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PARENT CAR DROP-OFF / CAR PICK-UP PROCEDURES

Dear Parents/Guardians: This is to inform you of the procedures for morning car drop-off and afternoon car pick-up. Our goal is to improve student and driver safety for everyone. The best way to ensure safety for your child is to stay in your car and follow the approved traffic pattern. Morning Arrival Procedure

• When driving into the school for drop-off from Bywood Avenue, there is only one drive-through lane. Pedestrian cones are strategically placed to guide you through the lane to drop off your children. As you move through the lane remember the speed limit is 5 miles per hour. Students are not permitted on campus prior to 8:00 a.m., as there is no supervision prior.

• As a result of this procedure there is only one way to exit from the campus, which is to the right only!

• If your child is a safety patrol member, please drop them off at 7:50 a.m., but no earlier, as the safety patrol supervisor is not available until 7:50 a.m.

Afternoon Dismissal Procedure

(1) When driving into the school for pick-up from Bywood Avenue, there are two drive-through lanes.

Pedestrian cones are strategically placed to guide you through the lane to drop off your children. As you

move through the lane remember the speed limit is 5 miles per hour. If students are in car seats, please

try to have them sit on the right side of the car so staff and safety patrols may safely load students.

(2) As a result of this procedure there is only one way to exit from the campus which is to the right only!

(3) If you wish to park in the designated visitor parking area, you will need to arrive no later than 2:30 p.m. At

2:30 p.m. you will not be able to enter the visitor parking area in front of the staff parking lot because the

line is already formed, and it becomes difficult to cut in-between the cars and tempers flare.

(4) The administration is encouraging parents to follow parent pick-up procedure by staying in your car rather

than parking in the visitor’s lot. If you were to meet your child, you would need to return to your car and

try to squeeze into the existing car line to leave the campus. This has caused some minor accidents and

many close calls. We would like to avoid any incidents of this nature and to encourage safe driving while

on our campus.

These procedures are designed to keep everyone safe when arriving and leaving our campus. If you have

any questions, do not hesitate to call the school at 340-4755.

Student Dismissal Procedure

1. No students will be dismissed between 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. due to the disruption in dismissal procedures.

2. Bus riders, walkers, bike riders and parent pick-up students will be dismissed at 3:00 p.m.

3. Students who attend Boys & Girls Club after-care at Floresta will be dismissed to the cafeteria.

4. Parents picking up their children by car in the parent car pick-up line are encouraged to arrive no earlier

than 2:30 p.m.

Walker Procedure

1. Walkers will be dismissed at 3:00 p.m. to walk off campus independently (students will not be held at the

crossing guards to wait for parents). Walkers are not supervised by staff.

2. Do not park or wait for your child on Bywood Avenue, the bus loading zone or in parking lot areas.

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ROUTINES AT FLORESTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

WHAT TIME SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Arrival at school 8:00 a.m. Supervision is not provided before 8:00 a.m.

After admittance 8:00 a.m. Pay lunch account, eat breakfast, and/or read quietly in assigned hallway area

Bell rings 8:30 a.m. Students enter their classrooms

After 8:30 a.m. Students are to report to the main office to get a tardy pass. Students arriving 8:30-8:45 will be marked tardy. Parents must accompany students arriving after 8:30 to the front office to receive a tardy pass.

School day begins 8:30 a.m. Instruction starts

NO Dismissal Between 2:30-3:00 p.m. NO students will be dismissed between 2:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Dismissal 3:00 p.m. Car riders, bike riders, walkers, day care, and after-care students are dismissed

Bus Dismissal 3:00 p.m. Bus students are dismissed as their bus arrives

Floresta’s Mission Statement

At Floresta Elementary, caring and dedicated professionals facilitate learning by engaging all students in challenging

work. As a collaborative unit, educators connect learning to real-life experiences that maximize each child’s potential

while preparing them to be contributing members of society. Families and community members join Floresta in a

partnership that fosters success in a nurturing and safe environment.

Floresta’s Vision Statement

All students will leave Floresta with mastery of all subject area skills so they are equipped to succeed in their future

endeavors. We welcome all stakeholders to actively participate in our school, both formally and informally.

At Floresta We Believe …

• Every child can learn, and each child is encouraged to reach his/her full potential.

• We strive to provide challenging, stimulating and satisfying work for every student, every day.

• The quality of our school is directly related to the involvement and investment of teachers, staff and the entire

community.

• Teachers and staff are committed to the ongoing task of continuous school improvement.

• Well educated students are the key to maintaining a healthy democracy.

…therefore, we promise to elevate student proficiency and provide every possible opportunity for each student to succeed.

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DRESSING FOR SUCCESS - DRESS CODE

What to Wear: Mask or Face Covering is REQUIRED Shirts: Solid, stripe or plaid collar shirts with sleeves, polo or button-up. School T-shirt Dresses: Solid color with sleeves and a collar. Pants/Short/Skirts: Solid colors. Skirts/dresses/shorts must be knee length (Bermuda shorts length) Jeans: Solid denim with no faux holes, bleaching, prints, or embellishments of any kind. Jackets/Sweatshirts: Must be plain color or school sweatshirt. Solid colored tights/leggings under dresses or skirts. Leggings may not be worn as pants. Shoes with closed toes and a back. Natural color hair only. Clothes must fit appropriately, and pants must sit at the natural waist line. What not to wear: No athletic shorts. No sweatpants of any kind even if they have zippers or decorations. No logos larger than an inch. No camouflage clothing or backpacks. No leggings under shorts. No mohawks or fauxhawks. No Jewelry larger than an inch. Shoes: No heels or wedges.

*The administration will have the final decision if something worn is in question. Special occasions will allow flexibility and approval by administration.

Consequences:

1. Verbal warning – change of clothes

2. Unable to earn Dolphin Dollars

3. Behavior Incident Report and loss of privileges

ENVISION PAYMENT SOLUTIONS

Your check is welcome at St. Lucie County Schools. St. Lucie County Schools recognizes that occasionally a parent may inadvertently overdraw a checking account and a check may be returned by your bank. To recover these funds in a private and professional manner, St. Lucie County Schools has contracted with Envision Payment Solutions. If your check is dishonored by the bank, a service fee will be assessed in accordance to state law and federal guidelines. In providing a check as payment, you authorize electronic presentment if your check should return unpaid. Also, you authorize service charges and processing fees, as determined by law, to be debited (at our option) from the same account via paper draft or electronic funds transfer. Envision can be reached at www.EnvisionPayments.com or by phone at 1-877-290-5460 or 1-770-709-3100.

Please include the following information on your check: 1. Full name 2. Street Address (NO P.O. Box) 3. Home Phone # (w/ Area Code) 4. Secondary Phone # (w/ Area Code) 5. Driver’s License # (w/State)

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STUDENT SUPPLY LIST

Kindergarten

2 packs of #2 pencils 2 packs of thin black Expo markers

1 plastic pencil box 2 pink block erasers

4 boxes of small crayons (24 count) 1 box of colored pencils

1 metal scissors (child size, round tip) 8 glue sticks

3 vinyl pocket folders 2 large boxes of tissues

4 composition notebooks (black & white)

2 containers anti-bacterial wipes Face Masks (REQUIRED) * 2 bottles Hand Sanitizer

1 book bag – NO wheels (large enough to hold papers - with an extra change of

clothes in it every day)

*Please label all personal items with your child’s name in permanent marker. Also label clothing, lunch box, backpack, etc.

First Grade

2 pack of #2 pencils 2 packs of thin black Expo markers

1 pack of large Expo markers 1 plastic pencil box

4 boxes of crayons (24 count) 10 glue sticks

2 large boxes of tissues 4 composition notebooks (black & white,

wide-ruled) 1 pack of cap erasers

2 containers anti-bacterial wipes Face Masks (REQUIRED) * 2 bottles Hand sanitizer

1 metal scissors (round tip, child size) 2 vinyl pocket folders

1 box Ziploc bags (gallon) – Boys Only 1 box Ziploc bags (Quart) – Girls Only

*Please label ONLY folders, composition

books & pencil box with your child’s name in permanent marker. Also label clothing,

lunch box, backpack, etc.

Second Grade

4 packs of #2 pencils 2 packs of thin black Expo markers

1 pack of colored pencils 3 boxes of crayons (24 count)

6 glue sticks 3 large boxes of tissues

5 vinyl pocket folders with prongs (yellow, blue, red, white & green)

4 composition notebooks (black & white) 6 pink block erasers

2 containers anti-bacterial wipes Face Masks (REQUIRED) *

2 bottles hand sanitizer

1 heavy duty vinyl pencil pouch 1 pair of blunt scissors

1 pack wide-ruled notebook paper 2 packs of cap erasers

1 pack highlighters 1 set of earbuds

1 box Ziploc bags (gallon) – Boys Only 1 box Ziploc bags (Quart) – Girls Only

Third Grade

4 packs of #2 pencils 2 packs of thin black Expo markers

4 pink block erasers 3 glue sticks

2 large boxes of tissues 4 composition notebooks (black & white)

(*NO spiral notebooks) 1 heavy duty vinyl pencil pouch (NOT

plastic box) 1 pair of scissors

2 containers anti-bacterial wipes Face Masks (REQUIRED) *

2 bottles hand sanitizer

1 box of colored pencils 1 4-pack yellow highlighters

3 vinyl 2-pocket folders with prongs 3 2-pocket folders

1 black Sharpie marker 1 set of earbuds

Fourth Grade

3 packs of #2 pencils 2 packs of thin black Expo markers

4 composition notebooks (black & white) 2 vinyl pocket folders (1 red, 1 green)

1 vinyl heavy duty pencil pouch 3 large boxes of tissues

2 containers anti-bacterial wipes Face Masks (REQUIRED) *

2 bottles hand sanitizer

2 packs of wide-ruled notebook paper

2 boxes of 24-pack crayons OR

1 box of colored pencils 3 glue sticks

2 packs of cap erasers 1 pair round tip metal scissors

1 set of earbuds

Fifth Grade

4 packs of #2 pencils (10 count) 2 packs of thin black Expo markers

1 large box of tissues 3 vinyl 2-pocket folders w/ prongs

5 composition notebooks (black & white) (*NO Spiral Notebooks)

1 box of crayons (24 count) or colored pencils

2 packages of notebook paper 2 4 oz. bottles of white glue

4 glue sticks 1 each: red pen & black or blue pen

1 ruler (centimeters and inches) 2 packs of cap erasers

2 containers anti-bacterial wipes Face Masks (REQUIRED) *

2 bottles hand sanitizer

1 set of earbuds or headphones

ESE / Mrs. Guettler

2 packs of thin black Expo markers 2 glue sticks

3 large boxes of tissues 2 boxes of crayons (24 pack)

4 containers anti-bacterial wipes Face Masks (REQUIRED) *

2 bottles hand sanitizer

1 box EACH Ziploc bags (sandwich & gallon)

Per District Policy: (further information can be found on the district website)

Masks or face coverings are REQUIRED for all students. It is expected that students are to bring their mask(s) to school from home EVERY day.

