Choices Academy 2026-27 Student Handbook Principal: Dwayne Abt Assistant Principal-Michael Beale Dean of Students- Craig Weaver Dean of Students- Andrew O'Neal
MISSION STATEMENT At Choices Academy, our mission is to cultivate a dynamic and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. We are committed to ensuring safety and productivity while fostering social and emotional growth. Our focus on building emotional well-being and stability empowers students to become resilient and adaptable, preparing them for a successful transition back to their home schools in order to facilitate their readiness for future endeavors. By collaborating with all secondary schools in the Wicomico County Public Schools system, we strive to enhance educational excellence and provide a foundation for lifelong learning and achievement. THE CHOICES WAY Social/Emotional Goals Students will: • Respect themselves, each other, and all property to ensure a positive and safe learning environment. • Display appropriate behavior according to the Choices Academy Handbook and WCPS Code of Conduct at all times. • Cooperate with all school personnel. • Use respectful, appropriate language. Avoid using sarcasm, gossip, belittling, or putting down others. • Consume food and drink in the designated areas only. • Place all trash and discarded materials in trash cans throughout the day. • Move quietly through the building to avoid being a distraction to classrooms along the route. • Display appropriate behaviors that will allow the bus driver to reach their destination safely. Personal Goals Students will: • Wear proper and acceptable attire to school • Arrive at school and every class on time and be ready to work. • Move to class when the warning bell rings at 7:30 a.m. • Take proper care of textbooks, materials, and equipment. • Remain on school property during school hours. • Present a note signed by a parent/guardian to explain any absences (no more than 5 per term). • Advise the school office, guidance, and nurse regarding changes of address, phone number, and emergency information on a consistent basis. • Keep all electronic devices (Cellular phones, headphones, etc.) in a safe place. Choices Academy is NOT responsible for any lost/stolen items. • Exit the building promptly at the ringing of the dismissal bell at 2:26 p.m. Academic Goals Students will: • Conduct themselves in a manner that allows the teachers to teach, and all students to learn. • Strive for success and believe it is possible.
• Complete and turn in assignments on the due date. • Remain in class in order to maximize learning. The behavioral expectations are taught to all students in the building and are taught in real contexts. Teaching appropriate behavior involves much more than simply telling students what behaviors they should avoid. MAIN OFFICE INFORMATION Our secretarial staff receive numerous requests from parents each day that involve various requests. To minimize interruptions to the school day and classroom instruction, we are asking that parents limit the number of times they call the school to leave messages or come to school to drop off items to their students. If your child has called and asked you to drop something off, please leave the item in the main office. Please make sure that your child's name is on the item. For your convenience in direct dialing, please keep this number in a handy spot: Choices Academy Main Office 410-677-5220 REPORT CARD / MID-TERM REPORT DISTRIBUTION Students and families of Choices Academy are able to access student progress reports and report cards on the Family Portal. Progress reports and report cards will be also mailed out at the appropriate times of the year. ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES Any student who arrives to school after the 7:45 am bell, or who needs to leave school after arriving, must sign the "Sign In/Sign Out Form" in the main office. Students who are dismissed early are only allowed to leave school premises with a Family Portal listed contact. Those not listed are not permitted to pick up a student. A student should never, under any circumstances, leave school during school hours without first obtaining permission from a parent/guardian. Students leaving school without proper permission are subject to disciplinary action. Absence Notes - A note is required for an excused absence. Such notes would include doctors' notes, notices of court summons or a copy of an obituary from a death in the family. Notes should be submitted within 5 days after returning to school from the absence. Notes from parents may be submitted for other absences and will be filed in the student’s file. Please note that no more than 5 school days may be excused by parent notes in a school year. Request for Make-up Work - Makeup assignments sent home may be requested when a student has an extended absence by calling the school and giving 24-hour notice of the request. The request should be made by the student or guardian. Work will be given on a weekly basis. A timeline will be determined for work submission between the student and the teacher. Lunch - A student may bring a packed lunch or get lunch in the cafeteria. If a student chooses to bring in a packed lunch, it must be left in the main office until their lunch shift. Students may not leave campus for lunch, nor may they order lunch and have it delivered. All food and drinks are to be eaten in the cafeteria or designated areas as food is not permitted in other parts of the building.
