RYDER ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Parent & Student Handbook
2014-2015
Charter Schools USA’s Mission
CSUSA creates and operates high quality schools with:
• An unwavering dedication to student achievement
• An unyielding commitment to ethical and sound business practices
Providing a choice for communities, parents, students and professionals that fosters educational excellence in America.
Charter Schools USA’s Vision
We provide premier educational services, drive academic excellence in the Charter Schools Management Industry, build a powerful platform for profound educational reform in the United States and create sustainable long-term value for investors and stakeholders.
School Calendar
2014-2015
| |7 |
|Agenda Books | |
|Arrival and Dismissal |7 |
|Attendance |8 |
|Before and After Care |11 |
|Birthdays |12 |
|Bookbags |12 |
|Buses |13 |
|Cafeteria |13 |
|Cafeteria Behavior |13 |
|Care of School Property |14 |
|Cell Phone and Electronic Devices |14 |
|Character Education/Citizenship |16 |
|Child Abuse |16 |
|Communication |16 |
|Discipline |17 |
|Dismissal |19 |
|Dress Code |21 |
|Early Dismissal – SEE DISMISSAL | |
|Emergencies/Evacuation Drills |23 |
|Enrichments |23 |
|Equity Officer |23 |
|Family Rights |28 |
|Field Trips |28 |
|Grading Scale |29 |
|Hallway Expectations |29 |
|Home Learning/Homework |29 |
|Honor Roll |30 |
|Illness |31 |
|Injury |31 |
|Instructional Materials/Books |31 |
|Labels |32 |
|Lost and Found |32 |
|Medications |32 |
|Parental Rights |32 |
|PTC |33 |
|Parent Volunteers |33 |
|Pediculosus (Head Lice) |33 |
|Progress Monitoring Plans/Personal Learning Goals |34 |
|Pupil Progression Plan |34 |
|Report Cards |34 |
|Returned Checks |34 |
|SAC |34 |
|School Hours |34 |
|Screenings |34 |
|Severe Weather |35 |
|Smoke Free Campus |35 |
|Student Information System |35 |
|Student Rights |35 |
|Tardy Policy - SEE ATTENDANCE | |
|Teacher Conferences |35 |
|Teacher and Employee Rights |35 |
|Telephone |35 |
|Visitors |36 |
|Zero Tolerance |36 |
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|JULY | |AUGUST | |SEPTEMBER |
|M |T |W |R |F |
|M |T |W |R |F |
|M |T |W |R |F |
|M |T |W |
|End of Grading Period |Schools Closed | |
|First & Last Day of School |Schools/Admin Offices Closed | |
Agenda Books
Each student will be required to purchase an agenda book from the school. The agenda book will be used on a daily basis by teachers for communication to parents. K-8 Teachers will be required to check the agenda on a daily basis. Middle school students will use the agenda as hall pass. All students will use the book to log in their home learning assignments. The agenda book may be purchased at the open house at the beginning of the school year or from the school’s office. The agenda book must be signed each night by a parent to ensure that all communication has been seen. If a student misplaces an agenda book, he/she will be required to purchase another one from the Main Office in the morning. No other agenda books will be accepted, as the school has ordered books with specific items.
Arrival/Dismissal
For the safety and security of all our students, parents must adhere to the following arrival and dismissal plan:
Arrival Procedures:
Arrival for ALL grades K-6 – Begins at 7:20 a.m.
• Students may not be dropped off before 7:20.
• Parents must use the designated car line for drop off.
• Students may not be dropped off at the front of the school or randomly on/off school grounds if the student is not a designated walker. If your student is found walking up to school without proper walker authorization, a parent conference will be held with the principal.
• There is no supervision before 7:20 for students who are not enrolled in the Before School Care Program. If students are dropped off prior to 7:20, they will be placed in Before School Care and the parent will be assessed a daily rate of $15.00.
Directions:
Parents may enter the school at the 103 St. center entrance or the Rockola Rd. entrance.
Rockola Road entrance:
• Parents will take immediate right and follow the outer perimeter of the parking lot to merge into the single file car line.
103rd St. center entrance:
• Parents will take immediate right into the single file car line.
• All arrival and drop offs will take place in a single file lane in the back of the school – extending the entire length of the covered walkway/ safety poles.
• All cars will exit to the left onto Rockola Rd. Parents should not attempt to make a left hand turn onto 103rd St. All cars are asked to make a right hand turn onto 103rd St. and make a legal U-turn at the next available median if needed. This will prevent the car line from backing up.
Dismissal Procedures
K & 1 – Dismissal will begin at 2:45 p.m
K & 1 without siblings (red tags only):
• K & 1 students without siblings will be brought to the front of the school for dismissal.
• Parents will enter the Rockola Rd entrance and take immediate right. Follow the outer perimeter of the parking lot in a single file line and load on the sidewalk.
• Parents will exit left onto Rockola Rd. Parents should not attempt to make a left hand turn onto 103rd St. All cars are asked to make a right hand turn onto 103rd St. and make a legal U-turn at the next available median if needed to prevent the car line from backing up.
K & 1 with siblings in grades 2-6 (white tag):
• K & 1 students with siblings in grades 2 – 7 will remain in the classroom to watch for his/her car tag number to be called on the board.
• Parents will enter the 103rd St. center entrance and take immediate right into Lane 3 or Lane 4. All family cars with white tags will be in Lane 3 and Lane 4 only. Do not use Lane 1 or Lane 2.
Grades 2 – 6 – Dismissal will begin at 3:00
Grades 2 – 6 without siblings (green tag):
• Grades 2 – 7 students without siblings will load in Lane 1 and Lane 2 only. Lane 1 and Lane 2 are for green tags only.
• Parents will enter the 103rd St. center entrance and take immediate right into Lane 1 or Lane 2. All single rider cars with green tags will be in Lane 1. Do not use Lane 3 or Lane 4.
Grades 2 – 6 with siblings (white tag):
• Grades 2 – 6 students with siblings will load in Lane 3 and Lane 4 only. Lane 3 and Lane 4 are for white car tags only, indicating family cars.
• Parents will enter the 103rd St. center entrance and take immediate right into Lane 3 or Lane 4. All family cars with white tags will be in Lane 3 or Lane 4. Do not use Lane 1 or Lane 2.
Walkers:
Arrival:
• Students walking by themselves or with adults, must enter through the main entrance at the front of the school and sign in.
Dismissal:
• Students walking by themselves or with adults, must sign out with the walking designated personnel.
• Walkers must have a completed form on file. No student will be allowed to walk without this form. No student will be permitted to walk home unless a designated Walker form is completed. K and 1st grade students with older siblings will not be permitted to walk home unless a Walker form is complete. Under no circumstances will a Kindergarten or 1st grade student be permitted to walk home alone.
• Parents who choose to walk to school to pick up their student must complete a Walker form as well. These students will be dismissed at the front of the school with the K-1 students.
Rainy Day Procedures:
All procedures will remain the same.
Day Care pick up:
Day Care vans will enter the 103rd St. center entrance and go directly forward to pick up at the front of the school after 3:00 p.m.
Day Care vans may also enter the Rockola Rd. side entrance and make an immediate right, following the outer parking lot perimeter and pick up at the front of the school after 3:00 p.m.
Car Tag:
The car tag needs to be displayed in your front window with the number facing out. Please be sure your student knows his/her number. Students are not permitted to walk or ride through the parking lot. Do not leave your car unattended in the car loop lane during pick-up and dismissal. Please refrain from conferences with your child’s teacher during these times. Parents must not use their cell phones while driving in the parking lot and music must be turned off. Adhere to the 10 m.p.h. speed limit and always watch for children before pulling away.
You will be issued two car tags at the beginning of the year. Additional car tags may be purchased for two dollars.
Attendance Policy
I. General Provisions
A. School attendance shall be the direct responsibility of parents/guardians and students. All students are expected to attend school regularly, receive total instructional time, and to be on time for classes to benefit from the instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline, and responsibility.
B. Open communication between parents/guardians and schools is an integral component of the educational process. Schools and parents/guardians shall work together to encourage students to attend school regularly. Regular attendance in each forty-five (45) day grading period is necessary for a student to be successful in school. Missed work shall be made up for all absences, including suspension. Make-up work shall be allowed for each day of absence. The make-up work must be made-up within a specific time period equaling one-day make-up per one-day absence, counting from the first day the student returns to school. Each student shall receive full credit for such work. Extenuating circumstances must be approved by the principal.
C. Schools shall track excused and unexcused absences and contact the home in case of unexcused absences or absences for which the reason is unknown.
D. If a student has at least five unexcused absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, within a calendar month or 10 unexcused absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, within a 90-calendar day period, the student’s primary teacher shall report the student’s attendance to the principal. The principal shall, unless there is clear evidence that the absences are not a pattern of non-attendance, refer the case to the school level Attendance Intervention Team (AIT). The AIT will schedule a meeting with the parents or legal guardian and a representative of the district attendance office. If appropriate, a contract will be developed and signed by the participating parties. If the contract is violated, the case may be referred to the State Attorney’s office.
