Ivy Creek School
Student & Family
Handbook
2013 – 2014
Ivy Creek School
227 Lambs Lane
Charlottesville Va. 22901
Office: 434-975-9420 Fax: 434-975-9422
Website: www.prepivycreek.org
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IVY CREEK SCHOOL
227 Lambs Lane
Charlottesville Va. 22901
Office: 434-975-9420 Fax: 434-975-9422
Ivy Creek School (ICS) serves the needs of students from the counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fluvanna,
Greene, Louisa, Nelson, Madison, and Rappahannock, and the city of Charlottesville, who have been identified
through the special education process as emotionally disabled and in need of a specialized separate day school
placement. Located in the Albemarle High School, Jack Jouett Middle School, and Greer Elementary School
complex, Ivy Creek School has the capability of serving 72 students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. In
general, our students have difficulty managing their feelings, controlling their behavior, and making good
choices. They may appear angry, depressed, anxious, unsure of themselves, and/or in need of support and
understanding. In order to function successfully, it is essential for our students to learn to manage their
emotions and behaviors appropriately and to respond to expectations placed upon them. To this end, Ivy Creek
staff work with the student, and those adults involved with him/her, towards finding acceptable alternatives. To
help our students accomplish this challenging task, we first provide a safe and nurturing environment in which
they can develop positive and lasting relationships. These relationships are fundamental and used along with
other supports to help our students become well functioning individuals. Those supports include a variety of
counseling methods, well designed instruction, assorted and engaging learning opportunities, and enrichment
activities which provide opportunities to develop vocational and life skills. These and other methods are used to
help our students develop a sense of themselves as competent learners and capable of interacting with others
successfully at work, at home, and in their communities.
PHILOSOPHY
Our belief is that each student should be supported to progress at a rate that is appropriate to his/her own
learning style and developmental level. We are dedicated to providing our students with functional learning
experiences that will serve to:

increase their sense of self-worth;

assist in the development of trust in themselves and others;

help in the attainment of academic skills that are necessary to be successful as students and productive
adults;

help them learn positive strategies for coping with day to day personal interactions and relationships;

help them develop strategies that will enable them to manage their emotions effectively;

develop vocational readiness and the skills necessary for employment;
MISSION
Consistent with our philosophy, the school strives to:

provide a program of the highest quality which is designed to foster student success in academic
learning, adaptive behavior, and social consciousness;

provide services which will assist students in making satisfactory adjustment to the challenges created
by their disability;

hold the student’s personal integrity in the highest regard and provide the support and encouragement
necessary to promote the student’s sense of self-worth;

ensure the individual student’s physical and emotional safety and well-being through vigilance, sound
management strategies, and a sincere concern for each child in our care;

provide students with the kinds of information and experiences that will enhance their decision making
and success in the areas of pre-vocational and vocational training;

provide an education in the least restrictive environment which may include re-entry to regular school
environments;

