Mission Statement
Buist Academy for Advanced Studies aims to challenge students in a rigorous environment which emphasizes achievement, encourages academic
excellence, and promotes respect for individual differences. Together with Charleston County School District, the International Baccalaureate Organization, and
community partners, Buist Academy equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary to take action in their local and global community.
Important School Phone Numbers
Main Office 843-724-7750
School Fax 843-724-1493
Guidance Office, Karrie Looney ext. 72704 (Grades. K-4)
Guidance Office, Nancy Mielcarek ext. 72712 (Grades. 5-8)
IB Coordinator, Sara Lyle ext. 24025
Nurse, Polly Porter- Campbell ext. 72705
Kaleidoscope Director, Darron Teel ext. 72710 (cell 437-0367)
Administration
Shawntay White – Principal
Bryan Smith - Assistant Principal
Support Staff
Office
Terri Baker, Secretary/Bookkeeper
Lisa Baxley, Student Data and Attendance Clerk
Buildings and Grounds
Jesse Singleton
School Bus Concerns
Durham Bus Services/Main Office 725-3160
Curtis Norman, CCSD Representative 556-8169
BUIST ACADEMY FOUNDATION/PARENTS’ GUILD
Mission Statement
To make Buist Academy a transformational experience for every
student, creating a catalyst that will enable other South Carolina public
schools to maximize their community resources to transform
themselves into centers of excellence that foster academic achievement,
leadership, character development, respect for cultural diversity and
the uniqueness of each individual.
All parents are a part of the Foundation/Parents’ Guild and are
welcome to attend monthly meetings.
Foundation Officers
Chair - Andrea Brisbin Vice Chair - Krissie Axon
Secretary - Ashley Jennings Treasurer - Alan Uram
Board Members
Keelin Love
Roma Wallen
Aly Abernathy
Jimmy Bailey
Craig Comer
Barnes McLaurin
Kelley Jarrett
Heather Spann
Bett Myrick
Steve Simon
Kit Whitley
Guild Volunteers
Guild Leaders Keelin Love ([email protected])
Roma Wallen ([email protected])
Leader-Elect Beth Garrett ([email protected])
Finance Mary Beth Heeke ([email protected])
Secretary Rebecca Martin ([email protected])
Hospitality Lane Floyd ([email protected])
Programs Margaret Atwood ([email protected])
Fund-Raising Fran Cote ([email protected])
Rachel Taber ([email protected])
Communications Sydney Butler ([email protected])
Buist Banner Ashley Cowart ([email protected])
Kay Burke ([email protected])
Knightly News Kimberly Cummings ([email protected])
Volunteer Coordinators Amy Lewis ([email protected])
Kyle Robottom ([email protected])
Foundation Directory Jeanine Morey ([email protected])
Nominating Committee Lynn Bartosh ([email protected])
Beth Compton ([email protected])
Paige Thorn ([email protected])
DAILY SCHEDULE
6:45 a.m.
Kaleidoscope Early Drop Off
7:45 a.m. School Opens
8:00 a.m. Students Report to Class
8:10 a.m. Tardy Bell
Morning Announcements
3:00 p.m. Afternoon Announcements
3:05 p.m. K-5 Dismissal
3:10 p.m. 6-8 Dismissal
3:10 p.m. After School Kaleidoscope Begins
6:00 p.m. After School Kaleidoscope Ends
KALEIDOSCOPE
Kaleidoscope provides a variety of activities from 3:10 – 6:00 pm during
the full days of school. If your child is not picked up after school by 3:30
p.m., he/she will be automatically sent to after school Kaleidoscope for a
fee. All students in grades K - 8 may participate in the program.
Enrichment courses will be scheduled throughout the year and are open
to all students. Registration information is available in the front office.
Kaleidoscope also offers early morning drop-off from 6:45 -7:45 am.
There is a charge for this service. Parents must sign students in for early
morning drop-off service.
VISITORS
All visitors should enter the school through the front office located on
Calhoun St. Visitors are required to check in with the front office staff
and obtain a visitor’s badge before going to any other location in the
school. If a parent wishes to meet with a teacher, a conference should be
scheduled ahead of time. If you are delivering materials or snack for your
child, you may drop them off at the office. The teacher will be notified of
your child’s materials through email but we cannot guarantee that
materials will be delivered immediately. If you are delivering food for
lunch, you may drop off the food in the front office and the food will be
delivered to the cafeteria. We wish to keep classroom interruptions to a
minimum.
