated first with the immediate community members. The typical "hard
to reach" households within the immediate neighborhood were contacted first through face-to­
face meetings.
• Describe the school's enrollment policies and procedures, including an explanation
of the enrollment timeline, criteria and/or any preferences for enrollment, and
lottery process.
79
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Science alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Admission Procedures
Application packages will contain the following: Student Application FOIm;
Student/Parent Enrollment FOIm (infoImation as required by the School District of
Palm Beach County and Florida Statutes); Emergency Contact Card; Request for
physical examination and immunization record (as per Florida Statutes); parent
volunteer agreement; student agreement; school dress/unifoIm code; and the Student
code of Conduct (School District of Palm Beach County).
Student enrollment will begin on the first Monday in March of each year, and will
continue for a period of 30 days. Should space be available after this date, completed
applications will be accepted and subsequent 30-day windows of enrollment
opportunities will be offered. Parents will be notified in writing of their child's fOlmal
enrollment within 15 days after the enrollment window closes.
Completed student enrollment applications will only be accepted for an enrollment slot.
Each completed student enrollment package will be date/time stamped as they are
received. Pertinent student infoImation will be entered by the data entry clerk into the
school's database.
School Administrator/LANGS Program Specialist will review the applications to verify
enrollment priority and eligibility for proposed grade levels.
A waiting list will be established and maintained from year to year. No student will be
removed from the waiting list without written authorization from the parent/guardian.
As periodic grade level openings arise throughout the school year due to student
attrition, the next student (parent/guardian) on the list will be notified of the available
seat. The available student seat will be filled by the order in which the student's name
appears on the waiting list.
The School District of Palm Beach County will be infoImed via computer database as
to the status of student enrollment for FTE projections. The district charter school staff
will be infoImed immediately as to the enrollment/withdrawal of students from the
school. It is the intention of the charter school administration to work cooperatively
with the School District of Palm Beach County in notifying, obtaining, and forwarding
all student records to the appropriate school or department.
Students may withdraw from the school at any time and enroll in another public or private
school as deteImined by School District of Palm Beach County policy and charter school
statutes.
A lottery will be used only in the event that an overwhelming response for student
enrollment occurs. In this case, an application deadline will be established and a public
lottery will be held. During the public lottery, applications will be selected by grade
level. Each student application will be assigned a number and those numbers will be
randomly drawn by grade. During the lottery, if one sibling is selected, additional
sibling(s) for whom parents have signed an application and Intent to Enroll fOIm will be
80
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science alld Math ill Everyday Life.
given available slots in that available grade. If a slot is not available for a sibling at that
grade level, the sibling will be put at the top of the waiting list for that grade. Once all
available slots are filled, the remaining applications will be drawn to determine their
order on the waiting list for that grade.
Student Registration Two proofs of residence -Documentation in the name of the parent or guardian may include:
-current telephone or electric bills
-rent receipt with the name of person leasing the home/apartment
-lease agreement with name of person leasing the home/apartment
-mortgage
-automobile insurance
-current FlOIida Drivers License/Florida Identification Card
-cellular telephone bill
-credit card statement
-United States Postal Service confirmation of address change request or evidence of
correspondence
-declaration of domicile form from County Records Department
-Birth Certificate (or acceptable alternative proof of age)
-entering Kindergarten Students must have reached the age of five on or before September 1st
of the year they enroll.
-Evidence of Physical Examination
-students, grade K-12 entering a Florida school for the first time, must present evidence of a medical examination perfonned within twelve months prior to their initial enrollment. -parents must provide a written notification of any health/medical problem that requires staff awareness and/or supervision for their child. -medical treatment form should be completed, if needed. -Evidence of Immunization -Florida Certificate oflmmunization -Pennanent medical exemption (if immunization is contraindicated for one or all). -religious exemption, a temporary exemption or a medical exemption. -A Completed Registration Form
-you can obtain this form from your school
-School Records (if any) -latest report card and or transcript needed for proper grade placement 81 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science alld Math ill Everyday Life.
• Explain any student and/or family contracts that will be used as a requisite for
initial and continued enrollment in the school. Describe if and how the school will
enforce such contracts.
School Publicity
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
Brochure - the school brochure will provide a description of the school and its
benefits for students.
Direct mail - a copy of the brochure, along with a letter of invitation will be
mailed to every targeted family.
Direct contact all mailings and telephone calls of interest will be recorded and
follow-up contact will be made by mail and telephone.
Community focus groups Presentation will be made to parent groups, business
groups.
Flyers - informational and attractive flyers will be posted and distributed in
neighborhood facilities.
Local Preschool Partnership
Parents and Word of Mouth personal contact
Demonstrations model classrooms will be set up for the public to observe and
ask questions.
Powerpoint presentations - a Powerpoint presentation will be developed and used
by founding members, school staff and interested parents.
Advertisements we advertise in the newspapers, town flyers, neighborhood
newsletters.
Video - a professional marketing video will be developed and shown at all
presentations.
Media and promotional coverage promotional coverage in the media and public
service announcements.
School District of Palm Beach County office brochures, videos and introduction
letter will be made available at the School District office.
Cooperative efforts support will be sought from elementary staff and district staff.
Telephone messages - a separate telephone extension will be promoted in all
marketing materials.
Website Establish a website for easy access to information and communications
with parents.
We wil1look at our potential market and focus on the type of family, parent and child
we wish to attract at LANGS. We will sign up at our local childcare agency as soon as
we are licensed.
We will hand out or post printed materials advertising LANGS
our school care. We will make business cards to pass out. We will create flyers that advertise our services. 82
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math ill Everyday Life.
We will talk up our business, LANGS, in churches and in public meetings. We will network with other family childcare (schools) providers in our area. We will use classified advertising. We will have t-shirts printed - to give out to the public. We have set up a website to provide infonnation about LANGS. 83
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, ScielJce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
III. BUSINESS PLAN
15. Facilities
Ifthe site is not secured:
• Explain the school's facility needs, including desired location, size, and layout of
space.
• Provide an estimate of the costs of the anticipated facility needs and describe how
much estimates have been derived.
• Explain the strategy and schedule that will be employed to secure an adequate
facility.
• Describe the back-up facilities plan.
• Describe the plan and methods the school will employ to comply with Florida's
constitutional class size requirements.
"The Quality Education Act" establishes limits on the number ofstudents in core
curriculum classes by grade level. Annually, compliance with the Act's standards
progressively ratchet up through 2010-11 when full compliance is mandated. All
school districts have been notified ofhow they will be expected to ensure compliance,
and as student subscription rates vary from district to district, charter school
applicants should consult with their respective district officials regarding how best to
design their plan for compliance with the Act.
