SCHOOL HOURS
8:25 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Grades 2-5
(Tardy
8:25 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Grade 1
Dismissal is at 3:00 p.m. for
all grades on Wednesdays!
Note: Students who are not transported by bus must be picked up by 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday and by 4:00 p.m. the other days. If students are in school beyond 30 minutes after dismissal time, the YMCA will charge parents/guardians for registration and after-school care!
SCHOOL COLORS
Our school colors are blue and white. The elementary students have selected the panther as their mascot.
VISITORS
Visitors are always welcome. However, all visitors and volunteers are required to check in the elementary office prior to visiting any area in the school grounds. You will be issued a badge which is to be worn while in the school grounds. This is a safety measure to protect you and your child.
When classes are in session, they cannot be interrupted in order to maximize teaching and learning. Teachers will be glad to see you during their planning time.
EMERGENCY DATA
The school will notify you should your child become ill or hurt. Please make sure the Emergency Data Card has a current phone number! This card should also state those few people to whom you give consent to take your child out of school. All adults must check first in the office! Your child will be released only to authorized persons on the card.
STUDENT WELFARE
Having problems? This school can be your best support in helping create a stable environment for children. Should you need a listener or want some help in understanding children, please feel free to call us. Our trained faculty and staff can be very supportive. Being children's advocates requires by law that evidences of child abuse or reported incidents be submitted to state agencies. It is our hope that parent awareness of abusive practices against children will increase, and in turn, child abuse will be lessened by offering our help in a preventive way.
DISPENSING MEDICATION
The administering/dispensing of medicines to students by employees of the school system without specific authorization by a licensed physician and the parent of the student is forbidden. Therefore, it is recommended that parents inform their physician of their child's school hours in order to encourage the administration of medication at home whenever possible, except under unusual circumstances.
You must keep in mind that the administering of medicine to a child outside the doctor's office or a health institution is a parental responsibility and should not be delegated to school personnel except under unusual circumstances. However, there are certain physical/medical conditions which require daily and periodic medication. Procedures to be followed for these unusual circumstances will be distributed the first day of school.
School personnel will cooperate to the best of their ability within the limitations of these administrative procedures. It is suggested that you discuss your child's health problems with the principal and the teachers.
INSURANCE
Available to parents is a 24-hour coverage insurance policy for the children, as well as school-time coverage. You are strongly encouraged to purchase this insurance as it is minimal in cost, has no deductibles, and covers up to a limited amount. Insurance forms are always distributed at the opening of the school year.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
All elementary students must have on file evidence of immunization. Students who have been immunized (or do not have a legal exception from immunization) cannot be admitted into school until this requirement is met and evidence is provided.
In addition, all students (PK-12) must submit documentation of a health
examination performed within 12 months prior to initial entry into a
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
I. Attendance Defined
A. School Attendance
Students are to be counted in attendance only if they are actually
present or engaged in a school-approved educational activity which
constitutes a part of the instructional program for the student.
1. Excused School Absence
a. Student illness
b. Medical appointment
c. Death in family
d. Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is
mandated for all members of a faith that such a
holiday or service be observed
e. School-sponsored event or activity previously
approved
f. Other individual student absences beyond the control
of the parent or student, as determined and approved
by the principal or the principal's designee
2. Unexcused School Absence
Any absence that does not fall into one of the above
excused absence categories is to be considered unexcused.
B. Tardiness
Tardiness is the absence of a student in the classroom at the time
the regularly scheduled session begins (when the bell rings),
provided that the student is in attendance before the close of the
session.
It is a reasonable expectation that in order for a learning activity to
exist, each student must arrive to class on time (punctually). A
student who is tardy to class, not only places his/her own learning
in jeopardy, but also interrupts the learning of other students.
Excused tardiness may not impact a student’s academic grade.
1. Excused Tardiness
a. Student illness
b. Medical appointment
c. Death in family
d. Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is
mandated for all members of a faith that such a
holiday or service be observed
e. School-sponsored event or activity previously
approved
f. Other individual student tardiness beyond the control
of the parent or student, as determined and approved
by the principal or the principal’s designee
2. Unexcused Tardiness
Any tardiness that does not fall into one of the above
excused tardiness categories is to be considered
unexcused.
C. Class Attendance
Students are to be counted in attendance if they are physically
present in class or have been excused by the teacher on a classrelated
assignment, or have been requested by a member of the
school support staff. A student is tardy to class if he/she is not in
his/her assigned classroom when the tardy bell rings, provided that
the student is in attendance before the close of that class period.
1. Excused Class Absence/Tardiness
a. Student illness
b. Medical appointment
c. Death in family
d. Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is
mandated for all members of a faith that such a
holiday or service be observed.
e. School-sponsored event or activity previously
approved
f. Other individual student absences/tardinesses
beyond the control of the parent or student, as
determined and approved by the principal or the
principal's designee
Students granted an excused
absence/tardiness have the right to make up all
classwork within a reasonable length of time. After
successful completion of all make-up assignments,
the student cannot be penalized for that
absence/tardiness.
