student and parent handbook - okaloosa schools

2020-2021 STUDENT AND

PARENT HANDBOOK Destin Elementary School

630 Kelly Street Destin, FL 32541 P:850-833-4360 F:850-833-4370

Joe Jannazo, Principal

PLEASE NOTIFY THE SCHOOL IMMEDIATELY IF YOUR ADDRESS,

TELEPHONE NUMBER(s) OR EMERGENCY CONTACTS CHANGE. WRITTEN

NOTIFICATION WITH DATE AND SIGNATURE REQUIRED.

WELCOME TO DESTIN ELEMENTARY HOME OF THE DOLPHINS

2020-2021

Destin Elementary School prides itself on its tradition of excellence. While we were not afforded the

opportunity to test and earn our school grade we are confident that we would have begun our 19th

consecutive year of earning an A+ rating from the state of Florida. Students will see many changes

this year but will also find familiarity in many daily routines as we strive to continue to improve the

entire educational experience of our students. DES is proud that we offer a culture of safety, fun and

learning for all.

Our teachers follow the Florida State Standards to create a curriculum that meets students where they

are and grows them educationally, emotionally and socially. We have programs and supports in

place for remediation when needed and our teachers have the training and experience to ensure that

students enjoy the rigor included in their daily instruction that will help them excel. At Destin

Elementary we strive for more than proficiency. We know students are often capable of so much

more. Our teachers are committed to helping all students reach their full potential.

This handbook contains information, policies, and procedures that you should be aware of. If you

have questions that are not addressed here, please call our front office to let them know and get

further assistance. We want you to feel informed and connected to our school. Due to current

circumstances, some of our policies and procedures have been modified to ensure the safety of all

staff and students. These are laid out in our Covid Addendum that can be found at the end of the

handbook. It can also be accessed on our website along with an informational orientation video.

Please stay in contact with your child’s teacher and meet with them periodically to monitor progress.

Check the parent portal frequently to keep up with classroom grades. Throughout the year you can

get information about what is happening around campus by visiting our website at

www.okaloosaschools/destines as well as on our Facebook page.

At Destin Elementary we continue to be successful because of our partnership with our parents,

community members and local businesses. We encourage you to find a place where you can get

involved! Consider joining our PTO, our school advisory council (SAC), our grounds beautification

team or volunteering in your child’s classroom or at school events. Although we are not permitted to

have volunteers during the first 9 weeks, we are hopeful we will be able to resume this valuable

program soon after!

Destin Elementary School continues to pursue excellence and we look forward to working together

with you on our TEAM this school year. As we navigate through a new normal, I am confident in

our ability to continue to provide the quality education in a safe environment that we have become

accustomed to. Our students are at the heart of everything we do and I know together we will make

this a terrific year!

Joe Jannazo

Principal

http://www.okaloosaschools/destines

Destin Elementary

Parent/Student HB 8/20/2019 1

Table of Contents

Absences Define ........................................................... 10

Attendance Requirements ............................................. 9

Attendance Policy .......................................................... 9

Celebrations ................................................................. 20

Conferences .................................................................. 16

Boys and Girls Club Child Care Program ................... 22

Discipline ..................................................................... 13

Discipline Expectations ............................................... 13

Discipline Plan of Action ............................................. 13

Discrimination/Harassment Policy ............................. 22

Dress Code for Students .............................................. 14

Early Checkout .............................................................. 4

Exceptional Student Education (ESE) ........................ 18

Field Trips .................................................................... 19

Free and Reduced Price School Meals ........................ 17

Guidance Counselor ..................................................... 18

Honor Roll .................................................................... 16

Internet Access ............................................................ 18

Late Arrivals .................................................................. 4

Lunch/Breakfast Program ........................................... 16

Lunchroom Rules and Procedures............................... 14

Make-up Work ............................................................. 10

Media Center ............................................................... 17

Medical ......................................................................... 11

Medications .................................................................. 11

Messages ........................................................................ 5

Newsletters .................................................................... 5

Okaloosa County School Calendar ................................ 3

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) ........................... 21

Personal Property .......................................................... 5

Physical Ed., Art, Music, and Recess .......................... 18

Pre- Kindergarten/D .................................................... 19

Public Law 504 ............................................................ 12

Report Cards/Interim Reports ..................................... 15

Reporting an Absence .................................................... 9

Excused and Unexcused Absences .................... 10

Safety ............................................................................. 4

Destin Elementary


School Advisory Council (SAC) .................................... 20

School Clinic ................................................................ 11

School Days .................................................................... 4

School Hours .................................................................. 4

School Insurance .......................................................... 13

School Withdrawals ..................................................... 11

Semester Honor Roll .................................................... 19

Special Events .............................................................. 15

Student Progress ......................................................... 10

Tardies ......................................................................... 10

Technology Lab ............................................................ 18

Textbooks ....................................................................... 5

Transportation ............................................................... 6

Bicycles & Scooters ............................................... 6

Transportation Changes ....................................... 6

Student Pick Up/Check out .................................. 8

Bus Riders ............................................................. 6

Car Rider Safety Procedures ................................ 7

Inclement Weather Dismissal .............................. 8

Walkers, Car Riders, Bus Riders, All Students ............... 8

Trespassing .................................................................. 19

Truancy ........................................................................ 10

Visitors ........................................................................... 5

Volunteers .................................................................... 20 School District of Okaloosa County, Fl. Annual Public

Notification of Student and Family Rights

School Financial Report ......................................... Back pages

***See appendix for Covid-19 operating policies and

procedures.

Destin Elementary


OKALOOSA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Okaloosa County, Florida

2020-2021 School Year Calendar

Pre-School Planning Monday – Friday August 17-19, 2020

First Day of School for

Students

Monday August 31, 2020

Labor Day Holiday Monday September 7, 2020

End: 1st Grading Period Friday October 30, 2020

Teacher Work Day/ Student

Holiday

Monday November 2, 2020

Veterans Day Holiday Wednesday November 11, 2020

Thanksgiving Holidays Wednesday-Friday November 25 - 27, 2020

Winter Break Holidays Monday-Friday December 21, 2020January 1,

2021

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Monday January 18, 2021

End: 2nd Grading Period Friday January 22, 2021

Teacher Work Day/ Student

Holiday

Monday January 25, 2021

President’s Day Holiday Monday February 15, 2021

End: 3rd Grading Period Friday March 26, 2021

Teacher Work

Day/Student Holiday

Monday March 29, 2021

Spring Break Holiday Monday - Friday April 19-23, 2021

Memorial Day Holiday Monday May 31, 2021

End of Semester/Last Day for

Students

Wednesday June 9, 2021

Last Day for Teachers Tuesday June 14, 2021

Destin Elementary


School Mission

‘We are the Future: Independent Learners, Cooperative Workers, Self-Thinkers, Strong

Leaders, and Responsible Citizens. We are the Destin Dolphins!’

SCHOOL DAY

SCHOOL HOURS

School hours will be 8:25 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. For safety and supervision reasons,

students should not come on campus without being in the company of an adult prior to

8:00 a.m. If a student repeatedly arrives prior to this time without a school-approved

purpose, the parent/guardian will be contacted by the school office. If early arrival

continues, students will be sent to Boys & Girls Club and parents may be billed for

services.

Students arriving after 8:25 are tardy and must be escorted by parent to the office to

receive a tardy pass. See Policy for Late Arrival 2:52 Walkers and Bike Riders are dismissed

2:54 Bus Riders are dismissed

2:55 Car riders & Daycare dismissed

SAFETY

Students who walk, ride bicycles, or ride the bus to school must have a clear

understanding of the safety rules from parents. The school will reinforce these rules

for the safety of our children in partnership with the home and school. Reinforcement

by both parties will assure students of the importance of these rules & student safety.

LATE ARRIVAL OF STUDENTS

(Students are considered tardy if they are not in their classrooms by

8:25 a.m. An adult must escort their child to the office and sign in if they arrive after

the bell. A tardy pass will be issued allowing the student to enter class. Students

should arrive at school in time to put away backpacks, turn in homework and notes,

sharpen pencils, and prepare for the day before the last bell rings. If your child eats

breakfast in the lunchroom, please allow them enough time to eat and get to class

before 8:25 a.m. Breakfast is served daily from 8:00 a.m. until 8:20 a.m.

EARLY CHECKOUT

Early checkout is discouraged due to instructional time missed. In the case of an

emergency or medical appointment, please refer to the following checkout policy.

Excused checkouts are defined under the Attendance Requirements section.

Students will not be able to leave school unless they have first been checked out

through the front office. Teachers are not permitted to release a student to a parent or

any individual without prior permission from the office, except under special

circumstances such as award ceremony days, field days, and field trips. To avoid class

distractions, parents will not be allowed to go to the classroom. A photo ID is required

at all times in order to remove a student from school. To ensure a safe dismissal,

there will be NO checkouts after 2:30 p.m. unless there is an illness or emergency.

Destin Elementary


VISITORS All visitors to our school must report to the school office and sign in utilizing our digital security system, before entering any other part of the school. The office personnel will deliver messages or forgotten items to the students. A visitor’s pass must be worn while visiting all areas of the school. To provide security to our children and staff, the all gates and entrances are locked once the last school bus arrives at school. The office front door will be open for all entry after this time. Student visitors or small children are not permitted to visit the classrooms during school hours. Parents are welcome but arrangements for in-class visitations must be made 24 hours in advance with the teacher and administration.

MESSAGES

Interruption of the school day in each classroom is discouraged. Therefore,

only in the case of an emergency will phone calls be sent directly into a

classroom. You will be directed to the teacher’s voicemail. While most frequent

message requests received concern changes in student departure plans, please be

mindful that many teachers will not be able to check voice mails until end of day as

instructional time is held sacred. Thus, we ask that all such arrangements be made

prior to the student’s arrival each day. This will reduce unnecessary classroom

interruptions and will help ensure that a student clearly understands what he/she is

to do after school on a given day. Please also be aware that, unless the office is

notified in writing with a parent/guardian signature, students will be required to go

home the way they came to school or via their regularly established departure plan.

TEXTBOOKS AND LIBRARY BOOKS

Students and parents are responsible for exercising care in the use of textbooks and

library books loaned to them. The parent/guardian must pay for lost or damaged

books at full replacement cost.