PARENT/ TEACHER CONFERENCE
Parents and teachers are encouraged to maintain close communication
regarding the academic and social progress of students. Individual
conferences provide the opportunity to discuss concerns at length. These
conferences should be scheduled in advance. Each teacher will inform
parents of his or her procedures for scheduling conferences. Teachers are
not always available for unplanned conferences. Emailing has become
the most efficient way for our teachers and families to communicate.
LOST AND FOUND
The lost and found is located under the grand staircase near the Anson
street entrance. Lost articles can be claimed by checking the lost and
found area regularly. Any items left in the lost and found longer than two
weeks will be cleaned and donated to charity. Labeling clothing and other
personal belongings enables us to return lost or misplaced items to the
rightful owners.
TELEPHONE USAGE
The school telephone is considered a business line. Students will be
allowed to use the telephone for emergency calls only. Arrangements
for after school activities should be made before the children leave home
in the morning. Leaving messages for your student is highly discouraged.
Students are not permitted to use cell phones on campus. Phones must be
stored in lockers or book bags during the day. Students who use a cell
phone during school hours will have the phone confiscated. A parent or
guardian will be responsible for picking up the phone from the office.
Phones may only be used once the student is off campus.
WITHDRAWALS
Please notify the school attendance clerk as soon as you know that your
child will be withdrawing from Buist. We need two days’ notice for
withdrawal records to be prepared.
GUIDANCE
Full time school counseling services are provided to help each student
realize his/her potential as a unique individual. The counselor will work
with the student, parents, teachers, staff and community personnel to
address issues affecting the student. Parents are invited to contact the
counselor directly or through the teacher, principal or office staff.
MEDICATIONS
Charleston County School District has approved specific guidelines for
the dispensing of medication to children during the school day. You may
obtain a copy of the guidelines and the medication form from the school
office.
STUDENT AGENDA
All students in grades 2 – 8 will receive an agenda. Students who lose
their agenda may pay for a replacement if available.
ILLNESS OR ACCIDENT
Students who become ill or are injured at school will be sent or taken to
the clinic for treatment. Parents will be notified if the illness or injury
requires a parent’s immediate attention. Please be sure the front office
has an up to date address and telephone number in case of
emergencies.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus Students are expected to maintain appropriate behavior that does not
interfere with the safe operation of the school bus. Specific regulations
regarding bus behavior are contained in the CCSD Student Code of
Conduct. Students who choose to act inappropriately on the bus will
be suspended from riding the bus. Any student who needs to use a
different bus or stop must bring a written request from the parent. This
request must be approved in the office. No student will be allowed to
ride a different bus without prior written approval.
Car Students who will be picked up in a car will wait inside the school
building by the Anson Street door. Parents/guardians should wait in their
cars for their children. Students not picked up by 3:30 will report to
Kaleidoscope in the school cafeteria.
Walkers Walkers will be dismissed through the gates at Dogwood Alley on
Calhoun St.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are issued free of charge, and they are the property of the State
of South Carolina. If a textbook is lost or missing, a new book will not be
issued until the lost book is found or paid for. At the end of a school year,
a student may be charged a damage fee due to poor care of the textbooks.
The person to whom they are issued must pay for lost or damaged books.
ATTENDANCE AND TRUANCY
The Charleston County School District requires all children between the ages of five and seventeen to be enrolled in school. Students are expected to
attend school regularly and must provide a written excuse for all absences.
ABSENCES AND EXCUSES
Absences shall be classified as either lawful (excused, unexcused) or unlawful. The principal will determine the nature of the absence. All absences
will be documented.
Lawful excused absences shall include:
1. Students who are ill and whose attendance in school would endanger their health or the health of others may
be temporarily excused from attendance.
2. Students in whose immediate family there is a serious illness or death.
3. Students may be excused from attendance in school for recognized religious holidays of their faith.
4. Students may be excused from attendance in school in accordance with local board regulations regarding school activities.