School Functions - Students and guests at school functions must observe expected school behavior. The code of conduct does apply to all extra-curricular/co-curricular events at Choices Academy and other schools/functions. Any person appearing to have consumed alcohol and/or drugs prior to entrance to any extracurricular event will be refused admission. People leaving the building during an event may not return. At the end of each event, all people are to leave promptly. Conduct at all extracurricular activities should reflect courtesy and respect for others and bring honor and credit to our school and ourselves. Please note that this is only for volunteer students and Risers. All other students are not permitted to attend extracurricular activities. ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL Upon arrival, students will go through the weapons detection system. Students will have an opportunity to grab breakfast and go straight to their 1st period class. Students who arrive late will either go through Weapons Detection or be wanded by a member of the administrative team. Students will leave through the main door and exit the school property upon dismissal. Choices Academy Student Personal Electronic Device Collection, Secure Storage, and Return Procedures To support a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment while complying with the Wicomico County Public Schools Cell Phone and Personal Electronic Device Guidelines, Choices Academy will implement a daily student cell phone collection and storage procedure. All students will surrender personal cell phones and any other Personal Electronic Devices listed in the Guidelines upon entering the building and will have them returned at dismissal. Arrival and Security Screening 1. Student Entry As students enter the building, they will report through the designated security screening area. 2. Phone Turn-In Students will: • Remove their cell phone from their person. • Power the phone off or place it in silent mode. • Hand the phone directly to the designated staff member. 3. Verification and Labeling The receiving staff member will: • Verify the student's name. • Assign Storage Number • Place the phone into a numbered storage sleeve • Record receipt of the device on the Daily Phone Log.
4. Secure Storage The staff members will: • Place the phone into a locked labeled phone storage case. • Secure the case in a designated locked office or secure location. • Maintain access only to designated administrators and authorized staff. Student Refusal to Turn in a Phone If a student refuses to surrender the device contact the office immediately for administrative assistance. Refusal to comply may result in additional disciplinary consequences for insubordination. • Remind the student of the school procedure and county policy. • Provide an opportunity for compliance. Bell to Bell, There’s No Cell – Progressive Discipline Refer to WCPS Cell Phone and Personal Electronic Device Guidelines 2026-2027 Document. During the School Day Phone Access Students will not have access to their phones during the academic school day. Phones may only be accessed during the day when: • Authorized by administration. • Required for a documented educational or medical plan. Secure Storage Requirements The secured storage location shall: • Remain locked at all times. • Be located in an office or supervised area. • Be accessible only to designated staff. • Be checked at the beginning and end of each day. Staff members handling phones shall: • Count devices upon placement into storage. • Verify counts prior to dismissal. • Report any discrepancies immediately to administration. End-of-Day Phone Return Procedure Dismissal Pick-Up Area A designated phone pick-up area will be established near the student exit. 1. Student Identification Students will: • Present themselves at the pick-up station. • State their name and assigned slot number.
2. Verification Staff will: • Locate the student's assigned storage slot. • Verify the student's identity. 3. Phone Return Staff will: • Return the phone directly to the student. • Mark the phone as returned in the Daily Phone Log. 4. Unclaimed Phones Any phone not retrieved by dismissal will: • Remain secured in the locked storage area. • Be returned the next school day or released to a parent/guardian as determined by administration. Staff Accountability Procedures Morning Collection Team Responsible for: • Receiving devices. • Logging devices. • Securing devices. • Reporting discrepancies Safety & Office Staff Responsible for: • Maintaining storage security. • Monitoring inventory. • Assisting with authorized phone retrievals. Administration Responsible for: • Addressing refusal or noncompliance. • Managing parent communication. • Reviewing procedures and security practices. HOW TO GET HELP WITH A PROBLEM Our school seeks to serve the needs and best interests of each student; therefore, it is our goal to help students in problem situations. Discipline, Security, Personal Safety or Welfare - If you have a problem related to discipline, security, personal safety or welfare or vandalism: 1. Tell the nearest teacher or adult staff member. 2. Explain exactly what happened to you or what you observed happening to someone else. Problems of discipline, security, and personal safety are considered very serious. For this reason, you should also. 3. See the Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Principal, or Student Advisor right away. 4. When you alert school personnel, tell your parents about the problem. They will want to know.