NEWSLETTERS At the beginning of each month, students will bring home a monthly newsletter to help keep the parents informed of the various activities at school. The newsletter lists activities, events, announcements and special functions. The newsletter and important current information can be found on the school website. www.okaloosa.k12.fl.us/DestinEs. In addition, teachers will send home weekly class newsletters containing pertinent academic and class information.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

**Destin Elementary is not responsible for lost or stolen items.**

Parents are urged to label student’s personal items such as jackets, sweaters, and lunch boxes with the child’s name (first and last). The wearing of expensive jewelry and bringing more money than is needed for the day is discouraged. A lost and found is located in the cafeteria. Children are not allowed to bring toys from home. If cell phones are brought to school, they should be silenced; not used during the school day unless directed by teacher, and should be kept in the child’s backpack so they are not visible. Please refer to the OCSD policy on electronic devices for further information.

http://www.okaloosa.k12.fl.us/DestinEs

Destin Elementary


TRANSPORTATION

CHANGE OF TRANSPORTATION

The following is Okaloosa School Board Policy: SCHOOL BOARD POLICY F-7

RELEASE OF PUPILS DURING SCHOOL HOURS – STUDENTS WILL NOT BE

RELEASED TO ANYONE EXCEPT PARENTS OR THEIR AUTHORIZED

REPRESENTATIVES (WRITTEN CERTIFICATION REQUIRED) DURING SCHOOL

HOURS.

We must enforce the rules as written and require the custodial parent to give us

written documentation when regular dismissal routines are to be changed. This may

place a slight burden on the custodial parent to provide the necessary documentation

for the appropriate authorities, but such a safeguard is critical for the protection of our

students. If a student is to go home with a friend, to a sitter, or to any place other than the usual afternoon plan, the student must bring a note, signed by the parent with the date, child's name, teacher’s name, address, phone number of the destination where the child will be going. The student will bring the note to the office for approval by the principal. *DISTRICT POLICY STATES THAT NO CHANGES OF STUDENT’S REGULAR AFTERNOON DESTINATIONS CAN BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE.

PARENTS MUST CONTACT THE OFFICE BEFORE 2:30 P.M. BY EMAIL OR FAX

(including a signature) FOR A CHANGE OF TRANSPORTATION. IT IS THE

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENT TO CALL THE SCHOOL TO MAKE SURE WE

HAVE RECEIVED THIS CHANGE.

BICYCLE AND SCOOTERS

All students who ride bicycles or scooters to and from school should always park and

lock their bicycles/scooters in the racks located in the front and back of the school.

Students are to walk their scooters, bicycles, skateboards while on school property.

Florida law requires that all students wear an appropriate bicycle helmet.

BUS RIDERS

Transportation by bus is available to elementary students living one mile or

more from the school or living within a mile of the school but forced to

cross-predetermined hazardous walking areas. Only zoned students qualify for school

bus transportation consideration. Students are to behave in an orderly manner while

on the school bus and at bus stops. Students may be excluded from riding the school

bus if they do not follow prescribed county behavioral regulations.

SCHOOL BOARD POLICY M-12, 10, STATES, “NO CHILD SHALL BE PERMITTED TO RIDE A

SCHOOL BUS HOME WHO WAS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR BUS TRANSPORTATION IN THE

MORNING. IN THE EVENT A STUDENT IS REQUESTING TO RIDE A BUS IN THE AFTERNOON

AND WAS NOT ELIGIBLE TO RIDE THAT BUS IN THE MORNING, HE/SHE MUST ADHERE TO

THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES: (1) THE STUDENT MUST HAVE A PERMISSION SLIP SIGNED

BY THE PARENT STATING THAT HE/SHE HAS ALLOWED THE CHILD TO RIDE THE BUS, (2)

THE STUDENT MUST TAKE THE PERMISSION SLIP IN ADVANCE TO THE OFFICE FOR

SIGNATURE, AND (3) THE SIGNED PERMISSION SLIP MUST THEN BE PRESENTED TO THE

BUS DRIVER. Please note that special permission to be transported will not occur if the bus is already

at capacity.

Destin Elementary


INSTRUCTIONS FOR RIDING SCHOOL BUSES 1. STAND OFF ROADWAY WHILE WAITING FOR THE BUS.

2. PUPILS MUST BE ON TIME: BUS WILL NOT WAIT FOR THOSE WHO ARE TARDY.

3. PUPILS MUST BOARD AND LEAVE THE BUS AT THEIR REGULAR STOP, (UNLESS BY WRITTEN PERMISSION OF PARENT AND PRINCIPAL).

4. WALK 10 FEET IN FRONT OF THE BUS. WAIT FOR DRIVER'S SIGNAL BEFORE CROSSING ROAD.

5. THE DRIVER IS IN FULL CHARGE OF BUS PUPILS. PUPILS MUST OBEY DRIVER.

6. THE DRIVER HAS THE RIGHT TO ASSIGN SEATS. PUPILS MUST SIT 3 TO A SEAT FROM WINDOW TO AISLE.

7. KEEP YOUR SEAT AT ALL TIMES WHEN BUS IS MOVING.

8. KEEP ARMS AND HEADS INSIDE WINDOW. NO OBJECTS SHALL BE THROWN FROM WINDOWS OR AT BUS.

9. UNNECESSARY CONVERSATION WITH THE DRIVER IS DANGEROUS.

10. OTHER THAN ORDINARY CONVERSATION, CLASSROOM CONDUCT IS TO BE OBSERVED.

11. ABSOLUTE SILENCE IS REQUIRED AT ALL RAILROAD CROSSINGS.

12. NO EATING, DRINKING OR USE OF TOBACCO IS ALLOWED ON BUS.

13. NO ANIMALS (DEAD OR ALIVE), GLASS OR GLASS CONTAINERS, SHARP OBJECTS, BALL BATS, CUTTING INSTRUMENTS, BATONS, AND DRUMSTICKS WILL BE ALLOWED ON BUS WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION OF DRIVER.

14. LARGE OBJECTS INCLUDING BAND INSTRUMENTS THAT INTERFERE WITH SEATING AND SAFETY OF OTHER STUDENTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED ON BUS.

15. RIDING THE BUS IS A PRIVILEGE. SERIOUS OR REPEATED MISCONDUCT MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION FROM THE BUS.

Violations of the rules will result in the school addressing infractions according

to the district Bus Infraction Elementary Matrix.

CAR RIDER SAFETY PROCEDURES It is essential that all persons who drive on our campus drive carefully.

They should understand that children often do the unexpected. Drive slowly (5 mph)

and with great caution. Adults transporting a student to or from school should drive

to Benning Drive, turn east on Kelly Street and enter the designated car drop-off and

pick-up zone located at the northwest corner of the school.

Pay careful attention to the School Zone warning lights, the crossing guards and the

speed limit. Following these guidelines will ensure the safety of our students and aid

the staff and crossing guards with directing traffic:

Destin Elementary


A.M. DROP OFF

ALL STUDENTS: Upon arrival, students will be directed to the multi-purpose

room where they will be supervised until 8:15 a.m., then be released to class. After dropping a student off, continue traveling east on Kelly Street – NO LEFT

TURN, PLEASE.

Never create a safety hazard by dropping off or picking up a student across the street

from the school.

Do not drive off until your child steps onto the sidewalk.

Arrive early - 8:00 a.m.- to avoid traffic delays

Students arriving after 8:25 are tardy. Parents are to park and walk their child to the

office to check them in.

For the safety of others, please avoid using your cell phone in the parking lot and in the

car rider lines. Cell phones are distracting!

Patience – Patience – Patience

P.M. PICKUP

A school issued ID card with your child’s personal ID number must be visible. Students

will not be placed in a car not having the required ID tag.

Individuals without an ID tag will report to the office with photo identification. Office

staff will verify and notify the car ramp to have the student report to the office.

Load children from the right side of your vehicle only.

Students will not be released to parents who park and walk up to the car dismissal

area.

The car ramp is a NO PARKING zone.

Please encourage your child not to loiter, and to come directly to the car ramp at

dismissal.

For the safety of others, please avoid using your cell phone in the parking lot and in the

car rider lines. Cell phones are distracting!

Again – Patience – Patience – Patience

INCLEMENT WEATHER DISMISSAL (SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS)

Establish a rainy day plan with your child. Have an understanding when and where

you will meet. Phone messages for your child will not be allowed.

WALKERS: If inclement weather dismissal is decided, students who are walkers will

be asked to report to the car rider area to wait for parents to come pick them up.

Students will not be allowed to walk home from school during inclement weather

dismissal. Be prepared to show your Car ID TAG or report to the office with photo ID.

CAR RIDERS: Car riders will be dismissed as usual. If you pick your student up as a

car rider, always have your Car ID TAG visible.

BUS RIDERS: In inclement weather, please allow your child to continue to ride the

bus. Parents may take or pick up their child at the BUS STOP. This will help with

our traffic problem at the school on rainy days. Thank you!

Destin Elementary


**IF POSSIBLE, WE WILL POST ANY LAST MINUTE INCLEMENT WEATHER

DISMISSAL ACTIVITY ON OUR WEBSITE **

www.okaloosa.k12.fl.us/destin

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (K-5) ATTENDANCE

REQUIREMENTS

(Okaloosa District Policy)

Regular attendance provides students the opportunity to master required skills at

each grade level. Many integral activities, including class discussions, group

experiences, field trips, guest speakers, and group instruction, cannot be simulated or

replicated with the written work. Therefore, with the goal of promoting student

success, Okaloosa County Public Schools has adopted a uniform Attendance Policy. It

is our intent to encourage honest, accurate, and consistent adherence to this policy by

all students, parents, teachers, and administrators.

Attendance Policy

To fully benefit from the instructional program provided at Destin Elementary,

students are expected to attend school regularly, be on time for classes, remain at

school for the entire instructional day, and satisfy all course requirements. Poor

attendance or excessive tardiness and/or frequent early checkouts, may result in low

or failing grades. If a student’s absences begin to mount and/or tardiness becomes an

issue, a formal letter from the principal will be mailed home. Such correspondence is

intended to alert parents of countywide attendance regulations.

A. Reporting an Absence

When a student accumulates a total of eighteen (18) excused or unexcused

absences within a year, the student must have an excuse from the doctor or an

official agency (i.e. Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Children and

Families, etc.) for each subsequent absence.

