2007-2008 Parent/Student Handbook

From Your Principal.

Administration

Mr. Joaquin P. Hernandez, Principal

Mr. Howard B. Popowitz, Assistant Principal

Mr. Jose R. Fernandez, Assistant Principal

Ms. Walline R. Williams, Assistant Principal

Student Services Staff

Mr. Ron Fisch, Counselor, Grade 6 (A-L) and Grade 7

Ms. Maria Macias, Counselor, Grade 6 (M-Z) and Grade 8

Mr. J. Allen, S.C.S.I. Coordinator

Ms. Marly Hernandez-Bouza, TRUST Counselor

Ms. Tracy Seaton, Career Specialist

Mr. Oscar Estrada, Community Involvement Specialist

Promotion and Placement Within the Middle School

All sixth, seventh and eighth grade students ill take six (6) subjects - four (4) of which are required, two (2) of which are chosen by the student.

REQUIRED SUBJECTS:

• Language Arts

• Math

• Science

• Social Studies

NOTE: Recommended placement in the appropriate levels of Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies is the responsibility of the teacher and counselor. STUDENTS MUST PASS ALL CLASSES.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Rights:

• Students have the right to receive a teacher's grading criteria at the beginning of each grading period which is consistent with District guidelines.

• Students have the right to receive an academic grade that reflects their achievement.

• Student have the right to be notified any time during the grading period when it becomes evident that the student is performing unsatisfactorily (or prior to the seventh week).

• Student have the right to receive a conduct grade in each class consistent with their overall behavior.

• Students have the right to achieve academic success based upon their own initiative  and ability without interference from others.

Responsibilities:

• Students have the responsibility to ask the teachers in advance of a grade assignment for an explanation of any grading criteria or practice which they may question, or which may need clarification.

• Students have the responsibility to maintain reasonable standards of academic performance commensurate with their ability.

• Students have the responsibility to make every effort to improve their performance upon receipt of the notification.

• Students have the responsibility to conduct themselves in each class in ways that are conducive to the learning process.

• Students have the responsibility for earning grades upon their performance while guarding against cheating by other students.

Guidelines for Home Learning

Guidelines for Home Learning Assignments:

Home Learning serves a definite purpose: to provide drill or practice on a principle or skill already taught; to provide real-life application of the matter in hand; to develop appreciation for or knowledge of community resources; to develop the personal culture of the student.

Recommended Home Learning:*

*These times do not reflect the additional 30 minutes that are to be devoted to reading. Reading is recognized as a universal skill that is related to all subjects. Therefore, when specific home learning assignments are not given, or when the home learning assignment is completed in an expeditious manner, every student will read, minimally, for the amount of time specified in Board Rule 6Gx13-6A-1.23.

M-DCPS School Board Rule 6Gx13-6A-1.23:

At the secondary level, students in academic classes should receive a minimum of two home learning assignments each week in each class. These assignments should be reflected in the student's class grade.

Teacher's Responsibilities:

1. Assigns home learning in a clear manner.

2. Instructs students on the technique for studying.

3. Gives assignments at consistent times on each day home learning is assigned.

4. Checks to see home learning is complete and/or done correctly.

5. Coordinates home learning assignments with other teachers to ensure students are not overloaded.

6. Informs parents of home learning assignments.

Student's Responsibilities:

1. Completing assigned home learning as directed and in the spirit in which it was assigned.

2. Returning home learning to the teacher by the designated time.

3. Submitting home learning assignments  which reflect careful attention to detail and quality of work.

NOTE: Students can receive additional help through the "Dial-A-Teacher" program at (305)995-1600, Monday through Thursday from 5:30 P.M. until 8:30 P.M.

Parent's Responsibilities:

While it is understood that parents are not responsible for providing a great deal of assistance to the student in completing home learning, there is still much that parents can do to promote good study habits. Parents' responsibilities include:

1. Providing continued interest and concern for the child's successful performance in school.

2. Encouraging  and supporting the child in his/her performance of home learning assigned.

3. Indicating an interest in assignments and assisting, if possible, when requested by the child. This is not to include performing the work for the child.

