Frequently Asked Questions

What is a charter school?

Charter schools are public schools, but they are not simply another version of the traditional independent school district (ISD).  To further promote local initiative, the 1995 revision of the Texas Education Code established a new type of public school known as a charter school.  Charter schools are subject to fewer state laws than other public schools with the idea of ensuring fiscal and academic accountability without undue regulation of instructional methods or pedagogical innovation.  Like school districts, charter schools are monitored and accredited under the statewide testing and accountability system.

Why do charter schools exist?

Charter schools were developed in Texas in order to improve student learning, increase the choice of learning opportunities within the public school system, establish a new form of accountability for public schools, and encourage different and innovative learning methods.

What does the term “school choice” mean?

School choice programs provide alternatives to parents who do not wish to send their children to the local public schools to which they are assigned.  Public school choice options include open enrollment policies between ISDs, magnet schools, and charter schools.

Where can I read more about charter schools in Texas?

The Texas Education Agency also has a charter school page on its website. Their FAQ page is linked here: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/texas-schools-charter-schools/charter-schools-faqs

What does UME stand for?

UME is an acronym for University Method of Education. This method of education was developed and found effective in K-12 schools in the private school arena for roughly two decades before UME Preparatory Academy was born. UME schools function with a compressed school day with reduced hours per week that scholars spend under direct professional instruction.  Also, class schedules for secondary scholars follow a university type schedule with Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes and Tuesday/Thursday classes.

What does it mean to be a parent partnership school?

The University Method of Education is designed to give time and access back to parents in exchange for their commitment to be academically and relationally involved with their children outside of class. This partnership between parents and teachers makes it both possible and practical for home and school integration to strengthen families while also providing a quality college preparatory/work-ready education.

How does the shortened school day affect the pacing of UME’s education plan?

UME Prep’s shortened school day is designed to give time back to our families, which means our scholars spend less time in the school classroom. Because of the shortened classroom time, UME teachers present and teach new concepts daily. The pacing of the curriculum moves quickly, thus it is imperative that parents are reinforcing the skills taught at school by being actively involved in their scholar’s at-home learning tasks. These assignments are designed to provide the practice and additional exposure that is essential for mastery of skills taught.

 

Will my child have homework?

Absolutely, yes! Academic tasks like homework assignments, project completion, presentation preparation, and studying are all crucial components of the instructional design. Students need a parent or guardian at home who can provide support and help facilitate learning for the at-home work.

Do UME scholars take the STAAR test?

Yes, UME Prep is a public school, thus we are required under the Texas Education Agency statewide testing system to administer the STAAR exam to our scholars.

Does UME offer after-school care for their scholars?

One of UME Prep’s foundational principles as a parent partnership school is to give time back to our families. For this reason, we do not provide an after-school program.  All scholars are released from school into the care of a guardian.

Does UME offer tutoring for their scholars?

UME offers tutoring both during the school day, before school, and after school, based on the needs of the individual scholar and according to the framework outlined in the student handbook.

What are the class sizes at UME?

UME Prep is committed to maintaining small class sizes. These class sizes are actually mandated by grade level in our charter.

         Kindergarten – 16 students per class

         1st-2nd Grades – 18 students per class

         3rd-6th Grades – 20 students per class

         7th-8th Grades – 22 students per class

         9th-12th Grades – 24 students per class

How do I apply for enrollment?

To apply, you will go to umeprep.org, click on admissions, and choose either Dallas (K-12), Duncanville Campus (K-6) or Mansfield Campus (K-6). Once you choose your campus, you will click on the student enrollment application, fill out and submit. If you have students in grades K-6, you can apply at all 3 campuses.

Does UME have a special education program?

Yes, we are a public charter school and therefore, do offer special education. While our first priority is keeping students in the classroom due to our fast pace and increased rigor, we look carefully at the student’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance and provide the support needed for each child on an individualized basis.

My child is struggling (academically, behaviorally). What should I do?

When you or the teacher notice that your child is struggling, RTI (Response to  

Intervention) should be started. Please talk to your child’s teacher about starting them in RTI. The purpose of RTI is to put interventions in place to help your child be successful. If multiple interventions are tried and documented and are not successful, your child may need a referral to receive an evaluation for a 504 plan or an FIIE (Full Individual Initial Evaluation) for Special Education.