1. After the ninth (9th), but before the fifteenth (15th) absence (excused or

unexcused), the parent will be notified.

2. After the eighteenth (18th) absence (excused of unexcused), a letter will be sent

to the parents notifying them of the necessity for a doctor’s excuse or an excuse

from an official agency. In addition, this letter will notify parents of the

consequences of any additional absences.

3. All absences after the eighteenth (18th) must be reviewed by a child study team,

i.e. guidance committee, attendance committee etc., for recommendations

4. Students will have five (5) school days, including the day they return, to bring

in written verification for an excused absence. The absence will be considered

unexcused if the school does not receive verification for the absence within that

time frame.

Destin Elementary


B. Absences Defined

1. Excused Absences are absences resulting from:

a. Death in the family or any other bona fide family emergency,

b. Illness or injury requiring medical or dental attention (physician’s

statement required).

c. Illness or injury not requiring medical attention will require a parent

note explaining the absence.

d. Appointments for medical, dental care or with official agencies.

(Physician’s statement or statement from official agency required).

e. Religious holidays: Pupils are permitted to be absent in observation of

established religious holidays, but they must be counted absent on all

school records. Absences of a religious nature, preceded by prior parent

notice, will not require written notification on the student’s return to

school. Religious holidays considered excused absences include Good

Friday, Yom Kippur, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Hanukkah. In

addition to these recognized holidays, parents may request in writing,

five days prior to the absence for their child to be excused for other

religious holidays.

2. Unexcused Absences are absences resulting from:

a. An absence not designated as excused (B,1)

b. Unverified absence (absences other than those defined in 3, “A” above)

c. Truancy

d. Suspension

e. Expulsion

Tardiness

The parent will be notified when a student has reached five (5) unexcused*

early checkouts and/or late arrivals within a semester. When the number

of early checkouts and/or late arrivals reach seven (7) within a semester,

the parent will be required (at the principals discretion) to have a

conference with the principal or the principal’s designee.

NOTE: Students who must leave school as a result of illness will be

excused. *Excused tardies will be defined the same as absences in section

3, A.

Make Up Work

For excused absences, the student will be expected to make up the work

missed during the time of absence. Parents should contact the school office

to request make up work for excused absences. If the school is contacted in

the morning, assignments may be ready for pick up from 3:00-3:15 that

day. As a general rule, all such make up work must be completed within

five (5) school days after the student returns to school. However, the

teacher and/or the principal may grant additional time for the make-up

work if the individual situation warrants.

C. Truancy

If the school determines that a student subject to compulsory school

attendance has had at least (5) unexcused absences within a calendar

Destin Elementary


month or ten (10) unexcused absences or absences for which the reason is

unknown within a 90-calnedar-day period or has had more than fifteen

(15) unexcused absences in a 90-calendar-day period, the superintendent

of schools may file a truancy petition. F.S. 984.03, F.S. 984.151, F.S.

1003.26 (Please refer to OCSD Pupil Progression Plan for further

information regarding truancy.)

SCHOOL WITHDRAWALS Parents may request a withdrawal by calling the office or in writing; giving date the transfer or withdrawal is to become effective and a change of address or location of next school. It is permissible and encouraged for parents to hand-carry a student's school records if the move is out of the county. The school office will need at least three days in advance in order to have the records ready. All textbooks, library books, and cafeteria charges must be cleared before the student leaves.

MEDICAL

SCHOOL CLINIC The purpose of the School Clinic is to provide care for a student who becomes ill or injured at school and for dispensing of medicines. OCHD provides a school clinic with a qualified Nurse. If the Nurse is absent, a substitute will serve in her capacity. There are no facilities available to keep sick children for an extended period of time. Parents will be called to pick up an ill child. Children with communicable diseases will be sent home and should have a doctor's certificate or certificate of clear health from the health department to re-enter (State Health Laws).

Telephone numbers to call in case a child gets sick or injured while at school are imperative. If parents plan to be out of town or cannot be easily reached, it is advised to leave a Power Of Attorney with a reliable contact person and a copy to the school Nurse. In addition, Twin Cities Hospital has a Kid Med Program for such emergencies. In case of serious accidents, an emergency vehicle will be called to transport the injured child to the nearest clinic or hospital.

If your child has any type of medical problem, please alert us as soon as possible as it

will help us to better care for your child. Problems such as allergies, diabetes,

seizures, etc. should be brought to our attention.

MEDICATIONS

In order for medicine to be administered at the school, parent permission and instructions must be obtained. The parent will be required to come into the

clinic to fill out the Medication Administration Form when they hand carry the medication to the nurse. This form authorizes the school to assist in the administration of medication. The medication prescribed for the student must come in the original container.

The school's designee will record each dosage given on the Individual Medication Administration Log. If your child is on daily medication and you forget to give him/her

Destin Elementary


the early morning dosage, you will need to come to the school and administer the medication and sign a new form giving us permission to give the next dosage later than the time stated on his/her medication form. Parents’ phone calls are not acceptable to change the dosage or time of dosage. Changes in the dosage or the times medication is administered will require a physician's written permission. The first dosage of any new medication shall not be administered during school hours due to the possibility of an allergic reaction. Non-prescription medication must be brought to school, by a parent, in an original, unopened container and shall be labeled with the student's name. A permission form for the administration of medication must be completed, signed, dated, and kept on file. Each administration will be recorded on the Individual Medication Administration Log whenever given. No medication will be administered without permission. NO MEDICATION CAN BE FURNISHED BY THE CLINIC. Under no circumstances are children to have any kind of medication in their possession while at school or on the school bus, including inhalers, epipens or cough drops. The Okaloosa County Health Department provides Medication Administration Forms that will be used in the Clinic for all students and each parent will be required to come into the clinic to fill out this form when they hand carry medication to the Nurse.

PUBLIC LAW 504 Those students who are not classified as exceptional students with active IEPs may qualify as handicapped persons as defined in Rule 6A-19.001(6) FAC and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1979. Rule 6A-19.001(6), FAC, defines a handicapped person as: Any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such impairment: or is regarded as having such impairment. 1. Physical or mental impairment:

a. Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory, including speech organ; cardiovascular; reproductive, digestive, genito-urinary, hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or

b. Any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.

2. Major life activities: Functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. 3. Has a record of such impairment: Has a history of, or has been incorrectly classified as having, a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. 4. Is regarded as having an impairment:

a. Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but that is treated by an institution as constituting such a limitation.

b. Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities: as a result of the attitudes of others and, therefore, is treated by an institution, as having such impairment.

If you, as a parent, think that your child may qualify as handicapped under Section 504, please contact the school's guidance counselor. Medical verification of the handicapping condition is required.

Destin Elementary


SCHOOL INSURANCE School accident insurance for students will be available during the first month of school for those desiring it. Specific coverage provisions and information will be sent home as soon as it is available after school begins. This is not mandatory but is good insurance and has been selected with schoolchildren in mind. For your child’s protection, we urge you to consider this opportunity.

DISCIPLINE

DISCIPLINE EXPECTATIONS If the educational process is to be successful, there must be close communication between parents and school staff in every aspect of the learning process. Parents are successful when they communicate discipline expectations to their children and monitor those expectations in a consistent manner at home. Schools are successful in the learning process when they communicate discipline expectations to the students and maintain that expectation in a consistent manner at school. When parents and schools work together with open communication about discipline expectations, students are able to be successful with their school activities with little interruption.

It is our belief that children progress best when there is order and consistency. This approach works best when a student’s expectations are communicated to the student in a kind and fair manner. Students are expected to use self-discipline as part of their learning process. Understanding the importance of “being responsible for their actions” is a goal that must be achieved if students are to be successful citizens. Under no circumstances will rude, defiant behavior be tolerated. Disruptive behavior even by one student interferes with the learning process in the classroom; therefore, we have definite guidelines regarding misbehavior in the school setting.

Discipline reports are maintained by each teacher to report inappropriate behavior if needed. Consequences will be administered in a fair and firm manner. Okaloosa County School Board Policy 4-33 states : the possession or display by a student of any sword, sword cane, electric weapon or device, air or CO2 powered device, destructive device, or other weapon, including a razor blade, box cutter or knife, while on school property, on school sponsored transportation, or while attending a school sponsored activity may warrant him/her up to a ten (10) day suspension from school and may be recommended for alternative placement by the principal, and the parent of guardian of the student shall be contacted regarding the incident.

THE SCHOOL PLAN OF ACTION FOR DISCIPLINE 1. Individual Classroom Plan of Action

You will receive class plans for behavior as soon as teachers/students have agreed

upon their class rules and consequences. The Principal’s plan is a continuation of the

Classroom Plan.

2. Principal’s Plan of Action After taking the steps in the Individual Class Plan, the student will be referred to the principal.

Destin Elementary


1st Visit: 15-30 minutes (minimum) STP (student training program) -Principal & STP trainer will discuss appropriate behavior -Parent will be contacted (phone/referral signed and return) 2nd Visit: ½ day (minimum) STP (student training program) -Principal & STP trainer will discuss appropriate behavior -Parent will be contacted by phone. 3rd Visit: full day (minimum) of STP. -Parent will be asked to come to school for a conference.

LUNCHROOM RULES AND PROCEDURES

A. Students are asked to follow these simple rules:

1. Stay seated

2. Keep your feet under the table

3. Use quiet voices

4. Raise your hand for assistance

5. No talking between tables

6. No sharing of food, due to the food allergies of some children

B. The lunchroom monitors will monitor student behavior. They will notify

classroom teacher of any misbehaviors. A time out table will be established

for any inappropriate behavior from a student who has previously reported.

A student may also be assigned to the time-out table for a first offense if the

monitors deem it necessary. The time-out table is for immediate use by the

monitors and will not be used for on-going discipline.

C. Minimum consequences for Inappropriate Behavior in the lunchroom will be:

1. 1st Offense – Notify classroom teacher of inappropriate behaviors.

2. 2nd Offense – Notify classroom teacher. Classroom teacher notifies the

parents that a second lunchroom occurrence has happened. Assignment

to the time-out table will be treated as a second offense.

3. 3rd Offense – Notify classroom teacher. Classroom teacher notifies the

parents that a second lunchroom occurrence has happened. Assignment

to the time-out table for multiple days.

Each nine weeks every student will begin with a clean slate.

