SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY MUSEUMS MAGNET SCHOO Southside Elementary

S O U T H S I D E E L E M E N T A R Y M U S E U M S M A G N E T S C H O O L

Southside Elementary Museums Magnet School

2012-2013 Faculty Handbook

45 Southwest 13th Street, Miami, Florida 33130

Phone 305.371.3311 Fax 305.381.6237 http://southside.dadeschools.net/

Salvatore Schiavone Principal

Annette Bravo Assistant Principal

http://southside.dadeschools.net/


M I AM I - D AD E C O U N T Y P U B L I C S C H O O L S

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida

Ms. Perla Tabares Hantman, Chair Dr. Lawrence S. Feldman, Vice Chair

Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall Mr. Carlos L. Curbelo

Mr. Renier Diaz de la Portilla Dr. Wilbert “Tee” Holloway

Dr. Martin S. Karp Dr. Marta Pérez

Ms. Raquel A. Regalado

Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho


Table of Contents

Accident Insurance Forms 4 Make Up Assignments 34

Americans with Disabilities 4 Media Services Information 34

Attendance Policy 4 Network Security 35

Bloodborne Pathogens Standards 6 Nondiscrimination Policy 35

Code of Ethics & Principles of Professional Cond 7 PTA 36

Code of Student Conduct 9 Parental Involvement 36

Comprehensive Reading Plan 10 Procedures for Addressing Concerns 37

Communication/Conferences 10 Personnel Files 38

Critical Incident Response Plan 11 Phone Calls 38

Curriculum Resource Materials 19 Progress monitoring Plan (PMP) 38

Dismissal Procedures 19 Removing Disruptive Students 39

District Strategic Plan 20 Safety to Life 39

Dress Code (Employees) 21 School Board Rules 39

Dress Code (Students) 21 School Hours & Teacher Hours 40

EESAC 22 SST 41

Employee Assistance Program 22 Staff Member Absences 41

Faculty Meetings 23 Standards of Competent Professional Performa 42

Federal Programs & Grants Admin. 24 Student Absences 42

Final Preparation for Opening of School 24 Student Accidents 43

Field Trip Procedures 24 Student Monitoring 43

Fire Drill Procedures 26 Student Progression Plan 44

First Week of School Attendance 26 Technology 44

Food and Nutrition Program 27 Volunteers 44

Grading Policy 29 Visitor Waiver Form 44

Hall Passes 30 Request for Absence/Early Leave 45

HIV/AIDS Information 30 School Volunteer Application 46

Internal Funds (Handling) 31 Lice Guidelines 48

IPEGS 31 Guidelines Pertaining to the Flag 50

LEP Students 32

Maintenance of Appropriate Student Behavior 32

Magnet Themes and Topics 33


Accident Insurance Forms Every student is to receive a Student Accident brochure/application to take home on the first day of school. Information relating to Student Accident Insurance can be found in the parent handbook. Refer parents to the handbook for questions or concerns regarding the insurance.

Americans with Disabilities Act The employment-related provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states: The ADA’s employment provisions prohibit discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruiting, application, and hiring processes as well as in terms and conditions of employment, including promotion and training opportunities. Discrimination includes, but is not limited to, limiting, segregating, classifying, or treating a job applicant or employee in a way that adversely affects job opportunities or status because of the individual’s disability.

The above statement is an excerpt taken from the document AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: A GUIDE FOR ADMINISTRATORS. The full document is available on dadeschools.net by following the link for E-handbooks. Go to categories and scroll to Administrative Procedures.

Attendance Policy – Board Policy 5200 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:

i. Make-up assignments ii. Attendance probation for the following grading period(s) iii. 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 students 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.


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 Absences 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 with an unexcused absence 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 siblings 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).

Bloodborne Pathogens Standards (Exposure Control) The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) promulgated the blood borne Program Standard Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.29 U.S.C 655, to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens. The initial Miami-Dade County Public Schools Exposure Control Plan became effective on January 20, 1994. the plan charted a course for elimination or minimization of exposure to blood borne pathogens using a combination of training, engineering controls, work practice controls, personal protective equipment, and Hepatitis B vaccinations for identified employees, among other provisions. These excerpts and complete information regarding the Exposure Control Plan, which includes job classifications and occupational exposure can found in the electronic staff handbook, section IV- Human Resources. Please note: eligible employees will be notified as to training dates for initial or annual training sessions which they must attend.

Certification (Professional Responsibility) It is the professional responsibility of each educator to provide the principal with a copy of a current valid Florida Educator’s certificate and copies of other documentation such as Statement of Eligibility and/or college transcripts, as may be applicable. The Professional needs submit copies of renewed Florida Educator’s certificate to Principal before current certificate expires.


Code of Ethics and the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession Board Policy 3210

Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida. (1) The educator values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition

of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.

(2) The educator’s primary professional concern will always be for the student and for the development of the student’s potential. The educator will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.

(3) Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of one’s colleagues, of students, of parents, and of other members of the community, the educator strives to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct.

Specific Authority 229.053(1), 231.546(2)(b) FS. Law Implemented 231.546(2)(b) FS. History–New 3-24-65, Amended 8-9-69, Repromulgated 12-5-74, Amended 8-12-81, 7-6-82, Formerly 6B-1.01.

Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida. (1) The following disciplinary rule shall constitute the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession

in Florida. (2) Violation of any of these principles shall subject the individual to revocation or suspension of the individual

educator’s certificate, or the other penalties as provided by law. (3) Obligation to the student requires that the individual:

(a) Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning and/or to the student’s mental and/ or physical health and/or safety.

(b) Shall not unreasonably restrain a student from independent action in pursuit of learning. (c) Shall not unreasonably deny a student access to diverse points of view. (d) Shall not intentionally suppress or distort subject matter relevant to a student’s academic program. (e) Shall not intentionally expose a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement. (f) Shall not intentionally violate or deny a student’s legal rights. (g) Shall not harass or discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or

ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition, sexual orientation, or social and family background and shall make reasonable effort to assure that each student is protected from harassment or discrimination.

(h) Shall not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage. (i) Shall keep in confidence personally identifiable information obtained in the course of professional service,

unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law. (4) Obligation to the public requires that the individual:

(a) Shall take reasonable precautions to distinguish between personal views and those of any educational institution or organization with which the individual is affiliated.

(b) Shall not intentionally distort or misrepresent facts concerning an educational matter in direct or indirect public expression.

(c) Shall not use institutional privileges for personal gain or advantage. (d) Shall accept no gratuity, gift, or favor that might influence professional judgment. (e) Shall offer no gratuity, gift, or favor to obtain special advantages.

(5) Obligation to the profession of education requires that the individual: (a) Shall maintain honesty in all professional dealings. (b) Shall not on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status,

handicapping condition if otherwise qualified, or social and family background deny to a colleague professional benefits or advantages or participation in any professional organization.

(c) Shall not interfere with a colleague’s exercise of political or civil rights and responsibilities. (d) Shall not engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct which unreasonably interferes with an individual’s


performance of professional or work responsibilities or with the orderly processes of education or which creates a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or oppressive environment; and, further, shall make reasonable effort to assure that each individual is protected from such harassment or discrimination.

(e) Shall not make malicious or intentionally false statements about a colleague. (f) Shall not use coercive means or promise special treatment to influence professional judgments of colleagues. (g) Shall not misrepresent one’s own professional qualifications. (h) Shall not submit fraudulent information on any document in connection with professional activities. (i) Shall not make any fraudulent statement or fail to disclose a material fact in one’s own or another’s application

for a professional position. (j) Shall not withhold information regarding a position from an applicant or misrepresent an assignment or

conditions of employment. (k) Shall provide upon the request of the certificated individual a written statement of specific reason for

recommendations that lead to the denial of increments, significant changes in employment, or termination of employment.

(l) Shall not assist entry into or continuance in the profession of any person known to be unqualified in accordance with these Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida and other applicable Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules.

(m) Shall self-report within forty-eight (48) hours to appropriate authorities (as determined by district) any arrests/charges involving the abuse of a child or the sale and/or possession of a controlled substance. Such notice shall not be considered an admission of guilt nor shall such notice be admissible for any purpose in any proceeding, civil or criminal, administrative or judicial, investigatory or adjudicatory. In addition, shall self-report any conviction, finding of guilt, withholding of adjudication, commitment to a pretrial diversion program, or entering of a plea of guilty or Nolo Contendre for any criminal offense other than a minor traffic violation within forty-eight (48) hours after the final judgment. When handling sealed and expunged records disclosed under this rule, school districts shall comply with the confidentiality provisions of Sections 943.0585(4)(c) and 943.059(4)(c), Florida Statutes.

