Welcome Package · 2020. 8. 13. · Admissions Department: (919)538-7000 Phone: Elementary School...

Admissions Department: (919)538-7000

Phone: Elementary School – (919)850-9960 Phone: Middle School – (919)791-9704 Email: [email protected] Website: Tlaedu.org

Welcome Package

2020 – 2021 School Year

Welcome to Torchlight Academy!!

K - 8 Public Charter School

Celebrating our 19th year!!

mailto:[email protected]



Zoom Virtual Open House

August 10th – Grades K Group A at 9:00 a.m. Group B at 10:30 a.m. and

Group C at 12: Noon (you will be notified of your group/teacher by August 6th)

August 11th – Grades 1 at 9:30 a.m. & Grades 2 at 10:30 a.m.

August 12th – Grades 3 at 9:30 a.m. & Grades 4 at 10:30 a.m.

August 13th – Grades 5 at 9:30 a.m.

August 14th – Grades 6 at 9: 30 a.m. & Grades 7 and 8 at 10:30 a.m.

Zoom login and password will be sent to you August 6th

The Governor of North Carolina mandated that large gatherings are prohibited.

Therefore, In-person Open House date is to be determined.




Torchlight Academy ranked #1 in Math and Reading growth among all

N.C Charter Schools

Torchlight Academy is a FREE public charter school with the

feel of a Private education.

Dr. Melvin Wallace Middle School Principal

Dr. Adonis Blue Elementary School Principal

Dr. Cynthia McQueen

Superintendent/Principal




We offer: FREE REGISTRATION

Free Transportation Private School Setting Uniforms Computers Innovative Teachers

Special Education Spanish Lessons Drill (Marching) Chinese Lessons Physical Education

Language Services Character Development Free Breakfast & Lunch Character Development

FREE computer training for parents will be offered




Monday, August 17, 2020

The first day of school for ALL students

Welcome to our 19th school year at

Torchlight Academy!! Due to COVID-19 we will start our 2020-2021 school year August 17th; online (virtual) for ALL students

for at least two weeks. During that time, we will evaluate and assess the pandemic to see if we will extend

the online classes for all students. For students who registered to attend our Torchlight Academy Virtual

School; your classes will also begin on August 17th.

Please be assured that the health and well-being of Torchlight community is important to us, as we are

addressing your concerns. The school’s academic mission and our commitment to engaging the students

in meaningful learning will not change. However, we may adjust to meet the requirements of the CDC;

Local, State & Federal Government in a strong effort to safeguard our students and staff. When we return

in the building, there are some changes that will take place this school year such as, but not limited to:

• Increase the teaching of healthy hygiene behaviors

• Breakfast and lunch will be brought to the classrooms

• Limited visitation and access to the school building

• No access to water fountains

• Social distancing practices

• Daily temperature checks and wearing a facial mask

• Continuous cleaning of high touch areas

Dr. Cynthia McQueen, Superintendent Dr. A. Blue, Elementary School Principal Dr. M. Wallace, Middle School Principal

We are thrilled of the many sanitation

updates such as deep cleaning and

sanitizing all school buses and the

entire buildings (both Elementary

and Middle Schools). The installation

of new floors, carpets and fresh coat

of painting for the interior and

exterior campus areas. New

bathrooms for Girls and Boys.

Sophisticated top of the line

computerized temperature check

equipment at the entrance of the

hallway. The installation of hand

sanitizing stations and the

installation of plexi-glass in the office,

waiting area and other sections of

the building.

Added level of safety measures have been implemented to provide your child(ren) with a clean and healthy environment. Well Wishes!!




Students will virtually participate in the following specials which are built in each class schedules

(Sensei Bulow) Martial Arts: builds focused, confidence and self defense

Foreign Languages: Spanish, Chinese and Arabic

(Coach Clemons) Gym: physical activities and health

(Coach Polymin) Boxing: self-discipline and self defense

(Audrey Muhammad) Zumba: boost cardio-respiratory endurance

Start Date: Monday, August 17, 2020

The program will start in a virtual online environment until the children are allowed to return to the building.

Days: Mondays – Fridays Time: 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Parents who are interested in having their child(ren) join the program are to email:

[email protected] or call 919-332-6792 by August 17th as spaces are limited.

Torchlight Academy will participate in the 21st Century After-School

Program for the 2020-2021 school year. The program is open to both

Virtual students and Plan B (in the building students).

Homework

Assistance

Math, ELA, Science

Zumba, Yoga, Boxing




Zoom Transportation Parent Meetings

August 17th to August 28th

Additional information will be sent to parents the week of August 10th

Transportation Department: (919)538-7991

Email: [email protected]

❖ We provide free school bus rides to many before and after-school programs and

there are also after-school programs that provides transportation to and from our

school.