provide consultation to parents and involved agencies which will help establish consistent, stable
expectations and positive growth enhancing experiences outside of school.
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STARTING THE DAY AT IVY CREEK
SCHOOL HOURS
School will begin at 9:00 a.m. and dismiss at 3:06 p.m. Parents who bring their children to school should
plan to arrive at 9:00 a.m. Staff members are often engaged in team meetings and other duties until 9:00
a.m. and are not available for student supervision.
MORNING OBSERVANCES
Ivy Creek School observes a Moment of Silence and provides the opportunity for students who wish to
participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance each morning.
LATE ARRIVAL /EARLY DISMISSAL
Students who arrive at school after 9:05 a.m. must come directly to the office with the parent/ adult who delivers
them to school to sign-in and receive a late slip. Parents should have their child at school on time due to the
disruption that late students create by entering class after the teacher has begun instruction.
In order for a student to be released early to someone other than their parent or guardian, the school must receive
signed, written permission from the parent or guardian naming the person who will pick up their child. That
person must have an identification card signed by the parent or guardian and will be required to show picture
identification. In addition, the parent should call the school to notify us of the early dismissal because the
school will need to verify the request (See Permission to Release to Persons Other Than Parent/Guardian). If a
parent picks up their child they must do so by 3:06 as staff frequently have after school meetings and are not
available to provide supervision. If parents do not arrive by the time buses are dismissed, their child will be
sent home on the bus. Parents must come to the school office to sign their child out.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY
Regular attendance is paramount for the consistency and continuity of our program here at Ivy Creek School. It
is necessary for maximum school achievement, development of positive work habits, and development of
responsibility needed for the transition from school to the world of work. Consistent attendance is necessary for
a student to make steady progress in academic achievement and/or behavior change. Thus the expectation is
that students attend school every scheduled school day for a full day unless excused for legitimate reasons. In
fact, the school is required by law to institute proceedings against any parent who fails to comply with
requirements of the compulsory attendance law. Section 221-254 of the Code of Virginia states that students are
required to remain in school until they reach their 18th birthday or until a high school diploma is earned. The
parent/ guardian or person having control or charge of a child within the compulsory attendance age is
responsible for the child’s regular and punctual attendance at school. It is also expected that the parent/
guardian will cooperate with school officials to remedy their child’s attendance problem. In addition, tardies
and early dismissals have a negative impact on students and the educational program as well and, consequently,
may also be considered under the school’s attendance policy.
TARDY TO SCHOOL
Students are expected to arrive at school and attend all classes on time daily. Tardiness is defined as arriving to
school after the official start time for school. A student arriving late to or leaving early from school must be
signed for by a parent/guardian in the office or someone with an ICS green card.
Excessive and unexcused tardiness to school or class creates a serious interruption of the orderly learning
process, and corrective action may be taken. Excessive tardiness is defined as more than four (4) tardies to
school within a semester, regardless of excused or unexcused. For regularly scheduled appointments that may
prevent the student from arriving on time to school, the principal may not count those tardies. If parent/guardian
does not sign the student into school, the tardy will be considered unexcused. A parent meeting can be called to
address excessive tardiness. If the student is 18 years old, the student must sign themselves in or out of school
and provide a reason for the tardy to the principal or designee.
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ABSENCES
Students shall attend school for a full day unless otherwise excused. Secondary students shall be scheduled for a
full school day unless they are enrolled in a cooperative work-study program. All other exceptions to a full day
schedule must be approved on an individual basis by the principal or designee.
Every reasonable effort will be made to contact a parent/guardian of each absent student every day, and a log
will be kept of call attempts and reasons for absences.
Students who are absent must bring a valid note for absence upon returning to school. The note must state a
reason for the absence and not simply excuse the absence. A valid note will be accepted within three days of an
absence. After the three day limit, the absence is unexcused.
ACCEPTABLE REASONS FOR TARDY OR ABSENCE
Recognizing that there are legitimate circumstances that may prevent students from being in school or on time,
the principal shall excuse students who are absent or tardy because of:
● Personal illness
● Death in the family
● Medical or dental appointment
● Court appearance
● Religious holiday or instruction
● Emergency that, in the judgment of the principal, requires absence from school
● Trip that extends or enhances education, when such a trip is approved in advance by the principal
The principal or designee must approve in advance requests for excused absences for reasons not listed above.
See section on Special Truancy Situation for exception to acceptable reasons.
18 YEAR OLD STUDENT IN SCHOOL
A student who attains the age of 18 before graduation remains under the supervision of Ivy Creek personnel.
The student must comply with the rules for attendance and dismissal. A student shall, if arriving late or leaving
early, confer with the principal or designee to explain reasoning for such act. The principal or designee shall
make the determination of an excused or unexcused absence or tardy.
MAKE UP WORK DUE TO ABSENCE
A student is expected to make up work for all classes missed within five (5) days of return to school.
Extenuating circumstances may be considered by the teacher in extending the time limit.
ABSENCES, CLASS CREDIT, AND PROMOTION
The principal has the discretion to deny credit for a course to a student who misses more than eight (8) single