LaMensa Academy will share space with LaMensa Academy New Generation School.
LaM ens a Academy New Generation School will lease six classrooms from LaMensa
Academy daycare center. To begin the school year, we will start with six classes but if
more space is needed, we will take less day care students to make more space for the New
Generation School.
LaMensa Academy daycare will start with infants to three years old in private school day
care. Four-year aIds will start pre-Kindergarten (VPK) and on to Kindergarten, first,
second and third grade(s).
LaMensa Academy will cost $2,500,000. Elizabeth Taylor and her husband (Henry
Taylor) will have a business loan for a 283 slot daycare. LaMensa Academy New
Generation School will lease six classrooms from the daycare and the charter school will be
completely separate from the daycare. Classrooms 22 by 24 528 square feet, times 6
rooms = 3,168 sq. ft. @ 15.00 sq. ft. 47,520.00 a year.
After three years, it is planned to be ready to move to a new site for The Generation School.
In the event the building is not ready for school, we will rent a space to start the school year.
The back-up facilities plan is in a shopping center (The Shops of Ibis on Northlake Blvd).
84
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Science alld Math ill Everyday Life.
The cost of renting the space for 3-4 months will run about $23,760 for half of the year.
We will do whatever is required to occupy until our building is ready.
We will have temporary housing, if necessary.
LANGS will be less than Florida's constitutional class size requirements.
Constitutional Class Size Requirements
LANGS will comply with Florida's constitutional class size requirements for all core classes by
grade level. In accordance with Florida Statute 1002.33(10)(d), enrollment preference may be
given to the following students:
Future growth in enrollments will be controlled by class in order to ensure continued compliance
with class size reduction requirements. With additional enrollments (up the capacity limits
allowable under its charter), the school will hire additional teachers and open up additional
classes.
Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a positive sense of self-esteem.
LaMensa approach will be based on building self-esteem with noncompetitive activities that help
children to develop strong self-images and the confidence to face challenges and change with
optimism.
The innovative practices at The LaMensa Academy New Generation School will be evident to
visitors upon entering a classroom. Our innovative use of the multi-age classroom allows
children to advance in the complexity of their work without waiting for the group as a whole.
Younger children usually want to do what the older children are doing. A vertically-aged
classroom offers an inherent motivation for children to constantly challenge themselves. The
older children benefit tremendously from this grouping as they become the teachers and the
leaders, developing confidence and independence. This process of sharing what they know
reaffirms that they have already learned.
Every child will advance more quickly in some areas than others; this is a natural part of growth
and LANGS classroom is able to adapt to the individual needs ofthe child. For instance, if a
child is mastering material quickly, the teacher will give a lesson on more complex materials
which may already be in the multi-age classroom for the older children. If a child is having a
difficult time grasping a concept, the child is allowed to focus on that area until ready to move
on. Often the teacher uses a second presentation or a slight variation which helps a child
understand a concept more easily. A multi-age classroom naturally provides for different levels
of ability and therefore offers diversity, stimulation, and a path for growth integral to the success
of the LaMensa Academy New Generation School philosophy.
85 Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science alld Math ill Everyday Life.
LaMensa Academy New Generation School diagram
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i
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86
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Scimce alld Math i/l Everyday Life.
Charter School Application
ANDERSON~MDORE.
CONSTR.LJCT
April 27, 2009
Ms. Elizabeth Taylor
8355 Woodsmuir Drive
West Palm Beach, Florida 33412
RE: LaMensa Academy
Dear Ms. Taylor:
Allderson - Moore Cons/medon Corp. is pleased to provide you with our budget proposal for
the above referenced project. The proposed project will consist ofanew, single-story, 16,000 SF
day care facility and approximately 3+ acres ofsite improvements. This budget was prepared in
accordance with the site plans - SP-I and SP-2, dated 01121/09 -prepared by Jon E. Schmidt
and Associates and the architectural design plans - A-I, A-2 and A-3, dated 01120/09 - prepared
by Richard Wensing Architects & Planners, PA Please find listed below further clarifications,
exclusions and alternates.
.
. Project Total: $ 2,223,754.00 Two Million Two Hundred Twenty-Three Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty-Four DoHars Clarifications:
• Permit fees, plan review/revision fees, processing and expediting are included as an allowance 0[$ 30,279.00. o This allowance includes all subcontractor permit fees, if applicable
• For purposes of this budget we have assumed that the site is "balanced" and, therefore, will not require the import or export offill material. • We have included in our base bid an allowance oU 60,000.00 for the sanitary lateral and septic system, pending engineered dIawings.
.
• We have included in our base bid water service from Northlake Boulevard fur the domestic water and fire sprinkler requirements. The landscape irrigation is as.$umed to be a new, oli-site well to a depth of 80 feet • We have included in our base bid an allowance 0[$ 50,000.00 for landscaping and sod.
o Tree relocation, if any, is specifically excluded - pending additional infOrmation
• We bave included in our base bid two (2) 6'-0" long site benches by DuMor Inc. and one
(1) liP Winder, S-Ioop bike rack by MadRax, subject to approval by Owner/Architect. All other site furnishings, including the water feature, are specifically excluded. • We have included in our base bid pre-engineered wood trusses with a I-hr. rated drywall lid attached to the bottom chord ofthe trusses and fire sprinklers, as required by code, throughout the attic space. We have also included R-30 batt insulation above the drywall lid in the attic space. 1568 Water Tower Rd Lake Park, FL 33403 Phone: (561) 753-7400 • Fax: (561) 840-9813 • www.amcbuild.com CO CE04055 • CB C045594 87
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math in Everyday Life.
EQUITY ONE REALTY .. MANAGEMENT FL, INC. Ii
ONE'"
July 28. 2009
NYSE:EQY
Ms. Elizabeth Taylor­
U3SS Woodsmul.. Drive
West: Palm beado, I'L 33412
Re: Pnopoallv L _ Space
Shoppes at JbIs
:10130 Nort.hIake Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL 33421
Dear ElizabetJ"
Below is an outline of terms for leasing space at the ShOppes at Ibis.
DaA __ Tenant:
~p~a~y~casr~e~
Premises: ____________
Unit #212 consisting of 1,400 square fll'et
For tile operation of dayc::are facility.
