Student Handbook

Handbook Parent Consent Form 
 
 

Please complete the form found in the QR code above or complete the questionnaire below. By signing below, I acknowledge I have reviewed the school handbook and related school policies, and I acknowledge that my child is responsible for adhering to these policies and may face consequences for failing to comply. 

Please complete the information below for the 2025 – 2026 school year. 

Students Preferred Name (print):  _____________________________________________ 

______ I acknowledge that students and staff will use this name to reference my child. (Parent initials) 

______I acknowledge this as my preferred name. (Student initials) 

Please initial below if you DO give specific permissions for the student listed above:  

_____I DO give permission for the RISE licensed mental health professional to administer non-academic surveys for information to help provide the most appropriate mental health support. (Parent initials) 

_____I DO give permission for my student to attend field trips sponsored by RISE Charter School. Details for each field trip will be provided before each trip. (Parent initials) 

_____I DO give permission for my student’s image, words, or work to be in the school yearbook. (Parent initials) 

_____I DO give permission for my student’s image, words, or work to be on RISE social media. (Parent initials) 

_____I DO give permission for my student’s to participate in Lockdown Drills. (Parent initials) 

_____I DO adhere to the Kimberly School District’s Bus Policy 8140 and understand the consequences for misconduct as outlined in the policy. 

 
_____ We, the parent(s)/guardians of __________________________________________(student) have read and understand the contents of the RISE Charter School Handbook. We agree to follow the procedures and the policies outlined therein.   We understand that the school reserves the right to amend policies and procedures when necessary, and that we will abide by policy changes. Any changes made to the Handbook will be distributed by the School. The Handbook is not an enrollment contract. 

Parent/Guardian Signature:_________________________________________________________ 

Date: ___________________________________ 

 What Curriculum Do We Use? 

RISE will continue to adopt the same curriculum however; Summit Learning is now called      Gradient Learning. This curriculum helps us grow the WHOLE student and pairs Habits of Success with academic knowledge. This year the curriculum is on the Canvas platform and should be more user-friendly than ever before! The curriculum within Gradient Learning will also be updated to the following: 

For grades K-3 our students will learn to read with a combination of strategies and curriculum including Little Minds at Work, Heggerty, UFli, and EL. Grades 4-8 will use EL and grades 9-12 will use O’Dell for language arts.  Illustrative Math is the curriculum used for all grades of math. History will be a combination of OER, Open History, Investigating History, and Constitution 101. Science for all grades will be OpenSciEd. 

What are the 16 Habits of Success? 
 

Gradient Learning’s grading policy prioritizes the development of Cognitive Skills that students need for success in college and career. Because these are lifelong skills, Cognitive Skills cut across subjects, courses, and grade levels. Gradient Learning’s focus on Cognitive Skills is supported by learning science and developed through Real-World Projects; students, teachers and families can track a student’s progression on these skills throughout their entire tenure in Gradient Learning. 

A foundational component of Gradient Learning is that students demonstrate competency in standards-aligned Content Knowledge across all core subject areas.  

Successful Students 

1. Regularly attend school (no more than 10 absences per class per semester) 
2. Practice 16 Habits of Success 
3. Respect self, others, and property 
4. Communicate progress to parents 
5. Ask for help when needed 

  Supportive Parents 

1. Assist child in arriving to school on time and regularly 
2. Support school’s positive behavior plan 
3. Enforce school dress code 
4. Support school staff 

5. Volunteer when needed 
    

  Positive Behavior and Intervention Supports 

PBIS seeks to reduce or eliminate poor behavior school wide through the encouragement of positive behaviors. PBIS is a complete change in how schools employ interventions and discipline. It is more accurate to call PBIS a framework focused on prevention and instruction. 

PBIS represents a radical change in thinking about behavior and discipline. Instead of allowing poor behavior to escalate into disciplinary measures, the focus is on teaching and promoting positive behaviors. By building on these positive behaviors, escalations into discipline are reduced. 

RISE Charter School students are also Kimberly Bulldogs so exemplify the “Bulldog Way” by showing Respect, Owning It, Are Aware, and RISE Again – Soar! 

RISE Rewards are currency earned for good behavior, kindness, effort, and exemplifying Habits of Success.  Students can purchase various items at lunch from Student Council students who will run the school store.  They can also save their RISE Rewards for raffle prizes and privileges such as lunch with a friend, extra time at lunch, and a Subway sandwich. 

Pick Up and Drop Off 

At the beginning of each school day parents who drop their students off will be asked to do so in the drop off drive-through, east of Kimberly Elementary School. All RISE students who ride a Kimberly School District bus will be dropped off in the morning on the west side of Kimberly Elementary School. They will get on the same bus at the end of the school day at the same location. Primary grade students (K-3) will have a staff member walk them to & from the bus and parent pick up. 

 Student Drivers    

 Students with a valid driver’s license will be allowed to drive to school.  Student parking is in the lot northwest of Kimberly Elementary.  Students must complete a parking application that includes proof of liability insurance to reserve a parking spot.  

