TCA ALERTS!

2021-2022 Covenant

Welcome to Twin Cities Academy

A community of learners focused on academics, social and racial justice, and thoughtful leadership

Please fill out the forms in this packet.

Note: that each of the forms of the family agreement has its own signature page.

Twin Cities Academy ROAR Values

Respect

Listen to each other carefully
Choose kind words over “put-down” language
Expect and accept differences in outlook and opinion
Express ideas thoughtfully, with attention to respectful language and tone
Bring elements of all cultural identifies to the learning environment
Elevate historically marginalized voices
Take care of personal, school, and community property
Share concerns in a way that seeks collaborative solutions
Accept “no” gracefully when that answer is necessary

Optimism

Learn to have fun while learning
Smile and say a friendly hello to others
Assume best intentions, always
Look for ways to help others do their best
Complement and support friends and strangers alike
Guard the confidentiality of others
Practice gratitude, and express it to others
Show active empathy for people
Act on the principle that every person can learn
Share a profound belief in each person

Achievement

Let your talents and efforts shine!
Learn something new every day
Try the next hard thing
Use what you know to connect you to new ideas
Let excellent work show what you have learned
Ask for help when needed; give help when asked
Plan proactively to get assignments in on time
Embrace feedback as a learning tool
Express your own ideas and learning in your assignments
Listen and act when others express confidence in you

Responsibility

Show up at every class every day, on time and ready to learn
Tell the truth in wise, respectful ways
Keep your word and commitments
Do your part enthusiastically in group activities and projects
Claim your own decisions and actions, even if they were wrong
Do the right thing, even if it’s difficult
Admit mistakes and apologize
Do your part to keep the school clean and tidy
Embrace school policies as guidance to follow through on commitments
Maintain mutual and reciprocal accountability among all members of the TCA community

TCA’s Commitment to Systemic Equity

Twin Cities Academy is committed to addressing educational inequities and ensuring a respectful learning environment in which diversity is valued and integral to successful outcomes for all students.

TCA’s Equity Focus Areas

Pedagogy of Equity

We understand that we have the responsibility to institutionalize culturally responsive practices in teaching and professional development;

2. Equitable Operations

We understand that we have the responsibility to embed equity and culturally responsive practices into the foundation of all TCA programs and operations

3. Collaborative and Authentic Relationships

We understand that we have the responsibility to engage in partnership with all stakeholders, including students, families, community members and other educational partners;

4. Equity and Diversity Ongoing Assessment

We understand that we have the responsibility to assess, monitor and evaluate equitable policies, practices, programs, procedures and budgets for continuous improvement.

Educational Equity Looks Like:

Authentic relationships with and among students, staff, families and community members
Culturally responsive teaching
High expectations for all students
Advanced course enrollment that represents school population
Curriculum that reflects all learners
All students and families feel welcome and safe
All students meeting grade level and graduation expectations
Schoolwide outcomes that contribute to social justice for all.

Educational Equity Feels Like:

I am recognized for my strengths and contributions
I am respected for who I am
I am heard and appreciated
I feel cared about and I care about others
I see myself represented in curriculum
I feel comfortable and welcomed at school
I am academically confident and challenged
I can achieve my goals, dreams and full potential
I understand my responsibility to contribute to a more socially just society.

TCA Dress Code/Uniform Policy

Twin Cities Academy is a place where people of all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds come together for learning. Our emphasis is on education that empowers all students to achieve at their optimum potential, and we reject the disparities that can arise when people dress according to their financial means. Therefore, we hold firm expectations about attire at school. Staff members are expected to work in “business casual” attire, expressing their professional status and demeanor. Students are expected to work in uniform, expressing TCA’s commitment to equity and attention to education rather than fashion.

Students must comply with the following:

All top layers (shirts, sweatshirts, etc.) must be a TCA logo shirt (t-shirt, sweatshirt or polo), TCA sports top or jersey, and TCA spirit wear.
- Note: Students may wear undershirts or under tops for warmth in any color.
State law requires that shoes must be worn in a public building.
Religious head-coverings are permitted.
Durags and Bonnets are allowed.
TCA hooded sweatshirts are allowed.

Bottom Item Choice:

MS Color Choices: Navy or Khaki/Tan

HS Color Choices: Black or Khaki/Tan

Pant style can include the following: slacks, jeans, sweatpants, leggings, jeggings, athletic pants/shorts

- If pants have rips/tears, need to be at or below the knee

Shorts/Skorts
Skirts

Shoe Choice:

Tennis/Athletic Shoes
Dress Shoes – loafers, flats, etc.
Closed-toe/heel strap sandals
Boots

WHAT NOT TO WEAR! (Not in compliance with TCA’s uniform policy)

Outer clothing –hats, jackets, etc.
Hats
Open toed sandals
Slides – shoes must have a back
Wedge or high heels
Flip flops or backless sandals
Blankets

**FRIDAYS at TCA are a celebration of college aspirations! Students may choose to wear a college-themed shirt on Fridays. These shirts may be college hooded sweatshirts. Additionally, any colored jeans on Fridays are acceptable.

