Palm Springs Middle School

2008-2009

http://palmspringsmiddle.dadeschools.net

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

School Board Members

Mr. Agustin J. Barrera, Chair

Ms. Perla Tabares Hantman, Vice Chair

Mr. Renier Diaz de la Portilla, Member

Ms. Evelyn Langlieb Greer, Member

Dr. Wilbert "Tee" Holloway, Member

Dr. Martin Karp, Member

Ms. Ana Rivas Logan, Member

Dr. Marta Pérez, Member

Dr. Solomon C. Stinson, Member

Ms. Angelique Gayle, Student Advisor

Superintendent of Schools

Rudolph F. Crew, Ed.D.

Deputy Superintendent, School Operations

Freddie Woodson

Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Message from the Principal

Palm Springs Middle School

Mission Statement

The faculty at Palm Springs Middle School, in

cooperation with parents and community, is committed to

assist all students to reach their maximum potential

through the development of individual responsibility,

self esteem, self-management, and integrity.

Palm Springs Middle School

Home of the Pacers

Pacer Pride

“People reaching incredible dreams through education.”

Pacer Pride is about a motivated faculty, staff, and student body taking pride in their journey to success.

Prepare – Have the required materials and information needed to perform the task at hand.

Respect – Honor the feelings and values of others while treating one another with courtesy.

Interact – Participate actively in your school, community, and home to achieve your fullest potential.

Dedicate – Take ownership and follow through on given responsibilities.

Excel – Take the initiative to succeed in school, at home, and in the community.