DRESS CODE FOR STUDENTS

(A) Appropriate student grooming and dress are primarily the responsibility of

the student and parent. However, in adopting a code of student dress, it is

the intent of the school board to insure that a student’s personal hygiene,

appearance, or dress is such that it does not disrupt or interfere with the

educational process or endanger the health and safety of the student or

others.

Destin Elementary


(B) The wearing of garments appropriate for school is to be encouraged. All

instructors should be alert to give helpful, friendly guidance in these matters

without embarrassment to the pupil. Failure of any student to dress simply

and appropriately should be brought to the attention of the principal.

Extremes in dress, hairstyle, make-up, or jewelry are not in good taste and

should be discouraged. The principal of the individual school will determine

when these provisions have been violated and will make the initial decision

as to conformity to policy and discipline for offenders.

(C) If a student is suspended for violating any provision of this code, he or she

must be readmitted to school as soon as the violation has been corrected.

Guidelines to assist students, parents, and administrators toward a better

understanding of the above are specifically:

Elementary Grades K – 4:

1. Clothing must be neat, clean, and appropriate.

2. Footwear is required for sanitary and safety reason.

3. No hats are to be worn inside the building.

4. Garments bearing inappropriate slogans or pictures are not permitted

(i.e., alcohol, drugs, racial remarks, or sexual connotation).

5. Hairstyle must not interfere with vision.

6. Tank tops and similar shirts or blouses, when worn with out another top, are not

permitted for 4th grade. The midriff must be covered and undergarments must not

show at any time.

7. Closed toed shoes are required for all PE classes.

STUDENT PROGRESS

REPORT CARDS/INTERIM REPORTS

Okaloosa District elementary and secondary schools report grades at nine (9)

week periods with an interim report to be given at 4 ½-week intervals. Interim

reports explain progress and problems your child may be having and offer

recommendations for improvement. The interim report should be signed by the

parent and returned to the school the following day. Two nine-week periods will equal

a semester.

Destin Elementary teachers are taking advantage of our district’s Gradebook, which is

a computerized grade reporting system. Therefore, parents/ guardians are able to use

the Parent Portal to view their children’s performance at home. This can be accessed

through Destin Elementary School’ The system requires your student ID number as

your ‘user name’ and the PIN Code is the last four digits of the student number for

confidentiality purposes. Additional information regarding this service will be

provided later. Parents are encouraged to use this system to follow their student’s

progress and grades. Paper report cards will not be sent home.

Destin Elementary


Our core curriculum is the Florida State Standards (FSS). These FSS describe the

student achievement that the state will hold schools accountable for students learning.

Grades communicate to you how well your child is achieving the FSS. The Florida

Standards Assessment (FSA) will be given to students in grades three and four to

assess their mastery of the FSS. Students in kindergarten, first and second grades

will take the DEA. Our major goal is to ensure each student makes at least one-year’s

academic growth for the school year in a safe and engaging environment. You will be

apprised of your child’s progress throughout the year. You may learn more about the

FSA by visiting our county website, http://www.okaloosaschools.com/, or by visiting the

state website, http://www.myflorida.com/.

CONFERENCES Conferences between the teacher and parents or between the principal and parents are welcomed and encouraged. If, at any time, you would like to have a conference with the teacher or the principal, please call the office and make an appointment. We also have the services of a guidance counselor should there be a need. Conferences to be held after school will be scheduled Monday through Thursday. The progression of conferences should begin with the classroom teacher. There may be times during the school year when the teacher or principal will request a conference with the parents. We hope that all parents will cooperate with the school in this regard, and we pledge our full cooperation in return. There will be designated times and dates that the classroom teacher will have conferences during the school day for the convenience of our parents.

HONOR ROLL The Honor Roll is designed to recognize students in grades 1-4 who excel in all areas of school performance. Students without a grade on their report cards will not be eligible for academic honor roll for the period it reflects. Once a grade has been assigned, eligibility for honor roll may be determined. Awards will be given to each student meeting the above criteria.

LUNCH/BREAKFAST PROGRAM A type "A" federally approved lunch program is available. A countywide menu is planned and adhered. The lunch period is a learning activity for the child; therefore, pupils who bring their lunches will be required to eat in the cafeteria with those who purchase their meals The Okaloosa County School Food Service Program operates for "You.”

We are proud of our cafeteria and welcome you to come have lunch with us. Each day

a "Healthy Choice Menu" is served from our self-serving hot and cold food bar. This

menu includes an entree, fresh fruit, and other healthy choice food items, including;

either fruit juice, whole milk, 2% milk, or low-fat chocolate milk. Breakfast is also

served daily from 8:00 a.m. until 8:20 a.m. We encourage parents to join their children for lunch; however, we do require all such visitors to sign in at the front office and obtain a visitor’s badge. Visitors who fail to do so will be redirected to the office. This policy is enforced for the safety of our students. Please respect our efforts. The cafeteria doors leading to the bus ramp will be locked during school hours; please do not exit through these doors. Parents may not dine outside with other parents’ children. A lunch menu is sent home monthly and

http://www.okaloosaschools.com/

http://www.myflorida.com/

Destin Elementary


available for viewing on the school web site. Parents are asked to use cash to purchase their lunch when eating with their children.

Our new updated computer system issues each student a cafeteria account number. With this number, students can make deposits to their individual accounts to be used for purchases of meals, extra milk or juice or other items available to them. Money for prepaid meals should be taken to the cafeteria in the morning as students arrive at school. Please place this money in an envelope with the student’s first and last name, account #, and grade if there is more than one student in the family. Meals may be paid for by the day or for as many days as you wish. The cafeteria only accepts prepaid lunch money in the morning, before the lunch schedule begins. (Prepaid lunch money cannot be accepted during lunch hours.) Lunch money should be given to the student before he/she arrives at school.

All Lunches are to be pre-paid by check or cash. On occasion, the cafeteria has

allowed a child to “charge” lunch in an emergency, with the stipulation that the

balance is paid promptly the next day. Charging lunch is not a routine practice. The

cafeteria management appreciates your cooperation. Please stop by if you have any

questions or need to review your child’s account status. Prices are as follows: Fully Paid Meals Reduced Meals Student Breakfast $1.80 Student Breakfast $ .30 Student Lunch $2.70 Student Lunch $ .40 Adult Lunch $4.00 Adult Breakfast $2.25 All Extra Milk $.65

FREE AND REDUCED PRICE SCHOOL MEALS

A federal program for assistance with meals for economically needy children is available. Parents must contact the school office and complete an application, (New Application 2018-2019). Forms are kept in the office. Applications must be approved before the first day of school for NEW STUDENTS. All RETURNING STUDENTS must complete an updated application within 10 days of the beginning of school. In the event an updated application is not received within the 10-day grace period, the student will lose their assistance and must pay for meals on the 11th day.

MEDIA CENTER

The media center welcomes our students daily with DTV news–written, produced, and

broadcast by our fourth grade students.

The goal of the Destin Elementary Media Center is to enable students to be effective

users of ideas and information. Our media specialist provides access to information

literacy by assisting students in book selection.

Our Media Center is open daily from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Books are loaned for a two-

week period. PreK- D and Kindergarten students may check out one book at a time.

All other students may check out two items for pleasure reading. Extra material for

special assignments may be loaned upon request.

Destin Elementary


TECHNOLOGY LAB

Destin has a wireless computer lab with 20 Dell Laptops, interactive educational

software, electronic encyclopedias, and productivity tools. Classrooms now have a 2:1

ratio of devices with an emphasis on IPads in primary grades and laptops in

intermediate grades.

INTERNET ACCESS

The Internet provides exciting opportunities to expand learning for students and

educators. However, with this opportunity comes the responsibility for appropriate

use; therefore, the School Board of Okaloosa County has adopted an Internet

Acceptable Use Policy that covers policy and procedural guidelines for accessing and

using the Internet in Okaloosa County Schools. In order to use the Internet, each

student and his or her legal guardian must read the Internet Acceptable Use Policy

and sign the attached Internet Responsibility Contract (MIS 5251 Rev. 6/06).

GUIDANCE COUNSELOR Destin Elementary, along with all other schools in Okaloosa County, has a Guidance Counselor who serves the many needs of our students, parents, and teachers. Parents and students are encouraged to utilize the opportunities available. Activities and counseling are offered to assist our school population in successful strategies for growth in the educational learning process. To reach the guidance department, call 833-4360.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Physical Education activities, in accordance with state regulations for elementary schools, are provided under the direction of a qualified physical education teacher. Every child is required to participate unless physically handicapped or ill. The parent should send a note when a child is to be excused. A doctor's certificate is required if a child is not to participate in physical education classes for an extended period. As a safety precaution no flip-flops, high heels, or platform shoes are allowed during PE classes. Your student needs to bring tennis shoes to change into during PE class.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION, ART, MUSIC, AND RECESS

Students receive instruction aligned with the Florida State Standards in art, music,

and physical education.

Teachers take a twenty minute recess time. Teachers select the time of recess and a

master schedule is maintained in the main office. The classroom teacher will

supervise recess.

EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION (ESE)

The Exceptional Student Education program is designed to assist students who qualify

for the program. Our goal is to align school services with county, state, and federal

policies incorporating Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all ESE

Students.

Destin Elementary


Students in ESE pre-school programs qualify for services through a district ESE

department process. Kindergartners through fifth grade students qualify through a

systematic referral process beginning with the classroom teacher. Additionally, the

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) committee including the ESE teachers,

psychologist, guidance counselor, and administration are involved. Parent

participation and approval are essential for the continuation of the process. Specific

criteria must be met to determine ESE eligibility.

Once a student is placed into the ESE program, they may be served in a variety of

subjects and ways. Unique learning styles and needs determine a student’s Individual

Education Plan (IEP). Delivery may be rendered through a range of services including

resource room, special classes, co-teaching, and/or consultation with an ESE teacher.

Specific needs may be met through general classroom assistance, specialized

instruction, alternative materials, and/or technology.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN/D (PK-D)

The PK-D Program is based on the philosophy that children’s play is their work. We

believe PK-D children gain success in developmentally appropriate, child-centered

activities in a positive, culturally diverse environment. Active learning experiences

and adult-child interactions aid children in developing skills, habits, and attitudes

contributing to a successful life. Our family-centered program is strengthened by

inclusive partnerships among the school family and community organizations.

