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Hammocks Middle School 9889 Hammocks Boulevard Miami, Florida 33196 305 - 385 – 0896 http://hammocks.dadeschools.net STUDENT HANDBOOK 2008-2009 Mr. Peter H. Cabrera Principal
“Where the Hurricanes Reign!”
VISION
MISSION
Student Schedule Student Name:
HAMMOCKS MIDDLE SCHOOL The faculty and staff welcome you to Hammocks Middle School. We encourage your participation in the cooperative effort required for a successful school program. It is our belief that school goals can be most effectively achieved through a close bond between community and school. This handbook was prepared to acquaint you with the policies, procedures, and practices here at Hammocks. We request that you review it carefully and utilize it throughout your association with Hammocks Middle School. We invite your parents to communicate to us their suggestions, concerns, and questions so we might provide the very best educational opportunities for you. Remember that your success at Hammocks Middle School will be directly related to your effort.
STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIESStudents need an environment that is positive for learning. To help provide and maintain that environment, the students need to follow school rules. The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, adopted the Code of Student Conduct. The Code lists the role of the student as follows:
GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION
ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL
EXCUSED ABSENCESThe following are the only absences considered permissible by The School Board: 1. Student illness 2. Death in family 3. Religious Holiday 4. Medical appointments 5. School-sponsored event or activity that is pre-approved
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES Any absence that does not fall into one of the above excused absence categories is to be considered unexcused. Any student who has been absent from school will be marked unexcused absent until he/she submits required documentation. Failure to provide required documentation within two school days (48 hours) upon the return of school will result in an unexcused absence.
FIVE/TEN DAY UNEXCUSED ABSENCES A student accumulating ten (10) or more class unexcused absences in an annual course or five (5) or more class unexcused absences in a designated semester course will have quarterly, semester and final grade(s) withheld pending an administrative screening and completion of assigned interventions by the Attendance Review Committee. Unexcused absences do not require that teacher provide make-up work for the student. However, the Attendance Review Committee may assign educationally-related activities to mitigate the loss of instructional time.
TRUANCY REFERRAL PROCEDURES After a student has had a minimum of 3 unexcused absences, the principal or designee will send written notification to the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) informing them of the MDCPS attendance policies. After 5 unexcused absences a phone call will be made to the parents or guardians concerning the importance of school attendance and student achievement. After 8 unexcused absences a Truancy Child Study Team (TCST) letter will be sent home requesting the parents to come in to speak to the principal or designee to discuss interventions necessary to improve their child’s attendance. State laws and regulations control the administration of student attendance. In addition, a visit to the student’s home will be made by a social worker from MDCPS. After 10 unexcused absences the student will be required to meet with the principal. All interventions will be supported using Student Case Management forms.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE FOR STUDENTSYour health and well-being are important to us. Your family can buy student accident insurance to provide coverage in the event you are injured at school or on a field trip and need immediate first aid, ambulance, emergency room, or doctor’s attention. Literature for this program will be sent home on the first day of your attendance at Hammocks. School insurance is required for students participating in physical education or interscholastic sports.
ADVISEMENT (TOPS) Every student is assigned to an Advisement or TOPS class. You will receive an effort and conduct grade for this class. Standardized testing is done through Advisement/ TOPS classes.
AWARDS AND HONOR ROLL We believe in recognizing educational achievement. At the end of each marking period, students who are on the Honor Roll are recognized. Students must have all A’s and B’s in conduct to achieve the Honor Roll.
Criteria for Honor Roll Principal Honor Roll All A’s, Effort – All 1’s Superior Honor Roll 3.60 All A’s and B’s (1’s, 2’s in effort) Regular Honor Roll 3.00 - 3.59 All A’s and B’s (1’s, 2’s in effort)
Students are also recognized at the Annual Awards Program held at the end of each school year. At that time, we honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in their educational endeavors. In addition to these awards, eighth grade students who have perfect attendance for three years will also receive an Attendance Award.
BICYCLES Bicycles are to be parked and locked in the bike rack area of the school. The school is not responsible for any lost or stolen bicycles. Do not park them on the exterior fencing of the school.