II. Definition
For the purpose of meeting the state requirement of recording attendance in an attendance register, students shall be counted in attendance if they are actually present at school for any part of the instructional day or are away from school on a school day and are engaged in an educational activity which constitutes a part of the school-approved instructional program for students.
III. Student Absences and Excuses
A. Students returning from an absence shall be required to present a written explanatory excuse from their parent(s) or legal guardian, stating the cause for the absence. The following causes are acceptable excuses for being absent:
(a) Illness or injury of the student;
(b) Serious illness or death in the student's family;
(c) Inclement weather;
(d) Official religious holiday of a religious sect or for religious instruction (See below);
(e) Insurmountable conditions as determined by the school principal or other designated district or school personnel.
B. Students participating in educational activities which constitute a part of the school-approved instructional program shall be deemed in attendance.
C. A student shall be excused from attendance on a particular day or days, or for part of a day, and shall be excused from any examination, study, or work assignment for observation of a religious holiday or because the tenets of his or her religion forbid secular activity at such time. Teachers shall give each student the opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work assignment which has been missed for religious purposes and the student shall receive full credit for such work. The make-up work must be made-up within a specific time period equaling one-day makeup per one-day absence, counting from the first day the student returns to school. Extenuating circumstances must be approved by the principal
D. Absenteeism Due to Head Lice/Nits
a. Students will be provided up to 3 days of excused absences for each newly identified case of head lice or nits. (A newly identified case is established after a student has been readmitted and there is a reoccurrence of the head lice or nits).
b. Students will be provided an opportunity to make up all work missed during the excused absentee period. The make-up work must be made-up within a specific time period equaling one-day make-up per one-day absence, counting from the first day the student returns to school. Extenuating circumstances must be approved by the principal.
c. After the third recurring case of head lice during the year, a referral to the School Nursing Services is to be completed for assistance.
E. Re-admittance of Students Due to Head Lice/Nits
a. Students sent home for treatment of head lice will be readmitted through the school office only when they are personally accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult.
b. Trained staff will carefully examine the hair and scalp of returning students and conduct a follow-up head check within 7-10 days of the first treatment. If head lice or nits are present, the student shall not be admitted. Nit removal after treatment is required. If a student returns to school with lice and/or nits, the parent, guardian, or other responsible adult should be given the “Refusal to Admit Student Due to Head Lice” notice.
IV. Tardy Policy
A. Tardiness is defined as the physical absence of a student in the classroom at the beginning of a regularly scheduled session at which he or she is scheduled to be present. A student’s tardiness shall be excused when the reason given for tardiness is acceptable to the principal or designee. Examples of acceptable reasons for tardiness are the same as the examples of acceptable reasons for excused absences.
B. A student has the responsibility to be in class on time. A student failing to make an effort to attend class in a timely manner shall be considered truant and subject to disciplinary action. A student’s excessive unexcused tardiness shall be considered willful disobedience, and the student shall be subject to disciplinary action.
V. Grades (K-8)
A. Notwithstanding Section I. C above, during each grading period, the principal or designee shall notify parents/guardians by phone or in writing on or before the third absence of the student from school. Within each grading period, parents/guardians shall be notified in writing upon the fifth absence of the student to request their cooperation in preventing further absences. Principals may authorize a waiver of notification if school personnel have determined the student has contracted an illness, such as a communicable childhood disease, resulting in an extensive number of absences.
B. Students who are absent shall be responsible for making up missed work for each absence. Students shall receive appropriate grades for the make-up work. The make-up work must be made-up within a specific time period equaling one-day make-up per one-day absence, counting from the first day the student returns to school. Extenuating circumstances must be approved by the principal.
C. Nonattendance for instructional activities is established by an accumulation of tardiness, early checkouts and absences for all or any part of the school day. For learning activities to be fully effective, it is reasonable to require that each student arrive to class on time and remain for the entire school day. A student who is tardy to class or who is checked out not only places his or her learning in jeopardy but also interrupts the learning of other students.
1. Tardiness is defined as the physical absence of a student in the classroom at the beginning of a regularly scheduled session at which he or she is scheduled to be present when the school tardy bell rings.
A child is tardy when he/she is not in the classroom at 8:00. A student that enters a classroom with a late pass is considered tardy. A student that enters the building before 8:00 but reports to the classroom after 8:00 without a pass will be marked tardy by the classroom teacher and will be logged by the school office personnel.
2. Early checkout is defined as a parent or guardian signing out a child before the end of the school day.
3. A parent/guardian shall notify the school as to the reason for the tardiness or early checkout. Justifiable reasons shall be determined by the principal.
A student will be considered as excused only if a parent/guardian personally escorts their child to the front desk and has a viable reason. The reasons for excused tardies are as follows:
1. doctor’s appointments with notes from the doctor/orthodontist or
2. extreme emergencies approved by administration.
Excused tardies will not count toward the student’s tardy record.
4. Schools shall establish procedures for early checkouts that ensure students are treated consistently. A student should not be released within the final thirty minutes of the school day unless the principal/designee determines it is an emergency or an excused event.
5. The School will provide written notice to parents/guardians after three tardies or three early checkouts within thirty days. Additional tardies or early checkouts will result in the following interventions:
a. A mandatory parent/guardian conference with the guidance counselor.
b. A mandatory conference with the principal.
c. Penalties such as detention beyond the regular school schedule or appropriate counseling programs for students and parents/guardians may be administered at the school principal’s or designee’s discretion.
6. Students will not be recognized by the school for perfect attendance when they have three or more unexcused tardies or three or more unexcused early checkouts.
7. The accumulation of unexcused tardies or six early checkouts in any forty-five day grading period will result in the student and their parents/guardians being referred for the following interventions:
a. Conference with the Principal or designated staff.
b. Referral to the Attendance Intervention Team
c. At the principal’s discretion, assignment to Saturday School.
8. For the purposes of this policy, tardiness and early checkout without an acceptable excuse are seen as violation of 1003.21, F.S. (compulsory attendance).
Planned Extended Absences:
Parents are urged to plan family trips during school vacations so as not to interfere with the learning process. Missing school for a family vacation is strongly discouraged. However, if an extended student absence is unavoidable, the school must be notified in writing at least one week before the first day a student is out. Makeup work will be given to students either before or after the absence based on what the teacher deems as most beneficial for the student.
Before and After School Care:
Before care is a service the school provides for all parents for an additional monthly fee. Please see our website for program policies & monthly payments due date. Students who will be attending the Before School Care (BSC) program are expected to report directly to the Cafeteria upon arrival and parents must sign in their child on a daily basis. Students in BSC will have time to review the previous day’s assignment. Breakfast will be available from 7:30 -8:00 only for an additional fee (please see payment schedule on the school web page).
No students will be permitted to enter the building prior to 7:20 unless participating in Before School Care.
After School Care (ASC) is a service the school provides for parents for an additional monthly fee. The ASC program begins immediately after school and ends at 6:00 p.m. Students are provided a snack and a drink. During an hour of ASC time, students are to work on their home learning and read a book. After home learning time is over, students have time for recess, games, and a variety of structured activities. Please see our website for payment procedures and policies.
Students may not be picked up from ASC during dismissal time (3:00-3:30).
ASC Students will not be dismissed until after 3:30.
Parents needing care on Early Dismissal Days from 1:30 – 6:00 p.m. may pay the drop in rate. A registration form must be completed and on file if this service is to be used as well as payment made before the Early Dismissal day. Students without payment made in advance will be charged the full $30.00 per the late pickup policy.
Early Dismissal
Any student leaving school prior to dismissal will have an early dismissal logged to his/her record.
Excused early dismissals are given for doctor’s appointments with notes from the doctor. To receive an excused early dismissal, a doctor’s note must be brought to school the next day. No doctor’s notes will be accepted late.
If you need to take your child out of school before the end of the school day, come to the school office and sign him/her out and a school employee will send for your child.
Students will not be dismissed from the classroom to a parent. Parents need to sign their child out on the sign-out log and wait for their child to come to the main office.
No early dismissals will be permitted after 2:30 p.m.
1. If excessive early dismissals continue throughout the year, the State Attorney’s Office will be notified per Duval County School Board Policy and state law.
2. Their children must be in school every day by state law.
3. When early dismissals become a concern (5 or more), the teacher will double check for medical excuses turned in and recorded.
4. The teacher will contact the parent regarding excessive early dismissals (5 or more) via phone conference, email, teacher/parent conference or letter.
5. If early dismissals continue (10 or more), a formal referral for attendance will be made to administration with supporting documentation of parent contact and non-medical absences stapled to the referral.
6. If early dismissals (15 or more) continue to exceed specified days then the case will be referred to the school’s assigned Social Worker.
If early dismissals continue after referral (15 or more) and visit by social worker, case will be referred to the State Attorney’s Office per Duval County School Board Policy.