TRESPASSING

No staff supervision is available on school grounds during non-school hours. Students

loitering on school grounds may be deemed trespassing. Please, for your children’s

safety, instruct them to stay off school grounds when school is not in session and when

they are not under immediate adult supervision. If your child is involved in an

organized activity after school, he should be in an assigned area with an adult

supervisor. Please note that skateboarding is not allowed on school grounds at any

time.

SPECIAL EVENTS Parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend all extracurricular activities at Destin Elementary School.

CELEBRATIONS

All parties, celebrations and other such events are coordinated and managed by the

classroom teacher. Please contact the classroom teacher regarding any such planned

activities. Parents who do not wish for their child to participate in these activities

should notify the teacher early in the year. “Ballooning” and “costuming” are not

permitted. In order for party invitations to be passed out at school, each child in the

class must receive an invitation. For the safety of the students with allergies, there

will be no sharing of food or passing food out in the lunchroom.

Destin Elementary


FIELD TRIPS

These adventures must be connected to areas of the curricula and should benefit

students by reinforcing the Sunshine State Standards. Field trips and excursions

provide worthwhile experiences of educational value. A child will not be allowed to

take a field trip without the written permission from the parent or guardian.

Permission slips are to be signed and must be returned to your child’s teacher prior to

the planned trip. Parents, with affidavits on file, are asked to volunteer for these

trips. (Volunteer Affidavits are available in the front office and require two weeks

clearance.) All field trips going out of the county must be notarized. Students are

requested to wear a class shirt on field trips for safety reasons. Monies collected for

field trips will not be refunded.

Any legal guardian taking their child home directly from the field trip or immediately

after returning to school must either complete a release form or sign-out the student in

the front office. Please be prepared to show photo ID.

VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEER AFFIDAVIT The use of volunteers in our school program is encouraged. If you wish to volunteer, please request an application in the office. For the protection of our students, the Okaloosa County School District requires every school volunteer to complete the Volunteer Application Process though the OCSD website (www.okaloosaschools.com). A new Volunteer Affidavit form must be completed each year! Allow two weeks for approval. Many students function better when their parents are not present in the classroom. Should this apply to you, you may wish to volunteer in another classroom or some other area. We have many areas to consider. We appreciate your help.

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC) The School Advisory Council (SAC) consists of faculty, staff, parents, and business partners from our community. There is School Advisory Council in each District school. Florida law requires the School Board to establish a SAC in every school. The three main objectives are:

1. To serve in an advisory capacity to the school principal 2. Help in the development of the education program 3. Aid in the preparation and evaluation of School Performance Plan

The SAC meets as necessary to monitor the implementation of the School Performance Plan, which is based on 8 Florida state goals:

1. Communities and schools collaborate to prepare children and families for children’s success in school.

2. Students graduated and are prepared to enter the work force and post- secondary education. 3. Students successfully compete at the highest levels nationally and

internationally and are prepared to make well-reasoned, thoughtful, and healthy lifelong decision.

Destin Elementary


4. School Boards provide a learning environment conducive to teaching and learning that includes sequential instruction in mathematics, reading, writing, and the social sciences.

5. Communities provide an environment that is drug free and protect students’ health, safety, and civil rights.

6. The schools, districts, and state ensure professional teachers and staff. 7. Adult Floridians are literate and have the knowledge and skills needed to

compete in a global economy and exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

8. Communities, school boards, and schools provide opportunities for involving parents and guardians as active partners in achieving school improvement and education accountability.

For additional information concerning guidelines, scheduled meetings, agendas, and minutes can be found on the schools website. We invite you to be a part of SAC. Their peers elect the members of the SAC; teachers elect teachers, educational support employees elect educational support employees and parents elect parents. The Principal is an integral part of the SAC committee. There is a minimum of 17 members with a cap of 27 members. Anyone interested in being a member of SAC please contact Mr. Jannazo. A new member vote will be held in September.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

The goal of your Destin Elementary PTO is to enhance our children’s learning

experience through united efforts between all of our parents, teachers and

administration.

We welcome and encourage participation in all events. Please remember fundraising

events are necessary in order for us to provide family social gatherings, enrich

educational elements at Destin Elementary, and provide for our teachers and staff.

Destin’s Parent Teacher Organization has been supportive over the years. Our school has many extras that enhance the learning process and experiences for our children. Membership consists of all parents/guardians, teachers, and volunteers interested in supporting activities at Destin Elementary. All parents are encouraged to be active participants in the Destin PTO. The support given our school both morally and financially is much appreciated. Children respond more positively in an atmosphere where they are comfortable and having active parents at school accomplishes this as well. Being involved benefits everyone.

Each teacher has a PTO Room Representative. Room representatives are our strength and provide a link between parents and their child’s teacher. If you are interested, contact your child’s teacher.

Destin Elementary


PTO meetings will be held quarterly.

Boys & Girls Club Child Care Program

The Boys and Girls Club Child Care Program is a before and after school program

provided for students registered at Destin Elementary School. The purpose of the

program is to provide a safe nurturing environment for those students who are

required to spend an extended part of their day away from home.

Hours of Operation Before School: 6:30 A.M. – 8:00 A.M.

After School: 2:55 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.

Registration Pre-registration and pre-payment are mandatory. Parents/guardians may register or

obtain information in the Child Care Office during the program.

Child Care Fees (*subject to change- Please refer to B&GC documents) Before School $65.00 per month

After School $100.00 per month

Both, Before and After $165.00 per month

OCSD POLICY FOR DISCRIMINATION & HARRASSMENT IN THE

EDUCATION OR WORK ENVIRONMENT

ADULTS – (6-28) EQUITY POLICY

Harassment concerning an individual’s race, color, sex, age, religious beliefs, national

or ethnic origin, marital status, or disability is a form of misconduct that undermines

the integrity of the employment relationship. Sexual harassment by an employee,

volunteer, or person with whom the district contracts for services toward another

individual while under the jurisdiction of the district is strictly prohibited.

STUDENTS – (4-34) EQUITY POLICY

It is the policy of the School Board of Okaloosa County to offer students the

opportunity to participate in appropriate programs, services and activities without

regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs,

marital status, parenthood, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, or social and

family background.

COMPLAINT PROCEDURES:

If an adult needs to report an alleged violation of these policies, an informal Equity

Complaint should be made to a principal or department director. If the situation

cannot be resolved informally, a Formal Equity Grievance (MIS 5139, Rev. 10/00), in

compliance with School Board Policy 6-29, should be directed to the Superintendent’s

Destin Elementary


designee listed below. Employees have the option of filing a grievance through

appropriate Master Contract procedures in lieu of the Formal Equity Grievance.

Students should promptly report complaints pertaining to the Okaloosa School

District’s Equity Policy to a teacher, the principal, or to the principal’s administrative

designee in charge of the school’s disciplinary office. The school’s administrative staff

will immediately notify the District’s Equity Coordinator when a complaint is filed.

SUPERINTENDENT’S DESIGNEES:

Steve Chapman Equity (Equal Opportunity) 833-5803

Melody Sommer 504 – Rehabilitation Act – 1973 833-3164

THIS POLICY IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FLORIDA EDUCATIONAL

EQUITY ACT OF 1973 AND OTHER APPLICABLE LAW AND RULES

Hi Everyone, Attached please find TAM 2020-033 – FY 2018-2019 School Financial Report related to General and Federal budgetary funds. Your school’s financial report may be printed and/or downloaded by accessing the following webpage: http://www.okaloosa.k12.fl.us/finance/SchoolFinancialReportFY2019.aspx

EDUCATIONAL FUNDING ACCOUNTABILITY ACT Section 1010.215, F.S.

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF OKALOOSA COUNTY 2018-2019 SCHOOL FINANCIAL REPORT

DESTIN ELEMENTARY (#0131)

REVENUES School* % Okaloosa County School District

% K-12 Education State of Florida

%

Federal 444,483$ 6.26% 30,157,184$ 10.76% 3,531,298,510$ 13.38% State/Local (excludes Lottery)

6,556,666 92.41% 249,934,917 89.17% 22,820,063,633 86.49%

Lottery 93,848 1.32% 107,807 0.04% 9,711,526 0.04% Private - 0.00% 86,681 0.03% 23,411,811 0.09% Total 7,094,997$ 100.00% 280,286,589$ 100.00% 26,384,485,480$ 100.00% (Continued on next page) *School revenues based on costs.

Per Full-Time Equivalent Student K-12 OPERATING COSTS **

SCHOOL AVERAGE

DISTRICT AVERAGE***

STATE AVERAGE***

TOTAL COSTS

Teachers/Teacher Aides (Salaries & Benefits)

5,167$ 5,041$ 4,895$ 4,839,697$

Temporary Personnel (Salaries & Benefits)**** Other Instructional Personnel*****

385 599 1,064 360,247

http://www.okaloosa.k12.fl.us/finance/SchoolFinancialReportFY2019.aspx

Destin Elementary


Contracted Instructional Services

262 477 235 245,469

School Administration 514 697 599 481,849 Materials/Supplies/Operating Capital Outlay

180 226 240 168,901

Food Service 301 369 548 281,930 Operation and Maintenance of Plant

555 791 971 520,242

Other School-Level Support Services

210 203 236 196,662

TOTAL SCHOOL COSTS** 7,574$ 8,403$ 8,788$ 7,094,997$ **Capital expenditures for new schools are not included. ***Amounts reported for District and State reflect costs for all levels of students, not costs by school type. ****The costs of temporary personnel such as substitute teachers and tutors included in "Other School-Level Support Services" are . . . . . . . .

70$ 67$ (Not Available) 65,430$

*****Includes some non-personnel costs, such as teacher training materials. District Costs: The amounts above represent only school-level costs. No district-level costs have been included. District costs such as transportation and administration for the School District of Okaloosa County totaled $9,078,826.24 or $308 per UFTE.