5. Students who are absent from school as a result of suspension.
Lawful unexcused absences shall include:
1. Students who are absent from class as a result of extracurricular activities not approved by the school administration.
2. Students suspended from the school buses who do not report to school.
3. Students who are absent from class/school as a result of scheduled appointments that can be made at times other than school hours.
4. Parental notes for student illnesses in excess of ten (10) days that cannot be substantiated by medical statements regarding poor
health or chronic illness.
Excused absences would allow a student to make up any work missed during that absence. An unexcused absence would not allow a student
to make up work missed during that absence.
Unlawful absences shall include:
1. Students who are willfully absent from school without the knowledge of their parents.
2. Students who are absent from school without acceptable cause with knowledge of their parents.
TARDY POLICY
We open our doors to students at 7:45 a.m. Students are considered tardy if they are not in their classrooms by 8:10 a.m. If you are aware that your child
is going to be late, you should send a written note with him/her to the office stating the reason. Late students interrupt the instructional program for the other
students in the class. Students with excessive tardies may be required to meet with the school counselor or administration to create a tardy intervention plan.
DENIAL OF CREDIT PROCEDURES
Absences in excess of five (5) days in a semester course, or four by four course, or absences of ten (10) days in a yearly course will be promptly reviewed for
possible denial of credit/promotion with the exception of homebound students. Approval will be based on, but not limited to, the following:
Lawful (excused) vs. lawful (unexcused) and/or unlawful circumstances affecting absences, including responsibility demonstrated by parents/guardians and
students The education record of the student Court recommendation, if applicable Principals are authorized to give appropriate consideration and approval in unique situations.
The Associate Superintendent will promptly approve or disapprove any absences in excess of ten (10) days and any denial of credit. The decision of the Associate
Superintendent may be appealed to the Constituent Board by written request within five (5) days of receipt of the decision of the Associate Superintendent.
PROCEDURES FOR CHECKING A STUDENT OUT OF SCHOOL All visitors must report to the office.
A picture ID must be produced, if requested by office staff, to confirm the identity of the person(s) making the request.
The student may be released to a properly identified parent, guardian or other designated person with written authorization.
If the parent or guardian is not available to confirm a request, the student may not be released. The principal will make the final decision.
Telephone authorization, in lieu of written authorization, is permissible only in case of emergency. In such situations, the administrator must speak directly to the
parent or guardian to secure approval to release the student without written authorization.
A parent is obligated to advise the school immediately of any changes in the custody of a student. Court records or other appropriate documentation is required to
validate the change. Until such validation is accepted by the administrator, the school will conduct business based on documentation on hand. The school must
deny any request for access to a student or that student’s record until all procedures have been followed and the administrator is completely satisfied with the
authenticity of the request.
EARLY DISMISSAL
Early dismissal is highly discouraged as it is disruptive to the entire classroom, and students who leave early miss important information and activities. Please
refrain from picking up your child early on Friday afternoons for weekend trips. Teachers are instructing until 3:10 p.m. If a student must leave before
the end of the school day, parents must send a note to the child’s teacher stating when the child will be picked up. No students will be dismissed after 2:45 p.m.
Students who receive a change of transportation phone call will be called to the office during afternoon announcements. Student messages will not be accepted
after 2:45 p.m. Students must be signed out from the office by an adult. Parents are strongly encouraged to pick students up during class change, lunch or
common break.
CONTINUATION POLICY In the interest of children and their academic success, reviews of student progress will occur continuously during the year. At the end of the
academic year, each student will be reviewed with the following expectations in mind:
1. All students at Buist Academy are expected to meet all state and local promotion standards and attendance requirements.
In the event a child does not meet promotion standards, the child will be withdrawn from Buist.
2. All students at Buist, including those with identified disabilities, must meet all requirements of the Continuation Policy.
Academic Plan Students failing a subject at the end of semester 1 will be given a formal Buist Academic Plan for the remainder of the school year. The students will
be monitored closely, and there will be ongoing communication between the school and parents regarding progress.
Probation At the end of the school year, students who do not have a cumulative B (85%) average in the five core subjects (Reading, ELA, Math, Science and
Social Studies) will be placed on Academic Probation for the following school year. An administrator or designee will meet quarterly during the
probationary year with the student and parents to review progress. Students not meeting the continuation criteria at the end of the second
probationary year will be asked to withdraw from Buist.
