Welcome to Southport Elementary!
DIANNE MILLER, PRINCIPAL
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to Southport Elementary and Bay District Schools. Enclosed in this handbook are important Bay District School Board Policies and school rules.
You have selected an excellent school. Southport is a Magnet School for Service Learning and Journalism. Because the communication between home and school is open and honest, the relationships here are like family. This handbook clarifies rules and procedures. Thank you for making Southport Elementary the best!
Bay District Schools Vision: Bay District Schools will be a national leader in education, and every student will be successful.
Mission: Bay District Schools is committed to educational excellence where our community of learners gains the knowledge, skills, and character to enrich the quality of life.
Core Beliefs: We believe that…
· Student achievement is our primary focus.
· All students can learn and succeed.
· All students should master the Sunshine State Standards
· Schools should be places where people want to be.
· A safe and orderly environment is essential in order for learning to occur.
· The workplace should attract and retain highly qualified staff.
· Each school should be a hub of the community.
· Schools should foster an environment where diversity is honored and excellence is valued.
· Parents are essential partners in education.
· The community is vital to education.
· All resources should be directed toward the core beliefs.
OUR SCHOOL DAY
7:40 AM First Bell
7:50 AM Tardy Bell
2:00 PM Dismissal
- Students are not to arrive on campus before 7:15 A.M. and should leave immediately after the dismissal bell. No supervision is provided before 7:15 AM or after school. Students should go directly to the designated area (playground or cafeteria) before 7:40 AM each morning.
- Parents who wish to check students out of class before 2:00 PM must sign them out in the office. The student will then be called. Teachers may not release students to persons coming to the classroom. This provision is made for the protection of your child and for the reduction of the number of classroom interruptions. Only those listed on the registration card will be permitted to check students out.
- If the child is to ride a different bus or get off at a different stop, a note from the parent must be approved by an administrator and given to the bus driver by the child. Otherwise, the student will be required to follow his/her regular means of transportation.
ATTENDANCE
· Students should not miss any part of the school day for any reason other than illness or emergencies.
· Students should bring a note stating the reason for the absence.
· If a student has more than five absences or tardies during a grading period, the county attendance office will be contacted. Promotion is jeopardized if a student is not in attendance at least 160 school days.
· Five tardies equal one absence.
· All makeup work should be completed by the student and returned within 5 school days.
· An award for perfect attendance will be presented at the end of each nine-week grading period.
· Policy does permit pre-approved family leave up to five days per school year. (forms in the office)
MEDICINES AT SCHOOL – No medications (prescription or nonprescription) should be brought to school or may be administered by school personnel unless a physician completes a form authorizing school personnel to administer the medication. This form may be picked up from the school office. The office staff will keep medications under lock and key.
- Medicine must be in the original prescription bottle.
- Parents should bring medications to school. At no time should students transport medicines to school.
- We will administer the medicine according to the doctor’s instructions. Parents may not alter those instructions.
- Parents may administer medicine to their own children at school.
ILLNESS OR INJURY AT SCHOOL – Students who become ill at school will be referred to the office. Every attempt will be made to contact parents; therefore, parents should keep all phone numbers updated on the registration card. Only those listed on the registration card will be permitted to pick students up.
LOST OR DAMAGED BOOKS – Textbooks and library books are loaned to students by the state of Florida and Bay District Schools. If these materials are lost or damaged, students are required to pay for them. As a result of any deficiencies, report cards will be held for parents to pick up in the office.
HEAD LICE – We have very few cases. We do everything possible to keep the problem to a minimum. Teachers check their classes once a week. Please check your child at home if you notice scratching or know that they have been exposed. The Bay County School Board Policy states, “Any students with head lice shall be excluded from school until the student has received treatment and all nits have been removed.” To be readmitted to school, our designated school personnel must check the student with the parent or guardian present. A student who is absent from school in excess of three (3) days because of head lice will be referred to the child study team for attendance.
PERSONAL ITEMS such as toys, trading cards, pets, radios, and play equipment should not be brought to school unless requested by the teacher. Knives will result in suspension.