CAFETERIA You are not allowed to leave the school grounds for lunch. You may bring bag lunches or purchase lunch in the cafeteria and eat there. Food, drinks, or candy may not be consumed in the Spill Out area. Information concerning lunch costs and the Breakfast Program will be distributed on the first day of school.
CLASSROOM RULES Students need to follow these school rules: 1. be in your seat with necessary supplies when the bell rings; 2. pay attention, no talking or interrupting; 3. raise your hand for permission to speak or to leave your seat; 4. keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself; 5. no eating or drinking, no gum chewing, no grooming;
CLASS CUTSIf you are absent from class without a satisfactory excuse, you are considered to be cutting class. Appropriate administrative action for this offense will be taken according to the school-wide discipline guidelines.
CLINIC If you feel ill, you must secure an appropriate pass issued by a teacher before reporting to the attendance office. You will be permitted to wait in the clinic if your parent/guardian is coming to pick you up. Students will not be permitted to remain in the clinic for an extended period of time. It is against the law for any staff member to issue medication to a student without written advanced authorization. A Consent for Medication Form may be picked up from the Attendance Office and must be signed by a doctor and a parent or guardian. Information on the form includes the child’s name, dosage, time of day to be taken, and expected time of treatment. Over-the-counter-drugs, such as aspirin and cough syrup, are dispensed under the same guidelines because sometimes harmless drugs can be misused and cause severe reactions.
CLUBS As a member of a club, you learn responsibility and commitment and have a chance to socialize with other students who enjoy the same hobbies or interests. Clubs often participate in school-wide service projects. A calendar of all school-wide events is distributed to you at the beginning of each month.
COMMUNITY SCHOOL Hammocks Middle Community School offers “Life Long Learning” opportunities for all ages. Classes are held Monday through Thursday between 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Many classes can be taken for fun, personal improvement or college credit. Classes operate on a trimester basis with registration in August, December, and April.
COUNSELOR REQUESTS AND PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING A CONCERNIf you need to see your guidance counselor, a conference may be arranged by obtaining a Counselor Request form from your TOPS teacher and returning it to the Guidance Office. If an emergency situation arises, ask any teacher for a pass to see your Guidance Counselor.
COURTESY AND STAFF AUTHORITY Students are expected to respect all school staff and comply with any reasonable request from staff members including teachers, substitute teachers, administrators, custodians, cafeteria workers, security, and office personnel. Class disruption, rudeness, or defiance of authority will result in disciplinary action. Disciplinary actions will also take place for lack of cooperation or disrespect for other students, for failure to do class work/home learning, for class cuts, for lack of appropriate materials, or tardiness, etc. Behavior which disrupts the learning environment will not be tolerated in classrooms, hallways, or anywhere on school grounds.
DO NOT BRING THESE ITEMS TO SCHOOL Beepers, radios, cassette, CD, or DVD players, cameras, playing or trading cards, electronic games or toys, permanent markers, hats, skateboards, and pets are to be left at home. These items will be taken away and retained by an administrator for 24 hours. Items must be claimed by parent/guardian within two weeks or they will be given to a charitable cause. The school is not responsible for lost items. Students are not allowed to sell any items on school grounds unless the items are part of a school approved fund raising activity. Cell phones may not be used during the school day. Cell phones and/or electronic devices will be confiscated. A parent/guardian will need to pick the item up the next school day( 24 hours later) before or after school – 8:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. or 3:40 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
DRESS CODE Uniform Policy Each student is expected to wear the official school uniform. Tops: Solid red, black, or white shirts with collars and sleeves. HMS logo patches are recommended and should be placed on the upper left chest of the shirt. No excessively long shirts; shirt length must not fall below the wrists. Undershirts must be tucked inside of pants. Sweaters and jackets should be solid red, black or white. Bottoms: Boys - Black or khaki long pants (docker style) to the ankle. No jeans of any color. Pants must be worn at original length and fitted at the waist with a belt. No “Brand” name pants. Girls - Black or khaki long slacks (docker style) to the ankle or black or khaki skirts to the knee. No jeans of any color or stretch pants. Pants must be fitted, neither baggy nor tight. No “Brand” name pants. Dress and Appearance There is considerable evidence to indicate a close relationship between pupil behavior and appearance. Anything that distracts from the important job of learning is considered to be inappropriate. Students are not permitted to wear the following apparel on school grounds.