4. Supporting the school in regard to the students' being assigned home learning. Requesting assignments for students when short term absences are involved.

Study Skills

A student who studies well...

1. Brings notebooks, paper, pen or pencil, and other materials necessary to class.

2. Is an active participant in the classroom; listens well; takes part in discussions.

3. Asks questions if he/she doesn't understand the discussion or has a problem.

4. Plans his/her work and schedules time for home learning each day; makes sure he/she understands the assignment before leaving class.

5. Uses what he/she learns; sees how each subject applies to the others.

6. Strives to do his/her best, not just to get by.

How to Study:

1. Attitude is important. You should think positively and work independently. Seek help only when you have exhausted your own resources; then ask questions, use library resources.

2. Learning requires concentration; keep your mind on what you are doing. It will take less time.

3. At home, have a definite, well-lighted, quiet place to study. Unless you have a straight "A" average, you will have to study at home each day.

4. Read the entire assignment rapidly to grasp the basic content. Reread slowly to understand content, details, explanations, and directions. If the assignment in not written, make notes of your own; outline what you have learned.

5. If the assignment is a long-term project, do a little of it each day; don't let it go until the last minute. It will be easier and you'll do better

How to take a test:

1. Relax and forget other people.

2. Read the directions carefully, and then follow them.

3. Read the whole test first to see what's asked for and how to apportion your time.

4. Read each question twice before answering.

5. Think before you write.

6. Answer questions fully with information asked for, not what isn't asked for.

7. Check your paper for spelling and grammar before turning it in.

8. Follow your teacher's instructions.

Make-up Work Following Absence is the Student's Responsibility

After an excused absence, the teacher will give the student make-up assignments and establish a reasonable deadline for completion of assignments and tests. As a general rule, the teacher will allow one day for each day the student has missed. Each teacher will use discretion depending on the individual situation. While both the teacher and the student are involved in make-up work, the student has the major responsibility. It is suggested that each student have a "buddy" in each class to contact for assignments during an absence.

Grading Policy

Grades at best are but an indicator of the student's knowledge or skill at any particular point in time. Grades are not necessarily an accurate gauge as to whether learning has taken place. However, since much emphasis is placed on grades a student's academic grade should reflect the teacher's most objective assessment of the student's academic achievement. Academic grades should not be used as a threat to maintain order in a classroom.
 

Grades

Academic grades for regular programs shall be A,B,C,D or F.

A brief explanation of the grades used follows:

A- (90-100%) A grade of "A" indicates the student has demonstrated excellent achievement in the subject and/or the skills area. The student consistently performs academically at a level which is considerably higher than the typical student in the same program or course and has demonstrated an understanding of and has the ability to effectively utilize the content of the program. An "A" student will have achieved and exceeded all of the instructional objectives established for the subject during the grading period.

B- (80-89%) A grade of "B" indicates the student has demonstrated good but not outstanding achievement in the academic area. The student consistently performs at a level which is above that which is expected of the typical student in the same program or subject. The student has mastered skills and content beyond those required for successful completion of the instructional program. The "B" student will be progressing at a rate which would enable the student to have achieved virtually all of the instructional objectives established for the grading period.

C- (70-79%) A grade of "C" indicates satisfactory academic achievement. The student performs at an average level in terms of mastery of more than the minimal instructional objectives of the program.

D- (60-69%) A grade of "D" indicates minimal acceptable level of mastery of skills and other course content and indicates that improvement is needed to achieve a satisfactory level of academic performance. The student's rate of progress is such that the minimal instructional objectives for the program will be mastered.

F- (0-59%) A grade of "F" indicates a level of academic performance which is unsatisfactory. Students functioning at this level are not mastering the minimal objectives required in the regular instructional program.
 

Notifying Parents of Students Performing Unsatisfactorily in Academics, Conduct, and/or Effort

Every attempt shall be made by the school to communicate directly with parent(s)/guardian(s) when there are indications that student performance and/or behavior are declining. The signature of a student on a progress report will not in itself constitute a comprehensive attempt to achieve contact with parent(s)/guardian(s). When, in the teacher's judgment, a conference with the   parent(s)/guardian(s) is necessary, further attempts by mail or telephone are encouraged.