Bus Information 

Riding a bus to and from RISE is a service provided by the Kimberly School District and may be revoked for disorderly conduct or unacceptable behavior. Students must adhere to Kimberly School Districts Policy 8140. Students shall be under the authority of, and directly responsible to the bus driver. Students are assigned a bus based on their address. It is unacceptable to ride a bus that is not your assigned bus. Contact the Transportation Department at 208-423-4170 ext. 3328 to set up bussing when enrolling each year.  Should you need further information or if you have a transportation problem, contact the Transportation Office at 423-4170 ext. 3306.  

Motorized and Non-Motorized Vehicles 

No motorized vehicles are allowed on campus.  Non-motorized vehicles are to be walked on campus and kept locked outside in the bike rack.  RISE is not responsible for lost or stolen items.   

Early Pick Up 

If you need to pick up your child before the day’s end, please check them out at the office. All students must be signed out prior to leaving the campus. If there is a change in how your child is getting home, parents or guardians must call no later than 2:30 p.m., unless of an emergency. 

Message To Students 

If a parent must bring homework, books, or other materials to a student during the school day, it should be taken to the office for delivery.   

  Cell Phone Policy 

*All grades K-12: No cell phone allowed during school hours, on campus, but may use it before and after school. (See Govenor Little’s Phone Free Learning Act 2024-11.) 

If a phone is seen during school time, it will be confiscated and taken to the front office. Please see Violation of Cell Phone Protocol for consequences; 

If your child needs to contact a parent or guardian, they will be allowed to use the phone in the front office. 

Visitor Check-In / Check Out 

All visitors, including parents not familiar to the staff, must show a valid ID and sign in at the office before proceeding to their destination. Parents who are only dropping something off should leave it at the office for delivery to the student. If someone other than the parent is picking up your child, they will need to be checked in at the office and show a picture ID. Parents or guardians must give permission for any alternate pickup arrangements. 

Parent Volunteers 

RISE welcomes and values the contributions of our parents and family members in various volunteer roles throughout the school year. A volunteer form will be available at the front office. Parents who work one on one directly with students must be approved by the administration and have a background check (cost covered by the school). 

Alternative Transportation 

All students will be expected to be transported to and from school-sponsored activities (field trips, etc.) on buses provided by the school district. Alternate transportation may be provided if the Alternate Transportation Arrangement Form (from front office) is filled out by the student’s parent/guardian and the individual providing the transportation. 

Weather Related Closings 

RISE Charter School follows the Kimberly School District in matters regarding school closure due to inclement weather. Decisions regarding closure are made daily by 6 a.m. and all local news agencies are notified. You may access-up-to-the- minute information through TV/Radio and our social media pages. Generally, if Kimberly School District is closed, then RISE Charter School is closed too. 
 
Extreme Weather/Conditions Policy 

Outdoor recess will be cancelled when the conditions are beyond what the staff determines to be safe. These conditions may include excessive or strongly blowing snow, extreme temperature and/or wind chill, unsafe air conditions (smoke from fires, etc.). 
 
Winter Clothing 

RISE staff will remind students to bring appropriate winter clothing for outdoor recess/play. Should a child forget this equipment a reminder note, or phone call will be sent home from the school.  

Fire and Lockdown Policies 

Fire drills will be held regularly throughout the school year. On occasion, a Lockdown Drill will be performed, and although only a drill, it may be traumatic and/or upsetting to some students.  Please let administration or your child’s teacher know if your student cannot participate in a lockdown drill. In case of a fire alarm, students will exit the building immediately to a designated area. In a lockdown, the administrator will work with campus safety personnel and the local police department to ensure the safety of all children and school personnel. 

School Website / Media  

The school website / Facebook is an ongoing communication platform between the parents and the school. School news, school calendar, classroom news, teacher email links, and other helpful information is regularly updated at www.risecharter.school as well as www.facebook.com/risekimberly and RISE Instagram account at rise.kimberly. 

Parent / Teacher Events 

Many events including a fall fundraiser dinner/concert, fall parent teacher conferences, fall literacy night, holiday concerts, talent show, spring stem night, and a school musical are held during the year and are posted on the school website and Facebook and Instagram pages. Parents are invited to attend monthly board meetings and other training and support meetings. 

Emergency Information 

Please keep the office apprised of an up-to-date emergency contact and phone number and authorized persons who may pick up your child from school. 

Counseling / Guidance Services 

In general, conferences with the counselor will be arranged at the students, staff or parent’s request. The counselor will send for the student from class as soon as possible.  

Students in Media and Photographs 

If you would prefer not to have your student’s image, work, or words published or posted on social media, the school yearbook or in media please opt out by leaving it blank on the Parent Consent form on page 1. 

Food Services 

Please complete the free and reduced lunch form this will help the school with federal funding even if you do not qualify. Should your child have food allergies, make complete the Food Allergy form at the front office. 

Restrooms 

Restrooms may be used during class with the teacher's permission. Students should use the restroom in the building where they attend class unless permitted otherwise. 
 
Food and Drink In Class 
Staying hydrated is important and water is the preferred beverage. NO ENERGY DRINKS ARE ALLOWED ON CAMPUS. Any food in class is at the teacher’s discretion. 