Birthday Celebrations
Students are welcome to celebrate their birthday at school in Kindergarten through 5th grade. All lunch celebrations will be handed out during lunch as food/drinks are not permitted in the classrooms. Individual snacks (cupcakes, cookies, etc.) and a juice box (no open cups/drinks) may be brought to school to share with your child’s homeroom. Arrangements must be made one week in advance with the classroom teacher. Please verify with the teacher any food allergies, etc. No party bags, balloons, decorations, etc. are permitted. Siblings may not attend this celebration, as it would be disruptive to another class.
Book Bags/Folders/Personal Items
Book bags, backpacks, folders, or any other personal items must not display patches, entertainment insignias, drawings, obscene words, gang signs, or any other item that would be deemed inappropriate, offensive, or reflect negatively on CSUSA. Failure to comply will constitute a uniform violation and be subject to detention and parental notification.
No wheeled bookbags are allowed. Bookbags do not have to have the school logo, but it is available to be added for a small fee at the uniform location. Please be sure names are on all items.
Any and all personal items brought to DCSW are subject to search and seizure with reasonable suspicion per the Duval County Code of Conduct. Any items found to violate the Code of Conduct will be handled accordingly.
Bus Transportation
No Bus Transportation is provided at this time. Parents are responsible for transportation per the parent contract.
Cafeteria
Preferred Meals Systems, Inc. provides all breakfast and lunches for Duval Charter School at Westside. A standard menu will be used and the monthly menu can be picked up or viewed on-line. Breakfast and lunch will be served in the cafeteria/multi-purpose room. Students who bring lunch from home are able to purchase milk. NO LUNCH CHARGES can be made since public funds do not allow schools to extend credit.
Students are not allowed to bring sodas, large bags of chips and candy or Monster drinks to school. Since we are trying to promote healthy eating habits, we request that fast food not be brought to school when a child forgets his/her lunch. In addition, we discourage sugary foods, chips, candy, cookies, gum, and foods heavy in red dye. These foods can lead to hyperactivity and interfere with the learning process.
Cafeteria Behavior
Each student is required to show good manners, courtesy and consideration of other students and adults in the cafeteria. Students are to enter and exit the cafeteria in an orderly fashion. Students are to stand in a single file line while waiting for food, to keep communication noise levels low, and to stay seated unless raising their hands and given permission. Containers are provided for the disposal of trash and each student is required to dispose of the trash from the top of his/her table and the area surrounding it before the lunch period is over (or immediately upon the request of the monitors). No student is allowed to leave the cafeteria during the lunch period without a written pass to some other area of the school.
A student is not allowed to leave the school grounds during the lunch period. NO FOOD OR BEVERAGE IS TO BE TAKEN OUT OF THE DESIGNATED DINING AREA AT ANYTIME. The cafeteria rules are posted and all students are expected to follow them at all times. Food or objects are not allowed to be thrown or popped at any time while in the cafeteria as this poses a safety concern; such acts will result in a suspension from school.
Payment:
Lunch:
Full Pay: $2.85
Reduced Lunch: $0.40
Breakfast:
Full Pay: $1.50
Reduced Breakfast: $0.30
Prices subject to change from year to year
Payments may be made in cash or check (payable to Duval Charter School at Westside) Please note: there is a $30.00 fee for returned checks and you may be required to pay in cash or money order for the remainder of the school year. Days missed due to absences or fieldtrips are NOT credited. A special fieldtrip lunch will be provided. Milk can be purchased for .50 cents everyday.
Free/Reduced Price Lunches
Parents must apply for this benefit yearly. Benefits do not roll over from one year to the next. Parents are responsible for providing lunch for their children until the application is approved.
Free and reduced lunch applications are available in the office. Students qualifying for free or reduced meals will receive free milk at breakfast and lunch and at milk break. Applications for Free or Reduced Priced meals are available online at and also in the school office and cafeteria. Feel free to contact the Food Service Department (via phone: 904-732-5145) if you have any questions. Applications should be completed and returned by Friday, August 30th for students starting school at the beginning of the school year.
Students who enroll after the school year has begun must return their free/reduced lunch applications with their registration packets. A random selection of applicants will be asked for additional information regarding verification of income. Notification pertaining to qualification for free/reduced lunch will be sent promptly.
Eating with your Child:
At this time, due to lack of cafeteria table space, parents will not be permitted to eat lunch with their child.
Care of School Property
Students are expected to respect the school buildings and property. Containers are provided throughout the buildings and grounds for proper disposal of waste. Marking or defacing school property (with pens, markers, stickers, etc.) is a serious offense leading to suspension and possible expulsion. Any student who damages/vandalizes any school property will be required to make full restitution for damages.
Chewing gum in the school building is forbidden. All food must be consumed in the cafeteria or area designated by the administration. Students are not permitted to play in the bathrooms. Any student who disregards this rule will receive Disciplinary Action.
This is imperative as we are a NEW SCHOOL and we want to remain looking like a NEW SCHOOL!!
Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policy/Cameras
Possession of a wireless communication device is not a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. However, it is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct when the possession of a wireless communication device disrupts the educational process. This includes the unauthorized use of a wireless communication device during school hours and/or the unauthorized use on school buses in the absence of an emergency concerning safety-to-life issues (defined as a bus accident, mechanical breakdown which delays the normal route, and/or thirty (30) minutes or more in a route delay).
NOTE: If students possess a wireless communication device, it must be turned off and kept out-of-sight inside a pocket, book bag, purse, or similar container, and it may not be used or allowed to emit any light, ringtone or other noise.
The use of electronic devices and cameras by a student when school is in session is not allowed. Handheld games, cell phone cameras, headphones, Kindles, and the like should not be brought to school. Students who bring handheld games and headphones to school will have them confiscated, unless authorized by administration. If these items are brought to school and then lost or stolen, the school is not responsible for the loss or the search for missing items.
First Offense: The cell phone/electronic device will be returned to the parent/guardian of the student after signing the cellular telephone policy form.
Second Offense: The cell phone/electronic device will be returned to the parent/guardian of the student after signing the cellular telephone policy form and student receives a detention.
Third Offense: The cell phone/electronic device will be taken and returned after the student has served one Saturday School Detention
Further disciplinary actions will be taken for repeated infractions. Failure to surrender items will result in additional disciplinary consequences.
During FCAT and other testing which is determined by the principal or his/her designee, students may not have any electronic or recording devices, these include but are not limited to, smart phones, personal computers, cell phones, or electronic games, in their pockets, at their desk or anywhere they can reach them, before, during, or after the testing session. Possession of any electronic device that reproduces, transmits, records, or calculates
(except for the FCAT calculator), will result in the student’s test being invalidated.
Character/Citizenship
DCSW will be implementing the Responsive Classroom as part of our character education program.
Students are expected to demonstrate superior character and citizenship. We encourage students to always do the right thing and seek the assistance of staff members when a troublesome situation arises. Follow our DCSW Guidelines for Success:
D – Do what is right. C – Care about others. S – Show Self-Control. W – Work hard.
Child Abuse
State law requires that teachers, administrators and other school personnel must report suspected cases of abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the DCF Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
Reporting Procedures
The staff member will determine if the abuse is physical, emotional, sexual or neglect per the
indicator guide (Child Abuse and Neglect Form 4002B).
1. The report will be made by the person who has the most first hand knowledge of the situation. After the call is made to the HOTLINE, the child abuse designee must be notified.
2. A verbal report to the statewide toll-free hotline must be made. In making this report, the Child Abuse and Neglect Form (4002B) will be used as a guide.
3. Parents are NOT notified by the school when DCF is called. Notification will be received by DCF as they deem appropriate.
Communication
Communication is absolutely essential for success in any human endeavor. The administration and staff recognize this and will strive to facilitate open and frequent communications with parents at all times.
Agenda/Notes/Friday Folder
Teachers will communicate with parents on behavior and academics daily through the agenda. However, please make sure that you check your child’s backpack daily for informal notes from the teacher or from our staff in their folder. Work will be sent home in a folder on Fridays. The parent/guardian will be asked to sign and return the folder by the following Monday.
Surveys
A midyear and end of the Year Survey will be conducted and parent/student participation is crucial so that the school can determine areas that are working well and areas that need improvement.
Progress Reports/Report Cards
Progress Reports will be sent home once during the middle of each grading period. Students will receive a Report Card to be brought home to be signed at the end of each marking period. The 4th nine weeks report card will be mailed.
Power Schools
Parents will receive information regarding our student information system as well as login and password information as soon as it is available. A link to the student information system will be provided on our website at . Pertinent information about school functions and events will appear on this page.
Conferences
Please feel free to consult with the office regarding any problems or questions that concern your child. It is the desire of the administrators and the faculty to be of service to both parents and student, and every teacher welcomes a conference with any parent. We do urge, however, that such visits be made by making an appointment with the teacher at a convenient before or after-school hour. Parents are asked not to meet with a teacher before or after class or during arrival/dismissal unless a conference has been scheduled. Impromptu conferences with teachers at the classroom door before or after school are not permitted. This distracts the teacher from supervision of the students during a crucial time of movement.
Parent Link Phone System
ParentLink will generate automated phone calls regarding important information. Please be sure to keep your phone numbers current.
Parent Newsletter
Our Word from the Westside newsletter will be sent home quarterly with upcoming events and information.