LOST AND FOUND articles are stored in the cafeteria or school office. If unclaimed within thirty days, usable items will be donated to charity. Please mark your child’s name on outerwear.
DISCIPLINE – Southport’s school-wide discipline plan requires students to be safe, responsible, and respectful. Each teacher has developed a classroom discipline plan that consists of rules and consequences. The following plan has been implemented school-wide for students who continue to use inappropriate behavior.
Parents will be kept informed and involved. A Disciplinary Report will be sent home for the parents to sign and return. The teacher and parents will conference. As a team they will develop a plan of action to help the student correct the behavior. If the misbehavior continues, the student will be sent to an administrator for intervention. The student may receive out-of-school suspension, in-school suspension, and /or work detail.
Fighting on school grounds is not tolerated. Fighting and/or destruction of school board property may result in automatic suspension. Destroyed property must be paid for by the student. Students involved in a mutual fight will receive suspension no matter who started the fight. Possession of a weapon will result in suspension or expulsion.
BUS STUDENTSmust be on their best behavior and follow the bus rules while riding the bus. If the rules are not followed, the bus driver will issue a bus conduct report. Parents will receive a copy of the report. The consequences are: 1st report – warning (probation); 2nd report – 1 day suspension from the bus; 3rd report – 3 days suspension from the bus; 4th report – 5 days suspension from the bus. Students with multiple offenses may be recommended for permanent removal from the bus.
AFTER SCHOOL PICK-UP – Parents can pick up students in the circle drive or at the back gate. Never park in a driveway.
BICYCLES – are not to be ridden on the school campus. Upon arriving at school, the student should dismount and push the bicycle to the designated area. Locks are recommended. Helmets are required.
WALKERS– Students should observe safety rules while walking to and from school. They should cross the highway and streets bordering the school only at the designated crosswalks and observe the directions of the crossing guards. There are two crosswalks on Highway 77.
SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS – The school has the responsibility and authority for the supervision and control of students while they are on campus during established school hours and while riding the school bus. This authority and responsibility does not include the times students are walking to and from school, waiting at bus stops or riding in private vehicles. Responsibility for students during these times rests with parents.
STUDENT DRESS – Students will follow the Bay District School Uniform Dress Code. Appropriate dress is the primary responsibility of the student and his/her parent or guardian. In order to promote safety, personal hygiene, academic well-being, and moral development, students shall be expected to come to school in uniform with proper attention having been given to personal cleanliness, grooming, and neatness of dress. Bottoms – khaki, navy, and or plain blue jean pants, shorts, skirts, capris (unaltered) no shorter than five inches above the knee; Tops – Polo/golf shirts, dress shirts or tee shirts in plain red, white, or navy WITH sleeves; Shoes – closed toe and closed heel; sandals with back strap are allowed; Sweaters/Sweatshirts are permitted in grades K-5 and must be solid red, white, or navy Blue. Other: Outside headwear only for grades K-5; jackets/coats – no restrictions for cold or rainy weather only, however they are not to be worn in classrooms. Exceptions: Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts or other nationally recognized organization on regular meeting days; Costumes or special clothing for participation in a school-sponsored activity; the wearing of a uniform violates a student’s sincerely held religious belief.
Discipline for violating this policy shall be as follows:
- First and second offense consequences are notification of parent or guardian; change of inappropriate attire;
- Third offense consequences are: notification of parent or guardian; change of inappropriate attire; one to three days of in-school suspension, if available or three days after school detention;
- The fourth and subsequent offenses are considered willful disobedience which will result in further disciplinary action, which may include out-of-school suspension or expulsion;
- Any absence resulting from a violation of the Student Dress Code will be considered an unexcused absence.
School Board Policy 7.303.
REPORT CARDS are issued at the end of each nine-weeks grading period. Students are recognized for academic excellence with certificates and ice cream parties.