FEEDER PATTERN SCHOOLS

Testing Calendar

The calendar will be updated periodically as additional information is obtained about the district, state, national, and international tests administered to the students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2008-09 TESTING CALENDAR, GRADES K-12 Updated: June 20, 2008
DATE	DESCRIPTION	ABBREVIATION	PARTICIPANTS	REASON FOR TEST
July 28-29	Alternative Assessment for Grade 3 Promotion	AAGTP	Grade 3, retained only	State
August 18- September 29	Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener Early Childhood Observation System Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills Indicadores Dinámicos del Exito en la Lectura	FLKRS ECHOS DIBELS IDEL	Kindergarten	State
TBA	Preliminary ACT Test	PLAN	Grade 10, optional	Nationally Offered
September 3-9	Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test SSS Computer Accommodations Pilot	FCAT SSS	Grades 6 & 9, selected schools and students	State
September 15-September 26	Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills	DIBELS	Grades 1-3; Grades 4 & 5*	State and District
September 15-September 26	Florida Oral Reading Fluency Assessment	FORF	Grades 6-12*	State
September 29-May 8	Florida College Entry-level Placement Test	FCELPT CPT	Grades 10-12, optional	State
October 6-13	Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test Retake Reading and Mathematics	FCAT	Grades 10-12, as needed	State
October 15	College Board Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test	PSAT/NMSQT	Grade 10	State
October 15		PSAT/NMSQT	Grade 11, optional	Nationally Offered
October 20-31	Florida Alternate Assessment Science Field Test	FAA	Grades 5, 8, & 11***	State
November 17	Grade 3 Mid-Year Promotion	GTMYP	Grade 3, retained only	State
December 2-3	FCAT Writing+ Field Test	FCAT Writing+	Grades 4, 8, & 10, selected schools	State
December 3-9	Florida Competency Examination on Personal Fitness	FCEPF	Grades 9-11, optional	State
January 13- February 27	Florida Alternate Assessment	FAA	Grades 3-11***	State
January 20-May 8	Grade 3 Reading Student Portfolio	GTRSP	Grade 3	State
January 23-February 5	Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills	DIBELS	Grades K-3; Grades 4 & 5*	State and District
January 23-February 5	Florida Oral Reading Fluency Assessment	FORF	Grades 6-12*	State
January 26- March 4	National Assessment of Educational Progress/Trial Urban District Assessment	NAEP/TUDA	Selected schools, Grades 4, 8, & 12	Federal
February 10-13	Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test Writing+	FCAT Writing+	Grades 4, 8, & 10	State
March 10-23	Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test Sunshine State Standards Reading and Mathematics	FCAT - SSS	Grades 3-10	Federal and State
	Science	FCAT - Science	Grades 5, 8, 11	State
	Retake	FCAT-Retake	Grades 10-12,** as needed	State
	Norm-Referenced Test (NRT) **** Reading & Mathematics	FCAT-NRT	Grades 3-10	State
March 10-23	Stanford Achievement Test, Tenth Edition Reading and Mathematics Reading	SAT-10	Grade 2 Grade 1, Reading First schools only	District and State State
April 20- May 22 (Tentative)	Comprehensive English Language Learning Assessment	CELLA	Grades K-12, all current ELLs and selected former ELLs	Federal and State
April 29- May 19	Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test	PPVT	Grades K-3, Reading First schools only	State
April 29- May 19	Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills	DIBELS	Grades K-3; Grades 4 & 5*	State
April 29- May 19	Florida Oral Reading Fluency Assessment	FORF	Grades 6-12*	State
May 4-8	Florida Competency Examination on Personal Fitness	FCEPF	Grades 9-11, optional	State
May 4-15	Advanced Placement Examinations	AP	Grades 9-12, enrolled, registered only	Nationally Offered
May 4-22	International Baccalaureate External Written Examinations	IB	Grades 11-12, enrolled only	Internationally Offered
June 22-26	Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test Retake Reading and Mathematics	FCAT-Retake	Grade 12, as needed	State
June 22-26	High School Competency Test Communications and Mathematics	HSCT	Eligible students	State
DISTRICT ASSESSMENTS FOR PROGRESS REPORTING
DATE	DESCRIPTION		ABBREVIATION	PARTICIPANTS
August 18 –29	Baseline Benchmark Assessments Reading, Mathematics, and Science		BBA	Grades 3-11
August 25-September 5	District Writing Pre-Test		DWT	Grades 1-10
October 20 –31 December 15-19 or January 5-9 April 20-May 1 (Optional)	Interim Assessment Tests Reading, Mathematics, and Science		IA	Grades 3-11
April 13-24	District Writing Post-Test		DWT	Grades 1-10
Note: Fall and Mid-year administrations of the Interim Assessment and Pre/Post administrations of the District Writing Test are mandated for schools required to submit State progress reports. They may be administered by other schools for instructional purposes, progress reporting, or as a measure for their School Improvement Plans.
TESTS GIVEN ON AN AS-NEEDED BASIS
DESCRIPTION		ABBREVIATION	PARTICIPANTS	REASON FOR TEST
Aprenda La Prueba de los Logros en Español Segunda Edición Placement and/or exit decision for Gifted Program Spanish-speaking LEP students		APRENDA	Grades K-12, eligible ELLs	State
Diagnostic Assessment of Reading Administered as needed for instructional decisions		DAR	Grades K-12, As selected	State
Metropolitan Achievement Test Placement and/or decisions for ESOL Program		MAT	Grades 4-12, As eligible	Federal and State
Oral Language Proficiency Scale Placement and/or decisions for ESOL Program		OLPS-R	Grades K-12, ELLs	Federal and State
Stanford Achievement Test, Ninth Edition Placement and/or decisions for Gifted Program		SAT-9	Grades K-12, As selected	State
COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS NATIONALLY OFFERED FOR INTERESTED, REGISTERED STUDENTS
SAT Reasong and SAT Subject Tests			ACT Test
October 4, 2008			September 13, 2008
November 1, 2008			October 25, 2008
December 6, 2008			December 13, 2008
January 24, 2009			February 7, 2009
March 14,2009 (Sat Reasong Only)			April 4, 2009
May 2, 2009			June 13, 2009
June 6, 2009

* Only includes students in FCAT Reading Levels 1 and 2 at these grade levels.
** Students who need to pass one or more sections of the test. Grade 10 retained students only participate in Spring administration.
*** Only includes ESE students exempted from standardized testing at these grade levels.
**** If FCAT NRT is eliminated, a district-wide NRT may be administered at selected grade levels.

Important Dates - Tentative

Interim Report Distribution	Report Card Distribution
September 17, 2008	November 10, 2008
November 26, 2008	February 2, 2009
February 18, 2009	April 15, 2009
May 6, 2009	June 18, 2009

Attendance Policy – Board Rule 6Gx13- 5A-1.041

Student attendance is a means of improving student performance and critical in raising student achievement. Together, the staff of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, students, parents and the community must make every effort to lessen the loss of instructional time to students. In order to accomplish this goal, on April 18, 2007, the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida approved a new Student Attendance Board Rule, which is stated below.