Discipline Procedure
Discipline is the process of changing a student's behavior from inappropriate to exemplary. We are never satisfied with merely stopping poor behaviors; we desire to teach the student to do what is right. We do not discipline a student out of anger or for the sake of convenience, but with a loving desire to help the student to do what is right. Though few students desire discipline (with consequences), they often need it in order to reach their full potential. Parents who support the school from the start with discipline issues prevent students from creating unproductive habits such as excuses for poor or disrespectful behavior. Parents who set guidelines, enforce boundaries and consequences, and make corrective actions produce well-behaved students.
All students and their parents must read The District School Board Code of Student Conduct and can be viewed online at . While DCSW follows the Duval County Code of Conduct, we also establish rules and procedures not covered in the Code of Conduct to create the best possible learning environment for your student.
Each teacher will establish appropriate rules, procedures, and consequences for discipline in his/her classroom based on these guidelines:
1. Respect of authority
2. Respect of school property
3. Respect of others
4. Safety and order
5. Inappropriate language, pictures, slogans, etc.
DCSW Student School Rules include (additional rules to be added at a later date):
1. No toys. Any item deemed for entertainment or play, such as, but limited to I-pods, skateboards, toys, cards, hand-held electronic games, etc., is not appropriate at school and should be left at home. Parents are advised to check backpacks before students come to school.
2. No GUM at any time.
3. No aggressive behavior. Students that fight, push, spit, hit, bite, kick, punch, pinch, harass, bully or use the internet in a negative way will be suspended. Parents may also be required to pick up the student immediately.
Levels of Disciplinary Action:
There are four (4) levels of disciplinary action and the levels are determined by the seriousness of the act:
1. Minor Class I
2. Intermediate Class II
3. Major Class III
4. Zero Tolerance Class IV
Each classification is followed by a disciplinary procedure that is to be implemented by the principal/designee. It is understood that when a violation of the Code of Student Conduct occurs, the student’s explanation shall be heard by the principal/designee before determining the classification of the violation. The principal or designee will review each case, including all documentation provided by staff and other witnesses, individually before assigning consequences. Florida Statutes 1003.31, 1003.32, 1006.07, and 1006.09 describes responsibilities of the school principal or other designated staff.
Classroom teachers will address general classroom disruptions by taking appropriate in-class disciplinary actions. These include, but are not limited to, personal calls to parents, parent/teacher conferences, referral to a guidance counselor, etc. If such measures do not desist the disruption, a disciplinary referral is appropriate.
Level I Actions- In order to resolve Level I discipline problems, the following options are available not in hierarchical order:
• Conference with teacher
• Parent Contact
• Conference with teacher and parent(s)
• Conference with Principal or designee
• Conference with counselor
• Behavioral Contract/Home Referral
• Detention (lunch)
Level II Actions- In order to resolve a Level II offense, more formal disciplinary actions shall be used. Formal actions include, but are not limited to:
• Detention (after school administrative)
• Detention (after school teacher)
• Time Out
• In class suspension
• Restitution/Cleaning detail
• Conference with Principal or designee
• Saturday School
• Parent/Student Behavior Workshop
• Out of school suspension if repeated offense
Level III Actions- In order to resolve Level III offenses, the options available are:
• Out of school suspension
• Participation in recommended counseling classes
• Dismissal from school
• Administrative review and reassignment
Level IV Action – Mandatory Out of School Suspension and Expulsion maybe recommended.
Time Outs
Time out is a disciplinary action that allows the students time to reflect and refocus. The child is given time to sit quietly, to calm down and to refocus on the expected behaviors before returning to group instruction. It can be given in the classroom, in the office or in another classroom. Middle school students may be assigned a consequence that is more age-appropriate. If a students behavior does not change, they will be assigned an after school detention.
After School Detention
An administrator or teacher will complete the After School Detention form, which includes the date/time/location of the detention, description of why the detention was given, and what attempts were made to contact parent/guardian. If a student misbehaves or is late to After School Detention, they will be assigned one day of Saturday Detention.
Detention Policy:
Kindergarten – 2nd Grade: 30 minutes (3:00 – 3:30)
3rd Grade - 8th Grade: 1 hour (3:00 – 4:00)
3rd Grade – 8th Grade: Saturday School (8:00-11:00 a.m.)
Restitution
Restitution or cleaning detail would be assigned to students whose behavior is considered destructive in nature and would improve by being involved to make the school a better place.
Saturday School
Saturday School will be assigned to those students whose behavior is consistently inappropriate. Those students who are assigned detention on Saturday must attend or they will be suspended. Saturday Detention will be from 8:00 am-11:00 am. Students must come to Saturday School in their school uniform and must complete homework/seatwork. Students may also be assigned restitution/cleaning details during the period at Saturday School. There is zero tolerance for misbehavior. If a student misses Saturday School, unless a doctor’s note is provided or family emergency, they will be suspended for one day.
Suspension
Suspension is a disciplinary sanction that temporarily removes a student from a class, or all classes for a prescribed period of time not to exceed ten (10) school days. The Principal or the Principal’s designee shall make every effort to employ parental assistance with alternative consequences for misconduct prior to suspending a student except in emergencies, disruptive conditions, or incidents involving serious misconduct. Mutual fighting of any sort will result in suspension.
Expulsion – see Zero Tolerance Offenses
Dismissal
Please avoid calling the front office during dismissal (2:45 p.m. thru 3:30 p.m.) as all personnel are supervising dismissal at this time. Students must leave the school grounds immediately after dismissal, unless enrolled in the After School Care Program or Enrichment Programs. Parents must wait in their cars for their children. Parents may not wait inside or outside the school. Students will not be dismissed after 2:30 p.m. Also, After- School Care Students will not be dismissed during regular dismissal. After School Care students may be picked up after 3:30 p.m.
Emergency Contact Information (Yellow Card)
Only individuals listed on the EMERGENCY CONTACT CARD will be allowed to pick-up students from the school. Please update information whenever changes occur. A valid photo identification will be required of all individuals’ picking-up students. If someone arrives at the school to seek the release of a student and the person's name is not on the emergency contact card or the person does not have valid photo identification; the student will not be released.
Custodial Rights
To avoid having the school become involved in personal family conflicts, parents or guardians should submit to school authorities a copy of any legal documents, which indicate who has legal access to the child and his/her records during school hours. In the absence of legal documentation, school officials will provide access only to those individuals whose names appear on the student's data card. However, failure to provide the school legal documentation outlining visitation rights will result in any parent listed on the birth certificate to be permitted to pick-up a child even if they are not listed on the emergency pick up card. Grandparents, caretakers, friends and strangers will be denied access to a student in the absence of verified parental consent.
Late Pick Up
Students not picked up on time will be placed in the After Care Program as of 3:30 and be charged according to the Late Fee Schedule below:
Late Fee Schedule (please see our BAC handbook for late fees)
*Any child picked up after 6:00 pm will be charged the late fee plus an additional $1.00 per minute.
Changes to Dismissal
If you need to make changes to your child’s dismissal plan, please fax the following:
• Full name of Student, Grade, Teacher
• Directions for dismissal – i.e. Johnny Smith will ride home with Bobby Jones
• Date
• Copy of your Florida Driver’s License and signature
Request must be faxed to the school no later than 2:00 p.m.
Under no circumstances will phone call requests will be accepted as identification cannot be verified. This is for your student’s protection.
Car Line
Parents picking up students for dismissal may not form a line in the driveway until 2:30 p.m. so that the "Fire Lane" is free from obstruction and the area can be utilized for Physical Education activities. Arriving early tends to increase wait time in the parent car loop. Parent pick-up in the car loop is continuously available until 3:30 p.m. and may be more efficient if your arrival is planned at any time within this window (3:00-3:30 p.m.). All parents must remain inside your cars during dismissal. Teachers will bring the students to the designated area for pick- up. Please follow our procedures for dismissal to ensure the safety of students and to demonstrate positive citizenship in our school’s neighborhood.
Dress Code
A higher standard of dress encourages greater respect for individuals, students and others, and results in a higher standard of behavior. Our dress code guidelines indicate appropriate school dress during normal school days for every student. Duval Charter School at Westside reserves the right to interpret these guidelines and/or make changes during the school year. Students are expected to follow these guidelines.
Students in grades K-5
DCSW Red polo, short or long sleeved
CSUSA Khaki or Navy bottoms (shorts, slacks, skorts)
Belt
White Socks
Closed toe and no heel shoes
Students in grades 6-8
DCSW Navy Blue or White polo, short or long sleeved
CSUSA Khaki or Navy bottoms (shorts, slacks, skorts)
Belt
White Socks
Closed toe and no heel shoes
DCSW Grey PE T-Shirt (required if taking PE)
DCSW Navy PE shorts (required if taking PE)
All students in grades K-8
In class, the only outerwear that students may wear over their uniform is the DCSW Navy uniform sweater, sweatshirt, or windbreaker. No hoodies are allowed.
