Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a dress code or uniform requirement?
Yes, there is a school uniform at NEOCA. All uniform guidelines can be found in the Family Handbook, or under the ‘uniforms’ tab on our website. We highly encourage families to order their NEOCA uniforms through Land’s End. The link for ordering can also be found under the ‘uniforms’ tab.
How will the school communicate important information?
Important school updates and information will be communicated via email, ParentSquare, and Facebook.
What time does the school day start and end?
Classes begin promptly at 8:00 am. Carline doors are locked at 7:55 am. If late, you must park and walk with your child into the building to sign them in as tardy at the front desk. No student or sibling (under 18 years old) is permitted to sign themselves or another student into or out of school. Dismissal begins at 3:00 pm. To see the carline procedures, visit the ‘Current Families’ tab on the website. Any student not picked up by 3:30 will be signed in for After Care.
I need to pick my child up from school early. Is there an early dismissal cutoff?
Yes, there is. No students will be released for pick up after 2:15 pm so our staff can begin end-of-day safety and security procedures without extra interruption.
Does NEOCA offer after school care?
Yes, NEOCA has after school care from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. If you plan on utilizing After Care on a regular basis, please register online. In the event of a school delay, early dismissal, or cancellation, there will be no After Care. After Care is not offered on Teacher work days. The cost of Aftercare, details, and guidelines can be found under the ‘Aftercare’ tab on our website.
*Please note: If a child is still not picked up by 5:45 pm, the Copley Police Department will be called to assist with the transportation of the child.
What is the attendance policy and how do I report an absence?
Parents must contact the front office for any student absences. This can be done through phone call (330-331-4352) or via email (attendance@neocacademy.org). If your student reaches a 10% absence threshold, (meaning, they have missed more than ten percent of school hours) a letter will be sent home to notify the family that their child is in danger of chronic absenteeism.
Are breakfast and lunch available?
Yes, breakfast and lunch are available to students. NEOCA participates in the National School Lunch Program. Applications are sent home with students at the beginning of the year to qualify for free or reduced price lunches. Students who do not qualify have the option to purchase breakfast and lunch as well. Our breakfast and lunch menus are posted monthly on the school website, and can be subject to change. The cost for breakfast is $4, and the cost for lunch is $6.
How do we submit medications or medical action plans?
For prescription medications, parents must provide the front office with the prescription, medication, and instructions. For over-the-counter medication, parents must provide the medication in a brand new, sealed container that lists the dosage instructions, and sign the medication waiver in the front office. Please do not send ANY medication in with your student. All medications must be delivered to the front office by a parent.
How will we receive updates about academic progress?
Our grading platform is called ‘Progressbook’. All parents will receive an email at the beginning of the school year with instructions on how to log in to your parent access account. From there, you will be able to see grades, attendance, report cards, etc.
I want to speak to my child’s teacher or an administrator. How do I schedule a meeting?
ParentSquare is our primary communication platform. All of the teachers and administrators are active on that platform, and you can send messages directly to them there. Alternatively, please call the front desk and we will schedule your appointment over the phone. All appointments (with either a teacher or administrator), need to be scheduled/confirmed with no less than 24 hours notice. We do not schedule same-day appointments.
Be mindful that during the school day (8:00a-3:00p) and the hour immediately before and after school, your child’s teacher is engaged in actively teaching or preparing to teach your children, so they may not get to your message until the school day is over. If you do not receive a response after 48 business hours from a teacher (or 72 hours from an administrator), please reach out to the school through calling the front office.
How can families get involved in the school community?
We have plenty of classroom volunteer opportunities that can be coordinated with your student’s teacher. Primarily, we have a very involved Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) that runs various fundraisers and events throughout the school year. Our PTO newsletter goes out to parents each week with details on how to get involved.
We also encourage parents and guardians to consider becoming a substitute teacher for NEOCA. It is one of the best ways to support our school! The process involves obtaining a background check and substitute license. The front office is more than happy to help any interested candidate through the process.
Who should we contact if we’re unsure where to go for help?
NEOCA’s front office is available Monday through Friday during the school year from 7:30 am to 3:45 pm.
Our phone number is 330-331-4352 and our email is info@neocacademy.org.