class days or the equivalent block time during a semester, regardless of excused or unexcused absence.
The principal has the discretion to deny promotion to a student who misses more than fifteen (15) days during
the school year, regardless of excused or unexcused absence.
Any decision to deny credit or promotion may be appealed to the PREP Executive Director for final disposition.
NOTICE TO PARENTS/ GUARDIANS OF ATTENDANCE ISSUES
Upon the fourth absence without parent/guardian awareness and support (unexcused), a letter will be sent to the
home to notify parent/guardian formally of the unexcused absences.
Upon the fifth absence without parent/guardian awareness and support (unexcused), and reasonable efforts to
notify the parent/guardian of the absences have failed, the principal and staff along with the student, and the
student’s parent/guardian shall jointly develop a plan to resolve nonattendance. This can take place
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electronically (phone, email). A review of the student’s attendance as well as an explanation for absences will
be documented on an Attendance Plan.
Upon the sixth absence without parent/guardian awareness and support, the principal or designee shall schedule
a conference within 10 days of the absence which shall be held no later than 15 days after the sixth absence.
Other community service providers may also be invited to the conference. The principal or designee or the
attendance officer shall meet with the parent/guardian and student to review the Attendance Plan and make
appropriate adjustments.
Upon the seventh absence by such student, without indication that the student’s parent/guardian is aware of and
supports the absence, the school principal or designee shall file a complaint with the Juvenile and Domestic
Relations Court alleging the student is a child in need of supervision and/or instituting proceedings against the
parent/guardian. In filing a complaint against the student, the principal or designee shall provide written
documentation of the efforts undertaken to resolve the student’s absence. If the student’s parents have joint
physical custody of the student and the school has notice of the custody arrangement, then both parents shall be
notified at their last known addresses.
EXCESSIVE EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED ABSENCES COMBINED
If a child has absences totaling more than ten (10) days, a meeting may be called by the principal or designee to
develop an Attendance Plan. This meeting will include relevant team members, parent/guardian and student.
Other community service providers may also be invited to the conference.
EXCESSIVE TARDIES/ ABSENCES
If a student has excessive tardiness, as defined above, a meeting may be called to develop an Attendance Plan.
This meeting will include relevant team members, parent/guardian and student. Other community service
providers may also be invited to the conference.
SPECIAL TRUANCY SITUATION
A special truancy situation is defined as a student’s pattern of absence that demonstrates a choice by the student
not to attend school. A student’s choice not to attend school can present a parent/guardian with a difficult
decision. This decision centers on either supporting or not supporting their child in the choice to not attend
school. The law states that it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to insure school attendance. If the
parent/guardian does not know their child has not attended school, or does not support a choice not to attend, the
absence is unexcused. If the parent/guardian knowingly supports their child’s choice to be absent from school,
the parent/guardian is not complying with the law, even though the parent/guardian may provide the school with
an excuse for their child’s absence. This situation will be an unexcused absence and may be determined a
Special Truancy Situation.
The principal determines a Special Truancy Situation with input from the student’s team. Once the principal
decides a student’s pattern of absences is a Special Truancy Situation, excuses from parents/guardians must be
supported with outside documentation. For example, if the parent/guardian excuses the student due to illness,
then a note from a treating doctor must be included with the parent note.
If supporting documentation does not satisfy the principal’s concern for the student’s absence, the principal may
file a complaint with the court alleging the parent/guardian is not complying with the law.
UNAUTHORIZED DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOL
Staff will follow any Kindergarten through 8th grade student who leaves the grounds without permission and the
parents and police will be notified.
Students in grades 9 through 12 will not be followed once they leave the school grounds. Parents and police
will be notified.
SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL
Students may be suspended for a variety of infractions; however, school staff will do all that is possible to avoid
taking this step. In the event that suspension becomes necessary, the parent will be contacted, as will the offices
of transportation and special education of the student’s school system.
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PERMISSION TO RELEASE TO PERSON OTHER THAN PARENT/GUARDIAN
Parents/ guardians will receive Ivy Creek Identification Cards for the parent to complete and distribute to
persons who have permission to pick up their child prior to or at the end of the school day. Parents must
complete an Ivy Creek Student Pick-Up Permission Card that lists the names of all persons, including the parent/
guardian, who have permission to remove their child from school or who have permission to pick up their child
at the close of school. Students will not be released to anyone under 18 years old unless that person is a sibling
with written parent permission.
The identification cards must be completed in total and signed by the parent or guardian. This card should be
presented to the secretary when picking the student up for early dismissal. If, for any reason, someone without
an identification card requests to take a child out of school the person’s name must be on the Pick-Up
Permission Card. That person must also have acceptable picture identification such as a driver’s license. If the
person does not have identification, we will attempt to contact the parent or guardian. If we are unable to do so,
we will not allow the child to be released. Safety of the student shall be the primary consideration when making
a decision about dismissal.
LEGAL CUSTODY
Students will be released only to parents or individuals to whom parents have provided permission and issued an
identification card. Any court order document such as a “no contact order” must be on file with the school in
