Updates
This decision is for the trimester beginning Monday, November 30, 2020 and ending on Friday March 5, 2021. This form MUST be filled out by every family, for every student by no later than Friday, November 20, 2020. Completion of this form is required, even if you plan on your student(s) staying in the same learning format as first trimester. Remember, once a family chooses to do virtual learning, the student can only return to in-person at the start of the next trimester. Also attached is the Virtual Learning Waiver for all families choosing the virtual format for learning in the 2nd trimester. The Health Screening Agreement will need to be signed by families transitioning to in-person learning only.

Calendar
School Reopening
Meal Program
Cole Academy participates in the State of Michigan Free/Reduced Meal Application system. All meals are provided daily by the Okemos Public School System.
2020/2021 Prices are as follows:
Prices Full pay:
Breakfast - $1.90
Lunch - $2.90
Milk - .50
Prices Reduced pay:
Breakfast - .30
Lunch - .40
Milk - .50
All students have a meal account that tracks meal participation.
Deposits can be made at the front desk by completing the Meal Deposit form or by clicking the e-Funds for Schools link below:
For Heating Instructions for food delivered curb-side, please go to the Okemos Public Schools Food Service webpage at this link. https://www.okemosk12.net/Page/503
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.
To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
De acuerdo con la ley federal de derechos civiles y los reglamentos y políticas de derechos civiles del Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU. (USDA - U.S. Department of Agriculture), el USDA, sus organismos, ofi y empleados, y las instituciones que participan o administran los programas del USDA tienen prohibido discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen étnico, sexo, discapacidad, edad o tomar represalias o venganza por actividades anteriores a los derechos civiles en cualquier programa o actividad llevada a cabo o financiado por el USDA.
Las personas con discapacidad que requieran medios alternativos de comunicación para informarse del programa (por ejemplo,braille, letra grande, cinta de audio, lengua americana de signos, etc.) deben ponerse en contacto con el organismo (estatal olocal) donde solicitaron sus prestaciones. Las personas sordas o con problemas de audición o defi encias en el habla puedenponerse en contacto con el USDA a través del Federal Relay Service (servicio federal de transmisiones) en el (800) 877-8339.Además, puede encontrar información del programa en otros idiomas además del inglés.
Para presentar una queja por discriminación contra el programa, rellene el formulario de quejas por discriminación contra elprograma de USDA, (USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form - AD-3027) disponible en línea en:http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, y en cualquier oficina del USDA, o escriba una carta dirigida al USDA contoda la información solicitada en el formulario. Para solicitar una copia del formulario de queja,
llame al (866) 632-9992
Envíe elformulario rellenado o carta al USDA por correo:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
Fax: (202) 690-7442; o
correo electrónico: program.intake@usda.gov.
Esta institución aplica el principio de igualdad de oportunidades.
About
Vision Statement
Cole Academy students will be equipped to excel as leaders and lifelong learners.
Mission Statement
Cole Academy will engage and inspire our diverse students to reach their full potential through individualized instruction.
We believe in ...
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Fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse culture.
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Nurturing collaborative relationships among students, families, and school.
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Students being the center of all we do.
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Providing a safe and supportive environment.
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A commitment of excellence for all.
Cole Academy is Lansing's longest-standing charter school in the state of Michigan and received a charter through Central Michigan University in 1995. The Academy originated as an Early Childhood Center and over the years, gradually became a K-6 Public School. Our East Lansing campus, Cole Academy East, was built in 2018!
Annie Jasonowicz became Cole Academy Lansing Principal in August 2018 after a full year of mentorship. Stacey Johnson became Cole Academy East Principal in August 2018, previously being Assistant Principal of Cole Academy Lansing since 2016. Both building Principals have experience as classroom teachers at Cole Academy. Mrs. Jasonowicz has taught at Cole Academy since 2011 and Mrs. Johnson has taught at Cole since 2004.
Combining a foundation of current, research-based, balanced literacy objectives and a sustained professional development direction from Teachers College at Columbia University in New York, has "raised the bar" for student achievement. Reader’s and Writer’s Workshops continue to be critical directions for Cole Academy.