(n) Shall report to appropriate authorities any known allegation of a violation of the Florida School Code or State Board of Education Rules as defined in Section 231.28(1), Florida Statutes.

(o) Shall seek no reprisal against any individual who has reported any allegation of a violation of the Florida School Code or State Board of Education Rules as defined in Section 231.28(1), Florida Statutes.

(p) Shall comply with the conditions of an order of the Education Practices Commission imposing probation, imposing a fine, or restricting the authorized scope of practice.

(q) Shall, as the supervising administrator, cooperate with the Education Practices Commission in monitoring the probation of a subordinate.

Specific Authority 229.053(1), 231.546(2)(b) FS. Law Implemented 231.546(2), 231.28 FS. History–New 7-6-82, Amended 12-20-83, Formerly 6B-1.06, Amended 8-10-92, 12-29-98.

Code of Student Conduct Students need an environment that is safe and conducive to learning. To help provide and maintain that environment, the Code of Student Conduct:

• Describes that positive environment; • Describes that conduct which is disruptive of such an environment; • Strives to standardize those procedures which the school will use in responding to conduct problems; • Assures the rights of students when disciplinary action is taken; and • Specifies the rights and responsibilities of students.


Violations

LEVEL I Fighting (Serious) Unauthorized location Harassment (Civil Rights) Confrontation with another student Hazing (misdemeanor) Cutting class Possession or use of alcohol/substances Disruptive behavior (including bus/stop) Possession of simulated weapons Failure to comply with class/school rules Sexual harassment Possession of items inappropriate for school Trespassing Unauthorized use of electronic devices Vandalism (major) Violation of dress code LEVEL IV LEVEL II Battery against a non-staff member Cheating/Misrepresentation Grand theft (over $300) Confrontation with a staff member Hate crime Defiance of school personnel Hazing (felony) Distribution of items inappropriate for school Motor vehicle theft Failure to comply with corrective strategies Other major crimes/incidents False accusation Sale and/or distribution of alcohol/substances Fighting (minor) Sex offenses (other) (including possession and Harassment (non-sexual) or distribution of obscene or lewd materials) Instigative behavior Leaving school grounds without permission LEVEL V Joining clubs or groups not approved by Board Aggravated assault Libel Aggravated battery against a non-staff Petty Theft Armed robbery Use of profane/provocative language (at someone) Arson Prohibited sales (other than controlled substances) Assault/Threat against MDCPS employee Slander Battery or aggravated battery MDCPS emp. Vandalism (minor) Homicide

LEVEL III Kidnapping/abduction Assault/Threat against non-staff member Making a false report/threat against school Breaking and Entering/Burglary Sexual battery Bullying (repeated harassment) Possession, use, sale or distribution of Disruption on campus/Disorderly conduct firearms, explosives, destructive devices

Communication/Conferences Strong, continuing family and community involvement in all aspects of school programs and activities provides support for measurable improvement in student achievement.

A collaborative environment is encouraged in which the parents and families of District students are invited and encouraged to be involved stakeholders in the school community. This policy establishes the framework and responsibilities for implementation of strategies to increase family and community involvement. A copy of this policy must be distributed to all parents (e.g., by providing paper copies, electronic copies, or other appropriate means of distribution).

School staff must respond to parent request for contact within 24 hours. If teachers are unable to make contact with parents, Administration will assist in scheduling a conference/contact.

Parent Responsibilities

The importance of parents as teachers shall be recognized by parents and supported by the school. Schools will provide parents with the appropriate support and assistance needed in understanding and meeting the expectations of this role. Parents are expected to:

A. set guidelines and clear expectations of good behavior and academic performance;


B. ensure that their children have a quiet place and time to read, study, and complete homework;

C. discuss daily work assignments, progress reports, and report cards with their children;

D. ensure that their children attend school on time every day and promptly report any absences or tardiness;

E. communicate with the school through written and electronic messages, telephone, and/or conference

meetings;

F. ensure that their children have the materials needed to complete class work and home learning;

G. take an active part in school activities, such as Back-to-School Night, PTA meetings, participating in

workshops, and parent/student activities, etc.;

H. keep their children healthy by ensuring that they get enough sleep, appropriate nutrition, and medical care;

I. bring to the attention of appropriate school personnel any problem or condition that negatively affects their

children, or other children in the school community;

J. help their children develop a good self-image by providing care, discipline, support, interest, and concern;

K. provide the school with current and accurate home, work, and emergency contact information; and

L. foster in their children a positive attitude towards school and learning.

School Level Strategies And Responsibilities

A. Parent Outreach Liaisons. Each school principal will identify one (1) or more individuals who will serve as a liaison to all parents in the school community. Responsibilities include: assessing the needs of parents; communicating this information to the school's principal and the school’s advisory group(s); and informing parents of school and District services, offerings, and programs in their primary language. This individual may be a Community Involvement Specialist, another staff member, or a certified volunteer.

B. Space for Parents. School principals will provide a Parent Resource Center as a place for parents to meet,

post, and review current bulletins, and exchange information.

C. Access to Schools. Reasonable efforts will be made to make the school building a welcoming place, clearly accessible to parents. Parents should recognize, however, that their right to access does not transcend the rights of students and teachers to an orderly educational environment.

D. Sensitivity to Exceptionalities. Reasonable efforts will be made to assist parents in understanding the needs and rights of their children. Reasonable efforts should be made to assist school personnel, students and parents in understanding the needs and rights of children with different exceptionalities.

E. Accommodations for Parents. School personnel should use flexible and creative methods to accommodate the schedules of parents, and, with the assistance of businesses, agencies and organizations, to encourage participation by addressing the need for child care, transportation and other resources. Every reasonable accommodation should be made for Board employees who are parents to participate in the education of their children.

F. Communication. Communication between parents and the school shall be encouraged at all grade levels, including regular parent/teacher communication, and providing parents with meaningful scope of student work. Reasonable efforts will be made to communicate with parents in their primary language. The mode of communication should also be adjusted when necessary to promote comprehension, acceptance, and trust.

G. Parent Orientation. Schools will conduct orientation meetings that provide information about school procedures

and programs as well as opportunities for active participation.

H. Educational Excellence School Advisory Councils. Schools must ensure that parents are included as active members of Educational Excellence School Advisory Councils and other important decision-making bodies as required by Federal and State statute. To ensure that parents are knowledgeable about this involvement, all parents must receive information regarding the role of EESAC, meeting schedules, and parent elections. With the support of the EESAC, principals will develop and support strategies that facilitate opportunities for all parents to be involved in at least one support activity during the course of the year.

I. Learning Opportunities for Parents. With the assistance of The Parent Academy and other appropriate District offices, schools should identify and implement community-centered, parent friendly programs and affiliations for parents to learn. The learning opportunities should target appropriate student age levels, including the


needs of children from birth to age six as well as the developmental and cognitive needs and expectations of students. Additional learning opportunities should be provided for young adults, including those who are already parents, to learn how to be effective parents.

J. Volunteers and Tutors. Principals should utilize the special knowledge, abilities, talents, and cultural experiences of parents to enhance school activities and experiences. In order to maintain a strong volunteer program, principals will identify staff who will actively recruit, train, appropriately place, support, and monitor parents in instructional and extra-curricular programs. Volunteer procedures and forms will be made available throughout the year.

K. Resources for Parents. In order to assist parents, resources should be made available for check-out at the school site or through the District web site or Parent Portal, such as: audio/visual, print, computer, and web-based programs; "how-to" programs broadcast on educational television and radio; pamphlets and books developed especially to aid the parent-as-teacher; copies of course schedules and homework assignments; lists of grade level and course objectives; testing guidelines; and schedules.

L. Advocacy. Schools, regional centers, and the District will support parents to become advisors and advocates for their children. They will provide understandable, accessible, and well-publicized opportunities as well as information about student and parent responsibilities and rights in order that parents may advocate effectively. Regional Parent Liaisons will provide information and assistance to parents including the parents of children with exceptionalities.