Withdraw Students who fail any core subject (Reading, ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies) or Foreign Language for the year will be asked to withdraw
from Buist.
Eighth grade students who fail a course for the year may not take part in the commencement exercises in the spring.
ACADEMIC CONCERNS If at any time during the school year you are concerned about your child’s academic progress, you are encouraged to take the following steps:
Always contact the teacher(s) first! They have the best information regarding your child’s academic needs and strengths. Contact your child’s Guidance Counselor for recommendations. For medical concerns, contact the school nurse, Polly Porter-Campbell. Contact Mrs. White or Mr. Smith should you still need assistance.
STUDENT ACADEMIC RECOGNITION CRITERIA
Principal’s Honor Roll (Grades 4 through 8) Average of 93 or above in each subject
Assistant Principal’s Honor Roll (Grades 4 through 8) Average of 85 or above in each subject
Award programs are held at the end of each quarter to recognize our students’ achievements.
Terrific Kids Monthly Recognition (Grades K-5)
ASSIGNMENT RESPONSIBILITY POLICY
Students will turn in their assignments when due as determined by the classroom teacher. Students will get credit for whatever they turn in to the
teacher. Having an “excused absence” is the only excuse for not turning in an assignment on the day it is due. Students who have been absent one to
two days will have two (2) days to turn in their assignments. Students who have been absent three to five days will have five (5) days to turn in their
assignments, and students who have been absent for more than five days must meet with their teachers to arrange a make-up schedule. If an
assignment is given before the student is absent and due on the day the student is absent, then it is to be turned in on the day the student returns to
school. If an assignment is given on Tuesday and the students are told it is due by the beginning of class on Wednesday, then it is to be turned in to the
teacher as stated. Excuses, such as “I left it at home,” “I can’t find it,” or “I had ball practice and didn’t get home until late” are not acceptable. Signed
test papers, interim reports, permission slips and other items to be turned in to teachers constitute a part of this responsibility policy. Failure to conform
to the teacher’s directives will result in teacher- defined consequences. When absent, it is the responsibility of the student to see his/her teachers
immediately upon return for all make-up assignments.
We ask for your cooperation and support in our efforts to teach our students the meaning of responsibility. Students will be graded on their
homework, class work, tests, projects, labs, and participation. The percentages, however, will vary with each teacher.
PARENT PORTAL FOR GRADES 4-8
Parent Portal allows you to access up-to-date information on your child’s grades and attendance. You will be able to simply click on your child’s
grade in a class and see the complete list of assignments and grades, and be able to email your child’s teachers by simply clicking on their name within
the grade book. To access the Parent Portal, you will need access to a computer with internet access and a working email account, to which you alone
have access. Please contact your grade level counselor if you have Parent Portal issues. Please contact teachers for grade issues.
THE HONOR SYSTEM
As a Student and Citizen of Buist Academy:
I will not lie, cheat or plagiarize in my academic endeavors. I will forthrightly oppose each and every instance of academic dishonesty. I will report any person or persons I have witnessed being dishonest to the appropriate faculty member and to the principal when I observe
academic dishonesty in any class. Communication may be written or oral. Written communication may be signed or anonymous.
Plagiarism: Using someone else’s ideas or phrasing and representing those ideas or phrasing as our own, either on purpose or through carelessness, is a
serious offense known as plagiarism. All significant phrases, clauses or passages taken directly from source material must be enclosed in quotation
marks and acknowledged in the text itself or in citation.
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE HONOR CODE:
1st Offense: Zero on the homework, project, test, or major assignment. Teacher notifies Administration and contacts parents for a conference. 2nd Offense: Zero on the homework, project, test, or major assignment. Teacher notifies Administration and contacts parents for a conference.
Administration will assign appropriate punishment.
DISCIPLINE PLAN
Behavior at Buist is guided by rules and regulations that will minimize disruptions and maximize learning. The purpose of expectations and rules is to
set the code of conduct for behavior at school. All classrooms use the following expectations and rules. Additional rules may be added at the teacher’s
discretion.