Per Full-Time Equivalent Student K-12 ADDITIONAL DETAIL INFORMATION

SCHOOL AVERAGE

DISTRICT AVERAGE

STATE AVERAGE

TOTAL COSTS

Teachers/Teachers Aides (Salaries/Benefits): Basic Programs 4,644$ 4,507$ 4,109$ 3,336,802$ ESOL 4,895$ 4,815$ 5,016$ 482,526$ Exceptional Programs 8,529$ 7,323$ 7,544$ 1,020,369$ Vocational Programs -$ 3,879$ 4,139$ -$ Adult Programs Not FEFP

Funded Not FEFP Funded Not FEFP Funded Not FEFP

Funded Materials, Supplies, Operating Capital Outlay: Textbooks 104$ 81$ Not Available from

State Data Base 97,701$

Computer Hardware & Software

18$ 30$ Not Available from State Data Base

16,469$

Other Instructional Materials 44$ 90$ Not Available from State Data Base

41,122$

Other Materials and Supplies

15$ 28$ Not Available from State Data Base

13,609$

Library Media Materials 1$ 3$ Not Available from State Data Base

759$

Note: This information became available on May 1, 2020, from the Florida Department of Education.

***Covid-19 Addendum The purpose of this document and its contents is to provide a Destin Elementary School (DES)

specific Reopening Plan for the 2020 – 2021 school year. This plan describes the enhanced health

and safety protocols put in place for the wellbeing of the students, staff, and families at DES with

Destin Elementary


the hope that it provides parents with a solid understanding of what expectations and school policies

will be this school year. We feel very strongly that all parents should read through this reopening

document in its entirety to have a strong understanding of what school will look like and the

precautions we are taking to ensure a safe, healthy, and growth mindset oriented learning

environment. Feedback and open lines of communication are important to us and we welcome all

questions and comments. Contact information is shared in the “Staff” section of this document. The

development of information in this document is an informed collaboration of resources shared by

the Okaloosa County School District’s (OCSD) superintendent’s office and senior leadership team,

Okaloosa County Health Department (OCHD), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the

American Academy of Pediatrics, and the DES leadership team comprised of the school’s

administrators, grade level chairs, the guidance counselor, and the School Resource Officer.

As a leading organization in the understanding of child health and development, the American

Academy of Pediatrics has recently provided valuable feedback and guidance to our nation’s health

crisis. “The purpose of this guidance is to support education, public health, local leadership, and

pediatricians collaborating with schools in creating policies for school re-entry that foster the

overall health of children, adolescents, staff, and communities and are based on available evidence.

Schools are fundamental to child and adolescent development and well-being and provide our

children and adolescents with academic instruction, social and emotional skills, safety, reliable

nutrition, physical/speech and mental health therapy, and opportunities for physical activity, among

other benefits.”

We intend to provide the best possible environment for our students and staff as they return to

school in very different times. We also intend to be as proactive as possible in using our available

information and resources to develop safe reopening policies while ensuring our top priority

remains the health and safety of our students along with our continued focus of growing our

students academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. We appreciate the support and

patience of the community as a part of our team in handling a potentially rapid changing

environment. While we plan to be proactive everywhere we can, we also plan to react to new

information as quickly as possible in adapting our environment as necessary. As with many things

in education, change is inevitable. We know as educators who spend a vast amount of our time

around children, that they are very resilient. Things may look and feel much different than the past

and as the year progresses this new normal will become just that, normal. With a solid plan and the

appropriate supports, students will thrive in any environment. You can expect the staff at DES to

move forward with compassion and grace in our decision-making. We are proud to serve this

community and are looking forward to a great year!

Joe Jannazo

Principal

SECTION 1- STAFF

1. Administration

Principal- Joe Jannazo

EMAIL: [email protected]

Assistant Principal- Amy Meyer

EMAIL: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Destin Elementary


2. Leadership Team

Principal

Assistant Principal

Guidance Counselor- Taylor McDermott

Bookkeeper- Angela Winkler

School Resource Officer (SRO)- Dep. Sanderson

3. School Based Rapid Response Team

Principal

Assistant Principal

Lead Custodian- Jeffery Gainer

School Nurse- Alicia Strickland, LPN

SRO- Dep. John Sanderson

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)- Dr. Anne Sparks

4. District Based Rapid Response Team

A District Based Rapid Response Team is being developed to be reactive to situations that

warrant support beyond what can be accomplished by the School Based Rapid Response

Team, to include larger scale sanitation and student support.

5. Training

• All school staff will be trained by approved authorities on identifying signs and symptoms

of COVID-19.

• All school instructional staff will be training in the Accelerate Program in the event that a

full-scale online learning model is adopted.

• All school staff will be training in Youth Mental Health Training to support the social and

emotional needs of students as we enter school in this unprecedented time.

• All school and district staff will be screened daily prior to entering campus.

6. School contact information:

• Phone- 850-833-4360

• Email- [email protected]

• General Reopening questions related to district processes:

[email protected]

SECTION 2- SCHOOL REOPENING CHOICES

1. 1. Traditional School

• Students do not need to do anything to select this option

• Parents of new students should complete the online registration process as well as the in-

person follow up with the registrar.

• Traditional school policies and procedures will be outlined throughout this document.

2. mySchool Online

• Students and Parents wanting to select the Online Distance Learning option should visit the

PARENT PORTAL on www.okaloosaschools.com to be moved into the online model.

• Students will still be linked to their home school. While linked to our school, the teaching

staff for our students may not necessarily be a DES teacher. This will be based on quantities

of students that apply and the number of instructional staff around the district that are

prioritized to teach in the online setting.

• Guidance for policies and procedures of this online model are outlined in the Okaloosa

County School Districts Reopening Plan available at www.okaloosaschools.com.

• Once enrolled, students will be required to complete a minimum of 9 weeks in the

curriculum before being able to transition back to traditional school and are recommended to

complete the entire semester. Returning student placement into classes at DES will be made

on a classroom spacing and classroom placement data set decision.



http://www.okaloosaschools.com/

Destin Elementary


• Students and Parents should be aware that devices and required materials must be provided

unless qualified under Free/Reduced Lunch.

SECTION 3- CAMPUS CULTURE

1. Health

• In line with the districts reopening plan and in collaboration with the health department

and CDC, the following health precautions and policies will be adopted as part of the fluid

plan to reopen.

o Social Distancing where possible

o Increase Health Signage and Education

o Increased quantity of Sanitation Stations

o Individual Desk Shield provided for every student and classroom teacher

o Water Bottle add-ons to water fountain stations (Adding as soon as possible)

o Temperature check upon arrival and prior to entry onto campus.

o Student and visitor wellness questionnaire check implementation prior to entry onto

campus. o While not required at this time, masks are recommended for times when social

distancing is not an option. To be prepared for all outcomes, we have procured a

reusable/washable mask for every student and staff member. Students riding the bus will be

required to wear a mask as social distancing is not available in that setting.

o A no visitor policy through the first 9 weeks and to be revisited as appropriate o A limited

volunteer policy through the first 9 weeks and to be revisited as appropriate o Large

Gatherings reduction- incorporate video assemblies/orientations as appropriate

o Continued Mental Health support through access to a Licensed Mental Health Counselor

o Elimination of cross-class/grade level/small group contamination of students where

possible and following CDC social distancing guidelines

o Incorporation of Covid-19 specific student and staff protocols for reduction of

transmission in the event of a positive test result or close contact identification (Appendix

A)

2. Safety

• A continued effort to provide the safest schools in America through a strong partnership

with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office will be employed.

• A School Resource Office (SRO) will be on campus 100% of the time students are on

campus during official student school hours. This time includes arrival and dismissal times.

• School safety will remain the top priority at Destin Elementary School.

• An annual review of campus safety is completed through the State of Florida’s- Florida

Safe School Assessment Tool. This 50+ page review provides an opportunity for the school

and the district to continually to ensure safety on our campus. This assessment is completed

in coordination with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Office of Safe

Schools.

3. Growth

• The ultimate goal of Destin Elementary is to grow our students from year to year, from day

to day, from class to class, from interaction to interaction. Student cognitive, social, and

emotional growth is the reason we provide instruction and opportunities for students.

• This year, we will be moving to a 1 to 1 ratio of technology devices to students. Each

student KG-2nd grade will have access to an iPad. Each student in 3rd and 4th grade will

have access to a Chromebook. Students will be able to use these devices daily. If online

distance learning is implemented, the school will be poised to be effective in that online

learning environment immediately with a device in each student’s hands.

Destin Elementary


• Along with an increase in technological devices, all grade levels will have access to the

iReady program for both Reading and Math. This program has already been implemented by

2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade Reading classes and is expanding to all grade levels to include

reading and math curriculums. This program will also serve as a progress monitoring tool

replacing the MAPS assessment used in previous years.

• Accelerate will be the online learning platform used with our mySchool Online students as

well as if the entire school were to go back to online learning. This program can viewed in a

demo mode on www.okaloosaschools.com. This program encompasses all Reading, Math,

Science, and Social Studies content.

SECTION 4- ORIENTATION, FRONT OFFICE PROCESSES, AND

SUPPORTING FROM HOME

1. Orientation

• This year we will host a face to face Meet the Teacher orientation for our Kindergarten

and New Students only. The purpose of this is to limit the large group gatherings on

campus. This event will take place Thursday, August 27th from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

and follow the below groupings:

o Last names starting with A- H – 8:00-8:30

o Last names starting with I- P – 8:45-9:15

o Last names starting with Q-Z – 9:30-10:00

• All parents should enter through the front office. A wellness screening will be required

prior to campus entry. At this time, masks are recommended when social distancing is

not an option. Parking is located on the Kelly Street side of the school and as indicated

on Appendix B.

2. Front Office Processes

• Checkouts o Parents will certainly come to the front office to check in/out their student

or to drop off something for their student. o Checkouts must occur prior to 2:30 PM.

After 2:30 the front office staff must give their full attention to dismissal procedure to

ensure we send every student home the correct way.

• Checking In o As per school policy, we ask that parents DO accompany students to the

lobby check-in machines if they arrive after the tardy bell at 8:25 AM. Once the carline

closes its gates, parents must bring their child inside. We will be monitoring the quantity

of persons in the lobby and be allowing parents and students in based on CDC

guidelines.

• Dropping off student items o We will continue to allow parents to drop off student

items as necessary. 3. Supporting from Home

• Parents are strongly encouraged to screen their students before they leave the house for

school. If the student exhibits signs of illness, please do not send them to school. Contact

your physician or health care provider for an evaluation.

• Please promote frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer if soap and water are not

available before coming to school.

• Please report signs of illness to the school as soon as they are felt.

• Please make sure that your contact information is always up to date at the school.