Afterschool Programs Suggestions

Name Address Telephone

Nana’s Fun House 4008 Mitchell Mill Rd 919-752-2815

Arrow Christian Center 4400 Old Poole Road 984-222-0277

Brentwood Childcare 4001 Green Road 919-872-6004

Rainbow Childcare Center 321 Spring Forest Road 919-870-1704

Boys Club 701 N. Raleigh Blvd 919-834-6282

Girls Club 701 N. Raleigh Blvd 919-834-6282

Boys and Girls Club 2025 New Hope Church Rd 919-790-8284

Salvation Army 902 Wake Forest Road 919-832-6918

Little Hands N Feet 2906 Brentwood Road 919-981-0034

Ms. Vans Childcare Center 2625 Trawick Road 919-431-8337

Irregular Time Enrichment 4030 Capital Blvd 919-877-4033





Torchlight Academy FAQs:

What will the first 2 weeks of school look like?

The first two weeks of school for all students will focus on orientation, assessments, meet and greet opportunities, distribution of supplies and transportation arrangements for those who choose to ride the bus.

What is Torchlight Academy’s default model?

Plan B is the default blended model with a consistent three-week rotation of (one-week at a time face to face in the building classroom instruction then followed by two weeks at home/remote online instruction). Students’ will be placed in three different groups (A, B & C). Only one group of students will be in the building per week, while the other two groups are at home doing online instruction. Siblings will also be grouped together. This plan is to maintain a safe and healthy environment by meeting all safety standards and to have social distancing in our classrooms. Parents who do not sign up for the Torchlight virtual school, will automatically be placed in Plan B schedule.

When will Plan B students receive their return to the building date?

Parents will get their Plan B and group (in the building) transition start date announcement on or before the week of August 17th.

Is Plan B, confirmed?

No, Plan B is not confirmed. Plan B is subjected to change at any time based on updated guidelines and regulations from the state and district, as our response to COVID-19 is ever changing. Therefore, Torchlight can move at any time to Plan C, where all students will participate in an alternate learning environment (online). More guidance will be provided for plan C if that should occur. Torchlight’s highest priority is the safety of our students and staff.

What will happen if the pandemic improves?

The school will move to Plan A. If the situation improves and schools are mandated to return to full in-person instruction, students who are enrolled in our virtual school may remain in the online program for the rest of the school year or they have the option to switch to in-person. Students who are in Plan B will return to school face-to face in the building setting (plan A) for the rest of the school year.

I requested a device, when will I get it?

Parents will be notified of dates and times to come by the school to pick up devices. Devices are loaners and must be returned to the school at the end of the school year. Parents will also be required to maintain social distancing and follow safety precautions when visiting the school.




When will I receive my child(ren) daily class schedule?

The teacher will provide the schedule prior to the first day of school August 17th.

How can I request a device?

You may email your requests to: [email protected].

Will my Elementary child have the same teacher for the core subjects?

Yes, Elementary students will have the same teacher for his/her core subjects

What will my child day look like?

Your child(ren) will have a rigorous and exciting day of learning using a synchronous and asynchronous platform for learning and teaching. This includes teacher & student time; tutoring, reading, office hours, social skills practice; physical fitness; discovery time; and other fun-fill activities. The curriculum has been revised and updated to meet the additional attention needed in the learning environment due to Corvid 19.




Torchlight Academy Dress Code For 2020 - 2021 School Year

================== Due to COVID-19, Torchlight Academy has revised our uniform policy for the 2020-2021 school year.

This is to make it easier for parents to wash their child(ren) clothes daily.

ALL students will wear navy blue Torchlight T shirt, blue jeans and sneakers.

(when we return to in the building instructions)

Each child will receive one FREE Torchlight navy blue T shirt. However, parents can buy additional Torchlight navy blue T shirts if they choose to do so.