We will have a small supply of masks for a student who forgot their mask from home,

however, we are not supplying masks on a daily basis to any one student.

Note: Teachers may have additional requests and/or wish lists. Backpacks with wheels are NOT permitted.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PARENT CAR DROP-OFF / CAR PICK-UP PROCEDURES ................................................................................ ii ROUTINES AT FLORESTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ........................................................................................ iii DRESSING FOR SUCCESS - DRESS CODE ...................................................................................................... iv ENVISION PAYMENT SOLUTIONS ..................................................................................................................... iv STUDENT SUPPLY LIST ....................................................................................................................................... v ACHIEVEMENTS ................................................................................................................................................... 1 ARRIVAL PROCEDURES ..................................................................................................................................... 1 ATTENDANCE ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 BICYCLES ............................................................................................................................................................. 2 BIRTHDAYS/PARTIES/CANDY ............................................................................................................................ 2 BOYS & GIRLS CLUB - BEFORE & AFTER-CARE ............................................................................................. 2 BREAKFAST AND LUNCH ................................................................................................................................... 2 CELL PHONES ...................................................................................................................................................... 3 CHANGE OF ADDRESS........................................................................................................................................ 3 CHECK-OUT DURING THE SCHOOL DAY .......................................................................................................... 3 CLINIC / HEALTH .................................................................................................................................................. 3 COMMUNICATION ................................................................................................................................................ 4 CONFERENCES .................................................................................................................................................... 5 EARLY RELEASE DAYS - 1:00 P.M. - WEDNESDAYS ....................................................................................... 5 EMERGENCY EARLY DISMISSAL ....................................................................................................................... 5 FAMILY ACCESS PORTAL ................................................................................................................................... 5 FIELD TRIPS .......................................................................................................................................................... 5 FUNDRAISER PROCEEDS ................................................................................................................................... 5 HOMEWORK ......................................................................................................................................................... 6 INAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING THAT EXPOSES UNDERWEAR OR BODY PARTS .......................................... 6 JESSICA LUNSFORD ACT ................................................................................................................................... 6 LOST AND FOUND ............................................................................................................................................... 6 LUNCH ROOM RULES .......................................................................................................................................... 6 MAKE-UP WORK .................................................................................................................................................. 7 MEDIA CENTER .................................................................................................................................................... 7 MEDICATION ......................................................................................................................................................... 7 PARENT INFORMATION SHEET ON SCHOOL MEDICATION POLICY ....................................................... 8 PARENT CAR DROP-OFF / CAR PICK-UP .......................................................................................................... 9 PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO) ....................................................................................................... 9 PETS/ANIMALS ..................................................................................................................................................... 9 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ................................................................................................................................... 9 POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION SYSTEM (PBIS) .................................................................................... 9 PROBLEM SOLVING INTERVENTION TEAM .................................................................................................... 10 PROGRESS REPORTS ....................................................................................................................................... 10 RAINY DAY DISMISSAL ..................................................................................................................................... 10 SAFETY PATROL ................................................................................................................................................ 10 SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC) .............................................................................................................. 10 SCOPE AND SEQUENCE ................................................................................................................................... 11 SPONSORS ......................................................................................................................................................... 11 STATE STUDENT ASSESSMENTS .................................................................................................................... 11 TARDINESS ......................................................................................................................................................... 11 TELEPHONE MESSAGES .................................................................................................................................. 11 TEXTBOOKS / LIBRARY BOOKS / STUDENT PLANNER ................................................................................ 12 TRANSPORTATION NOTES ............................................................................................................................... 12 UNIFORM GRADING SYSTEM ........................................................................................................................... 12 VALUABLES ........................................................................................................................................................ 12 VISITORS ............................................................................................................................................................. 12 VOLUNTEERS ..................................................................................................................................................... 13 WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL ......................................................................................................................... 13 ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY .............................................................................................................................. 13

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ATTENDANCE POLICY: K-12 ............................................................................................................................ 13 MANDATORY RETENTION OF THIRD GRADERS ............................................................................................ 15 STUDENT ENROLLMENT, EMERGENCY CONTACTS, RELEASE, PARENT PARTICIPATION AND

DECISION-MAKING ......................................................................................................................................... 16 STUDENT RESPONSIBLE COMPUTER, NETWORK AND INTERNET USE POLICY ...................................... 18 TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES........................................................... 19 RESPONSE TO INSTRUCTION & INTERVENTION ........................................................................................... 22 SETTING GOALS & Seeking Feedback ...................................................................................................... 23

The following websites can be accessed for additional useful information:

Student Calendar 2020- 2021

https://www.stlucie.k12.fl.us/pdf/School-Calendar.pdf

Attendance Policy 5.40

https://www.boarddocs.com/fl/stlucie/Board.nsf/Public?open&id=policies#

Student Progression Manual

http://www.stlucie.k12.fl.us/pdf/StudentProgressionPlanElementary.pdf

Procedural Safeguards for Students with Disabilities in English. Spanish and Creole

http://www.fldoe.org/ese/pdf/procedural.pdf

http://www.fldoe.org/ese/pdf/safeguards-span.pdf

Aviso de Salvaguardas Procedimentales para Padres de Estudiantes con Discapacidades

Avi konsènan Mezi Pwoteksyon pou Paran ak Elèv Andikape yo

Procedural Safeguards for Gifted in English and Spanish

http://www.fldoe.org/ese/pdf/giftgard.pdf

https://www.fldoe.org/ESE/pdf/6a-603313_span.pdf

Salvaguardas Procedimentales para Estudiantes Excepcionales Superdotados

Bullying Policy 3.43 http://www.boarddocs.com/fl/stlucie/Board.nsf/Public?open&id=policies#

Bullying Complaint Forms English http://www.stlucie.k12.fl.us/pdf/forms/STS0114A.pdf Spanish http://www.stlucie.k12.fl.us/pdf/forms/STS0114B.pdf Creole http://www.stlucie.k12.fl.us/pdf/forms/STS0114C.pdf

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ACHIEVEMENTS

Academic Achievements (Grades 3 – 5)

At the end of the 1st three nine-week grading periods students may qualify for Honor Roll based on academic achievement. The criteria are as follows:

Honor Roll - There are 2 Honor Rolls

Principal’s Honor Roll • Student earned As in all subject areas with no less than S in conduct. • Students are on grade level in all academic content areas. • No areas of concerns marked anywhere on the report card. Honor Roll • Student earned As and Bs in all subject areas with no less than S in conduct. • Students are on grade level in all academic content areas. • No areas of concerns marked anywhere on the report card.

Other Achievements

Dynamic Dolphins • One student in each classroom is selected monthly by the teacher to highlight his/her individual strengths.

Perfect Attendance ▪ Students in K-5 will be recognized quarterly. ▪ To qualify for perfect attendance, student cannot be tardy more than 3 times during a grading period.

Tardies include arriving late or being picked up from school early.

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

Students may arrive on campus at 8:00 a.m. The school does not provide supervision prior to 8:00 a.m. Parents of students arriving prior to 8:00 a.m. will be asked to make other arrangements for their child’s supervision. The responsibility of the Police Department’s Crossing Guard is to maintain safe crossing conditions for students crossing Floresta Drive. They cannot be responsible for watching children dropped off early or picked up late.

When students arrive at school, they should go directly to the designated area for their grade level. Students wishing to purchase breakfast should report directly to the cafeteria; students will be dismissed from breakfast at to go to their classrooms or designated areas. Instruction will begin at 8:30 a.m. Parents will be allowed to walk students to class on the first day of school only, unless you have a kindergartener. Parents of a kindergarten student may walk their child for the first three days.

For the safety of all students, parents are not permitted to wait in hallways or go to their child’s classroom to drop them off or pick them up.

Parents dropping off students from their cars must use the Bywood Avenue parent drop-off area, unless it is after 8:30 a.m. If it is after 8:30 a.m., then parents must park and come in the main entrance and sign their child in.

ATTENDANCE

It is the responsibility of the parent to require consistent school attendance. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain good attendance. An absence will be considered “unexcused” unless an absence excuse note is received within three days of returning to school. It is the responsibility of each student’s parent/ guardian to write a note to the school on the day of the student’s return to class. Send a signed note with your child when he/she returns. It should include your child’s full name, teacher’s name, date(s) of absence and reason for absence.

If the office does not receive a written excuse, the absence will be considered unexcused. A phone call does not constitute an excused absence.

The following are not excusable in accordance with state attendance laws:

- Truancy - Birthday

- Shopping - Vacation Travel

- Hunting - Fishing

- Missing the School Bus - Out of School Suspension

Students having, or suspected of having, a communicable disease are not allowed to attend school. In order to return to school, parents must obtain a doctor’s note stating that the student is no longer contagious.

STUDENTS ABSENT FOR THREE OR MORE DAYS SHOULD HAVE A DOCTOR’S STATEMENT WHEN RETURNING TO SCHOOL.

School policy dictates that a student is not permitted to have more than 5 unexcused absences during a 9-week grading period. If absences exceed 5 days during a marking period, the school will follow steps stated in the district’s Pupil Progression Plan.

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1. Letter of notification of excessive absences to parent/guardian. 2. Home visit by the school’s social worker.

BICYCLES

Students riding bicycles to school are expected to follow safety and courtesy rules. Bicycles must be walked (not ridden) when on school property. Bike riders are strongly encouraged to lock their bikes at all times. The school does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen bikes. Bike riders are required to wear helmets.

