School Policies

Included on this page are highlights from our policies and procedures. 

View and download: 2024-2025 Woodford Academy Student Handbook

Attendance Policies

As a reminder, our hours are:

School Hours: 9:10 a.m. - 3:40 p.m.

Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Arrival Time: 8:45 - 9:10 a.m.

• Students eat breakfast 8:45 - 9:10 a.m. in the Cafe
• Students are considered late at 9:20 a.m.

Dismissal Time: 3:40 p.m.

Tardy Procedures
Our school day begins at 9:10 a.m. If a child arrives after 9:20 a.m., they must report to the front lobby for a tardy slip and then go directly to their classroom. 

Early Dismissal
Early dismissals from school are discouraged. We want our students to get the most out of their education, and that means making the most of all of their instructional time. In the event that an early dismissal from school is unavoidable, please sign your student out from the front main office. Early dismissal cut off time is 3:00 p.m. to ensure a safe and efficient dismissal procedure.

Changes to Dismissal  
We understand that sometimes changes to a student’s normal dismissal routine may happen. Please notify the office no later than 3:00pm of any changes to your students normal dismissal routine.

Absence Procedures
To report an absent child, call (513) 363-6493

All children are expected to be in attendance each day unless they are ill or a family emergency arises. Students are expected to remain in school until 3:45 p.m. so that they may receive a full day of instruction.

Please remember that a written note explaining the absence is required when a student returns to school. 

Excessive absences or tardies will result in Ohio House Bill 410 requirements being followed which include: 

(1) Receiving an attendance concern letter 

(2) Creation of an Attendance Intervention Plan

(3) Follow-Up from the School Social Worker

(4) Potential referral to truancy court

Bus Safety
Student behavior that distracts bus drivers is a hazard to the vehicle's safe operation, and jeopardizes the safety and welfare of all passengers. Misbehavior while on a yellow school bus, day care van or other bus provider vehicle can result in disciplinary action for the student or the suspension of transportation service for the student. 

Cell Phone Policy
Students in grades PK - 6th grade at Woodford Academy are to follow the Cincinnati Public Schools District Cell Phone Policy in the Student Code of Conduct and Woodford Academy's Cell Phone Policy.

Cell phones are to be stored out of sight and on silent or off during instructional hours. If cell phones are out or in use, students will be asked to put it away. Refusal or continual usage will result in disciplinary action in alignment with the District Code of Conduct.

In the event of a family emergency, please call the Woodford Academy Main Office Line at 513-363-6400 stating the need to speak with your child due to an emergency.

Please note the following from the Cincinnati Public Schools District Code of Conduct:

"Students have no expectation of privacy in cell phones or other electronic devices brought to school. If there is reasonable suspicion that a search will reveal a violation of school rules, cell phones and other electronic devices may be confiscated and searched by administration or designee, including searching calls, emails, contacts, texts, and other communications or Internet access."

Technology
Students in grades K - 6th, will be given the opportunity to utilize various forms of technology daily in their classes listed below.

• K - 1st: Assigned iPad
• 2nd - 6th: Assigned Laptop Computer

The computers, ipads and any additional technology assigned by the school are the property of the school, not the individual student. These devices are for educational purposes only. It is important to remember that while technology can make certain tasks easier, all students have the responsibility to treat the technology with respect and use it appropriately. Students will be required to digitally sign the Cincinnati Public Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and the Mobile Device Agreement (MDA). Failure to adhere to the classroom procedures for technology use, the AUP, and/or the MDA, will result in consequences in adherence to the District Code of Conduct.

Students should not be on Google Meets outside of school hours. Students and families are accountable for computer use or misuse outside of school hours. Students should not use CPS issued devices to post to social media.

NOTE: Computer usage is tracked by the Cincinnati Public Schools District IT Team. Access includes websites visited, Google chat, email, etc.

Discipline
Review CPS' Code of Conduct for disciplinary procedures.

Dress Code
For this school year, Woodford Academy will not be a uniform school. Below is a copy of our dress code policy.

Woodford Academy expects all students will dress in a way that is appropriate for the school day and/or school related event. Student dress decisions should respect Cincinnati Public School’s intent to create a community that is inclusive of a diverse range of identities. The primary responsibility to ensuring students are dressed appropriately resides with the student and their family. The school is responsible for ensuring that student dress does not interfere with health and safety of any student, that student dress does not contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any student, and that dress code enforcement does not reinforce or increase marginalization of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size.

Students MUST wear:

• A shirt with fabric that covers the front, back and on the sides under the arms
• Pants/Jeans or the equivalent (EX a shirt, sweatpants, legging, a dress, shorts)
• Shoes (*closed toe for gym and recess)

Students CANNOT wear:

• Violent language or images
• Images or language depicting suggesting alcohol, vaping or paraphernalia (or any illegal item)
• Clothing that reveals visible undergarments (visible waistbands and visible straps are allowed)
• Shoes with wheels
• Swimsuits
• Accessories that could be considered dangerous

Reporting Incidents of Alleged Bullying
Along with Cincinnati Public Schools, at Woodford we take bullying very seriously. Cincinnati Public Schools and Woodford Academy defines bullying as when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself (Olweus Bullying Prevention Program).

The four criteria are:

• Repetitive
• Causes physical or mental harm
• Involving a power imbalance
• Purposely

If at any point, you suspect that a student may be experiencing bullying as defined above, please click the Bullying Button on the Cincinnati Public Schools and/or Woodford Website.

The following process will occur within 30 days of the initial report.

• 1. Email is received by Administration

• 2. Email is forwarded to School Social Worker

• 3. School Social Worker meets with alleged victim to (1) create safety plan and (2) collect student statement

• 4. School Social Worker calls parent or guardian to inform them of (1) safety plan and (2) investigation process

• 5. Administration or designee completes investigation 

• 6. Administration or designee completed bullying reporting form

• 7. Administration or designee notifies, if indicated, the person or person(s) who completed the form of investigation findings

• 8. Administration or designee notifies parent or guardian of the investigation findings

Snow Days and School Delays
Snow days and school delays are announced on our website, local TV and radio stations, and through automated phone calls. Assume school is open unless you hear otherwise. Learn more about CPS' severe weather and emergency closing procedures.

Visiting During School Hours
We welcome visits from parents and guardians. However, to protect student safety, all visitors must sign in at the main office and wear a visitor's badge.

Parents/guardians who would like a conference with their child's teacher must schedule an appointment with the teacher.

Please make an appointment to observe one day in advance. Too many people observing can be distracting to the children.

In the classroom, please be sure to enter quietly and sit in the space designated for you by the teacher. Do not interrupt children and staff while they are working. Wait until an appropriate break to ask the teacher any question you might have.

Remember that, as an observer, you are bound by the same code of ethics as any other adult Woodford. If you would like to discuss your observation or a classroom issue with the teacher, please request a conference time or a phone call. The teachers will not be able to engage in a lengthy discussion during the school day, but are always willing to schedule another time to meet or talk