Miami-Dade County Public Schools

6856 SW 53 St
Miami, FL 33155

Main Telephone Number
305-666-5871

Main Fax Number
305-666-635

Mission Statement

Preparing our students to succeed in tomorrow's global community

Alma Matter

Our hope and pride,

a school we’ll always stand beside.

Through passing years,

through changes, challenges,

pleasures and tears.

As one and all,

a mighty spirit standing tall.

We will cherish, honor,

and be true to

South Miami High!

School Colors

Orange and Brown

Mascot

The Cobra

Newspaper

The Serpent’s Tale

Yearbook

DeCapello

Website

http://smsh.dadeschools.net

Feeder Pattern Schools

Elementary Schools

Middle Schools

Coral Terrace Elementary

Emerson Elementary

David Fairchild Elementary..

Flagami Elementary

South Miami K-8 Center

Sylvania Heights Elementary

2008-2009 Calendar

Important Dates - Tentative

Interim Report Distribution	Report Card Distribution
September 17, 2008	November 10, 2008
November 26, 2008	February 2, 2009
February 18, 2009	April 15, 2009
May 6, 2009	June 18, 2009

Testing Calendar

The calendar will be updated periodically at the district’s website as additional information is obtained about the district, state, national, and international tests administered to the students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2008-09 TESTING CALENDAR, GRADES K-12 Updated: June 20, 2008
DATE	DESCRIPTION	ABBREVIATION	PARTICIPANTS	REASON FOR TEST
July 28-29	Alternative Assessment for Grade 3 Promotion	AAGTP	Grade 3, retained only	State
August 18- September 29	Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener Early Childhood Observation System Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills Indicadores Dinámicos del Exito en la Lectura	FLKRS ECHOS DIBELS IDEL	Kindergarten	State
TBA	Preliminary ACT Test	PLAN	Grade 10, optional	Nationally Offered
September 3-9	Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test SSS Computer Accommodations Pilot	FCAT SSS	Grades 6 & 9, selected schools and students	State
September 15-September 26	Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills	DIBELS	Grades 1-3; Grades 4 & 5*	State and District
September 15-September 26	Florida Oral Reading Fluency Assessment	FORF	Grades 6-12*	State
September 29-May 8	Florida College Entry-level Placement Test	FCELPT CPT	Grades 10-12, optional	State
October 6-13	Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test Retake Reading and Mathematics	FCAT	Grades 10-12, as needed	State
October 15	College Board Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test	PSAT/NMSQT	Grade 10	State
October 15		PSAT/NMSQT	Grade 11, optional	Nationally Offered
October 20-31	Florida Alternate Assessment Science Field Test	FAA	Grades 5, 8, & 11***	State
November 17	Grade 3 Mid-Year Promotion	GTMYP	Grade 3, retained only	State
December 2-3	FCAT Writing+ Field Test	FCAT Writing+	Grades 4, 8, & 10, selected schools	State
December 3-9	Florida Competency Examination on Personal Fitness	FCEPF	Grades 9-11, optional	State
January 13- February 27	Florida Alternate Assessment	FAA	Grades 3-11***	State
January 20-May 8	Grade 3 Reading Student Portfolio	GTRSP	Grade 3	State
January 23-February 5	Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills	DIBELS	Grades K-3; Grades 4 & 5*	State and District
January 23-February 5	Florida Oral Reading Fluency Assessment	FORF	Grades 6-12*	State
January 26- March 4	National Assessment of Educational Progress/Trial Urban District Assessment	NAEP/TUDA	Selected schools, Grades 4, 8, & 12	Federal
February 10-13	Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test Writing+	FCAT Writing+	Grades 4, 8, & 10	State
March 10-23	Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test Sunshine State Standards Reading and Mathematics	FCAT - SSS	Grades 3-10	Federal and State
	Science	FCAT - Science	Grades 5, 8, 11	State
	Retake	FCAT-Retake	Grades 10-12,** as needed	State
	Norm-Referenced Test (NRT) **** Reading & Mathematics	FCAT-NRT	Grades 3-10	State
March 10-23	Stanford Achievement Test, Tenth Edition Reading and Mathematics Reading	SAT-10	Grade 2 Grade 1, Reading First schools only	District and State State
April 20- May 22 (Tentative)	Comprehensive English Language Learning Assessment	CELLA	Grades K-12, all current ELLs and selected former ELLs	Federal and State
April 29- May 19	Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test	PPVT	Grades K-3, Reading First schools only	State
April 29- May 19	Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills	DIBELS	Grades K-3; Grades 4 & 5*	State
April 29- May 19	Florida Oral Reading Fluency Assessment	FORF	Grades 6-12*	State
May 4-8	Florida Competency Examination on Personal Fitness	FCEPF	Grades 9-11, optional	State
May 4-15	Advanced Placement Examinations	AP	Grades 9-12, enrolled, registered only	Nationally Offered
May 4-22	International Baccalaureate External Written Examinations	IB	Grades 11-12, enrolled only	Internationally Offered
June 22-26	Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test Retake Reading and Mathematics	FCAT-Retake	Grade 12, as needed	State
June 22-26	High School Competency Test Communications and Mathematics	HSCT	Eligible students	State
DISTRICT ASSESSMENTS FOR PROGRESS REPORTING
DATE	DESCRIPTION		ABBREVIATION	PARTICIPANTS
August 18 –29	Baseline Benchmark Assessments Reading, Mathematics, and Science		BBA	Grades 3-11
August 25-September 5	District Writing Pre-Test		DWT	Grades 1-10
October 20 –31 December 15-19 or January 5-9 April 20-May 1 (Optional)	Interim Assessment Tests Reading, Mathematics, and Science		IA	Grades 3-11
April 13-24	District Writing Post-Test		DWT	Grades 1-10
Note: Fall and Mid-year administrations of the Interim Assessment and Pre/Post administrations of the District Writing Test are mandated for schools required to submit State progress reports. They may be administered by other schools for instructional purposes, progress reporting, or as a measure for their School Improvement Plans.
TESTS GIVEN ON AN AS-NEEDED BASIS
DESCRIPTION		ABBREVIATION	PARTICIPANTS	REASON FOR TEST
Aprenda La Prueba de los Logros en Español Segunda Edición Placement and/or exit decision for Gifted Program Spanish-speaking LEP students		APRENDA	Grades K-12, eligible ELLs	State
Diagnostic Assessment of Reading Administered as needed for instructional decisions		DAR	Grades K-12, As selected	State
Metropolitan Achievement Test Placement and/or decisions for ESOL Program		MAT	Grades 4-12, As eligible	Federal and State
Oral Language Proficiency Scale Placement and/or decisions for ESOL Program		OLPS-R	Grades K-12, ELLs	Federal and State
Stanford Achievement Test, Ninth Edition Placement and/or decisions for Gifted Program		SAT-9	Grades K-12, As selected	State
COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS NATIONALLY OFFERED FOR INTERESTED, REGISTERED STUDENTS
SAT Reasong and SAT Subject Tests			ACT Test
October 4, 2008			September 13, 2008
November 1, 2008			October 25, 2008
December 6, 2008			December 13, 2008
January 24, 2009			February 7, 2009
March 14,2009 (Sat Reasong Only)			April 4, 2009
May 2, 2009			June 13, 2009
June 6, 2009