Behavior Expectations
1. Respect – Respecting themselves, others and the world around them
2. Integrity – Being honest and demonstrating a considered sense of fairness
3. Tolerance – Being sensitive about differences and diversity in the world and being responsive to the needs of others
4. Empathy – Imagining themselves in another’s situation in order to understand his or her reasoning and emotions, so as to be open-minded and
reflective about the perspectives of others.
Student Responsibilities
Student responsibilities include:
1. Adhering to the rules set forth by school personnel and accepting consequences for misbehavior.
2. Learning from mistakes and making corrective changes in attitude and conduct.
3. Behaving in a manner consistent with the occasion.
Consequences
Refer to the CCSD Code of Conduct for information concerning all offenses. Consequences include loss of privileges, after school detention, in-
school suspension and out of school suspension. All consequences are based on guidelines in the CCSD Code of Conduct.
TERRIFIC KIDS
Students who demonstrate outstanding behavior may be recognized by their teachers and peers. The Terrific Kids program has been established to
acknowledge those students who exemplify the International Baccalaureate attributes. A Terrific Kids ceremony will be held monthly and students
who are recognized will have their picture taken to be placed on the Wall of Fame.
BULLYING AND PEER ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY
The Buist faculty is committed to providing a safe school environment for all students. Bullying awareness and prevention/intervention strategies will
be an integral part of our school-wide Character Education program. Students who choose to engage in bullying/peer abuse activities both “direct”
(open physical or verbal attacks) and “indirect” (social isolation, spreading rumors, etc.) will receive a formal discipline referral to the office, and
parents will be contacted. Parental support for our non-tolerance approach to bullying is essential in order for Buist to maintain a nurturing and caring
environment where students are respectful of everyone.
Even though cyberbullying does not always take place on the school campus, there is an expectation from our educational system, students, as well as
parents, that if the situation negatively influences the school’s climate, the administration will become appropriately involved. In any case, CCSD
offers to our students a “safe place” where they can come and discuss or report incidents, even those off campus, without retaliation.
Cyberbullying may include:
repeatedly sending offensive, rude, hurtful and insulting text messages to others; distributing information about another that is derogatory and untrue through posting it on a Web page, sending it to others through email or
instant messaging, or posting/sending digitally altered photos of someone; creating websites, videos or social media profiles that humiliate or ridicule others; online "fighting" using electronic messages with angry, vulgar language; breaking into an email or social networking account and using that person's online identity to send or post vicious or embarrassing material
to/about others; sharing someone's secrets or embarrassing information or tricking someone into revealing secrets or embarrassing information and forwarding it
to others; repeatedly sending messages that include threats of harm or are highly intimidating or engaging in other online activities that make a person
afraid for his or her safety; cyber stalking (depending on the content of the message, it may be illegal).
If students or parents know of someone who is being bullied, cyberbullied or know of a person or group that is bullying others, they can call the CCSD
Bully Hotline at 1-877-250-2790, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
DRESS CODE
This general policy acknowledges that appropriate, decent, and non-
distracting attire must be worn in an educational setting. The goal of this
policy is to assist students in presenting themselves in a manner that is
conducive to a safe and orderly learning environment.
Tops--Shirts/Blouses:
Shirts should be long enough to tuck in at the waistline and should not
show the stomach when arms are raised. Students are expected to keep
their shirts tucked in at all times.
Solid white or navy polo style with a collar (black optional for
MYP)
Solid white or navy button down dress shirt with collar (black
optional for MYP)
Small logos acceptable (up to 2 inches)
Solid white or navy tops and turtle neck shirts may be worn under
polo style shirts with a collar (black optional for MYP)
Bottoms--Pants/Shorts/Skirts:
The minimum length of skirts, shorts or dresses must reach the end of the
longest finger while the student’s shoulders are relaxed and hands are at
his/her sides.
Solid khaki or navy (black optional for MYP)
Belt required (if loops are present)
No denim, jeggings, nylon, or athletic pants
Solid white, khaki or navy leggings may only be worn if
accompanied by a skirt or shorts (black optional for MYP)
Dresses:
Must reach the end of the longest finger while the student’s shoulders are
relaxed and hands are at the student’s sides. Dresses and skirts must
completely cover the area between the lower neck and mid thigh.
Solid khaki or navy (black optional for MYP).
