Student Handbook 2007-2008

Lisa Noffo

Principal

Dear Parents:

Students should attend school 180 days to ensure successful academic progress. Excessive School absenteeism can result in failure. The attendance policy is as follows:
  1.  A student accumulating 10 or more unexcused class absences in an annual course or 5 or more unexcused class absences in a semester course will be subject to withholding of final passing grades.
  2.  On the day the student returns to school, he/she must present a note from the parent stating the dates and reason for the absence(s). The absence will be unexcused if the student does not bring a note.
  3.  The following are considered excused absences:
  A.  Illness of student
  B.  Medical appointment
  C.  Death in family
  D.  Observance of religious holiday or service when it is mandated for all members of a faith that such a holiday or service be observed;
  E.   School personnel event or activity previously approved;
  F.   Other individual student absences beyond the control of the parent or student as approved by the principal or her designee.
ALL OTHER ABSENCES ARE UNEXCUSED

Student services help students realize their potential for success and an integral part of the school's total commitment to individual uniqueness and the development of human potential. Personal, social, educational and career needs of students are addressed. They use assessment, consultation, prevention, and collaboration to assist in the development of appropriate behavioral and academic interventions.
Counselors are available for consultation and guidance throughout the year. Students and parents are urged to contact counselors when there are concerns. It is our intent to be responsive to your needs.
The Trust counselor provides counseling to develop self-esteem and maintain positive relationship. The Guidance Counselor provides academic advisement to help maximize personal and academic development. The School Center for Special Instruction (SCSI) Instructor assists children in indoor suspension-a separation from classroom by an administrator as an alternative to outdoor suspension.

The school cannot be responsible for lost or stolen student property.  If you need to bring more than a few dollars to school, bring it in the form of a check.  Do not keep cash in backpacks or purses.  Leave jewelry at home. PURSES, WATCHES, GLASSES, BOOK BAGS, AND OTHER VALUABLES SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT UNATTENDED. WRITE YOUR NAME ON ALL ITEMS BROUGHT TO SCHOOL, INCLUDING COATS AND JACKETS.
Students who find lost articles are asked to take them to the attendance office.  Lost articles that are not claimed within a reasonable period of time will be given to charitable organizations.

If you become ill or are injured while at school, you can go to the attendance office.  If you need to take medicine while at school, you must bring the medicine to the clinic along with an Authorization for Medication form. The form can be obtained in the attendance office and needs to be signed by both the prescribing physician and a parent. Miami-Dade County School Board rules do not allow students in middle school to carry any sort of medication with them; this includes Tylenol, Advil, Ritalin or any other medication.  The school does not stock any medicine in the office, so if you need to take medicine, you must bring it in a labeled bottle with a completed Authorization for Medication form.  The medicine will be kept for you in a locked cabinet in the school, and given to you at the proper time. If you have any medical problems, please let the attendance clerk know when you start school.  It is important that the school has all of your medical information so that we can take care of you.  Any information you provide to the school will be kept confidential.  Also, if you have a chronic illness, such as asthma or diabetes, be sure to let the school know so we can answer any questions you or your parents may have as the year goes by.  Many illnesses can have an effect on a child’s performance in school.  It is also very important that parents’ emergency numbers are kept current; you never know when an accident or sudden illness can occur at school.

Students are expected to properly care for textbooks and assume full responsibilities for the care of books loaned to them.  Books are issued by the subject area teacher and must be returned to the same teacher upon completion of the year or withdrawal from school.
Loss or damage to books due to theft or other circumstances will result in the student being assessed a fee.  Failure of the student to pay for lost or damaged books within a reasonable amount of time will deprive the student of further use of free textbooks.  Students who owe fees for lost or damaged books will not be permitted to participate in team activities or school field trips.  Upon payment for a lost book, another book will be issued.  If a book presumed lost is found and returned, a refund will be made to the parent.

Students or parents may request homework assignments through the attendance office for extended absences (three or more days).  If a student misses one day of school, he/she would be expected to take any tests and /or turn in any assignments that were due on the day of the absence on the day he/she returns to school.
For each day absent, the student will have the equivalent days to make up the work assigned during the absence.  Students should  have a homework buddy in each class who can be called for assignments.  These names and phone numbers should be listed in the agenda book.