All uniforms must be purchased from the approved vendor (no other shirt or pant bottom will be permitted):
RC Uniforms 904-646-0493
11160 Beach Blvd. Suite 126
Jacksonville, FL 32246
Hair:
Hair must be neat and clean with no "unnatural" colors i.e. fluorescent, bright green, mohawks, spikes, head symbol shavings, etc. Natural/blonde highlights are allowed. Hair that is distracting to the educational setting will not be allowed. No hats, camouflage, headbands, scarves, or bandanas may be worn. Beads and barrettes are acceptable as long as they do not distract from the educational setting or pose a safety issue. Final determination will be made by the administration.
Shoes:
Students must wear closed shoes at all times – either a flat dress shoe/loafer or sneaker may be worn. Color should be appropriate to match uniform. No heavy military type boots or shoes with metal tips may be worn. No stacked or pumped shoes, No “Heelys” (wheeled sneakers), bedroom/other slippers, pointed/cowboy boots, flip-flop, or sandal may be worn. All shoes must have a closed toe and back. Students should avoid wearing black sole shoes as they do scuff the classroom and dining room floors.
Socks:
Socks must be worn daily. Fishnet stockings or other inappropriate leg wear is not acceptable. Girls may wear solid, white only stockings under their skorts during cooler months. No patterned stockings allowed.
Shirts:
All shirts must be tucked in and purchased from All Uniform Wear with the school’s logo. These shirts must be worn every day to school (with the exception of Dress-Down Days). Undergarments should be white or natural colored only. No colored undergarments will be permitted.
Pants:
Pants must be worn at the waist level and should not fall below that level. If necessary, the students should wear a belt to keep his pants at that level.
Jewelry:
Boys and girls may not wear body piercing other than earrings in the ear lobe. One earring per ear may be worn. Either a stud or a tiny hoop earring can be worn for safety purposes. Limited jewelry can be worn such as a watch, small bracelet, and thin necklace/chain. Necklace/chain should be worn inside of school uniform, NOT on top for safety purposes. Bracelets need to be limited to one per wrist to eliminate unnecessary noise and distractions.
General:
At no time are students to wear anything offensive, immodest or deemed inappropriate by the faculty. ALL CLOTHING SHOULD BE LABELED WITH THE STUDENTS NAME. Parents of students in Kindergarten are encouraged to leave a Ziploc bag labeled with the child’s name with a spare change of clothes in the classroom throughout the year for emergencies.
Absolutely no jeans will be allowed on any day (no matter the temperature) unless the student chooses to participate with Dress-Down Friday and pay the $1 fee.
Uniform procedures while waiting for your order
In the event that your child has to start school without the required uniform, please staple a copy of your uniform order receipt to the inside of your child’s agenda book. By doing this we
understand that your child’s uniform has been ordered and is on the way very shortly. While
waiting for the order, students must wear a Red polo shirt in elementary grades or a Navy polo
shirt in the middle school grades along with Khaki shorts/slacks/skort. No capris or skirts are allowed.
Disciplinary Actions for Dress Code Violations:
Uniform Violations
Level I – Verbal warning and note in agenda.
Level II – School sends home a uniform violation stamp/note and phone call made.
Level III – Student will call parent from office to obtain correct uniform. Student will wait in the office for parent to bring correct uniform. Dress code contract made.
Level IV – Dress code contract violations may be defined as a Class 2.23 offense and may warrant disciplinary action as outlined under Class II offenses.
Emergency Evacuation Drills
Your child’s safety is one of our major concerns. We need to be prepared for the unexpected. We conduct monthly fire drills, quarterly lockdowns, random searches and extreme weather procedures to prepare us for the possibility. These drills are unannounced and sometimes upsetting to younger students. While we do our best to prepare the students, please discuss the purpose of such drills with your student to prevent further anxiety and fear.
Under extreme circumstances should we need to evacuate the building the local police will assist in determining the location the students would be held. Under no circumstances will parents be allowed to pick-up their child at school during an evacuation period. For information during such an emergency you may contact CSUSA at 1-954-202-3500 or our school web page. Please wait patiently for a phone call from our office staff telling you the location and procedure for picking up your child. The media is always helpful with disseminating information regarding evacuations and procedures as well.
Students will only be released to the people identified on the emergency contact form. Please bring proper identification (a picture ID) when picking up your child. Keeping this in mind, please notify the office immediately when there is a change in home/cell phone numbers.
Enrichments
The enrichment program functions independently from the After School Care program; therefore, it is not a requisite to be enrolled in the After School Care program to participate in enrichment activities. Students have several opportunities to participate in extra curricular activities for an additional fee. An enrichment guide will be posted on our website which will include the activities offered, the days, time and cost. Fees are due monthly at the front
office or in an envelope with student’s name, enrichment registration form and homeroom teacher’s name. If paying by check, please print student name and enrichment name on the check memo section.
Equity Officer – Policy and Procedures Prohibiting Discrimination, including sexual and other forms of Harassment
I. Policy Against Discrimination
A. No person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, political or religious beliefs, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity, or in any employment conditions or practices conducted by this School, except as provided by law.
B. The School shall comply with all state and federal laws, which prohibit discrimination and are designed to protect the civil rights of applicants, employees, and/or students, or other persons protected by applicable law.
C. The School shall admit students to programs and classes without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, marital status, disability or handicap or sexual orientation.
II. Policy Against Sexual Harassment or Other Forms of Harassment Prohibited by Law
A. The School desires to maintain an academic and work environment in which all employees, volunteers, and students are treated with respect and dignity. A vital element of this atmosphere is the School’s commitment to equal opportunities and the prohibition of discriminatory practices. The School’s prohibition against discriminatory practices includes prohibitions against sexual harassment, or any other form of harassment based upon a person’s membership in a protected class and specifically prohibited by applicable state or federal law. The School forbids sexual harassment, or any other form of illegal harassment, of any employee, student, volunteer or visitor. The School will not tolerate sexual harassment, or any other form of illegal harassment by any of its employees, students, volunteers or agents.
B. The prohibition against discrimination including sexual and other forms of illegal harassment shall also apply to non-employee volunteers who work subject to the control of school authorities, and to all vendors or service providers who have access to School facilities.
III. Definition of Sexual Harassment
A. Prohibited sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
1. Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of an individual’s employment, academic status, or progress.
2. Submission to or rejection of the conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting the individual.
3. The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact on the individual’s academic performance or employment, unreasonably interfering with the individual’s education or employment, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or employment environment.
4. Submission to or rejection of the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding any term or condition of employment, employment or academic benefits, or services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the school.
B. Types of conduct which are prohibited in the School and which may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
1. Graphic verbal comments about an individual’s body or appearance.
2. Sexual jokes, notes, stories, drawings, pictures or gestures.
3. Sexual slurs, leering, threats, abusive words, derogatory comments or sexually degrading descriptions.
4. Unwelcome sexual flirtations or propositions for sexual activity or unwelcome demands for sexual favors, including but not limited to repeated unwelcome requests for dates.
5. Spreading sexual rumors.
6. Touching an individual’s body or clothes (including one’s own) in a sexual way, including, but not limited to, grabbing, brushing against, patting, pinching, bumping, rubbing, kissing, and fondling.
7. Cornering or blocking normal movements.
8. Displaying sexually suggestive drawings, pictures, written materials, and objects in the educational environment.
IV. Definition of Other Forms of Prohibited Harassment
A. Illegal harassment on the basis of any other characteristic protected by state or federal law is strictly prohibited. This includes verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his/her race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship or sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law and that:
1. Has the purpose or affect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or academic environment;
2. Has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance; or
Otherwise, adversely affects an individual’s employment or academic performance.
B. Examples of prohibited actions, which may constitute harassment include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Epithets, slurs or negative stereotyping;
2. Threatening, intimidating or hostile acts, such as stalking; or
3. Written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group and that is placed on walls or elsewhere on the school premises or circulated in the workplace or academic environment.
V. Retaliation Prohibited
A. Any act of retaliation against an individual who files a complaint alleging a violation of the School’s anti-discrimination policy and/or sexual or illegal harassment policy or who participates in the investigation of a discrimination complaint is prohibited.
B. Retaliation may include, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment based upon participation in the investigation if, or filing a complaint of, discrimination.
VI. Procedures for Filing Complaint of Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, or Other Form of Illegal Harassment
A. Procedures for Filing Complaints
1. Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against, or placed in a hostile environment based on gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, national origin, religion, age or disability by an employee, volunteer, agent or student of the school should within sixty (60) days of alleged occurrence file a written or oral complaint. The complaint should set forth a description of the alleged discriminatory actions/harassment, the time frame in which the alleged discrimination occurred, the person or persons involved in the alleged discriminatory actions, and any witnesses or other evidence relevant to the allegations in the complaint.
2. The complaint should be filed with the school Principal. Complaints filed with the Principal must be forwarded to the Equity Officer within five (5) days of the filing of the complaint. If the complaint is against the principal, the complaint may be filed directly with the Equity Officer.
3. If the complaint is against the Equity Officer, the VP of Education, or other member of the School’s Board, the complaint may be filed with the School Attorney.