order for school personnel to deny parental access to the child. Verbal directives cannot be honored.
TRANSPORTATION
All students who attend Ivy Creek School receive transportation to and from school in a car or bus provided by
the school system in which the child is registered. Student behavior on the bus or in the automobile must, for
safety reasons, remain under control at all times. In the event of a problem during the time the students are
being transported, the following steps will be taken.
 A report will be provided to the school by the driver describing the incident;
 A staff member will be assigned to investigate the incident by interviewing the individuals involved;
 Depending on the severity of the incident, the parent may be notified and a consequence may be
recommended to the school system.
Incidents which are considered to have created unsafe conditions or which involve physical assault of another
person will be investigated and reported to school system’s transportation office to determine consequences.
Repeated behavior problems on the bus or in the car may also result in suspension from transportation.
The school does not have the authority to alter transportation routes or to approve and change pick up or
delivery points. Students will only be transported from home to school and from school to home unless the
parent or guardian has made prior arrangements with the appropriate school division transportation
office.
Students Driving to School
Students are not permitted to drive themselves to school.
LATE SCHOOL OPENING/EARLY CLOSING
Ivy Creek School follows the Albemarle County School policy and procedures for late school opening or early
dismissal from school due to inclement weather or other emergencies. During periods of severe weather,
parents are encouraged to tune their radio or TV to a local station, or to call the school closing line at 296-5886.
IF NO PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT THE OPENING OR CLOSING OF ALBEMARLE
COUNTY SCHOOLS IS MADE, IVY CREEK SCHOOL WILL OPERATE ON SCHEDULE. PLEASE
DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL, RADIO OR TV STATIONS BECAUSE IT WILL TIE UP
TELEPHONE LINES THAT MAY BE NEEDED FOR EMERGENCIES.
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BUILDING STRONG LINES OF COMMUNICATION
CONFERENCES AND IEP MEETINGS
Parent conferences will be scheduled for once each semester. Notices will be sent to parents announcing the
conference dates. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings.
An IEP meeting must be held at least once each calendar year to review the student’s progress and to determine
what changes are necessary and whether there are any additional needs. The IEP meeting is extremely
important and parents/ guardians are strongly encouraged to make every effort to attend and participate in the
development of the IEP. School staff will attempt to contact parents/ guardians directly to arrange for a
mutually convenient time. If we are unable to contact a parent directly a written notice of a proposed time and
date for the IEP meeting will be sent and the meeting will proceed unless we receive a request to reschedule the
meeting for another date and time. Written notice will be sent at least five days prior to the meeting.
PARENT-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
It is important that the school and parent maintain close communication concerning student progress. Teachers
and other team members will contact the parent frequently to convey information on how well the student is
doing. The parent will be informed in the event physical restraint of their child becomes necessary, or if their
child is involved in a physical altercation.
Parents are encouraged to call the school to schedule a conference with their child’s teacher or other team
members or to check on their child’s current progress. Staff members are generally not able to meet or speak at
length with parents during the school day without an appointment because of their duties in class and may need
to schedule to speak at a different time. Please try to call before 9:00 am or after 3:15 pm if at all possible.
WEBSITE, NEWSLETTERS AND CALENDARS
Our website is prepivycreek.com The school will provide parents with notification of important events and
meetings. Please refer to the enclosed Albemarle calendar for holidays and teacher workdays. A newsletter
will also be distributed as appropriate as a means of keeping parents informed of school events.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Parents seeking information related to their child’s school program may call the following offices for assistance:
Ivy Creek School
975-9420
Albemarle County Schools
Transportation
Special Education
Dept. of Social Services
973-5716
296-5885
972-4010
Charlottesville City Schools
Transportation
Special Education
Dept. of Social Services
970-3532
245-2405
970-3400
Culpeper County Schools
Transportation
Special Education
Dept. of Social Services
540-825-3677
540-825-3677
540-727-0872
Fluvanna County Schools
Transportation
Special Education
589-4342
589-8252
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Dept. of Social Services
842-8221
Greene County Schools
Transportation
Special Education
Dept. of Social Services
985-5296
985-5254
985-5246
Louisa County Schools
Transportation
Special Education
Dept. of Social Services
540-894-4237
540-894-5115
540-967-9542
Madison County Schools
Transportation
Special Education
Dept. of Social Services
540-948-3787
540-948-3780
540-948-5521
Nelson County Schools
Transportation
Special Education
Dept. of Social Services
263-5095
263-7100
263-8334
Rappahannock County Schools
Transportation
Special Education
Dept. of Social Services
540-987-8591
540-987-8773
540-675-3313
STUDENT INJURY/ACCIDENT/ILLNESS AT SCHOOL
Students who become ill or who sustain minor injuries while at school will receive assistance from school staff.
The parent will be contacted in the event the injury or condition is more serious.
It is very important that we have all telephone numbers where the parent/guardian may be reached. It is
also extremely important for us to have emergency numbers for at least two other people who may be
contacted if the parent/ guardian cannot be reached.
EMERGENCY DATA SHEET
Each parent is required to complete a data sheet containing vital information needed the by school. It is
extremely important that the school has a correct mailing address, a physical home address (if different), and
telephone numbers (work and home). It is critically important that this information be updated as soon as a
change is made.
MEDICATION POLICY
School personal will assist students with medication provided the following procedures are followed:
Prescription Medications

