Parent/Student Handbook 2013-2014

AthleticsThe Division of Athletics, Activities and Accreditation works with M-DCPS school sites to provide students withopportunities to participate in athletics at various levels. Athletic programs are offered at K-8 Centers, middleschools and high schools. Athletics at the K-8 Centers consists of intramural programs. At the middle schools,athletics consists of intramural and interscholastic programs. At the high school level, interscholastic programsare offered at most senior high schools. If a student attends a M-DCPS senior high school that does not offerathletics, he or she may participate at their home zoned high school.For participation in interscholastic athletics at the middle school level, a student must have a 2.00 GPA in conductand academics to participate. His or her parent must sign the M-DCPS Middle School Athletic Program Consentand Release from Liability Certificate. For participation in interscholastic athletics at the high school level, a GPAof 2.00 in conduct And academics is required except for incoming freshman. All participants must purchaseathletic and/or football insurance to participate and must have a current physical form on file.The parents and student must also sign the Contract for Student Participation in Interscholastic Competitions orPerformances. The District also has policies concerning transfer students and participation in athletics. If a parenthas questions concerning these policies, he or she should contact the Division of Athletics, Activities andAccreditation for clarification.Attendance Policy – Board Policy 5200Student attendance is a means of improving student performance and critical in raisingstudent achievement. Together, the staff of Miami-Dade County Public Schools,students, parents and the community must make every effort to lessen the loss ofinstructional time to students.Excused School and Class Absences and Tardies1. Student illness: Students missing 5 or more consecutive days of school due to illness or injury are required toprovide a written statement from a health care provider. The written statement must include all days thestudent has been absent from school. If a student is continually sick and repeatedly absent from school due toa specific medical condition, he or she must be under the supervision of a health care provider in order toreceive excused absences from school.2. Medical appointment: If a student is absent from school due to a medical appointment, a written statementfrom a health care provider indicating the date and time of the appointment, must be submitted to thePrincipal.3. Death in the immediate family4. Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is mandated for all members of a faith that such a holidayor service is observed.5. School-sponsored event or educational enrichment activity that is not a school-sponsored event, asdetermined and approved by the Principal. The student must receive advance written permission from thePrincipal or the principal’s designee. Examples of special events include: public functions, conferences, andregional, state and national competitions.6. Court appearance of the student, subpoena by law enforcement agency, or mandatory court appearance.7. Outdoor suspension.8. Other individual student absences beyond the control of the parent/guardian or student, as determined andapproved by the Principal. The Principal shall require documentation related to the condition.13

Unexcused School AbsenceAny absence that does not fall into one of the above excused absence categories shall be considered unexcused.Any student who has been absent from school will be marked unexcused until they submits the requireddocumentation as specified above. Failure to provide required documentation within three (3) school days uponthe return to school will result in an unexcused absence. Unexcused absences include:1. Vacations, personal services, local non-school event, program or sporting activity2. older students providing day care services for siblings;3. illness of others;4. non-compliance with immunization requirements (unless lawfully exempted).Arrival/DismissalSchool Hours: 7:20 a.m. – 2:20 p.m.Late ArrivalStudents who are tardy to school must report to the Attendance Office in AC1-395 to secure an admit. Excessivetardies may result in loss of privileges, detention, parent conference, suspension and/or removal from program.Early Sign Out- Board Policy 5200The early release of students causes disruption to the academic performance of all students and may createsafety and security concerns. No students shall be released within the final 30 minutes of the school day unlessauthorized by the Principal or Principal’s designee (i.e., emergency, sickness).Comprehensive Reading PlanReading is recognized as a universal skill that relates to all subjects. All secondary students areencouraged to read independently choosing books of interest. Required readings for classroominstruction are assigned by the English teacher. Therefore, when specific homework assignments arenot given, or, when the homework assignment is completed in an expeditious manner, every studentmust read, minimally, for the amount of time specified in the Board Rule. Further, the District’sComprehensive Reading Plan requires 30 minutes of reading homework each evening of students inall grade levels.CafeteriaFood CostBreakfastAll StudentsAdultsNo charge 2.00LunchSecondary StudentsReduced Price, StudentsAdults and non-students 2.50 0.40 3.00PAYPAMSMiami Dade County Public School’s Department of Food and Nutrition allows parents/guardians the convenienceto pay on-line via the internet at https://paypams.com or by telephone for their child’s/children meals with a creditor debit card. The parent/guardians will create a lunch account on-line for the child and will be able to access thefollowing:a. view the account balanceb. schedule automatic paymentsc. receive low-balance e-mail remindersd. view a report of daily spending and cafeteria purchases14