Comprehensive Reading Plan/Common Core Standards The vision of the Comprehensive Reading Plan is to develop and accelerate the reading performance of all students in all grades in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. All Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade teachers must use the Common Core Standards. Training for Language Arts/Reading teachers will be provided in October. This excerpt was taken from the Introduction section of the Comprehensive Reading Plan.

Using State-adopted reading/literature program materials, students should be grouped in the following way for optimal instruction:

• Whole-group instruction

• Small-group instruction

• Individual instruction

• Independent Reading

Further information regarding the Comprehensive Reading Plan can be accessed through https://app1.fldoe.org/Reading_Plans/Narrative/CompleteReport1112.aspx?DID=13 or dadeschools.net. Link to District Offices. Click on Language Arts/Reading. The Language Arts website has a link for the Comprehensive Reading Plan and the Common Core Standards.

Critical Incident Response Plan and Critical Incident Response Team Following the procedures outlined below will ensure the best possible conditions to keep everyone safe and secure. In the event of an emergency, an announcement will be made over the school’s Public Address (P.A.) system as follows:

• If an emergency arises (not weather related) the emergency code will be RED ALERT. • If the emergency is weather related, the code will be CODE RED-WEATHER ALERT.

ONCE THE CODE HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED, THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES ARE TO BE FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY:

• Teachers should immediately lock classroom doors, turn off air conditioner, close windows, and turn off the lights. • Teachers are to direct learners to move away from windows and, if necessary, sit in the crouched position away

from danger. • Teachers, learners, and staff located in open areas should immediately report to the nearest secured area. • Teachers, learners, and staff in bathroom facilities should lock the door, if possible, or move to the nearest

secured area. • Everyone is to remain silent.

https://app1.fldoe.org/Reading_Plans/Narrative/CompleteReport1112.aspx?DID=13


• All staff and learners remain in LOCK DOWN mode until an ALL CLEAR announcement is made over the P.A. system.

• Directions given by emergency personnel and school administration are to be followed throughout the emergency period.

Tentative Critical Incident Drill Schedule: Thursday, September 20, 2012 Code Red Weather Alert Thursday, October 11, 2012 Code Red Alert Thursday, February 7, 2013 Code Red Alert PLEASE NOTE: In the event of a weather emergency, teachers, learners, and staff located outside are to move immediately to the main building and await further instructions.


Guideline #35: Release from School Only parents, legal guardians, or persons identified on Authorization for Release of Student from School section of the Student Data Card (FM 2733e rev. (03-91) are authorized to remove a student from school during the school day.

Curriculum Resource Materials Through out the school year, curriculum support materials are provided for African-American history, the holocaust, Hispanic Heritage, women’s contribution’s to United States history, Veteran’s sacrifices, Anti Violence and Bullying, and programs for character education. These materials should be reviewed and used appropriately, in order to support the grade level curriculum.

Dismissal Procedures All homeroom teachers must escort lined-up students through the building to the front exit. Safety to life is our number one priority and we are responsible for the safety of all students at Southside Elementary. Students should not be dismissed before the Miami-Dade County Public School scheduled time. Please do not line students up in the hallways before the schedule dismissal time.

1. The Authorization for Release of Student from School section of the Student Data Card must contain the name of any person or persons who are authorized to pick up the student during the school day. Parents or legal guardians, as identified on the front side of the Student Data Card, must sign this authorization.

2. In instances where parents are divorced or separated, the action of the school will be governed by information on the Authorization for Release of Student from School section of the Student Data Card. Schools will look to the parent or guardian with whom the child is living to make the designations of the card.

3. The Authorization of Student from School section of the Student Data Card must be updated at any time during the school year when parents or legal guardians notify a school of additional or new information.


4. The school administrator or designee (preferably assistant principal or counselor) must be the responsible person in the school to release a student during the school day. This person must review the Authorization of Release of Student from School section of the Student Data Card to ensure that the person requesting the student is authorized to remove the student. Under no conditions should students working in school offices release other students. Students should only be released from the office.

5. Only individuals listed on the Authorization for Release of Student from School section of the Student Data Card are allowed to take students from school during the school day and the identification of the individual should obtained through the following:

a. Driver’s license or other identification card (photo ID preferred), or identified by student being picked up if photo ID is not presented.

b. Known to school personnel or identified by the student being picked up.

6. Individuals who do not possess the identification information listed above and are authorized to pick up children from elementary school should have a signed note from a parent or guardian for identification purposes.

7. If a person whose name is not on the Authorization for Release of Student from School section of the Student Data Card as authorized to pick up the student appears at the school to seek the release of a student, no release shall be permitted until a contact is made with the parent or guardian. If no contact can be made, no release should be authorized. This applies to any individual regardless of the relationship to the student.

8. The person authorized to release a student from school must have the person requesting release of the student sign an excused early sign-out sheet or similar document.

9. Please refer to Guideline #3 in the Procedures for Promoting and Maintaining a Safe Learning Environment concerning release of students to law enforcement officers or Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services personnel.

Due to school construction, access to campus will be limited during drop off and pick up times. Kindly collect all student dismissal procedures as soon as possible. Daily Dismissal For daily dismissal, children being picked up by car will be taken to parents who pull along the front of the school facing west within the cones displaying the green car pool lane pass on their dashboard. The teachers will escort the students to the main entrance to meet their parents at the cars. At 2:05 p.m. for primary grades and 3:20 p.m. for intermediate grades, students still waiting in the school will remain on the front of the school with the security guard until someone arrives for them. Rainy Day Dismissal The procedures to follow at dismissal time on days with heavy rain differ slightly from a regular dismissal. The main purpose of the Rainy Day Plan is to ensure the safety of all children in case of bad weather. Students who ride a bus will be dismissed first. The remaining students will stay in their classrooms for ten minutes after the bell rings at the end of the day. Parents may remain in the car pool lane behind the buses. School staff will take students to the cars.

District Strategic Plan Miami-Dade County Public Schools is in the process of developing its 2009-2014 District Strategic Plan. This plan focuses the efforts of the District on a set of prioritized goals and objectives designed to achieve the District's mission of providing the highest quality education to our students. The District has developed a survey to gather input from the community and sharpen the focus of our efforts for the next five years. Parents, students, staff, and community members are invited to participate in the survey, which is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole at www.dadeschools.net.

For further information regarding the District Strategic Plan, it can be accessed through www.dadeschools.net.

Dress Codes (Employees) All persons employed by Miami-Dade county public schools are representative of the school system, are highly visible examples to their students and should dress in a manner, which sets a positive example and conveys to students that education is a serious and professional endeavor.

http://www.dadeschools.net/


School staff desiring to establish their own dress regulations that go beyond the district-wide dress code or that deviate from it must have such regulations approved by the regional center superintendent and adopted by the school board of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Furthermore, all persons employed by M-DCPS are representative of the school system. As such, they are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will reflect credit upon them and the system. Therefore, “neatness in dress and grooming” is an indicator of appropriate personal characteristics. This excerpt was taken from the electronic staff handbook, section III, REGIONAL CENTERS, DRESS CODE STAFF AND STUDENTS.

Dress Codes (Students) 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 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 measure including suspension. Students in grades kindergarten through fifth grades must comply with the following elementary school

dress code:

• No metal cleats or football-style cleats on shoes. • No clog, thongs, sandals, or other shoes without back straps. • Shoes must be laced appropriately and snug enough to avoid accidents and no tap shoes are allowed. • No written messages, pictures or symbols on clothing, which portray ideas that are inimical to the health, safety

and welfare of students; messages which relate to drugs, smoking, alcohol, sex and profanity. • Shorts should be long enough to cover the buttocks. • No clothes with metal studs, ornamentation, or other objects that can scratch furniture or damage property. • No hats in the building; except those for religious purposes. • Shirts should cover the waistline and be tucked in. • No tube tops, see-through blouses without a camisole or whole slip, bareback, bare midriff, and/or sleeveless

undershirts. • Hair should be kept neat and clean and hairstyles should be appropriate for elementary school age children.

Uniform Policy Uniforms are mandatory at Southside. Therefore, all students must wear their uniform daily. Uniforms should also be clean and neat. Students who do not wear their uniforms will be sent to the office and parents will be called. At such time, a letter of warning will be issued. Teachers are asked to please assist with this process by reminding parents and students of this policy.

Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC) The EESAC is comprised of various stakeholders of the school. Representation is outlined as follows:

MEMBER MINIMUM REPRESENTATION

MAXIMUM REPRESENTATION

Business/Community Representative 1 1

Educational Support Employee 1 1

Parent 4 7

Principal 1 1

Other Administrator 1 1

Student 1 1

Teacher 4 4

Union Steward 1 1


Elections will be conducted, to fill vacancies, as needed. Fifty-one percent of members must be non-Miami-Dade County Public School Employees.

Employee Assistance Program The employee assistance program (EAP) is intended to help employees and their families who are suffering from persistent problems that tend to jeopardize an employee’s health and continued employment. The problems may include alcoholism, drug abuse, emotional or other concerns, such as health, family, and stress, marital, financial, legal, or vocational difficulties. A Miami-Dade county public school recognizes behavioral disorders and mental health problems as illnesses that can be successfully treated. The program goal is to help those individuals by providing consultation and referral to treatment and rehabilitation, in order to prevent their condition from progressing to a degree at which they cannot work effectively. There are two types of referrals to the Employee Assistance Program. One is supervisory and the other is voluntary. VOLUNTARY REFERRAL: individual employees who recognize their behavioral/medical problem and wish to voluntarily seek help may do so by contacting the employee assistance program. The above information was taken from the employee assistance program website. The full document and other related information is available on dadeschools.net by following the link to district offices and clicking on the link for employee assistance program.

Faculty Meetings 2012-2013 Every attempt will be made to hold faculty meetings on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The meetings will begin promptly at 2:05 pm. Therefore, appointments should not be scheduled on these Wednesdays. Notice will be given when dates are changed or meetings canceled.

In elementary schools, the principal or designee may utilize one Wednesday per month as one or two (2) authorized monthly faculty meetings. MDCPS/UTD Article XX.

Except in a school emergency, faculty meetings will be limited to two per month. It is imperative that all teachers and paraprofessionals be present. Please do not schedule any appointments, meetings, courses, etc. on this day, as no exceptions will be made unless there is an extreme emergency. Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC) / chairpersons meetings will be scheduled as needed.

Please mark your calendars with the following dates:

Faculty Meetings

Friday, August 17, 2012 8:30 am Media Center

Wednesday, August 22, 2012 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, September 5, 2012 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, October 3, 2012 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, November 7, 2012 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, December 5, 2012 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, December 19, 2012 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, January 9, 2013 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, January 23, 2013 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, February 20, 2013 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, March 6, 2013 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, March 20, 2013 2:05 pm Media Center


Wednesday, April 3, 2013 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, May 1, 2013 2:05 pm Media Center

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 2:05 pm Media Center

Federal Programs and Grants Administration All Miami-Dade county public school personnel are reminded to contact the office of intergovernmental affairs and grants administration (OIAGA) staff at 305 995-1289, prior to the development of any paper and/or electronic grant application, except for those to the Education fund(The Ed Fund) www.educationfund.org. Availability of grants and related application information is available through dadeschools.net by linking on district offices and clicking on the link to grants administration. http://grants.dadeschools.net/funding_newsletter.asp.

Final Preparations for Opening Day • Post class roster on the door. • Post daily schedule. • Create enjoyable and engaging activities for the students on their first day. • Establish and post classroom rules and procedures. • Review Code of Student Conduct. • Review rainy day dismissal procedures. • Arrival and dismissal plans (lining up in the mornings). • Review Parent/Student Handbook with students. • Review homework policy. • Review discipline plan. • Review importance of daily attendance and arriving on time. • Review and distribute Student Accident Insurance and lunch forms and letters that must go home.

WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Field Trip Procedures Field trips for students are permitted if they have value in meeting educational objectives, are directly related to the curriculum, or are necessary to the fulfillment of obligations to the interscholastic athletic and activity programs. This is an excerpt from the field trip procedures section of the electronic staff handbook. The entire field trip procedures can be accessed through the electronic staff handbook by going to http://ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/131.pdf.

Participation in field trips requires that the student present a field trip form signed by the parent/guardian to his/her teachers in advance. It is the student’s responsibility to make up the work missed while on a fieldtrip. Fees for transportation, entry to events and food must be provided by the parent. Transportation fees are not refundable. Students shall not be denied privilege of participating in a field trip because of financial need.

Note: It is mandatory for magnet students to attend Museum Learning Expeditions. Learning Expeditions are part of the museums magnet curriculum and students are not to be excluded without a valid rationale and approval from administration. If you do not have field trip forms at least one week in advance of the learning expedition, please notify Ms. Bravo or Mr. Schiavone. In order to participate as a chaperone, parents need to be registered with the Miami Dade County Public Schools Volunteer Program. Encourage your parents to chaperone. The adult to student ratio for field trips is 1:15 or less. It is a professional responsibility of each teacher working in our Museums Magnet Program to arrange for the necessary

http://www.educationfund.org/

http://ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/131.pdf


chaperones. There is a volunteer book in the main office, where teachers can contact approved volunteers to serve as chaperones. Procedures before the field trip: All personnel involved with submitting field trip requests must follow the rules and regulations below.

1. Carefully review School Board Rule 6Gx13-6A-1.22 before beginning preparations for a field trip. 2. Check the list of pre-approved field trips. (These require Region Center approval only.) 3. All submitted field trip requests must contain the following:

a. Field Trip Permission Form (FM-2431) b. Filed Trip Roster (FM-3530) c. Complete Itinerary d. Letter of invitation or written justification for the trip e. Field Trip Chaperone List (FM-6802) f. Copy of Parent Permission Form (FM-4573) g. Food Service Meal Request (FM-3106) must be submitted to the cafeteria manager 2 weeks before

scheduled trip. 4. All field trips which require School Board approval must be submitted to the Director of Athletics/Activities and

Accreditation at least 45 school days before the School Board meeting prior to the anticipated date. 5. Include field trip in lesson plans and conduct activities to prepare students for the trip. 6. Secure chaperones and make sure they understand what their responsibilities will be. 7. Pick up lunches and drinks before picking up students the morning of the trip. 8. Submit a copy of the list of chaperones to the main office. 9. Take attendance before leaving. 10. Submit roster to the main office indicating what students are absent and the room number where students not

attending will remain. Students being excluded must be approved by the administration. Meaningful assignments that last the length of the trip should be assigned for students remaining in school.

Procedures during the field trip: 1. Count all students attending the field trip and make sure you have a signed form for each student. Form must be

signed in two places(permission to attend and permission for medical treatment). 2. Make sure you know what students may not be photographed/videotaped. 3. Review with students the rules and procedures. 4. Confirm with the bus driver that they are taking to you the correct location. 5. As you board the bus/metro mover, count the number of students. 6. Before unloading the bus/metro mover, inform students where they are supposed to line up. Recount students to

make sure no one stayed on the bus/metro mover. 7. Check in with location coordinator to arrange lunch schedule, location, and where food is stored. 8. Teachers, chaperones, and students are not to use their cell phones, or be disruptive during the learning

expedition. 9. Recount students as they are boarding the bus/metro mover. 10. Upon arrival at school, count students as they are getting out of the bus/metro mover.

If at any point you are missing a student or there is an accident, immediately contact Mr. Schiavone or Ms. Bravo on their cell phone. Procedures after the field trip:

1. Conduct post learning expedition activities. Many of the field trips will showcase the outstanding teaching and learning that will result from the museum experiences. Very often there are members of the press and other agencies where photograph opportunities will occur. Your student’s photograph may become part of a news item or other newsworthy opportunities. The students cannot be photographed without parent permission. Therefore, please send home the Model Talent and Release Form, which is located in the Forms Section of this handbook. If parents choose to not have their child photographed, school and museum personnel must ensure that the child will not be present when photographs are taken.


Fire Drill Procedures Fire drills will be held at least eleven times a year. The signal is flashing lights and a continuous loud alarm sound. Students should practice the exit routes from different areas of the classroom. Please make sure they know where to go when in the cafeteria & media center.

Please adhere to the following guidelines during a fire drill:

1. Children must exit the classroom immediately single file, without running, and follow the assigned routes. (Check the emergency routes posted in the classrooms.)

2. Teachers must check to make certain that all children are out of the classroom and must follow students out of the building. Bring student roster to make sure all present students are with you.

3. Silence is to be maintained during the entire drill.

4. Students are to remain outside until a single bell is heard or security advices to return.

5. Students in the library, bathroom, etc. are to go out through the nearest exit and join the nearest group outside the building.

First Week of School Attendance Procedures Things you should have for attendance:

1. Current Class Roster to be picked each morning. 2. Each teacher must have a class roster posted on the classroom door.

Monday, August 20, 2012:

Take attendance using the electronic grade book by 9:00 a.m. The No-Show period for the 2012-2013 school year begins Monday, August 20, 2012, and will end Friday, August 24, 2012.

• Students that are registered but do not appear in school on the first day (August 20) must be entered as "No-Show" .

• The Official Daily School Attendance (ODSA) will be taken in the Electronic Gradebook. To record students as a No-Show, the following actions must be taken:

Teacher Action

• Teachers must open the class designated for recording ODSA by clicking on the class tab. • Click on Quick Attendance (located under Attendance) • Click on the No-Show (NS) code for each No-Show student (ONLY USED ON THE FIRST DAY) • Important: If all students appear on the first day of school, the teacher must click on the ALL PRESENT

button on the right hand side of the page to report 100% attendance. • At 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 24, 2012, the No-Show students will be removed from ISIS. • Beginning Monday, August 27, 2012, the NS code will no longer be available to teachers. • Training videos are available on the Gradebook Support Web page. It is strongly recommended that teachers

view the videos for taking attendance. The videos are available at: http://videos.dadeschools.net/pinnweb.html.

Please DO NOT accept any students after the first day of school, (not even if they appear on your original list) unless they are cleared through the office. Entry After No-Show Gradebook Action - The Teacher will enter Attendance Code ENT on the first day the student attends class.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012 through Friday, August 24, 2012:

1. Take attendance using the electronic grade book by 9:00 a.m.

TEACHERS MUST INITIAL THE ATTENDANCE BULLETIN DAILY. REMEMBER NO GRACE PERIOD FOR TARDIES AFTER THE FIRST WEEK!

http://videos.dadeschools.net/pinnweb.html


Food and Nutrition Program

Students who are not eligible to receive a free meal and who do not have money are provided nourishment courtesy of the PTA. The PTA provides funds for the purchase of bread, peanut butter, and jelly.

Prices

Breakfast Lunch All Students No Charge Students $2.25 Adults $2.00 Reduced Price, Students $0.40

Adults $3.00 Free Breakfast Breakfast is served daily from 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. for primary students and 7:30-8:20 for intermediate students. Breakfast is FREE TO ALL students. The cost for breakfast for adults is $2.00. The National Breakfast Program was enacted to ensure that school children are being served a nutritious breakfast daily. The breakfast at no charge is not dependent on the student receiving free/reduced meals at lunch.

Lunch Students may either bring their lunch from home or buy it at school. Students who bring their lunch may purchase milk, juice, frozen juice bars, or ice cream. The weekly menus for the hot lunch program are published each Sunday in the Neighbor’s section of the Miami Herald and online at http://nutrition.dadeschools.net. Please note that a particular day’s menu may be subject to change.

Free/Reduced Lunch Program The 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 has started a program to allow parents/guardians the convenience to pay on-line via the Internet or 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 balance b. Schedule automatic payments c. Receive low-balance e-mail reminders d. View a report of daily spending and cafeteria purchases

Bringing Lunch from Home Please assure that students do not bring in glass, plastic, or metal containers that need to be thrown away after lunch. Additionally, the cafeteria staff is not available to assist with the microwave oven.

http://nutrition.dadeschools.net/


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

Grades Numerical Value Verbal Interpretation Grade Point Value

E 90-100% Outstanding Progress 4 G 80-89% Above Average Progress 3 S 70-79% Average Progress 2 M 60-69% Lowest Acceptable Progress 1 U 0-59% Failure 0

1-12

Grades 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/guardians the teacher’s evaluation of a student’s behavior and citizenship development. These grades are independent of academic and effort grades.

Effort Grades Effort grades are utilized to convey both to students and their parents the teacher’s evaluation of a student’s effort as related to the instructional program. These grades are independent of academic and conduct grades. In assigning an effort grade, the teacher must consider the student’s potential, study habits, and attitude. Three numerical grades are use to reflect effort in grades 1-12.

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 Southside Honor Roll

Citizenship Honor Roll

Academic Average 4.0 3.5 Academic Grades All A’s All A’s and B’s

Effort All 1 All 1 and 2’s All 1 and 2’s Conduct Average 4.0 3.0 4.0 Conduct Grades All A’s All A’s and B’s All A’s


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. Grading Period 1 09/21/12 Grading Period 2 12/04/12 Grading Period 3 02/20/13 Grading Period 4 05/02/13

Report Cards Report Cards are issued to all students four times a year. During 2012-2013, report cards will be issued following the end of every nine weeks. Report Card Distribution:

First Grading Period 11/16/2012 Second Grading Period 02/08/2013 Third Grading Period 04/18/2013 Fourth Grading Period 06/27/2013

Hall passes 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 normal traffic flow. Please do not push, run, or loiter in the halls or stairways. Please cooperate with the hall monitors and patrols in the exercise of their duties and remind students to present their yellow hall passes courteously when asked to do so. At no time is a student to be out of the classroom during class without a yellow hall pass or unaccompanied. Teachers are not to give verbal permission for a student to exit the classroom. Students should be sent in groups of two or three at all times. No more than 6 students may be sent to the media center at one given time. Please limit the number of students out of your classroom. Students should use bathrooms located in the classrooms at all times. Classrooms that do not have a bathroom in their class should send only 2 students at a time with a hall pass. Remind students that they will not be allowed to use the restrooms during lunch and special are classes.

HIV/AIDS Information The School Board of Miami-Dade County has adopted certain policies and procedures regarding confidentiality of students with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the district has developed a comprehensive AIDS education program, AIDS: Get the Facts!, for students in grades K-12, which is a required instruction for all students. The curriculum is available in our school’s Public Share drive. This excerpt and all information relating to HIV/AIDS is contained in the Electronic Staff Reference Guide.

Internal Funds Accounting (Handling) The Manual of Internal Funds Accounting includes procedures applicable to elementary school field trip activities fundraising. These important topics may be found in the manual in section 4, Chapters 1 and 2. Additionally, necessary forms for the handling of funds may be found in Section 6, Forms Directory. Please become familiar with the procedures. The manual may be accessed through dadeschools.net by following the link for E-handbooks. Go to Categories and scroll to Budget.


Instructional Performance Evaluation and Growth System (IPEGS) Overview

Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ (M-DCPS) evaluation of instructional personnel utilizes the Goals and Roles Assessment and Evaluation Model© (short title: Goals and Roles Model©) of evaluation developed by Dr. James Stronge, for collecting and presenting data to document performance that is based on well defined performance standards. The M-DCPS Instructional Performance Evaluation and Growth System (IPEGS) provides a balance between structure and flexibility. That is, it defines expectations and guides effective practice, thereby allowing for creativity and individual initiative. The goal is to support the continuous growth and development of each professional by monitoring, analyzing, and applying pertinent data compiled within a system of meaningful feedback. The primary purposes of IPEGS are to: ♦ improve the quality of instruction by ensuring accountability for classroom/program performance ♦ contribute to successful achievement of the goals and objectives defined in the vision, mission, and goals of M-DCPS ♦ provide a basis for instructional improvement through productive instructional personnel appraisal and professional growth ♦ provide a collaborative process that promotes self-growth, instructional effectiveness, and improvement of overall job performance IPEGS includes the following distinguishing characteristics: ♦ a focus on the relationship between professional performance and improved learner academic achievement ♦ performance standards specific to major instructional job categories ♦ sample indicators for each of the performance standards ♦ a system for documenting instructional personnel performance based on multiple data sources, including goal setting, with emphasis on evidence of improved student performance on the state and local achievement test as required by Florida Statutes § 1012.34 ♦ a procedure for conducting performance reviews that stresses accountability, promotes professional improvement, and increases the involvement of instructional personnel in the evaluation process ♦ a support system for providing assistance when needed The realization that an organization's goals are met through the collective performance of all personnel is the basis of the Goals and Roles Model© developed by Dr. James Stronge based on more than two decades of work with school systems and other educational organizations. The underlying assumptions are as follows: ♦ Effective evaluation promotes the growth and development of the individual and the school. ♦ A well-defined evaluation system:

• provides a basis for a more objective evaluation based on observable, job-related results, and its purposes are clearly established for the individual professional (Tucker & Stronge, 2005a).