When it becomes necessary detentions will be assigned for lack of cooperation or disrespect for others and/or the learning environment.  Each team will develop and implement a discipline policy for the students on that team.  Students who fail to follow the requirements of the team policies will be subject to team and/or administrative disciplinary procedures.  Please refer to the Code of Student Conduct for further information.
              School Center for Special Instruction (SCSI)
Students may be assigned to the School Center for Special Instruction, instead of outdoor suspension.  The center will provide tutorial and guidance services.  Parents may request this action as an alternative to outdoor suspension  but the final decision rests with the Principal.
                Outdoor Suspension   (Rule6Gx1335A1.06)
Suspension of up to 10 days may be issued to students for breach of the Code of Student Conduct.  THE PENALTY FOR FIGHTING IS OUTDOOR SUSPENSION   FOR ALL PARTIES INVOLVED.
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT, VIOLATIONS AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Each student will receive a copy of the Code of Student Conduct for Miami-Dade County Public Schools.  The Code defines distinct violations identified by principals, administrators, teachers, students and community members which are representative of those acts that frequently cause disruption of the orderly educational process.
It should be pointed out, however, that this list is not all-inclusive, and a student committing an act of misconduct not listed will be subject to the discretionary authority of the Principal. A major consideration in the application of the Code of Student Conduct is to identify the most appropriate disciplinary action for bringing about positive student behavior.  Student services personnel such as counselors, visiting teachers and psychologists play a vital role in assisting the student in resolving any problems influencing his/her behavior in a negative manner.
The Principal, teacher, or both, consistent with the powers delegated to them, have the authority to take additional administrative action if, in their opinion, the nature of the misconduct warrants it.
Parents should review the Code of Student Conduct with their child.  Students who have been on indoor or outdoor suspension may face exclusion from field trips and/or team activities.

The library is open from 8:15 am to 4:15 pm.  Passes are required for admission to the center.  The electronic security system is in full operation and will set off an alarm is books are taken out without having been checked out at the circulation desk.  Books may be checked out for a two-week period and may be renewed for another two weeks.  Magazines and reference materials may be checked out on an overnight basis to be returned the following school day before classes begin.
Overdue Books
Books are to be returned on or before the date stamped on the back cover.  Books returned after that date will accrue a fine of 5 cents per day.  The fine for late overnight reference materials is 50 cents per day.
Lost Books
Students are responsible for taking care of and returning any book checked out to them.  If a book is lost or damaged while checked out to a student, that student will be expected to pay for it.

The Dade County School Board furnishes free school bus transportation to students who live more than two miles from the school and/or whom a doctor has certified as handicapped.
Students qualifying for free transportation must follow these procedures:

 1.  Get a temporary school bus pass from the attendance clerk.
 2.  Get a bus pass from the bus driver after presenting the temporary bus pass.
 3.  Board and leave the bus at their assigned stop only.
  4.   Ride no bus other than the one to which student is  assigned.  Students are not authorized to ride any other bus for any reason.
 5.  In the event of a bus breakdown or late arrival, students are to wait at their regular stop until a relief bus arrives.  Missing the bus is not a reason for an excused absence.

Students should assist the bus driver by following these regulations: 
  1.  Line up single file, off roadway, while awaiting the bus.
  2.  Present the valid bus pass upon entering the bus.
  3.  Remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion.
  4.   Keep body parts inside the bus.
  5.   Do not save seats for other students.
  6.   Conduct oneself in an orderly fashion.  Talk in a quiet voice.
  7.   Obey the driver. Help keep the bus clean.
  8.   Sit in the seat assigned by the driver.
  9.   Do not eat, drink, or smoke on the bus.
  10.  Be on time (bus can not wait for late students).