Medication will be given to students only with a signed physician’s order and a signed Request to Medicate
form from the parent/guardian.

The physician’s order must include the duration of the order, the name of the medication, and the dosage
and time to be administered.

Medication must be in its original container and given to a staff member by an adult.

Medication in the possession of the student will be confiscated and the parent will be called.
Nonprescription Medications

Nonprescription medication may be given to the student only with the written permission of the parent or
guardian.

Written permission must include the name of the medication, dosages required, and the times to be
administered.
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

Medication must be in its original container and given to a staff member by an adult.
Nonprescription medication will not be given for more than five consecutive days without a physician’s
directive.
STUDENT INSURANCE
Parents will be notified of the opportunity to purchase student accident insurance that covers injuries due to
accidents that occur during the school hours. The school does not maintain accident insurance on students.
In the event a child requires immediate medical attention, the cost of all treatment will be the responsibility of
the parent/ guardian. Payment for the insurance is to be made directly to the insurance company. It should not
be sent to the school.
There are several other programs that provide medical care for students based on eligibility. The Family Access
to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS) is designed for families who can’t afford private health insurance
but earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. Information on agencies, community resources, and health facilities
can be accessed through the school office.
GENERAL OPERATIONS
CLASSROOM MATERIAL
The parent/ guardian is responsible for ensuring that their child has paper, pencils, and other materials needed to
participate in the school program. Teachers will provide parents with a list of any needed materials at the
beginning of the school year.
T oys, playing cards, personal stereos, electronic games, etc. may not be brought to school without explicit
permission from the principal. The choice to allow these items is at the principal’s discretion. Personal
possessions not needed for academic instruction may be secured in a locked cabinet during the day at the
teacher’s or principal’s discretion. When personal possessions are used without authorization they may be
confiscated and kept until the parent/guardian picks the item up. The principal may prohibit a student from
bringing any items not essential to academic instruction if the student abuses the privilege offered by the
teacher.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND SNACKS
Students who do not receive free or reduced lunch may purchase a lunch through the Albemarle County Schools
Food Service Department at a cost of $2.30 per day for elementary students and $2.55 for the middle and
high school students. Breakfast is available for $1.35 per day. Reduced price for breakfast costs $0.30 and
lunch costs $0.40. A student who forgets to bring lunch money or loses it may borrow money from the office.
A second loan of lunch money will not be made until the first loan has been repaid. Applications for free or
reduced lunch will be sent to all parents at the beginning of the school year. The cost of lunch for students
eligible for a reduced fee is .40 cents per day and breakfast is available for .30 cents per day.
Snacks are often made available to students in the mornings and occasionally during the day. Parents may send
nutritional snacks to school with their child. Please do not send candy, gum or other non-food items. Bottled
water and juice drinks may be available for purchase at lunch time. Carbonated beverages will not be available
for purchase by students during the school day.
SCHOOL VISITORS
In order for the school to be operated in a safe and secure manner, all visitors to the school must comply with
the following procedures:

Report to the office before entering any other area of the school facility;

Sign-in on the Visitor’s Log;

Obtain a visitor’s identification label that is to be worn during your stay at school.
The staff of Ivy Creek will direct any visitor who is not wearing an identification label to report immediately to
the office.
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VOLUNTEERS
Parents and other responsible adults over the age of 21 are encouraged to volunteer their services to the school.
Persons wishing to volunteer will be required to agree to a criminal background record review. Parents are
encouraged to visit their child’s classroom and/or serve as field trip chaperones. Should you wish to visit the
classroom, we would appreciate it if you would make an appointment to do so. We also hope you will
understand the need for confidentiality and respect the privacy of other children and their parents.
FIELD TRIPS/OFF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
Parents will be asked to sign an Off Campus Permission form for field trips and other activities that will take
place away from the school facility. These activities are a part of the total school program and are an important
part of each student’s experience at Ivy Creek. Parents may, on occasion, be asked to serve as a chaperone for
school trips. No sibling of an Ivy Creek student, who is under 21 years of age, will be permitted to ride the
school bus or act as a chaperone.
Parents will receive notification in advance of trips that will take a major part of the day and/ or involve travel of
more than 20 miles from the school.
STUDENT USE OF TELEPHONE
Students may not use the telephone without specific staff approval. Approval is given dependent upon the
appropriateness of the student’s purpose.
USE OF PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY AT SCHOOL
Students may possess electronic or communication devices on school property, including school transportation.
Devices must remain off during school time unless being used for instructional purposes at teacher direction.
Students may not use such devices during ‘non-instructional’ times.
Devices may be turned on by students at bus dismissal outside of the building. If misuse of device is
determined by any staff member at that time, disciplinary action may be employed.
The school is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage of any personal electronic, listening, or communication
device.
Students are encouraged to turn their electronic and/or communication device(s) into the office. If a
student turns his/her device into the office, it will be returned to student before leaving the school premises.
The use of an electronic device as a recording device or camera is strictly prohibited on school grounds,
unless authorized by the teacher for instructional purposes. This includes audio/video recordings and still
photography.
Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action including, but not limited to, suspension and/or
confiscation of the device by school officials. The principal may elect to return the portable communication
device to the student’s parent or guardian or return it to the student and contact the parent or guardian.
If a disciplinary action is warranted, the principal may restrict possession of the device on school property.
STUDENT USE OF COMPUTER

Computers are used to reinforce academic skills and concepts, to improve technology skills, and
occasionally as an incentive.

Any use of the computer as an incentive, such as games or drawing, will be strictly monitored for a specific
period of time, not to exceed 15 minutes.

Participation in violent games, chat rooms, and pornographic websites is strictly prohibited.