It is important for you to know that when you report incidents of this nature to the school, every effort will be made to keep the information and your identity confidential. Academic Problems - For help with an academic problem: 1. See the teacher who teaches the subject. Go to teachers on a personal, one- to-one basis. If they can help, they generally will be glad to do so. They will welcome you and may ask for further conferences with you and/or your parents. 2. Further help can be obtained through the guidance counselor. 3. For problems that are still not solved after you have talked with the guidance counselor, discuss the matter with your parents and with the Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, or Principal. Your parents may wish to join you in talking with the principal. Choices Academy Code of Conduct The students, faculty, and staff of the Choices Academy community are committed to creating an environment of academic integrity and personal character that affirms honesty, responsibility, and effort. We believe that an essential part of education and citizenship is developing a sense of responsibility and fairness by encouraging principled actions. Our goal is to foster the growth of each student's self-respect through academic integrity and ethical behavior and to encourage honest and trustworthy conduct in all curriculars, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities. The Code of Conduct provides students, faculty, staff, and parents with specific expectations for ethical conduct and behavior, as well as clear and uniform consequences that promote development of character through interventions and appropriate penalties. The Wicomico County Code of Conduct can be found at 2025-2026 WCPS Student Handbook Consequences The success of the Code of Conduct relies in part on the enforcement of uniform consequences. Teachers, administrators, and Academic Integrity Counselors agree to abide by the progressive penalties and rehabilitation programs described herein. The consequences will be consistent and fair. The Code of Conduct provides guidelines for consequences based on the actions of the student. Choices Academy Level System Students can earn 20 points a day. LEVEL 1 Students on Level 1 must earn 200 points to progress to Level 2 Student is expected to follow all established rules/procedures of the program (1 point each, 4 per class): • Follow school behavior expectations (no disruption/disrespect/profanity, transitions) (1 point) • Follow classroom rules and directions (teacher and IA directives, seating chart, etc.) (1 point) • Engage in instruction and complete assignments, per teacher directions (1 point) • Use electronics appropriately (cell phone, laptop, earbuds, tablet) (1 point) • Students at Level 1 may not participate in field trips, special activities, or extracurricular incentives.
LEVEL 2 Students on Level 2 must earn an additional 200 points (400 total points) to progress to Level 3 Student must continue to follow program expectations from Level 1: • Students will engage with case manager to achieve therapeutic goals. • Students will engage with teachers to access interventions/extra help to improve grades. • Students will participate in designated therapeutic activities (groups, guest speakers). • Students at Level 2 may participate in field trips and special activities with 80% of their possible program points. They may not participate in extra-curricular incentives. LEVEL 3 Students on Level 3 must maintain 70% total possible points Student must continue to follow program expectations from Levels 1 and 2: • Students will continue to engage with case managers and teachers to meet expectations (see below) to transition back to home school. • Students falling below 70% of possible program points will lose level 1 and 2 privileges • Students at Level 3 may participate in field trips, special activities, and extra-curricular incentives with 80% of their possible program points. ** Students who receive an out-of-school suspension will forfeit 100 points per day out. ** Volunteers who fall below 75% will have a conference, with parent contact, and have two weeks to bring their percentage back to 75%, or they will return to their home school. Program Expectations o Maintain/improve grades from home school o Minimal or zero conduct history (no Level 4 or 5 infractions) o Attendance - No more than 5 unexcused – can be recovered with AIP o Demonstration of appropriate behavior (teacher report - 70% minimum or 20% increase over time) o Choices and home school principals can agree to alter expectations for individual students with special circumstances. RESPONSIBILITIES Teachers are responsible for clearly communicating to students their expectations for the ethical completion of assignments, projects, and assessments. When a student has violated the Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity, the teacher will refer the student to the appropriate administrator. Failure to do so may be noted in the teacher's administrative review. Students are responsible for monitoring their own behavior and conducting themselves in a manner that reflects the spirit of the code of conduct. To that end, the following practices are suggested: • Ask teachers to specify if work is to be done cooperatively or independently. • Use a cover sheet during assessments. • Put all materials, including calculators and cell phones, out of sight during assessments (unless authorized by the teacher). • Follow sound research methods by taking careful notes, paraphrasing or quoting, and properly documenting any idea that is not your own.
SERVICE LEARNING AND PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS FOR WICOMICO COUNTY Students must meet the Student Service Requirement. This requirement prescribes that students shall complete one of the following: (1) a state-approved, locally designed program in student service; or, (2) seventy-five (75) hours of service that includes preparation, action and reflection components. Promotion Requirements - In order to pass to the next higher grade, a student must have earned the following minimum credits: 9th to 10th - 4 credits 10th to 11th - 9 credits 11th to 12th - 14 credits ANY STUDENT EXPERIENCING ANY DIFFICULTY IS ENCOURAGED TO SEEK ASSISTANCE. Daily Announcements - Each day begins with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by school related announcements which have received prior approval. Quiet is expected during the announcement period. Conflict Resolution/Human Relations - The Student Advisor facilitates the resolution of conflicts and the development of Human Relations skills. Students may be referred to these programs but are also actively encouraged to contact these staff members whenever they can be of assistance. Guidance Counseling – Choices Academy has one guidance counselor who can provide many services and information. The student and the parents should use the resources available through the guidance office. Services include academic planning, career planning, career counseling and referral, testing for armed services, college, school and State of Maryland, and information regarding the Academic Assistance Program. Health Services - Students becoming ill during the school day should obtain permission to report to the school nurse. Students who must take medications during the school day must adhere to procedures outlined in the Wicomico County Policy for Administration of Medication. Lost and Found - The Lost and Found area is in the main office. The school is not responsible for lost items. Mentoring Project - The Wicomico Mentoring Project involves members of the business, agency, and civic communities in nurturing relationships with our students to provide social, emotional and/or academic encouragement.