It is the student’s responsibility to arrive at school properly dressed. Students who choose inappropriate attire may be lent appropriate clothing, miss class or classes while waiting for appropriate clothing, or face further disciplinary action. Every item cannot be addressed in this document. All other types of clothing will be considered on an individual basis. Administrative discretion will determine acceptability. EMERGENCY CONTACT CARD An emergency contact card will be provided for you on your first day of school. It is mandatory that all students have an emergency contact card on file. Occasionally, an accident or extreme illness of a student makes it necessary for school personnel to contact your parent or guardian. You will NOT be released to any individual that is not listed on this card. In most cases, when parents are divorced, both mother and father continue to have equal rights to their children. However, if there are legal papers that limit the rights of one parent to custody or visitation, this information must be included on the Emergency Contact Card. Proper photo identification must be shown when picking you up during school hours. It is your parent’s responsibility to update the emergency card information when moving to a new location and/or changing any of the telephone numbers listed on the card. School Board Policy states that students will only be released to an adult listed on the emergency contact card. A picture ID must be shown. A parent or guardian must come in person to add names to the emergency card. A note sent with a student or a phone call from a parent will not be accepted.
EXCUSED EARLY FROM SCHOOL Please advise your parents of the following rules regarding early dismissal from school: 1. Parent/guardian must come to the Attendance Office to request a student’s early dismissal. 2. Parent/guardian must present picture identification before a pass is issued to call you from class; 3. Students must bring back the Permit to Leave Class Form the next day to give to the teachers of the classes that were missed. 4. Students will not be released early after 3:15 pm. NO EXCEPTIONS.
FEES/ELECTIVE CLASSES Fees will be collected at the beginning of each semester and/or marking period for students who are enrolled in electives or semester classes that change or “flip.” A letter will be sent home listing all fees and deadlines.
FCAT AND FCAT EXPLORER, RIVERDEEP, ATOMIC LEARNING AND GIZMOS Throughout the school year, students will be utilizing the school’s computer labs to practice and reinforce Reading, Mathematics, and Science skills that are based on Florida’s Sunshine State Standards and tested each year on the FCAT. These programs can be accessed through the MDCPS website on the Student Learning Portal at the following URL:
http://www2.dadeschools.net/students/students.htm
FIELD TRIPS AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Any student who meets the following criteria may participate in school events (dances, fieldtrips, and end of year activities)
Students participating in after school activities and field trips will follow these procedures: 1. It is your responsibility to return from a field trip with your teacher. At no time are you to make arrangements to return on your own. 2. On any trip away from school, you are to be on your best behavior. If needed disciplinary action will be taken by an administrator upon return to school. 3. School activities are only for Hammocks Middle School students and their parents. 4. Students are to wear school colors on field trips. Sponsors will inform students of the field trip dress code. 5. Non-students and/or students from other schools are not allowed to attend Hammocks Middle School student functions. You will not receive a refund for tickets purchased for an outsider.
GRADING POLICYYour grades will reflect your teacher’s most objective assessment of your academic achievement. You will also receive a conduct and effort grade consistent with your behavior in each class. In semester courses, the teacher will determine your final grade as follows: 40 percent value for each of two nine-week grading periods and 20 percent value for the final examination, with a provision for teacher override. In authorized annual courses, your final grade will be determined by the teacher as follows: 20 percent value for each of four nine-week grading periods, 10 percent value for the mid-year exam, and 10 percent value for the final exam, with a provision for teacher override. Excessive absences will negatively affect your grade. Grades may be accessed on the school website throughout the school year. Report cards will be issued every nine weeks. GRADING SCALEA 3.50 - 4.00 = 90 -100B 2.50 - 3.49 = 80-89C 1.50 - 2.49 = 70-79D 1.00 - 1.49 = 60-69F 0.99 - 0.00 = 59 and below
HALL WAYS AND HALL PASSESStudents are not permitted to be in the hallways during class time without a pass from a teacher. When leaving the classroom during class time, you must have a properly filled out hall pass in your possession. This pass must contain the signature of the teacher, the name of the student, time, and date. Students in the hallways without an official pass will be subject to disciplinary action by an administration.