At the discretion of the teacher, parent(s)/guardian(s) may be notified by a coded message on the student report card that a teacher-parent conference is requested. In addition, a teacher may issue an incomplete grade in place of the student's academic grade (which must still be reported to the principal) until such time as the parent(s)/guardian(s) responds to the request for the teacher-parent conference or until the student transfers or the course is completed. When a parent has failed to respond to a previous request for a conference, a principal may elect to withhold issuing a report card for one grading period pending a conference with the parent(s)/guardian(s).

4.         Parent(s)/guardian(s) are to receive reports on their child's performance on the standardized tests administered as part of the district wide achievement testing program. Parent(s)/guardian(s) of the students tested through the State Assessment Program will receive reports as they are made available by the State.

Media Center

The Media Center, or Library, is the heart of our school. It aids and enriches all subject areas. It holds books of information, inspiration, and recreation. It has other media, such as magazines, books on tape, records, pictures, clippings, and pamphlets for student use. Our Media Specialist is Ms. Beverly Maier.

The Media Center has 16 computers with access to the Internet. Our Media Center hours allow for before and after school visitation by students. Students, with the appropriate pass, are permitted to use the Media Center before school from 8:30 A.M. until 8:50 A.M. Students should stop by the Media Center and ask Mrs. Maier or Mrs. Cox for a pass. In addition, students may visit the Media Center after school from 3:40 P.M. until 3:50 P.M. to return and check out books.

Substitute Teachers

Substitute or guest teachers have the same authority as your regular teacher. You will respect the wishes of the substitute the same as your regular teacher. Remember that these teachers will be working in many other schools and we want to impress upon each of them that our school is a pleasant place in which to work.
 

Textbooks

The State of Florida provides the textbooks issued to students. The use of those books is a privilege and it is expected that all students will treat their books with care. Pupils are responsible for their own textbooks. All books should have proper book covers. Lost or damaged books must be paid for. The amount to be paid will be based on the condition of the book at the time of issuance or upon the damage done.

Hall Passes

No student is allowed in the halls at any time during the school day without a pass written in ink on the official school pass from and signed by a teacher. Students caught in the hallways without a pass will be referred to their grade level assistant principal.

2006-2007 School Uniform Policy

Collared polo type shirts and pleated or flat front cotton twill long pants, may be purchased from any store such as Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, JC Penney, etc., provided color and style are identical. School logos are not mandatory but may be purchased separately from vendor or P.T.S.A. and placed on shirts.

FALL / SPRING:
Polo shirts - burgundy, white, or burgundy and white
Pants - black, navy, or khaki

WINTER WEAR:
Fleece Sweater - navy

Fleece sweat pants - navy

Jacket - navy

Guidance and Student Services

Miami Lakes Middle School provides an organized guidance program for all students. This program will attempt to assist students in solving their social and personal problems as well as help them in educational and vocational planning.

It is hoped that students will utilize the guidance services at our school. Students are always welcome in the Guidance Center before, after and during school if an appointment has been made in advance. If a student has an immediate, urgent need to see a counselor, he/she should get a pass from his/her teacher to come to the guidance office. Do not stop between classes to make an appointment. Conference forms are available in the office. Individual counseling is available. Group guidance, peer group counseling and occupational emphasis are also a part of our guidance program.

Conferences with counselors are scheduled in several ways:

1. Counselor initiated
2. Student initiated
3. Teacher initiated
4. Parent initiated

Parent / School Communications

Conferences

The school encourages the involvement of parents in problems their children are having in school. If there is an academic or disciplinary problem in a particular class, parents are encouraged to contact the teacher involved for a conference.

1. A telephone conference may solve the problem at hand. Please call, leave a message, and the teacher will return your call as soon as possible.

2. If you wish to arrange a meeting with the teacher, call your child's guidance counselor, (305)557-3900, who will arrange a conference time when the teacher is not in class. Teachers will not be called from class for parent conferences.

If the problem is other than a classroom problem, the appropriate assistant principal or counselor should be contacted. If you have any questions about school policies, regulations, etc., please feel free to call.