 

My child receives dyslexia services. Will those services be provided through a 504 plan or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?

With the passing of HB 3928, students may no longer receive dyslexia instruction through a 504 plan. Dyslexia is now a specific learning disability and thus, a qualifying condition for Special Education that requires a Full Individual Initial Evaluation for Special Education. Should a parent deny the evaluation, the student can continue on a 504 plan with accommodations, but cannot receive dyslexia services.

 

What is the difference between my child being on a 504 plan and being in Special Education?

Students with qualifying disabilities can be on a 504 plan or receive Special Education services. A 504 plan will provide accommodations for your scholar to be met in the general education classroom. If you feel your scholar needs accommodations AND specialized support services, they will need to be evaluated with a Full Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) for Special Education.

 

What is the process for requesting a Special Education Full Initial Individual Evaluation (FIIE) for my child?

To request an evaluation, you will email your campus principal and Sarah Green, Director of Special Programs. In your email, you will state your specific concerns and let them know you would like to request an evaluation. When the request is received, they will begin to collect data on your child's academic and social emotional performance, including grades, state testing, attendance, teacher and parent input, etc. The data collected will be taken to the evaluation committee. Within 15 school days you will receive The Notice of Procedural Safeguards and what is called Prior Written Notice that will state whether or not the school will move forward with a full evaluation and information on how they reached that decision. If they are moving forward, you will also sign the consent for the evaluation. The committee has 45 school days to complete the evaluation. An ARD (Admission, Review and Dismissal) meeting will be scheduled within 30 calendar days of the completion of the evaluation.

What is ESL?

ESL is English as a second language. If your scholar is eligible to receive ESL services, then your scholar has a language other than English listed on their home language survey, was language tested, and was found to be limited English proficient, limited English speaking, or non-English speaking.

Why is my scholar receiving ESL services?

The original home language survey listed a language(s) other than English. The scholar was language tested and found to be limited English proficient or non-English proficient. A language proficiency assessment committee meeting was held and the recommendation made by the committee was to place the scholar in the ESL program. A letter was sent home requesting consent to enroll the scholar in the ESL program and consent was granted.

 

Why does my child take the TELPAS test when I denied the ESL services?

State law requires that all identified emergent bilingual (EB) students, including those whose parents deny ESL services, be assessed annually with the TELPAS until they meet reclassification criteria to be classified as English proficient.

Does UME have a Gifted and Talented (GT) program?

No, UME does not offer a GT program. Due to the shortened school day, UME’s instruction is already accelerated and generally meets the needs of scholars who perform at a high level of achievement. In the same way parents provide additional remediation support at home, parents are encouraged to provide enhancement at home for their scholar to express intellectual, creative, and artistic interests.

How can my child obtain a school-issued Chromebook?

At the beginning of each year or on their first day of school, every Junior High and High School student will receive a Chromebook. It is the scholar’s responsibility to inspect both the Chromebook and charger for any issues. If any problems are detected, please email [email protected] to report the issue. After this initial review period, any damage will be subject to the consequences outlined in the "Misuse of Chromebook" section of the student handbook.

What if my child wants to use their own device for school?

Students are required to use a school-issued Chromebook. However, under special circumstances, students may be granted temporary permission to bring their own device. To request this permission, please email [email protected] outlining the reason(s) for your request. If approved, the IT Department will share the applicable policies and procedures.

Can my scholar use the Chromebook for non-educational purposes like gaming or streaming when at home?

No, the Chromebooks provided are intended for educational purposes only. For further details on the Chromebook usage policy, please refer to the student handbook under the Student Life section, Technology subsection.

How can I insure my scholar's school-issued Chromebook?

At the beginning of each academic year, we will share a link that will be open for a month and a half allowing you to request insurance for your scholar’s Chromebook. After this period, if you wish to add insurance, please submit a support ticket to [email protected]. In the email, include the scholar’s name and grade.

 

How do I access Skyward? (For Students)

Click the red Skyward button on the top right of the UME Home Page. Your username is the first letter of your first name followed by your last name and your 2 digit graduation year. (Ex. gstafford94) Your password is your Date of Birth. (Ex. 11231964)

 

How do I access Skyward? (For Parents)

Click the red Skyward button on the top right of the UME Home Page. Your username is your first name.last name. (Ex. ginger.stafford) Your initial password was sent to you when your student was enrolled. Once you log in the first time it will ask you to change your password before proceeding.

I'm having trouble logging into Skyward. Who can assist me with this issue?

For assistance with Skyward login issues, please reach out to Ginger Stafford at [email protected].

My son is unable to log into his/her email. Who can help me with this?

If your scholar is experiencing difficulty logging into the school email, please send an email to [email protected] for assistance. Please include the scholar's name and grade in the email. An IT representative will help resolve the issue promptly.

How do I access Clever at home?

https://clever.com/in/umeprep - Log in using your school email credentials

How do I contact the IT department?

For any additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact the IT department at [email protected]. We are here to assist you!

Where do I go to complete an employment application?

Click on this link to access the employment application.

 

How can I request employment verification for a current or former employee?

To request employment verification, please submit a written request via email, including the employee’s full name, dates of employment, and your contact information to [email protected]. If requesting salary verification, the request must be accompanied by the employee’s signed authorization.

 

How do I request a service record for a former or current employee?

Employees may request a copy of their service record by clicking here https://forms.gle/XHaUVwXXenkpN7yW9

The request should include your full name, date of birth, dates of employment, the reason for the request, and the email or mailing address where the service record should be sent. Processing can take up to 30 business days for completion.

 

Does UME offer a dual credit associate degree program?

No, UME does not offer an associate degree program. UME does offer many dual credit courses that qualifying students may take advantage of beginning their junior year. 

Which high school graduation endorsements does UME offer?

Currently, UME offers Multidisciplinary Studies, STEM (math), and Arts & Humanities.

Does UME provide transportation?

UME does not provide transportation services to or from school. UME does provide transportation to some athletic facilities for students participating in various sports throughout the school year.

How do absences affect a student’s achievement?

Students who attend school regularly have been shown to achieve at higher levels than students who do not have regular attendance.  When students are absent from school, they miss out on consistent instruction that is needed to master the material taught.  Continual absences can have a snowball effect that impacts future learning. At UME Prep, to receive credit or a final grade in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered.

Does UME offer any after-school clubs/activities?

Yes, each campus offers a selection of after-school clubs/activities each semester. Each campus communicates these opportunities to the school community via the newsletter and email. 

Does UME have sports teams?

Yes, there are many sports available to scholars in grades 7 through 12 throughout the school year. The athletic department communicates with families before each sports season begins.

 

From the Texas Education Agency:
Multiple studies have documented the harmful effects of cell phone and social media use on student
well-being and academic progress. As a result, Texas law requires public schools to prohibit the use
of personal communication devices during the school day on school property. This policy is
adopted to implement this requirement and improve the quality of the learning environment in our
schools.

In accordance with House Bill 1481, cell phones and other personal communication devices are not
permitted at school. Please refer to the Board Policy for additional details. 

K-6th Graders: Scholars in grades K–6 may not bring cell phones, tablets, laptops, smart watches,
earphones, airpods, or other “smart” technologies on campus unless given express permission to do
so by Academy personnel. The scholar must leave all devices at home. Violations of this law may
result in consequences indicated in the student code of conduct beginning at Level 3. The only
exception to this rule is when the use of the technology is allowed by documented evidence of the
need which is provided for in the scholar’s IEP, 504 Service Plan, Health Plan, or by LPAC. In this
case, the devices should only be used as prescribed by the Director of Special Education, ESL
Director, or Health Professional and in accordance with Board Policy.

7th-12th Graders: Scholars in grades 7–12 may not use cell phones, tablets, laptops, smart watches,
earphones, airpods, or other “smart” technologies on campus. Scholars are encouraged to leave all
devices at home, but if a scholar chooses to bring his/her device, it must be stored as prescribed by
school administration. Consequences apply per the student code of conduct beginning at Level 3.
The only exception to this rule is when the use of the technology is allowed by documented
evidence of the need which is provided for in the scholar’s IEP, 504 Service Plan, Health Plan, or
by LPAC. In this case, the devices should only be used as prescribed by the Director of Special
Programs, ESL Director or Health Professional and in accordance with Board Policy .

Personal Communication Device Policy Implementation Procedures for grades 7-12
To promote an optimal learning and social atmosphere within UME Preparatory Academy, scholars are
required to refrain from using their cell phones, smartwatches, or wireless headphones and ear buds
throughout the school day. Each scholar will be provided with a personal cell phone NuKase labeled
with their name. Scholars are expected to carry their NuKase daily and ensure it’s in good condition
upon return at the end of the academic year.

At the Beginning of the School Day:
1. Before entering the school premises, scholars must power off their cell phones.
2. Before entering the building and while awaiting the opening of school doors, scholars
must place all cell phones and ear buds into their designated NuKase. Other personal
communication devices like smartwatches and ear bud cases will not fit inside the NuKase
with a cell phone. We encourage scholars to leave devices at home, but whatever does not
fit inside the NuKase must be turned in at the reception desk immediately upon entering
the building. Those items can be picked up at the end of the school day. Failure to turn in
devices that do not fit inside the NuKase will result in a code of conduct violation
3. Once the cell phones, smartwatches, and ear buds are safely stowed inside the NuKase,
scholars should securely seal the NuKase and show it to the school official on duty.
4. It is the scholar’s responsibility to arrive at class punctually with their NuKase securely
stored in their backpack.
5. It is the scholar’s responsibility to turn in all personal communication devices at the
reception desk immediately upon entering the building if they fail to have their NuKase
with them. The scholar may retrieve their devices from the reception desk at the end of the
school day.

Throughout the School Day:
1. Maintain your personal communication devices securely within your assigned NuKase
for the entirety of the school day.
2. In the event of leaving campus for an appointment, unlock your NuKase at the main
office before exiting the building. Upon returning, ensure to relock your NuKase at the
main office.
3. Accessing any personal communication devices anywhere on campus during the school
day is strictly prohibited.

Conclusion of the School Day:
1. Upon the conclusion of the school day, unlock your NuKase utilizing the unlocking
base.
2. Retrieve your personal communication devices from the NuKase.
3. Stow the empty NuKase in your backpack for the following day. It is your responsibility
to keep track of your NuKase.

Damaged Pouches
If a scholar has a damaged NuKase please contact a school administrator immediately to ensure that you
can receive a replacement NuKase. There will be a $20 fee to replace your NuKase.

Consequences
If a student’s cell phone, smartwatch, ear buds, or any other personal communication devices are visible
at all during the day (a student is found using their cell phone, smartwatch, and wireless headphones and
ear buds are not in a NuKase, etc.), the student will receive a Level 3 offense with the following
consequences:
First Offense - 1 Day In-School Suspension
Second Offense - 2 Days In-School Suspension
Third Offense - 3 Days In-School Suspension
Fourth Offense - Expulsion Hearing

We want our scholars to be engaged in their learning. If you have an emergency and need to contact your
child during school, please call the school and messages can be shared with your student.
In the event of a school emergency, students are led through planned safety protocols for lockdown or
evacuation by teachers and administrators. Under a lockdown protocol, students are expected to focus on
the protocol to ensure their safety and the safety of their classmates, which includes remaining silent and
out of sight from doors or windows.

UME schools and staff have multiple ways of immediately calling for help and contacting 911 in the
event of any emergency. In an actual emergency, when first responders or UME Safety & Security
determines it is safe and appropriate, students may use their phones to let parents know they are okay.
As a reminder, when the campus enters a serious safety protocol like a lockdown or evacuation, all
parents are sent a message through the parent notification system, along with potential next steps.
Students are in possession of their phone – in their NuKase – for the entire school day. We will advise
students to store the case in their backpacks where it is completely safe.

All Scholars: When permitted by school administration to use a device, the scholar must conform to
Academy guidelines of propriety and fair use. Should a scholar’s use of any electronic device harm,
malign, or in any way negatively impact district resources, further disciplinary action and material
restitution may be required. It should be noted that, any damage that occurs to a scholar’s personal
electronic device, whether there was administrative permission granted or not, shall be the sole
responsibility of the scholar and his or her family. Should the damage result from the willful and
purposeful intent of another party, the Academy will seek to impose appropriate disciplinary
measures but will not become involved with the material restitution of the device unless
administrative policy or relevant state or local statute calls for it.

In accordance with House Bill 1481, cell phones and other personal communication devices will be
confiscated by school personnel.