The Attendance Review Committee

The Attendance Review Committee is comprised of a minimum of a student services representative and an administrator or administrative designee. The ARC will provide guidance and support to students with significant absences. They are expected to:

1. Provide early intervention by convening when students reach an accumulation of five (5) unexcused absences in a semester or ten (10) unexcused absences in an annual course.

2. Convene a minimum of six (6) designated times per year.

3. Give consideration to all extenuating circumstances surrounding student absences. The Attendance Review Committee is charged with the responsibility of prescribing activities designed to mitigate the loss of instructional time and has the authority to recommend the following:

a. Issuing of quarterly, semester or final grades.

b. Temporary withholding of quarterly, semester or final grades. The following are among possible options:

(1) Make-up assignments

(2) Attendance probation for the following grading period(s)

(3) Completion of a school service project

c. Permanent withholding of quarterly, semester or final grades and credit. The student is to be informed of his/her right of final appeal to the regional superintendent or designee.

4. Review attendance history for student(s) exhibiting patterns of excused and/or unexcused absences and provide appropriate referrals and counseling support.

Excused School and Class Absences and Tardies

1. Student illness: Students missing 5 or more consecutive days of school due to illness or injury are required to provide a written statement from a health care provider. The written statement must include all days the student has been absent from school. If a student is continually sick and repeatedly absent from school due to a specific medical condition, he or she must be under the supervision of a health care provider in order to receive excused absences from school.

2. Medical appointment: If a student is absent from school due to a medical appointment, a written statement from a health care provider indicating the date and time of the appointment, must be submitted to the principal.

3. Death in family

4. 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.

5. School-sponsored event or educational enrichment activity that is not a school-sponsored event, as determined and approved by the principal or principal’s designee: The student must receive advance written permission from the principal or the principal’s designee. Examples of special events include: public functions, conferences, and regional, state and national competitions.

6. Subpoena by law enforcement agency or mandatory court appearance.

7. Outdoor suspensions

8. Other individual student absences beyond the control of the parent/guardian or student, as determined and approved by the principal or the principal's designee. The principal shall require documentation related to the condition.

Unexcused School Absence

Any absence that does not fall into one of the above excused absence categories is to be considered unexcused. Any student who has been absent from school will be marked unexcused until he/she submits required documentation as specified above. Failure to provide required documentation within three school days upon the return to school will result in an unexcused absence. Unexcused absences include:

1. Absences due to vacations, personal services, local non-school event, program or sporting activity

2. Absences due to older students providing day care services for siblings

3. Absences due to illness of others

4. Absences due to non-compliance with immunization requirements (unless lawfully exempted)

Arrival/Dismissal

School Hours – 8:50AM – 3:40PM

Bell Schedule – 2008 – 2009

8:50AM – Warning Bell

9:00AM – 9:45AM – Prime Time

9:50AM – 11:30AM – First Block

11:35AM – 1:55PM – Second Block (including lunch)

2:00PM – 3:40PM – Third Block

After School Care Program

Parents and students who are interested in the Palm Springs Middle School All-Stars After School Program should contact Ms. Sonia Garcia at 305-821-2460.

Messages and Use of Cellular Telephones

In the event of a family emergency during school hours, parents can call the main office for assistance in communicating with their child. Please do not call students on their cell phones.

It is against school rules to have a cell phone heard or seen during school hours. If a cell phone is heard or seen by any teacher, administrator or adult in the building, the cell phone will be taken away from the student. The possession of a cellular telephone which interferes with the safety-to-life issue for students being transported on a M-DCPS school bus would be in violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Parents must come into the school to pick up cellular telephones that have been taken away and speak to an administrator.

The school is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones.

Cafeteria

Food Cost

Free Breakfast

The National School Breakfast Program was enacted to ensure that school children are being served a nutritious breakfast daily. Miami-Dade County Public Schools offers breakfast at no charge to all M-DCPS Students. The breakfast at no charge is not dependent on the student qualifying for free/reduced meals at lunch.