* Only includes students in FCAT Reading Levels 1 and 2 at these grade levels.
** Students who need to pass one or more sections of the test. Grade 10 retained students only participate in Spring administration.
*** Only includes ESE students exempted from standardized testing at these grade levels.
**** If FCAT NRT is eliminated, a district-wide NRT may be administered at selected grade levels.

Activities

Clubs

Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ students may participate in a wide variety of activities, including student council, subject-area clubs, honor societies, service clubs, school publications and class activities. School-sponsored clubs may be curriculum-related or noncurriculum-related.

Curriculum-related clubs are student groups whose goals are an extension of the activities and objectives in a particular subject area within the school's curriculum. Conversely, noncurriculum-related clubs are student groups whose goals are special interest oriented and not directly related to the curriculum. Meetings of noncurriculum-related clubs may be scheduled only at times when instruction is not taking place, either before or after school.

Non-School Sponsored Clubs

The State of Florida prohibits the participation of public school students in Fraternities or Sororities, or any other secret society whose active membership is comprised wholly or partly by public school students and its members are selected based on the decision of its members, and not on the rules of the school.

Fieldtrips and Special Activities

The Student Activities Office is responsible for coordinating fieldtrips and activities pertaining to clubs and classes. Participation in fieldtrips requires that the student present a fieldtrip form signed by the parent/guardian to his/her teacher(s) in advance. It is the student’s responsibility to make up the work missed while on a fieldtrip. In addition, at times vendors who have a “no refund” policy will require schools to pay the full amount of the fieldtrip prior to the event. In this case, students/parents will be notified in advance of the vendor’s “no refund” policy.

Senior Activities (Customize)

Students and parent(s)/guardian(s) must read and sign the Miami-Dade county Public Schools Contract for Student Participation in Interscholastic Competitions or Performances (FM-7155) (08-07).

Fundraisers – Board Rule 6Gx13- 5C-1.07

Sale of magazines is only permitted by students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. Solicitations are permitted in homes only if a student is accompanied by an adult. Fundraising activities in each school are limited to two weeks, and promotional activities must be kept within reasonable bounds and competition.

Athletics

Eligibility/Student Contracts

Any student interested in participating in interscholastic sports must purchase school insurance prior to participation at any level. Additional information on the school’s athletic programs may be obtained from the Athletic Director.