BIRTHDAYS/PARTIES/CANDY

Due to recent Covid-19 pandemic and CDC concerns we will not be able to celebrate birthdays during lunch in the

cafeteria. NO outside foods or snacks, wrapped or unwrapped, can be brought in for classroom birthdays at this time. No exceptions.

Students are not permitted to have flowers or balloons in their classroom or on the bus. Please save these festive items for your celebrations at home and do not have them delivered to school. Students will be permitted to distribute party invitations in school if each student in the class receives one. Please do not show partiality in reference to classmates. Because student addresses and phone numbers are confidential, staff members cannot share this information with parents.

If you plan to have lunch with your child on their birthday (or at any other time) please refrain from bringing in outside food (parents with multiple students must exit the building between their lunch times unless they are back to back). CDC guidelines must be followed.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB - BEFORE & AFTER-CARE

The Before and After-Care Program is available for students K-5. It is provided by the Boys & Girls Club and is not part of the SLC School system. Students must register with the Boys & Girls Club and pay them directly in advance in order to participate in their program. For more information, call the Boys & Girls Club at 409-4491.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

Breakfast will be served in the cafeteria from 8:00 a.m. to 8:25 a.m. Students who are dropped off and wish to eat breakfast at school should arrive no later than 8:015 a.m. Breakfast is served until 8:25 a.m. Meal prices are subject to change based on Board approval. Parents are not permitted to eat breakfast with students due to CDC regulations. Parents may have lunch with their student(s), as long as CDC guidelines allow. The costs are:

Full Price Reduced Price Adult Price

Breakfast $1.00 30¢ $2.00 Lunch $2.25 40¢ $3.00

Addt’l. Milk/Juice 50¢ Snacks/Cookie 50¢ Ice Cream 75¢

You will be notified if there is a change in the cost of breakfast and lunch. Forms for Free and Reduced Lunch will be sent home with students on the first day of school. You can also apply online at the District’s home page (www.stlucieschools.org) – Click on the Meal Application link on right hand side of page.

Please send in money for meals on MONDAY of each week for the following reasons:

1. The lunch line moves smoothly and quickly when not held up for meal payments. 2. On hectic mornings parents will not have to remember to give lunch money to child. 3. Children avoid the inconvenience caused by forgetting or losing their money.

Checks are to be made out payable to ‘Floresta Elementary’. Place the check or money in a clearly labeled envelope with child’s name, teacher’s name and student lunch number. Student accounts are debit accounts, so lunch and/or breakfast money is available until that allocated amount is used up. Checks will not be accepted during the last month of school.

The cafeteria allows one lunch charge. After one charge, the student will be given an ‘alternative lunch’ until the account has been paid. Our cashier is always mindful in reminding students that their account is low or empty. Charge slips are sent home the same day the student charges lunch. Again, we encourage your child to bring in lunch money every Monday for the week’s breakfasts and/or lunches.

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Parents are invited to eat lunch with their child at the parent tables provided, during their scheduled lunch time. Due to safety precautions and limited seating, please make arrangements to leave younger siblings at home. This will enable you to spend quality time with your child.

If your child has an allergy to any type of food, please notify the front office/clinic, the teacher and cafeteria manager in writing immediately.

Students are encouraged to eat healthy lunches. Soda and candy are not allowed at lunch. This includes candy that is part of pre-packaged lunches (i.e., Lunchables).

All cafeteria questions are to be directed to the Cafeteria Manager by calling 340-4768.

CELL PHONES

If it is necessary for your child to bring a cell phone to school, please adhere to the following: (1) Turn off phone during school hours. (2) Secure phone in child’s backpack. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones. Phones found to be out and in use during the school day will be confiscated and turned in to administration. Parents will be notified and may pick up the phone from the office.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

If you move, you are required to provide the school with verification of your new address within five days of the change. Proof of your address change must be a utility bill or phone bill dated within the past thirty days, or a rental agreement showing your name and new address.

CHECK-OUT DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

Students must be signed out through the office by a parent/guardian. Teachers are not allowed to dismiss students directly from the classroom, cafeteria, or playground without notification from the office. Parents are to come directly to the office to sign the Check-out Book and at that time their child will be called to come to the office for dismissal. If you know ahead of time that your child will be leaving early, please send a WRITTEN NOTE to school letting the teacher and office know that he/she will be picked up early. Students will be released only to those adults listed on the student’s emergency card. Parents should immediately notify the office of any changes in legal custody. NOTE: If the office staff does not recognize the person signing out a student, picture identification will be required. Under no circumstances will a student be released without staff recognition or appropriate picture identification being provided (driver’s license).

Students cannot be picked up early from school more than once per grading period without documentation of the reason for early release. Each subsequent request for early release from school during the same grading period must be accompanied by a written explanation specifying the reason for early release. The student will be excused for the class(es) missed so long as the reason stated is one of the listed criteria set forth in the section titled, “Excused Absences.” The school principal or designee can approve an early release beyond these limits after taking into consideration the reason, as well as the student’s attendance history, both daily and by grading period, as well as the number of early releases.

In instances where the student is released early beyond once per grading period where documentation is not required, and there is no documentation as to the reason, or the principal or designee has not approved the release, the class(es) that the student missed or misses, in whole or in-part, will be unexcused. Absences for students sent home due to illness will be marked as an excused absence.

To avoid disruptions during end of class procedures, there will be no dismissal of students allowed between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m. unless there’s an emergency. Instructional time continues right up to the dismissal bell at 3:00 p.m. Students dismissed before the end of the school day lose valuable instructional time.

CLINIC / HEALTH

Our school guidelines state that you should not send your child to school if he/she has:

1. Fever in the past 24 hours of 100 degrees or higher

2. Vomiting in the past 24 hours

3. Diarrhea in the past 24 hours

4. Head lice or nits (must be cleared by the school nurse before returning)

5. Persistent coughing

6. Sore throat/strep throat (must have been taking an antibiotic for at least 24 hours before returning to school)

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7. Bad cold, with a very runny nose or bad cough, especially if it has kept the child awake at night

8. Rash that is not diagnosed

9. Pinkeye - (must be on antibiotic eye drops for 24 hours, which includes 4 doses, before returning to school)

These guidelines are meant to serve the best interests of ALL the children and staff in our school. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 340-4763.

Illness: If a student becomes ill or injured during school hours, he/she will be sent to the Clinic. Parents/ guardians will be notified to pick up sick children as the school is not equipped to take care of them. In order to notify parents, we MUST have the current home, cell and work number of every parent on file. Please keep additional emergency contact numbers current. Keeping a sick child in the Clinic all day due to not having a current emergency phone number for reaching a parent or other designee creates a very difficult situation.

Accidents: When a student is injured on school property the parent shall be notified as soon as possible. When a parent cannot be located, the school staff must take the responsibility of securing emergency treatment and/or transportation to the nearest hospital.

Head lice: Head lice problems are handled carefully and in a consistent manner. School-wide head checks will be done throughout the school year. In addition, if we know a child has head lice, we will check all the children in the classroom, as well as the student’s siblings.

If a child is found to have lice/nits, the parent is called immediately to take the child home. A pediculicide (head lice treatment) shampoo should be used. Upon return to school the child MUST be accompanied by a parent for a re-check in the Clinic. If no nits are found, the child will be readmitted to school.

All bedding and clothing must be washed and dried on hot settings. Furniture and carpets must be thoroughly vacuumed. Cloth seats in cars should also be vacuumed. A repeat shampoo is recommended in seven to nine days. Removal of all nits or eggs from the hair is required.

Experts say even one survivor can begin a new infestation. This unpleasant problem can be better controlled if parents and students are aware of some preventive measures:

• Do not share combs, brushes, hats or clothing • Parents should check their child’s head frequently

If you find lice/nits, please call the school immediately. This will help the school to keep the infestation from spreading. Feel free to call the Health Aide in the Clinic if you have questions or need additional information.

Health Screenings: In accordance with Florida Statute 381.0056, the St. Lucie County School District in cooperation with the St. Lucie County Health Department will conduct health screening activities for selected student groups during the school year. These screenings include:

• Kindergarten: Vision & Hearing Screenings

• Grade 1: Height & Weight, which includes Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation; Vision & Hearing Screenings

• Grade 3: Height & Weight, which includes Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation; Vision Screening

• At select schools only: Dental Screening

• At teacher’s request: Vision, Hearing or Dental Screening

If you DO NOT want your child to participate in school health screenings, please NOTIFY THE SCHOOL in writing, include your child’s name and grade.

COMMUNICATION

Floresta Parent Newsletter: Upcoming events, important dates, articles of interest and business partner listings may be communicated in a monthly newsletter. Be a regular reader and keep informed.

Marquee: Be sure to read and note upcoming events posted weekly on our marquee located in front of our school.

Tuesday Envelope: Each Tuesday, your child will bring home a “Tuesday Envelope”. Please look through it, sign appropriate line and return to the teacher each Wednesday.

School Messenger: (an automated phone system) When important news needs to be communicated to our families, you will receive a phone call to the phone number listed in your child’s record. These communications last less than a minute and are usually reminders about upcoming events or cancellations of events. If you are not receiving these messages, please let the office know.

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Skyward Family Access: E-Mails may be sent to parents occasionally as another means of communication with reminders of upcoming events, payment deadlines, etc. Please keep us updated with changes to your e-mail address.

CONFERENCES

The communication between home and school is a key factor in monitoring a child’s progress. Open communication between parents and teachers help students achieve greater academic success. Conferences with teachers and/or other school personnel are encouraged and can be made by calling the school at 340-4755 or by sending a note. We encourage parents to conference with teachers about their child’s progress as needed but at least once per year. Conferences will be scheduled with a 24-hour notice in accordance with School Board policy.

EARLY RELEASE DAYS - 1:00 P.M. - WEDNESDAYS

The dates for this year’s early dismissal are included on the District Calendar. This year early release will occur on specified Wednesdays, with some exceptions. This time is used to provide teachers with a time to plan, develop curriculum, and attend professional development.

Students will be released two hours earlier at 1:00 p.m.; therefore, parents need to make necessary after-school provisions for their children. Normal bus service is provided and the after-care program is available for registered children only.

To avoid classroom disruptions, there will be no dismissal of students allowed between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. unless there’s an emergency. Instructional time continues right up to the dismissal bell. Students dismissed before the end of the school day lose valuable instructional time.