GRADING SCALE for GRADES K
Subject Areas – Social Growth – Special Areas
E = Exceeds
S = Satisfactory
N = Needs Improvement
U = Unsatisfactory
I = Improving
GRADING SCALE for GRADES 1-5
Subject Areas Social Growth—Special Areas
90-100 A S = Satisfactory
80-89 B I = Improving
70-79 C N = Needs Improvement
60-69 D U = Unsatisfactory
0-59 F
Students who have 6 excused absences OR 1 unexcused absence receive an “N” in attendance. Students with 7 or more excused OR 2 or more unexcused absences receive a “U” in attendance.
GRADE NOTICES – all parents will receive grade notices the fifth week of each grading period concerning their child’s progress. (Parents will be notified by mail no later than thirty (30) days prior to the last day of school if the student is in danger of being retained.)
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES – It is our goal for teachers to meet with every parent at least once during the school year to discuss academic and social progress. Conferences are scheduled before school, after school, or during the teacher’s planning period.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION – When it becomes necessary for students to be excused from P.E. because of physical disability, they should bring a note from their parents stating the reason for the request and the length of time to be excused. Extended request will require a doctor’s statement.
SCHOOL INSURANCE – Parents are encouraged to purchase the student accident insurance. A brochure will be sent home the first week of school explaining to parents the options available and prices for coverage. The insurance company offering the coverage handles receipts and claims.
BREAK – Kindergarten students have a snack break and may purchase milk or juice for 30 cents. Other students may have a snack break depending on their schedule. A nutritional snack is encouraged. Please do not send candy. Colored juice, Kool-aid, or soft drinks should not be brought for a snack.
BREAKFAST is served each day in the cafeteria from 7:15-7:45. The full price is $1.00 and reduced price is 30 cents. Adult breakfast is $1.50.
LUNCH – The lunch will provide at least 1/3 of the daily nutritional requirements for an elementary student. The lunch includes milk, but extra milk may be purchased for 30 cents. The lunch menu will be part of the monthly calendar sent home to parents. The full price is $2.00 and reduced price is 40 cents. Parents are invited to eat lunch with their child, just let us know with a note that you plan to come that day. Adult lunch is $3.25. Adult holiday lunches cost $4.00.
FORGOTTEN LUNCH MONEY – Students are not permitted to charge school meals. If a student does not have meal money, they will be provided an alternative meal (sandwich, white milk, and fruit). At no time will a student not be fed! Prepayment of meals is encouraged. Payment may be made online (see information below.)
FREE/REDUCED APPLICATIONS – Meal applications will be processed and maintained by the District Food Service Office. Questions relating to applications may be directed to 872-4260.
CHECK PAYMENT POLICY – The Food Service Department will accept checks for meal payments. However, if an individual has written two (2) checks that are returned for insufficient funds, no additional checks will be accepted for payment. Returned checks are charged $15.00 each processing fee. Subsequent payment must be cash, cashier’s check or money order.
PACKED LUNCHES – Students may bring lunches from home. Do not send food that requires special tools or microwave use. Milk may be purchased as the student goes through the line for 30 cents. No soft drinks are allowed for lunch except field trips and parties. No fast food restaurant food should be brought into the cafeteria.
ICE CREAM/CANNED DRINKS – As a reward for good lunchroom manners, students may purchase ice cream on Fridays during lunch. Canned fruit drinks and bottled water are available to purchase on a daily basis.
SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS – We love and appreciate our volunteers! We have received twenty-two Golden School Awards. Volunteering is rewarding. Volunteers must submit an application and background checks are conducted. Volunteers must sign in and have the appropriate identification.
BAY DISTRICT SCHOOLS
ANNUAL NOTICE REGARDING
PUBLIC EDUCATION RECORDS
Pursuant to Florida law and School Board Policy 7.304, adult students and the parents or guardians of a student under age 18, currently or formerly in attendance in the Bay District School system, shall have the following rights with regard to public education records maintained by the District.
• Right of access. The right to review and inspect student records, including the right to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records, and the right to obtain copies of said records. The District shall presume that either parent of a student has a right to inspect their child’s records unless the District has been provided with a legally binding instrument or court order which provides to the contrary.
• Right to privacy. The right to privacy with respect to personally identifiable records held on each student, whether a current or a former student.
• Right to waiver of access. The right to allow another party access to all personally identifiable student records.