THROWING AND SPITTING THINGS FROM BUS WINDOWS WILL RESULT IN SUSPENSION.
Riding the bus to school is a privilege, which should not be abused by the student.  The bus driver is responsible for the safety of all riders and will report any misconduct to the appropriate school administrator. Students may be temporarily or permanently suspended from the bus by the school Principal for conduct which violates the rules.

The office phones are intended to be used by school staff members for official school business only.  Students are allowed to use the telephone in case of an actual emergency.  Messages are a disruption of class time and will not be delivered except in an emergency. The pay phone is available for use before and after school only.

Appropriate behavior is expected of all students at all times including between classes, at assemblies and while at school related activities such as dances, field trips and athletic events.
Students are under direction of the school and must observe all school rules while on their way to school in the morning, while in school during the day, and on their way home after school (including while they are outside the boundaries of the school campus).
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
Use of profanity, abusive, vulgar language and/or gestures will not be tolerated.  Racial slurs or any degrading comments will not be tolerated.  Students may not engage in any act of sexual harassment of a physical or verbal nature.  Such acts will result in serious disciplinary action.

Enter the cafeteria quickly and quietly.  Go directly to the serving line or if you bring your lunch, go directly to a seat.  Do not stand around waiting for others to arrive, because this blocks the smooth flow of traffic.  Keep tables, seats and floors clean.  Pick up any dropped food and wipe up spilled drinks.  Do not take food from the cafeteria.
ALL STUDENTS ARE TO REPORT TO THE CAFETERIA DURING THEIR LUNCH TIME.  STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN CLASSROOMS OR ANY OTHER AREA OF THE SCHOOL CAMPUS FOR LUNCH.

All teachers will thoroughly  teach and discuss their classroom expectations and procedures.  Teachers will acknowledge proper behavior and provide logical consequences for behavioral infractions.
  1.  The teacher’s prime responsibility is to teach the entire class, and therefore, he/she does not have time to explain discipline decisions.
  2.  The teacher’s authority can not be challenged by students.  This also means that when the teacher is disciplining one student, other students are not to interfere by “defending” the disciplined student or by criticizing the teacher’s decision.
  3.  Students have the right to know why they are being punished, but they must wait until the teacher has time to meet with them to discuss the situation.
Students and/or parents have the right to schedule a conference to discuss the matter.

Students must make every effort to be in class on time.  Students will not be permitted to enter a classroom after the tardy bell rings, without a pass.  A student is tardy to class if he/she is not seated before the tardy bell begins to ring. Students who are tardy to class without a pass are subject to the following disciplinary actions.
First Tardy:                           Warning, no penalty.
Second Tardy:                      Conduct grade lowered one letter. Teacher will make verbal contact with parents.
Third Tardy:                          Conduct grade lowered one letter. Teacher will make verbal contact with parents.
Fourth Tardy:                Referral to a counselor, conduct grade lowered. Parents notified.
Fifth Tardy:                           Referral to Administration
                            1^st time (4 Tardies):   3 days SCSI,  parents notified
                                            2^nd time (8 Tardies):   5 days   SCSI, parents notified
                                            3^rd time (12 Tardies): 5 days  outdoor suspension, parents notified.

Appropriate dress is expected at all times. Administration discretion will determine acceptability. Students whose personal attire or grooming distracts the attention of other students and/or teachers from their school work, or creates a safety concern, shall be required to make necessary changes to such attire or grooming before entering the classroom, or be sent home by an administrator to be properly prepared for school. Students continually violate the dress code will be excluded from class for the day and may be subject to further disciplinary action.

                                         NOT ALLOWED

1.        Sandals without back strap, shoes with metal cleats, shoes with taps, flip flops, or shower shoes.
2.        Clothing with written messages, pictures or symbols that relate to drugs, smoking, alcohol, sex or profanity.
3.        Clothes with metal studs, ornaments or other objects which can scratch furniture or damage property or persons.
4.        Tube tops, see-trough blouses, bare backs, halter tops, bare midriffs, tank tops and spaghetti strap tops.
5.        Hats, bandannas, head bands or hair styles that distract the attention of other students from school work (except those for religious purposes).
6.        Biker shorts, boxer shorts and any short whose hem does not reach fingertip length.
7.        Pants or shorts worn below the waist allowing underwear to show.
8.     Dresses or skirts that are too tight or not at least fingertip lenght.
We cannot address every item.  All other types of clothing will be considered on an individual basis.  Administrative discretion will determine acceptability.
Students who violate the dress code will be excluded from class for the day and may be subject to further disciplinary action.