EMERGENCY EARLY DISMISSAL

In case of an emergency, the Superintendent may find it necessary to close one or more schools. This could happen anytime during the day for the following reasons:

• Severe or dangerous weather;

• Loss of water or electricity;

• Any generally unsafe condition.

When such an emergency occurs, the Superintendent or his designee will notify local radio and television stations with details of the early closing. Parents must assume the responsibility of providing safe home supervision when such an emergency occurs.

It is essential that phone numbers and emergency contacts be kept current. We should always have a current phone number where a parent/guardian can be reached during the day.

FAMILY ACCESS PORTAL

Please register for access to the SLC Family Access Portal. Information such as attendance, grades, discipline history and assignments are available. Go to www.stlucieschools.org for more information. Click on the tab, Parents & Students.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are one way of improving and enriching the curriculum. All students going on field trips must have a signed permission slip from their parent/guardian prior to the date of the scheduled trip. Without written permission, the student will remain at school. You will be notified of the cost prior to each field trip. This amount must be paid in full for your child to attend his/her scheduled field trip and fees are non-refundable. NOTE: All chaperones must have an approved volunteer application on file which may take a couple of weeks to process (see p. 6 Jessica Lunsford Act). Parents who accept the responsibility of chaperoning field trips will need to make other provisions for younger siblings and ride on the bus. All students must ride the school bus to and from field trips, no exceptions.

Out of County travel requires a notarized permission form from parents – (1) per school year.

FUNDRAISER PROCEEDS

Proceeds from the sales of school fundraisers will be used by Floresta Elementary School to enhance our school community - including parent involvement activities, staff development activities, student and staff recognition and other expenses deemed appropriate by the principal and/or school advisory committee, unless the fundraiser is

designated for a specific activity. Thank you for your support of our upcoming school fundraisers.

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HOMEWORK

Students will receive instruction relating to homework assignments with corrective feedback being provided to the student upon completion of the assigned homework. Homework will be recorded in the teacher’s record book and may be part of the student’s grade. Please look over your child’s homework assignments. Students will record homework in their Student Planner. Your signature indicates you have reviewed their work.

All students are required to read for at least 15 minutes daily as part of their homework assignment. Research indicates that independent reading at the child’s level increases their reading ability.

INAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING THAT EXPOSES UNDERWEAR OR BODY PARTS

Pursuant to School Board Statute 228:

Each student is responsible for displaying respect for self and others through appropriate dress that maintains an orderly learning environment. Each student is prohibited from, while on school grounds during the regular school day, wearing clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner or in a manner that disrupts the orderly learning environment. A student who violates this dress policy will be subject to the following progressive disciplinary actions:

• For a first offense, the student shall receive a verbal warning, and the principal shall call the student’s parent or guardian.

• For a second offense, the student is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity for a period of up to 5 days, and the principal shall meet with the student’s parent or guardian.

• For a third or subsequent offense, a student shall receive an in-school suspension for a period not to exceed 3 days, is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity for a period not to exceed 30 days, and the principal shall call the student’s parent or guardian and send a written letter regarding the student’s in-school suspension and ineligibility to participate in extracurricular activities to the parent or guardian.

JESSICA LUNSFORD ACT

The Jessica Lunsford Act was passed, effective September 1, 2005, in response to the tragic abduction and death of Jessica Lunsford by a sexual offender. The Jessica Lunsford Act requires that any volunteer, vendor or contractor conducting business with a Florida School District submit to a Level 2 fingerprint screening. This includes any volunteer, vendor/contractor that may:

• Be at school when students are present • Have direct contact with students; or • Have access to, or control of, school funds

School Board employees, as well as all volunteers, vendors/contractors doing business with the St. Lucie County School Board have been fingerprinted and issued a clearance card by the Personnel Department.

LOST AND FOUND

Unmarked articles of clothing and lunch boxes are frequently turned in and not claimed by the owners. Parents are requested to mark all valuable articles with the student’s first and last name so they may be returned to the rightful owner. Parents and students are encouraged to check the lost and found (located in the cafeteria) for missing items. Unclaimed items are donated to local charities at the end of each month.

LUNCH ROOM RULES

Students need to understand that the following expectations will be enforced and that they must obey adults in charge. Please discuss these rules with your child daily. Cafeteria Rules:

• Follow staff directions

• Use quiet voices

• Stay seated

• Raise your hand for assistance

• Take all your trash when leaving the table

• Check floors for trash

When a student is observed breaking one of the rules, he/she will be given a verbal warning. If a student continues to disobey cafeteria rules, he/she will receive further consequences, which may include lunch detention. Students caught following rules earn commendations and Dolphin Dollars for their class.

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MAKE-UP WORK

K-12 • Allowed for all absences, excused or unexcused.

• Student has 1 day to make up the work for each day absent, not including the day of return, unless the principal approves an extension due to unusual circumstances. Previously assigned work is due on the day the student returns to school.

• All work, regardless of the number of days absent, must be made up on or before grades are due in the final quarter of the school year. *Students whose work is turned in after the end of the grading period for quarters one through three, will receive an “I” or incomplete. If the work is turned in on-time, the student will receive the grade for the work.

• Incomplete grades become “F” or “0” if not replaced with the grade for the makeup work that was turned in on time.

1. Students will take announced tests on first day of return to school. Student will be allowed 2 days to prepare for tests assigned during the absence.

K-5 Provisions

• Teacher will inform student/parent of work to be made up as specifically as plans will allow but is not expected to develop special assignments.

• Graded at full credit.

MEDIA CENTER

Students will visit the Media Center once per week on their scheduled day. There are no fees for overdue books; however, lost or damaged books must be paid for. Students will not be allowed to check out an additional book when they have an overdue book.

MEDICATION

Medication forms can be obtained from the school office and/or clinic. This form MUST accompany all medications, prescription and non-prescription, to be administered during the school day, NO EXCEPTIONS.

All medication must be in the original container with the pharmacy label intact. The instructions on the authorization form must match the label on the (original) container. This applies to any over-the-counter medicine; i.e., cough syrup, cough drops, Tylenol, ointments, etc. and prescribed medication, including inhalers.

Students are not permitted to carry any type of medication on them at any time, including cough drops, Tylenol, etc. The only exceptions are for physician approved inhalers and epi-pens.

It is recognized that under some circumstances it will be necessary for the physical health of a student that medication be administered during school hours. However, whenever possible, medications should be administered at home. The parent is responsible for delivery of the medication and the physician’s authorization to the school Clinic. No medication will be administered without the completed physician’s form by both the physician and parent. This applies to prescription and non-prescription medications.

All medication must be picked up by a parent by the last day of school. Medication cannot be sent home with the student. Medication not picked up on the last day of school will be discarded. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please refer to Parent Information on page 8.

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SCHOOL BOARD OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY

501 NW University Blvd, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34986

772-429-4570

PARENT INFORMATION SHEET ON SCHOOL MEDICATION POLICY

Physician Authorization for Medication:

l. No medication, prescription or nonprescription i.e.: Tylenol, aspirin or cough drops, can be given at school without a

written Physician Authorization For Medication Form (PA Form) filled out completely and correctly by the physician

and signed by the physician.

1. It is the parent's responsibility to take the PA Form to the physician and ensure that it is filled out correctly, completely

and signed by the physician.

2. If the medication is ordered PRN, as needed, the frequency (i.e. bid, every 4 hours) and under what conditions it

should be given (i.e, cough, headache) must be noted.

3. The student name on the PA Form should match the name on the school records.

4. Only one medication per PA Form.

5. The PAForm must also be signed by the parent or guardian granting the school permission to assist in the

administration of the medication.

6. When the Health Paraprofessional receives the PA Forrn it should be signed and dated as received. The PA Form

should also be reviewed and signed by the Principal and the School RN.

7. A new PA Form is not needed when a medication is refilled UNLESS the medication dosage or time is changed from the previous order.

8. A new PA Form is required each school year.

NOTE: Prescription medication can be given for two days with a written note from the parent or guardian however the

PA Form must be completed and returned to school by the third day. The medication will not be given on the third day

unless the form is returned correctly filled out and signed by the physician and parent.

Medications:

1. Medication should be brought to school by the parent and MUST be in the original container as dispensed

by the

pharmacist and labeled to match the physician's orders as follows:

a. Student's name

b. Name of the medication.

c. Directions concerning dosage.

d. Time of day to be taken.

e. Physician's name.

f. Date of prescription with current expiration date.

2. The label should not be altered in any way.

3. Nonprescription medication must be in its original bottle with the label intact.

4. All non-emergency medications are to be given in the clinic unless student is off campus on school sponsored

activity.

5. The parent must provide any additional equipment needed for medication administration i.e.: nebulizer, spacer,

dosage cup, applesauce etc.

6. The maximum number of doses allowed for any one medication that's considered a schedule II controlled

substance, i.e. narcotic, is five (5). If a student requires continued treatment the parents must supply no more

than five (5) doses at a time.

NOTE: All medication should be given at home the first time. If given at school the first time, the student should be observed

carefully for 30 minutes, because of the possibility of an allergic reaction. This can happen at any time with any medication,

especially antibiotics.

When the medication bottle is empty it will be returned home for refill if needed. No medication will be sent home with

the student, exceptions will require approval by the principal and school RN. An adult family member may retrieve

medication from the school at any time. Medication may/will be destroyed by the Health Paraprofessional if it is not

picked up within I (one) week following termination of order or 2 (two) days beyond the close of the school year.

I UNDERSTAND THAT I MUST FOLLOW THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS FOR MY CHILD TO BE ABLE TO TAKE

MEDICATION: AT SCHOOL. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT A HEALTH PARAPROFESSIONAL AT MY CHILD'S

SCHOOL WILL ADMINISTER THE MEDICATION AS IT IS ORDERED BY THE PHYSICIAN ONLY AND IT IS

MY RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE THE AUTHORIZATION FORM TO THE PHYSICIAN AND ENSURE THAT IT IS

FILLED OUT CORRECTLY, COMPLETELY, AND SIGNED BY THE PHYSICIAN.

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

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PARENT CAR DROP-OFF / CAR PICK-UP

Morning Arrival Procedure

1. When driving into the school for drop-off from Bywood Avenue, there is only one drive-through lane. Pedestrian cones are strategically placed to guide you through the lane to drop off your children. As you move through the lane remember the speed limit is 5 miles per hour. Students are not permitted on campus prior to 8:00 a.m., as there is no supervision prior.