LeaseTenn: Six (6) months with the option to renew for an additional six (6) months
thereafter
$16.00 per square foot
$1,867 per month
$1,303.16 per month
CAM, Taxes and Irnwl'anQe' $11.17 per square foot
Lease Commencement: upon executlOn
Rent commencement: The earlier of (a) 30 days aft'er Landlord delivers possession of premises to
tenant or (I» the date upon which tenant opens for business
One (1) month's base rent, operating expenses and sales tax payable ilt lease
execution equal to $3.376.22
1600 Nonn Eul Ml¥nl GImON Ome"
Nonn Mbml ~ fl. "'79" Tw.pffi.Jr» lO5-'M7.I"" faulfl\lle 3QS..~'.17l"
____________o_"'_..'__;~_·M:::.,:.=:~-.-T-....
- . .- _----w
!!!.£ ;mE 88
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Jon E. Schmidt and Assocnates
Land Planning and Landscape Architecture
Justification Statement LaMensa Academy Development Review Officer (ORO) Final Site Plan Approval Request Submittal Re-submittaI2: October 19,2009 Request
The subject property (PCN 00-41-42-17-00-000-8060/8070), which is located on the south side of
Northlake Boulevard approximately 249 east of the centerline of Hall Boulevard, is a 3.736-acre
site that is currently vacant. The subject property supports a Future Land Use (FLU) deSignation
of Rural Residential 2.5 (RR-2.5) and a zoning designation of Agricultural ReSidential (AR).
Therefore the subject property is able to utilize property development regulations for the
Residential Estate (RE) Zoning District per note 4 of Unified Land Development Code (ULDC)
Table 3.D.1.A, Property Development Regulations.
This application is a request for a Development Review Officer (DRO) Final Site Plan approval for
the LaMensa Academy project (Control number 2007-00371) to allow for the finalization of the
Class A Conditional Use request to allow a 16,001 square-foot Day Care, Generai with a
maximum capacity of 283 children.
Project History
• 07/23/2009: Class A Conditional Use approval to allow a Day Care, General approved by
the Palm Beach County (PBC) Board of County Commissioners (BCC).
. .... =
.
~~H_.:'
CLASS A CONDITIONAL USE
Per Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) Art.2.B.2.B, Standards, Conditional and Requested
Uses must take the following standards into consideration:
1. Consistency with the Plan
a. The application is a request for a Class A Conditional Use Approval. The AR
Standard Zoning District, per Table 3.C.1.A, Future Land Use (FLU) DeSignation
and Corresponding Standard Zoning Districts, is consistent with the subject
property's FLU designation of Rural Residential 2.5 (RR-2.5). According to PBC
Comprehensive Plan Map Series Map TE 14.1, Thoroughfare Right Of Way
Identification Map (last updated on 11/07/2008), the section of Northlake
Boulevard which the subject property fronts and has access to and from has an
ultimate right-of-way width of 240 feet primarily for the inclusion of a Rural
Parkway.
The applicant is providing the necessary 70 foot right-of-way
dedication (currently the right of way is within a Right-of-Way Easement recorded
in OffiCial Records Book [ORB] 22104, Page [PG] 1653) and the necessary 50
foot Rural Parkway Easement. The applicant is requesting to dedicate the 70
foot right-of-way rather than keep in within an easement to prevent them, as
private landowners, from any liability on a public roadway and to reduce the
required property taxes on land encumbered by public access. Although the
Indian Trail Improvement District (ITID) has a history of only requiring easements
for public right-of-way the applicant is proposing this as a dedication much like
the Hands On Learning Center (Control No. 00-050) project did through the
recorded plat for that project recorded in Plat Book (PB) 97, PG 45-46 (see
attached).
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LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
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Charter School Application
PALM BEACH COUNTY PLANNING DIVISION SITE LOCATION AND LAND USE .l.
~,
..
;
AppllcatJon Number.
Cortrol Number.
ZlCA-2009-210
'}!J07-371
land Use Atlas Page: _ _ _ _28-'-_ __
Date:
0412012009
t
N
Figure 1 Land Use Atlas Map
90
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
16. Transportation
• Describe the school's plan for transportation, including any plans for contracting
services.
LANGS will ensure that transportation will not hinder equal access for any student living a
reasonable distance from the school.
The school will encourage parents to provide transportation for students if at all possible.
Properly supervised and age-appropriate walking and bike-riding to school is encouraged in
areas that are safe for such travel.
All students living within a 2-mile radius of the school should have parent-provided
transportation. If a student lives between a 2-mile and 4-mile radius of the school and it is
not possible for the parents/caregivers to provide transportation, the school will contract with
the district for provision of transportation. Additionally, the school will contract with the
district in order to provide transportation for any special needs student as delineated in the
student's IEP.
91 Charter School Application
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Reading, Science alld Math in Everyday Life.
17. Food Services
• Describe the school's plan for food services, including any plans for contracting
services.
LANGS intends to contract with the district to provide prepared lunches for students.
Contact has been made with Debbie Davis, Coordinator for the district's Food Service
Department to receive information on procedures so that we may offer this service to
students. The school will participate in the federal government's subsidized program
available through the District, and all students will be provided with applications for free and
reduced meals in the registration packet. See Exhibit H - National School Lunch Program
Fact Sheet.
LANGS Food Services will be provided by the Pierce Hammock Elementary School
(Palm Beach County).
Pierce Hammock Elementary School
Breakfast (all schools) Full price - $1.00/day
Reduced price $0.30/day
Lunch (Elementary) Full price - $1.75/day
Reduced price $0.40/day
Lunch (Secondary): Full prize = $2.00/day
Reduced price = $0.40/day
Prepayments to students' accounts are accepted at all schools. If you are writing a
check, please make it payable to your child's school. Include the student's full name
and grade in the Memo portion of the check.
92 Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Sciellce alld Math in Everyday Life.
18. Budget
• Provide an operating budget covering each year of the requested charter term that
contains revenue projections, expenses and anticipated fund balances.
LANGS will have the budget reviewed each year with changes as necessary for that year.
• Provide a start-up budget (i.e. from the date on which the application is approved
to the beginning of the first fiscal year of operation) that contains revenue
projections, expenses and anticipated fund balance.
• Provide a detailed narrative description of the revenue and expenditure assumptions on which the operating and start-up budget are based. • Explain the school's spending priorities. LANGS spending priorities are to hire staff and buy supplies to open in August. • Provide monthly cash flow projections for the school's start-up period (i.e. from
the date on which the application is approved to the beginning of the first fiscal
year of operation) and each year of the requested charter term.