For math, our teachers work closely with the expert curriculum coach throughout the school year to work on a constructivist/project-based (hands-on) approach to teaching mathematics. Continual professional development in math, and an inquiry-focused direction will be central to the program. In addition, Cole will continue using representations (manipulatives), our Envision Math, and Bridges programs, as well as incorporating the MCTM, NCTM, and Common Core State Standards as guides.
Science instruction involves a State of Michigan recognized expert/consultant working with teachers and students. Our science kits program is helping to prepare our students for the Michigan Science Standards (MSS).
Social Studies is undergoing major revisions in the district, using an MSU Professor that is nationally recognized as an expert in the field. This direction uses local and kid-focused issues to teach world views.
Art, PE, and Health have all undergone major changes and renovations to be up-to-speed with the State of Michigan Common Core Standards and Grade Level Content Expectations in these areas of study. These specialty areas are an important component of a whole-child learning experience.
Cole Academy is working in conjunction with Okemos Public Schools providing dining services. This streamlined approach to servicing the needs of our students with an affordable hot lunch program has been received with positive reviews and accolades. The students are satisfied with the meals and the point-of-use system of payment through “LunchTime” (using a computer) has made lunch less hectic for all involved.
Students in third through sixth grade each have individual IPads for school use. Students in kindergarten through second grade use both classroom IPads and Chromebooks throughout their learning day. We also have a 32-computer lab for all grades to use weekly.
We also partner with MSU student interns working with our students one-on-one and in the classroom.
HISTORY
PHILOSOPHY
AMENITIES
Board of Directors
MEMBERS
Tara Ferguson, President
Mary Harding, Vice President
Jaynaya James, Director
Amy Gilmore, Secretary
Jason Marentette, Treasurer
MEETINGS
Board of Directors meeting schedule is posted at Cole Academy and the meeting minutes are available in the office.
Next Meeting: East Lansing Campus
Thursday, February 17
Meeting ID: 916 1378 2835
Passcode: 673444
DOCUMENTS
BOARD MINUTES
2019-2020
2020-2021
2018-2019
2017-2018
Transparency
COVID-19 Preparation plans
CONTINUITY OF LEARNING
AER Reports
Annual Expulsion Report and Website Report on Criminal Incidents
Current Fiscal Year Board Approved Budget
PersonNel Expenditures
Current Operating Expenditures
Educational Service Provider Transparency Reports
FOIA
Current Bargaining Agreements
Health Care Plans
Audited Financial Statements
Procurement Policy
Expense Reimbursement Policy
Accounts Payable Check Register
Employee Compensation Information
District Paid Association Dues
District Paid Lobbying Costs
Approved Deficit Elimination Plan
District Credit Card Information
District Paid out-of-state travel information
Safety
Educational Information
Michigan Educator Evaluation and Research
Compliance Officers
Cole Academy Lansing - Annie Jasonowicz, 1-517- 372-0038
Cole Academy East - Stacey Johnson, 1-517- 580-3470
Harassment and Bullying Policy
Harassment
Harassment of students is prohibited and will not be tolerated. This includes inappropriate conduct by other students as well as any other person in the school environment, including employees, Board members, parents, guests, contractors, vendors and volunteers.
Bullying - Matt's Safe School Law
The Board will not tolerate any gestures, comments, threats, or actions to any student which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm, reasonable fear for personal safety, or personal degradation. This policy applies to all activities in the school including activities on school property and those occurring off school property if the student or employee is at any school sponsored, school approved or school-related activity or function, such as field trips or athletic events where students are under the school's control, or where an employee is engaged in school business.
Bullying - intimidation of others by acts, such as (but not limited to) the following:
1. threatened or actual physical harm
2. un-welcomed physical contact
3. threatening or taunting verbal, written or electronic communications
4. taking or extorting money or property
5. damaging or destroying property
6. blocking or impeding student movement
Miscellaneous
Cole Academy will fulfill requests that are not available in the transparency portion of this website.