2. As a result of this procedure there is only one way to exit from the campus, which is to the right only!

3. If your child is a safety patrol member, please drop them off at 7:50 a.m., but no earlier, as the safety patrol

supervisor is not available until 7:50 a.m.

Afternoon Dismissal Procedure

• When driving into the school for pick-up from Bywood Avenue, there are two drive-through lanes. Pedestrian

cones are strategically placed to guide you through the lane to drop off your children. As you move through the

lane remember the speed limit is 5 miles per hour. If students are in car seats, please try to have them sit on

the right side of the car so staff and safety patrols may safely load students.

• As a result of this procedure there is only one way to exit from the campus which is to the right only!

• If you wish to park in the designated visitor parking area, you will need to arrive no later than 2:30 p.m. At 2:30

p.m. you will not be able to enter the visitor parking area in front of the staff parking lot because the line is

already formed, and it becomes difficult to cut in-between the cars and tempers flare.

• The administration is encouraging parents to follow parent pick-up procedure by staying in your car rather than

parking in the visitor’s lot. If you were to meet your child, you would need to return to your car and try to

squeeze into the existing car line to leave the campus. This has caused some minor accidents and many close

calls. We would like to avoid any incidents of this nature and to encourage safe driving while on our campus.

These procedures are designed to keep everyone safe when arriving and leaving our campus. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call the school at 340-4755.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

Floresta’s PTO is a service group whose members include parents and school staff. PTO works on projects and fund-raising to improve our school. ANY level of service or commitment is appreciated. We encourage all parents to become members. A membership drive is held at the start of each school year.

PETS/ANIMALS

Prior approval from administration must be obtained in order for any pet/animal to be brought on campus.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Due to religious beliefs, students may be excused from the Pledge of Allegiance, certain songs, parties, religious plans, films, etc. when requested by the parent. Requests must be in writing and submitted to the principal.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION SYSTEM (PBIS)

Discipline at Floresta Elementary is based on a fair but firm policy - the Positive Behavior System (PBIS) which is a reward- based system. This school-wide reward system was developed to:

• Increase the likelihood that desired behaviors will be repeated. • Focuses staff and student attention on desired behaviors (S.W.I.M.)

• Students show respect • We are ready to learn • I act responsibly • My actions keep school safe

• Fosters a positive school climate. • Reduces the need for engaging in time-consuming disciplinary measures.

Dolphin dollars will be given to students when they are ‘caught’ putting into practice our school-wide expectations. The PBIS store provides opportunities for all students to trade their Dolphin Dollars in for prizes.

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Dolphin Commendations are awarded to classes who display team work and cooperation.School-Wide PBIS Rules (Discipline procedures):

Classroom Rules

▪ I follow all adult directions ▪ I am organized, prepared and

have appropriate supplies ▪ I arrive on time ▪ I complete assigned tasks ▪ I keep my hands, feet and objects

to myself

Hallway Rules

▪ Single, straight line ▪ Keep hands, feet and objects

to self ▪ Follow staff directions

Cafeteria Rules

▪ Follow staff directions ▪ Use quiet voices ▪ Stay seated ▪ Raise your hand for assistance ▪ Take all your trash when you leave

the table ▪ Check floors for trash

School Policy

▪ Students show respect ▪ We are ready to learn ▪ I act responsibly ▪ My actions keep school safe

Bus Rules

▪ Keep hands, feet and objects to self

▪ Stay in your seat ▪ Follow bus driver directions

PROBLEM SOLVING INTERVENTION TEAM

The primary purpose of the Problem Solving Intervention Team is to provide schools with a procedure for implementing systematic and efficient assistance to administrators, teachers, parents and students. The team meets on a regular basis to discuss students in need of resource services, alternative teaching strategies, curriculum changes, behavioral interventions and/or psychological evaluations. The Team’s responsibility is to study all information about the student and make recommendations for interventions to be utilized in working with him/her. The interventions must be implemented for a minimum of 6 to 9 weeks on a consistent basis. The Team will reconvene after the intervention phase to discuss the effectiveness of the interventions. The Team will determine if the interventions were effective and need to be continued, if new interventions are needed and/or if a formal evaluation is necessary.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress reports will be sent home every (4½) weeks and will be placed in the Tuesday Envelope. Parents are urged to examine these reports carefully, sign and return them to the teacher. If your child is in danger of failing a subject, your child’s teacher will notify you in writing or by phone call. Grades can also be viewed in Skyward Family Access at any time.

Report cards are issued to students at the end of each 9-week grading period.

Please check your child’s backpack daily for important notices. Students will bring home their ‘Tuesday Envelope’ each week, which should be emptied, signed and returned to the classroom teacher the following day.

RAINY DAY DISMISSAL

In the event of rainy days, some after-school activities may be canceled by the district. Your child will be permitted to call if this occurs. Please keep a rain poncho or umbrella in your child’s backpack. Walkers will be released on rainy days at 3:00 pm unless there is lightening.

SAFETY PATROL

Safety Patrol students help to keep all children safe by assisting in the halls, at parent pick-up and in the bus loading zone. The 5th grade Safety Patrol is chosen on the basis of leadership, dependability, scholarship, maturity, conduct and availability to serve. All students are asked to obey the directions given by Patrol members.

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC)

The School Advisory Council (SAC) consists of staff, parents and community representatives. Monthly meetings are open to the public and are held with advance notice throughout the school year. We need your support! SAC is a link between the school and the local community. It also serves as a resource to the school and the principal. Each council shall be broadly representative of the community served by the school. The council shall assist in the preparation and evaluation of the School Improvement Plan and shall provide such assistance as the principal may request in preparing the school’s annual budget. Members are elected. If you are interested in having your name of the ballot, please contact the office at 340-4755 to submit your name.

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SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

Your child’s grade level scope and sequence can be found online at the following website address: http://www.stlucieschools.org. Click on the Parents & Students tab, and then click on Curriculum under departments on the left side column. Then click on Scope and Sequence on the left side column. Elementary Scope and Sequence is found under Elementary as you scroll down on the page.

SPONSORS

To enhance the teaching and learning environment in our school, we ask that you consider becoming a Floresta Sponsor. School sponsorships are $50 for Silver, $100 for Gold or $150 for Platinum and are tax-deductible. These monies contribute to student achievement and a higher quality of learning for our students. You will be recognized in a special sponsor publication, on the school website, and a plaque will be hung in the hallway. Please ask for a Business or Family Partner Agreement. Our teachers and students appreciate your donation.

STATE STUDENT ASSESSMENTS

Students will be state-assessed in grades 3- 5. We will update our parents as we receive information from our district office.

TARDINESS

The School Board of St. Lucie County tardy policy for students in kindergarten through 5th grade is as follows: A student is considered tardy if they are absent at the time attendance is taken provided the student is in attendance before the close of the day. Tardies will either be excused or unexcused. Acceptable documentation to excuse a tardy is the same as those under the Early Pick-Up Policy (see below) and for excused absences. Schools have the authority to develop a school-specific tardy response system, as approved by an administrative body comprised of representatives from varying district departments. The failure to provide written documentation within three days will result in an unexcused tardy. If the student is either late to school or being picked up early due to a medical appointment, it is recommended that the parent provide the school with evidence of the appointment. In such cases, the tardy will be excused.

School Board policies on attendance can be found in the Student Progression Plan on the district website at www.stlucieschools.org. Click on “Parents” and look for “Student Progression” on the left. Students with (5) unexcused absences in a 30-day period or (10) in a 90-day period will likely have a Truancy Petition filed in Circuit Court.

A student is late if he/she is not in his/her classroom seat at 8:30 a.m. Students who are late must report to the office for a late pass to class and should be accompanied by a parent. Tardiness can be a serious problem; the effects of tardiness are numerous:

• Students who are late miss important information and directions. • Classmates lose instructional time because the teacher has to repeat information that the tardy student

misses. • Students who are consistently tardy may delay the start of instructional activity, which causes a loss of

instructional time. This is not fair to the students who arrive on time. • Tardy students are developing bad habits, which could lead to being late for other important activities.

Employers report that one of the biggest problems with their younger employees is tardiness. • Students who have more than 3 tardies per 9-week grading period are not eligible for perfect attendance.

Students who are tardy, except in the case of a late bus, must report to the office to receive a late pass.

TELEPHONE MESSAGES

Only emergency messages will be delivered to students. Students will not be permitted to call home for homework, lunch money, transportation arrangements, etc. Students will not be allowed to receive personal phone calls. Please make necessary transportation arrangements with your child prior to dropping him/her off at school. If there is a change in transportation, please notify the office in writing. No changes will be allowed without a written note from the parent. If there is an emergency, please discuss it with an administrator.

Students may not have cell phones on while at school. They should also remain concealed at all times.

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TEXTBOOKS / LIBRARY BOOKS / STUDENT PLANNER

Students are responsible for books issued to them. Parents are responsible for payment of lost or damaged textbooks AND lost or damaged library books.

All students, Kdg. - Grade 5, will receive a Student Planner. The Student/Parent Handbook is in the front of the planner. The planner will be used to record homework assignments, special events, and teacher/parent comments and must be brought to school each day. Due to the limited budget, lost planners will not be replaced.

TRANSPORTATION NOTES

At dismissal, students will go directly to the buses, car pick-up area, day-cares, bike area & Girls Club after-care. It is important that students know where they are going at dismissal time. When a student is to go home by a different means, the school office must receive a note from the parent/guardian prior to dismissal time indicating the change in transportation arrangements. A note is also required when students are changing buses, subject to availability of space. This is allowed on an emergency basis only with prior approval of the Transportation Department. A change in dismissal is to be faxed to 340-4756 or emailed to the Office Clerk by 1:45 p.m.

UNIFORM GRADING SYSTEM

In grades K-2, the indicators are: o 4 Above standard / Demonstrates more than 90% of the time / Exceptional o 3 At standard / Demonstrates 80% of the time / Proficient o 2 Approaching standard / Demonstrates 70% of the time / Progressing o 1 Below standard / Demonstrates less than 60% of the time / Beginning o 0 Not attempted

Students in grades 3-12 will be awarded letter grades to indicate student progress.