2. Unexcused Class Absence
Any absence that does not fall into one of the above
excused absence categories is to be considered unexcused.
All unexcused absences will result in a failing grade being
issued for any work missed on the day(s) in question. A
student accumulating ten (10) or more unexcused class
absences in an annual course or five (5) or more unexcused
class absences in a designated semester course will be
subject to the withholding of passing final grade(s) pending
a student/-parent-requested administrative screening and/or
review of all absences by the attendance review committee.
1.
Parents are requested to call the school at 305-625-3885 on the first day of the
child's absence.
2. Upon return to school, the parent(s) must send a note stating the reason for the absence. The student must give said note to his/her classroom teacher.
3. If you do not call or send a note, your child's absence will be considered unexcused.
PRE-ARRANGED ABSENCE FOR PART DAY
If you have scheduled an appointment for your child outside of the school, allow him/her to come to school for at least part of the day so that the full day of instruction is not missed.
MAKE-UP WORK
Remind your child to ask his/her teacher for the work that was missed when he/she was absent. The school work must be completed after the absence.
It is very important for your child to be on time to the bus stop and/or to school. Students should arrive at the bus stop at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. If students are being transported privately to school, they should arrive no later than 8:25 a.m.
Students arriving after 8:30 a.m. (non-busses) will be considered tardy and must report to the office for a tardy pass.
If an appointment causes the student to be late, please bring him/her directly to the elementary main office. School bus tardiness is an acceptable tardiness, and students should report directly to class.
Punctuality is a good habit to acquire. Please help your child to be punctual.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PLAN
Student must not arrive at school before 8:00 a.m. School supervision will be available starting at 8:00 a.m. School buses that arrive before 8:00 a.m. will keep students on the bus until 8:00 a.m. Upon arrival, students are to enter the school grounds through the east side of the building and are to report to the hardcourt. Staff will be there to receive the children.
Students who desire breakfast will be escorted to the cafeteria at 8:00 a.m.
Teachers will pick up their classes from the hardcourt at: 8:20 a.m. Students are not to be in the school hallways or inside the classroom before 8:30 a.m. If students arrive tardy, please refer to tardiness section. Rainy day procedures will be sent home under separate cover.
At dismissal time, teachers will take attendance and escort the students to the bus zone. Supervision will be available until all busses depart. Specific dismissal procedures will be provided for the students and parents the first day of classes.
It is the parents' responsibility to pick up students at the assigned parent pick-up area. Students must be picked up at dismissal time! Supervision is not provided beyond 30 minutes after dismissal time.
SAFETY
Proper conduct of students is extremely important on the bus ride in order to ensure the safety of all students. Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations. Disciplinary action will be administered if a student fails to respect the bus driver, bus conduct rules, and leadership of bus captains.
In the mornings, be sure your child arrives at the bus stop at least ten minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. Be sure your child remains at the pick-up point while waiting for the bus. Wandering from the pick-up point could result in missing the bus.
When the bus drops off your child in the afternoon, please be sure he/she
knows exactly where to go from the drop-off point. An
organized plan is very important. Transportation conflicts before or after
school hours, please call the appropriate transportation center. Where to call? For bus numbers beginning with 20 call
CAFETERIA - IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BREAKFAST & LUNCH
1. Breakfast will be available for all students from 8:00 a.m. - 8:25 a.m. Although breakfast will be available for all students, they are encouraged to eat at home. It is important that every student has breakfast before beginning the school day. Lunch will be served to elementary school students only from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. It is very important for your child to have his/her lunch money every day. If lunch money is forgotten, an alternate lunch will be provided! However, this cannot be available on a frequent basis.
2. Applications for free or reduced lunch and breakfast are sent home the first week of school. Should family circumstances change during the year, applications may be requested from the elementary main office.
3. Questions concerning payment may be directed to the cafeteria manager at 305-621-7211.
4. Please read the following cafeteria rules with your child. Good manners are essential! These rules are very important to us since we expect the same behavior of your child as you would want in a restaurant.
a. Enter the cafeteria in a quiet and orderly manner.
b. Cooperate with the lunchroom monitor, all adults and other children.
c. Talk softly and only to persons sitting at your table.
d. Stay in your seat until dismissed by an adult in charge.
e. Keep food and utensils on trays or in front of lunch boxes.
f. Make sure your lunch area is clean before leaving the lunchroom.
g. Leave the cafeteria in a quiet and orderly manner.
HOMEWORK/HOME LEARNING
Home learning is a very important part of the instructional program. Provide a quiet area for your child to do his/her homework. Show an interest in the learning task. This makes it more meaningful. Teachers will be sending home more information about their homework assignments. At CML our homework requirements can be up to 2 hours per night for all students.