B. Procedures for Processing Complaints
1. Complaints filed against persons other than the VP of Education or member of the School’s Board:
a. Upon receipt of the written complaint by the Equity Officer, the Equity Officer shall investigate or appoint an investigator to conduct an investigation of the allegations in the complaint. The investigator shall interview the complainant and the accused; interview any witnesses identified by the complainant, accused, or by other sources; take statements from all witnesses; and review any relevant documents or other evidence. Upon completing a review of all evidence relevant to the complaint, the investigator shall prepare a written summary of the investigation, and make a recommendation to the Equity Officer as to whether there is reasonable cause to believe a violation of the School’s anti-discrimination policy has occurred. Copies of documents, evidence and witness statements which were considered in the investigation must be sent to the Equity Officer along with the summary and recommendation.
b. If the complaint is against the Equity Officer, the School Attorney shall appoint an investigator, who shall conduct an investigation in the manner set forth in section VI.B.1.a. (above).
c. The investigation, summary, relevant documents, witnesses’ statements and recommendation should be completed and forwarded to the Equity Officer within thirty (30) days, or to the School Attorney within thirty (30) days, if the complaint is against the Equity Officer. The Equity Officer, or School Attorney, respectively, shall review the investigation summary, evidence and recommendation, and determine within ten (10) days whether there is reasonable cause to believe a discriminatory practice occurred.
d. If the Equity Officer or School Attorney determines there is reasonable cause to believe a violation of the nondiscriminatory policy occurred, he or she shall within ten (10) days provide notice of the reasonable cause finding to the complainant and the accused. The Equity Officer or School Attorney shall then review the investigatory file, reasonable cause determination, and all related documents and evidence, to the VP of Education.
e. If the Equity Officer or School Attorney determines, after a review of the investigation, summary, recommendation and other evidence, that there is no reasonable cause to believe a discriminatory practice occurred, he or she shall provide within ten (10) days notice of the finding of no reasonable cause to the complainant and accused.
f. The complainant may request a no reasonable cause finding by the Equity Officer or School Attorney be reviewed by the VP of Education within ten (10) days of receipt of this notice. The complainant shall provide a written statement detailing facts in support of his or her disagreement with the determination. The complainant will also be given an opportunity to meet with the VP of Education and Equity Officer/School Attorney to present his or her position. The VP of Education and Equity Officer/School Attorney shall prepare a written memorandum summarizing the content of the conference to be included in the complaint file. The VP of Education shall within ten (10) days of receipt of the notice make a final determination as to whether there is reasonable cause to believe a discriminatory practice occurred.
g. If review by the VP of Education is not timely requested, the Equity Officer or School Attorney’s determination of no reasonable cause shall be final.
h. The accused may request, within ten (10) days of receipt of a notice of a finding of reasonable cause, that the determination be reviewed by the VP of Education. The request must include a written statement expressing the accused’s position on the complaint and findings, and address any facts, statements or evidence which he or she submits are inaccurate. The accused will be given an opportunity to meet with the VP of Education and the Equity Officer/School Attorney to present his or her position. The VP of Education and Equity Officer/School Attorney must within ten (10) days of receipt of the notice prepare a memorandum summarizing the content of the meeting to be included in the complaint file.
i. After providing the opportunity for an informal hearing as referenced in section VI.B.1.h. (above), the VP of Education shall evaluate all the evidence, the investigation summary, recommendations and findings, along with any input by the accused and complainant, and make a final determination as to whether there is reasonable cause to support the complainant’s allegations. He or she shall then determine any necessary disciplinary, remedial, or other action. Notice of the final disposition of the complaint and any disciplinary and/or remedial action shall within twenty (20) days of the informal hearing be forwarded to the accused and the complainant and the Chairman of the School’s Board, and a copy of will be filed with and maintained in the office of Charter Schools USA Senior Director of Human Resources.
2. Complaints against School Board Members.
a. Complaints against the School’s Board Members shall be filed with the School Attorney. The School Attorney will within twenty (20) days appoint an outside, independent investigator to conduct an investigation and make a recommendation as to whether a discriminatory practice has occurred. It is recommended, but not mandatory, that the investigator be an attorney familiar with federal and state law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of a protected status.
b. The complainant and accused shall be interviewed by the outside investigator. Both shall provide written lists of witnesses to be interviewed, and documents or other evidence to be reviewed as relevant to the complaint. The investigator shall interview all witnesses identified by the complainant or accused, in addition to witnesses with relevant knowledge which the investigator may discover from other sources. The investigator shall also review relevant documents and other evidence. The investigator shall within twenty (20) days of receiving the complaint prepare a written summary of his or her investigation, and a recommendation to the School Attorney as to whether there is reasonable cause to believe that a discriminatory practice may have occurred.
c. If reasonable cause is recommended by the investigator against a School’s Board Member the recommendation shall within twenty (20) days be forwarded to the Chairman of the Duval County School Board to determine if there is evidence that a misfeasance or malfeasance of office occurred. The Duval County School Board will be responsible for taking any necessary action in accordance with applicable law with reference to an elected official.
d. A finding of no reasonable cause by the outside investigator, which is reviewed and confirmed by the School Attorney, shall be final and a copy will be forwarded to the Chairman of the Duval County School Board. In compliance with Florida Statute, the investigation file shall become public record and School’s Board Member shall answer to their constituency.
3. Penalties for confirmed Discrimination or Harassment
a. Student - A substantiated allegation of discrimination or harassment against a student shall subject that student to disciplinary action consistent with the Code of Student Conduct.
b. Employee or Volunteer - A substantiated allegation of discrimination or harassment against an employee may result in disciplinary actions including termination and referral to appropriate law enforcement authorities. A volunteer shall be removed from service and a referral may be made to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
4. Limited Exemption from Public Records Act and Notification of Parents of Minors
a. To the extent possible, complaints will be treated as confidential and in accordance with Florida Statutes and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Limited disclosure may be necessary to complete a thorough investigation as described above. The School’s obligation to investigation and take corrective action may supersede an individual’s right to privacy.
b. The parents of a person under the age of 18 who has filed a complaint of discrimination and/or harassment shall be notified within three (3) days of receipt of a complaint.
Duval Charter School at Westside shall conspicuously post its Notice of Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment and the name and telephone number of the employee responsible for compliance with such policies at its facilities subject to its discretion regarding placement.
Equity Officer
Charter Schools USA
6245 N Federal Highway
5th Floor, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308
(954) 202-3500 ext 1243
Family Rights and Privacy Act
The revised Family Rights and Privacy Act became a Federal law in November, 1974. The intent of this law is to protect the accuracy and privacy of student educational records. Without your prior consent, only you and authorized individuals having legitimate educational interests will have access to your child's educational records. In special instances, you may waive this right of access to allow other agencies working with your child to have access to those records.
Field Trips
As a learning experience, teachers may plan field trips. Parents may be asked to assist the teacher as chaperones. All chaperones are required to complete the volunteer application on the Duval County Public Schools website, , for approval.
Parents serving in this capacity may not have other children accompany them. Parents who are officially selected to be chaperones may count their hours on the field trip as volunteer hours. Parents must be cleared and approved on the volunteer list before chaperoning. The Guidelines for Chaperones form must be signed prior to any parent chaperoning a field trip. Parent chaperones are required to adhere to these guidelines. Parents accompanying students on overnight field trips must be fingerprinted and background checked per the Jessica Lunsford Act, in effect since September 2005.
Participation in field trips is a privilege. Students serve as representatives of the school; therefore, they may be excluded from participation in any trip for reasons relating to behavior or conduct. Students must follow all instructions given by staff or any other adult in charge while on the trip, including while on the bus and also while at the site. Failure to follow instructions will be given an appropriate consequence upon return to school. If a student is suspended during the first semester, they will be excluded from participating in any field trips or dances during the first semester. If a student is suspended during the second semester, they will be excluded from participating in any field trips or dances during the second semester.
Parent permission must be given for students to participate in field trips. The teacher will send permission slips and information about each field trip 2-4 weeks prior to each field trip. Money and permission slips must be turned in according to the teacher's instructions, prior to the field trip or the student will not be permitted to take part in the field trip without a completed signed permission slip. Students are to wear their uniform oxford or polo on field trips for security reasons (unless authorized otherwise by administration).
Early dismissal from a field trip site is not permitted.
• All field trip money will be collected by the classroom teacher.
• Field trips must be paid in cash only.
• Money will not be accepted at the front office.
Grading Scale
|E |90-100 |Excellent |
|S |75-89 |Satisfactory |
|N |65-74 |Needs Improvement |
|U |0-64 |Unacceptable |
|N/C |--- |Not Covered |
|CNA |--- |Covered Not Assessed |
|I |I |Incomplete |
Kindergarten thru 1st Grades 2 thru 8
|A |90-100 |
|B |80-89 |
|C |70-79 |
|D |60-69 |
|F |0-59 |
Hallway Behavior
Students should travel through the hallways quietly to avoid interrupting ongoing classes. Students should always arrive to class on time. Students are NOT allowed to show “Public Display of Affection”. For safety reasons students should walk on the right side of the hallway and keep their hands, feet and other objects off the corridor walls. Students should always use handrails when using steps and should refrain from jumping down stairs.