• Describe the school's fundraising plan. Report on the current status of any
fundraising efforts, including verification of any fundraising monies reported in
the school's start-up or operating budgets.
LANGS will conduct flower/plant sales, bake sales, candy, wrapping paper sales and other allowed
sales the parents come up with during the year.
The table below is a summary table showing the proposed 5-year operating budget summary
for LaMensa Academy New Generation School (LANGS). Detailed budget worksheets, which
include the following, have been provided in print form within Exhibit I.
• Annual operating budget (and revenue estimate worksheet)
• Start-up budget
• Monthly cash flow projects (start-up and operating)
• After-School care
93
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
5- Year operating budget summary
LaMensa Academy-The New Generation School, Inc.
Schedule of Projected Reserve Fund Balances
and Cash Flow Budgets
Under the Hypothetical Assumptions in Note A
June 30, 2012 through June 30, 2016
Fiscal Year Ending June 30
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
100
144
125
216
216
100
144
125
216
216 100
125
144
216
216 729,874.10 $ 690,562.82 $ 1,011,257.26 $ 1,523,444.28 $ 1,523,444.26 100,000.00 $ 100,000.00 $
$
$
$
$
$ 106,056.00 $ 106,056.00 10,000.00 $
21,233.11 $
22,661.39 $
24,914.81 $
25,594.36 $
$
$
$
.~~!liJi7~; 10. '$;W)lh7.:\i~:;V;r,~;~;:tO$'3,!:f.1 (l.f)5.•' $;1i~'5:4;'O:t?;a9\ffi1 ;8~;O~4:64i:
Total Number of Students
Proposed Capacity
Budgeted Enrollment
FEEP Gross and Other Revenues
Stan-up Grant
Capital Outlay
Special Revenue (IDEA/ESE)
Fundraising ;~~ '. ·.;;c'TolllIJ)eY!:lriue .
;'$.~
Instructional Classroom Instruction (5000)
Instructional Support Services (6000)
.. ,c' ;. '. T:oi.al.I~SjfiJctional. '.' .'
$ 311,653.84 $ 394,955.78 $ 526,495.53
$
45,153.00 $
46,894.92 $
10,000.00
. $:,~Mtaij6i84 i$.;'·4:41;1!.~.Q(:t(h~'$j:.!.~!j;495.63
Non-Instructional
Board (7100)
General Admin Fee (7200)
School Admin (7300)
Facilities AcqUisition (7400)
Fiscal Services (7500) Central Serllices (7700)
Transportation (7800)
Operating Plant (7900)
Maintenance of Plant (8100)
Debt Services (9200)
,; ·';~TOlllINojj"JilstrucIiOh~l ..
$
11,300.00
$
36,443.71
$
93,248.41
$
99,000.00
$
12,000.00
$
1,225.00 $
34,117.73
$
63,627.50
$
$
$. •S$},} ~2.a5
$
$
10,000.00
$
$
21,233.11
$
$
$
100,000.00
$
100,000.00
$
$:
817;f;l!l9,.19
21,904.91
90.00
$
9fjl ,4ElQ'~·,$:1;011,4n96.
50,335.14 $
22,441.59
21,994.91
72,330.05
94,771.64'
72,339.05
$
$
$
$
$
Capital Outlay Expenses
Special Revenue (IDEA/ESE) Expenses
Planning, Program Design, and Implementation Grant Expenses
TQlalEXpenses '. ".
Balance"
..
Reserve Fund (Beginning)
'REis.i;rve F\\ni:l(EndiI16F
..
$
$
$.
W
$
$
6~g;1l6,1';9~;i::$
627,689.62 46,526.39 87~iin.6~OI~
16,356.00 36,443.71 175,923.75 19,944.00 15,000.00 $
$
796,611.91
50,950.06
$
$
$
$
$
13,250.00
36,443.71
111,205.34
113,400.00
16,500.00
$
$
$
$
$
13,966.00
36,443.71
160,413.47
119,070.00
15,000.00
$
$
$
$
$
15,640.00
36,443.71
170,143.45
18,967.50
15,000.00
$
$
$
$
42,036.73
65,541.20
$
$
$
$
35,676.51
67,146.45
2,400.00
$
$
$
$
56,507.00
74,541.99
2,400.00
$ .• ?96;~7J?;9!l:·~.$
'450;a20:t4.
$
$
.21,994.91 $
22,661.39
$
$
$
$
$
'~'"
46,007.00 $
$
77,182.63 $
2,400.00 $
;391,~M3;6~; . $ . ,S!\~;251~b9'1 $
$
106,056.00 $
24,914.81 $
$
106,056.00
25,594.36 $
$ .1,372;17.6,45 $ I;Slil7,l:?3A6.
$ 282,236.64 $ 257,971.18 94,771.64 $ 377,010.26 $
$ 37'7;Ol(U~~ .$ 634.9(\1.46; School Revenue
LaMensa Academy New Generation School projected revenue is based on the anticipated
number of students, In the interest of being conservative with revenue projections, we have
budgeted for less students overall and per class than the total maximum number of students the
school will be able to serve each year (and has requested charter approval for within Section 2
ofthis application). Revenue is then calculated using the FEFP fonnulas. The school has also
budgeted an implementation grant in the startup budget as well as years 1 and 2 of operations.
Due to the competitive nature of these implementation grants, the school is not guaranteed
these funds. If this funding is not available, the school will seek to secure a line of credit to
cover startup and some operating costs for the first year. A line of credit would only be
considered if the Board would not be personally liable for the loan. Other tenns of the loan
would be negotiable. The school will implement an aggressive grant writing strategy to
provide additional and ongoing funds. The school will hold various fundraising events
throughout the school year to raise additional funds as outlined further within this section.
94
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
The Prior Year Reserve Fund reflects an allocated percentage of the revenues from the
previous year. This amount will be used to cover any potential short-fall in the current year.
In years 4 and 5, the school budgeted funds received from Federal Resources. The line titled
Federal Capital Student Funding represents these funds at $500 per student.
