Somerset Academy Canyons

Middle and High School

“Striving For Academic Excellence”

STUDENT / PARENT HANDBOOK

2018-2019

Somerset Academy Canyons Middle School

Somerset Academy Canyons High School A Tuition-Free Public Charter School

9385 Boynton Beach Boulevard

Boynton Beach, FL 33472

Tel: 561-732-8252 Fax: 561-732-8253

Website: http://www.somersetcanyons.com

Email: registration@somersetcanyons.com

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Table of Contents

2018 - 2019 ................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 VISION .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 MISSION ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 ADMINISTRATION ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4 STUDENT SERVICES....................................................................................................................................................................... 4 LIAISON DESIGNEE ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4

GENERAL ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES ...................................................................................................................................... 5

COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE .......................................................................................................................................... 5 PATTERNS OF NON-ATTENDANCE ................................................................................................................................................ 5 DRIVING PRIVILEGES AND ATTENDANCE ...................................................................................................................................... 6 CONSEQUENCES RELATED TO TRUANCY ...................................................................................................................................... 6 STUDENT ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES ................................................................................................................................. 6 EXCUSED ABSENCES ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6 UNEXCUSABLE ABSENCES ............................................................................................................................................................ 7 TARDINESS.................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 UNEXCUSED TARDY TO SCHOOL POLICY ....................................................................................................................................... 7 STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................................................................. 8 PARENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................................................................... 9

SOMERSET ACADEMY CANYONS’ UNIFORM POLICY ................................................................................................................. 9

COUGAR SPIRIT DAY ATTIRE ....................................................................................................................................................... 11 DRESS CODE VIOLATION INTERVENTION/DISCIPLINARY ACTION ............................................................................................... 11 EXPECTED STUDENT BEHAVIOR .................................................................................................................................................. 12 ACADEMIC DISHONESTY/PLAGIARISM ....................................................................................................................................... 12

SAFETY SEARCHES .................................................................................................................................................................. 13

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINARY PLAN ......................................................................................................................................... 13

CLASSROOM CONSEQUENCE(S): ................................................................................................................................................ 13 IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS) POLICIES: ..................................................................................................................................... 15

SOCIAL MEDIA ....................................................................................................................................................................... 16

GRADING PERFORMANCE SCALE ............................................................................................................................................ 16

FAILING OF STUDENTS’ COURSES/CLASSES ............................................................................................................................. 16

TEACHERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES:.................................................................................................................................................... 16 STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES: ................................................................................................................................................... 17 PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES: ..................................................................................................................................................... 17

MEDICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 17

HALL PASSES ........................................................................................................................................................................... 17

TEXTBOOKS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 18

ELECTRONICS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 18

USE OF STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEOTAPE ................................................................................................................ 18

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SCHOOL PAYMENTS & RETURNED CHECKS POLICY ................................................................................................................. 18

RETURNED CHECK FEES ........................................................................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. BEFORE CARE/AFTERCARE ................................................................................................................................................................ 19

REFUNDS ................................................................................................................................................................................ 19

FUNDRAISERS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 19

PARENT VOLUNTEER/VISITORS .............................................................................................................................................. 20

PARENT VOLUNTEER’S/VISITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES .............................................................................................................. 20

CAFETERIA PROCEDURES ........................................................................................................................................................ 20

SCHOOL COUSELORS DEPARTMENT ........................................................................................................................................ 20

INSURANCE POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................ 20

PARENT/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ................................................................................................................................... 21

SCHOOL SCHEDULES ............................................................................................................................................................... 22

2017 - 2018 DAILY SCHEDULE (MS) ................................................................................................................................................. 22 2017 - 2018 DAILY SCHEDULE (HS) .................................................................................................................................................. 22 2017 - 2018 LUNCH SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................................................ 22

FORMS TO RETURN TO THE SCHOOL ...................................................................................................................................... 24

............................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

STUDENT/PARENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM ....................................................................................................................... 25

............................................................................................................................................. 25

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SOMERSET ACADEMY CANYONS MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL 2018 - 2019

VISION

The vision of Somerset Academy Canyons Middle/High School is to provide students a viable and rigorous educational choice that offers an innovative, creative, and seamless college preparatory curriculum. “The premier school of choice in Palm Beach County”

MISSION The mission of Somerset Academy Canyons Middle/High School is to:

provide students with the academic skills that fosters student success

provide a safe and nurturing academic environment

provide an array of fine arts and athletic choices

provide international exposure and global awareness

provide the skills for students to become confident, self-directed, and responsible lifelong 21st century learners

ADMINISTRATION Principal………………………….………… Mr. George Groezinger Assistant Principal …….………..…… Mrs. Lisa Santiago Assistant Principal …………….…..… Mr. Michael Amendola Lead Teacher…………………..……….. Mr. David Rovirosa

STUDENT SERVICES Dean of Discipline……………………………………………. Mark Barrow Assistant Dean of Discipline……………………………. Elizabeth Farias School Counselor for Grades 6th – 7th………………. Rosedale Joseph School Counselor for Grades 8th – 9th ………………. Jenna Neal School Counselor for Grades 10th – 12th …………... Stacey Smith Testing Chair……………………………………………………… Margaret Jackson