• Right to challenge and hearing. The right to challenge the content of any record which the parent, guardian, or adult student believes to be inaccurate, misleading or a violation of their privacy.
Student records are maintained at the school the student currently attends or, in the case of former students, the school last attended. The procedures for exercising the aforementioned rights are explained in further detail in School Board Policy 7.304, copies of which are in each school office, the District offices at 1311 Balboa Avenue, and via the Internet at
www.bay.k12.fl.us/district/policy.Bay District School system will forward records to other schools that have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll (34CFR §§ 99.7 and 99.34(a) (ii). Such records will include disciplinary records, which will include suspension or expulsion.
Parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U. S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5920
File: Annual Notice Regarding Public Education Records.doc
BAY DISTRICT SCHOOLS
ANNUAL NOTICE REGARDING DISCLOSURE
OF STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION
Federal and State laws require that Bay District Schools, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from a student’s education records. However, Bay District Schools may disclose appropriately designated directory information without written consent UNLESS you advise Bay District Schools to the contrary.
Parent(s), adult students or former students shall have 30 days from the date of this notice to inform the student’s school principal, in writing, that any or all of the directory information should not be released without their consent. Bay District Schools has designated the following information as directory information:
- A student’s name, address, and telephone number (if there is a listed number)
- Image or likeness in photographs, videotape, film or other medium
- Date and place of birth
- Major field of study
- Current grade level
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Weight and height of athletic team members
- Dates of attendance
- Degrees and awards received
- Most recent previous educational agency or institution (school or center) attended by the student.
Directory information is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. Directory information relating to students shall be released only to the following:
- In-school use of student directory information for official school business.
- Student directory information, without addresses or telephone numbers, for school annuals, school newspapers, honors lists, and printed materials or programs for extracurricular activities.
- Student directory information of junior and senior students may be furnished, upon request,
• to Armed Forces Recruiting Officers, including the U.S. Coast Guard, for their use in providing for mail out information to student in regard to opportunities available to them in the United States Armed Services; provided, however, that any student may request that his/her name not be given for this purpose.
• Florida public universities and colleges.
• United States Congressman and Senators and Florida legislators
My Lunch Money - Paying for meals on the Internet
Food Service would like to encourage parents to enroll their children at (
www.myLunchMoney.com) to help them manage payment of school meals. Once your account is set up, you can view the balance for each child
AT NO CHARGE. This will help prevent your child from running out of lunch money ever again. After you have signed up, you may still choose to pay for meals in the cafeteria as well as receive a “low balance” notification by email.
However, you may wish to begin using your MasterCard or Visa (debit or credit card) to pay for meals. If you choose to do this, there is a small service fee of $1.95 charged to your card, regardless of how much money you add to any number of students (at the same school, at the same time). The charge is repeated for students at different schools, or if you choose to use the “smart pay” option. For additional questions, their toll free number is: 800-479-3531 or you may call Food Service at 872-4261.
HOW TO ENROLL:
2. Create an account for yourself (the District name = Bay)
3. Set up account for each child, using the child’s 10-digit ID number
(This can be obtained from the school, lunchroom or Food Service office.)
4. Provide credit or debit card information as necessary.
STUDENT SURVEYS 7.310
The District shall cooperate with the federal government and state agencies such as the Florida Department of Health in conducting student surveys. These surveys shall be conducted anonymously and shall contain no personally identifiable information from or on any individual student. Parents shall be notified of upcoming surveys that reveal information concerning one or more of the following items:
• political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent;
• mental and psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;
• sexual behavior or attitudes;
• illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
• critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;
• legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;
• religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
• income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program ).
No student shall be required to participate in such surveys if the student’s parent objects in writing to the student’s participation. Parents shall have the right to inspect any such survey instrument before the survey is administered or distributed if the request is made within a reasonable period of time. Parents shall be notified annually at the beginning of each school year of this policy and the notice shall include approximate dates during the school year when any such survey is administered.
Authority: §1001.41 , Fla . Sta t.
Law Implemented: PPRA, Public Law 107-110, Title X, Part F,
Section 106