Home Learning Policy
The purpose of home learning is to develop study habits in children early on in their academic lives. It is also used to reinforce concepts that have been taught or to work on projects that have been assigned. If a child does not understand his/her assignment after trying to do it at home, please send a note to the teacher indicating the problem.
Teachers use the following time schedule as a guide when assigning home learning:
Home learning Reading and Log
Grade K 10 minutes 10 minutes
Grade 1 20 minutes 20 minutes
Grade 2 20 minutes 20 minutes
Grade 3 30 minutes 30 minutes
Grade 4 40 minutes 30 minutes
Grade 5 50 minutes 30 minutes
Grade 6-8 60 minutes 30 minutes
These times are a guide and are based on the average child's ability and on concentrated, undistracted time for doing home learning. Some days’ home learning assignment may take less time or may take slightly more time on any given day. A child who does not complete class work in class may have to complete class work in addition to home learning. Reading Log requirements will be sent home by the Language Arts teacher.
Assignments must be completed on time and properly written. The only acceptable excuse for not completing home learning is the student's illness or a written note stating an emergency, which prevented home learning from being completed. If a student fails to bring in home learning, he/she should complete it for the following day. Teachers keep daily records of home learning assignments which are used in determining quarterly grades. If a child fails to complete home learning, there may be consequences in the classroom. If a child continually fails to complete home learning, consequences may include detention or Saturday School.
It is important to note that home learning is the student’s responsibility with parental follow-up via the agenda book.
All students will be required to write their assignments in their school agenda. Parents are encouraged to sign the agenda each night to ensure effective communication.
The parent’s responsibility is to provide a quiet environment and assistance when
needed. In addition, parents may help in the following ways:
• Show an interest in your child’s work.
• Provide a place and time for quiet study.
• Assist in practicing with spelling words and number combinations.
• Encourage home reading and listen to your child read.
• Review the homework for neatness and completeness.
• Refrain from doing the work for your child.
• Discuss problems related to home study with your child’s teacher.
Students will not be permitted to return to a classroom after dismissal to get home learning assignments and projects. This also includes the students participating in the after care program. Assignments will not be accepted at the office from parents.
Honor Roll Requirement
Quarterly Awards: Kindergarten - Eighth Grades
High Honor Roll - All 90’s in academic subjects.
Honor Roll - All 80's and 90's in academic subjects.
End of Year Awards:
A variety of awards will be given covering numerous academic and nonacademic areas at the end of the school year.
Illness
The importance of regular attendance cannot be over-emphasized, but students should not be sent to school when they are ill. Students will be sent home if they have a temperature of 99 degrees or above. In order for a child to return to school, he/she must be fever-free, diarrhea, vomit-free for a minimum of 24 hours. If a student becomes ill during the school day and it appears that they would be best cared for at home, the parent will be contacted.
There are very limited facilities in the school, making it impossible to keep sick students for long periods of time. School personnel must be notified of any student's chronic illness (i.e. asthma, diabetes, heart conditions or seizures). This heightens awareness in case of an emergency. Please update Emergency Contact Information whenever changes occur.
Students will not be permitted to take calls from parents to see how they are feeling. If the school has not contacted you, your child is feeling fine.
Injury
An accident report will be completed and filed for everyday accidents. Accidents do occur and are best handled calmly and without immediate blame. Each incident will be reviewed by administration to determine better practices and procedures as necessary as student safety is of top concern.
The procedures listed below will be followed for an injured student:
1) Teachers will send the student to the office if the injury is minor.
Teachers will notify the office if the student is unable to be moved.
2) School personnel will administer basic first aid – ice for swelling and bandage for bleeding.
3) The parent(s) will be called and the injury described. For minor injury, the parent will make the decision about retrieving the student from the school. Emergency contact persons will be called if parent cannot be reached.
4) The Emergency Services will be called for critical injuries that require the type of care that school personnel cannot offer, and the parent or emergency contact will be notified.
5) The parent will be required to pick up the student when any accident involves head injury, major or minor.
Instructional Books, Equipment, Materials, and Supplies
All textbooks needed by students for school and homework assignments are furnished by the school from tax dollars. The school is also able to provide the materials and equipment requested by teachers for classroom instruction.
Students need to realize that books and materials are expensive and that they should be cared for properly. Students are required to cover all books that are issued to them. A brown grocery bag makes an excellent book cover. At the beginning of the school year, some businesses offer free book covers to the students. Students should print their names and room number on the front of each book cover. Books must not be written in or on. Charges will be made for damaged or lost books and/or materials. Students must learn to be responsible
for the care of personal and school materials.
Students will not be granted transfers prior to returning all books and paying any fees owed to the school. Students must turn in the textbooks on the day of each individual Final Exam.
Students will be expected to provide all basic supplies such as paper, pencils, crayons, rulers, scissors, markers, glue, etc. Any additional supply needs will be requested in writing by the classroom teacher. Please help your child come prepared for school by packing his/her homework and supplies in the evening to avoid the last minute morning rush. Ultimately, it is the student's responsibility to check and be sure that everything needed for the next day has been packed.
Labels
Please have your child's name on all personal property such as: lunch boxes, sweaters, raincoats, etc.
Lost and Found
Throughout the school year, items which have been lost are turned into the Main Office. Many of our problems would be solved if clothing and personal belongings were labeled with the student's name. Anytime a student loses an item, he/she may go to the "Lost and Found" in the Main Office to claim it. There are many items lost and never claimed each year. These items are donated monthly to various charitable institutions or recycled for school use. Therefore, please label your child's personal belongings.
Medication
The administering or dispensing of any medicines (including non-prescription
medication) to students by employees of the school without specific written authorization by the physician and parent of the student is forbidden. If it is absolutely necessary that the child take any medication while he/she is in school, and a physician’s form is not signed, the parent may come to the school to administer medication personally.
Medications must be brought to the Main Office by a parent and will only be administered if the parent/guardian has completed all necessary forms required. Medication must be in the ORIGINAL container with an affixed label with student’s name, name of medication, dosage, and time of administration. Medication/Physician’s Form may be obtained from the school office or website. The medication will be kept in the office and will be administered by office personnel.
Students are not allowed to have any medication (not even over the counter medication) in their possession. Parents must pick-up and drop-off medicine in the office. Students are responsible to come to the office at the appropriate time to ask for their medication. It is not the responsibility of the office staff to remind the student. Please inform your child’s teacher of any medication procedures.
A medical plan from the doctor must be on file for chronic illness such as diabetes, asthma, etc. that require daily medical attention.
Parental Rights
Parents have the right to express their concern regarding their student’s academic or behavioral progress. If a student or his/her parents feel they have a grievance or complaint, they should
do the following:
1. Carefully analyze the problem and be sure you have ALL the FACTS.
1. Ascertain that you have a rational attitude about the problem.
1. Seek to resolve the problem with the teacher, if applicable, through appointment.
1. If you believe the problem is not resolved, meet with school administration.
1. If left unresolved, you should contact School Support, CSUSA @ 954-202-3500.
1. If still unresolved, you should contact the Duval Charter School at Westside’s Governing Board. Please call the school for contact information.
Parent Teacher Co-ops (PTC)
A great portion of each child's day is spent at school; therefore, his/her growth and development becomes a joint responsibility between the home and school. Everyone is urged to become active in helping further the goals and growth of the Parent Teacher Co-ops (PTC).
The faculty, staff and administration hope that all of the parents will become active members supporting the school and organization. Officers will be elected yearly according to the PTC’s bylaws. The PTC will sponsor fundraisers throughout the school year. Monies generated by fundraising events will be used to purchase items voted on by the PTC members. According to the parent contract, you must participate in one school activity.
PTC board meetings are held regularly and are open to anyone who wishes to attend. All members are eligible to vote on issues brought before them for consideration during the general PTC meetings.
Parent Volunteers
We need your time, talent, and treasure. Please volunteer to keep our school running smoothly for students and faculty. Parents have many opportunities to volunteer their time both at school and at home. Volunteer sign-ups will be available through out the school year events.
Other opportunities are announced throughout the school year.
To become a volunteer, please complete the required volunteer application on the Duval County Public Schools website – . Once you are approved, the school will be notified. Next, complete the volunteer interest survey so that you can be contacted when such events are available.
To volunteer in classrooms, please make prior arrangement with the teacher so that instructional time is not lost. No parent may grade a child’s work nor file any students work.
Pediculosus (HEAD LICE) and Eye Infections
Students will be checked periodically for head lice. Students will be sent home immediately if school personnel suspect lice in his/her hair.
Per the Health Department, the student MAY NOT return to school until treatment has been administered and all nits have been removed from the hair. Upon returning to school, the student must be checked to determine if any nits are still present before admission to class. To prevent an outbreak of head lice, parents are asked to examine the hair of their children weekly, and shampoo frequently.
Any eye conditions that do appear to be infectious must be cleared by a doctor in order for the student to return to school. This is for the protection of the student and their classmates.
Appropriate notices will be sent home regarding contagious and infectious disease as required by the Health Department.