Operating Expenses
Classroom Instruction (5000) Salaries (100-250) LaMensa Academy New Generation School intends to offer competitive salaries for teachers and assistants. The school will also provide retirement benefits and health insurance (including dental) for full-time teachers and assistants. The school will comply with federal and state laws by providing workers compensation insurance for these employees. A 4% raise will be given to returning teachers and assistants on an annual basis. The school will comply with a maximum student/teacher ratio of 18: 1 (grades K-3) and 22: 1 (grades 4-5). An average of 1 teaching assistant will be provided for every 2 classes. The school has budgeted for 1 ESE certified teacher, and will seek to hire additional ESE certified teachers or support personnel as necessary. Professional Service (310) The School will provide therapists on a needed basis and will be outsourced as required. A physical education/fine arts teacher will be utilized to support the school's technology arts and enrichment programming. Miscellaneous Classroom (350-750) Classroom supplies and modem computer equipment are essential to the instruction of each individual student. The school will allocate a significant portion of its budget on the equipment necessary for the technological enhancements of each student's learning. The school seeks to attain a classroom ratio of at least one computer for every six primary students (6: 1), at least one computer for every three intermediate students (3: 1), and one computer for
every secondary student (1 : 1). In addition, all teachers will have access to internet resources,
interactive whiteboards, projectors and other digital and multi-media tools and resources. The
school expects to lease most of its classroom and technology equipment from an outside party.
The school is already in negotiations with a leasing company to finance this equipment.
The curriculum will be selected from pre-approved district and or state adopted materials.
Emphasis will be placed on technology enhancements and components ofthese materials.
Refer to information in the curriculum section.
95
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Instructional Support Services (6000)
Pupil Personnel Services (6100)
The school has not allocated expenses to these categories in Years 1-3 of the budget, as teachers, assistances, and office personnel will be required to perfonn these duties as part of their daily job descriptions. As the school expands, a nurse will be hired in years 4 and 5 to provide medical care to the students. Media Services (6200) The media specialist that is designated to support and service the school's technology resources will also serve as the instructor for the specialized technology enrichment and technology/media literacy programs that the school intends to offer. A budget for library books and services is not included due to the virtual nature of the school and close proximity to local libraries. Funds for leveled readers and similar print and digital resources designated for classroom instructional purposes have been allocated under Classroom Instruction, Instructional Materials (Account 520). Curriculum Development (6300) The School's Principal will derive one-half ofhislher income from monies allocated for the curriculum specialist. A key responsibility of this position will be to pursue new innovative technologies to accompany chosen curricula and enhance the learning experience. Staff Development (6400) The specialized nature of the school necessitates appropriate training for teachers and assistants. In years 1 and 2, significant funds are allocated for this training. Due to the innovative technological nature of the school, the teachers will need to learn original teaching techniques and practices to implement in the classroom. General Support Services (7000) Board (7100) Board costs include legal services, fees for the annual financial audit, insurance for the officers and directors and liability insurance, meetings and related Board activities. General Administration (7200) This section designates the 5% administrative fee that the county collects from the federal funding. School Administration (7300) Salaries (100-250 Office administration salaries are paid to qualified personnel. For details concerning job descriptions, please refer to management section of this application. A school Secretary and other office personnel will perfonn duties associated with office administration. Dual roles will include nursing, some data entry and lunch room supervision. The School's Principal will receive one-half ofhislher salary under Administration and the other half under Curriculum. The health insurance and unemployment compensation will be charged to the Curriculum expenses and will not be charged to Administration. 96
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science alld MatI! ill Everyday Life.
Miscellaneous Office Administration (360-730) The school budgeted funds for office supplies and other related administrative costs for general support of the office. Facilities, Acquisition and Construction (7400) Lease (360) As stated in the enclosed lease agreement, the school will pay Gold StaffInc. a monthly rental fee of $9,000 for the first two years. As enrollment increases and facilities expand, the lease will increase to $10,500 by year 5, if on this site. The specific terms of the lease are designated in the lease agreement. Utilities (including electric, waste management and water) are not specifically included in the monthly lease cost. In years 4 and 5 of the budget, the school will allocate additional monies for future expansion and land acquisition costs (8100-400). Fiscal Services (7500) Salaries (100-250) The school will hire an em.ployee for data entry, bookkeeping and general accounting services. For a full description of duties, please refer to the Financial Management and Oversight section. Central Services (7700) As stated in the Student Recruitment and Enrollment Section of this application, the school will aggressively market in the surrounding communities to increase enrollment. The school will utilize banners, flyers, an internet website, and ernails to establish and maintain a local presence. Pupil Transportation Services (7800) Salaries (100-250) The school will provide a bus driver for the transportation of the students to and from school. The bus driver will be a part-time employee and will not be eligible for employee benefits. The school anticipates that in year 5 a second bus driver will be required for student transportati on. Other Pupil Transportation Services (310-750) Insurance and gasoline for the transportation of the students are required and allocated as needed. Operation of Plant (7900) Salaries (100-250) A part-time custodial employee will be hired to maintain the beautification of the facilities. Other Operation of Plant Costs (320-642) The only other costs associated with the operation ofthe plant will be custodial supplies and office phone service. As stated previously, utilities (including electric, water and garbage) are included in the monthly lease. 97
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
The Federal Capital Student Funding (8100)
The Federal Capital Student Funding, that is allocated in years 4 and 5, is specifically intended
for facility usage or capital improvements such as building renovations, new construction
and/or rent. The usage of this funding will be determined by the state of the facilities at the
time of funding. Strong consideration will be given for permanent construction for the School
as the hope for future expansion is necessitated by increasing enrollment. The School will
apply a portion of the funding towards rent. The remainder of the fund will be designated on
line 400 of the Maintenance of Plant Section (8100) titled, "Facility Fund".
Reserve Fund
Each year an allocated percentage of the gross revenues are designated in the Reserve Fund
line item. This fund is then carried over to the next year's revenue line titled Prior Year
Reserve Fund. In Year 1, the School anticipates a carry-overof$11,750 from the start-up
budget.
Start-up Budget
The following is a summary table showing the proposed Start-up Budget Summary for
LaMensa Academy. Budget details have been provided in print form within Exhibit L
Start-up Budget Summary Table
LaMensa Academy - The New Generation School, Inc.
Schedule of Projected Start-up Reserve Fund Balance and Cash Flow Budget Under the Hypothetical Assumptions in Note A June 30, 2011 Fisoal Year Ending June 30, 2011 Estimated Revenue Start-up Grant
Fundraisinl>l
.
". ·TptaH"levenue
25,000.00 $
$
$ ..
Non· Instructional Curriculum Development (6300)
Board (7100)
School Admin (7300)
Fiscal Services (7500) .... ,T,i.:>*~JFfI:i,flniriQ;:-pr?~rItl1Tlge.sign· . "..
. . and IrflplementaU.on·$tant· : .
$"
Balance
$
. 25,00q,oo ,
$
4,000.00 9,500.00 7,500.00 4,000.00
$
$
,",.'.'