Free/Reduced Lunch Program

The National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs as administered by Miami-Dade County Public Schools provides free and reduced priced meals for children unable to pay the full price. Applications must be filled out every school year; forms are sent to all homes with a letter to parents or guardians the first week of school. Meal benefits begin on the day the application is approved and continue throughout the school year in which the application is approved, the summer, and approximately the first twenty days of next school year.

PAYPAMS

Miami Dade County Public School’s Department of Food and Nutrition allows parents/guardians the convenience to pay on-line via the internet or by telephone for their child’s/children meals with a credit or debit card. The parent/guardians will create a lunch account on-line for the child and will be able to access the following:

a. view the account balance

b. schedule automatic payments.

c. receive low-balance e-mail reminders

d. view a report of daily spending and cafeteria purchases

Cafeteria Rules

· Keep in a single line when purchasing lunch; No pushing while in line

· Students must stay seated while in the cafeteria at all times

· Always be courteous to the cafeteria workers

· Always use acceptable table manners; no throwing food

· Discard the trash appropriately

· No cell phone or any other electronic devices can be used while in the cafeteria

Registration Procedures

In order to properly enroll your child, you will need the following documents:

State of Florida health examination form HRS –H 3040yellow form including tuberculin test.
State of Florida certificate of immunization HRS-680 blue card.
Original birth certificate, passport, or certificate of arrival in the U.S.
Student school records or report card.
Social Security Card
Must provide proof of address and at least two of the following documents:

Ø Properly executed lease agreement or broker’s or attorney’s statement of parents’ purchase of residence.

Ø Electric deposit receipt or electric bill showing name and service of address.

If further assistance is needed, please contact the school registrar.

Confidential Information

Parents, guardians and students are protected by The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Florida Statutes from individuals’ access to information in students’ educational records, and provide the right to challenge the accuracy of these records. These laws provide that without the prior consent of the parent, guardian or eligible student, a student's records may not be released, except in accordance with the provisions listed in the above-cited laws. The laws provide certain exceptions to the prior consent requirement to the release of student records, which include, but are not limited to, school officials with a legitimate educational interest and lawfully issued subpoenas and court orders.

Each school must provide to the parents, guardians or eligible students annual notice in writing of their right to inspect and review student records. Once a student reaches 18 years of age or is attending an institution of post-secondary education, the consent is required from the student only, unless the student qualifies as a dependent under the law.

Parent-Teacher Association (PTA/PTSA)

The Palm Springs Middle School Parent-Teacher Association works with state and national PTAs to support and speak in the schools, in the community and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting youngsters. The PTA/PTSA supports the faculty and administration in their efforts to improve educational and extracurricular activities in the school. Parents and students are encouraged to become involved in the PTA/PTSA.

Emergency Contact Information

Student Data/Emergency Contact Cards are distributed during the first week of school. Students are expected to bring the cards home and present them to their parents or guardians. The card must be carefully completed and then returned. The information you provide on the Student Data/Emergency Contact Card will enable school staff to contact you immediately in the case of an emergency involving your child. Students may only be released from school to the persons listed on the emergency contact card after presenting a picture identification. No persons, other than school staff, will have access to the information submitted.

Halls/Hall Passes/Agendas

Approximately five are allowed to pass from class to class. Students should be seated in their classroom when the tardy bell rings. With such a large number of students moving in such a limited time, it is incumbent on each person to move quickly and in an orderly manner observing normal traffic flow. Please do not push, run or loiter in the halls. Please cooperate with the Hall Monitors in the exercise of their duties and present your hall pass courteously when asked to do so.

At no time a student is to be out of the classroom during class without a signed agenda. Teachers are not to give verbal permission for a student to exit the classroom.

Code of Student Conduct

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is committed to providing a safe teaching and learning environment for students, staff, and members of the community. On January 16, 2008, the School Board approved a newly revised Code of Student Conduct (COSC). The revised COSC identifies, recognizes, and rewards model student behavior within a framework of clearly established and enforceable rules and policies. It advocates a holistic approach to promoting and maintaining a safe learning environment and requires active participation from students, parents/guardians, and school staff. Students and parents/guardians can access the English and Haitian/Creole versions of the document on the M-DCPS Website located at: http://ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/90/indes.htm or you may request a copy from your child’s school. The Spanish version of this document will be forthcoming.

Additionally, M-DCPS is proud to launch SPOTsuccess, an initiative that enhances the COSC. It supports civic, moral and ethical values, encourages a positive and supportive school climate, and allows all school personnel to recognize and reward students for exemplifying model student behavior. Parents/guardians can check to see if their children are recognized through the SPOT success system by creating a Parent Account. For instructions, log on to M-DCPS Website at http://www2dadeschools.net/parents/parents.htm, click on Parent Portal and follow the directions on the screen. If you need additional assistance, you may contact your children’s school(s).

Uniform Policy

Palm Springs Middle School has been a mandatory uniform school since 1997. The uniform consists of any combination of the following:

Navy blue, burgundy, or white polo shirt.
Navy blue or khaki pants with belt (pants must be ankle length)
Undershirts must be tucked in and may only be solid white.
Navy blue or khaki pleated or straight skirt. (Must be longer than the students’ fingertips)

NO SHORTS, CULOTTES, CAPRIS, SKORTS, JEANS AND/OR SANDALS ARE ALLOWED!

Any student in violation of the dress code will not be permitted to stay in class while in violation of the dress code. Additionally, any student in violation of the dress code will be issued a consequence.

Internet Use Policy – see Board Rule 6Gx13-6A-1.112

Access and use of the internet is a privilege, not a right and its use must support the educational objectives of the District. Students must always get permission from their teachers prior to using the internet. In addition, the District prohibits the transmission of materials such as copyright material, threatening or obscene material or material protected by trade secret, which violate local, state and federal law or regulation, as well as, the use of the internet for product advertisement, commercial activities, political campaigning or solicitation.

Health Screening

Tuberculosis Clinical Screening – Each student shall have proof of a tuberculosis clinical screening and appropriate follow-up prior to initial enrollment in any grade in a Miami Dade County Public School. This screening is to be administered at the time of the Student Health Exam and within twelve (12) months prior to initial enrollment in any grade in a Miami Dade County Public School. If the screening indicates that a follow up skin test is needed, a student can be admitted but only with a health provider’s statement that the student is free of communicable tuberculosis and can attend school.

Scoliosis Screening – The Florida Legislature Statute, 381.0056, and School Board Rule 6Gx13-5D-1.021 School Health Services Program, mandates scoliosis screenings to be performed annually for students in grade six. Consequently, your school has been scheduled to participate in the Scoliosis Screening Program sponsored by Miami Dade County Public Schools Comprehensive Health Services and Easter Seals South Florida. Parents will be notified of the school’s scoliosis screenings to be performed.

Vision and Hearing Screening – The Florida Legislature Statute, 381.0056, and School Board Rule 6Gx135D-1.021 School Health Services Program, mandates vision and hearing screenings to be performed annually for students in sixth grade. The school will send a letter to all parents notifying of the screenings. To view the vision and health screening calendar you may visit: http://comprehensivehealthservices.dadeschools.net/Vision%20%20Hearing%20Master%20Calendar%202007-2008.pdf.

Financial Obligations

All financial obligations incurred, i.e., school fees, textbook loss or damage, club activities, overdue or lost library books must be paid in the school’s treasurer’s office. Students who do not pay fines are subject to further consequences.

Homework / Make-up Assignments

Teachers are required to provide students with make-up assignments once the absence has been excused; however, it is the responsibility of the student to request the assignments from the teacher (s).

Textbooks

All textbooks are to be given out to students at the beginning of the school year. Students are required to bring books home in order to complete home learning assignments, as well as, study for courses. Students may be asked to bring the book to class if the teacher requires it. All textbooks must be returned at the end of the school year in the same condition that it was given to the student at the beginning of the school year. Students must return books to their teachers at the end of the school year to avoid confusion. If a textbook is lost or damaged, the student will be required to pay a fee to the school.

Media Center

The school library media center is a place where students and faculty members may explore subjects that interest them, expand their imagination, and develop their ability to think critically and creatively about the resources they have chosen to read or view. The media center will be opened from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Students can benefit from these extended school hours to do research on the computer or to check out books.