PARENTS ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL RECORDS
Parents of students and of former students have the right to "inspect and review" all education records directly related to their children under 18 years of age. In case of legal separation or divorce, either parent may have access to a child's educational record unless an appropriate court order has been filed with the school. If you wish to inspect and review your child's record, arrange it through the school secretary for a conference with the principal. At the conference, the principal will explain and interpret the records for you.
PARENT CONFERENCES
We encourage you to call the school (305) 625-3885 to arrange for a conference with your child's teacher to discuss behavior, academic performance, or any other matter concerning your child. You will hear from your child's teacher if your child begins to display a consistent pattern of disruption or when he/she is demonstrating unacceptable academic achievement through failure to show effort. Your child's teacher will also share with you successful student performance. A written communiqué will be sent to you by the teachers around the third and sixth week of each grading period to give you a general progress report. At this time, the teacher may request you to call for a conference. Please comply with this request, as a team effort on the part of the teacher and parent is sure to help the child improve.
DRESS CODE - MANDATORY SCHOOL UNIFORMS
CML has been designated as a mandatory uniform school as determined by the votes cast by the parents of our students. The implementation and enforcement of the uniform policy commenced with the 1997-98 school year.
- All shirts must have a collar.
- All skirts and shorts must be no shorter than 2" above the knee.
- Skirts are permitted if worn with leotards underneath.
- Closed shoes only (sandals and clogs are not acceptable).
- Sneakers are acceptable (black or white preferred).
- No hats are allowed (religious exceptions only).
- All shirts must be tucked inside.
- If the pants or shorts have a belt loop, a belt must be worn.
- Note: Additional information will be provided directly to our parents.
- Colors: Shirts - White, Light Blue, Light Yellow; Navy Blue Bottoms
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
All students have a right to learn in an atmosphere conducive to wholesome learning. All students have the responsibility to contribute toward the development of a positive climate which will aid learning. All students must behave in order to remain at the Center. Students have the right to be given a clear explanation of the Code of Student Conduct and to know the consequences of their misconduct. Likewise, students have the responsibility to become familiar with the Code of Student Conduct and to observe all school rules.
RULES
We love our children, and we're proud of your parenting skills. Please help us maintain our pleasant learning environment:
1. Students are responsible for completing and returning homework as assigned.
2. Knives, sharp instruments, and toys such as guns, arrows, or darts and any type of Pokemon cards or other Pokemon toys are not allowed in school.
3. No one may hit another person or disturb another person's property or school property.
4. Absolutely no fighting will be permitted.
5. Students must use courteous language and be respectful at all times.
6. Students will walk properly to all designated or assigned areas.
7. At no time should students wander away from the designated elementary wing without supervision.
8. Electronic games, CD/tape players, radios/recreational toys are not allowed in school.
9. Throwing rocks, food, and other objects is not allowed.
10. Students must obey all bus
and school conduct rules.
11. Cellular phones may only be used for emergencies and with out disturbing the learning environment.
The following offenses can cause expulsion from the Miami-Dade County Public Schools: possession, display or use of weapons; possession, sale, or being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Teachers will send home more information to you during the first week of school in reference to their specific behavioral and instructional rules and regulations. Please review this information with your child. Furthermore, the school will send information about school discipline rules and consequences.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONAL EXPECTATIONS
Your child should have a school bag or backpack with his/her name on it for his/her belongings. See to it that your child brings his/her bag to school every day and check it daily for notices sent by the school or notes from the teacher. Label his/her lunch box and all articles of clothing also. Children often pick up another child's clothing by mistake. Please send clothing not belonging to your child back to school. If a name is in it, we will return it to the owner. Everyone should report to school ready to work. Please make sure your child's school bag is always equipped with notebooks, paper, pencil, and homework. Each student will require to have two journals. This will certainly help toward a successful school day.
CURRICULUM
I. Each student receives instruction in a daily, well-balanced academic program consisting of:
A. Spanish or French - the skills of speaking, listening, writing, reading, and the exposure to the culture. Science and social studies will also be taught in the language.
B. Language Arts - the skills of listening, speaking, writing, reading, and good literature will be taught through whole language.
C. Mathematics - the skills of computing, analyzing, and problem solving.
D. Interdisciplinary Studies - social studies, science, geography, health and safety, career awareness, and computer literacy
II. In addition, art, music, and physical education are taught on a scheduled basis as time permits by subject specialists. The media center is open every day; books and magazines are available.
TESTING/REPORT CARDS
The improvement of academic achievement and the opportunity to become bilingual, biliterate, and multicultural are important goals of our school.
State and national test results do not reveal all of the accomplishments of a school, but they do represent one source of consideration when looking at educational quality. Test results show how students compare with students throughout the county, state, and nation.
Report cards will be given at the end of each grading period.
GRADING SYSTEM
Grading system used by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools:
Percent ........................Grade
90-100 ............................A
80 -89 .............................B
70 - 79 ............................C
60 - 69 ............................ D
0 - 59 .............................. F
HONOR ROLL/STUDENT RECOGNITION