A student is eligible to participate in interscholastic sports if he/she:

· undergoes a physical evaluation no earlier than April 1

· presents an original birth certificate

· has a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 unweighted scale

· is in ninth grade and was regularly promoted from the eighth grade the immediate preceding year

· adheres to the principles of good sportsmanship and the ethics of competition at all times

Students may be declared ineligible:

· By the principal due to lack of attendance, improper conduct, or other valid reasons

· After four (4) consecutive academic years from the date he or she first enrolls in the ninth (9th) grade

· Upon reaching the age of 19 years 9 months

Attendance Policy – Board Rule 6Gx13- 5A-1.041

Student attendance is a means of improving student performance and critical in raising student achievement. Together, the staff of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, students, parents and the community must make every effort to lessen the loss of instructional time to students. In order to accomplish this goal, on April 18, 2007, the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida approved a new Student Attendance Board Rule, which is stated below.

The Attendance Review Committee

The Attendance Review Committee is comprised of a minimum of a student services representative and an administrator or administrative designee and will provide guidance and support to students with significant absences. They are expected to:

1. Provide early intervention by convening when students reach an accumulation of five (5) unexcused absences in a semester or ten (10) unexcused absences in an annual course.

2. Convene a minimum of six (6) designated times per year.

3. Give consideration to all extenuating circumstances surrounding student absences. The Attendance Review Committee is charged with the responsibility of prescribing activities designed to mitigate the loss of instructional time and has the authority to recommend the following:

a. Issuing of quarterly, semester or final grades.

b. Temporary withholding of quarterly, semester or final grades. The following are among possible options:

(1) Make-up assignments

(2) Attendance probation for the following grading period(s)

(3) Completion of a school service project

c. Permanent withholding of quarterly, semester or final grades and credit. The student is to be informed of his/her right of final appeal to the regional superintendent or designee.

4. Review attendance history for student(s) exhibiting patterns of excused and/or unexcused absences and provide appropriate referrals and counseling support.

Excused School and Class Absences and Tardies

1. Student illness: Students missing 5 or more consecutive days of school due to illness or injury are required to provide a written statement from a health care provider. The written statement must include all days the student has been absent from school. If a student is continually sick and repeatedly absent from school due to a specific medical condition, he or she must be under the supervision of a health care provider in order to receive excused absences from school.

2. Medical appointment: If a student is absent from school due to a medical appointment, a written statement from a health care provider indicating the date and time of the appointment, must be submitted to the principal.

3. Death in family

4. Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is mandated for all members of a faith that such a holiday or service be observed.

5. School-sponsored event or educational enrichment activity that is not a school-sponsored event, as determined and approved by the principal or principal’s designee: The student must receive advance written permission from the principal or the principal’s designee. Examples of special events include: public functions, conferences, and regional, state and national competitions.

6. Subpoena by law enforcement agency or mandatory court appearance.

7. Outdoor suspensions

8. Other individual student absences beyond the control of the parent/guardian or student, as determined and approved by the principal or the principal's designee. The principal shall require documentation related to the condition.

Unexcused School Absence

Any absence that does not fall into one of the above excused absence categories is to be considered unexcused. Any student who has been absent from school will be marked unexcused absent until he/she submits required documentation as specified above. Failure to provide required documentation within three school days upon the return to school will result in an unexcused absence. Unexcused absences include:

1. Absences due to vacations, personal services, local non-school event, program or sporting activity

2. Absences due to older students providing day care services for siblings

3. Absences due to illness of others

4. Absences due to non-compliance with immunization requirements (unless lawfully exempted)

Arrival/Dismissal

2007-2008 BELL SCHEDULE

Late Bell 7:30 AM
Period 1 7:30 AM –8:29 AM
Period 2 8:35 AM –9:34 AM
Period 3 9:40 AM –10:39 AM
Period 4

1st Lunch
(Class:11:20-12:19)
2nd Lunch
(Class:10:45-11:44)

Period 5 12:25 PM –1:24 PM
Period 6 1:30 PM –2:30 PM

NOTE: 1ST LUNCH: New Building 1st Floor in Main Building
2nd LUNCH: 2nd Floor of Main Building and Portables

Pep rallies will take place during 5th period.

Early release day and parent conference day schedules will be provided on the Monday prior to each early release or parent conference day.

Students who are tardy to school must report to the Attendance Office to secure an admit. Excessive tardies may result in loss of privileges, detention, parent conference, and/or suspension.

Early Dismissal - Board Rule 6Gx13- 5A-1.041

The early release of students causes disruption to the academic performance of all students and may create safety and security concerns. No students shall be released within the final 30 minutes of the school day unless authorized by the principal or principal’s designee (i.e., emergency, sickness).

Comprehensive Reading Plan

Secondary students are required to read at least five books or their equivalent during each nine-week grading period, including in-class independent reading and at-home reading. Students must also read for 30 minutes at home as part of their daily homework assignment. The length of the books and the complexity of the content may be taking into account when accounting for this requirement. In secondary schools, the independent reading is a school wide program, and it is the school’s responsibility to develop a plan that allows for independent reading time in all subject areas.