• makes the school more accountable to its public and is legally defensible in its treatment of all employees (Beckham, 1985).

♦ Instructional personnel have a legal and ethical right to understand the criteria used to evaluate their performance (Florida Statute, 1012.34(3)(d)2.b). ♦ A unified evaluation process for all teachers and other instructional personnel across M-DCPS is a more efficient use of school resources and administrative and staff time than multiple evaluation systems. Staff members can access the handbook by logging onto http://ipegs.dadeschools.net/handbooks.asp

http://ipegs.dadeschools.net/handbooks.asp


Limited English Proficient (LEP) ALL STUDENTS WHO ARE CLASSIFIED AS LIMITED English proficient (LEP) are required to participate in a program of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). All schools with students classified as limited English proficient must provide an appropriate ESOL program to meet the specific needs of such students in language learning and cultural integration. This excerpt with all information relating to LEP is contained in the Electronic Staff Reference Guide.

Maintenance of Appropriate Student Behavior The schools are established for the benefit of all students. The educational purposes of the schools are accomplished best in a climate of student behavior that is socially acceptable and conducive to the learning and teaching process. Student behavior that disrupts this process or that infringes upon the rights of other individuals will not be tolerated. The School Board endorses a zero tolerance policy toward school related violent crime. The School Board reaffirms its support of the administrative staff and teachers in taking all necessary steps to enforce and implement all School Board rules pertaining to the maintenance of appropriate student behavior. Important among these rules are those in the areas of conduct, corporal punishment, suspensions and expulsions, and climate for learning.

This excerpt, and all information relating to Maintenance of Appropriate Student behavior, may be accessed through www.dadeschools.net under School Board Rule: 6Gx13-5D-1.08.

Magnet Themes and Topics(will be updated the First Quarter) Themes My Amazing World Wheels of

Change Sharing the Planet Through the Ages

Kg What Makes Me Special • My Body • My Family • My Neighborhood • My Roots

Getting Around • Modes/History

of Transportation

• Our Community

• Past/Present/ Future (Clothing, Buildings, Foods, and Entertainment)

Circle of Life • Habitats • Seasons • Living/ Non

Living • Cycles of

Plants and Animals

Jump into Asia • People • Customs • Holidays • Crafts

1st The World is a Puzzle • Physical Feature • Songs Around the

World • Continents of the

World • Changes of

Matter • Sun’s Energy

Stormy Changes • Weather

Patterns • Effects of

Weather on the People and Earth

• Life Cycles • Forces of

Motion

Dependable Earth • Oceans • Food Chains • National

Resources • Recycling • Habitats

Walk like an Egyptian • Ancient Egypt

(Culture and People)

• Pyramids • Mummies • Hieroglyphics

2nd America the Beautiful • Citizenship/Gov’t • Community

Helpers • National

Landmarks • American

Symbols • States of Matter • Light

Emerging America • People,

Places, and Things

• Environments • Geography

(Plants)

Where the Wild Things Are • Animal Groups • Food Chains • Environments • Lunar Cycle

Africa • Rainforest • Environments • Culture • Folk Tales

3rd Exploration • New World

Exploration

Immigration • Pathway to

America

Danger Zone! • Recycling • Ocean, Land,

Medieval Times • History • Knights

http://www.dadeschools.net/


(Ocean, Land, and Air)

• Modern Explorations (Ocean, Land, and Air)

• Tools for Exploration

• Energy for Exploring

• Sunshine Power and Light

• Challenging Travels (Weather and Erosion)

• Family Origins

and Air (Pollution, Depleting Resources, and Endangered Animals)

• Environmental Law

• Lunar Cycle

• Interactions with their Environments)

• Castles • Lifestyles/

Pastimes • Survival

Themes My Amazing World

Wheels of Change

Sharing the Planet

Through the Ages

4th

Forces in Motion • Properties of a

Hurricane • Preparing for

Hurricanes • Mixtures and

Solutions • Weathering/

Erosion

The Sunshine State • Everglades • 1st Arrivals

(Tequestas, Calusa, Seminoles, Miccosukee)

• Newton’s Law (Simple Machines used by arrivals)

Cruising through the System • Living

Things • Human

Body • Spanish

Exploration

North American Adventures • Native

Americans/Plains Indians/Southwest Peoples

• Restructuring America • Land Forms/ Maps • Progress of Florida • Diversity of Florida • Renewable and

Nonrenewable Energy • Water Sources

5th

The Making of a Nation • Colonization

(Simple Machines)

• Revolutionary War (Survival)

• A New Country • Civil War

(Medicines/ Dyes)

The Shaping of a Nation • Industrial

Revolution • People,

Places, and Things

• Environment • My Roots

Born to Fly • Solar

System • Leading us

to Space (Cold War, Space War, WWI, WWII)

• Space Exploration

• NASA • Science

Fiction (Traits, Outer Space, and Adaptations)

The Nation and Beyond • Greece and Rome • Branches of Gov’t • Law Making • USA Landmarks

(Plants and Nat’l Parks)

• Human Growth and Development

• Environmental Law

Revised 6/13/07 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).

Media Services Information Teacher’s Choice: Video-On-Demand (VOD) Service

1. Teacher’s Choice is an automated on-demand service that allows teachers to select and schedule programs that can be televised directly into their classrooms.

2. Programs can play instantaneously or they can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance for play at a later time.


3. Teachers can use the automated system to scheduled videos anytime and anywhere, even from home by logging on to www.wlrn.org/internetbooking

4. Pre-Scheduled Programming – Information regarding special programming on a specific ITV channel will be e-mailed to the Media Specialist.

5. Service Information – For difficulty accessing Teacher’s Choice, call Instructional Television (ITV) Services at 786-275-0810.

Instructional Television (ITV) Video Library

7003 SW 4th Street, Miami, Florida 33144

Telephone: 786-275-0800 – Fax: 786-275-0838

Orders for video materials from the ITV Video Library are currently being accepted for the 2011-2012 school year.Please login to http://webmax.dadeschools.net/webmax/wmlaunch.html to access the WLRN Instructional Television online catalog. The online catalog is available to all schools for immediate use anytime and anywhere (even from home) to order materials and for identifying specific titles or subject areas in the collection. All video orders sent to the ITV Video Library for processing must be labeled with the school name and work location number indicating where the delivery is to be made. All requests should be submitted a minimum of five school days prior to the expected delivery date. Please send all requests via school mail to ITV Video Library (Mail Code AV-1) or fax 786-295-0838.

Network Security Standards Miami-Dade county public school has for many years relied on computers and data processing facilities to store and manipulate vast amounts of data. That data includes, but is not limited to, student’s records, personnel records, business and accounting records. The explosion of networks and internet related informational activities means that this sensitive data is more conveniently available to authorized staff in ways undreamed of even a few years ago but is also at risk. MDCPS must address the issue of the security of this data in such a way that all avenues of access are strictly controlled and that the privacy and value of the data is not compromised. This excerpt was taken from the network security standards, administrative summary. Further information regarding network security standards can be accessed through dadeschools.net.