Activities Director……………………………………………… Amanda Clancy ESOL Coordinator………………………………………………. Rosedale Joseph ESE/504 Coordinator……………………………….………… Henry Arendse

Volunteer Coordinator……………………..……………….. Penny Buscaglia Athletic Director………………………………………………... David Rovirosa Assistant Athletic Director…………………………………. Michael Feirerstein

Front Office ………………………………........................ Veronica DaSilva Attendance ………………………………………………………. Cecelia Palamino Registrar ………………….……….……………………………… Johanna Koomen Treasurer……………………………………………………......... Barbara Mazo Cafeteria Manager…………………………………………….. PBC School Food Service

LIAISON DESIGNEE Somerset Canyons Middle Daniel Shourds dshourds@somersetboca.com

Somerset Canyons High Joann Roach roach.joann@cpatc.org

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GENERAL ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE 1. All children who have attained the age of six years or who will have attained the age of six years by February

1 of any school year, or who are older than six years of age but who have not yet attained the age of 16 years or age specified by state statute, whichever is older, except as hereinafter provided, are required to attend school regularly during the entire 180-day school term.

2. A student who attains the age of 16 years during the school year is not subject to compulsory school attendance beyond the date upon which he or she attains that age if the student files a formal declaration of intent to terminate school enrollment with the School Board. The declaration must acknowledge that terminating school enrollment is likely to reduce the student's earning potential and must be signed by the child and parent. A student who attains the age of 18 years during the school year is not subject to the legal sanctions for compulsory school attendance.

3. Students under 16 years of age may not be permanently withdrawn from school for any reason unless expelled through Board action or covered by an exemption allowed by Florida Statutes.

4. Compulsory school attendance requirements may be met by attendance in a home education program, Although 180 days is the standard requirement for compulsory school attendance; Florida Statutes require a longer term for Department of Juvenile Justice Programs. For students in those programs, the compulsory school attendance requirement is consistent with state law and regulations.

PATTERNS OF NON-ATTENDANCE

1. Non-attendance for instructional activities is established by tardiness, early sign-outs, or absences for all or any part of the day. The maximum number of days that a student may be absent without acceptable documentation is 5 in a marking period.

2. A student who has had at least five unexcused absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, within a calendar month, or 10 unexcused absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown within a 90 calendar day period, may be exhibiting a pattern of non-attendance and are subject to disciplinary actions per administration.

3. Unless acceptable documentation is available, an accumulation of daily absences (excused or

unexcused) by tardiness, or early sign-outs that equal 5 days (30 hours) in a marking period or 10 days (60 hours) within two marking periods may establish a pattern of non-attendance and are subject to disciplinary actions per administration.

4. Habitual truancy means a student has 15 unexcused absences within 90 calendar days with or without

the knowledge or justifiable consent of the child's parent or legal guardian, is subject to compulsory school attendance at Somerset Academy Canyons Charter and are subject to disciplinary actions per administration.

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DRIVING PRIVILEGES AND ATTENDANCE

Florida Statute 322.091 requires school districts to report to the Division of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) the names, dates of birth, sex and social security numbers of students ages 14-18 who accumulate 15 unexcused absences in any consecutive 90 calendar day period. Districts are also required to hold hardship hearings if requested by a student whose license has been suspended. Please see student parking application for details regarding students parking on campus.

CONSEQUENCES RELATED TO TRUANCY

1. A child who is found to be truant may be taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center or other locations that are established by the school district to receive students who are absent from school. It is the responsibility of the Law Enforcement Officer to call the school to determine if the child is legitimately out of school.

2. Students 14-18 years of age who have 15 unexcused absences within 90 calendar days and have a driver's license will have their driver's license suspended by the Division of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or will not be issued a license if they apply for one.

STUDENT ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES

According to Florida state law, the school is responsible for students only 30 minutes prior to and 30 minutes after a school activity. Due to these supervision restrictions, we urge all students to ARRIVE TO THE SCHOOL CAMPUS AFTER 7:00 A.M. AND TO BE OFF CAMPUS BY 3:30 PM (1:00 PM during early release days), unless the student is attending a school-sponsored activity. Students who stay after school must be under the strict supervision of a faculty or staff member and must remain in their designated areas for tutoring, make-up work, practices, and or rehearsals. As always our primary concern is the safety of the student.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

Students must be in school unless the absence has been permitted or excused for one of the reasons listed below.

1. Illness of student. 2. Illness of an immediate family member. 3. Death in the family. 4. Religious holidays of the student's own faith. 5. Required court appearance or subpoena by a law enforcement agency. 6. Scheduled medical or dental appointment.

Please be advised that for an excusable absence Somerset Academy Canyons requires that all parents must submit paperwork to excuse the absence upon the return of the student to school. Any absence is unexcused until the school receives a written notice from the parent to excuse the absence or provide documentation of illness from a physician or public health unit.

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UNEXCUSABLE ABSENCES

1. Students without a completed Certificate of Immunization indicating compliance with the current required schedule of immunizations will not be allowed to attend classes until this document is provided or a waiver is obtained. Absences due to non-compliance with immunization requirements shall be considered unexcused.

2. For students transferring into Palm Beach County, including but not limited to foster care students, or a homeless student, a temporary 30-day waiver of both health examination documents and certificates of immunization may be granted.