HOMEWORK OR HOME LEARNINGThe School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognizes regular, purposeful homework or home learning as an essential component of the instructional process. Home learning is an integral factor in fostering the academic achievement of students and in extending school activities into the home and community. Homework/home learning should provide reinforcement and extension of class instruction. It should serve as a basis for further study and preparation for future class assignments. You will be responsible for: 1. completing assigned homework/home learning as directed; 2. returning homework/home learning by the designated time; 3. submitting homework/home learning assignments that reflect attention to careful detail and quality. On evenings when homework is not assigned in a particular subject, you should spend a reasonable amount of time reviewing class notes, textbooks, and reading. The District’s Comprehensive Reading Plan mandates that all students read for thirty minutes each night. Students are also required to read five books each grading period.
HOURS OF SUPERVISION/BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL Supervision in the Bus Zone/Spill out area is available 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after our normal school hours, which are 9:00 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. If a student is enrolled in a specific program which requires him/her to report before or after the supervised times, please adhere to the hours of that program. Also, students should not be on campus after school unless they are in a specific supervised school activity. School gates will be opened at 7:30 am and closed at 4:00 pm.
IDENTIFICATION CARDS All students must wear their official Hammocks Middle School photo identification cards at all times. It must be visible at all times. If a student loses his/her card, the student must purchase a replacement card for $2.00. No alterations are to be made to your school ID or a new one will have to be purchased.
INCLEMENT WEATHER On rainy days students will wait in either the auditorium or the cafeteria until the 8:53 a.m. bell.
INTERIM PROGRESS REPORTS Interim Progress Reports will be issued midway through each nine-week marking period. The intention of this report is to communicate student progress to the parent. A receipt will be issued for this report. You are expected to return the signed interim progress report receipt in a timely manner to your Advisement (TOPS) teacher. Failure Notices will be sent home by individual teachers eight days prior to the end of the grading period if the student is in danger of failing the course or if their conduct grade has changed since the printing of the Interim Progress Report.
INTERNET USE Utilization of the Internet by students must be consistent with the educational objectives of the classroom. Transmission of any copyright material, threatening or obscene material is prohibited. Accessing the Internet through District equipment is a privilege, and inappropriate use will result in cancellation of this privilege. All students must follow the guidelines established in the Code of Student Conduct. It is requested that students purchase a jump drive.
MEDIA CENTER The Media Center is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Students are required to return books on time or a fine will be charged a fine of five cents for each day that the book is late. The Media Center is also open from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. as part of the HMS Community School. A parent/guardian must accompany the student during those hours.
MOTOR DRIVEN VEHICLES No students will be allowed to drive motor driven vehicles to school.
PERSONAL PROPERTY You are responsible for the safety and security of your personal property. You are urged only to bring items that are required for classroom activities. Write your name on all of your personal property.
PTSA Membership in the PTSA of Hammocks Middle School is open to all students, parents, and teachers. The PTSA works closely with the administrators and teachers to support and assist our students.
SAFETY AND SECURITY Every effort is made to provide a safe learning environment for all students. Any student who has a concern about his/her safety or security should see a counselor, administrator, or any staff member immediately.
TELEPHONE MESSAGES TO STUDENTS AND TELEPHONES Messages disturb the academic environment. Messages will be delivered if it is an emergency and only after administrative approval. Students may use the telephone in the Attendance Office. Cell phones should be turned off and not visible during the school day. If caught, cell phones will be confiscated for 24 hours and must be picked up by a parent or guardian.
TEXTBOOKS Textbooks will be assigned by the subject area teachers. A record will be kept of each book that is assigned. Students must return the same textbook at the end of the year. If the book is damaged or not returned, charges to replace the textbook will be assessed.