Cafeteria

Food Cost

Breakfast

All Students:No charge

Adults: $2.00

Lunch

Students: $2.50

Reduced Price,Students: $0.40

Adults: $3.00

Free BreakfastThe National School Breakfast Program was enacted to ensure that school children are being served a nutritious breakfast daily. Miami-Dade County Public Schools offers a breakfast at no charge to all M-DCPS Students. The breakfast at no charge is not dependent on the student qualifying for free/reduced meals at lunch.

Free/Reduced Lunch ProgramThe National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs as administered by Miami-Dade County Public Schools provides free and reduced priced meals for children unable to pay the full price. Applications must be filled out every school year; forms are sent to all homes with a letter to parents or guardians the first week of school. Meal benefits begin on the day the application is approved and continue throughout the school year in which the application is approved, the summer, and approximately the first twenty days of next school year.

PAYPAMS Miami Dade County Public School’s Department of Food and Nutrition allows parents/guardians the convenience to pay on-line via the internet or by telephone for their child’s/children meals with a credit or debit card. The parent/guardians will create a lunch account on-line for the child and will be able to access the following:a. view the account balanceb. schedule automatic paymentsc. receive low-balance e-mail remindersd. view a report of daily spending and cafeteria purchases

Cafeteria Rules (Optional)

· Keep in a single line

· Always be courteous to the cafeteria workers

· Always use acceptable table manners

· Discard the trash appropriately

Code of Student Conduct

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is committed to providing a safe teaching and learning environment for students, staff, and members of the community. On January 16, 2008, the School Board approved a newly revised Code of Student Conduct (COSC). The revised COSC identifies, recognizes, and rewards model student behavior within a framework of clearly established and enforceable rules and policies. It advocates a holistic approach to promoting and maintaining a safe learning environment and requires active participation from students, parents/guardians, and school staff. Students and parents/guardians can access the English and Haitian/Creole versions of the document on the M-DCPS Website located at: http://ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/90/indes.htm or you may request a copy from your child’s school. The Spanish version of this document will be forthcoming.

Additionally, M-DCPS is proud to launch SPOTsuccess, an initiative that enhances the COSC. It supports civic, moral and ethical values, encourages a positive and supportive school climate, and allows all school personnel to recognize and reward students for exemplifying model student behavior. Parents/guardians can check to see if their children are recognized through the SPOT success system by creating a Parent Account. For instructions, log on to M-DCPS Website at http://www2dadeschools.net/parents/parents.htm, click on Parent Portal and follow the directions on the screen. If you need additional assistance, you may contact your children’s school(s).

Student Rights and Responsibilities

The rights and responsibilities presented in the Code of Student Conduct reflect the need for providing students with greater opportunities to serve themselves and society, and allow students maximum freedom under law, commensurate with the schools' responsibility for student health, safety, and welfare.

Dress Code – Board Rule 6Gx13- 5C-1.031

Students are expected to come to school with proper attention having been given to personal cleanliness, grooming, and neatness of dress. Students whose personal attire or grooming distracts the attention of other students or teachers from their school work shall be required to make the necessary alterations to such attire or grooming before entering the classroom or be sent home by the principal to be properly prepared for school. Students who fail to meet the minimum acceptable standards of cleanliness and neatness as determined by the principal and as specified in this rule shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures.

Uniform Policy

Mandatory Uniform Policy

2008-2009

Shirts (Boys & Girls)
- "Polo" or "oxford" style shirts (with sleeves) must have a collar. Shirts must be worn tucked in. Midriffs cannot be exposed and undergarments must not be visible. Students may use striped or solid colored shirts within the allowed color scheme.
  
  The colors are orange, brown, and white.
Pants (Boys & Girls)
- Dark Brown or Khaki in a full-length (boys and girls) or Capri (girls) styled pant which falls below the knee. Jeans,spandex, sweat pants, skirts, skorts, and shorts are not permitted. Pants must be worn at the waist and must be accompanied by a belt. Pants should be worn uniform style; the "dropping" of pants is not permitted.
Shoes (Boys & Girls)
- Students cannot wear open shoes. Shoes must have backs (closed shoes only). Sandals, open toed shoes, and soft sole shoes are not permitted.
Other (Boys & Girls)
- Hats, scarves, and hooded garments are not to be used during the school day. School emblem patches and badges may be placed on student shirts.

Students are expected to arrive to school properly dressed. Parents share in the responsibility of ensuring that the uniform is worn correctly by the student.ID badges must be worn at all times.

Cell Phones

Possession of a cellular telephone is not a violation of the Code of Student Conduct (CSC). However, the possession of a cellular telephone which disrupts the educational process; the use of the cellular telephone during school hours; and the possession or use of a cellular telephone which disrupts or interferes with the safety-to-life issue for students being transported on a M-DCPS school bus, would be a violation of the CSC.

Internet Use Policy – see Board Rule 6Gx13- 6A-1.112

Access and use of the internet is a privilege, not a right, and its use must support the educational objectives of the District. Students must always get permission from their teachers prior to using the internet. In addition, the District prohibits the transmission of materials such as copyright material, threatening or obscene material or material protected by trade secret, which violate local, state, and federal law or regulation, as well as the use of the Internet for product advertisement, commercial activities, political campaigning or solicitation.