Cafeteria RulesAlways be courteous to the cafeteria workersAlways use acceptable table mannersDiscard the trash appropriatelyCode of Student Conduct (CSC)Miami-Dade County School Board approved a revised Code of Student Conduct (COSC). The COSC focuses onproviding and maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for students, faculty, staff and community.A major consideration in the application of the Code of Student Conduct is cultivating a positive school climate tosupport academic achievement, promote fairness, civility, acceptance of diversity, and mutual respect. Towardthat end, the range of inappropriate behavior is divided into five groups, along with both recommended andmandated corrective strategies.The Code of Student Conduct addresses the role of the parents/guardians, the students, and school, but alsofocuses on core values and model student behavior, rights and responsibilities of students, addressing studentbehavior, and disciplinary procedures. Furthermore, teachers, counselors and administrators work to use a varietyof progressive corrective or guidance strategies to correct the inappropriate behaviors.Differences in age and maturity are recognized in determining the types of corrective strategies to be taken.However, the procedures outlined in the COSC apply to all students under the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade CountyPublic Schools. The COSC is in force during regular school hours, while students are being transported on aschool bus and at such times and places – including but not necessarily limited to school-sponsored events, fieldtrips, athletic functions and other activities – where appropriate school administrators have jurisdiction overstudents.Principals are authorized to take administrative action whenever a student's behavior away from school has adetrimental effect upon other students or on the orderly educational process. Types of behaviors range from actsthat disrupt the orderly operation of the classroom, school functions, and extracurricular activities or approvedtransportation to the most serious acts of misconduct and violent actions that threaten life.The Code of Student Conduct outlines expected student behavior and a multitude of corrective strategies shouldmisconduct occur.The COSC addresses students' rights and responsibilities pertaining to the right to learn; attendance; students'records; grades; free speech, expression and assembly; and publications. It also outlines parents' rights in regardto assuring their child's opportunity for an education.Students or parents having problems interpreting the COSC should address concerns through the schoolprincipal. Additionally, should the concerns not be resolved at the school level, an appeal can be made at theregion office and subsequently to the District.Parents/guardians can access the COSC in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole on the M-DCPS’ website atehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/90/index.htm or they may request a copy from their child’s school.15

BEHAVIORS AND RANGE OF CORRECTIVE STRATEGIES – LEVEL IBEHAVIORSRANGE OF CORRECTIVE STRATEGIESLEVEL I Behaviors are acts that disrupt the orderly The principal or designee must select at least one of theoperation of the classroom, school function, extracurricular following strategies from PLAN I. Principals may authorizeuse of PLAN II for serious or habitual Level I infractions.activities or approved transportation.PLAN ILEVEL I#3Parent/guardian contact (See Special Notes )ReprimandStudent, parents/guardians/staff conferencePeer mediationRevocation of the right to participate in social and/orextracurricular activitiesConfiscation of wireless communication devicesDetention or other Board-approved in-school programTemporary assignment from class where the infractionoccurredStudent contractSchool Center for Special Instruction (SCSI) (See Special#4Notes )Replacement or payment for any damaged property (ifappropriate)Temporary loss of bus privileges (if appropriate)Participation in counseling session related to theinfraction#5Refer to outside agency/provider (See Special Notes )Behavior PlanRefer to page(s) 49-55 for additional correctivestrategies on the RtIB/MTSS.Disruptive BehaviorsUnauthorized locationConfrontation with another studentCutting classMisrepresentationDisruptive behavior (including behavior on theschool bus and at the school bus stop)Failure to comply with class and/or school rulesPossession of items or materials that areinappropriate for an educational setting (See#1Special Notes )Inappropriate public display of affectionRepeated use of profane or crude language(general, not directed at someone)Unauthorized use of electronic devices#2Violation of dress code (See Special Notes )Refer to page 40 for the prescribed corrective strategiesfor the violation of the dress code.Special Notes#1#2 See Sexual Offenses (Other), Level IV, for obscene orlewd material.See Vital Alerts for the policy and prescribed corrective strategies p. 40.Administrators must contact Miami-Dade Schools Police for anycriminal conduct regardless of whether Schools PoliceAutomated Reporting (SPAR) is indicated.Special Notes#3#4#5Good faith attempt must be made immediately to contactparent/guardian by telephone.Written notice must be sent to the parent/guardianwithin 24 hours via U.S. mail.When referring parent(s)/guardian(s) to outsideagencies/ providers for services, schools must adhere toBoard Policies 1213.01, 3213.01, and 4213.01 –Request for Outside Providers.If the victim of a crime requests a police report, the principal ordesignee must report the incident to the Miami-Dade SchoolsPoliceRefer to the Glossary for an explanation of unfamiliar words used in the Code of Student Conduct.16