Reserve Fund (July 1, 2010)
$
Rsso;irve'SalancEi (JUne ~q; 2011) . ' $ :.'
.
.,
..:' ,.:.
90.00 ·90;QO.•) 98
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Revenue
Upon acceptance of the charter school application by the School District of Palm Beach
County, LaMensa Academy New Generation School will seek to raise the necessary funds to
assist in the start-up phase ofthe school. The school will conduct various aggressive
fundraising plans to relieve the financial burden ofthe startup budget. In addition to
fundraisers, the school will solicit donations from individuals, businesses, and other non-profit
organizations within the community_ The school has also budgeted for a $25,000
implementation grant that is available from Federal funds. Grant funds are included in the
start-up budget of the School to assist with building & fixed equipment acquisition and
improvements and other necessary start-up expenses. If additional funds are needed during
this start-up phase, the school will attempt to secure financing through local lenders. The loans
and or leases will not be guaranteed or co-signed y any member of the Board of Directors.
Expenses
The school will incur various expenses during its start-up phase. Once hired, the Principal will
oversee and manage the school's start-up phase. This individual. will become a full-time
employee once the school year begins. The school will spend monies on various classroom
supplies to ensure the learning environment is appropriately equipped.
The school has not budgeted any monies in the start-up for classroom equipment and
technology as it will seek to lease classroom desks, chairs and computer/technology
equipment. Such lease(s) will not begin until after the start-up phase. The school has budgeted
a significant portion of monies in each of the 5 years of its operating budget for the lease of
such equipment and has already begun negotiations with a leasing company for this equipment.
Marketing funds have been budgeted within start-up. The school's marketing plans will
include email solicitations, general mailings, and internet website presence, yellow book listing
and general fundraising to raise awareness of the school.
The School initially plans to hold classes on the property of LaMensa Academy. The school
has several options on the location of its classrooms on the property.
The school has budgeted $5,000 for legal fees. Such fees may be incurred to prepare the
charter application, preparation of the tax-exempt application with the IRS and negotiation of
the school's charter license.
If the school has enrolled a sufficient number of students, the operating budget can be used to
provide funding for elements of the startup budget that may be deficient.
Spending Priorities
LaMensa Academy New Generation School will designate finances specific to the ideals set
forth in the school's mission statement. Expenditures are considered in relationship to the
priority that the school has considered being most vital. The school's focus is to enhance the
learning enviromnent by utilizing basic skills technology.
The school places the highest priority on classroom instruction. This portion of the budget is
anticipated to represent approximately 44% of total expenditures (excluding the reserve fund)
99
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Scimce alld Mat/t ill Everyday Life.
and reflects the salaries and benefits of the teachers and teacher assistants. Teacher and
Teacher Assistant Salaries are increased at a rate of 4% per year.
The second priority is placed on learning options. This grouping of finances includes
curriculum, computer supplies, facilities and the technology/media specialist. An anticipated
22% of the total expenditures have been designated here. The curriculum expense fluctuates
with the number of students specialist's salary increases at a rate of 4% per year. The
computer supplies remain constant.
The third priority is administrative support. At an anticipated 17% of the total expenditures,
this section includes all non-instructional salaries such as the Principal, and Office Support.
These salaries will increase at 4% per year.
Fundraising Plan
A vital ingredient to the financial stability of a charter school is in the school's ability to
generate additional income through fundraising. Fundraising support and opportunities will be
a shared responsibility of the entire school community, including the Board of Directors, the
Co-Administrators, the School Advisory Council, the school's community partners and parents
(PTA/PTO, etc.). Fundraising initiatives will include, but will not be limited to the following
initiatives.
Adopt a classroom
Parents and local businesses will have the opportunity to provide operating funds for each
class. These funds will be used to purchase additional classroom supplies such as crayons,
chalk and tissue boxes. Funds can also be used for field trips or class parties. The hope is that
this fundraiser can offset the classroom supplies section of the budget.
After Care
Students who need extended care times will be permitted to remain at the school for extra­
curricular events. This additional time will be charged the standard, comparable rate for this
service. Net revenue from these activities will be an important component of the school's
fundraising efforts.
Grants
The member of the current Founding Board will be actively pursuing numerous grant
possibilities for the school. Grants will be continually sought for additional income. Grants
currently being considered include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Capital Outlay Funding
Toshiba America Foundation
Prime Time of Palm Beach (After School Enrichment Program)
Intel Corporation
Best Buy Children's Foundation Community Grants
Best Buy Teach Awards
Walton Family Foundation Public Charter School Grant (Startup)
Walton Family Foundation Public Charter School Grant (Planning)
Lego Children's Fund
100
Charter School Application
•
•
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Teacher's Pet
School District of Palm Beach County K12 Support Programs
Additional grants are being considered which pertain to the following relevant areas:
•
•
•
Educational Institution (Charter School Start-up and Planning)
Target Population
Facility (Environmental/Community Improvement)
Summer Camp
LaMensa Academy New Generation School has operated a summer camp for the last several
years, grossing $20,000-$35,000 each year. These camp operations and budget will be turned
over to the school upon commencement of operations. The school will continue to pay rent to
LANGS throughout the summer and therefore will capitalize on the rights to the space by
taking over the summer camp operations. The camp will expect to attract more children by
marketing to the school base and advertising.
Other Fundraisers
We are expecting an opportunity to host special events throughout the year. Festivals, field
days and school carnivals provide a great opportunity for local businesses to sponsor school
events. Sponsorships should not only provide enough capital to operate the event but also
provide additional capital to be applied towards the budget. Golf tournaments are also very
popular in South Florida. The school anticipates holding an annual tournament.
Smaller fundraisers such as bake sales, book drives, car washes (elementary school) and yard
sales provide additional fonns of raising capital, which are activities that can be coordinated
through the PTAlPTO.
LaMensa Academy New Generation School will seek contributions used for facility initiations,
utility hook-ups and other initial expenses as defined in the start-up budget.
101
Charter School Application 19.
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Financial Management and Oversight
• Describe who will manage the school's finances and how the school will ensure
financial resources are properly managed.
• Describe the financial controls, including an annual audit and regular board
review of f"mancial statements, which will be employed to safeguard finances and
projected enrollment trends.
• Describe the method by which accounting records will be maintained.
• Describe how the school will store student and financial records.
• Describe the insurance coverage the school will obtain, including applicable health,
worker's compensation, general liability, property insurance and director's and
officer's liability coverage.