No denim
Tops as described above are required under jumpers
Sweaters/Sweatshirts:
Solid white or navy (black optional for MYP)
Small logos acceptable (up to 2 inches)
Shoes, Socks and Leggings
No Flip Flops. All sandals must have a backstrap
Socks, tights, and leggings must be solid white, navy, or khaki
(black for middle school only)
Miscellaneous:
All non-uniform outerwear must be removed prior to the tardy
bell.
Headwear should not be worn in the building, unless for health,
safety or religious reasons.
Belts must be solid black, brown, or navy.
Shoes must be worn at all times.
Extreme clothing or accessories that would interfere with the
learning process, cause a disruption of the educational
environment or be a health or safety hazard are prohibited.
Alternate dress days are on the last Friday of each month.
Thursdays are House Shirt Day
Buist club and team attire can only be worn on game/club days as
approved by principal.
Individuals who violate the dress code shall be required to modify their
appearance by correcting, covering or removing the offending item. If
necessary or practical, the student may be required to wear school-owned
clothing or his/her parents must be called to provide appropriate clothing
within a short period of time to correct dress code violations. Any student
who refuses or is unable to do so shall be subject to disciplinary action.
Any student who repeatedly fails to comply with the dress code shall be
subject to further disciplinary action, such as detention, loss of privileges
or office referral. Students are responsible for returning any school-
owned clothing to the main office. A student that does not return clothing
items issued for uniform violations will be charged a $5 per item
replacement fee.
MYP POLICIES
HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT CLASSES
All eighth grade students will take Algebra I, either French I or Spanish I,
and a technology course. All seventh grade students will take a
technology course. Successful completion of these courses will earn
students three high school credits, and their final grades will be entered
on their permanent high school record. Class attendance rules are the
same as those for high school students, so it is imperative that students
not miss these classes unless it is absolutely necessary. Parents are urged
to closely monitor their child’s progress in these courses, since the grades
earned will be part of their college applications.
LOCKER USE AGREEMENT
Lockers are available for student use on the school premises. The lockers
are the property of Buist Academy and are used to store books, school
supplies, and personal items necessary for use at school. Lockers are not
to be used to store items which cause, or can be reasonably foreseen to
cause, an interference with school purposes or an educational function, or
which are forbidden by state laws or school rules.
The student’s use of the locker does not diminish the school’s ownership
or control of the locker. The school retains the right to inspect the locker
and its contents to insure that the locker is being used in accordance with
its intended purpose, and to eliminate fire or other hazards, maintain
sanitary conditions, attempt to locate lost or stolen material, and to
prevent the use of the locker to store prohibited or dangerous materials.
The student and parent/guardian assume financial responsibility for any
damages that may occur during the time the student used the locker.
Such damages incurred will be payable, in full, to Buist Academy within
ten days of receipt of the bill.
The student must keep a LOCKED combination or key lock on the locker
at all times. Buist Academy will assume no responsibility for items taken
or lost from an unlocked locker.
HONOR GRADUATES AND CLASS RANK
To be named first or second honor graduate in eighth grade, a student
must, at a minimum:
Have been enrolled in the school for the entire eighth grade year;
and Have the highest GPA in the eighth grade class at the end of the
fourth nine weeks grading period. In the event two or more students tie, the students would share the honor.
Honor graduate rank is based solely on the student’s eighth grade final
year grade point average.
HOMEWORK
Homework is submitted on the assigned due date in its entirety.
Homework one day late will receive 1/2 credit. HW that is two or more
days late will be graded at the discretion of the teacher.
ASSIGNMENTS/PROJECTS
All projects or assignments are due on the day assigned by the classroom
teacher. Assignments or projects not submitted to the teacher on the day
they are due will be subject to a loss of 10% off per late day.
BEHAVIOR
MYP recess detention will be provided to students who violate school
rules. It will be monitored by an MYP teacher during recess. After a
student's 4th detention within a quarter the student will be referred to
administration. Severe behavior infractions or intentionally missing a
recess detention may result in an office referral.
COMMUNICATION
Teacher contact and office hours will be included within each teacher's
syllabus. Students will be instructed to use the school provided agenda to
record assignments and due dates. Teachers may use Edmodo for class
related communications.
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