SECTION 5- TRANSPORTATION

1. Communication

• It is of the upmost importance that prior to the first day of school parents make teachers

aware of how a student will be traveling home. Teachers will be contacting their students

in the week prior to school starting.

Destin Elementary


• The first few weeks of school are always a slower process than once the procedures are

well established. Please have patience with the students and staff as we work to get your

child home safely and the correct way.

• Please expect delays the first 3-5 weeks of school as students and drivers learn the

routines and the increased amount of traffic through Labor Day. In the event that busses

are delayed (after the first few weeks of school) or an emergency occurs, callouts will be

made to those students listed as a permanent bus rider.

2. First weeks of school and beyond

• There will be staff and systems in place to ensure all students are able to get to their

classes quickly upon arrival. Additional staff will be present the first few weeks of school

to ensure our younger and new students do not get lost.

• During dismissal, our younger students will be escorted to their dismissal locations.

3. Arrival

• Walkers and Bike Riders

o Students that are walkers or bike riders should enter through the black or yellow gates on

campus as indicated on the campus map with a black and yellow star. (See Appendix B)

o Students should only use approved crosswalk locations in the surrounding area.

o Student temperatures will be checked upon arrival at the gate they enter campus.

Students with temperatures over 100.4 will be quarantined and parents will be called to

pick up the student. (Reference Appendix A for temperature guidelines)

o Students will be asked to verbally respond to a wellness check questionnaire prior to

entry onto campus. Students that provide an affirmative response to any of the questions

will be quarantined and parents will be called to pick up the student.

o Hand sanitizer will present at these locations and will be required for students to use

prior to entering campus.

• Car Riders

o Parents of students that are car riders should enter through the far end of the campus

parking lot along Kelly Street and form a double line merging into our car drop off area.

o Students should only be allowed to exit the car at the drop off area for student safety and

to adhere to state education transportation policies.

o Student temperatures will be checked upon arrival at their car. Students with

temperatures over 100.4 will be asked to remain in the car and will not be allowed access

to campus. (Reference Appendix A for temperature guidelines)


entry onto campus. Students that provide an affirmative response to 9 any of the questions

will be asked to remain in the car and will not be allowed access to campus.



• Bus Riders o If your student is new to Destin Elementary and will be a bus rider, please

call the front office between the dates of Aug. 3rd – Aug. 10th to confirm the bus route.

o Students that are bus riders will enter campus on the bus ramp. (See Appendix B)

o Students will be required to wear a mask on the school bus. Students will be provided a

re-useable mask if requested to enter the school bus. We ask that parents keep and help

students maintain their re-useable mask. We have a finite supply but will do everything in

our power to procure the required number of masks to maintain compliance with district

policy.

o Students will be encouraged to apply hand sanitizer upon boarding the bus.

o Student temperatures will be checked upon exiting the school bus when they enter

campus. Students with temperatures over 100.4 will be quarantined and parents will be

Destin Elementary


called to pick up the student. (Reference Appendix A for temperature and symptom

guidelines)


entry onto campus. Students that provide an affirmative response to any of the questions

will be quarantined and parents will be called to pick up the student.



o Additionally, bus drivers will be screened each day before their routes begin to include a

temperature check. Busses will be cleaned after each AM and PM routes are completed.

4. Dismissal

• Dismissal occurs beginning at 2:55 PM and lasts through 3:15 PM when the staff duty

day is completed. Dismissal is staggered for the safety of our students and staff as they

dismiss from campus.

• Walkers and Bike Riders

o Students that are walkers or bike riders will exit through the black or yellow gates on

campus as indicated on the campus map with a black and yellow star. (See Appendix B)

o Kindergarten walkers have their own gate as indicated on Appendix B. Parents of

Kindergarten students are required to bring their Car Line Tag IN HAND to the walker

gate prior to their student being released. Student Car Line Tags will be provided to

parents via front office pickup August 24 – August 28 between the hours of 8:00– 3:30. 10

• Car Riders

o Parents of students that are car riders should enter through the far end of the campus

parking lot along Kelly Street and form a double line merging into our car drop off area.

o Student Car Line Tags will be provided to parents via front office pickup August 24 –

August 28 between the hours of 8:00– 3:30.

o Parents should display these car tags from their rear view mirror. Only parents that have

the correct car tag displayed will be allowed to pick up their student in the car line.

o Parents that do not pick up their car tag during this window will be required to come into

the office to pick up their student.

• Bus Riders

o Students will be required to wear a mask on the school bus. Students will be provided a

re-useable mask if requested to enter the school bus. We ask that parents keep and help

students maintain their re-useable mask. We have a finite supply but will do everything in

our power to procure the required number of masks to maintain compliance with district

policy.

o Please expect delays the first 3-5 weeks of school due to as students and drivers are

learning the routine and the increased amount of traffic through Labor Day. In the event

that busses are delayed (after the first few weeks of school) or an emergency occurs,

callouts will be made to those students listed as a permanent bus rider.

• Afterschool Programs

o Afterschool programs to include: Boys and Girls Club, Resolute, Childcare Network, and

all others dismiss at the end of our dismissal period. They will load their respective

transportation vehicles and attend their programs per their guidelines.

5. Change of Transportation Notice

• Documentation of a change in how a student will go home is required in writing. The

sooner this information is communicated to the teacher and front office the better. Just as

with check-outs, changes late in the school day can cause a potential issue as staff are

focused on making sure students get home the safely and by the correct mode of

transportation.

Destin Elementary


SECTION 6-THE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

1. Physical Spaces

• Teachers have been working hard this summer to develop solutions to classroom layouts

that will help increase the overall health and safety of classrooms. Social distancing and

barriers will be a part of the solution sets.

• Small group and station areas have been reduced or eliminated to limit transmission

opportunities around the classroom.

• Teachers WILL be implementing small group and targeted instruction. How this looks

will certainly be varying and different from the past, but our staff is dedicated to growing

students academically as they always have.

• Individual Desk Shields have been ordered for all students and teachers.

• In order to ensure the safest environment for our employees, final decisions on the

mandatory wearing of masks in the school building will be made closer to the beginning of

the year. To be prepared for all outcomes, the District has secured masks for every student

and staff member. At this time, masks are strongly recommended everywhere in the

building social distancing cannot be maintained in accordance with CDC guidelines.

• We will eliminate the sharing of supplies when at all feasible by keeping each student’s

belongings separated. Where it cannot be done, resources will be wiped down between

uses.

2. Cleaning Procedures

• While daily cleaning measures have always been a part of the cleaning routine, we plan

to increase the amount of sanitation that occurs during the day.

o Day Time Custodian- Will be making sanitation rounds 1 or 2 times per day, depending

on the grade level (KG-2, 1st -2, 2nd -2, 3rd - 1, 4th -1). These sanitation rounds will

include sanitizing areas in the classrooms that are high touch to communal use (i.e-

restroom, sinks, light switches, door handles, etc.).

o Culture of Health and Cleaning- Students and teachers alike will in some manner be a

part of keeping workstations clean and following healthy community practices.

Handwashing, using hand sanitizer, and the use of student friendly cleaning supplies will

be provided to help keep desks and other classroom areas as clean as possible.

o Hand sanitation stations- over 90 hand sanitizer stations have been installed around

campus to include in each classroom and all common area locations. There is likely not a

door on this campus that will not have a hand sanitizer station located next to it.

3. Curriculum

• The curriculum that will be implemented in the classrooms this year will look nearly

identical to previous years. Teachers will implement a host of instructional curricula that is

supplemented by various instructional programs. The addition this year for most of the

school, is the introduction of iReady.

• iReady was previously implemented in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Reading classes as well as with

remediation pull out students. This year, we will have iReady in Reading and Math in ALL

grade levels. iReady is an interactive and reactive instructional program that provides built

in assessment and data resources to help track our students’ growth aligned to the FSA

standards. 12

• Summer Slide (March-August)

o Because the “summer slide” (the typical academic regression from May to August) has

been extended due to Covid-19, we plan to be very proactive in identifying areas that

students have regressed or missed as a part of the end of last year.

Destin Elementary


o Plans for very early assessment are in place to identify the needs of students so targeted

instruction can take place beginning the first week of school. Some of these assessments

include:

• Core Phonics Assessments • Grade Level Standards Assessments • iReady Diagnostics

4. Technology- 1 to 1 Ratio

• Made possible through grant funding, this year we will be able to achieve a goal that we

have been slowly working towards on an annual basis. We have been adding

approximately 40 devices per year over the last few years to get our student to technology

asset ratio to 1 to 1. Through the grant funding we will be able to achieve this goal.

• Kindergarten through 2nd grade will each be assigned an iPad.

• 3rd and 4th graders will be issued a Chromebook.

• This will allow for students to have their own device and reduce sharing of technology.

SECTION 7- HALLWAYS, TRANSITIONS, AND COMMON AREAS

1. Hallways

• Signage will be one of the most visible changes to campus this year. Directional

signage will be located in all areas of campus directing students and staff.

• Training for and monitoring of the implementation of hallway travel policies will take

place beginning the first day of school.

• Unnecessary student travel around campus will be limited where possible.

2. Transitions

• At this time, team teachers will be the deciding factor for whether they are will be

switching classes or whether students will continue to switch classes during the

midpoint of the day.

• If feasible, considering teacher resource availability, teachers may plan to swap rooms

to allow students to stay in the same room all day.

• If not feasible, considering teacher resource availability, students and teachers will

have a developed plan to ensure sanitation is occurring prior to any students switching

rooms.

• If students are switching rooms, students will be provided with and strongly

encouraged to wear a mask during the interchange.

3. Common Areas

• Areas including the Media Center, the cafeteria, the front office, playgrounds, and

other areas around campus will be closely monitored to reduce large groups interacting

with each other.

• Schedules will be in place to control the flow of students and staff in these common

areas.

• Sanitation rounds will be included daily to ensure these areas are safe and healthy

locations.

• The Media Center will be open. Books that are checked out will, once they are

returned, be placed in a quarantine for a set amount of time per CDC and OCHD

guidelines to reduce a chance for submission.

SECTION 8- LUNCH AND CAFETERIA PROCEDURES

1. Lunch Changes

• This year we have reorganized the lunch processes to limit cross grade level

transmission opportunities. Each grade level will be attending lunch at a specified

time as an entire grade level. Where we have had a staggered schedule in the past,

all classes will arrive at the lunchroom at the same time.