LaMensa Academy New Generation School will maintain its financial records in accordance
with the accounts and codes prescribed in the most recent issuance of the publication "Financial
and Program Cost Accounting and Reporting for Florida Schools." The school intends to
adhere to the standards as set forth in the "Red Book". The internal accountant/bookkeeper will
manage the day to day finances of the school. This position will be held by a qualified
individual who has extensive experience in the field. The accountant will report directly to the
Director Innovation/Operations. A Certified Public Accountant will be contracted as needed to
assist in the set-up of financial systems, in-house audits for records management and
preparation of required IRS annual tax filings.
The Principal will be responsible for presenting financial statements at the monthly Board
meetings. This position will also ensure compliance between actual expenditures and the
approved budget. Internal controls will be put in place to maintain the integrity of the
accounting records and to safeguard the school's assets through the creation of the financial
policies and procedures manual.
The school's fiscal year will follow The Palm Beach County School District. The school will
maintain their accounting records on the accrual basis. Under the accrual method, revenues are
recognized when earned, not when funds are received. Expenses are recorded when payment is
due not when payment is made.
Financial Statements
The School will report its financial condition and fiscal results of current operations in the
following ways:
•
Balance Sheet
•
Statement of Activities
•
Statement of Net Assets
•
Statement of Cash Flows
•
Profit and Loss Budget versus Actual
•
Monthly Bank Reconciliations (including current bank statement)
102
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Sciellce al1d Math ill Everyday Life.
Additional reports will be prepared as requested by the Board. All relevant reports required
by The School District of Palm Beach County will be submitted in a timely manner by the
School Principal.
Cash Receipts
Any cash directly received by the school will be deposited in a timely manner. Payments
received directly from parents will be given to the student's classroom teacher. The teacher or
related teacher assistant will be responsible to forward these funds to the school secretary in a
timely manner. Any employee who fails to tum in funds is held personally responsible for
any loss that may occur.
The school Secretary will gather the daily cash receipts and prepare the necessary daily
reconciliation form. This position will then forward this information to the
bookkeeper/accountant. The bookkeeper/accountant is responsible for depositing these daily
funds into the appropriate bank account and recording the amount in the appropriate income
accounts in the financial accounting software ofthe school.
The school will maintain a petty cash account on the premises. This will be used to pay
minimal daily expenses of the school as necessary. The petty cash account will not exceed a
daily balance of $200. This cash will be kept in a locked location and only be accessible by the
accountant and school secretary. The school secretary will be responsible for opening the daily
maiL All invoices and other related accounting information will be forwarded to the
accountant for entry into the accounting system. The accountant will be responsible for paying
all approved invoices before the due date. All checks will require two signatures prior to
disbursement. These potential signors will include the School Principal and one other office
personnel.
Sales Tax
The school will be a tax-exempt organization and therefore sales tax will not be charged. Any
employee who purchases items for the school and does not utilize the school's tax-exempt
certificate will be held responsible by paying the sales tax personally.
Payroll
Payroll will be based on a 24-pay period cycle and will be disbursed on the 15 th and last day of
each monthly. Hourly employees will be required to sign in and out daily to record their
appropriate hours worked. Vacation Time must be preapproved by the School Principal, with
respect to their departments. The bookkeeper/accountant will verify the vacation request form
and maintain records of paid time off.
The bookkeeper/accountant will be responsible for maintaining the payroll and corresponding
benefit deductions. Each employee will complete W-4 and 1-9 forms which will be kept in the
employee's pennanent file.
The Principal will review the hourly employees' time sheets. The bookkeeper/accountant will be
responsible for calculating payroll and generating the semi-monthly paychecks. The Secretary will
distribute the paychecks if direct deposit is not available. If direct deposit is utilized, the employee
will receive a paycheck stub showing the detailed payroll items (see Exhibit J, Paymaster Payroll).
103 Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
ReadiTlg, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
The bookkeeper/accountant will be responsible for filing the quarterly federal and state payroll tax
forms as well as the annual W-2s and W-3.
Fixed Assets
All employees ofthe school will be responsible for safekeeping and proper use of the school's
assets. Losses resulting from negligence may result in personal liability. Periodic physical
inventories are performed for verification of records. Beginning with the first fiscal year, the
school has implemented statement no. 34 of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board
which established the capitalization threshold for fixed assets at $1,000. All fixed assets must
be approved by the Board of Directors unless the item has been previously recorded in an
approved budget. These fixed assets are recorded at cost in the financial records.
Depreciation of these items is calculated monthly. Any items donated to the School are
recorded at estimated fair market value.
Budget
The school's Board of Directors will approve an annual budget to achieve the short and long­
term goals of the School. The budget will be adopted in compliance with requirements found
in the school's charter as well as with statutory requirements. Once the budget is adopted by
the Board of Directors, it will be forwarded to the School District of Palm Beach County. The
bookkeeper/accountant and Principal will continually monitor revenues and expenditures and
advise the Board of Directors of any variations of actual to budget (in accordance with the
policies to be outlined in the school's accounting procedures manual).
Financial Statement Audit
Under section 218.39 of the Florida Statutes, an annual audit is required to be completed by an
independent certified public accountant. The scope of the audit includes an examination of the
financial statements and the issuance of a report on internal controls in accordance with
government auditing standards. The Board of Directors of the School will select the qualified
CPA firm to perform this audit. The auditor's opinion will be based on generally accepted
auditing standards and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government
Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States of America. The
accountant and Principal will be responsible for taking any corrective actions based on the
findings of the auditor.
Financial Records
The school's bookkeeper/accountant will maintain the books and records in accordance with
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and utilize the latest edition of QuickBooks. All
financial records will be stored in a secured location in a fire rated locked filing cabinet. The
bookkeeper/accountant and Principal will be the only ones with immediate access to the
information.
The Principal's and the Board's consent, will seek to obtain necessary funding for the schooL
Funding will include private and public grants and general fundraising campaigns.
All student records will be kept in fireproof filing cabinets in the control of the PrincipaL
Access to these records will be granted to instructional and administrative employees on a
sign-out policy. Any files accessed must be returned to the cabinet by the end of the school
104
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Sciellce and Math ill Everyday Life.
day. These records are maintained in accordance with the district's retention schedule,
approved under Florida Statute 119.04(4). Any ESE student records are secured in a fireproof
cabinet in the ESE coordinator's office and are not allowed to be checked out by school
personnel. The school will have an online backup for its secured electronic files.