Each student and a parent must read and sign an agreement to use the school computers appropriately.
Failure to comply with expectations can result in the loss of computer privileges.
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REPORT CARDS AND MONITORING STUDENT PROGRESS
Report cards will be issued each nine weeks for all students. In addition to report cards, parents will receive an
IEP Progress Report from the student’s team that updates the student’s progress in meeting his/her IEP goals
and objectives. Data from a variety of sources concerning student progress will be shared with parents during
conferences and meetings.
GRADING SCALE
100 – 90 = A
89 – 80 = B
79 – 70= C
69 – 60 = D
59 – below = F
STUDENTS AS COMMUNITY MEMBERS
RESPONSIBILITY OF STUDENTS
 Attend school regularly.
 Demonstrate behavior that recognizes and respects the rights of others.
 Know and follow the school’s rules and expected standards of behavior.
 Know the consequences for violations of the school’s rules.
 Accept the consequences of behaviors.
 Accept and demonstrate the obligation of good citizenship to help prevent conflict and to help resolve
conflicts when they occur.
 Bring to the attention of school officials or the School Resource Officer (SRO) information that could be
used to prevent harm and bodily injury to others or damage to school property.
PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION (PDA)
Hand holding and brief hugs are the only public displays of affection acceptable at Ivy Creek School. Staff may
request that a student not engage in public displays of affection if they observe the student(s) acting
inappropriately. It is expected that public displays of affection not interfere with the daily operation of the
school and/or classrooms.
STUDENT LIFE
Students at Ivy Creek School may qualify to participate in programs intended to enhance their educational
experience. These opportunities include volunteer experiences, work-study placements, and our Enrichment
Program.
SPORTSMANSHIP
Sportsmanship teaches respect for our school, others, and ourselves. It is with that in mind that Ivy Creek School
expects students engaged in athletic activities to:
 Use appropriate language.
 Treat opponents with respect.
 Exercise self-control.
 Respect the official’s judgement and interpretation of the rules.
 Be fair and encouraging of others.
CREATING A POSITIVE AND SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
STUDENT DRESS CODE
Parents and students are asked to use common sense and good taste in selecting clothing to be worn to school.
Clothing, jewelry, or other apparel or personal belongings that display words or pictures that suggest vulgarity,
obscenities, violence, gang activity, or reflects adversely on persons due to race, gender, creed, national origin,
physical, emotional, or intellectual abilities, display of the Confederate Flag, or use of alcohol, tobacco, or
illegal substances is prohibited.
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Unacceptable clothing may include but is not limited to:

Sleeveless clothing which is revealing
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Sleeveless clothing that reveals under-clothing
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Any see-through clothing
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Very short skirts or shorts
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Any apparel that shows mid-drift – front or back
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Pants that hang below the hips
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Hats, “do rags,” and bandanas
Clothing that causes undue attention or disruption may result in the student’s removal from the classroom or
activity. Additionally, the parent may be required to bring a change of clothing to the school. If a hygiene
problem is noted this will be discussed with the student and their parents/ guardians to resolve the problem. If
the hygiene problem disrupts the classroom the student may be removed from the classroom temporarily until
the issue is resolved.
INSURING A SAFE SCHOOL
Ivy Creek School is committed to providing an educational environment that is conducive to learning and
provides safety to all, both staff and students. There are cases when the intervention of the principal or the
principal’s designee is absolutely necessary. The following is a partial list of offenses that will not be tolerated
at Ivy Creek School and will require the immediate intervention of the principal or the principal’s designee. If
deemed necessary, these offenses can be reported to law enforcement and/or referred directly to the Courts by
the principal or the administrative designee. Students should be aware of the potential consequences for
committing or participating in these acts. The law governing the prosecution of juveniles as adults permits
juveniles age 14 or older to be prosecuted as adults under certain circumstances.

Gambling: Playing games of chance for money or valuables on school property or during any schoolrelated activity.
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Theft: The unlawful seizure of school property or personal property of school staff or students.
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Trespassing: Students and non-students (including students who have been suspended or expelled) are
prohibited from being present on school property or from using school facilities without proper authority or
permission.
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Sexual harassment: Any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate
verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
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Gang activity: Any group activity that threatens, that is illegal or violent, or that portends the development
of gang activity, which may include wearing gang-related apparel, inappropriate congregating, bullying, and
harassment of others.
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Arson: Setting fire to or attempting to set fire to school property or the property of another on school
grounds or any school property.
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Stalking: Intentionally pursuing another person with the intent to cause fear of harm, bodily injury, or death.
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Threats: Making oral or written threats to do bodily injury or to harm other students or school personnel at
school, on the school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity.
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Extortion: Obtaining property from another by use of force, fear, threat, or intimidation.
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Vandalism: Willful or malicious defacing of school property, including graffiti, and willful or malicious
defacing of private property on school grounds or during school activities.

