Stephanie MacDonald, parent, requested that school supply lists be posted on the website. In ACPS, we provide all of the necessary supplies for students. Parents can assume that the only other necessities for successful learning could be backpacks and lunchboxes. 

Emily Cerda, parent, asked ACPS what the status of the district wide food allergy policy was that was being discussed by the school board last year.  To answer Ms. Cerda's question, the school board approved the second reading of the policy on February 10, 2015. The purpose of this policy is "to establish procedures to reduce the effect of food allergies on the performance of students during the school day." Food allergies may affect a student's health and academic performance.  In order to promote a healthy and safe educational environment for students with food allergies, the Superintendent shall develop and implement a plan for the avoidance and management of food allergy situations occurring during the school day.  Such a plan will be based on the medical diagnosis and documentation provided by the parent or guardian of a student with known food allergies.  The policy regulations provide the information regarding the specific plan. Click either link to view this policy (File: JLCEB) and it's regulations (File: JLCEB-R1). 

Deborah Jackson asked ACPS what are the most important things that parents should know about the PARCC assessments.  To help answer Ms. Jackson's question, the Maryland State Department of Education drafted a document that highlights and answers questions about PARCC, including when results will be available, when parents will see their children's scores, what the results will show, and more. Click here to view these FAQs on the upcoming PARCC assessments. 

Tammy Fraley, parent, was interested in learning about our policy for excused absences.  The ACPS attendance policy (File: JED) states that regular school attendance is expected of all students, and school attendance is directly related to school achievement.  In order to maximize academic achievement, there must be a unified effort by all school staff, parents, students, and the community to improve overall school attendance.  School administrators, teachers, and support staff are expected to make all reasonable attempts to assist students and parents in addressing those factors which cause students to be absent from school. 

A student may miss no more than 12 days of school per year.  Absences are classified as either lawful or unlawful.  Students presently enrolled in public schools are considered lawfully absent from school, including absence for any portion of the day, under fourteen different conditions that can be viewed here. All schools follow the ACPS attendance policy; however, Honor Roll or Perfect Attendance awards will be determined at the school level.