Nondiscrimination Policy The district’s nondiscrimination policy covers both students and employees. Several school board rules contain policy as outlined below:

SCHOOL BOARD RULE DESCRIPTION

6Gx13-4A-1.01 Equal opportunity employment and assignment

6Gx13-4A-1.32 Discrimination/Harassment: complaint procedures for employees

6Gx13-5d-1.10 Discrimination/Harassment: complaint procedures for students

The specifics of the rules can be accessed through dadeschools.net by following the link to school board located on the left side of the homepage. Additionally, each staff member should have a copy of discrimination harassment poster available and/or displayed.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) The Southside Elementary Museums Magnet School Parent Teacher Association works with the 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.

http://www.wlrn.org/internetbooking

http://webmax.dadeschools.net/webmax/wmlaunch.html


Parental Involvement The School Board of Miami-Dade County recognizes that strong, continuing family and community involvement in all aspects of school programs and activities provides support for measurable improvement in student achievement. This school board policy creates a collaborative environment in which the parents and families of our students are invited and encouraged to be involved stakeholders in the school community. It establishes the framework and responsibilities for implementation of strategies to increase family and community involvement. A copy of this policy must be distributed to all parents (e.g., by providing paper copies, electronic copies, or other appropriate means of distribution). Parents as Their Children’s First Teachers. The importance of parents as teachers shall be recognized by parents and supported by the school. Schools will provide parents with the appropriate support and assistance needed in understanding and meeting the expectations of this role. Parents are expected to:

a. Set guidelines and clear expectations of good behavior and academic performance; b. Ensure that their children have a quiet place and time to read, study, and complete homework; c. Discuss daily work assignments, progress reports, and report cards with their children; d. Ensure that their children attend school on time every day and promptly report any absences or tardiness; e. Communicate with the school through written and electronic messages, telephone, and/or conference meetings; f. Ensure that their children have the materials needed to complete class work and home learning; g. Take an active part in school activities, such as Back-to-School Night, PTA meetings, participating in workshops,

and parent/student activities, etc.; h. Keep their children healthy by ensuring that they get enough sleep, appropriate nutrition, and medical care; i. Bring to the attention of appropriate school personnel any problem or condition that negatively affects their

children, or other children in the school community; j. Help their children develop a good self-image by providing care, discipline, support, interest, and concern; k. Provide the school with current and accurate home, work, and emergency contact information; l. Foster in their children a positive attitude towards school and learning.

Volunteers and Tutors. Principals should utilize the special knowledge, abilities, talents, and cultural experiences of parents to enhance school activities and experiences. In order to maintain a strong volunteer program, principals will identify staff who will actively recruit, train, appropriately place, support, and monitor parents in instructional and extra-curricular programs. Volunteer procedures and forms will be made available throughout the year. This excerpt was taken from School Board Rule 6Gx13-1B-1.012. Further information regarding parental involvement can be accessed through dadeschools.net. Procedures for Addressing Concerns

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

Teacher

Mrs. Espinosa, Counselor 305.371.3311 x117

[email protected]

Ms. Bravo, Assistant Principal 305.371.3311 x2118

[email protected]

Mr. Schiavone, Principal 305.371.3311 x2109

South Central Regional Center 305.595.7022

District 305.995.1000

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Personnel Files Maintenance of personnel files is in accordance with School Board Rule 6Gx13-4-1.03 and the document Personnel Files Procedures.

Phone Calls • Cell phones are to remain off or set to silent mode and should not be used to make or receive calls during

instructional times and during non-classroom based supervision of learners.

• Personal calls will be routed to voice mail and/or a message placed in your mailbox. Please check both, regularly. To retrieve your messages, you may use the phones in the main office, on the second floor of the building one, or the telephone in the teacher’s lounge. All other telephones are designated for office staff to make and receive M-DCPS business calls.

• Do not walk with hot beverages while supervising learners and at no time have hot beverages exposed in the classroom.

Progress Monitoring Plan (PMP) The Progress Monitoring Plan (PMP), formerly known as the Academic Improvement Plan (AIP), is the action plan that is developed by a committee at the school site for any student who does not meet the desired proficiency levels in District and State standards in the areas of reading, writing, science, and/or mathematics. Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) with Information Technology Services (ITS) has implemented a Web-based PMP form to collect these student ID’s as documenting the monitoring and to trigger a notification statement to the parent on the Progress Report. Teachers/parents and other school personnel may request assistance for students who appear to be at-risk academically, behaviorally, and/or demonstrate social-emotional risk factors. For students with academic difficulties in reading and/or mathematics, a Progress Monitoring Plan (PMP) must have been developed and implemented. This link provides procedures to implement a PMP. http://ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/user_guides/7.pdf The PMP form is located within the Instructional Planning System (IPS), under the Student Performance Indicators (SPI) system and under Tools – Progress Monitoring Plan. Teachers are required to complete various District and state required forms that affect individualized instruction of students through this centralized Web-based system. Removing Disruptive Students from Class

The following procedures need to be implemented to ensure that disruptive students will be removed from class.

• There should be immediate notification to the principal or designee.

• The teacher needs to provide a statement detailing the misbehavior and previous action taken(notify parent in the agenda of behavior, contact parent, in-class consequence, detention, parent conference).

• Parents should be informed the same day, especially to explain the procedures for getting a student back in class when the removal is for more than one day.

• Students should not be removed from class multiple days in a row without consent of the administration/designee.

• If there is the need for repeated removal, the teacher needs to request an SST to address student behavior.

http://ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/user_guides/7.pdf


Safety to Life Please be advised of Safety to Life procedures for all children, especially children who do not attend Southside Elementary School.

At no time should a child who is not a Southside Elementary School student be in the school without administrative approval. In as much as we all consider ourselves a family and we like to share the atmosphere of Southside Elementary School with our own family members (children), we are responsible and liable for any child who is in the building. In addition, Southside Elementary students should only be in the building during school hours, (exceptions would include after school clubs and detentions).

Please complete a Visitor’s Waiver form if you would like to bring a non-Southside child to the school site.

Guidelines for assisting in the maintenance of appropriate student behavior are found in Florida statutes, administrative memoranda, and school board rules. School Board Rule 6Gx13-5D-1.08. MAINTANANCE OF APPROPRIATE STUDENT BEHAVIOR outlines the school board’s policy on the topic and provides related school board rules additionally, an e handbook entitled Procedures for Promoting and Maintaining a Safe Learning Environment is also available. These resources may be accessed through dadeschools.net, by linking to either the School Board or to E-handbooks. All staff members need to become thoroughly familiar with the district’s zero tolerance for crime policy.

School Board Rules It is important that all employees be familiar with the School Board Rules. The rules that pertain to school site personnel will be located in chapters four and five. Rules that school site employees need to be thoroughly familiar with are listed below.

• Strikes prohibited. FL Statute 447.505 No public employee or employee organization may participate in a strike against a public employer by instigating or supporting, in any manner, a strike. Any violation of this section shall subject the violator to the penalties provided.

• Weapons Separation-Dismissal or Suspension- All Personnel School Board Policy 1217

• Maintenance of Appropriate Student Behavior School Board Policy 5500

• Corporal Punishment-Prohibited School Board Policy 5610

• Dress Code School Board Policy 5511

• Suspension, Board-Approved Alternatives, Expulsion, and Referral to Florida Department of Children and Families School Board Policy 5610 School Board Policy 8462

• Teachers’ Authority School Board Policy 5630

• Employee-Student Relationships School Board Policy 1213

• Reporting Incidents School Board Policy 8141

• Personnel Files School Board Policy 1590

• Drug-Free Work Place General Policy Statement School Board Policy 1124

• Tobacco-Free Work Place School Board Policy 1215 School Board Policy 5512

• Safety Program School Board Policy 8400

• Equal Access-Availability of Secondary School Facilities to Students for Meetings School Board Policy 5730

• Employee Assistance Program School Board Policy 1170.01

• Responsibilities and Duties-Permanent, Full-Time Personnel School Board Policy 1139

• Violence in the Workplace School Board Policy 1380

• Educational Excellence School Advisory Councils School Board Policy 2125

• Acceptable Use Policy – Internet School Board Policy 7540.02


• Discrimination/Harassment: Complaint Procedures for Employees School Board Policy 1362.02

• School Board’s Code of Ethics School Board Policy 1210.01

• Assignment – Members of Same Family School Board Policy 1113

• Procedures for Promoting and Maintaining a Safe Learning Environment School Board Policy 8405

The above rules, and all School Board Rules, can be accessed at dadeschools.net by following the link for School Board, located on the left side of the homepage.

School Hours and Teacher Hours Student School Hours:

Pre-Kindergarten – First Grade 8:20 am – 1:50 pm

Second – Third Grade 8:35 am – 3:05 pm

Wednesdays(all students) Dismissed at 1:50 pm

Teacher Working Hours:

The PreK, Kindergarten, and First Grade teachers’ workday begins at 8:05 am and ends at 3:10 pm., please schedule all personal appointments after 3:10 pm. Second-Fifth and Special Area teachers’ workday begins at 8:20 am and ends at 3:25 pm., please schedule all personal appointments after 3:25 pm. It is expected that all staff members be responsible in their professional duties by complying with the contractual obligations of a seven hour and five minute workday.