Transporting Students to School

Parents are asked to drop off their child at school no later than the first warning bell. This is at 8:50 AM. Students who are not in their classroom by 9:00 AM will be given a consequence. When dropping off students keep the flow of traffic moving and DO NOT STOP for extended periods of time. Keeping in mind that school buses are parked on the East side of the school, parents should try to avoid that area as much as possible. This will reduce congestion.

Bicycles/Skateboards

No bicycles, skateboards or shoes with wheels are allowed on campus.

Student Services

Prime Time – Prime Time occurs daily at 9:00AM. During Prime Time teachers take attendance as well as teach students meaningful educational values. Students are required to be in their Prime Time class and seated before 9:00AM. Tardiness to Prime Time will result in consequences such as detention, Saturday school and/or SCSI.

Clinic- The clinic is located in Room 59. Palm Springs Middle School houses Jackson Memorial Medical Services which includes 1 on site Nurse practitioner, 1 Registered Nurse and 1 Social Worker. Students are required to return the registration form for Jackson Memorial Clinic at the beginning of the school year to receive services.

Medication can only be administered to those students with completed registration forms.

Counselor Request

Student Services Department

The Student Services Department offers individual counseling, classroom guidance presentations, small group counseling, academic advisement, collaboration with parents and teachers, and career preparation.

The following individuals can assist:

Mr. Miguel Garcia Gr. 6 Students

Ms. Aurora Pelaez Gr. 7 Students

Ms. Virginia Valdez Gr. 8Students

Ms. Leah Tall All-EH students

Ms. Elizabeth Steele TRUST counselor

Student Appointments with Counselors

Counseling services are offered to all students in the school. Appointments may be arranged by filling out an appointment form, available in the Student Services Office. Counselors will send for students as soon as possible.

Trust Counseling/Substance Abuse/Crisis Intervention

Counseling is available for students who desire help with conflict resolution, abstinence from drugs and alcohol, and other personal issues. Students may also be referred for substance abuse counseling by parents, teachers, and other school personnel. Please contact Ms. Elizabeth Steele if you have serious concerns about a student. Students may request to see Ms. Steele by filling out an appointment form which can be secured in the Student Services Office.

The Parent Academy

The Parent Academy is a free, year-round, parent/guardian engagement and skill building program of Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS). The goals are to educate parents/guardians about the importance of their role; strengthen the family unit; unite families and schools; and inform parents of their rights, responsibilities and the educational opportunities available to their children and to them personally.

In addition, The Parent Academy provides classes and workshops for parents/guardians; organizes Family Learning Events; coordinates the availability of M-DCPS and community resources for parents/guardians and students; and provides professional staff development for school personnel on how to create parent-friendly schools.

Within this framework, The Parent Academy offers classes and workshops developed around the nine subject area strands listed below:

· Help Your Child Learn (Example: PASSport to Success – 8 module series)

· Parenting Skills (Example: Positive Discipline)

· Early Childhood (Example: Developing Early Literacy Skills)

· Arts & Culture (Example: Enrich Your Child through Arts and Culture in Miami)

· Languages (Example: American Sign Language for Families)

· Computer Technology (Example: Parent Portal)

· Health and Wellness (Example: Preventing Substance Abuse)

· Financial Skills (Example: Financing Your Child’s College Education)

· Personal Growth (Example: GED Preparation – offered through Adult Education)

The Parent Academy “campus” is spread throughout every corner of this community, and offers free classes and workshops at over 201 local sites such as public schools, libraries, parks, colleges, private businesses, and neighborhood centers. Monthly calendars are posted in the Course Directory section on The Parent Academy’s Web site at www.theparentacademy.net. The Parent Academy staff members are available to provide parents, students and school sites with guidance and assistance in scheduling workshops. Staff can be reached at (305) 995-2680.

Volunteer Program

The School Volunteer Program is responsible for electronic registration, background checks and trainings of volunteers. There are two different levels of volunteerism.

Level 1 - complete a database background check

Level 2 - complete a fingerprint background check

· Day chaperones for field trips

· Classroom assistants

· Math and/or reading tutors.

· Certified Volunteers

· Mentors

· Listeners/Oyentes

· Athletic/Physical Education assistants

· Overnight chaperones.

Any individual interested in volunteering in Miami-Dade County Public Schools must:

· Complete Registration Form #1764, date and sign, and submit it to a school or work location.

· Show a current valid government-issued identification with picture.

· Show social security card (check name and number).

· Complete a background check.

Upon clearance, attend an orientation at the school.
TITLE I ADMINISTRATION (Applicable to Schools in Title I Program)

The Title I Administration Parental Program helps parents/guardians become more engaged with their children’s education, by building their capacity for involvement, thus ensuring a stronger partnership among the school(s) involved, parents/guardians, and the community, to improve student academic achievement. For this purpose the Title I funded Community Involvement Specialists (CIS) at Title I schools, assists school-sites, the District and Regional Centers in planning, implementing and delivering educational support programs and special projects, thus helping to meet District and school-site goals and objectives.

Parents/guardians of students in Title I schools are able to access information, brochures and documents regarding the components of the Title I Program that are listed below at the school site. Additionally, the documents named below that are marked with an asterisk (*), will be distributed to parents by the school site, and are available in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS:

*Title I Program Parent Notification Letter

*Title I School’s District Wide Parental Involvement Policy

*Title I School-Parent Compacts

*Supplemental Educational Services (SES) (varied documents)

Parent Orientation Meeting -- “Open House”

Title I District Advisory Council (DAC)

Title I Regional Centers Parent Advisory Council (PAC)

Title I Homeless Assistance Centers (HAC) I and II Community Partnership for Homeless, Inc. (CPHI)

Title I Migrant Education Program (MEP)

Title I Challenging Higher Education for Students in our Schools (CHESS) Program

Title I Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) Program

RESOURCE CENTERS:

School Site Parent Resource Centers/School Site Parent Reception Areas

Title I Parent Resource Center (Opening in the Fall of 2008)

Title I Parent Resource Center – North

(located inside North side Shopping Center)

7900 NW 27^th Avenue, Suite F9

Miami, FL 33147

Title I, M-DCPS Office of Parental Involvement and Nova Southeastern University Partnerships -- Parent Resource Centers:

Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Office of Parental Involvement

1450 NE 2^nd Avenue, Suite 216

Miami, FL 33132

Florida School Choice North Parent Resource Center

Nova Southeastern University

1750 NE 167^th Street, Room 166-B

North Miami Beach, FL 33162

Florida School Choice South Parent Resource Center

Nova Southeastern University

8588 SW 124^th Avenue, Room 420

Kendall, FL 33183

Should you need further information regarding the Title I Program at your children’s school(s), please speak with the Title I CIS or parent representative at the school site. For additional Title I Program information, please ask to see the current school year’s Title I Administration Handbook at your child’s school site, or visit www.title1.dadeschools.net.

Dear Parents/Guardian:

Miami-Dade County Public Schools is committed to providing information to you regarding your child’s teacher and paraprofessional qualifications in a timely manner upon request.

You have the right to request the following information:

· Whether the teacher has met state licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.

· Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualifications of licensing criteria have been waived.

· The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree.

· Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals, and, if so, their qualifications.

You will be notified in writing if your child has been assigned or has been taught for more than four consecutive weeks by a teacher who has not met the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) highly qualified criteria.

Please be assured that Miami-Dade County Public Schools is dedicated to providing the students of our county with a quality education. The information regarding the qualifications of your child’s teacher and/or the classroom paraprofessional may be obtained from the school.

Sincerely,

Ms. Melissa C. Wolin

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida adheres to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and educational programs/activities and strives affirmatively to provide equal opportunity for all as required by:

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended - prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, or national origin.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 - prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) as amended - prohibits discrimination on the basis of age with respect to individuals who are at least 40.

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 as amended - prohibits gender discrimination in payment of wages to women and men performing substantially equal work in the same establishment.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - prohibits discrimination against the disabled.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) - prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public service, public accommodations and telecommunications.

The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) - requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to "eligible" employees for certain family and medical reasons.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 - prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

Florida Educational Equity Act (FEEA) - prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, national origin, marital status, or handicap against a student or employee.

Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 - secures for all individuals within the state freedom from discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status.

Veterans are provided re-employment rights in accordance with P.L. 93-508 (Federal Law) and Section 205.07 (Florida Statutes), which stipulate categorical preferences for employment.