Assault: Intentional physical aggression towards other students or staff.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
Ivy Creek School follows the Fluvanna County Public School policy manual when engaging in search and
seizure efforts. These policies attempt to insure the health, safety and welfare of staff and students. Student
desks are the property of the school; administration reserves the right to search desks.
PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING UNLAWFUL ACTS TO SCHOOL AUTHORITIES
Ivy Creek School takes a strong stance against acts that infringe upon the rights and property of others. Ivy
Creek seeks to maintain a safe atmosphere for all where both students and staff can feel safe and work
productively. All unlawful acts should be immediately reported to the classroom staff and, when necessary, the
principal or the administrative designee.
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PHYSICAL AGGRESSION/ ASSAULT
Physical aggression directed toward other students or adults will not be tolerated and will result in immediate
disciplinary action which may include suspension, contact with the Albemarle County Police, and/or referral to
Court Services.
DAMAGE/ VANDALISIM TO SCHOOL PROPERTY
The school will notify parents of any damages caused by their child. An attempt will be made to develop a plan
with the parents and student to repair or pay for the damages. Ivy Creek School may institute court action to
recover damages that are the result of willful or malicious destruction and/or vandalism of school or personal
property caused by a student if the plan to pay for or repair damages is not completed.
ILLEGAL AND/OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND MATERIAL/EQUIPMENT
Alcohol, including non-alcoholic beer, unauthorized drugs or “look alikes,” and drug paraphernalia are not
allowed on school grounds or at school activities. Possession or use of any of the above may result in
immediate contact with the Albemarle County Police Department, confiscation, and/or disciplinary action
including the possibility of long-term suspension. Students who arrive at school under the influence of any
illegal or non-prescribed controlled drug will be suspended.
TOBACCO
The use or possession of tobacco products or smoking paraphernalia (lighters & matches) by students on school
property is prohibited. Violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action and/or referred to the
Albemarle County Police Department for a citation for underage possession.
WEAPONS
Students are prohibited from bringing any equipment or material to school that may be used to inflict harm to
another individual. Guns, knives, fighting paraphernalia, or items such as chains, baseball bats, golf clubs, or
fire works are not to be brought to school. Violation of this policy will result in immediate referral to the
Albemarle County Police Department.
OUR GOAL: POSITIVE BEHAVIOR CHANGE
BEHAVIOR CHANGE AND MANAGEMENT
A primary goal of Ivy Creek School is to provide students with the kind of school experience that will enable
them to grow emotionally and socially, and to assume ever increasing responsibility for their own behavior.
Behavior Management includes interventions which are based upon the individual needs of the student. The
techniques used are intended to serve as a means of helping students learn appropriate self–control. Below are
examples of some interventions that may be used:

Verbal Support: Staff member(s) attempt to engage the student in discussion and in making appropriate
decisions.

Verbal Direction: Staff member(s) provide the student with information regarding expectations and with a
directive intended to bring the student’s behavior into compliance.

Time Out: Provides an opportunity for the student to regain control within the classroom, or another
designated setting, before the behavior becomes a safety issue or excessively disruptive of the classroom. A
time out may be initiated by the student or may be suggested or directed by a staff member.

Tutorial/ Regrouping: Tutorial is used when a student needs a smaller instructional setting in order to
complete his/her work. The student may ask to use the tutorial room or they may be directed there by staff.
Exit from the room is based on a discussion between the staff member and the student. Use of the room for
regrouping is based on the student’s level of agitation or disruption within the classroom. Again, the student
may request to go to the regrouping room or may be directed by a staff member. Regrouping is meant to
provide the student an opportunity to calm down, discuss what may be agitating him/ her, and then return to
the room as soon as possible. It is not meant to be punitive but rather an opportunity to calm down and
discuss how to reenter the classroom successfully. Staff may set basic expectations for the student’s
behavior before the return to class. The time in the tutorial/ regrouping room is not set and is dependent on
the student’s ability to demonstrate adequate control of their behavior. This is considered an alternative
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instructional area where they can continue to receive instruction. Availability of the room may be
dependent on how many students need an alternative area.
Quiet Room/Seclusion: Seclusion is for students who are so highly agitated or out of control that there is a
safety concern. Seclusion is intended to provide a non-stimulating area to calm down in before processing
what led to the behavior. It is not used as a consequence for behavior. Consequences, if any, for
inappropriate behavior will be discussed with the student following seclusion and processing. If a student
becomes behaviorally disruptive and unsafe he/she may be asked to enter a seclusion room or use the
seclusion area to calm down before processing the situation. If the student remains in the seclusion room
and does not attempt to hurt others the door may remain open. Time in a seclusion room will not exceed 10
minutes after a staff member deems the student is calm. If a student is so loud while in a seclusion room
that they are disruptive to classes the door may be closed. Before closing a door staff must consider the
student’s history and whether being enclosed and/ or alone in the seclusion room may be overwhelming. If
the student attempts to leave the room the door may be closed but left unlocked. The use of this intervention
will be discussed with the student and the parent and a plan will be developed for future incidents of this
nature. The door will be locked only if staff or other students are in imminent danger or as specified in the
student’s Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). If the door is locked, a staff member will remain at the door at
all times to monitor the student. The principal or his designee and the School Resource Officer (SRO) must
be informed of the situation immediately. After the student has demonstrated that he/she is calm, the
situation that led to assignment to seclusion will be processed to help the student plan how to manage
his/her behavior more appropriately in the future.
Escort/Physical Restraint: Students who are out of control and represent a danger to self, others, or
property may be escorted to another area or physically restrained. MANDT techniques are used to escort
or restrain students. All staff members are trained in the use of the MANDT System which emphasizes
strong relationships, proactive interventions, and de-escalation of agitated persons. Physical techniques are
used as a final response for safety.
Crisis Counseling: The student is counseled by a staff member to assist him/ her in calming down and
learning more appropriate and effective ways to express feelings and needs.
Clinical Counseling: The clinician provides individual and/ or group counseling each week which is
designed to support improvement in school performance.
Parent Support: A team member may contact parents whenever a student’s behavior cannot be brought
under control. In such instances, parents may be asked to talk with their child or to come the school for a
conference.
Department of Special Education: A representative of the student’s home school system may be asked to
assist the school staff by offering suggestions on ways to manage the student, scheduling a meeting with the
parent, completing a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), and/or
helping to determine whether an IEP meeting is necessary to consider the appropriateness of the student’s
current educational program or placement.
Community Support Agencies: Various community and governmental agencies may be asked to provide
assistance in the planning and implementation of additional services and strategies for meeting the student’s
needs.
In-School Suspension (ISS)
ISS is a disciplinary setting. A student may be assigned to ISS for major transgressions within the school and/
or major disruptions within the classroom or school that are evaluated as purposeful. While in ISS the student is
provided with very specific behavior and academic expectations. Failure to meet those expectations may lead to
more time in ISS and/or Out of School Suspension.
A student may only be assigned to ISS with the approval of the principal or his designee, in consultation with
the student’s classroom team. While assigned to the ISS, the student continues to receive all services required
by the IEP. The student will be provided with specific conditions that must be met in order for him/her to return
to the regular school program. During the time the student is assigned to ISS he or she will:

be expected to not talk or interact with other students or with staff (except for assistance with class work);

not be permitted to engage in any incentive or off campus activity;

not participate in any activity with the other students.
If the student is disruptive within the ISS setting he/she may be directed to go to the Seclusion Area.
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Out of School Suspension (OSS)
OSS is a disciplinary procedure administered by the principal or designee. This is the removal of a student from
school for a severe behavior or pattern of behavior.
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IVY CREEK STAFF
2013-2014
Administrative
Dr. Nicholas Smith
Ms. Karen Shapero Jones
Mr. Michael Friedman
Principal
Program Coordinator
Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator
Office Staff
Mrs. Cheryl Butler
Ms. Charlcie Fielding
School Secretary
Office/Program Specialist
Elementary School Staff
Ms. Jennifer Gentry
Mr. Jarrod Roebuck
Ms. Denise King
Ms. Camille Richie
Mrs. Maiya Ruys
Ms. Laura Cote’
Ms. Francesca LoMonaco
Mr. Eric Wilson
Dr. Anne Welch
Mr. Jermaine Dyer
Ms. Michelle Jackson
Mrs. Stephanie Suhler
Ms. Niki Anderson
Dr. Joseph Pellegrino
Teacher
Program Specialist
Program Specialist
Interpreter
Teacher
Program Specialist
Program Specialist
Program Specialist
Teacher
Program Specialist
Program Specialist
Teacher
Program Specialist
Clinical Psychologist
Middle School Staff
Miss Judith Crosby
Mr. Kenneth Washington
Mrs. Alexis McManus
Mr. John Barker
Mr. Kerry Shelton
Ms. Tequila Carr
Mr. Richard Myers
Mrs. Carolyn Hart
Mr. Robert Jordan
Dr. Carolyn Johnson
Teacher
Program Specialist
Program Specialist
Teacher
Program Specialist
Program Specialist
Teacher
Program Specialist
Program Specialist
Clinical Psychologist
High School Staff
Ms. Jennifer Middlesworth
Mr. Robert Anthony
Mrs. Monica Green
Mrs. Angie Jones
Mr. Ralph Wilson
Ms. Brenna Johnston
Ms. Leah Fechtmann
Mr. Tony Franklin
Mr. Kevin Hughes
Mr. Mark Ratzlaff
Teacher
Program Specialist
Program Specialist
Teacher
Program Specialist
Program Specialist
Teacher
Program Specialist
Program Specialist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Educational Support
Mr. Robert Ferguson
Ms. Eva Olszewski
Job Coach
Job Coach
Recreation Program
Mr. Mark Wilson
Physical Education Instructor
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