Grade Percent Grade Point Average Definition

A 90-100 4 Outstanding progress

B 80-89 3 Above average progress

C 70-79 2 Average progress

D 60-69 1 Lowest acceptable progress

F 50-59 0 Failure

I 0 0 Incomplete*

W N/A N/A Withdrawn dual enrollment (H.S. level)

*A student who receives an incomplete must complete the work within the guidelines of the make-up work policy contained herein. If the student does not make-up all work within the designated timeframe, then for any missing work a grade of Zero will be entered by the teacher and the final grade will be calculated. NOTE: the “I” will calculate as a Zero on the report card until the “I” is replaced with a grade. At that time an adjusted GPA will be calculated for the student.

VALUABLES

All students are to leave valuables such as money, jewelry, toys, Nintendo DS, radios, tape players, electronic devices, cards, etc. at home. The probability of damage/theft is too great, and those items are a distraction to the students throughout the day. While it is tempting to bring a new gift or toy to school, these items, unfortunately, generally end up being damaged or lost, or in some cases, confiscated by adults because they are causing a disturbance or disruption in class. Confiscated items can be picked up in the office by a parent or guardian or will be returned to the students at the end of the school year. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

VISITORS

Parents are always welcome to visit the school. We have reserved a parking lot for our visitors. Please use the designated parking spaces in the paved visitor’s parking lot on the northwest side of the school. Should you need handicapped parking, it is available at the front of the building.

To ensure the safety of our students we ask that all visitors check in at the office to obtain a visitor’s pass. Please be sure to have your driver’s license as we are required to scan it through the district’s Raptor system. We strictly abide by this policy to ensure the safety of our students.

Parents who would like to observe a classroom must receive prior permission from the teacher. Teachers must have24-hour notice so they can prepare for your visit. Pre-school children and children not registered as students at the school are not permitted to spend the day at school.

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VOLUNTEERS

We have seen excellent results when students receive individual help and we would like to be able to offer this educational opportunity to more students. Our staff welcomes your support, talent and time in helping meet these needs. If you would like to volunteer to work with students in a classroom, help prepare materials, or perform clerical duties we would be happy to arrange this. Please be prepared to go through a fingerprint screening as per the Jessica Lunsford Act (see page 6).

We ask that all volunteers abide by our established staff dress code while working at the school. Professional attire is recommended. Please do not wear jeans, low cut tops, spaghetti strap tops, halter tops, flip flops, short skirts, short dresses or extremely short shorts.

Parents who volunteer as field trip chaperones must complete a volunteer application at least two (2) weeks prior to the field trip.

Volunteer Application Instructions: 1. Access SLC School District website: www.stlucieschools.org 2. Click Jobs tab 3. Click Search Current Job Openings 4. Select Position: Volunteer

5. Follow instructions and fill out application completely. Read all instructions carefully. 6. Select type of volunteer service: Mentor/Tutor (working in classrooms) OR Community Resource

(chaperone, PTO, guest speaker) 7. Select ALL schools where you would like to volunteer 8. Submit application.

You can reach the Volunteer Coordinator for assistance by calling 340-4755. This process takes approximately two weeks.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

If it is necessary to withdraw a student from school, please notify the office as soon as possible. It takes approximately 48 hours to complete the necessary paperwork for a withdrawal. All library books and textbooks must be returned to the school, and other obligations satisfied, i.e., cafeteria charges, etc. You will be given a copy of the withdrawal form which can be presented to the new school. Records will be forwarded directly to the receiving school.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

Notice of possession, sale, or use of controlled substances or weapons by any student on school property, or in attendance at a school function, is grounds for suspension and/or expulsion. Threats to harm students and/or staff will not be tolerated and could result in suspension and/or expulsion. Students who bring items which resemble real guns, knives, etc., and use them in a way that threatens students and/or staff will be subjected to the same guidelines as those who threaten and/or use authentic weapons.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: K-12 (a.) Compulsory School Attendance & Declaration of Intent to Terminate School Enrollment (F.S. 1003.21)

Pursuant to Section (F.S. 1003.21), all children who are either six years of age or who will be six years old by February 1, or who are older than six years of age but who have not attained the age of 18 years, must attend school regularly during the entire school term. A student between 16 and 18 years of age is not subject to compulsory attendance if the student completes a formal declaration of intent to terminate school enrollment with the district school board. The declaration must acknowledge that terminating school enrollment is likely to reduce the student’s earning potential and that the disenrollment will be reported to the Department of Safety and Motor Vehicles. The declaration of intent to terminate school enrollment must be signed by the student and the student’s parent or legal guardian. The school must notify the parent or legal guardian of receipt of the student’s declaration of intent to terminate school enrollment. A student who attains the age of 18 years during the school year is not subject to compulsory school attendance beyond the date upon which he or she attains that age.

(b.) Clinical Attendance The official daily attendance will be taken during the second-class period for middle and full-time high school students and at the beginning of the day for elementary schools. For part-time high school students, the first scheduled period of the day on campus will be used to determine daily attendance. Secondary attendance must also be taken daily by class period.

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(c.) Enforcement of Attendance (F.S. 1003.26)

When Parent is Required to be Contacted • After each unexcused absence or absence for which the reason is unknown

Means of Parent Contact • Contact can be by phone, auto call system, mail, in-person by school representative

Required Documentation • Phone log noting date and time of call, official making call, family member contacted, and outcome of conversation

• Mail – copy of dated notice or postal service return-receipt • Personal Contact – Parent’s signature on form(s)/letter or Student

Services forms

Referrals to Student Services • Prior to or upon the 10th unexcused absences in any 90-day period and after school efforts to resolve have not been successful.

• Schools will provide Student Services with documentation of their efforts to resolve the truancy

Truancy Petition • Described herein

Referral to CINS/FINS (Children in Need of Services/ Families in Need of Services; The CINS/ FINS provider is Children’s Home Society)

• Secondary schools are encouraged to refer habitual truants to the CINS/ FINS provider.

(d.) Project ROCK

Students suspended out-of-school who attend Project ROCK (north or south) can be coded as “R” (Project ROCK) for the dates that the school confirms that the student attended the program. Students with a disability may attend Project Rock. Day of attendance at Project Rock will not count as out-of-school suspension.

(e.) Attendance Codes, Excused Absences, Unexcused Absences (F.S.1003.26)

Attendance Codes C – Clinic E – Excused G – Guidance I – BIC (not an absence) O –Out of School

Suspension R –Project ROCK

(not an absence) Students suspended out of school who attend Project ROCK can be coded as “R” for the dates the program verifies

Excused Absences - Absences are excused when an appropriate explanation is provided by the parent within 3-days of the student’s return or by the parent’s physician, when the physician authorization threshold has been reached. The written explanation must include the dates of the absences which are sought to be excused and the reason for the absence (F.S. 1003.26)

• Illness of the student

• Major illness in the student’s immediate family

• Medical appointment of the student

• Death of family member or friend

• Required Court Appearance

• Religious holiday of the student or student’s family’s faith Subpoena or forced absence by any law enforcement agency to fulfill civic duties;

Unexcused Absences - Unexcused absences are all failures to attend school other than those specifically excused by the principal or designees. (F.S. 1003.26)

• Truancy

• Vacation travel where the student has accumulated more than 10 excused or 5 unexcused absences within a semester and the travel has not been approved in advance by the principal. Absences for this reason cannot exceed 5-days annually and cannot be excused without advance written approval of the principal. Schools have the authority to withdraw students

S –School Activity/ Field Trip (not an absence) In cases where there is a question about the validity of the activity, the Zone Asst. Supt. shall make the determination.

T– Excused Tardy U- Unexcused Tardy 1 – Unexcused

Tardy 2 – Absence due to

excessive tardies (K-5 only)

• a copy of the subpoena or court summons is required

• Major disaster that justifies the absence that has been approved by the principal

• Head lice: maximum of 2 days per incident and a maximum of 2 incidents per semester

• Missing the school bus if the bus is more than 5 minutes early or more than 15 minutes late or is not able to make the route

• Other planned absences approved in advance by the principal

• Vacation travel or family outing/activity where the student has accumulated fewer than 10 excused or 5 unexcused absences

The principal can excuse vacation travel that exceeds the threshold after considering the student’s attendance

whose absences for this reason exceed this provision. Such students will be withdrawn for non-attendance.

• Take Your Son or Daughter to Work Day

• Failure to provide an explanation of the absence to the school within 3 days of the student’s return to school

• Student Services staff can, after investigation, advise the school to excuse absence documentation received after the expiration of the 3-day period. Physician explanations received after the 3-day period will also authorize the school to excuse the absence(s). Failure

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history, academic performance, mastery of the curriculum, and reason for the travel. Absences for this reason cannot exceed 5-days annually. Schools have the authority to withdraw students whose absences for this reason exceed this provision. Such students will be withdrawn for non-attendance

• Out of school suspensions

to provide a Physician’s Authorization when required

• Missing the school bus if the bus is less than 5 minutes early or less than 15 minutes late

• Immunization non-compliance

• Non-Attendance due to head lice that exceeds two days per incident and/or exceeds 2-days per semester; students who return to school with lice or nits and who are sent home the same day or who remain in the office /clinic will not be counted as “in-attendance” and will have the absence unexcused

Reporting Attendance Cases to PST/Attendance Committee (F.S. 1003.26)

The Superintendent may file a truancy petition pursuant to procedures in F.S. 984.151 when:

(a.) A student has 5 unexcused absences in a calendar month or 10 unexcused absences in a 90 calendar-day-period

(b.) The PST/SST has met and efforts to correct the attendance has been unsuccessful

(c.) The parent has been notified as to the unexcused absences or absences for which reasons are unknown and that a Truancy Petition is being filed.