Confidential Information

Parents, guardians and students are protected by The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Florida Statutes from individuals’ access to information in students’ educational records, and provide the right to challenge the accuracy of these records. These laws provide that without the prior consent of the parent, guardian or eligible student, a student's records may not be released, except in accordance with the provisions listed in the above-cited laws. The laws provide certain exceptions to the prior consent requirement to the release of student records, which include, but are not limited to, school officials with a legitimate educational interest and lawfully issued subpoenas and court orders.

Each school must provide to the parents, guardians or eligible students annual notice in writing of their right to inspect and review student records. Once a student reaches 18 years of age or is attending an institution of post-secondary education, the consent is required from the student only, unless the student qualifies as a dependent under the law.

Parent-Teacher Association (PTA/PTSA)

The South Miami Senior High Parent-Teacher Association works with state and national PTAs to support and speak in the schools, in the community and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting youngsters. We support the faculty and administration in their efforts to improve educational and extracurricular activities in the school. We work to encourage parent, student and public involvement at the school as a whole.

Insurance

The Student Protection Plan is designed to cover students or injuries received while participating in school sports, while traveling to and from school or when involved in accidents while engages in supervised activities on the school premises. Participation in this program is voluntary; however, all students taking part in athletic competitions and/or enrolled in vocational lab classes must carry the student accident insurance. The school will forward 2008-2009 enrollment application and additional information to the parents.

Emergency Contact Information

Student Data/Emergency Contact Cards are distributed during the first week of school. Students are expected to bring the cards home and present them to their parents or guardians. The card must be carefully completed and then returned. The information provided on the Student Data/Emergency Contact Card will enable school staff to contact the parent/guardian immediately in the case of an emergency. Students may only be released from school to the persons listed on the emergency contact card after presenting a picture identification. No persons, other than school staff, will have access to the information submitted.

Halls/Hall Passes

Approximately (insert minutes) are allowed to pass from class to class. Students should be seated in their classroom when the tardy bell rings. With such a large number of students moving in such a limited time, it is incumbent on each person to move quickly and in an orderly manner observing normal traffic flow. Please do not push, run or loiter in the halls. Please cooperate with the Hall Monitors in the exercise of their duties and present a hall pass courteously when asked to do so. At no time a student is to be out of the classroom during class without an official Yellow Pass. Teachers are not to give verbal permission for a student to exit the classroom.

Health Screening

Tuberculosis Clinical Screening - Each student shall have proof of a tuberculosis clinical screening and appropriate follow-up prior to initial enrollment in any grade in a Miami-Dade County Public School. This screening is to be administered at the time of the Student Health Exam and within twelve (12) months prior to initial enrollment in any grade in a Miami-Dade County Public School. If the screening indicates that a follow-up skin test is needed, a student can be admitted but only with a health provider's statement that the student is free of communicable tuberculosis and can attend school.

Scoliosis Screening - The Florida Legislature Statute, 381.0056, and School Board Rule 6Gx13-5D1.021 School Health Services Program, mandates scoliosis screenings to be performed annually for students in grade six. Consequently, your school has been scheduled to participate in the Scoliosis Screening Program sponsored by Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Easter Seals Miami-Dade. Parents will be notified of the school’s scoliosis screenings to be performed should be reproduced and sent to parent(s)/guardian(s) of students as soon as possible. This screening will be performed by trained Easter Seals personnel on a specified date.

Immunizations

Requirements for School Entry:

1. A complete Florida Certification of Immunization – Blue Card Form DH 680 - according to grade level.

2. State of Florida School Entry Health Exam – Yellow Form DH 3040 - no older than 12 months.

3. Tuberculosis Clinical Screening, PPD or Chest X-ray.

Parent Portal

Parents/guardians of all Miami-Dade County Public Schools students, including employees, have access to the Parent Portal. In order to access the information in the portal, you must first establish a parent user account.

At this time, you can see and update personal information, see your child’s information - including grades, attendance, and bus route information, and have access to the Parent Resource link, which takes them to sites such as Parent Academy, School of Choice, etc.

Soon, you will also have access to electronic books for each subject; free and reduced lunch applications with balance renewal capability; access to a new Choice application that will allow parents’ to indicate preferential school choice via the portal; and access to the Supplemental Educational Services (SES) component of the No Child Left Behind Act.

Financial Obligations

All financial obligations incurred, i.e., school fees, textbook loss or damage, club activities, overdue or lost library books must be paid in the school’s treasurer’s office.

Grade Reporting

Academic Grades

Academic grades are to reflect the student’s academic progress based on the standards for the grade level/course in which the student is enrolled. The grade must not be based upon student’s effort and/or conduct.