Sexual Harassment 

It is the policy of RISE Charter School to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment.  RISE Charter School prohibits any form of sexual harassment. It shall be a violation for any student or employee of RISE Charter School District to harass a student or an employee through conduct or communication of a sexual nature as defined by Policies 3290, 3085, and 5240. 

Dangerous Items 

Firearms, explosives, smoke or fire-producing items, knives, or other weapons must NEVER be brought to school or on the bus. If a student accidentally brings a dangerous item to school, he/she should immediately turn it into the principal. See policies 3300 and 4300 for details. 

Lockers 

Students will be assigned a locker each year. Students may not trade or share lockers without permission from the office. Combination locks may be purchased at the office for $5.00 if students choose to lock their locker.  The combination will be on file with the office. General inspections of lockers may be conducted by school authorities for any reason, at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. Administration has the right to cut the lock off.  Under no circumstances should a student give his/her combination to someone else. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Replacement for broken locks or locker doors from being mishandled will be charged to the student. 

Curriculum: Gradient Learning 

Grade Reports 

Kindergarten through 5th grade teachers will communicate regularly with parents including grade concerns.  RISE student’s 6th through 12th will, in collaboration with their mentor teacher, send a weekly email to parents with a grade report.  Parents may also log in to your student’s Gradient Learning account to see their To Do List and grades.    

Letter Grade Breakdown 

Gradient Learning emphasizes the belief that all students should have the opportunity to persist until they have demonstrated true mastery with a grade of A, B, or C. Aligned to this belief, there are no letter grades “D” or “F” in Gradient Learning, until the end of the quarter. Instead, if a student has not demonstrated C-level mastery, that student’s grade is “Incomplete” until the end of the year at which time it will become an “F”. 

Quarter Grades 

Official grade reports are distributed to students four times a year and become a part of the students’ permanent records.  

Phone / Email Communication  

E-mailing is the school’s preferred mode of communication. Regular emails and/or phone calls from teachers will keep parents informed of important class news and specific concerns regarding their child. Teachers’ phones automatically go to voicemail during the day. Please leave a voicemail or email for teachers during the school day, and they will return your call within 24 hours.  

Attendance 

Regular attendance is crucial for student achievement; therefore, students may not miss more than 10 days in a semester per class. All un-excused absences count against the 10 days in a semester attendance requirement. Three tardies shall count as one absence. After exceeding the tenth absence, the RISE school board may request a meeting with the student and their parents, or credit may be withheld. 

Excused Absences / Tardies 

The following are considered excused absences/ tardies with documentation: 

• Illness of the student  
• Doctor or dentist appointment  
• Quarantine by the health department 
• Court Appearance 
• Death / funeral of an immediate family member 
   
  Special Education 

RISE Charter School will follow the requirements of IDEA, the state of Idaho, and all other federal and state mandates regarding students with special needs. RISE Charter School Board of Directors will adopt the 2018 Idaho Special Education Manual with all subsequent revisions and implement appropriate special education policies and procedures consistent with state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and legal requirements.  Please see policy 4150 for details regarding education for students with disabilities. 

Nondiscriminatory Enrollment Procedures 

RISE Charter School will not deny enrollment to a student with a disability because of that student's need for special education or related aids and services. All appropriate services will be provided for students with disabilities who meet the federally- established eligibility criterion for such services.  

LRE Requirements 

RISE Charter School will ensure that a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) is available to students who attend RISE Charter School and who are eligible for special education. RISE Charter School will provide transportation for special needs students if it is necessary to provide Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). 

Monitoring Progress 

RISE Charter School will follow state and federal laws regarding assessment of Special Education students. Please see the Assessment Plan below for additional monitoring of progress of Special Education students. 

Confidentiality 

RISE Charter School will protect student and parent rights and protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in student special education records as outlined in Idaho Senate Bill 1372 (Student Data Accessibility, Transparency and Accountability Act of 2014) and FERPA law – 33 CFR 99.30 (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.) 

Policy Notices 

Please review the following policies online under School Board and RISE Charter School Board Policies before signing the agreement form: 

Website Link: https://risecharter.school/rise-charter-school-board-policies 

• Policy 2140 – Student and Family Privacy Rights 
• Policy 2425 – Parental Rights 
• Policy 3255 – Student Dress (See image below) 

• Policy 3280 & Policy 5120 - Equal Education, Nondiscrimination, and Sex Equity 
• Policy 3285 – Relationship Abuse and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response 
• Policy 3295 – Hazing, Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, Cyber Bullying 
• Policy 3300 – Drug Free School Zone  
• Policy 3310—Gangs & Gang Activity 
• Policy 3320 – Substance and Alcohol Abuse 
• Policy 3330 – Student Discipline 
• Policy 3335 – Academic Honesty 
• Policies 3370 &3370P—Search & Seizure   
• Policy 3500 – Student Health/Physical Screenings/Examinations 
• Policy 3510 – Administration of Medications 
• Policy 3560 – Video Surveillance 
• Policy 3570F1 – Student Records 
• Policy 3575 – Student Data Privacy and Security 
• Policy 4160 – Parent Right-to-Know Notices 

• Kimberly School District Policy 8140 – Student Conduct on Buses