School’s Responsibility: a. Partner with Student Services to prepare the

Petition

Truancy Petition

When: Student has accumulated at least 5 unexcused absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, within a calendar month or 10 unexcused absences or absences for which the reasons are unknown, within 90 calendar days By Whom: Teacher or any school staff with knowledge of the student’s attendance Required Participants: School Social Worker or contracted caseworker; `school attendance officer; parent shall be invited and encouraged to attend Purpose of Meeting: To determine if a pattern of non-attendance is developing or exists and to develop interventions that shall be implemented

b. Provide Student Services will all verifications of notification to and conferences with the parent to

c. inform and discuss attendance d. Copies of all parent and physician excuses and

phone logs e. Verification that the recorded attendance is true and

correct according to School Board policy

Filing of Truancy Petitions: f. Filed in Circuit Court in the 19th Judicial Circuit g. All supportive documentation becomes part of the

Court file h. Parent(s) named in the Petition will receive a copy

of the Petition when the Petition is served

Interventions: Interventions may include, but are not limited to:

*frequent communication between school and family *mentoring *counseling *evaluation for alternative education program *attendance contracts *agency referral(s) *other interventions, including but not limited to a Truancy Petition pursuant to (F.S. 984.151)

Non-Compliant Students: When students subject to compulsory attendance will not comply with attempts to enforce school attendance, the parent, guardian, superintendent or designee may refer the case to the case staffing committee pursuant to F.S. 984.12 and the superintendent may file a truancy petition pursuant to F.S. 984.151.

MANDATORY RETENTION OF THIRD GRADERS Any student who exhibits substantial deficiency in reading skills before the end of grade 1 must be given intensive reading instruction immediately. Such instruction shall continue until the deficiency is remedied. If the student’s reading deficiency is not remedied by the end of grade 3, and the student scores below level 2 on the State Assessment in reading, the student must be retained, unless the student is eligible for Good Cause Exemption. A student who is retained will take the SAT 10 at the end of summer camp. If the student scores 45 percentile on the SAT 10, the student will be promoted.

Good Cause Exemptions

(1) The student is a Limited Proficient (LEP) student who has less than two years of instruction in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program.

(2) The Individual Education Plan (IEP) indicates that participation in the statewide assessment program is not appropriate for the student.

(3) The student has demonstrated an acceptable level of performance on an alternative standardized reading assessment approved by the State Board of Education (STA-9 or STA-10)

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(4) The student demonstrates, through a portfolio, that he or she is reading on grade level as evidenced by demonstration of mastery of the Florida State Standards in reading equal to at least a Level 2 performance on the FSA.

(5) The student participated in the FSA and has an IEP or a Section 504 plan that reflects the student has received intensive remediation as required by Florida law for more than two years but still demonstrates a deficiency in reading and has been retained once in either kindergarten, first, second, or third grade.

(6) The student has received intensive reading intervention for 2 or more years, but still demonstrates deficiency in reading and the student was previously retained in kindergarten grade 1, 2 or 3 for a total of 2 years. A student may not be retained more than once in third grade.

Successful Progression of Retained Third Graders

Retained students must be provided intensive interventions in reading to ameliorate the student’s specific reading deficiency, as identified by a valid and reliable diagnostic assessment. The intensive intervention must include effective instructional strategies, participation in summer reading camp, appropriate teaching methodologies necessary to assist those students in becoming successful readers, able to read at or above grade level as indicated by the score on the SAT-10 and able to be promoted to the next grade.

Intensive Interventions may include:

• A minimum of 90 minutes of daily, uninterrupted, scientifically based reading instruction

• small group instruction

• reduced teacher-student ratio

• more frequent progress monitoring

• summer reading camps

STUDENT ENROLLMENT, EMERGENCY CONTACTS, RELEASE, PARENT PARTICIPATION AND DECISION-MAKING

School Board Policy 5.10

1. Definitions. For purposes of this policy:

a. The term "parent" shall mean either or both parents of a student, any guardian of a student, any person in a parental relationship to a student, or any person exercising supervisory authority over a student in place of the parent. Unless otherwise specified, the term parent shall not include an individual whose parental rights over the student have been terminated or restricted by court order or judgment. An individual may demonstrate his/her parental relationship to a student by providing to the School Board (i) a birth certificate naming the individual as a parent of the student, (ii) an order or judgment of adoption of the student, (iii) an order establishing paternity for the student, (iv) letters of guardianship over the student, (v) an order establishing concurrent custody over the student or (vi) an affidavit of custody, care, and control demonstrating a parental relationship with the student.

b. The term "enrolling parent" shall mean either or both parents of a student who enroll the student in a District school and complete a pick-up/emergency contact form for the student.

c. The term "non-enrolling parent" shall mean any parent who is not an enrolling parent.

2. Student Enrollment

a. To enroll a child in a District school, an individual must meet the definition of parent set forth in subsection (l)(a) of this policy.

b. Except as may be otherwise provided in Policy 5.14 or 5.21, the School Board (i) will use the address of the enrolling parent for purposes of assigning the student to a school and (ii) will determine the student's entitlement to transportation and designate a bus stop for the student if required, based upon the address of the enrolling parent. A student may have only one primary residence for purposes of assignment to a school, entitlement to transportation, and designation of a bus stop.

3. Pick-up/Emergency Contact Form

a. The enrolling parent shall complete a pick-up/emergency contact form when enrolling the student at his/her assigned school.

b. The enrolling parent is responsible for including the name of any non-enrolling parent on the pick­ up/emergency contact form, unless a court exercising jurisdiction over the student has entered an order or judgment terminating or restricting the parental rights of the non-enrolling parent.

c. Except as provided in subsection (3)(e) of this policy, only the enrolling parent may make changes to the pick-up/emergency contact form.

d. Any non-enrolling parent seeking a change to the pick-up/emergency contact form (for example, to add his/her or another party's name) must address the request to the enrolling parent. If the enrolling parent refuses to make a requested change to the pick-up/emergency contact form, the non-enrolling parent should seek from a court exercising

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jurisdiction over the student a determination whether the enrolling parent (not the school or the School Board) must change the form.

e. Notwithstanding any other provision of this policy, if the non-enrolling parent demonstrates that he/she (i) is a natural or adoptive parent of the student, (ii) has not had his/her parental rights over the student terminated or restricted by court order or judgment, and (iii) is a current resident within the four county area (St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties), then the non-enrolling parent may add his/her name only to the pick-up/emergency contact form for the student; the school shall notify the enrolling parent of the addition; and, the enrolling parent shall not be permitted to remove the non­enrolling parent's name without an appropriate court order Prior to the first occasion that the non­enrolling parent is permitted to remove the student from campus, the school shall call the enrolling parent to inform him/her that the school is permitting the non-enrolling parent to remove the student.

4. Release of a Student

a. Except as may be otherwise provided in Policy 5.35, students may be released from school only to those individuals listed on the pick-up/emergency contacts form. Exceptions may be made, but only upon the written or telephone request of an enrolling parent, and only when school staff can verify that an enrolling parent has made the request.

b. School staff must always verify the identity and authority of any person requesting release of a student from school.

5. Parent Participation in School Functions

a. Except as provided in subsection (5)(c) of this policy, any parent may participate in school functions relating to his/her child, such as attending lunch at school with the student or attending a school assembly that is open to parents.

b. All parents who participate in school functions shall be subject to the school's procedures and rules governing such participation.

c. When known to school staff, parents whose names appear on the registration information maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement under Section 943.043, Florida Statutes, or by the United States Department of Justice under 42 U.S.C. § 14071, including but not limited to any person described in subsection (1) of Section 856.022, Florida Statutes, as enacted by Ch. 2010-92, Section 1, Laws of Fla., shall not be permitted to participate in school functions that might involve direct contact with other District students and shall only be allowed on school campuses as provided in Policy 3. 702, Limitations on Campus Visitation by Persons Convicted of Certain Crimes.

6. Decision-Making Authority

a. Any parent may make educational decisions (such as permission to participate in extracurricular activities) for the student.

b. Unless a court approved order, judgment, or parenting plan vests final educational decision-making authority in a non-enrolling parent, in the event parents cannot agree on an educational decision for the student, the School Board will accept the determination of the enrolling parent.

c. If the non-enrolling parent disagrees with an educational decision of the enrolling parent, the non­enrolling parent should seek from a court exercising jurisdiction over the student a determination of which parent may exercise final educational decision-making authority.

7. If two enrolling parents disagree on an educational decision, one or both should seek from a court exercising jurisdiction over the student a determination of which parent may exercise final educational decision-making authority Student Records

a. Any parent shall have access to the student's educational records and information in accordance with state

and federal law and School Board Policy 5. 70.

b. A person named on the pick-up/ emergency contact form for a student is not entitled to access the student's educational records or information unless (i) the named person is also a parent of the student, or (ii) a parent of the student has signed a release authorizing the named person to receive educational records or information.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 120.81. 1001.31. 1001.43. F.S.

LAWS IMPLEMENTED: 1000.21(5). 1001.43. F.S.

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STUDENT RESPONSIBLE COMPUTER, NETWORK AND INTERNET USE POLICY

Overview The District provides its students access to a multitude of technology resources to enhance and extend the learning experience. These resources provide opportunities to enhance learning and improve communication within our community and with the global community beyond our campus. The advantages of having access to these resources are far greater than any potential downside. However, with the privilege of access is the responsibility of students to exercise appropriate personal responsibility in their use of these resources. This District Policy is intended to promote the most effective, safe, productive, and instructionally sound uses of networked information and communication tools. The District also makes a good faith effort to protect its students from exposure to internet materials that are harmful or explicit. The District maintains a system of internet content filtering devices and software controls to block obscene and pornographic materials and materials that are harmful to, or otherwise inappropriate for, minors that meet federal standards established in the Children’s Internet Protection Act, 47 U.S.C. § 254(h), (1), as amended (CIPA). Nevertheless, it is impossible to control all materials available on the internet, and users will be responsible for ensuring that their use meets the Policy established herein.

Digital Citizen Student users of the District’s computer, network, and internet resources shall use information and technology in safe, legal, and responsible ways. A responsible digital citizen is one who: 1. Respects One's Self: Users will select online names that are appropriate and will consider the information and

images that are posted online.

2. Respects Others: Users will refrain from using technologies to bully, tease or harass other people.

3. Protects One's Self and Others: Users will protect themselves and others by reporting abuse and not

forwarding inappropriate materials or communications.

4. Respects Intellectual Property: Users will cite any, and all, use of websites, books, media, etc.

5. Protects Intellectual Property: Users will request to use the software and media others produce.

Expectations Responsible use of the District's technology resources is expected to be ethical, respectful, academically honest, and supportive of the school’s mission. Each computer user has the responsibility to respect every other person in our community and on the internet. Digital storage and electronic devices used for school purposes will be treated as extensions of the physical school space. Administrators, or their designees, will periodically monitor the online activities of users and computer files to ensure that users are using the system in accordance with District policy. No user of the District’s networks shall have an expectation of privacy in his/her use. Users should not expect that electronic communications made or received on District networks, internet searches on District networks, or files stored on servers or disks will be private. Users also should understand that internet activity is recorded in log files. Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. The following Policy is intended to clarify expectations for conduct, but they should not be construed as all-inclusive.