GRADE	NUMERICAL VALUE	VERBAL INTERPRETATION	GRADE POINT VALUE
A	90-100%	Outstanding progress	4
B	80-89%	Above average progress	3
C	70-79%	Average progress	2
D	60-69%	Lowest acceptable progress	1
F	0-59%	Failure	0
I	0	Incomplete	0

Conduct

Conduct grades are to be used to communicate to both students and their parents the teacher’s evaluation of a student’s behavior and citizenship development. These grades are independent of academic and effort grades.

Grade Point Average

When calculating the grade for a semester or an annual course, the following grade point averages are to be used:

A = 3.50 and above

B = 2.50 – 3.49

C = 1.50 – 2.49

D = 1.00 – 1.49

Honor Roll Qualifications

	Principal’s Honor Roll	Superior Honor Roll	Regular Honor Roll	Citizenship Honor Roll
Academic Average	4.0	3.6	3.50 – 3.59
Academic Grades	All A	All A and B	All A and B
Effort	All 1	All 1 and 2	All 1 and 2	All 1 and 2
Conduct Average	4.0	3.6	3.0 or higher	4.0
Conduct Grades	All A	All A and B	All A and B	All A

Interim Progress Report

Interim progress reports must be sent home at any time the student is performing unsatisfactorily in academics, conduct, or effort, and are disseminated to all students at mid-grading period.

5-point Rule

In authorized annual courses, the student’s final grade is determined by the teacher as follows: 20 percent for each of four nine-week grading periods, 10 percent for the mid-year exam, and 10 percent for the final exam, with a provision for teacher override. This equates to ten points required to pass an annual course using a 4.0 scale. Students in grades 9-12, in order to pass an annual course must earn a minimum of 10 grade points, five of which must be earned in the second semester.

Homework / Make-up Assignments

Teachers are required to provide students with make-up assignments once the absence has been excused; however, it is the responsibility of the student to request the assignments from the teacher (s).

Out of Area Transfer – Board Rule 6Gx13- 5A-1.08

Students in the regular school program (K-12) are assigned to attend school on the basis of the actual residence of their parent or legal guardian and the attendance area of the school as approved by the Board. A student may request an out of area transfer if the student resides with parent or legal guardian, and a change of residence occurs. The Regional Superintendent (or designated regional director) may administratively assign or approve the reassignment or transfer of students when the Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH) capacity of the receiving school is below 105 percent in the 2007-2008 school year; below 100 percent in the 2008-2009 school year, and below 100 percent thereafter.

In the event a student with an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) requests to attend a school other than the school in which the student is enrolled, the parent(s)/guardian(s) must meet with Regional Center special education personnel to ensure that the programmatic needs of the student can be met at the requested school.

Permanent Records (FYI – from the Student Educational Records Manual)

Miami-Dade County Public Schools maintains the records of students in PK-12 and adult/vocational students enrolled in high school completion programs or vocational programs of 450 hours or more. Permanent records consist of the following student information:

a) pupil’s or student’s full legal name

b) authenticated birthdate, place of birth, race, and sex

c) last known address of pupil or student

d) names of pupil’s or student’s parent(s) or guardian(s)

e) name and location of last school attended

f) number of days present and absent, date enrolled, date withdrawn

Procedures for Addressing Concerns

For issues involving an individual teacher or class, parents address their concerns to the following individuals in the order to the left.

School Center for Special Instructions (SCSI)

School administrators may elect to assign students to the School Center for Special Instruction (SCSI) as an alternative to suspension from school. The center is designed to provide tutorial and guidance services. When misconduct in a class results in an assignment to SCSI, the student should be removed from only the class in which the misconduct occurred. Continued misconduct can result in removal from all classes.

Transportation Eligibility

Students will be assigned a bus if the distance between the home and the school exceeds two miles, or if the distance between the home and the nearest bus stop exceeds 1 ½ miles. Students who do not meet these requirements are not eligible for transportation services. Special provisions are made for Special Education students.

Work Permits

The State of Florida requires age verification prior to referring any child for employment. It is against Florida and Federal Child Labor Laws to employ children under the age of 14. In addition, days and hours of employment are restricted based on the child’s age.

Safety and Security

The Emergency Operations Plan

Student and employee safety is a primary concern of the Miami-Dade County Public School (M-DCPS) System. The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) was created to provide school personnel with the necessary leadership skills and knowledge needed to respond to critical incidents or other related emergencies that may occur in our schools /community. All schools have a site specific plan to address all types of critical incidents. These plans address the individual needs of the school, and provide guidelines for devising methods for communicating with the staff, students, parents/guardians, and the media during a critical incident or an emergency. Some of the protective action procedures include the evacuation of students/staff from the building(s), evacuation of the disabled and if necessary the relocation of students/staff from the school campus, lockdown procedures and holding/dismissing students during school and community emergencies. Some important tips for parent/guardians to remember during a Critical Incident are as follows:

· Remain calm;

· Monitor media outlets for updates and official messages from M-DCPS;

· Do not flood the school with telephone calls; and

· If the school is on lockdown, wait until the lockdown is lifted before going to the school.