Uniform for Middle Sch. Girls

Navy skirt, white button-down shirt,

navy blazer, black or navy dress shoes

white socks or stockings

Uniform for Middle Sch. Boys:

Navy pants, white button down

long/short sleeve shirt, navy blazer, red

tie, black shoes, black socks, black belt

Uniform for Elementary Sch. Girls Navy jumper, white button-down shirt, black or navy dress shoes, white socks or stockings Uniform for Elementary Sch. Boys Navy pants, white button down long/short sleeve shirt, navy tie, black shoes, black socks, black belt




Torchlight Academy Supply Lists

Plan B Students: When we return in the building, students MUST bring their own water daily. For the safety for all children they will not have access to our water fountains

Grade Kindergarten Grades 1 & 2

1 pack crayons 1 pack of 24 #2 pencils 1 pack #2 pencils 1 pack of 12 colored pencils 1 pencil sharpener 1 pencil sharpener 2 erasers 2 erasers 2 composition notebooks 4 composition notebooks 2 pocket folders (plastic) 2 pocket folders (plastic) 1 pack glue stick 1 plastic ruler 1 pair student scissors 1 student scissors 1 headphone with microphone 1 glue stick 1 pencil box 1 headphone with microphone 1 pack wide ruled paper 1 pack assorted color highlighters 1 pencil box

Grades 3, 4 & 5 Grades 6, 7 & 8

1 pack of 24 #2 pencils 1 pack of 24 #2 pencils 1 pack of 12 colored pencils 1 pack blue ink pen 1 pencil sharpener 1 pencil sharpener 1 eraser 1 eraser 4 spiral bound 3 subject notebooks 4 spiral bound 3 subject notebooks 4 hardcover notebooks 4 hardcover notebooks 1 headphone with microphone 1 pack highlighters 1 pack highlighter 2 -2’ binders (3 rings) 1 plastic ruler 1 pack graph paper 1 student dictionary 1 pack of 100 wide ruled paper 1 pack of sharpie markers (multi-colored) 1 student dictionary 1 pack of 100 wide ruled paper 1 graphing calculator T183 for 1 pair student scissors grade 8 students only 1 pack card stock (colored) 1 headphone with microphone 1 pencil box 1 pencil box




Breakfast & Lunch

======================================================

Kindergarten Students State law (G.S 130A-152(a)) requires that each student entering Kindergarten presents the

following proof:

• Copy of his/her birth certificate

• Copy of immunization or certificate of religious exemption

• Completed Health Assessment Medical report from the child’s doctor

• Must be 5 years old by August 31, 2020

This information must be submitted by September 30, 2020, for ALL Kindergarteners.

Immunization Requirements for Grade 7 Students

In accordance with North Carolina Immunization Law, each child entering grade 7 or by 12 years

of age, whichever comes first; must submit proof of receiving one dose of Tdap (tetanus,

diphtheria, pertussis) and one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine; or certificate of religious

exemption. This information must be submitted by September 30, 2020, for ALL 7th graders.

Emphasis on proper nutrition - We have a restaurant grade kitchen! Torchlight Academy participates in the National School breakfast and lunch

program’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). With this program each

child receives breakfast and lunch AT NO COST. This saves each family as

much as $1,200.00 a year!! Also saves time, since no need to prepare daily

lunches.

We do not allow fast food nor sugary treats to enter the building because

research shows that those food items lead to poor health.

Accommodating Children with Special Dietary Needs

A child with a dietary disability who must be provided food substitutions or

special diet, must have a written statement or diet order signed by a licensed

physician (forms can be picked up in the office).

Torchlight Academy is an equal opportunity provider and employer




More Questions and Answers

Great News!! Torchlight Academy will be offering two options for grades K to 8 students this school year!!! (2020-2021). Virtual Torchlight Academy which is 100% online instructions and Torchlight will also be offering SOME in-person/ in the building instruction. You can choose which option you prefer for your child(ren). You can change your minds at any time throughout the year and switch to the other option. Parents who choose fully online instruction will remain enrolled at Torchlight Academy. There is no enrollment application for choosing virtual. If you want virtual instruction, please email your name, email address, telephone number, student(s) name(s) and 2020-2021 grade(s) also if you need technology. Email to: [email protected].

➢ Students will experience a daily school schedule that includes the same components of the school day as their grade level peers participating in face-to-face or blended instruction to the degree feasible.

➢ Torchlight’s staff will make meaningful connections and create a true classroom community.

➢ Grading structures will be consistent with in-person and blended instruction environments.

➢ Students and families will have support from Torchlight Academy Help Desk for technology assistance.

If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]. We will also send additional information as soon as they become available.

Torchlight Academy FAQs:

On which calendar(s) will the Virtual Academy operate?

Start date is August 17, 2020. Starting with online classes for the first 2 weeks.

Will special services be provided virtually, too?

Yes. Specialized services such as IEPs, LEP, ESL, 504, Intervention and AIG.

How much time will a student be expected to spend in front of a computer? Will the schedule/routine be the same every-day?

The amount of time a student will spend in front of a device will depend on the age of the student and

which courses they are taking. There will be ample time for independent learning activities and

breaks, including lunch and time for physical and other activities, built into the schedule.

Will all courses offered in school be also offered in the Torchlight Virtual Academy?