Home study is a necessary part of each student’s educational program.  Each student must be expected to spend some independent time, in addition to class instruction to achieve satisfactory grades.  Students should keep records of long and short-term assignments in this agenda book.
At Palmetto Middle School, we believe that homework should be a vital, necessary part of the student’s learning experience.  No homework should be given as punishment, or as pure “busy work.”  Since it should be a vital part of the teaching/learning experience, it is essential that the subject area teacher assign homework that is in keeping with the instructional objectives of the lesson being pursued.  As a result, teachers in the four major academic areas of language arts, social studies, science and mathematics are expected to give daily homework necessary for the student to accomplish the objective(s) of the lesson(s).
This homework policy should allow the individual classroom teacher the flexibility necessary in assigning work. At the same time it should enable each student to plan and budget his/her homework time wisely to allow for several free hours each day outside of school for the many events and activities that they wish to participate in.
Homework assignments should be definite and clear so that the student can be held responsible for a daily assignment as well as a long-range assignment
PARENTS SHOULD CHECK THIS AGENDA BOOK DAILY TO MONITOR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS. Parents should contact teachers or the counselor if the student repeatedly states that he/she has no homework.
STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
1.        Completing assigned homework as directed and in the spirit in which it is assigned.
2.        Returning homework assignments to the teacher by the designated time.
3.        Submitting homework assignments  that reflect careful attention to detail and quality of work.
4.        Returning homework assignments to the teacher by the designated time.
5.        Submitting homework assignments  that reflect careful attention to detail and quality of work.
PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
While it is understood that parents are not responsible for providing a great deal of assistance to the student in completing homework, there is still much that parents can do to promote good study habits.  Checking this Agenda Book for assignments will assist parents in monitoring the student’s homework.  Responsibilities include:
1.        Providing an environment conducive to study.
2.        Providing continued interest and concern for the child’s successful performance in school.
3.        Encouraging and supporting the child in his/her performance of homework assigned.
4.        Demonstrating an interest in assignments and assisting, if possible, when requested by the child.  This is not to include performing the work for the child.
5.        Supporting the school in regard to the student being assigned homework.  Requesting assignments for students when short-term absences are involved.
6.       Making sure student reads for a minimum of 30 minutes each night as per District Comprehensive Reading Plan.

By School Board directive, academic grades are to reflect the student’s academic progress.  The determination of the specific grade a student receives must be based on the teacher’s best judgment after careful consideration of all aspects of each student’s performance during a grading period.  Report cards are distributed at the end of each grading period.  Report cards contain academic grades as well as attendance data.
The 1997 Pupil Progression Plan for Miami-Dade County Public Schools uses the following grading scale, as mandated by the Florida Legislature:

Effort is noted as:
1            Outstanding
2            Satisfactory
3            Insufficient

Conduct is noted as:
A          Excellent
B          Good
C          Satisfactory
D          Improvement needed
F              Unsatisfactory

Palmetto Middle School has several programs for recognizing student achievement.  These include:
PRINCIPAL’S HONOR ROLL       all A’s in academics and conduct and
                                             all 1’s in effort.
                              Academic average=4.0

SUPERIOR HONOR ROLL          all A’s and B’s in both academics and                                              conduct and all 1’s or 2's in effort.
                                 Academic average=3.6

REGULAR HONOR ROLL            no grade below a B in academics, all 1’s
                                             and 2’s in effort, no grades below a B in
                                             conduct. Academic average=3.0

Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 are required to enroll in a total of 18 annual courses: 12 required courses and six elective courses.  Students are required to take and pass language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and two electives per year

Students must pass all courses each year with a minimum cumulative total of 10 points, 5 of which must be made within the second semester (referred to as the 5 point rule).