All school administrators, Regional Center Superintendents/Directors and all M-DCPS Police officers have been adequately trained in the school EOP and are prepared to respond immediately during a critical incident or emergency to provide safety for all children.

Accident Reports

Any student who witnesses an accident or is injured in school should report it immediately to the nearest staff member.

Code Yellow/Code Red

In the event of an emergency, the primary responsibility of all school personnel is to provide for the safety of all students. In the event a school administrator announces a possible threat to students and staff safety exists within the community (Code Yellow), or an imminent threat to students and staff safety exists within the school (Code Red) students, faculty and staff will comply with all the procedures outlined in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Critical Incident Response Plan and remain on lockdown until a school administrator makes an “All Clear” announcement.

Closing of School

The emergency closing of a school for any cause, such as weather or in which the safety of individuals may be endangered, is at the discretion of the Superintendent of Schools.

Fire Drills

Ten fire drills will take place according to the Miami-Dade County Public School Policy and Emergency Procedures. At the sound of the emergency bell, students must stop what they are doing and follow the teacher’s instructions. They must clear the building promptly by the prescribed route. Any student who is in the hallway or the restroom at the sound of the emergency bell must proceed to the nearest exit and locate the teacher. Students, teacher and staff must remain outside the building until permission is given to re-enter.

Identification Cards

Student identification cards are issued early in the school year, and must be worn by students at all times.

Parking

Parking decals for all motor vehicles, including mopeds and motorcycles, will be required for students parking at the school. Vehicles without parking decals will be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense.

Visitors

Due to legal regulations, students are not permitted to have guests attend school with them at any time. Parents are always welcome and tours may be arranged to view the school. Classroom visits require a 24-hour notice. Visitors must first register with security at the main entrance, sign-in and produce photo identification, and then proceed to register in the main office. Anyone who fails to follow these procedures will be considered a trespasser and is subject to arrest.

Elevator

The school elevator is to be used by individuals who are handicapped and cannot use the stairs.

Media Center

The school library media center is a place where students and faculty members may explore subjects that interest them, expand their imagination, and develop their ability to think critically and creatively about the resources they have chosen to read or view. Listed below are policies and procedures that will make the library useful and enjoyable for everyone.

· The school library media center is open Monday-Thursday from 7:15 AM to 3:00 PM, and Friday from 7:15-2:40 PM.

· A yellow pass is required for a student to use the library during the school day. Passes are not required from students during their lunch period. There is a limit of 5 students per pass at one time.

· You must sign up two days in advance to schedule your classes for library research with the Media Specialist. At that time, please have a lesson plan or curricular idea available so that the Media Specialist can maximize assistance to you and your students. The Media Specialists can work with you to collaboratively develop a lesson plan and focus your instructional goals.

· The Library Media Center can provide various services that will assist classroom instruction. Please see the Media Specialist to coordinate services, such as: placing books on reserve at the teacher’s request; gaining assistance in preparing class sets of books to be used in the classroom; preparing bibliographies of materials available by subject matter for your students; book marking of internet resources pertaining to the specific subject; and many other curriculum services.

A picture I.D. or class schedule is needed for a student to check out a book. Students may check books out for two weeks. If more time is needed with materials that have been checked out, they may be renewed as long as they are not in high demand by other students.

For more information contact Ms. Cindy Stafford. Click below for more information on our website.

Special Education

The School Board of Miami-Dade County ensures that all students suspected of having a disability are identified, evaluated, and provided appropriate, specially designed instruction and related services, if it is determined that the student meets the state's eligibility criteria and the parent/guardian consents to initial placement.

Prior to referral for evaluation, the student must have participated in the school's Progress Monitoring Plan (PMP) program and have been referred to the school's intervention team, known as the Child Study Team (CST), the Student Support Team (SST) or the Student Development Team (SDT).

Students with disabilities who are eligible and require special education will have an Individual Educational Plan (IEP). The IEP describes the student's strengths and weaknesses and documents the services and supports the student needs in order to access a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

The IEP is a working plan that must be developed by the IEP team at least once every 12 months and reviewed, when appropriate, to revise and address any lack of expected progress toward annual goals, or to consider any new information that has been provided through re-evaluation or by the parent/guardian.

Parent involvement in the special education process is very important. Parents will be asked to participate in the IEP process each year and to consider the need for their child's re-evaluation at least once every three years.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that parents of a child with a disability have certain procedural safeguards. The Summary of Procedural Safeguards for Parents of Students with Disabilities documents all the information about the rights of parents. This notice of procedural safeguards is made available to the parent/guardian, at a minimum, upon initial referral; or the parent's request for evaluation; upon the school district's refusal to conduct an initial evaluation that the parent/guardian has requested; upon each notification of an IEP meeting; upon consent for re-evaluation; upon the school district's receipt of a request for a due process hearing; and any other time the parent/guardian may request to receive a copy.