TARDY TO SCHOOL POLICY Our goal is to make punctuality a habit. Hammocks Middle School staff will be recording tardies to school each morning. All students are expected to be in class and seated by 9:00 a.m. Once a student has accrued 6 tardies parent contact by an administrator will take place, after 7 tardies an After School Detention will be issued, after 8 or more tardies work detail will be given for 30 minutes after the student arrives to school and after 15 tardies the student will have a conference with the Principal. Six or more tardies will be written up and documented through Student Case Management Forms.
TRANSPORTATION ELIGIBILITY Students who are eligible to ride a Miami-Dade County School bus will receive a postcard in the mail. If a student has a question about eligibility, he/she should go to the Attendance Office for information.
VISITORS ON CAMPUS Visitors are always welcome. However, for the safety of the students, all parents and other visitors must sign in and show photo identification before entering the building. Parents are not allowed into classrooms unless prior administrative approval has been secured. If this is not adhered to, trespassing charges may be filed. We are very mindful of the safety and security of all of our students.
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR
Student behavior is considered disruptive when that behavior infringes upon the rights of teachers and other students. Students on campus who are playing, wrestling, play fighting, running, shoving, and screaming are exhibiting disruptive behavior. Students who exhibit disruptive behavior will be referred to the appropriate grade level counselor or an assistant principal for disciplinary action. Administrative action will be taken when it is deemed appropriate.
DETENTIONS Occasionally, it becomes necessary that detentions will be assigned for student misconduct by a teacher or an administrator. In order that home communication can occur, students will be given a twenty-four (24) hour notice prior to serving an assigned detention. After school detentions will be held in the cafeteria beginning at 3:45 and ending at 4:35. Transportation for the detention is the responsibility of the student and their parents.
DRUGS Any student involved in the possession, sale, or transmission of mood modifying substances on the school premises will be suspended, recommended for expulsion, and referred to the School Resource Officer and/or the appropriate police agency.
EXPULSIONS (Rule 6G x 13-5A-1.06) The principal may request that the Superintendent recommend to the School Board the expulsion of a student. This is the most serious disciplinary step available. It denies the student’s attendance in all programs of the Miami-Dade County School System for a period of time not to exceed the end of the school year and one additional year.
OUTDOOR SUSPENSION (Rule 6G x 13-5A-1.06) Suspensions of up to ten (10) days may be issued to students for breach of the Code of Student Conduct. It is the student’s responsibility to make up all assigned work. If you are placed on outdoor suspension you will receive a satisfactory absence. Students on outdoor suspension must not come onto school grounds unless supervised by a parent or guardian. If a student has been placed on indoor or outdoor suspension, he or she will not be permitted to go on field trips, to dances, or participate in team activities during that grading period.
School Center for Special Instruction A school may elect to assign a student to WEBB – We Expect Better Behavior - instead of outdoor suspension. The center will provide tutorial and guidance services. The use of SCSI for behavior modification shall be limited to three times with an absolute limit of five for the school year. Any student who can not follow the SCSI guidelines will be dealt with by an administrator and shall be given an outdoor suspension in lieu of the indoor suspension. Students will sign a behavioral contract highlighting the rules that must be strictly adhered to without exception.
VANDALISM Any student who defaces or destroys school property will be subject to disciplinary action in addition to paying for damages. Police will also be called. Remember that you may not bring permanent markers on campus. Students who may have knowledge of others who are destructive to school property should report this information to any teacher or administrator.
VERBAL ASSAULT, BULLYING, USE OF PROFANITY, OR PHYSICAL ASSAULT Verbal assault, bullying, use of profanity, or physical assault toward another student, teacher, or anyone employed in the school system may result in suspension and/or expulsion depending on the severity of the situation. Parents and/or school police may be notified of this inappropriate behavior.
WEAPONS Students bringing weapons, including aerosol/chemical weapons, simulated weapons, as well as toy guns, water guns, cap guns, or toy knives to school will be suspended, recommended for expulsion, and referred to the School Resource Officer and/or police agency for appropriate legal action. Students may be subject to random weapon checks by School Board approved search teams.
WORK ASSIGNMENTS A school may elect to provide the student with supervised activities related to the upkeep of the school instead of suspension. The student and parent may request this alternative; however, the final decision rests with the principal.
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