3. Students who have been externally suspended may be offered an opportunity to participate in an alternative to suspension program. If they do not attend the assigned days, the absences will be considered suspensions.

TARDINESS (Tardiness is defined as a student not being in the classroom when the class is scheduled to begin.)

1. Parents must follow the same process to excuse a tardy as they do to excuse an absence.

2. Excessive tardiness will be addressed on a case-by-case basis to determine if a pattern of non- attendance exists. Non-attendance for instructional activities is established by tardiness, early sign-outs, or absences for all or any part of the day.

3. Tardiness to any class without documentation may be considered unexcused.

4. Habitual tardiness is defined as being tardy 6 times within a semester.

5. The Attendance Specialist has the discretion to excuse tardiness for extenuating circumstances.

6. When a student misses fifty (50) percent or more of the school day or of the identified instructional class period, due to late arrival or tardiness, the student shall be considered absent. Therefore students cannot sign in after 11:30 am for high school or 11:45 am for middle school.

UNEXCUSED TARDY TO SCHOOL POLICY Somerset Canyons will use a program to record all student tardies. After 3 unexcused tardies to school per nine weeks, the following disciplinary actions will be taken. Administration reserves the right to skip steps commensurate with severity of accumulation of tardies throughout the year.

1. 1st – 3rd Tardies …………….. Warning 2. 4th Tardy ….………………...... 1 hour administrative afterschool detention 3. 5th – and up Tardies ……. 3 hour Saturday detention will be issued. A discipline referral will be

written and processed at this point.

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EARLY SIGN-OUTS

1. No student shall be released within the final 30 minutes of the school day unless the Administration determines it is an emergency. Early sign-outs are not allowed after 2:00 pm on regular days for high school, 2:30 pm for middle school, and 11:45 am on early release days for high school and 12:15 am on early release days for middle school.

2. Excessive early sign-outs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis to determine if there is a pattern of non-attendance. Non-attendance for instructional activities is established by tardiness, early sign-outs, or absences for all or any part of the day.

3. Unless excused under the provisions of this policy, accumulated early sign-outs will be recorded as unexcused absences.

4. When a student misses fifty (50) percent or more of the school day or of the identified instructional class period, due to early dismissal, the student shall be considered absent. Therefore students that sign out before 11:30 am for high school and 11:45 am for middle school will be considered absent for the day.

PARTICIPATION IN AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Any student that is absent from school (missing fifty percent or more of the school day) cannot participate in any after school activity. This includes, but is not limited to, fieldtrips, dances, volunteer activities through the school, club meetings, athletic practices, athletic games, and any other school related activity that occurs after regular school hours.

STUDENT ILLNESS POLICY

If your child is sick, please do not send him/her to school. If a child becomes ill at school the parents and/or emergency contacts will be contacted for immediate pick-up. If the child cannot be picked up and is severely sick with fever, vomiting, or is otherwise unable to stay at school due to a serious health issue the school will contact outside emergency assistance.

STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Students have a responsibility to ask their parents to notify the school when they are absent, and upon returning to school, the student must provide an excusable letter from the parent. Only 10 parent letters will be accepted to excuse an absence in a school year. After 10 additional documentation will be required such as a doctor’s note.

2. Students have a responsibility to ask teachers for, and to complete, make-up assignments. Two days are allowed for each day of absence. Previously assigned work is due the day of return.

3. Students must maintain current assignments and are responsible for turning in their daily work while serving internal suspension.

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4. Students who are married, are parents, or are expectant parents have the right to remain in the regular school program or attend a special center program tailored to their specific needs.

PARENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Parents have a right to be informed of the attendance responsibilities and consequences for truancy for both parents and students as described in the Code of Student Conduct.

2. Each parent of a child of compulsory school attendance age is responsible for the child's school attendance as required by law.

3. Parents must report their child's absence in accordance to our policies.

4. Parents have the right to request a hearing if they refuse to participate in the intervention developed by the child study team because they believe that the intervention is unnecessary or inappropriate.

5. The parents of a student expected to miss at least 15 consecutive school days due to illness, medical condition, or social/emotional reasons, or who would miss excessive days intermittently throughout the school year for the same reasons, and could benefit from instruction should notify the school and request a copy of the Hospital/Homebound referral packet.

6. Parents have a right to be notified if their child misses school and the parents have not reported the absence to the school.

SOMERSET ACADEMY CANYONS’ UNIFORM POLICY

We believe that all students have the right to a safe, healthy school environment. We believe that all students have the responsibility to dress appropriately and uphold basic standards of cleanliness and proper grooming. A students’ dress and appearance should not cause disruption and distraction from the educational process at Somerset Academy Canyons Charter School.

The following is the uniform policy that is endorsed and committed to be enforced by Somerset Canyons Charter School. Students are required to follow this policy, and failure to do so will result in administrative action taken against all uniform violations.

Please Note: Students who are not wearing the correct uniform will be subjected to the Somerset Canyons Charter’s School Discipline Plan.