1. Use of electronic devices should be consistent with the District's educational objectives, mission and

curriculum.

2. Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to, (1) texting, phoning, or web browsing during

prohibited times; (2) taping conversations, music, or other audio at any time; (3) photography or

videography of any kind; and (4) any activity that could in any manner infringe upon the rights of

other individuals, including but not limited to students, teachers, and staff members.

3. Transmission of any material in violation of any local, federal and state laws is prohibited. This

includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, licensed material and threatening or obscene

material.

4. Intentional or unintentional use of computing resources to access or process, proxy sites,

pornographic material, explicit text or files, or files dangerous to the integrity of the network is strictly

prohibited.

5. Software and/or services may not be installed or downloaded on school devices without prior

approval of the Superintendent or designee.

6. Any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the internet or other networks, is

strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, creating and/or uploading computer viruses.

7. Unauthorized access to information by unauthorized recipients or “hacking” is strictly prohibited. This

would include intentionally bypassing any internet filtering devices.

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8. Use of electronic devices to bully or harass, as defined in Policy 3.43 included in Appendix A hereto,

is strictly prohibited.

9. Student internet interpersonal communications (e.g., chat room, instant messaging, blogging, Wiki)

requires authorization of a teacher or administrator.

10. Users may be held personally and financially responsible for malicious or intentional damage done to

network software, data, user accounts, hardware and/or unauthorized costs incurred.

11. Files stored on District-managed networks are the property of the District and, as such, may be

inspected at any time and should not be considered private. Materials published for electronic

publication must be for educational purposes. School administrators, teachers and staff may monitor

these materials to ensure compliance with content standards.

12. Users, who accidentally access inappropriate material or witness another user accessing

inappropriate material, shall immediately notify their teacher or school administrator.

Policy Violations Violating any portion of this Policy may result in disciplinary action as provided in this Code. A student may be disciplined under the Code for expressive off-campus conduct (such as e-mails or postings on social media like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, blogs, etc.) where (1) such conduct would foreseeably create a risk of material and substantial disruptions within the school environment, (2) it was reasonably foreseeable that the off-campus expression might reach campus, and (3) the conduct did create a material and substantial disruption within the school environment. Disciplinary action shall be proportional to the offense. Some violations may constitute criminal offenses and may result in legal action. The School District will cooperate with law enforcement officers in investigations related to illegal activities conducted through its network.

TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Rule 6A-1.0943, F.A.C., states that all students with disabilities will participate in the statewide assessment program based on state standards without accommodations unless:

1. The individual educational plan (IEP) team, or the team that develops the plan required under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, determines and documents that the student requires allowable accommodations during instruction and for participation in a statewide assessment; or

2. The IEP team determines that a student with a significant cognitive disability meets the criteria for participating in the statewide alternate assessment under subsection (4) of rule 6A-1.0943, F.A.C.

Each school board shall utilize appropriate and allowable accommodations for statewide assessments within the limits prescribed in rule 6A-1.0943, F.A.C. and current statewide assessment test administration manuals published by the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Assessment and School Performance, and Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services.

Accommodations are defined as adjustments to the presentation of the statewide assessment questions, methods of recording examinee responses to the questions, scheduling for the administration of a statewide assessment to include amount of time for administration, settings for administration of a statewide assessment, and/or the use of assistive technology/devices to facilitate the student’s participation in a statewide assessment. Accommodations that negate the validity of a statewide assessment are not allowable. Within the limits specified in rule 6A-1.0943, F.A.C., allowable statewide assessment accommodations are based on current instructional accommodations and accessible instructional materials used by the student in the classroom.

The need for any unique accommodations for use on a statewide assessment not outlined in the statewide assessment test administration manuals, published by the Florida Department of Education, as described in paragraph 3 of rule 6A-1.0943, F.A.C., must be submitted to the Department of Education for approval by the Commissioner of Education.

All district personnel are required to implement the accommodations in a manner that ensures that the test responses are the independent work of the student. Personnel are prohibited from assisting a student in determining how the student will respond or directing or leading the student to a particular response. In no case shall the accommodations authorized in rule 6A-1.0943, F.A.C. be interpreted or construed as an authorization to provide a student with assistance in determining the answer to any test item.

Allowable accommodations include:

a. PRESENTATION: i. VISUAL ACCOMMODATIONS

1. Regular print versions of the test may be enlarged through mechanical or electronic means 2. The district test coordinator may request large print version 3. Braille versions may be requested for students who use Braille materials. Some test items may be altered in format

for Braille versions of the test as authorized by the Department. Test items that have no application for the Braille reader will be deleted as authorized by the Department. Student performance standards that cannot be assessed in the Braille format will be deleted from the requirements of Section 1008.22, Florida Statutes.

4. The student may use means to maintain or enhance visual attention to test items. 5. Provide student with a copy of directions read by teacher from FCAT administration script. 6. Mask portions of the test to direct attention to uncovered item(s).

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7. Use colored transparencies/overlays. 8. Secure papers to work area.* 9. Increase spacing between test items.*

10. Fewer items placed on each page.* 11. Positioning tools such as a reading stand. 12. Highlight keywords or phrases in directions to items.

ii. AUDITORY ACCOMMODATIONS 1. Signed or oral presentation may be provided for all directions and items other than reading items. Reading items

must be read by the student through visual or tactile means. 2. Use a reader to read directions and items other than reading items. 3. Repeat, clarify or summarize test directions. 4. Allow student to demonstrate understanding of directions (e.g., repeat or paraphrase) to ensure understanding. 5. Use of text-to-speech technology to communicate directions, items other than reading items. 6. Provide verbal encouragement (e.g., “keep working” “make sure to answer every question”); may not be used to

cue a student regarding correct/incorrect responses. 7. Use white noise (sound machines) to reduce auditory distractions.

b. RESPONDING: i. ACCOMMODATIONS TO RESPONSE INPUT

1. The student may use varied methods to respond to the test, including written, signed and verbal response. Written responses may include the use of mechanical and electronic devices. A test administrator or proctor may transcribe student responses to the format required by the test. Transcribed responses must accurately reflect the response of the student, without addition or edification by the test administrator of proctor.

2. Dictate responses to proctor. 3. Use of speech-to-text technology to indicate answers. 4. Use of computer switch to indicate answers. 5. Use of computer/alternative keyboard to indicate answers. 6. Use of pointing device to indicate answers. 7. Use of other communication devices to indicate answers. 8. Enter answers directly into test booklet. 9. Signing responses to interpreter.

10. Dictate responses into a tape recorder. 11. Use of special paper such as raised, line, shaded line, or color- decoded for long or short response (would require that

responses are then transcribed). 12. Use of math guides to organize mathematical computation. 13. Use of writing guides (grids) to produce legible answers. 14. Check periodically to be sure student is marking in correct spaces.

ii. ACCOMMODATIONS TO RESPONSE PREPARATION 1. Calculator for math problems grades 7 and up. 2. Abacus for all grade levels for students with visual impairments.

c. SCHEDULING: 1. The student may be administered a test during several brief sessions allowing frequent breaks during the testing sessions,

within specifications of the test administration manual. Students may be provided additional time for the administration of the test.

2. Specific time of the day for specific subtests.

d. SETTING: 1. The student may be administered a test individually or in a small group setting. The student may be provided with adaptive

or special furniture and special lighting or acoustics. 2. Special lighting. 3. Adaptive or special furniture. 4. Special acoustics such as FM systems to enhance sound or special rooms to decrease auditory distractions. 5. Increase or decrease the opportunity for movement. 6. Reduce stimuli (e.g., limit number of items on desk). 7. Other specialized settings.* 8. Administer the test in a familiar place such as the home with a test proctor present and/or by a familiar person. (students

homebound or hospitalized)

e. ASSISTIVE DEVICES: The student may use the following assistive devices typically used in classroom instruction: 1. If the purpose of the assessment requires complex computation, calculators may be used as authorized in the test

administration manual. A calculator may not be used on assessments of basic computation as specified in the test administration manual.

2. Visual magnification and auditory amplification devices may be used. For students with visual impairments, an abacus may be used.

3. Technology may be used without accessing spelling or grammar-checking applications for writing assessments and without using speech output programs for reading items assessed. Other assistive technology typically used by the student in classroom instruction may be used provided the purpose of the testing is not violated. Implementation of assistive devices must assure that test responses are the independent work of the student. Unusual circumstances of

21

accommodations through assistive devices must be approved by the Commissioner of Education before use.

*Examples of unique accommodations are identified by an asterisk (*).

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RESPONSE TO INSTRUCTION & INTERVENTION

Available in general

education settings

Opportunity to increase

academic engagement

time

Opportunity to narrow

the focus of the

curriculum

Sufficient time allotted

for interventions to elicit

the desired outcome

Is not necessarily a

program, but rather

strategies focused on

specific skills.

Developed from

individualized student

problem-solving

Goals are to find

successful interventions

Based on “intensity” of

the interventions

required for student

success, determination

could be made about

eligibility for

Exceptional Special

Education (ESE)

Should comprise about

4 - 5% of student

population

Access to high quality

curriculum and

instruction in the general

education classroom

Access to universal

behavior supports in the

general education

classroom

PS/RtI Core Team Members

Principal

Psychologist

Counselor

Literacy Coach

Math Coach Teachers

ESE Chair

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SETTING GOALS & Seeking Feedback

A GOAL is something you want to and can achieve.

FEEDBACK is helpful information that tells you how to improve.

SET GOALS THAT FIT YOU Are you new at setting goals? You can start by finishing the following sentences. Be sure to think about what YOU want to achieve and add that to the goals your teacher gives you.

Learning Goal:

My teacher wants me to learn

To make this goal my own, I need to learn

This goal is important to me because

DRAW UP A CONTRACT!

A contract is an agreement between two parties who agree to accomplish a goal. Write a contract with YOURSELF. Explain how you will meet one of your goals. Write what you will do or get if you achieve or complete the contract.

Name:

I want to achieve this goal:

To accomplish this goal, I agree to follow these steps:

❖

❖

❖

If I achieve this goal, I will: