east tampa academy · 2019. 8. 1. · east tampa academy student and family handbook 2019-2020 5...

East Tampa Academy

2019-2020

Student and Family Handbook

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

4309 N. 34th Street Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 816 – 2100

East Tampa Academy Student and Family Handbook 2019-2020

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Welcome to East Tampa Academy

I would like to welcome students, parents, and families to East Tampa Academy. The faculty and staff are eager to work with our students to provide a quality education in a warm and positive environment. As President Roosevelt once said, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” Working together, each of us will play a significant role in accomplishing this goal. Sincerely, Frankie Jones School Director School Mission: The mission of East Tampa Academy is to provide a high quality, research-based education to kindergarten through second grade children in East Tampa that results in social-emotional and academic success for all its students and engages families and the surrounding community. Our goals: To provide our students with exemplary teachers who will instill in each student a love of learning. To model and teach our students respect, manners, and an appreciation of self and others. To model and teach our students to enjoy life and make wise decisions in social, school and family situations. To foster self-esteem, which is fundamental to individual fulfillment of dreams and life choices. To recognize, appreciate and strengthen the gifts, talents and skills of each student through the unique, caring and supportive environment. To create a safe environment so our students, when encouraged to set high expectations for themselves, will persevere until the expectation becomes a reality.


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Table of Contents

SECTION 1. ACADEMICS 1.1 Academic Programs 1.2 Access to School Records 1.3 Attendance 1.4 Grading Policy 1.5 Report Cards 1.7 Assessments 1.8 Textbooks SECTION 2. COMMUNICATION

2.1 Web Page 2.2 Conferences 2.3 Student Services 2.4 Volunteers SECTION 3. HEALTH and SAFETY

3.1 Emergency Cards 3.2 Clinic 3.3 Lice 3.4 Immunization 3.5 School Health Mandated Screenings 3.6 Medication 3.7 School Safety SECTION 4. SCHEDULES 4.1 Arrival and Dismissal 4.2 Before and After School Care 4.3 Breakfast and Lunch 4.4 School Calendar SECTION 5. POLICIES and PROCEDURES

5.1 Governance Board Meetings 5.2 Code of Student Conduct 5.3 Field Experiences/Trips 5.4 Lost and Found 5.5 Promotion and Retention 5.6 Registration 5.7 School Supplies 5.8 Socials 5.9 Telephone Messages 5.10 Transportation 5.11 Uniform/Dress Code 5.12 Visitors/Security/Safety 5.13 Withdrawal of Students 5.14 School Calendar


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SECTION 1.0 ACADEMICS 1.1 ACADEMIC PROGRAM East Tampa Academy will adhere to a Florida standards-based curriculum consisting of math, science, language arts, social studies, physical, art and music. The school’s program is designed to focus on the academic, social and emotional needs of every student in a safe and nurturing environment. 1.2 ACCESS TO SCHOOL RECORDS Parents have the right to inspect and review their children’s educational records. Parents who wish to do so should contact the School Director to make arrangements. 1.3 ATTENDANCE Regular attendance and punctuality are vital factors in every student’s success.

• When returning to school following an absence, the student should bring a note from the parent to the teacher explaining the reason for the absence.

• The parent should contact the teacher to request make-up work following a student’s absence. If

the student will be out of school for more than two days, request that your child’s teacher provide work for those days.

Students who are continually tardy loss valuable learning time.

• Parents may be contacted for a conference if tardiness and/or absences are interfering with a student’s education.

1.4 GRADING POLICY East Tampa Academy follows the School District of Hillsborough County’s grading policy.

Kindergarten - Grade 2

E = Excellent - The student has demonstrated a clear understanding of concepts, ideas, objectives, or behaviors

S = Satisfactory - The student is in the process of understanding concepts, ideas,

objectives, or behaviors

N = Needs Improvement or Needs More Time - Needs additional time or more background experiences before an understanding of concepts, ideas, objectives, or behaviors can be attained

U = Unsatisfactory - The student has not demonstrated an understanding of concepts, ideas, objectives, or behaviors


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1.5 REPORT CARDS

Report cards will be issued at the end of each quarter.

• Dates for report card distribution are listed on the 2012-2020 School Calendar on pages 13-14 of East Tampa Academy Student – Family Handbook.

• Parents may access grades more frequently by contacting the teacher directly.

1.6 TESTING/EVALUATION Teachers will determine student progress throughout the school year using:

• Unit and Chapter Test • Chapter tests • Lexile Records • Project-Based Learning Performance Assessments • Student Reports • Individual Assessment • Formative Assessments • NWEA Standardized Assessments (administered in September, January, May)

Kindergarten students will be administered the Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener (FLKRS) within the first thirty (30) days of school. The FLKRS screening instrument will be used to assess student readiness for Kindergarten and calculate the kindergarten readiness rates for the VPK Program. The results of the screening provide valuable information about a child’s readiness for school, help teachers develop lesson plans to meet each child’s individual needs, and offer useful information to parents. The FLKRS assessment is the Star Early Literacy®, which is an online, adaptive instrument that students complete independently in approximately 15-20 minutes. 1.7 TEXTBOOKS

• Textbooks and library books are the property of East Tampa Academy.

• Parents are responsible for the books loaned to students during the school year and will be held responsible for any damage to or loss of books.

SECTION 2 COMMUNICATION

2.1 SCHOOL WEBSITE and EMAIL The school’s website provides families with news and information, including the East Tampa Academy Board of Directors meeting schedule, School Advisory Council meeting dates and times, field trip information, school news and more. Go to: EastTampaAcademy.org. EMAIL The best way to communicate with your child’s teacher is by email. The school will provide all families with teacher contact information and email address.


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2.2 CONFERENCES

• Parents are encouraged to meet with the staff to discuss their child’s educational progress. Parents should call or email the teacher(s) to schedule an appointment if a conference with a teacher(s) is requested

. • Parents should check in at the office upon arriving at school for a scheduled conference. Teachers

will not hold conferences that have not been prearranged especially when the teacher has direct supervision of students.

2.3 VOLUNTEERS East Tampa Academy welcomes the opportunity to partner with our families and community to strengthen the learning experiences of our students through our volunteer program. To become an East Tampa Academy volunteer: 1. Complete a school volunteer form. The volunteer form is available on the School District of Hillsborough County website. Go to:

www.sdhc.k12.fl.us Click on the “Families” menu. Click on “Volunteering in HCPS” link. 2. Let your child’s teacher or the Ms. Jones know that you would like to be a volunteer and how you would

like to help, such as special events, field trips, classroom tasks, etc. 3. For more information about becoming an East Tampa Academy school volunteer, including completing

the online form and required background check, please see Ms. Jones. SECTION 3 HEALTH and CLINIC

3.1 EMERGENCY INFORMATION The Student Emergency Card must be completed at registration or before school begins. It is very important that the school have this information in case we need to get in touch with a parent or family member.

• Emergency information for each student will be kept on file in the office.

• Emergency information must be updated if the parent contact information changes. This includes a new phone number, work number, home address, or e-mail. Parents can contact their child’s homeroom teacher or Ms. Jones.

• Any health concerns must be recorded on the Student Emergency Card. For example: food

allergies or other allergies, free bleeding, excessive nose bleeding, febrile convulsions, hearing or vision problems.


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3.2 CLINIC

• If a student becomes ill during the school day or is injured, the teacher will contact the Ms. Jones.

• Parents will be contacted if the condition is serious, the student has a temperature, or is in pain.

• All teachers have phones in their room and can contact 911 in the event of a serious life-threatening situation.

• Any student with a temperature above normal should NOT return to school for at least 24

hours AFTER the temperature returns to normal. 3.3 HEAD LICE If a student has head lice:

• A family member will be called to take the student home for treatment.

• Effective treatment includes combing through wet hair with a lice comb or an over-the-counter shampoo used properly.

• After lice treatment, the student must report to the Ms. Jones to be examined for lice/nits

before he/she can return to class. 3.4 IMMUNIZATIONS and PHYSICAL Immunizations: All students entering a Florida school for the first time, including any students who are transferring from out of state, must comply with the Florida Compulsory Immunization Law (Florida Statute 323.032).

• Before a student can enter school, the Florida Certification of Immunization, Form DH680, must be used to document the immunizations required for entry and attendance in all Florida schools.

• The Florida Certification of Immunization form (DH680) is not available to the public. It must be

completed by a Florida physician or your county health department. For families moving to Florida from out of state, it is recommended that the parent obtain a copy of their child's complete immunization history before leaving their current state of residence. The county health department will need the child’s immunization history. Additional information is available at the Florida Immunization Program website at:

http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/immunization/children-and-adolescents/school-immunization-requirements/index.html Student Physical: Students entering a Florida school for the first time, including students coming from out of state, must provide the school with a record of a physical examination completed within the past 12 months. The exam record should be taken to the child's school upon enrollment. Although a specific form is not required, it is recommended that Florida's standardized School Entry Exam form (DH 3040-CHP-07-2013) be used to document completion of a physical examination. It must be completed by a health care provider licensed in the United States to perform physical examinations. For students transferring to a Florida school from out of state, a comparable form from another state would also be acceptable, if completed within 1 year.


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3.5 School Health Mandated Screenings

Screening is a traditional school health service to identify impairments that could interfere with the learning process. The following grade levels are mandated for screenings specific to Chapter 64F-6.003, Florida Administrative Code.

*Distanceacuityisthemostimportantpartofvisionscreeningand25%ofschool-agechildrenwillhavevisionproblemsthatcouldseriouslyimpactlearning.

It is very important that all students receive these services for early identification and prevention of future health problems. School nurses notify parents of abnormal results and provide suggestions for their health care provider’s follow-up if necessary. Although Florida law mandates these health screenings, an exemption can be made by written request of the parent.

3.6 MEDICATION If a child requires medication during the school day, the parent is required to bring the medication to the School Director.

• Any medication must be in the original container and labeled as follows:

Name of medication Directions concerning dosage Time of day to be taken Physician's name Date prescription was written Special Instructions

• No more than a month’s supply of any medication should be brought to school at one time.

• An authorization form must be signed by a parent giving permission for any medication to be taken at school. The form is available through the school.

• Non-prescription medication such as aspirin or cold tablets can be administered only with a

physician's statement.

• Students are not allowed to bring medicines to school. Cough drops, over-the-counter pain relievers, and/or cold medicines should not be brought to school unless prescribed by a doctor.

3.7 SCHOOL SAFETY A safe school environment is everyone’s job !

• Entrances and exits have video cameras to help monitor and ensure the safety of the students and staff.

TypeofScreening GradeLevel Vision* K,1,3,6,optional9 Hearing K,1,6,optional3 Scoliosis 6 Growth&Development 1,3,6,optional9


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• Emergency exits are mapped out and posted in each classroom.

• If the fire or severe weather alarm sounds, students will follow drill instructions for correct emergency procedures.

• Florida law requires that all school conduct emergency drills. East Tampa Academy will conduct

drills that are appropriate for the age level of our students.

SECTION 4 SCHEDULES 4.1 SCHOOL HOURS Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Mondays are early release days in all Hillsborough County schools except Oct. 14, Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 18, Dec. 2, Dec 9, Dec. 16, 2019.

Tuesday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Students should arrive no earlier than 7:45 a.m. unless they are participating in the Before School Care program or Breakfast program.

• Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. need to be walked into school by a parent and report to the office

for a tardy slip.