All uniform attire must be purchased at All Uniform Wear Inc. Students wearing any item not purchased at All Uniform Wear will be asked to conference with administration and a parent will be contacted in order to rectify and clarify any misunderstandings outlined by the following:

1. All shirts must be tucked in at all times allowing visibility of a plain, brown or black belt. Middle school polo shirt colors: kelly green, royal blue, and light gray. High school polo shirt colors: hunter green, white, and navy blue.

2. All students are required to wear either the straight cut, full length dark, navy blue pants or navy blue knee length shorts (Middle School) or the straight cut, full length, khaki pants or khaki knee length

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shorts (High School) with the Somerset Academy embroidery labeled by the pocket. A knee length skort option is also available in navy blue for Middle School and khaki for High School.

3. Bottoms must be purchased from All Uniform Wear and do not have cargo pockets, unusual tailoring and/or labels, are not be manufactured from jean material. They must be fitted to the student correctly. Skinny pants are not acceptable and not part of the approved uniform pants. Any pants that are too big or too tight for the students, as determined by the Administration, are not acceptable and will be deemed in violation of the uniform code.

4. Belts must be worn at all times; these belts must be plain, brown or black belts and fastened securely at waist level. Pants must be worn at waist level. Loosely worn pants are not acceptable.

5. If a student chooses or needs to wear a jacket due to cold weather, it must be the official Somerset Academy jacket provided by All Uniform Wear Inc. Other “hoodies” or sweaters will not be permitted.

6. Any attire, including back packs, displaying gang related paraphernalia or symbols, profanity or any inappropriate logos or displays are not allowed.

7. Clothing, jewelry, buttons, haircuts, or other items or markings which are *suggestive, *revealing, or *indecent, associated with gangs or cults, encourage the use of drugs, alcohol, or violence, or support discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, linguistic differences, marital status, national origin, race, religion, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, physical appearance, or on any other basis are not allowed.

8. Any articles of clothing or jewelry that may cause injury including, but not limited to: with spikes or sharp objects, wallet chains, and heavy link chains are not allowed.

9. All uniforms must be clean and pressed at all times; good grooming of hair, skin and fingernails is expected at all times.

10. All headgear (hats, scarves, bandanas, etc.) are forbidden on school property.

11. No buttons, tags, or labels may be worn on the school uniform unless approved by the administration.

12. Closed-toe shoes or sneakers must be worn. No high heels, open-toe shoes, or flip flops. Footwear must be worn at all times. Bedroom slippers are also not allowed. Parents should ensure that the footwear their students wear to school does not impede with their safety.

13. Students will only be allowed to wear class/club/spirit shirts with uniform bottoms and/or jeans on

Fridays when a wrist band is purchased (See spirit day attire rules below).

14. Athletes will be allowed to wear team jersey/uniform on game days with uniform bottoms.

Boys Uniform: In addition to the above, boys must:

1. Wear their bottoms at waist level.

Girls Uniform: In addition to the above, girls must:

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1. For safety reasons earrings must be plain and stud type, or small hoops (total size must be smaller than a quarter - $0.25).

2. Wear their bottoms at waist level.

*Somerset Academy Logo must be seen on the uniform at all times.

COUGAR SPIRIT DAY ATTIRE

Students participating in a Cougar Spirit Day must purchase a wristband from the Office and must visibly wear the wristband for the entire day. Teachers must report all students in non-compliance to the Office for Administrative consequences. Wristbands are typically sold during the week in the Office before school, during lunch or after school. The cost will be $1.00 Monday through Thursday and the cost will be $3.00 on the jean day Friday.

Tops: All shirts must have Somerset Canyons school name and be an approved class club, athletic team, or school group shirt. No regular clothing top may be worn: no tank, tube or spaghetti tops. No midriff showing. No undergarments should be visible or revealing clothing worn. No lewd or suggestive graphics should appear on clothing. Only the school approved sweater/jacket way be worn over the club/spirit shirt on jean day Friday’s. No non-school related sweater/jacket are permitted to be worn. Bottoms: Jeans must be a blue jean color only! No other colors or print (i.e. camo) will be permitted. They

must also be a jean material, no cargo pants, spandex, sweat pant material, etc. will be permitted.

Cougar sweatpants (purchased through All Uniform Wear, Inc.) are also permitted bottoms to be worn

with the purchase of a jean’s day wristband.

Shoes: Closed-toe shoes or sneakers. No high heels, open-toe shoes, or flip flops. Footwear must be

worn at all times. Bedroom slippers are also not allowed. Parents should ensure that the footwear their

students wear to school does not impede with their safety.

Headwear: All headgear (hats, scarves, bandanas, etc.) are forbidden on school property.

DRESS CODE VIOLATION INTERVENTION/DISCIPLINARY ACTION Please adhere to the Somerset Academy Charter School-Wide Disciplinary Plan for infraction violation detail.

STUDENT CODE OF EXCELLENCE

We believe that a safe and orderly school is our primary focus in order for academic excellence to prevail. When children behave in a respectful, responsible and safe manner, they learn more and develop into responsible adults, the essence of our purpose.

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The Somerset Canyons’ Code of Excellence is a school-wide plan that clearly outlines student expectations. In addition, all Somerset Canyons’ students are required to adhere to the rules and regulations outlined by the Palm Beach County Public Schools’ Code of Conduct: hence, Somerset Canyons Charter School is fully committed to enhance the value of discipline, respect, honor and integrity. Our student body has the responsibility to abide by a dual system of conduct, both PBCPS Code of Conduct and our school’s Code of Excellence. Each parent and student must take an active role in supporting both PBCPS’ Code of Student Conduct and Somerset Canyons Code of Excellence Plan. We thrive on producing responsible citizens. It is our school’s purpose to foster a spirit of respect for long life learning, as well as the community’s (parents, students, and staff) best interest in working together to ensure a pleasant, safe and maximum learning experience. It is essential for all stakeholders to understand that Somerset Canyons’ student academic and behavioral expectations supersede that of Palm Beach County Public School System.

EXPECTED STUDENT BEHAVIOR

1. Treat your peers and authority with respect. 2. Be honest and fair. 3. Be responsible for your actions. 4. Obey all school rules. 5. Always be prepared for class (i.e., complete homework assignments, have your class materials on

hand). 6. Be on time to school and to all of your classes. 7. Complete all assigned work. 8. Treat school property with respect. 9. Adhere to school uniform policy. 10. Be a positive role model at Somerset Canyons Academy Charter.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY/PLAGIARISM Students will be researching others work, whether it is for a lab, project, or research paper. Plagiarism will not be tolerated under any circumstances! Plagiarism also includes copying another student’s work or giving your work to another student to copy. If a student is caught plagiarizing, they will receive an F for that assignment. They will receive a written notice and parent contact will be made immediately. A referral by the teacher can be submitted to administration depending on the severity and /or frequency of the offense, whereas administration will determine if any further punishments is deemed necessary. Cheating is also unacceptable offense and not tolerated under any circumstances. Cheating includes copying off another students’ work, allowing another to copy your work, using any unapproved aides such as cell phones or electronic devices and written materials. If a student is caught cheating, they will receive an F for that assignment. They will receive a written notice and parent contact will be made immediately after the refraction. A referral by the teacher may be submitted to administration for cheating on a test

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and there can be for other circumstances depending on the severity and / or frequency of the offense that deem a referral, whereas administration will determine if any further punishment is deemed necessary.

SAFETY SEARCHES If an administrator believes that an item is present on campus that poses a threat to the safety of the students, he or she has the authority to conduct reasonable searches of students’ persons and belongings.

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINARY PLAN

The objective of this plan is to ensure there is consistency in our school-wide disciplinary procedures. Every teacher is held accountable to the stipulations outlined by this plan. We at Somerset believe when students are engaged in the curriculum, the learning environment is enhanced. Our teachers must be prepared to teach and engage their students in the process of higher order and critical thinking skills.

The following are unacceptable behaviors leading to disciplinary action which include verbal warnings (but are not limited to) and will lead to other consequences if habitual:

1. Classroom tardiness 2. Lying 3. Acting in a manner that interferes with the educational process 4. Failure to carry out directions 5. Failure to comply with the dress code 6. Gum chewing 7. Excessive talking 8. Use of any electronic device(s) Note: Electronic devices are not permitted during class time (unless allowed by the teacher for educational purposes), and all cell phones must be turned off completely and safely stored during class. Students must understand that turning the cell phone on to vibrate or silent will not be acceptable in classrooms. Electronic devices and cell phones can be confiscated by teachers, supporting staff, and administration and will be held in the front office until the end of the school day. After the second confiscation parents will have to pick up the child’s devise in person at the conclusion of the following school day. The above mentioned violations may warrant a detention by teachers and can lead to referral to administration.

CLASSROOM CONSEQUENCE(S): Teachers have a classroom discipline plan outlined in the teacher’s syllabus. Please review your child’s syllabus for each class. Administration reserves the right to skip steps commensurate with severity of the offense and/or behavior history. Below is the basic progression that will be followed. 1st Consequence - verbal warning should be issued to student. 2nd Consequence - parent contact established and logged in the parent contact log.

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3rd Consequence - mandatory detention will be given to the student by the teacher. The teacher will be responsible for supervising the detention with the student. Please note that parent(s) of the offender must be informed 24 hours prior to serving the detention. The teacher must document the method of parent notification whether it was done via email, letter/detention form, or phone call on your parent contact log. 4th Consequence (Administrative Consequence) - depending on the severity of the infraction, the student will serve a 1 hour Administrative Detention or a 3 hour Saturday School Detention closely supervised by the Detention Coordinator. Administrative Detentions will be conducted once a week on Tuesdays and Saturday School Detentions will be from 8 am-11 am. 5th Consequence - All previous parental communication established by the teacher and administrative referrals will be considered for further disciplinary action. The student will serve a mandatory Internal Suspension (ISS), days determined by administration. In this case the Palm Beach County Discipline Matrix outlines the consequence of the infraction as more severe than a 3 day indoor suspension, Somerset Canyons’ Administration will at least match the number of either indoor or outdoor suspension days the county assigns. The Assistant Principal will make parent contact via phone to discuss disciplinary status of the student. Should the parents disagree with the consequences outlined by the Assistant Principal, a parent has the right to request a conference to be held with the Principal, the Assistant Principal, the teacher who issued the referral, and the student referred. 6th Consequence - the student will be given Outdoor Suspension. Please note, profanity towards a staff member or authority, defiance, skipping, or fighting will result in immediate outdoor suspension from school.