Progress Monitoring Plan/Personal Learning Goals
A progress monitoring plan is intended to provide the school district and the school flexibility in meeting the academic needs of the student and to reduce paperwork. A student who is not meeting the school district or state requirements for proficiency in reading and math shall be covered by one of the following plans to target instruction and identify ways to improve his or her academic achievement:
a. A federally required student plan such as an individual education plan (IEP);
b. A school wide system of progress monitoring for all students; or
c. An individualized progress monitoring plan.
Personal Learning Goals will be set and monitored by the teacher and student. Progress toward these learning goals will be sent home with report cards.
Pupil Progression Plan
Duval Charter School at Westside will follow the Duval County Pupil Progression requirements and procedures for K – 8 students. For further information please contact the school registrar or visit the Duval County Public Schools website –
Report Card Distribution
Report cards will be sent home with the student for Quarters 1, 2, and 3 (see the school calendar for report card issue dates). Report cards for Quarter 4 will be mailed home in mid-June.
Returned Checks
Returned checks to the school are charged a $30.00 returned check fee. Although banks notify their checking customers first, a courtesy letter may be sent home as a reminder from the school. Payment for the returned check must be made in cash or money order. The returned check and $30.00 fee must be made within 7 days of notification from the school. After two returned checks to the school, a family may not pay by check for anything else at school. Students whose families do not submit payment for returned checks will lose privileges of field trips, special events, etc.
School Advisory Council
This group meets several times a year to discuss school wide goals within the School Improvement Plan.
School Hours
Office Hours 7:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Before School Care 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Student Arrival 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Student Dismissal K-1st 2:45 p.m.
3rd-8th 3:00 p.m.
After School Care All grades 3:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m.
Early Dismissal Schedule 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Screenings
All Kindergarten students are screened for speech, hearing, and vision to rule out any difficulties in these areas.
Severe Weather Information
The school will follow the same instructions as Duval County Public Schools in the case of severe weather emergencies. Parents should watch the local news for information about school closings.
Smoke Free Campus
All public school campuses are deemed smoke-free. No smoking is allowed on school grounds even when parked on campus in the parking lot or car line.
Student Information System (SIS)
The previous Student Information System (SIS) is under transition to PowerSchools. User names and passwords will be provided when available. Parents can get up to date grades, attendance, and tardy records while also having access to email teachers, view school calendar, and see how your student is faring with the Sunshine State Standards in each class and benchmark test.
Full Instruction Manual
A full set of instructions on how to use PowerSchools will be provided on our website.
Students Rights
Students have the right to feel safe from threats and bodily harm. Disruptive behaviors are never acceptable, and when they occur, they will result in time out, exclusion from participation in class activities, detention, suspension or expulsion or other disciplinary action.
Parents who have a conflict with a student other than their own child and/or parent are requested to speak to the Administration. At no time may parents approach the student or their parent directly.
Teacher Conferences
All parents of elementary school students will meet with their child’s teacher at least once during the school year. Middle school parents can request a conference by contacting their student’s homeroom teacher. We encourage you to have conferences more often as effective communication is one of the cornerstones of education. Conferences are scheduled after 1st quarter.
Teacher and Employee Rights
All employees will be treated with respect. Profanity, slurs, innuendoes, hostile treatment, threats, violence or other verbal or physical conduct against a student or employee will NOT be tolerated. Parents acting in such a manner will be asked to leave the school campus. If necessary, police enforcement will be called. Any behavior deemed to create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation will revoke the parent’s right to be on campus.
Telephone
The school has a business telephone to help transact the business of the school and the lines must be kept open. Students may not use the telephone without permission and only for emergencies – illness and forgotten lunch/lunch money. Forgotten homework, clothes, projects, etc. are not deemed emergencies and students will be sent back to class. It is difficult to deliver a personal message to an individual student without interrupting the instructional program. Only emergency messages will be delivered to the student in the classroom.
Visitors
Visitors, INCLUDING PARENTS, are NOT permitted to go to their child's classroom unannounced during school hours as this disrupts normal routine and instruction. Visitations in your child’s classroom should be set up 24 hours in advance through the main office.
For the safety and protection of all students, visitors (including parents) must present a valid Florida Drivers License which will be processed through the Raptor Screening System. Parents must also sign in and out, state whom they are visiting, state the purpose of the visit, and obtain a pass before proceeding to a classroom. Cooperation will enable the school to provide a safe and orderly learning environment for all students.
Parents without a valid license or who are flagged via the Raptor Screening System will be denied access even if a visit was scheduled.
Zero Tolerance Offenses/Expulsion
The Duval County School Board has adopted a zero tolerance policy with respect to the following offenses. Students who commit these offenses shall receive the most severe consequences, including possible expulsion. See Duval County School Board Policy 5.28, Zero Tolerance for School Related Crimes.
NOTE: The highlighted (**) offenses are defined under Florida Statute 1006.13 and carry the recommendation of expulsion for a period not to exceed the remainder of the school year and one (1) additional year of attendance.
The Principal may recommend to the Governing Board and the Superintendent of Schools to expel a student for any of the following Class IV offenses in accordance with the Duval County Code of Conduct:
4.00 (ALC) Alcohol
4.01 (DRD) Drugs
4.02 (ARS) Arson
4.03 (BAT) **Aggravated Battery upon a School District Employee or Agent
4.04 (ROB) **Armed Robbery
4.08 (WPO) **Possession of a Firearm
NOTE: Under the Gun-Free School Act, any student (regardless of age) who is determined to have brought a firearm, as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921, to school, any school function, or on any school sponsored transportation will be expelled, with or without continuing educational services, from the student’s regular school for a period of not less than one (1) full year. (The expulsion requirement is subject to modification, on a case-by-case basis, as allowed by law.) A student who is determined to have brought a firearm to school will be referred for criminal prosecution.
4.09 (WPO) **Use of a Deadly Weapon
NOTE: The possession of a firearm, knife, other type of weapon, or any item that can be used as a weapon by any student while the student is on school property or in attendance at a school function, is grounds for disciplinary action and may also result in criminal prosecution. The Duval County School Board will conduct an expulsion hearing for a student found to have committed a Zero Tolerance Offense, even if the student withdraws from the Duval County Public School after committing the offense.
4.10 (WPO) Use of a Prohibited Object or Substance
4.11 (DOC) Bomb Threats
4.12 (WPO) **Explosives
NOTE: Under the Gun-Free School Act, any student (regardless of age) who is determined to have brought an explosive, as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921, to school, any school function, or on any school-sponsored transportation will be expelled, with or without continuing educational services, from the student’s regular school for a period of not less than one (1) full year. (The expulsion requirement is subject to modification, on a case-by-case basis, as allowed by law.) A student who is determined to have brought a firearm to school will be referred for criminal prosecution.
4.13 (SXB) **Sexual Battery/Rape
4.14(BAT) **Aggravated Battery
4.16 (TRE) Aggravated Stalking
4.17(OMC) Any Other Offense Which Is Reasonably Likely to Cause Great Bodily Harm or Serious Disruption of the Educational Process
4.18 (KID) **Kidnapping/Abduction
4.19 (HOM) **Homicide/Murder/Manslaughter
4.20 (VAN) Vandalism – over $1000.00 worth of damages
The Duval County School Board will conduct an expulsion hearing for a student found to have committed a Zero Tolerance Offense, even if the student withdraws from Duval County Public Schools after committing the offense.
Full description of the Zero Tolerance Offenses may be read on-line in the Duval County Code of Conduct at . Updates to the information above may be subject to change with state and board policy prior to the start of the school year.
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, THE ADMINISTRATION AT DCSW RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ADD, DELETE, AND REVISE INFORMATION FOUND IN THIS HANDBOOK AS NEEDED TO PROVIDE MORE ACCURATE INFORMATION, IMPROVE AN ISSUE, OR TO ADVISE OF CHANGES IN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FROM DCSW, CHARTER SCHOOLS USE, DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR THE SAFETY AND EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF STUDENTS. ADDENDUMS TO THE HANDBOOK WILL BE SENT HOME AS NEEDED.
Handbook Acknowledgement
Dear Parent,
Please complete the bottom portion of this page and return it to your child’s homeroom teacher by August 22, 2013.
Student Name
Teacher
I acknowledge that I have read the parent handbook. I agree to comply with the policies set forth in this handbook.
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
__________________________________________ __________________
Student Signature Date
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Dear Parents:
Welcome to a new and exciting year! From the very first day of school until they don their caps and gowns, students go through the most enriching growth period of their lives. The Charter Schools USA family of schools is proud to offer you and your family the opportunity to choose a great educational experience. As an alternative to public schools without the typical added cost of tuition, our schools offer a rigorous academic curriculum, a safe learning environment, a community atmosphere and so much more.
Educational success for all students cannot be complete without parent partnerships. You are the most essential part of your child’s education and it is important that we build a strong relationship in order to best serve your child’s educational needs.
Please use this handbook as a guide. If you cannot find the information you need, please contact school staff members as indicated in the following pages. We look forward to a successful year and are committed to providing our students with quality educational opportunities that will help them become productive citizens in the 21st century.
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