• A parent must come to the office to check out a student who must leave before 3:00 p.m. If a student is to be picked up by someone other than a parent or legal guardian, a note and picture ID will be required.

• Any person picking up a student from school should be prepared to show a picture I.D. as proof of

identity.

• ALL attempts should be made to schedule appointments after school hours as missing school not only affects the student who leaves class but the others when class is interrupted.

School Office Hours 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 4.2 Before and After School Program East Tampa Academy offers families before and after care. Please see the School Director for information. 4.3 BREAKFAST AND LUNCH East Tampa Academy offers a breakfast and lunch program as well as a Free/Reduced lunch program.

• Parents are encouraged to enroll in MyLunchMoney.com, an online payment service for student meal accounts. Parents can track their accounts and/or have money automatically placed in the account without worrying about money shortages.


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SECTION 5 POLICIES/PROCEDURES 5.1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS The meetings of the East Tampa Academy Board of Directors are posted on the school website. All meetings of the board are open to the public in accordance with the Florida Governance in the Sunshine law. Parents are encouraged to attend. 5.2 SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC) MEETINGS School Advisory Council (SAC) meetings are held on the 1st Monday of the month at 3:30 pm. Parents, staff members, and school board members are encouraged to attend. The main goal of the SAC is to encourage parent participation at East Tampa Academy and to assist the administration in providing appropriate materials and resources for students that are funded from Title I funds. 5.3 CODE OF CONDUCT East Tampa Academy follows the School District of Hillsborough County (SDHC) Student Code of Conduct.

• The School District of Hillsborough County (SDHC) Student Code of Conduct provides the framework for any course of action related to discipline. A copy is available on the SDHC website and the East Tampa Academy’s website.

• Student's rights and responsibilities are outlined and defined in the (SDHC) Student Code of

Conduct.

• Expectations of behavior and school rules will be reviewed with students during the first week of school and through the school year.

5.4 COMMUNITY BASED INSTRUCTION (CBI) Students will be involved in CBI from time to time throughout the school year.

• CBI is an integral part of the curriculum and all students are expected to attend unless excused by the School Director

• If there is a charge for CBI trips, financial arrangements will be made for those students who may

need assistance.

• Students who do not attend school related CBI trips may be given an alternate assignment at the teacher’s discretion.

5.5 LOST AND FOUND Lost/found items should be reported/taken to the Director.

• All jackets, sweaters, lunch boxes or other valuable items should be marked with student names.

• Jewelry and eye glasses will be kept in the office until claimed.


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5.6 PROMOTION AND RETENTION East Tampa Academy follows the School District of Hillsborough County Student Progression Plan. A copy is available on the school’s website. Should the school determine that a child is not ready for the next grade level, based on their academic performance or other factors, the parent will be notified, and a conference will be set up. 5.7 STUDENT REGISTRATION Florida law requires the following information be provided at registration when a child is entering a Florida public school for the first time.

• Current physical examination – within the last 12 months • Florida Certificate of Immunization • The original certified birth certificate (to be photocopied and returned to parent) • Social Security Card

5.8 SCHOOL SUPPLIES Parents will receive a school supply list which will include pencils, paper, notebooks, etc. If a family is unable to purchase all the items, any part of the list will be appreciated. 5.9 SOCIALS Teachers can schedule class or school socials for special occasions and/or student birthdays.

• All social refreshments sent to school must be store purchased.

• In the case of a child’s birthday, if the parent plans to bring cake, cupcakes or cookies for the class, please notify your child’s teacher at least 24 hours in advance.

5.10 TELEPHONE MESSAGES Telephone messages for students will be taken by school personnel and delivered to the student.

• Parents should call the office with any such messages, as the teachers will not be answering their phone during class time.

• Students may use the phone in the classroom or office to contact parents in an emergency.

5.11 DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP To ensure students are safe during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, everyone will be expected to follow school rules.

• Drop-off: Upon entering the school, parents should pull up to the front of the school

• Students should exit the vehicle and proceed to the front door. A staff member will open the locked front door and escort the student to their class.

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• Pick-up: Teachers will escort their students to the pick-up areas in the afternoon and stay with the children until all students are safely in the vehicle.


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5.12 STUDENT DRESS CODE All students are expected to dress neatly. Clothing should be hemmed, clean and free of decoration or non-school related advertising. The school uniform dress code for the 2019-20 school year:

• Tops Boys and girls will wear a polo shirt (with a collar), long or short sleeve

o Colors: solid red, white or navy blue

o Available at Wal-Mart, Target, Old Navy, J.C. Penny, online at Amazon and other retailers.

o Shirts must extend below the waist but should not be baggy.

• Bottoms Boys and girls may wear solid colored denim, kaki, navy blue, black, or brown pants or shorts and hemmed

• Girls may wear skirts or jumpers with a polo shirt

o Colors: solid colored denim, kaki, navy blue, black, or brown

• Shoes

o Closed toed shoes, such as sneakers or tennis shoes

o Sandals are allowed if they are strapped securely to the child’s feet. However, sneakers are needed for outdoor activities.

o Flip flops are not appropriate for school and not allowed.

• Hats will not be worn indoors unless for medical/religious reasons. Hats can be worn for outdoor activities.

5.13 Parents and Visitors – Upon Arriving at School Parents and visitors are always welcome at East Tampa Academy.

• All parents and visitors must come to the school office upon arriving on campus.

• For the safety and security of our students:

o All parents and visitors must sign in and sign out at the front desk

o A driver’s license or photo identification is required

o A visitor’s badge will be issued and must be visibly displayed while on campus.


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5.14 STUDENT WITHDRAWAL If your child will be withdrawing from East Tampa Academy, please notify the school director several days in advance. This will allow the school time to complete the required paperwork, teachers to prepare grades and other academic reports, and help your child prepare for the transition.

• All books and school materials that are the property of East Tampa Academy must be returned to the school before the child’s last day.


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2019 – 2020 Student Calendar

Students’ First Day of School August 12, 2019

Labor Day Holiday / Non-Student Day Sept 2, 2019

End of 1st Grading Period Oct 11, 2018

Veteran’s Day Observance/Non-Student Day Nov 11, 2019

Fall Break/Non-Student Days Nov 25 - Nov 29, 2019

Students Return to School Dec 2, 2019

End of 2nd Grading Period (End of 1st Semester) Dec 20, 2019

Winter Break/ Non-Student Days Dec 23, 2019 - Jan 3, 2020

Non-Student Day Jan 6, 2020

Students Return to School Jan 7, 2020

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday/Non-Student Day Jan 20, 2020

** Florida State Fair Day/Non-Student Day (All) ** Feb 7, 2020

Presidents' Day/Non-Student Day Feb 17, 2020

** Strawberry Festival/Non-Student Day (All) ** Mar 2, 2020

End of 3rd Grading Period Mar 13, 2020

Spring Break/Non-Student Days Mar 16 - Mar 20, 2020

Students Return to School Mar 23, 2020

Non-Student Day Apr 10, 2020

Non-Student Day Apr 20, 2020


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Memorial Day/Non-Student Day May 25, 2020

Last Day of School/End of 4th Grading Period (End of 2nd Semester) May 29, 2020

** NEW FOR 2019-2020. All students districtwide will have off for both the Florida State Fair and the Strawberry Festival.

Student Early - Release Days One-hour early release every Monday with the following exceptions:

Oct. 14, Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 18, Dec. 2, Dec 9, Dec. 16, 2019

Last Day of School - 2.5 Hours Early

Hurricane Day(s) if needed - Nov 11, 25, 26, 27

east tampa academy · 2019. 8. 1. · east tampa academy student and family handbook 2019-2020 5...

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