A student may not attend school or any extra-curricular activity on the day(s) he or she is assigned to Internal Suspension or Outdoor Suspension.

A student will be permitted to make-up all assignments he/she missed during the assigned days of Outdoor Suspension. It is the responsibility of the student to get all work missed from their teachers.

IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS) OBJECTIVE(S):

1. If a student spends the entire day at In School Suspension (ISS) written assignments sent by his/her teachers will be collected by the student that morning.

2. Internal Suspension provides the opportunity for a student to remain in school and receive credit for assignments.

3. Procedures for assigning In School Suspensions (ISS) are set forth by the Administrative team of Somerset Canyons Charter School in alignment with the Palm Beach County School Board Code of Student Conduct Discipline Matrix.

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4. Students receiving In School Suspension (ISS) may not take part in or attend special activities during the school day or extracurricular activities on the day(s) they are assigned Internal Suspension.

5. If a student is absent on the day that In School Suspension (ISS) is to be served, the missed time will be made up on the first day the student returns to school.

6. If a student misbehaves in In School Suspension (ISS), he/she may be dismissed from In School Suspension (ISS) and/or assigned Outdoor Suspension as specified by the Somerset Canyons Charter School Student /Parent Handbook.

7. Students assigned to In School Suspension (ISS) are required to report to the Main Office by 7:40 a.m. for high school and 8:00 am for middle school and sign in with the Attendance Specialist.

IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS) POLICIES:

1. Students must come prepared to work on academic assignments. Students are to bring books,

paper, and pencils to Internal Suspension. Teachers will provide all written work to the Behavioral Specialist.

2. Students must work only on school work or supplemental learning materials assigned by the Internal Suspension instructor.

3. If necessary, student will also be assigned to extra duties for certain periods of time such as work detail, especially during the lunch period.

4. Students may not leave their assigned seat unless permission is given. 5. Student may not talk. If they have a question, they may raise their hand. 6. Student may not sleep or lay their head down on the desk. 7. All students must sit upright and face forward. 8. The student must not leave the room for any reason. Restroom breaks will be provided when the

In School Suspension Instructor deems it to be necessary. Students will eat their lunches under the supervision of the In School Suspension Instructor. The student must keep their desk and area in clean condition, free of garbage and/or vandalism to school property.

ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY

The SCHOOL agrees to dismiss students as described in SPONSOR's Board Policy 1163 and Appendix I. Somerset Canyons Academy is committed to the mental and physical welfare of each student. Violence, i.e. fighting, weapon possession, drug use, and racially insensitive acts of bigotry, condescending and/or racially inflammatory remarks, repetitive intimidation/bullying from one student or groups against another or groups, are detrimental to the student’s welfare, and detract from the educational environment of Somerset Canyons Academy Charter School. Hence, any act that is deemed hateful against another through violence, or display of hateful related symbol(s); i.e. a noose, a swastika, or any other related symbolic gesture(s) of hate towards another’s culture, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual preference, will result in immediate dismissal from Somerset Canyons Charter School. Somerset Canyons Charter School has a Zero-Tolerance Policy for violence, drugs, alcohol, weapons brought on campus, and most importantly; hateful related acts of racism, anti-semitism, and/or bigotry from one person or group to another. The school believes that all students have the right to attend a safe, drug-violent free, and culturally-diversely celebrated school, where respect for others is paramount.

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The school will employ any reasonable method to ensure that the Zero-Tolerance violence/drug/weapon/cultural respectful policy is not violated. To this end, the school reserves the right to conduct random searches as well as probable cause searches by authorized school personnel, trained canines, or authorized third parties. This right to search will extend to any item brought to school property or school-sponsored activity. Searches may include but are not limited to lockers, book bags, purses, vehicles, clothing, and other personal property.

SOCIAL MEDIA

The first amendment, in general, protects the rights of individuals to participate in social media. However, the laws and courts have ruled that schools can discipline students and staff if their speech including online postings off campus, materially and substantially disrupts school operations, reasonably likely cases a material land substantial disruption of the school, constitutes a violation of certain relevant federal or state laws or School Board policies. In these situations students will be subject to the behavioral standards set forth in the Student Code of Conduct. (School District of Palm Beach County, FL Student Code of Conduct).

GRADING PERFORMANCE SCALE The following is the grading scale for the 2016-2017 school year:

A 90-100 4.0

B 80-86 3.0

C 70-76 2.0

D 60-66 1.0

F 0-59 0.0

Overrides (either up or down) will only be granted by the administration in special cases where students who have 10 or more excused absences in an annual course or five or more excused absences in a semester course. In this case, an incomplete grade may be issued by administration. Subject to the review and approval of the principal, a teacher may change an “I” grade to a letter grade once the student has appropriately mastered all course objectives and competencies.

FAILING OF STUDENTS’ COURSES/CLASSES

TEACHERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Communicate with students, parents and administration how the grades for each class are computed. Grade weight categories are in the teacher’s class syllabus.

2. Report a grade for each student for each of the four nine-week grading periods (See official school calendar).

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3. Complete and send home a progress report for each student by the fourth to fifth week of each nine-week grading period.

4. Keep an updated and well maintained parent log on all students and specific documentation of parent communication concerning deficient or failing students. Failure notices will be sent home with students that have a D or F in the course.

STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Be proactive in giving your best effort to attain proficient grades in each class at all times. 2. Take interim/progress reports home. 3. Take report cards home. 4. Check Edline weekly to review grades. 5. Maintain assignments for each class in a Planner. 6. Check the school’s website daily for class updates, assignments, etc.

PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. As the child for the progress reports during fifth week of each nine-week grading period. 2. Be aware of the student progression plan, retention and promotion criteria. 3. When a concern about the child’s performance or behavior arises, call and/or email the teacher to

try and work out a solution to rectify the problem first. If there seems to be no solution found when working with the teacher, call and/or email the guidance department and set up a conference with the child’s teachers or an individual teacher.

4. Review Edline to assess your child’s grade. Edline is updated every Friday with your child’s current grades.

5. Review the student’s class pages on the school’s website daily/nightly to understand your child’s instructional assignments posted by teachers. School’s website is www.somersetcanyons.com. Also access the school website’s calendar and announcement for updated school events and information.

MEDICATIONS

School Board Policy 6305 (Administration of Medications/Treatments) provides the guidelines for the administration of medication and/or treatment for students receiving prescription and over the counter (OTC) medication. As per Policy 6305, students with special health conditions, e.g., asthma, diabetes and hypersensitivity, regardless of grade, may carry medication on self, only if approved by their physician and noted on the Medication/Treatment Authorization form. All other medication, including over-the-counter, must be transported by the parents/guardians. Therefore students are prohibited from possessing any medication while on school grounds except as indicated above.

HALL PASSES Students excused from class must have an agenda (for middle school students) or a teacher designated pass (for high school students) signed by the teacher indicating the time of departure and destination.

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No child is ever to be out of class without the hall pass designated above signed by the teacher excusing him/her from class to go locations other than the restrooms. If a student is sent to see another teacher, the other teacher needs to record the new time student leaves them and also sign the hall pass. Students found be security or staff out of class without a pass will be brought to administration.

TEXTBOOKS The school will provide students a textbook, or equivalent, as the guide and framework of the curriculum and the student will be responsible for maintaining the material in good condition. The student will pay a fine or full cost of the textbook/equivalent should the materials be damaged, lost, or stolen. Textbook/equivalent materials are to be returned to the teacher by the requested date at the end of the school year.

ELECTRONICS AND CELL PHONES Students are not allowed to use cell phones, game counsels, MP3 players, iPads, or any other similar electronic devices during the school day under any circumstances. In case of an emergency, students will be able to use the phone in the Main Office. Somerset Academy Canyons is not responsible for lost, stolen electronic devices, and/or damaged electronic devices on school property.

Students will be required to place their cell phone in designated cell phone holders in the classroom before the start of every class. Students may pick up their cell phone from the holder at the conclusion of the class.

Confiscated electronic devices are to be kept in a secure location until the teacher is able to register the item in the Main Office by the end of the school day (3:00 pm). Confiscated electronics are to be logged in by the teacher in the main office. Students may pick up the confiscated electronic device the first time and after that the parent must pick up the device. The staff member is to register and secure the electronic device in the Main Office pending parent retrieval between the hours of 3:15 pm - 4:00pm.

USE OF STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEOTAPE Photographs or video of classroom activities will be taken throughout the year and may be published on our web site, school newspaper, public newspapers, and in any advertising the school may have.

Please note that your child’s full name may be posted on such mediums when he/she is recognized for accomplishments or participation in events. If you object to this use, please contact the main office upon registration.

SCHOOL PAYMENTS Moving forward Somerset Academy Canyons will only accept online payments. Online payments can be made through our website and earmarked for specific payments, fees, etc.

Financial obligations owed to the Somerset Canyons’ may result in any or all of the following:

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Students may be denied participation in extra-curricular activities such as field trips, prom, graduation/promotion ceremony, homecoming, sporting events, parking privileges, senior activities, or any other privilege at school.

Records and/or transcripts will be withheld until all outstanding monies owed are paid as prescribed by the school.

Revocation of re-enrollment privileges for the following school year. Payment of lunch accounts is through the School District of Palm Beach County. These funds are separate from the Somerset Academy Canyons accounts. Breakfast and Lunch service are under the direction of the Palm Beach County Food Service and subject to their rules and procedures.

Before care/Aftercare: Past due accounts without satisfactory arrangements with the site supervisor shall result in your child not being able to attend the program until your account is brought current.

Policies for Somerset Canyons are subject to change.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS A Financial Obligation is issued when a student, or his/her family, owes a financial or material debt to the school (missing textbook, returned check, unpaid class fees, overdue library books, restitution, etc). Once a financial obligation is issued the students’ participation in extracurricular activities (athletics, fieldtrips, etc) will be restricted until the entire obligation is satisfied. These restrictions may also extend to any siblings in the school. If the obligation is not paid by the end of the school year report cards and/or transcripts will not be released from the school.