• Items that will remain the same:

Destin Elementary


o Students will have assigned tables that will remain consistent throughout the year.

o Lunchroom staff will be on hand to help sanitize tables throughout the lunch

block.

2. Cafeteria Procedural Changes

o Adding additional staff members to the lunchroom (7+ throughout the entire

lunch time window)

o Increasing the area of the cafeteria by 50% (added the Multi-Purpose Room and Stage)

o Increasing table footprint that one class is able to use from 1.5 tables to 3 tables to allow

for greater spacing between students.

o Splitting the lunchroom into two main sections (A & B)

o Splitting the lunch lines from one to two o Lunchroom staff plating student food and/or

providing pre-packaged lunch options

o Lunchroom staff entering student lunch numbers so all students will not be touching the

two keypads

o Additional hand sanitizer stations mounted at the entryways

o Parents, at this time and through the first 9 weeks, will not be able to eat lunch with their

students.

SECTION 9- SPECIALS AND RECESS

1. Art

• Art will continue to meet with each class of students once every two weeks.

• Student art projects and supplies will be planned to limit/eliminate supply sharing

• Student workstations will be socially distanced as much as possible

2. Music

3. • Music will continue to meet with each class of students once every two weeks

• The use of musical instruments will be monitored and subject to routine sanitation

between groups

• Activities that do not require singing, at this time, will be emphasized to reduce

transmission opportunities

• Social distancing will be implemented as much as possible in the music room. 3. PE

• PE will continue to meet with each class of students 4 days a week

• The sharing of supplies will be limited/eliminated as appropriate. Schedules for the use

of materials will be published by PE staff and progress monitored by school

administration.

• Sanitation of sharable supplies will occur on a regular basis.

• Regularly maintained small groups/cohorts of students and non-rotating station

activities will be emphasized.

4. Recess

• Recess will be scheduled very similarly to Lunch. All classes for a grade level will go

to recess at the same time.

• A rotating schedule of Recess locations will be published for classes. Students will

have an opportunity to rotate around campus to the various playground, fields, and play

areas over a 10-day period.

• Sanitation of playground equipment will be routine per CDC guidelines.

SECTION 10- SPECIAL STUDENT POPULATIONS

1. Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Students

• This section addresses all services related to ESE education to include speech, language, OT,

PT, and or services from a social worker or mental health counselor.

Destin Elementary


• Students on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will have the same school choice

options as all other students.

• The school administrative team through the guidance department is currently reviewing

current health care plans and IEPs to determine what additional health and safety measures need

to be added due to COVID-19.

• The district is purchasing a supply of face shields and barriers that can be used in areas where

masks are not appropriate based on the needs of a student, such as Speech Language Therapy.

• All students with IEPs will have a certified ESE teacher to serve as the IEP case manager.

• IEP meetings will continue to be a critical opportunity for parents to participate in their

student’s education. These meetings may occur face-to-face as needed with health screening

guidelines in place or by other telephone or videoconferencing means.

• The virtual ESE teacher will maintain regular communication with each student/family.

• Please see the ESE and Student Services Fall 2020 Q & A published on the school districts

webpage www.okaloosaschools.com for additional information on mySchool Online support

access options.

2. Students on a 504 Plan

• Students on a 504 Plan will have the same school choice options as all other students.

• The school administrative team through the guidance department is currently reviewing 504

plans to determine what additional health and safety measures need to be added due to COVID-

19.

• Universal accommodations are available within each of the online curriculum platforms being

offered for DES students.

• The virtual teacher will maintain regular communication with each student/family to ensure

accommodations are being met appropriately.

3. Gifted Student Program

• To the fullest extent possible, the continuum of services offered at DES will be available to

students on campus and selecting mySchool Online option.

4. Students receiving consult services

• Consult services will be provided through an assigned ESE case manager via collaboration

with the virtual or traditional teacher.

5. Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Process

• Students receiving targeted Tier 2 and/or intensive Tier 3 interventions through the MTSS

process will have two options to receive additional math and/or reading support.

• Please see the ESE and Student Services Fall 2020 Q & A published on the school districts

webpage www.okaloosaschools.com for additional information on mySchool Online support

access options.

SECTION 11- Mental Health 1. Mental Health Supports

• At DES we have access to a Licensed Mental Health Counselor that provides supports as

needed to students identified through our internal school processes.

• Resources available through the CDC web portal

o WWW.CDC.GOV

1. CDC Keeping Kids Healthy During Covid-19

2. CDC Talking with children about Coronavirus

3. NASP Parent’s Supporting Kids during Covid-19

• Mental Health Counselors and Social Workers will continue to serve students at their

assigned schools to provide School-based, Solution Focused mental health supports through

a Multi-tiered system of support along with providing referrals to community resources as

needed. In addition, School Counselors will be available to support students daily.

http://www.cdc.gov/

Destin Elementary


• Students who are enrolled in mySchool Online at the beginning of the year can receive

mental health screening and support through a virtual platform with a School-based mental

health counselor assigned to their home zone school as well as referral to community

resources as needed.

18 SECTION 12- Extracurricular

1. Afterschool Programs

• At this time, all afterschool extracurricular programs will be on hold at DES. This list

includes but is not limited to:

o Drone Team

o Robotics Team

o Drama Kids

o Dr. Debs Music Program

o Chorus

• This will be re-evaluated during the first 9 weeks to determine the best course of action

in implementing a phased approach to re-starting these important programs.

2. Junior Deputy and Safety Patrol

• Our 4th grade students will have an opportunity to participate in our Junior Deputy and

Safety Patrol Programs.

• These student programs play an integral supporting role in campus flow during intake

and dismissal while providing leadership opportunities for our veteran students.

• Admission into the program will be shared at the start of school through Dep. John

Sanderson.

• All safety precautions and parental consents will be in place in order to ensure a safe

and healthy approach to our programs.

SECTION 13- COVID-19 SPECIFIC UPDATES

1. Rapid Response Teams

• A school based and district based Rapid Response Team will be developed to react

to Covid-19 related situations. These teams along with all staff will be trained by

CDC and OCHD staff on proper reactive procedures as well as identifying signs and

symptoms prior to students arriving on campus. These teams are identified in the

STAFF section of this document.

2. Secondary School Clinic

• A secondary school clinic location will be developed as available in coordination

with health care staff to provide an isolation area in the event symptoms are shown

by a student.

• At DES, we will continue to have an LPN on staff to help us react to all health-

related incidents.

3. Student Attendance

• Students enrolled in the Traditional School will have assignments provided to them

by their teacher(s) just as has been done in the past for students who were ill.

• The School and District are required by state law to take attendance, so the student

will be marked absent for days missed. However, every accommodation will be

given to ensure adequate time for make-up work and that the student is “held

harmless”.

• In cases of self-quarantine and asymptomatic COVID-19, the student will be

provided assignments from their teacher(s) to work on while they are at home. They

will be provided extended time upon return to school as well. All such documented

absences will be excused.

Destin Elementary


• In cases where a Traditional School student is ill and cannot do their schoolwork,

the school will work with the student and family to provide the time and support that

is needed for the student to get caught up.

• Students enrolled in mySchool Online will continue with their online coursework if

symptoms are not preventing them from working. Special accommodations will be made

for students with a positive COVID test who do not feel well enough to work. They will

be given ample time to make up work.

4. Student/Parent Reporting a Positive Case or Close Contact Status

• As per the Student Covid-19 Guidance Document (Appendix A)- If a student/parent

reports to the school a positive case or has been identified by the document’s definition

of a close contact, leave protocol will be put into effect.

• The District has a detailed protocol that was created in cooperation with the

Department of Health. If the school District is notified by the parent, it will immediately

contact the Department of Health which will investigate to confirm the positive test.

• The District will then cooperate with the Department of health as they work to identify

any individuals who have been in close contact with a positive COVID case. The

Department of Health will provide self-quarantine recommendations directly to families

that will include the length of isolation. Students identified as being in self-quarantine

will not be permitted to school during the duration of the self-quarantine.

• If a student is at school during an identification as being a positive case or close

contact, the student will be masked and moved to the secondary clinic location. Parents

will be required to pick up their student at that time.

• Classroom space occupied by the student or staff member will be thoroughly cleaned

and disinfected before it is used again. Students and staff in the classroom who were not

considered close contacts will be allowed to remain in school.

• Students that are ill should not come to school.

• Parents are encouraged to screen their child daily prior to sending them to school.

• Parents will be provided with information on what to do if their student presents

symptoms.

• Parents will be provided with information on what to do if their child is quarantined

due to exposer to Covid-19.

5. Notification of Positive Cases

• Families will be notified to the extent allowed by law when a positive case is found in a

school. The Department of Health will notify families and staff members if there is a

requirement to self-quarantine.

• Understanding that there will be a heightened concern when a positive case is identified, it is

important for everyone to know that unless notified by the Department of Health to self-

quarantine, it is appropriate and recommended to stay in school.

6. Students Showing Covid-like Symptoms

• A new update from CDC states that if a student or staff member is sent home with

COVID-like symptoms, they can return to school/work

o 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND

o Respiratory symptoms have improved AND

o 3 days with no fever and not using fever-reducing medicine

• If the individual received a negative COVID-19 test but is still ill, they would need to

stay at home until 3 days have passed with no fever while not using fever reducing

medicine and they show improvement of symptoms.

• This information is fluid and will be updated as we receive new information.

7. Increased Signage on Campus

Destin Elementary


• Along with directional signage around campus, students and staff will be provided with

health and safety related signage directly providing reminders to include but are not

limited to:

o How to Properly Wash Hands- In every classroom and bathroom o How to Properly

Wear a Mask- In every classroom and common area

o Reminders to Social Distance Where Possible- In every classroom and common area

o Covid-19 Signs and Symptoms- In every classroom and common area

o Wellness Check Questions- at all school entry points

8. School Closure

• School closure will be based on a multitude of factors that will be evaluated by School,

District, and Okaloosa County Health Department Staff.

• A Decision Tree is attached to provide guidance on school closure decisions.

(Appendix C) • It is our goal to mitigate exposure and spread as appropriate while reducing the impact

on those that are not considered to be in an area that was impacted.

21 SECTION 1 4 - RESOURCES APPENDIX A - PG 1 OF 2

student and parent handbook - okaloosa schools

Documents