BEHAVIORS AND RANGE OF CORRECTIVE STRATEGIES – LEVEL IIBEHAVIORSRANGE OF CORRECTIVE STRATEGIESLevel II Behaviors are more serious than Level I The principal or designee must select at least one of thebecause they significantly interfere with learning and/or following strategies from PLAN II. The use of appropriatestrategies from previous PLAN may be used in conjunctionthe well-being of others.with this PLAN.LEVEL IIPLAN IISeriously Disruptive BehaviorsCheatingConfrontation with a staff memberDefiance of school personnelDistribution of items or materials that areinappropriate for an educational setting(See#1Special Notes )Failure to comply with previously prescribedcorrective strategiesFalse accusationFighting (minor)Harassment (non-sexual or isolated)Instigative behaviorLeaving school grounds without permissionJoining clubs or groups not approved by the SchoolBoardLibelPetty theft (under 300.00)Use of profane or provocative language directed atsomeoneProhibited sales on school grounds (other thancontrolled substances)Possession and/or use of tobacco productsSlanderVandalism (minor)#2Parent/guardian contact (See Special Notes )School-based program that focuses on modifying thestudent’s inappropriate behavior or promotes positivebehaviorCorrective Strategies from Level ISuspension from school for one to five days with regionapproval for serious, or habitual infractions (See Special#3Notes )Participation in counseling session related to theinfraction#4Refer to outside agency/provider (See Special Notes )Diversion CenterRefer to page(s) 49-55 for additional correctivestrategies on the RtIB/MTSS.Special Notes#1 See Sexual Offenses (Other), Level IV, for obscene orlewd material.Administrators must contact Miami-Dade Schools Police for anycriminal conduct regardless of whether Schools PoliceAutomated Reporting (SPAR) is indicated.Special Notes#2#3#4If the victim of a crime requests a police report, the principal ordesignee must report the incident to the Miami-Dade SchoolsPolice.Good faith attempt must be made immediately to contactparent/guardian by telephone.Written notice must be sent to the parent/guardianWithin 24 hours via U.S. mail.When referring parent(s)/guardian(s) to outsideagencies/ providers for services, schools must adhere toBoard Policies 1213.01, 3213.01, and 4213.01 –Request for Outside Providers.Refer to the Glossary for an explanation of unfamiliar words used in the Code of Student Conduct.17

BEHAVIORS AND RANGE OF CORRECTIVE STRATEGIES – LEVEL IIIBEHAVIORSRANGE OF CORRECTIVE STRATEGIESLEVEL III Behaviors are more serious than LevelII because they endanger health and safety, damageproperty, and/or cause serious disruptions to thelearning environment.The principal or designee must select at least one of thefollowing strategies from PLAN III. The use of appropriatestrategies from previous PLANS may also be used inconjunction with this PLAN. Principals may authorize theuse of PLAN IV for repeated, serious or habitual LevelIII infractions.LEVEL IIIPLAN IIII. Offensive/Harmful Behaviors#4Parent/guardian contact (See Special Notes )Suspension from school for one to ten days (See Special#5Notes )Corrective Strategies from Level I & IIPermanent removal from class (placement reviewcommittee decision required)Diversion CenterRecommendation for alternative educational settingRecommendation for expulsionParticipation in counseling session related to theinfraction#6Refer to outside agency/provider (See Special Notes )Assault/Threat against a non-staff memberBreaking and Entering/BurglaryBullying (repeated harassment) (See#1Special Notes )Disruption on campus/Disorderly conductFighting (serious)#2Harassment (Civil Rights)(See Special Notes )Hazing (misdemeanor)Possession or use of alcohol, unauthorized over-thecounter medications, drug paraphernalia, controlledsubstances and/or anything that alters mood or is usedfor mood altering (See Special Note #3)Possession of simulated weaponsSexting (1) (see page 40)#2Sexual harassment (See Special Notes )TrespassingVandalism (major)Special NotesSpecial Notes #1#2#3All Level III, IV, and V infractions, unless otherwise noted,require Schools Police Automated Reporting (SPAR).Administrators must contact Miami-Dade Schools Police.Miami-Dade Schools Police will determine if the incident willresult in an information report or will lead to other policeaction(s).#4#5Good faith attempt must be made immediately to contactparent/guardian by telephone.Written notice must be sent to the parent/guardianwithin 24 hours via U.S. mail.Bullying infractions do not require a SPAR#6Harassment Civil Rights and Sexual Harassment do notrequire a SPAR, but must be reported to the Miami-DadeCounty Public Schools Office of Civil Rights Compliance at305-995-1580.When referring parent(s)/guardian(s) to outsideagencies/ providers for services, schools must adhere toBoard Policies 1213.01, 3213.01, and 4213.01 –Request for Outside Providers.See Vital Alerts for the Policy p.41-42.Refer to the Glossary for an explanation of unfamiliar words used in the Code of Student Conduct.18