Yes





What will Torchlight Virtual Academy school day be like? Will my child’s schedule be similar to that as if they were in the building?

Parents can expect that students will have some learning experiences for which they will need to be in attendance and attentive during specific hours of the day. However, students will also have flexibility to work at their own pace and schedule over the course of the day depending on family needs. Consistent daily schedules will include online instruction that will be a combination of live and recorded sessions. During instructional time, there will be opportunities to learn individually, in small groups, and in large groups using both print and digital materials. Social and emotional wellness will be taken into consideration in scheduling. Our intent is to align the Virtual Academy student experience with the online instruction experience of students who are participating in Plan B.

What are the expectations of a parent or guardian regarding ensuring their child is participating appropriately and effectively in virtual learning?

Students will need varying levels of support in online instruction. Typically, younger students need closer supervision and assistance. This might come from a parent, guardian, grandparent, older

sibling or other members of a child’s support system. We will work with families to ensure that they have the support they need for a successful experience.

How is actual teaching going to be handled when a child is doing remote learning?

There will be a combination of actual live sessions and recorded sessions. There also will be opportunities for independent practices and activities that are not completed using a device. These will be based on several factors, including subject area, age/grade level and more.

How is technology going to be handled? Will students get laptops/wifi if they don’t have access?

Parents can send us an email to: [email protected]. Parents can indicate whether their students need devices and access. We will be working to help meet those needs as we receive notification.

If I choose Torchlight Virtual Academy, am I committed to continuing online learning in 2021-2022?

No, you are not committed.

If we start in the building, can we switch to Virtual Academy at any time?

Yes, you can switch to Torchlight virtual anytime.

If I do not choose Torchlight Academy Virtual now, can I change my mind later to participate.

Yes, you can change your mind anytime.





Only in the building students must complete this page:

Email to: [email protected] or Fax to: (919)850-9961 or drop of at: 3211 Bramer Drive

Torchlight Academy

Names of Persons Authorized to Pick Up Child

--------------------------------------------------------------- Date: ______________________

NAME OF CHILD: __________________________________________________ NAME OF CHILD: __________________________________________________

NAME: ___________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE: _____________________________________________________

RELATIONSHIP: ___________________________________________________

NAME: ___________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE: _____________________________________________________

RELATIONSHIP: ___________________________________________________

NAME: __________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE: ____________________________________________________

RELATIONSHIP: __________________________________________________

NAME: __________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE: ____________________________________________________

RELATIONSHIP: __________________________________________________

Authorized person(s) will be asked to produce a copy of his/her identification

• To help better protect the safety of your child(ren), it is important that this form is updated

whenever there is a change. In the event we do not have updated information, we are bound by

the information listed on this form.

Name of Parent/Guardian: _______________________________________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian: _______________________ Tel: ____________





Both virtual-online and in the building students must complete this page:

Email to: [email protected] or Fax to: (919)850-9961 or drop off at: 3211 Bramer Drive

Torchlight Academy

Home Language Survey Form

Student Name: ______________________________________________________ Date of Birth: ___________________________ Grade: _____________ North Carolina State law asks every school to determine what language is spoken at the house of every student. We ask for your cooperation to help us follow this important requirement. Please answer the following questions regarding your child.

1. What is the first language the student learned to speak?

____________________________________________ 2. What language does the student speak most often?

_________________________________________ 3. What language is most often spoken in the home?

________________________________________ 4. What language do you most frequently use, to speak to your child?

_____________________________________________________

If the answer for any of the 4 questions above is any other language than English, it is possible that your child qualifies for English as a second language (ESL) services. Would you like for us to consider your child for this service?

___Yes ___No

New Resident: What date did your child first enrolled in any school in the United States? Month: __________ Year: _________

________________________ ______/______/______ Parent Signature Date





Only in the building students must complete this page:

Email to: [email protected] or Fax to: (919)850-9961 or drop off at: 3211 Bramer Drive

Torchlight Academy

Verification of Child Custody Name of Student: _____________________________ Date: _______________ I, ___________________________________________________________ am the

______ Father ______ Mother ______ Legal Custodian (you must present legal custody documents to the school for the above-named child). Are there any custody or court issues involving this student of which the school needs to be aware of? ___Yes ___ No If yes, you must present custody or court documents to the school for the above-named child. ___ yes ___No Custody Issue:__________________________________________________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian: ______________________________________________ Telephone Number: ______________________________________________________



Welcome Package · 2020. 8. 13. · Admissions Department: (919)538-7000 Phone: Elementary School...

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Transcript of Welcome Package · 2020. 8. 13. · Admissions Department: (919)538-7000 Phone: Elementary School...