Insurance
LaMensa Academy New Generation School will obtain all required insurance coverage as
mandated by law. Selected Insurers will meet the requirements expected by the district and
State and the Sponsor will be named as an additional insured. Coverages may include, but will
not be limited to, general liability, worker's compensation, property and fire, flood, auto and
officers and directors insurance. All copies of any insurance certificates will be on file at the
District Charter Department offices and will be provided in the Opening of School Packet
submitted each year prior to the start of School.
The following is an expected breakdown of the coverage limits compared to the type of
Insurance:
Tvpe of Insurance
Coverage Limits General Liability ............................................................................. $1,000,000 - $2,000,000 Workers' Compensation ...................................................................................... $1 ,000,000 Directors and Officers ......................................................................................... $3,000,000 Leaders E&O ....................................................................................................... $1,000,000 Fidelity, Dishonesty Liability .............................................................................. '" $500,000 Property .................................................................................................................. $500,000 Auto ..................................................................................................................... $1 ,000,000 If State or district required limits differ from the coverages listed above, the school will adopt
the required coverages. The school will seek a health insurance plan that offers the widest range
of coverage for its employees. In order to conform to the guidelines of the budget, the school
has designated $3,000 for each full-time employee per year.
Employee Benefits
The school will offer various benefit programs to covered employees. These benefits may
include health and dental insurance, retirement plan options, short-term disability and life
insurance. As a private employer, LaMensa Academy will opt to match employee 401K
contributions as opposed to participating in the Florida Retirement System (except where
required to by regulation or statute).
105
Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math in Everyday Life.
20. Action Plan
• Present a timetable for the school's start-up.
Achievement of our goal to open LaMensa Academy New Generation School for the 2011-12
school year will be contingent upon these key milestones being reached in a timely manner:
•
Charter license being awarded through the sponsor, School District of Palm Beach
County
•
Securing our certificate of occupancy from Palm Beach County for the building.
•
Securing our proposed start-up funding/financing.
•
Recruiting and enrolling sufficient number of students to generate the required
revenue necessary to operate the school.
•
Recruiting, hiring and training qualified staff.
Should LaMensa encounter a significant setback or delay in reaching anyone of the above
milestones, the Board will consider various contingencies before requesting an extension in
order to open in 2012-2013.
The primary factor in making important decision will be the assurance of the ability to operate
in a fiscally sound and educationally based manner.
Additionally using the most current charter school opening of school checklist items required
by the district's Department of Charter School, LaMensa-New Generation School has
identified the following task and timelines leading up to opening the school. The responsibility
for ensuring the timelines are adhered to and the action items are completed will rest with the
Board in collaboration with the Principal. A copy of the Charter School Opening Checklist is
shown below.
Charter School Opening Checklist
Technical assistance meeting
Letter of Intent
Application submitted
Complete
Award of charter
Pending
Lease letter of intent (open office & train)
Jan 2011
Board transition complete-officers
appointed
Jan 2011
106
Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Readillg, Science alld Math ill Everyday Life.
Charter School Opening Checklist (continued)
50 I(C)(3) status
Complete
Marketing plan and materials start-up
Jan-Mar 20 II
Recruit and hire co-administrator
Jan-Mar 201 1
Recruit (PT) secretary and!or
office personnel
Market school to prospective students
and parents
Organize/implement community partnership
Submit start implement grant application
Startup finances secured (submit fonns,
such as needed)
Finalize site plans and improvements
(submit lease)
Fixtures, equipment ordered and installed
Facility operational (submit all inspection!
licenses)
Insurance secured, certificate provided
to sponsors.
By July 2011
I By July 201 I
Transportation plan complete
By July 2011
Anticipated enrollment reviewed
ongoing
Food Service Plan arrangements
July 2011
Bookkeeper/accountant hired
(submitted SD ofPBC)
Annual budget adopted (submitted)
Recruit, hire teaching staff
Board polieies, bylaws, disclosures, ete.
(submitted)
107 Charter School Application
LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Science and Math ill Everyday Life.
Charter School Opening Checklist (continued)
Calendar, Personnel handbooks complete
Parent Student handbook (complete)
Parent Study Handbook
(completed to parents)
Instructional material ordered/received
complete
June/July 20 I I
Curriculum implementation complete
with statT
June/July 20 I I
504 & LEP students requirements complete
(District guidance)
Complete student at-risk processes
(if needed)
Organize parent involvement/volunteer
processes
Staft~ faculty, bus driver, governance
training complete
Lottery enrollment fi"om wait list
(if necessary)
June201 I
CUiTiculum implementation and orientation
All statT(and Directors) fingerprintedl
checked
Staff rosters complete
(all filing submitted to sponsor)
Teachers report for work
Non-instructional admin and facilities
statT report
!
July.Aug2011·
Paraprofessionals and support
staff report for work
===NEW student orientation
Issue Board meeting priority and
schedule tor meeting
School BEGINS
*ECD - Estimated Completion Date (subject to charter terms and sponsor requirements)
**WiIl coordinate with District's calendar start date.
108 Charter School Application LaMensa Academy-New Generation School (LANGS)
Reading, Sciellce alld Math ill Everyday Life.
IV.
STATEMENT OF ASSURANCES
This form must be signed by a duly authorized representative ofthe applicant group and submitted
with the application for a charter school.
As the authorized representative of the applicant group, I hereby certify under the penalties of perjury
that the information submitted in this application for a charter for LaMensa Academy New
~~~~~~~ is true to the best of my knowledge and belief; and further, I certify that, if
awarded a charter, the school:
• Will be nonsectarian in its programs, admission policies, employment practices and operations. • Will enroll any eligible student who submits a timely application, unless the school receives a greater number of applications than there are spaces for students, in which case students will be admitted through a random selection process. • Will adhere to the antidiscrimination provisions of s. 1000.05.
• Will adhere to all applicable provision of Federal law relating to the education of students with disabilities, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; section 504 ofthe Rehabilitation Act of 1974; and Title II ofthe Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. • Will adhere to all applicable provisions of Federal law relating to students who are limited English proficient, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974. • Will participate in the statewide assessment program created under s. 1003.43.
• Will comply with Florida statutes relating to public records and public meetings, including Chapter 119, Florida Statutes and s. 286.011, Florida Statutes, which are applicable to applicants even prior to being granted a charter. • Will obtain and keep current all necessary permits, licenses and certifications related to
fire, health and safety within the building and on school property.
• Will provide for an annual financial audit in accordance with s. 218.39.
The governing board, at its discretion, allows
(name),
to sign as the legal correspondent for the school.
Signature Date
Printed Name
109