BEHAVIORS AND RANGE OF CORRECTIVE STRATEGIES – LEVEL IVBEHAVIORSRANGE OF CORRECTIVE STRATEGIESLEVEL IV Behaviors are more serious acts ofunacceptable behavior than Level III. They seriouslyendanger the health and well-being of others and/ordamage property.The principal or designee must use the following strategiesfrom PLAN IV. The use of appropriate strategies fromprevious PLANS may also be used in conjunction withthis PLAN.LEVEL IVPLAN IVDangerous or Violent Behaviors#2Parent/guardian contact (See Special Notes )Suspension from school for one to ten days (See#3Special Notes )Participation in counseling session related to theinfraction#4Refer to outside agency/provider (See Special Notes )Recommendation for alternative educational settingRecommendation for expulsion.Battery against a non-staff memberGrand theft (over 300.00)Hate crimeHazing (felony)Motor vehicle theftOther major crimes/incidentsIntent to sell and/or distribute alcohol, unauthorizedover-the-counter medications, drug paraphernalia,controlled substances and/or anything that altersmood or is used for mood alteringSale and/or distribution of alcohol, unauthorizedover-the-counter medications, drug paraphernalia,controlled substances and/or anything that altersmood or is used for mood altering (See Special#1Notes )Sexting (2) (See pages 41)Sex offenses (other) (including possession and/ordistribution of obscene or lewd materials)Special Notes #1Special Notes#2All Level III, IV, and V infractions, unless otherwise noted,require Schools Police Automated Reporting (SPAR).Administrators must contact Miami-Dade Schools Police.Miami-Dade Schools Police will determine if the incident willresult in an information report or will lead to other policeaction(s).#3#4See Vital Alerts for the Policy p.41-42.Good faith attempt must be made immediately to contactparent/guardian by telephone.Written notice must be sent to the parent/guardianwithin 24 hours via U.S. mail.When referring parent(s)/guardian(s) to outsideagencies/ providers for services, schools must adhere toBoard Policies 1213.01, 3213.01, and 4213.01 –Request for Outside Providers.Refer to the Glossary for an explanation of unfamiliar words used in the Code of Student Conduct.19

BEHAVIORS AND RANGE OF CORRECTIVE STRATEGIES – LEVEL VBEHAVIORSRANGE OF CORRECTIVE STRATEGIESLEVEL V Behaviors are the most serious acts ofThe principal or designee must use the following strategiesmisconduct and violent actions that threaten life.from PLAN V. The use of appropriate strategies fromprevious PLANS may also be used in conjunction with thisPLAN.LEVEL VMost Serious, Dangerous or ViolentBehaviorsPLAN VAggravated assaultAggravated battery against a non-staff memberArmed robberyArsonAssault/Threat against M-DCPS employees orpersons conducting official businessBattery or Aggravated battery against ss(See Special Notes )HomicideKidnapping/AbductionMaking a false report/threat against the school(See#1Special Notes )Sexting (3) Offense (See page 41)Sexual batteryPossession, use, sale, or distribution of firearms,explosives, destructive devices, and other weapons.#1See Special Notes )Parent/guardian contact (See Special Notes #1All Level III, IV, and V infractions, unless otherwise noted,require Schools Police Automated Reporting (SPAR).Administrators must contact Miami-Dade Schools Police.Miami-Dade Schools Police will determine if the incident willresult in an information report or will lead to other policeaction(s).The possession of firearms or other weapons on schoolpropertymay result in criminal penalties in addition toexpulsion.This level of infraction may result in an expulsion requiringSchool Board action.)Suspension from school for ten days (See SpecialNotes#3)Participation in counseling session related to theinfraction#4Refer to outside agency/provider (See Special Notes )Recommendation for expulsionSpecial Notes #2Special Notes#2#3#4Good faith attempt mu

Aug 19, 2013 · District/School Calendar – page 9 Odd / Even Days Calendar – page 11 Important Dates - page 12 . 2013 November 15, 2013 December 3, 2013 February 7, 2014 February 19, 2014 April 17, 2014 . Activities and Accreditation works with M-