REFUNDS

Refunds, if permitted, must be requested in writing using the REFUND REQUEST form and have proof of payment (receipt) attached. The request needs to be filled out completely and be approved by the activity’s sponsor, the schools Treasurer and the school Administrator. If the family requesting the refund has not completed their annual Family Contribution Requirements (volunteer hours) the approved refund amount will be deducted from the amount owed the school with any remaining balance issued to the family in the form of an official school check. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

FUNDRAISERS

At no time may a student conduct sales on school grounds, or using the school’s name, which have not been pre-approved by the administration. All sales are conducted by official school organizations for the benefit of the school. Consequences for such actions will range from confiscation of items and money involved in the sales as well as suspension of the student(s) involved as well as further consequences at the administrations discretion.

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PARENT VOLUNTEER/VISITORS All parent volunteers/visitors are to report to the office to sign in and must provide a valid driver’s license in order to receive a Visitor’s Pass. Parents must always sign in between the hours of 7:00 am and 3:30 pm. At no point should a parent just walk onto campus between these hours. This is for the safety of all students and staff.

PARENT VOLUNTEER’S/VISITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Upon arrival for the visit, register in the front office to receive a visitor’s pass and information. Please

visit only the area to which you are assigned. 2. No deliveries will be made to the students during the school day.

CAFETERIA PROCEDURES Students will eat in the cafeteria or in a designated area including the courtyard seating areas outside of the cafeteria. Students are expected to stay in the designated lunch area for the entire time assigned to eat. Students are not to roam freely around campus during lunch time. Students are not allowed to order food from local restaurants and the school authorities will confiscate the illegal purchase of unauthorized food brought on campus by either parents or vendors. Students may either bring their lunch or purchase Breakfast for $2.50 and Lunch for $3.50. Free and reduced lunches are available through the county for qualified individuals. Lunch fee is subject to change reflecting any changes to Palm Beach School District’s lunch fees.

SCHOOL COUNSELORS DEPARTMENT

1. Schedule students for appropriate classes. 2. Conduct counseling/guidance in the areas of academics, social/emotional needs, and career

orientation. 3. Facilitate registration and approval of online courses. 4. Provide individual, small, and large counseling sessions and referrals to outside agencies.

IDENTIFICATION CARDS

Every student will receive a picture identification card during the beginning of the school year at no cost. The ID card must be clearly displayed at all times while on campus and during school sponsored events. Should a student lose an ID card, the student will be charged a $5 dollar fee for each additional ID. ID cards must be kept in its original form. Any altered or obstructed ID cards will be confiscated and student will be required to purchase a new ID card.

INSURANCE POLICY

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1. Available to all students. 2. Types of coverage: school day, 24 hour, and life. 3. Claims for accidents should be reported to the office. 4. All students participating in extra-curricular activities must have proof of insurance before participating

in tryouts or school-related activities.

PARENT/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Somerset Canyons Middle/High School welcomes and encourages the involvement of parents and the community in creating a positive and successful school environment. As a parent of the child registered at Somerset Canyons we suggest you volunteer 30 hours per academic year. Families with multiple children at Somerset in elementary, middle, and high school grades may complete 30 hours for the first “child” and an additional 10 hours for each additional “child.” The maximum number of hours a family is asked to contribute is 50 in 1 academic year. There are several ways in which parents and members of the community can be involved:

1. School Advisory Committee (SAC) 2. Parent, Teacher, Student Involvement (PTSI) 3. Volunteering at school-related events must be pre-approved by the Administration.

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SCHOOL SCHEDULES

2018 - 2019 Daily Schedule (MS)

7:00 am Doors Open 7:00-7:55 am Student Arrival 8:00-8:55 am 1st Block: Per. 1 9:00-10:35 am 2nd Block: Per. 2/3 10:40-1:00 pm 3rd Block: Per. 4/5 1:05-2:55 pm 4th Block: Per. 6/7 + Homeroom

2:55 pm Student Dismissal

2018 – 2019 Daily Schedule (HS)

7:00 am Doors Open 7:00-7:35 am Student Arrival 7:40-8:55 am 1st Block: Per. 1 + Homeroom 9:00-10:35 am 2nd Block: Per. 2/3 10:40-1:00 pm 3rd Block: Per. 4/5 1:05-2:40 pm 4th Block: Per. 6/7

2:40 pm Student Dismissal

2018 - 2019 Lunch Schedule

A Lunch 10:40-11:20 am B Lunch 11:30-12:10 am C Lunch 12:20-1:00 pm

“A” days are periods 1,2,4,6 “B” days are periods 1,3,5,7

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FORMS TO RETURN TO THE SCHOOL

Please print the following form on page 26, which needs to be completed and returned to your child’s Homeroom Teacher by August 17th 2018.

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STUDENT/PARENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

We have read the Somerset Academy Canyons’ Student / Parent Handbook. My child/children and I understand and agree to cooperate with all of the policies contained therein. As a parent I understand the importance of the Somerset Academy Canyons’ Charter School Student / Parent Handbook and have explained it to my child / children in detail. My child / children and I agree to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Student / Parent Handbook. I understand that failure to follow school regulations, policies, i.e. maintaining a 2.0 GPA and satisfactory disciplinary standing will jeopardize my child / children’s eligibility to register for the following academic year. This Acknowledgement Form must be returned to your child’s Homeroom Teacher by August 17, 2018. ____________________________ (Print Name of Student) ______________ (Grade) ____________________________ (Signature of Student)

(Print Name of Parent) (Signature of Parent)