If an emergency occurs, you can request a temporary instructor by notifying Ms. Bravo at school (305) 371-3311 during office hours, or at home (305) 979-3196 before and after school hours. Please leave a message if there is no answer. Notify the office prior to 2:00 pm if you will not be returning the next day so that a substitute can be secured. Notify Mr. Schiavone if Ms. Bravo is not reached verbally.

Teachers may not leave the building during school hours without informing the principal, except during the duty free lunch period. Please be sure to sign out on the Teacher’s Log, located in the main office, prior to leaving the grounds (no exceptions). A request to leave school, at any other time than lunch, must be submitted 24 hours in advance.

Teachers must sign in and out daily!! Failure to sign in or out will be subject to a dock in pay. Please sign in and out in black ink or pencil only. Do not use any other color (i.e. blue, red, purple).

Response to Intervention Team (RtI) Response to Intervention Team (RtI) is a process that combines existing district programs for providing intervention assistance for students with academic and/or behavioral problems. RtI is a seamless process in which a problem solving team (including LEP committees when appropriate) collaboratively develops academic improvement plans in order to support students, teachers, and parents/guardians RtI is a resource for assisting teachers in providing interventions for children with learning and behavioral problems in school, primarily within regular education classes. The outcome of an RtI will always be an Progress Monitoring Plan (PMP), which includes a documented problem area, measurable baseline data, interventions, and monitoring component. While all RtI’s will result in a PMP, PMPs can be generated from a variety of sources.

Staff Member Absences

All staff members are directed to telephone Ms. Bravo at (305)979-3196. Please indicate the type of leave you are taking (personal or sick leave) when you call. If you are absent because of a contagious disease contracted on the job, please indicate the name of the child from whom you contracted the disease at the time you call. In the event you are aware that you will be absent from school the following day, please inform Ms. Bravo before you leave the building. It is your responsibility to telephone Ms. Bravo at least ½ an hour before your student’s dismissal to indicate if you will be returning to school the following day. This is extremely important so that the same substitute can be retained, if needed. Note: More then ten days of absences from school during the school year are considered excessive absences and wi ll be ref lected on you annual evaluation at the year’s end in Category VII .


Standards of Competent Professional Performance 6B-5.005 Instructional Procedures. Each competent educator shall ensure or promote accomplishment of the designated task through selection and use of appropriate instructional procedures. The educator, commensurate with job requirements and delegated authority, shall demonstrate competence in the following instructional procedures: (1) Establish rapport with students by using appropriate verbal and visual motivational devices. (2) Use procedures appropriate to accomplish the designated task to include but not be limited to:

(a) Identifying long range goals for a given subject area. (b) Constructing and sequencing related short range objectives for a given subject area. (3) Practice instructional and social skills which assist students to interact constructively with their peers by

encouraging expressions of ideas, opinions, and feelings. (4) Give directions for carrying out an instructional activity by assuring that the task is understood and using feedback techniques which are relevant to the designated task. (5) Utilize information and materials that are relevant to the designated task.

Specific Authority 229.053(1), 231.546(2)(a), (b) FS. Law Implemented 231.546(2) FS. History–New 10-7-69, Repromulgated 12-5-74, Amended 8-12-81, 4-5-83, Formerly 6B-5.05.

Student Absences

Please report absences to the main office everyday before 9:00 am on the electronic grade book. The following are guidelines for reporting attendance:

• Each student scheduled at a school center and present or tardy, shall be marked present. (Tardiness is the absence of a student at the time the regular session begins, provided that the student is in attendance before the close of that school day).

• Each student engaged in a school-approved educational activity, either on or away from the school grounds, shall be marked present.

• Each student who is scheduled at a school center for instructional purposes for a partial day shall be marked as present, if present at either location.

• A student who submits satisfactory documentation regarding his/her absences due to the observance of a religious holiday or because the tenets of that student’s religion forbid secular activity at such time, and who satisfactorily makes up any examinations and assignments which have been missed, should not be disqualified from receiving attendance awards or other attendance incentives at the school level, region level, or district level.

• The teacher’s electronic grade book is the source document for attendance data. Attendance data is to be recorded on the homeroom grade book using the following codes:

U UNEXCUSED ABSENCE TU UNEXCUSED TARDY

A EXCUSED ABSENCE T EXCUSED TARDY

Southside uses an electronic grade book, however, in the event that a manual grade book is needed, these basic recording codes should be reflected in the key on front of the grade book. Teacher grade books are retained in the school accordance with the district records retention schedule.

Student Accidents (Reporting) All student accidents or injuries must be given serious consideration no matter what the degree of injury. It is extremely important that each staff member is aware of the procedures to follow when reporting accidents.


The supervising teacher is responsible for:

1. A detailed explanation, of the accident, should be written on the accident report.

2. Filling out and signing the accident report at the time of the accident(available in the main office).

3. Notifying the parent or guardian immediately.

4. Requesting assistance for coverage, if necessary.

5. Informing the administrator in charge, or designee, of the accident or injury.

6. Ensuring that the injured child is made as comfortable as possible (medication may not be administered).

We are the caretakers of our students while they are in school. Let us continue to make this a safe and caring environment in which our students may learn.

Student Monitoring Proper procedures for practices for monitoring students as per school board rule 6Gx13-5D-1.08 Promoting and Maintaining A Safe Learning Environment are as follows:

All employees responsible for supervision of students and student activities are to take precautions to protect the life, health, and safety of every student in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents, injuries, and illnesses.

We have experienced several incidents in which students have been lost, missing, extremely disruptive, fighting, and even injured while walking in line from one class to the other. For instance, a teacher was walking in the front of the line and was unaware of what the students were doing in the rear (student injury). As a result of the aforementioned, I am requesting that all teachers walk with their class whereas they are able to view and monitor the entire class at all times. In addition, during the transition to and from special area classes, it is critical that teachers communicate with the receiving teacher to ensure that the students are under his or her supervision.

Please be reminded that the supervising teacher must complete an accident report for all student accidents and injuries. It is also the teacher’s responsibility to contact the parents. If any type of medical attention (ice packs, bandages, rest, rescue, etc) is required, please advise an administrator immediately.

Student Progression Plan The purpose of this plan is to establish requirements and procedures for student progression within Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS). The Student Progression Plan presents the “Student Progression Requirements and Procedures for K-12 and Adult Education Students,” including the “Student Progression Requirements and Procedures for Exceptional Education Students.” This excerpt was taken from the Student Progression Plan, Introduction. Further information regarding the Student Progression Plan can be accessed through the ehandbooks link, located on the Employee Portal. Access the plan by choosing Administrative Procedures under the Categories section or clicking this link http://ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/93/index.asp Technology If you are having difficulty with your computers, smartboards, or printers, please fill out a HEAT ticket by using this link and Mr. Leon will get to it as soon as possible. In case of an emergency, you can contact Mr. Schiavone or Ms. Bravo for assistance. Assure that you have access to the public Share drive. If you do not know how to access it or it does not appear on your computer, please ask assistance from Mr. Calero or Mr. Leon. http://heat-hpk.dadeschools.net/heatselfservice/BlueBalloon/en-us/ Volunteers 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

http://ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/93/index.asp

http://heat-hpk.dadeschools.net/heatselfservice/BlueBalloon/en-us/


• Athletic/PE assistants • Overnight chaperones

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

• Complete Registration (attached at the end of this manual and available in the main office), 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

Volunteers are not to be left with students without a MDCPS employee.


Visitor Waiver Form

Due to extenuating circumstances, I am making a request to bring my child(ren) to school.

Date

Child’s Name

Child’s Name

I will bring my child(ren) with me on .

I understand Miami-Dade County Public Schools will not be legally responsible for this individual while on Miami-Dade County Public School property.

Employee Signature Date

Principal


SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY MUSEUMS MAGNET SCHOOL REQUEST FOR ABSENCE OR LEAVE EARLY

Date: ___________________ Name: ______________________________ Employee#__________________ Grade/Dept: ___________________ I am requesting permission to arrive to school at __________AM/PM on __________ I am requesting permission to leave the school at __________AM/PM on _________ Type of Absence and Number of Days: □ Doctor’s Appointment □ Illness of Self □ Dentist Appointment □ Illness of Family □ Other _________________________________________________________________

Coverage Required: □ NO □ YES__________________________ □ GRANTED □ DENIED Reason for disapproval: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Approving Administrator: ______________________________________________________

SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY MUSEUMS MAGNET SCHOO Southside Elementary

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