Non-Uniform Day Attire:

On days designated by TCA as “non-uniform” days, students are expected to demonstrate good judgement in their non-uniform choices. All clothing must be appropriate (belly and chest covered) for school wear.

Physical Education Attire

Students may wear the following appropriate athletic dress during gym:

Tennis shoes
Shorts (no wording/displays on backside of shorts)
T-shirt of any color/logo/etc. that is school appropriate
Jacket or sweatshirt for going outside in cooler weather

Please be considerate and remember to wash and replace PE clothes weekly, if not more often.

I have read and understand the TCA Dress Code. I will comply with and support its implementation.

__________________________________________________________________ _____________________

Student Signature Date

I have read the TCA Dress Code and understand the expectations for my child.

__________________________________________________________________ _____________________

Family/Guardian Signature Date

TCA monogrammed polos can be purchased from Donald’s Uniform Company. www.donaldsuniform.com.

972 Payne Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55130. Toll Free: 1-800-728-8082

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Student Technology at TCA

Philosophy

A growing array of technology opens resources that vastly increase the number of ways that all members of the TCA community can see themselves represented and reflected in the learning environment. These resources can add movement and sound to engage students who need those elements to learn, provide repetitive practice to put skills into long-term memory, satisfy curiosity in intellectually challenging pursuits, and place the world in the hands of all students regardless of means. Collaboration becomes possible even at a distance. High quality, engaging, and timely examples become available to inform and enliven lessons. Technology brings all these gifts and more to the educational process.

Technology also brings its share of dangers, distractions, temptations, and even addictions. In order to preserve the benefits of technology, while also protecting the TCA community from its detractions, the school has adopted a technology use agreement for all community members. This policy follows in full, but key points include:

TCA students and staff agree to use technology at school for educational purposes, and never in ways that may be political, advertisement, sexual, abusive, dishonest, illegal, or disruptive or harmful to the TCA environment or learning community.
TCA students and staff understand that transmissions, including email, are not private and may be monitored.
TCA students and staff agree to evaluate information on the internet responsibly and in line with academic standards applied to all materials.
TCA students and staff agree to use direct-contact technology, such as phone, text, chat, etc., only briefly and as needed to get their work done. Student use in the classroom only as assigned or expressly permitted by the teacher(s) in that classroom. Social use is limited to lunch periods.
TCA students and staff will respect technological property, data, and security by caring for equipment, and preserving the integrity of security and data of self and others.

Chromebooks

Every student will be issued their own school Chromebook during the first week of school. Students must bring their Chromebook to school each day, and should bring it home to complete work in the evening. Students are responsible for caring and protecting their Chromebook from damage or loss throughout the school year. All TCA Chromebooks have school appropriate content filtering software that prevents students from accessing inappropriate content on the device in school and at home.

Technology Use Agreement

On the following pages you will find a student technology use agreement required for students to access any of the available technology at TCA. Please read and sign the next pages and return to your students advisor.

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TCA Student Device and Internet Access Agreement

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Acceptable Use
1. I agree to use TCA’s computer services only in support of my education and research consistent with the educational objectives of TCA. I will not download or install software or files or subscribe to bulletin boards that are not related to my educational activities. If I have questions about computer use, I will ask my teacher.
2. I will respect and adhere to all of the rules governing access to TCA computing resources and the rules of any other network or computing resource to which I have access through TCA equipment.
3. I understand transmission (sent or received) of any material in violation of any regulation is strictly prohibited and may violate criminal law. I will not transmit obscene, sexually suggestive or offensive, lascivious, harassing or abusive messages, copyrighted material, or material protected by trademark or as a trade secret.
4. I will not publish the name, photograph, home address, or telephone number of myself, another student, faculty, or any other person
5. I understand using TCA’s computer equipment for commercial use, product advertisement or political lobbying is prohibited and may be illegal.
6. I will access only files I have created or files I am authorized to use. I will not change, copy, rename, delete, view, or otherwise access files unless I have permission from the creator.

2. Internet Etiquette

1. I will be polite and use courteous, respectful language. I will not swear, use vulgarities, sexual, harsh, disrespectful or abusive language in my messages to others.
2. I will not participate in direct electronic communications such as chat rooms, bulletin boards, and instant messaging.
3. I will not misrepresent myself or use an alias.
4. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
5. I understand any transmission, including electronic mail, is not private and that my communications and access will be monitored.
6. I will evaluate information carefully. As with any research material, I must review it for accuracy and bias.
7. I will not use the network in such a way as to disrupt the use of the network by other users. This can be avoided by not sending “chain letters” or “broadcast” messages to lists or individuals.

3. No Warranties

1. I understand that TCA makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. TCA is not responsible for any damage I may suffer. This includes loss of data, delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or by my errors or omissions.
2. I understand the use of any information obtained via TCA is at my own risk. TCA specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.
3. I understand TCA has no obligation or authority to defend me against any legal actions brought against me by anyone arising from my misuse of TCA computer resources or violations of any U.S. or foreign laws.

4. Security

1. I understand security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. I will notify my teacher if I notice a security problem. I will not demonstrate the problem to other users.
2. I will not give my user password to other individuals. Any activity associated with my account will be considered my activity. It is my responsibility to protect my account and password.
3. I will respect network security and not attempt to bypass it. I may be denied access to the network if I am identified as a security risk.

5. Vandalism

1. I understand vandalism will result in a cancellation of privileges.
2. I will not maliciously attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any other network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
3. I will treat all equipment with care and respect. I will not have food or drink near any equipment.

Student Acknowledgement

I, _______________________________________________ understand the Device and Internet

Student’s Name (please print)

Access Terms and Conditions and agree to adhere to the principles and procedures detailed within.

I understand that the use of the network is a privilege, not a right, and use inconsistent with these Terms and Conditions may result in a cancellation of those privileges. I will be disciplined if I send messages or download files inconsistent with these Terms and Conditions. At the discretion of the principal and teacher, I may lose the privilege of using the Internet permanently and face suspension or expulsion. Copies of the inappropriate materials will be reported to the building administration and kept on file.

I also understand TCA does not authorize the use of the school’s Internet service for personal use inconsistent with the Terms and Conditions, commercial activity, cyber bullying, or acts of vandalism.

Should I breach the guidelines, I understand that I may lose all network privileges on the TCA network, and that school disciplinary and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.

___________________________________________ _________________________

Student’s Signature Date

Family Acknowledgement

I have read the TCA Device and Internet Access Terms and Conditions.

I understand that network access is designed for educational purposes, which includes use for classroom activities and educational research. TCA has taken precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I recognize it is impossible for TCA to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold them responsible for material acquired on the network. Furthermore, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use is not in a school setting.

__________________________________________________ __________________

Family/Guardian Signature Date

TWIN CITIES ACADEMY FAMILY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

Twin Cities believes that your student’s education will only work if we are in partnership and regular communication. By partnering with TCA and enthusiastically supporting your student, we believe that this will lead to a successful and happy learning community for your student.

As the primary adult in my student’s life, I will:

Enthusiastically support and be a part of my student’s school education.
Support homework assignments.
Attend 3 annual family/student/teacher conferences and communicate with TCA educators when I have a question or issue about my student.
Ensure that my student upholds the TCA ROAR values to maintain a peaceful, disciplined and respectful school environment.

By signing this agreement both the family and student agree to uphold all Twin Cities Academy policies. Families agree to work as partners and support Twin Cities Academy in holding their student(s) accountable to the uniform policy, discipline policy and academic policies of Twin Cities Academy.

_______________________________________________________ _____________________

Signature of Family or Guardian Date

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TWIN CITIES ACADEMY’S STUDENT & FAMILY VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT

The generosity and commitment of our families contribute significantly to the success of the school. We could not accomplish and offer unique experiences to our students without the support of our families.

The TCA MIDDLE SCHOOL Family partnership agreement includes a commitment from each family to contribute a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer time during the school year.

20 hours for each year of attendance at TCA are strongly encouraged for families.
Friends, relatives and family can assist in fulfilling hours.
In many cases, hours can be scheduled at your convenience (evenings, weekends, etc).
Hours served outside of TCA in which students participate with families may count.
Conferences, concerts, sports, and other school events should be included.

The TCA HIGH SCHOOL Student partnership agreement includes a commitment from each Student to contribute a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer time during the school year.

20 hours for each year of attendance at TCAHS are required for graduation.
Students are required to record and submit hours to the advisor as completed. TCA’s school counselor will review hours received annually.
Volunteer hours will be reviewed each marking period to ensure participation and compliance with the requirement.

____________________________________________ __________________________

Signature of Family or Guardian Date

Tell Us A Little More…

Student’s Name___________________________________________________________

Family / Guardian’s Name __________________________________________________

Email Addresses _________________________________________________________

Are there concerns you have about the school year and your child’s success? (about your involvement, your child’s adjustment, school programs and activities, etc.)?

_____________________________________________________________________

Volunteer Opportunities

Below are some suggested volunteer opportunities here at TCA. Please check any/all that would be of interest to you:

Food for Conferences
Front Office Support
Mailings
Media Center Support
Uniform Sorting and Stocking
School Supply Closet Organizing
Field Trips
Volunteering in Classrooms or for Teachers
Event Set Up and Take Down (Band Concerts, Plays, etc.)
Field Trip Chaperoning
School Board or School Board Committees
Translation

Other areas where you can volunteer: