DLA QUICK LINKS

We know families are the heart of our community. This page brings together the tools, forms, and information you need most — all in one place. From attendance and transportation to school meals and family engagement, these quick links help you stay informed and connected to your child’s day-to-day experience at Dayton Leadership Academies.

Student Family Handbook

At Dayton Leadership Academies, we believe strong partnerships between school and family are essential to student success. Our Student & Family Handbook provides important information about DLA’s expectations, policies, procedures, and resources to help families navigate the school year with confidence.

We encourage all families to review the handbook carefully and use it as a helpful reference throughout the year. Together, we can create a safe, supportive, and successful learning environment where every student is empowered to lead, learn, and grow.

Attendance

It is imperative that our students are at school, on time, for the full day, everyday. Children who leave school early will usually miss class time in math, reading, social studies, or science. Every Minute Matters!

Tardies and Dismissals

Arrival is from 8:00am - 8:15am

  • Students arriving after 8:15am MUST come in the main office and recieve a tardy pass.

Dismissal is at 3:15pm

  • Students will NOT BE DISMISSED EARLY after 2:00pm.

  • Students will be dismissed ONLY to persons listed on the AUTHORIZATION for pick-up form.

  • In order to be dismissed early the parent/guardian/authorized adult who is picking the child up for early dismissal MUST BE IN THE OFFICE to sign the student out.

  • Parents/guardians ARE NOT ALLOWED TO CALL THE TEACHER to sign a student out. 

  • At Dayton Leadership Academies, we believe that every day in the classroom matters. Regular attendance isn’t simply a requirement — it’s the foundation for academic success, character growth, and unlocking students’ full potential.

    Like models at peer institutions such as KIPP Columbus — which use proactive attendance campaigns and transparent data reporting to engage families and students alike — we embed attendance as a key pillar of our community culture.

    Each day present at school means more chances to connect with caring educators, participate actively, build meaningful relationships, and stay in rhythm with the pace of learning. Missing days or being persistently tardy can create a ripple effect — lost instruction, missed social-connections, and greater risk of falling behind.

    That’s why we partner with students and families to:

    • Make arriving on time and staying all day the norm.

    • Monitor attendance patterns early and respond quickly when a student is at risk of chronic absence.

    • Communicate clearly and collaboratively, sharing regular updates and support resources.

    • Celebrate high-attendance communities and reinforce the link between presence and possibility. By showing up each day, our students not only claim the educational opportunities before them — they affirm their own commitment to leadership, growth, and future success. At Dayton Leadership Academies, attendance is not just being here, it’s choosing to lead.

Uniforms

At Dayton Leadership Academies, we believe that being “dressed for success” helps create a safe, welcoming, and academically focused environment. Our uniform policy minimizes distractions, promotes school pride, and gives every student the opportunity to show that they are part of the DLA community.

Uniform Basics

K–5 Students

  • Maroon DLA polo or DLA sweatshirt with the DLA logo

  • Solid navy blue, black, or khaki pants or knee-length shorts

  • Solid navy blue jumper, dress, or skirt

  • Solid black belt required

  • Polos must be tucked in throughout the school day

Grades 6–8 Students

  • Maroon or black DLA polo or DLA sweatshirt with the DLA logo

  • Khaki tan pants, shorts, skirt, or jumper

  • Shorts must be knee length

  • Solid black belt required

  • Polos must be tucked in throughout the school day

Cold Weather
Students may wear a solid navy blue, white, or maroon cardigan or sweatshirt without a hood. DLA sweatshirts and jackets are also available for purchase. Outerwear worn during the school day should be free of designs, logos, and writing unless it is DLA-approved apparel.

Important Reminders

Jeans are not part of the daily uniform. Students may wear jeans when they earn a jeans pass or when jeans are permitted as part of a school fundraiser or special event.

Students should also avoid clothing and accessories that create safety concerns or distractions, including leggings except with skirts/jumpers, sweats, athletic shorts, spandex, sagging or skin-tight clothing, hats and sunglasses inside the building, hooded clothing in classrooms, and open-toed or backless shoes.

We’re Here to Help!

We understand that keeping up with uniform requirements can sometimes be challenging. DLA is committed to supporting our families. If your family needs assistance with uniforms, please reach out to your child’s teacher or the Main Office.

If a student arrives out of uniform, a parent or guardian may be contacted to provide appropriate attire. If a parent or guardian is unavailable, DLA can provide a loaner uniform for the day.

Spirit Days & Special Events

We love celebrating school spirit! From time to time, students may be permitted to dress outside of the regular uniform for spirit days, special events, or school-wide celebrations. Families will receive advance notice through the Main Office, ClassDojo, and/or other school communications.

Student Supply List

To help everyone start the year prepared for success, we've provided a grade-level supply list with the essential items students will need in the classroom.

We encourage families to bring supplies on or before the first day of school. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure every student is ready to learn, grow, and thrive from day one!

Cell Phone Policy

To support a school environment in which students can fully engage with their classmates, their teachers, and instruction, the use of cell phones by students on school property during school hours is prohibited.

Nothing in this policy prohibits a student from using a cell phone as documented in the student’s individualized education program or Section 504 plan for a learning purposes or to monitor or address a health concern.

In the case of an emergency, cellular devices may be used at the discretion of School Administration as permitted by the School’s emergency operations plan.

Students determined to be in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline consistent with the Student Code of Conduct.

Food Services

We provide healthy, balanced meals to fuel every student’s success. Find menus, allergy information, and details about our breakfast and lunch programs.

  • Dayton Leadership Academies will continue its policy to operate the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the school year. All schools that operate CEP will serve breakfast and lunch to all children at no charge and eliminate the collection of meal applications for free/reduced-price, and paid student meals. This new approach reduces burdens for both families and school administrators and helps ensure that students receive nutritious meals.


    Breakfast/Lunch

    • DLA participates in a USDA Federal Food Service Program and provides free breakfast and lunch every school day.

    • Students in grades 3-8 go directly to the cafeteria upon arrival and have breakfast between 8:00am and 8:30am. Students in grades K-2 report initially to their classrooms and go with their class to breakfast from 8:00am to 8:30am. After eating, students line up with their class and quickly and quietly walk to their classrooms.

    • Students may opt to bring their own lunch, but it must consist of items that make up a healthy meal. In the event that students bring non-nutritious items, they will not be allowed to eat what they brought (they will bring it back home with them) and other arrangements will be made to ensure that they eat. 

    • Students should not bring candy, soda, or large bags of chips for lunch.

    • We are a peanut- and allergen-free school. Please do not send peanuts or peanut-based foods in with your student.

    • Always check with the Health Clinic Coordinator before bringing in snacks or treats for the classrooms.

    If you would like to eat lunch with your child, please coordinate with the main office or your child’s teacher to ensure that you arrive at the correct time.

  • Food Allergy Facts

    Food allergies are a growing food safety and public health concern that affect an estimated 4%–6% of children in the United States. Allergic reactions can be life threatening and have far-reaching effects on children and their families, as well as on the schools or early care and education (ECE) programs they attend. Staff who work in schools and ECE programs should develop plans for preventing an allergic reaction and responding to a food allergy emergency.

    What is a Food Allergy?

    A food allergy occurs when the body has a specific and reproducible immune response to certain foods. The body’s immune response can be severe and life threatening, such as anaphylaxis. Although the immune system normally protects people from germs, in people with food allergies, the immune system mistakenly responds to food as if it were harmful.

    Eight foods or food groups account for 90% of serious allergic reactions in the United States: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.

    Symptoms of Food Allergy in Children:

    • It feels like something is poking my tongue.

    • My tongue (or mouth) is tingling (or burning).

    • My tongue (or mouth) itches.

    • My tongue feels like there is hair on it.

    • My mouth feels funny.

    • There’s a frog in my throat; there’s something stuck in my throat.

    • My tongue feels full (or heavy).

    • My lips feel tight.

    • It feels like there are bugs in there (to describe itchy ears).

    • It (my throat) feels thick.

    • It feels like a bump is on the back of my tongue (throat).

    The symptoms and severity of allergic reactions to food can be different between individuals, and can also be different for one person over time. Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that may cause death. Not all allergic reactions will develop into anaphylaxis. 

Transportation

Safe, reliable transportation is part of our commitment to families. Get details about bus routes, pick-up times, and what to do if your child’s transportation needs to change.

  • TRANSPORTATION CONTACTS

    Dayton Public School District: If you live more than 2 miles from the Dayton Leadership Academies Campus you will receive busing from DPS. DLA will submit your transportation request and DPS will notify you via phone with your child’s bus #, bus stop, pick up & drop off times.

    DAYTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 937-542-4010

    SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE 937-542-3009

    Jefferson Township School District will be transported by Jefferson Township Transportation. Parents MUST go to the Jefferson Township Board of Education located at 2625 S. Union Rd. during the hours of 8:00am-4:00pm Mon-Fri with a current utility bill and parent’s photo ID.

    JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP 937-522-1029

    Trotwood-Madison: Students who reside in the Trotwood-Madison School district will be transported by Trotwood-Madison School District Transportation in the mornings and afternoons.  Parents MUST arrange transportation for your child at Trotwood-Madison Board of Education located at 3594 North Snyder Road, Trotwood, OH 45426, during the hours of 8:00am-3:30pm. Bring proof of residency and photo ID. In order to obtain transportation through Trotwood families must fill out the form below. 

    Transportation Application (1).pdf

    TROTWOOD MADISON 937-854-3050

    Students who live within 0-2 miles of Dayton Leadership Academies will be provided transportation by First Student Transportation. However, parents must come to DLA to sign up. Bring proof of residency and photo identification.

    FIRST STUDENT 937-813-1570

Parent Advisory Council

Our families are leaders too. Learn how the Parent Advisory Council helps strengthen the DLA community and how you can get involved.

  • Parents Have Power!

    What is the Parent Advisory Council?

    PAC is a group of parents who serve on a volunteer basis as co-leaders and decision-makers in our school.  

    DLA's Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is in its fourth year of active service to our school community. PAC is made up of several DLA parents and guardians who support our school goals and initiatives. Last year, PAC hosted fundraisers throughout the school year and awarded (2) scholarships to 8th grade students attending selective high schools with tuition or enrollment fees. This year's scholarships were meant to offset the costs for the families of students attending these schools. PAC also assists in planning monthly family events and reviews and gives input on policies and programs.  

    The PAC meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 5pm-6pm.  Daycare is provided!  

    If you are interested in being a PAC member, email sbrown@dlaeagles.org