CHOICES ACADEMY DALIY SCHEDULE
CHOICES ACADEMY 90-MINUTE DELAY SCHEDULE
CHOICES ACADEMY SCHEDULE FOR AN EARLY RELEASE Choices Early Dismissal ***NO T.I.M.E.*** Class 1 7:45 – 8:39 54 Minutes 2- Minute Transition Class 2 8:41 – 9:35 54 Minutes 2- Minute Transition Class 4 9:37 – 10:31 54 Minutes 2- Minute Transition Class 5 10:33 – 11:30 57 Minutes Lunch 1 Lunch 2 10:33 – 10:50 10:52– 11:10 11:12-11:30 Student Dismissal 11:30 3-hour early dismissal dates: o April 1, 2026 o June 9, 2026 o June 10, 2026 o June 11, 2026 No first period programs (ATEX, VPA, or JROTC). CTE and Schumaker will operate as usual with the 3-hour early dismissal schedule.
Cell Phones Procedures “No Cell, Bell to Bell” WCPS Cell Phone and Personal Electronic Device Guidelines Details (2026–2027) To promote a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment, students are expected to keep all personal electronic devices secured and out of sight throughout the academic school day. Academic School Day The academic school day is defined as any structured or unstructured learning experience beginning when the first bell rings at the start of the school day and ending when the dismissal bell rings at the conclusion of the school day. This includes, but is not limited to, instructional periods, lunch, recess, passing periods, and other transitional times. Personal Electronic Devices A personal electronic device is any device that is not owned by Wicomico County Public Schools (WCPS). This includes, but is not limited to: • AngelSense devices • Cell phones • Earbuds and headphones • Smart watches and other wearable technology • Watches with cell phone, camera, or listening capabilities • Eyeglasses with cell phone, camera, or listening capabilities • Pens with camera or audio recording capabilities • Any other personal device capable of communication, recording, photography, video, or internet access Personal electronic devices are not permitted for use during the academic school day unless specifically authorized by a school administrator or required as part of a student's documented educational or medical plan. Student Expectations During the academic school day, students shall: • Keep personal electronic devices powered off or placed in silent mode and stored out of sight. • Refrain from using personal electronic devices in classrooms, cafeterias, hallways, breezeways, restrooms, locker rooms, or any other school location during the academic school day. • Use cell phones only before the first bell and after the dismissal bell for phone calls or other personal communication. • Use only district-based/local devices when directed by school staff for instructional purposes. Photography, Video, and Audio Recording Students may not use personal electronic devices to photograph, video record, or audio record other individuals during the school day without staff authorization. The use of personal electronic devices to record or distribute videos or images of confrontations, fights, or other inappropriate situations is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. Audio recordings must comply with Maryland law. Recording another individual requires that individual's prior permission unless otherwise permitted by law.
Social Media Students shall not use personal social media accounts during the academic school day. Personal social media accounts are those that are not owned, managed, or monitored by Wicomico County Public Schools. Acceptable Use Students and staff are expected to comply with the Wicomico County Public Schools Acceptable Use of Technology procedures when using district-based/local devices and any approved technology resources. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Cell Phone and Personal Electronic Device Progressive Discipline (2026–2027) Offense Teacher Action Phone Returned To 1st Verbal warning, parent contact, document Student keeps phone after putting it away 2nd Office confiscation, parent contact Student after dismissal 3rd Office confiscation, administrator contacts parent Parent/guardian only 4th+ Office referral, progressive discipline, parent pick-up Parent/guardian only Bell to Bell, There's No Cell Teacher Progressive Discipline Procedures (2026-2027) Important: Teachers track offenses within their own classroom. Offenses do not reset daily. **Choices Academy has additional rules and procedures for all students attending. Refer to section above identified as: Choices Academy Student Personal Electronic Device Collection, Secure Storage, and Return Procedures
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