Other rights that are presented in the procedural safeguard document include, but are not limited to, the right of prior written notice; informed consent; participation in meetings; records, independent educational evaluation, mediation, state complaint; local education agency complaint; due process hearings; resolution meetings; due process; attorney fees; discipline; and private school placement.

As the parent of a child with disabilities, you are a very important member of the team that plans your child's education. Be informed and get involved. If you have any questions, please contact your child's school. Staff from the special education department and your child's student service provider will help to answer your questions. Additional information may also be found at http://ese.dadeschools.net/.

Student Services

The Student Services Department supports the school's philosophy and goals by jointly working with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to prepare students for the experiences and lifelong learning necessary for productive citizenship in the community.

The Student Services Department is a multifaceted and directly or indirectly affects every aspect of students' educational, personal, social, and career development. The program stresses the needs of the students and attempts to personalize the school experience in a developmental way.

Guidance Counselors

Name	Assignment
Ms. Maria Bergouignan Ext. 2210	students with last names beginning with A, S, T, and V.
Mr. Rodolfo Carbajales Ext. 2279	students with last names beginning with G, J, K, L, W, and Z.
Ms. Michelle Currier Ext.2258	students with last names beginning with C, D, F, I, U, and X.
Ms. Denise Jones Ext. 2231	students with last names beginning with B, E, H, Q, R, and Y.
Dr. Maria G. Mendez Ext.2254	students with last names beginning with M, N, O, and P.
Ms. Maria Moreno Ext.2325	SPED Counselor

Support Staff

Arguelles, Jacqueline Ext. 2232	CAP Advisor
Castaneda, Frances Ext.2225	Gifted Coordinator
Garcia, Lourdes	Small Learning Communities Coordinator
Haspil, Zuany Ext.2237	Social Worker
Lester, Daisy Ext.2256	Career Specialist
Manchola, Luz	Student Services Secretary
Pertnoy, Sheryl Ext.2324	TRUST Specialist

The Parent Academy

The Parent Academy is a free, year-round, parent/guardian engagement and skill building program of Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS). The goals are to educate parents/guardians about the importance of their role; strengthen the family unit; unite families and schools; and inform parents/guardians of their rights, responsibilities and the educational opportunities available to their children and to them personally.

In addition, The Parent Academy provides classes and workshops for parents/guardians; organizes Family Learning Events; coordinates the availability of M-DCPS and community resources for parents/guardians and students; and provides professional staff development for school personnel on how to create parent-friendly schools.

Within this framework, The Parent Academy offers classes and workshops developed around the nine subject area strands listed below:

· Help Your Child Learn (Example: PASSport to Success – 8 module series)

· Parenting Skills (Example: Positive Discipline)

· Early Childhood (Example: Developing Early Literacy Skills)

· Arts & Culture (Example: Enrich Your Child through Arts and Culture in Miami)

· Languages (Example: American Sign Language for Families)

· Computer Technology (Example: Parent Portal)

· Health and Wellness (Example: Preventing Substance Abuse)

· Financial Skills (Example: Financing Your Child’s College Education)

· Personal Growth (Example: GED Preparation – offered through Adult Education)

The Parent Academy “campus” is spread throughout every corner of this community, and offers free classes and workshops at over 201 local sites such as public schools, libraries, parks, colleges, private businesses, and neighborhood centers. Monthly calendars are posted in the Course Directory section on The Parent Academy’s Web site at www.theparentacademy.net. The Parent Academy staff members are available to provide parents/guardians, students and school sites with guidance and assistance in scheduling workshops. Staff can be reached at (305) 995-2680.

Volunteer Program

The School Volunteer Program is responsible for electronic registration, background checks and trainings of volunteers. There are two different levels of volunteerism.

Level 1 - complete a database background check

Level 2 - complete a fingerprint background check

· Day chaperones for field trips

· Classroom assistants

· Math and/or reading tutors.

· Certified Volunteers

· Mentors

· Listeners/Oyentes

· Athletic/PE assistants

· Overnight chaperones.

Any individual interested in volunteering in Miami-Dade County Public Schools must:

· Complete Registration Form #1764, date and sign, and submit to a school or work location.

· Show a current valid government-issued identification with picture.

· Show social security card (check name and number).

· Complete a background check.

· Upon clearance, attend an orientation at the school.

TITLE I ADMINISTRATION

The Title I Administration Parental Program helps parents/guardians become more engaged with their children’s education, by building their capacity for involvement, thus ensuring a stronger partnership among the school(s) involved, parents/guardians, and the community, to improve student academic achievement. For this purpose the Title I funded Community Involvement Specialists (CIS) at Title I schools, assists school-sites, the District and Regional Centers in planning, implementing and delivering educational support programs and special projects, thus helping to meet District and school-site goals and objectives.

Parents/guardians of students in Title I schools are able to access information, brochures and documents regarding the components of the Title I Program that are listed below at the school site. Additionally, the documents named below that are marked with an asterisk (*), will be distributed to parents by the school site, and are available in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole.