Eagles Landing Middle School
6th Grade
11:00 – 11:25 6B
11:15 – 11:40 6C, Gifted
11:30 – 11:55 6A7th grade
12:20 – 12:45 7A, Gifted
12:35 - 1:03 7B
12:50 - 1:15 7C, ESOL8th grade
1:05 – 1:30 8A, ESOL
1:20 – 1:45 8B
1:35 – 2:00 8C, Gifted
School Begins August 11, 2004
Labor Day September 6, 2004
Fall Holiday September 16, 2004
End 1st Nine Weeks October 14, 2004
Teacher Work Day October 15, 2004
Begin 2nd Nine Weeks October 18, 2004
Report Cards distributed October 27, 2004
Veteran’s Day November 11, 2004
Thanksgiving Holidays November 24 – 26, 2004
End 2nd Nine Weeks December 23, 2004
Winter Holidays December 24, 2004 – January 7, 2005
Teacher Work Day January 10, 2005
Begin 3rd Nine Weeks January 11, 2005
Report Cards distributed January 14, 2005
M.L. King’s Birthday January 17, 2005
Presidents’ Day February 21, 2005
End 3rd Nine Weeks March 18, 2005
Spring Break March 21 - 25, 2005
Teacher Work Day March 28, 2005
Begin 4th Nine Weeks March 29, 2005
Report Cards distributed April 6, 2005
Spring Holiday March 25, 2005
PRIDE Night April 21, 2005
Spring Holiday May 13, 2005
School Ends May 27, 2005
Report Cards mailed week of June 6, 2005Professional Development Days
(dismissal at 1:00 PM)September 23, 2004
October 21, 2004
November 4, 2004
January 27, 2005
February 24, 2005
April 21, 2005Interscholastic Athletic Teams and Intramural Sports
The interscholastic athletic program is a competitive program among schools. Tryouts will be held and the coach will select the team. A limited number of athletes may be on a team. The intramural sports program is available to all students who wish to participate. The dates of the activity will be announced.
Interscholastic Athletic Teams (By Season)
Intramural Sports
Baseball (Boys)
Basketball
Softball (Girls)
Cheerleading
Soccer (Boys)
Street Hockey
Volleyball (Girls)
Flag Football
Soccer (Girls)
Indoor Soccer
Basketball (Boys)
Color Guard/Flag/Drill
Basketball (Girls)
Tennis
Volleyball (Boys)
Color Guard/Flag/Drill
Track & Field (Girls & Boys)
Volleyball
Non-Athletic Activities -Clubs/Organizations
Academic Games (L.A.)
Academic Games (Math)
Academic Games (S.S.)
Chess Club
Drama Club
Elementary School Student Aides
Florida Future Educators of America
(F.F.E.A.) Club
Honors Band
Jazz Band
Math Counts
Media Production Club
Music Club
National Jr. Honor Society
Newspaper
Peer Mediators
Photography Club
Robotics Club
Show Choir
Student Council
Technology Club
Travel Club
It is the responsibility of the student or his/her parent to see that all accidents, major or minor, that occur on the school grounds or buses are REPORTED TO THE SUPERVISING TEACHER, THE STUDENT SERVICES OFFICE, OR AN ADMINISTRATOR IMMEDIATELY.
A student insurance policy covering school accidents with: (A) school day coverage, or (B) 24-hour coverage, is available to students. Application forms are sent home at the beginning of the school year. The responsibility for arranging for insurance lies with the respective student or parents, not with the school.
Administrative Directives for Review
The School Board Policy Handbook and Administrative Directives are available for review in the main office.
The school sponsors many clubs, interscholastic sports, and intramural activities after school. Students who participate in approved activities may ride home on the special activities bus.
The Eagles Landing Middle School schedule is a four by four floating block schedule. Each student’s schedule reflects six (6) periods. In a four (4) day period, students will see their academic teachers three times and their elective teachers two times. Please refer to the table on page 1.
ASSAULT OR BATTERY UPON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD EMPLOYEE
- Assault and battery is a criminal offense.
- Any assault or battery upon a school employee will be subject to prosecution.
ASSEMBLIES AND SPECIAL SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Students may participate in field trips to school board approved off-campus locations. To attend these functions, students must have demonstrated that they will conduct themselves in a respectful and appropriate manner.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
School attendance is the responsibility of parent(s)/guardian(s). All students are expected to attend school regularly and to be on time for classes.
Upon returning to school after an absence, the student must present a written excuse from a parent or guardian to the first hour teacher. The note must include the student’s first and last name, reasons for the absence, date or dates of absence, parent’s work and home phone numbers, and the parent’s signature. The school will attempt to verify all absences. Students cannot attend or participate in extra-curricular activities on days they are absent from school. Parent(s) should notify student services if there will be extended absence due to student illness.
TYPES OF ABSENCES
The following types of absences are excused:
Death in the family
Illness
Court Summons
Observance of religious holiday
Emergency situations
The two types of absences are:Excused – The students have make-up privileges. It is the student’s responsibility to request make-up work from teachers for excused absences from classes. Students will be held responsible for any pre-assigned work upon return to school. Teachers will provide students with a reasonable amount of time to make up work missed when absent.
Unexcused – Absences due to truancy or suspension are considered to be unexcused. Telephone calls are not accepted in lieu of a written excuse. Unverified absences are considered unexcused.
To earn a passing grade for a course for a nine-week period, a student must be in attendance for, minimally, 90% of the class time. A student who is absent four (4) days (excused or unexcused) from an academic class may, with the principal’s approval, for documented extenuating circumstances, earn a passing grade by demonstrating mastery. Mastery is defined as:
- earning a passing average for the nine weeks or 80% mastery for students in the gifted program; AND
- passing the nine week assessment (80% mastery for gifted program).
Middle school students enrolled in high school credit courses must adhere to the attendance requirements for earning credit.
A student who is suspended from school will be permitted to make up nine-week examinations and semester examinations, as appropriate.
All students participating in school-sponsored trips or activities on or off school grounds, including school alternative placements, shall be counted as present for attendance purposes.
Homebound Students – Parent(s)/guardian(s) may request a homebound teacher for a student with an illness predicted by certified medical personnel to exceed fifteen (15) consecutive days. The ESE Coordinator should be contacted.
ATTENDANCE BOUNDARIES AND LEGAL GUARDIANSHIPS
Students are required to attend a school in the area in which their parents reside. The Superintendent of Palm Beach County schools shall establish procedures to ensure that students in a legal guardianship are in attendance at their appropriate school.
Authority of PrincipalThe principal shall be the administrator and supervisory head of the school and shall be responsible for the enforcement of the policies of the board as directed by the superintendent.
Subject to law and to the rules of the state board and the district school board, the principal in charge of the school or designated representative shall develop policies which may be delegated to any teacher or other member of the instructional staff or any bus driver transporting students of the school, such responsibility for the control and direction of students as may be considered desirable.
The principal or designated representative may suspend any student transported to or from school at the public expense from the privilege of riding on a school bus, giving notice in writing to the student’s parents or guardian and to the superintendent within 24 hours. School personnel shall not be held legally responsible for suspensions of students made in good faith.
The principal or designated representative may recommend to the superintendent the expulsion of any student who has committed a serious breach of conduct including, but not limited to, willful disobedience, open defiance of authority of a member of the staff, violation against any persons or property, or any other act which substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of the school. Any recommendation of expulsion shall include a detailed report by the principal or designated representative on the alternative measures taken prior to the recommendation of expulsion. F.S. 232.26
BEEPERS/CELL PHONES/ ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Florida Statutes make it illegal for students to possess telecommunications while such student is on school property or in attendance at a school function. Cell phones are allowed on school campus. However, they must be turned off at all times. Cell phones are not to be visible. They must be turned off and kept in backpack or pocket. F.S. 230.23(6)(D)4
Students who ride bicycles to school are to place them in an area provided for that purpose. Students are not to ride bicycles through crosswalks or on the school grounds. Bicycles should be locked at all times to prevent theft. LOCKS SHOULD NOT BE SHARED. It is also recommended that all students record their serial number and have their bicycles registered with the police department in their local communities. Bicycle riders must wear safety helmets.
BOOKS AND OTHER SCHOOL-OWNED MATERIALS
Books and other school owned items are lent to students. Students are responsible for damaged, lost and/or stolen items.
All books issued to students must be covered. No self adhesive covers are permitted.
Students have a wide selection of offerings from our cafeteria, including standard school lunch ($1.50) and many popular a la carte items. Breakfast ($.90) is also available. Information regarding free or reduced lunch and breakfast will be sent out to all parents in August.
CHANGE OF NAME, ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER
For emergency reasons, it is necessary that the school keep an up-to-date address and telephone number for each student. Any change in address and/or telephone number must be reported to the data processor and accompanied by proof of residency.
Any student who enrolls in a public school must register under the name of the child as shown on the birth certificate. When a child’s name is legally changed, all school records shall be updated to show both the original name and the acquired legal name.
- The school clinic is for first aid and emergencies only. It is not a place for rest, relaxation or naps.
- Students who become ill at school must obtain a pass from their teacher prior to going to the clinic.
- Permission to go home must be given by the administration and by the parent. Parents, or a person authorized by the parent, must provide transportation home. The parent must sign the student out of school in person.
COLLECTING/SOLICITING MONEY
Students or staff may not solicit funds unless permission has first been given by the principal. Students are to refrain from borrowing money from other students. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IS TO BE SOLD ON CAMPUS UNLESS SCHOOL SPONSORED.
The compulsory school attendance age is six to sixteen. Florida Statute 232.01
COMPUTER RULES AND REGULATIONS (INTERNET USAGE)
I. INTRODUCTIONThe way our schools relate to the world is dramatically changing. The information superhighway is a reality. From the District office, your school, or your home, you can travel all over the world to gather information. As more people travel this electronic highway, maps to find information and rules to keep traveling safely become vital to successfully completing the journey. The first and most important rule is that all student activity on the Internet must be supervised by a teacher, administrator, or other designated School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC) employee.
Internet access, through the SDPBC’s wide area network (PBCNet), is a powerful educational resource which will allow you to find information in this world-wide electronic network. You will be able to connect to and correspond with businesses, major universities, national libraries, other schools, and other students around the world.
Just as you learn social codes and behaviors which are acceptable at your school, you must learn the correct procedures and rules for using this network of information services. We require all students to adhere to these guidelines. If you break any of these rules, depending upon the nature of the infraction or the cumulative number of infractions, you may not be allowed to continue to use the system.
At the beginning of each school year, students, parents, legal guardians, and employees will be required to sign the attached PBCNet Consent and Waiver form, (or have form on file in school center). Signing the form indicates that you are aware of the school rules and proper procedures for using the Internet and the PBCNet (School Board policies [8.123] for students and [3.29] for employees). You are also signing to say that you understand the consequences which will result if these rules are broken. By signing this form you are agreeing to comply with the rules of the Florida Information Resource Network (FIRN), the SDPBC, and your individual school. This signed statement becomes your permission slip to take trips on the information highway.
II. THE INTERNET
The Internet is a global technology network made up of many smaller contributing networks to support the open exchange of information among many different kinds of institutions all over the world. This system gives immediate access to information. It’s like being able to open any book in any library from your computer. You can view and/or print articles, documents, and pictures to review current facts about news, weather, and sports that you may use in your classes.
PBCNet’s Educational Portal includes information, references, and resources for administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents and community. Reference links, guidelines, policies, contact information, District information, school information, school web sites, department information, testing information, District news, file downloads, listservs, online activities, staff development, and other features are available.
III. THE SDPBC’S WIDE AREA NETWORK
The Division of Information Technology’s (IT) Strategic Plan has as a goal: the connection of the District office and school sites to the Internet through secure, direct, high-speed connections using the PBCNet. Access to the Internet will typically occur in the school site libraries and at other locations such as student computer centers and, in many cases, directly in the classrooms. The PBCNet makes sharing information and communicating with other schools and the District office possible. This network supports activities which have educational value for administrators, teachers, students, and parents. An intelligent filtering system is used to prevent access to sites that are inappropriate for the K-12 educational environment. An appeal process is available for sites that may be unjustly blocked by this process.
IV. THE SDPBC’S ACCEPTABLE USE GUIDELINES (SECTIONS IV - IX)
A. The Florida Information Resource Network (FIRN)
FIRN is the SDPBC’s Internet provider and, as such, we use their policy as a cornerstone for our Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). The AUP statement presents standards of conduct when using FIRN and services on the network, such as electronic mail, group conferencing, and Internet access. Continued use of FIRN constitutes your agreement to abide by the standards specified. NOTE: Some of the issues addressed in this section refer to Adial-up@ access to FIRN.
B. Network Resources
FIRN and the Internet serve as an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers and millions of individual subscribers all over the world, providing access to:
- worldwide electronic mail services.
- global information and news.
- the opportunity to correspond with other institutions.
- public domain and shareware computer software of all types.
- discussion groups on a wide range of topics ranging from cultures and the environment to music and politics.
- many Florida university and community college library catalogs, as well as others from around the world.
C. Network Warning
With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. There may be some material, individual contacts, or communications which are not suitable for school-aged children. FIRN views information retrieval from the network in the same capacity as information retrieval from reference materials identified by School.
While FIRN provides an exciting opportunity to expand learning for students and educators by providing access to a vast collection of online resources, our goal is to also protect our user community from objectionable and inappropriate materials that also proliferate the Internet. Access to web sites or a web site on a shared server which hosts content identified as inappropriate in nature will not be available through the FIRN dial-up network or any public educational site which has requested to be included in this blocking practice.
FIRN supports that which will enhance the research and inquiry of the learner with directed guidance from faculty and staff. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials. An industrious user may discover inappropriate information that has yet to be identified by FIRN. Therefore, each K-12 student’s access to and the use of FIRN shall be under a teacher’s direction and monitored as a regular instructional activity.
D. General Policy and Guidelines
As a general policy, the FIRN network facilities (referred to below as "the network"), should be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner in accordance with the mission of FIRN. Users must acknowledge their understanding of the general policy and guidelines as a condition of receiving an account with FIRN.
GUIDELINE I:
Acceptable uses of the network are activities which support teaming and teaching in Florida. Account holders are encouraged to develop uses which meet their individual needs and which take advantage of the network's functions: electronic mail, conferences, bulletin boards, data bases, and access to the internet.
GUIDELINE II:
Unacceptable uses of the network include:
- Violating the conditions of the Education Code dealing with students' rights to privacy;
- Posting or otherwise transmitting any content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, tortuous, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, libelous, invasive of another's privacy, hateful, of malicious intent, or racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable;
- Impersonating any person or entity, or falsely stating or otherwise misrepresenting your affiliation with a person or entity;
- Reposting personal communications without the author's prior consent;
- Forging headers or otherwise manipulating identifiers in order to disguise the origin of any content transmitted through the network;
- Intentionally transmitting any material that contains software viruses or any other computer code, files or programs designed to interrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of any computer software or hardware or telecommunications equipment;
- Transmitting any unsolicited or unauthorized advertising, promotional materials, "junk mail," "bulk mail", "spam," "chain letters," "pyramid schemes," or any other form of solicitation;
- Attempting to access through the FIRN network any domain, network, service, port, system, host, computer, or device without the specific prior permission, authorization, or approval of the controlling entity or to impair or damage the operations of computers, networks, terminals or peripherals devices;
- Copying or otherwise transmitting any content in violation of patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright law or other protected material; and
- Using the network for financial gain or for any commercial or illegal activity. This includes, but is not limited to:
- offering for sale any products or services; or
- soliciting for advertisers or sponsors.
GUIDELINE III:
Access to FIRN can be obtained via a direct connection or a dial-in connection. The dial-up network has a limited number of locations throughout the state to serve a growing number of users. There is, therefore, an imposed two hour connectivity time-limit and a 20 minute inactivity time-limit on the FIRN dial-ups. Users are expected to cooperate to assure equitable access for all.
Dial-in access requires the use of a FIRN profile account. FIRN shall provide a FIRN profile account to Florida Educators in support of education and educational resources. Limitations to the statewide dial-in facility and its services (i.e., E-mail, Instructional Resources, etc.) will be based on the Florida Educators' school affiliation (refer to the FIRN Dial-In Access Policy for additional details). A profile account shall be granted to public university and community college students only at the request of the professor or instructor, when the student is enrolled in courses requiring access to FIRN. Since each K-12 student's access to FIRN must be under a teacher's direction and monitored as a regular instructional activity, a profile account will not be provided to K-12 students.
GUIDELINE IV:
Account name owners shall be responsible for unauthorized access made through their username and password. Sponsors of classroom and training accounts are responsible for teaching proper techniques and standards for participation, for guiding student access to appropriate sections of the network, and for assuring that students understand that if they misuse the network they will lose their privilege to use the network. Particular concerns include issues of privacy, copyright infringement, etc.
GUIDELINE V:
The person in whose name an account is issued is responsible at all times for its proper use. Users should engage in "safe computing" practices by establishing appropriate access restrictions for their account and guarding their password. Users will be required to change their password every 90 days.
GUIDELINE VI:
FIRN employs various measures to protect the security of its network resources and its user's accounts. Users should be aware, however, that FIRN cannot guarantee security and confidentiality. The network management accepts no responsibility for harm caused directly or indirectly by its use.
GUIDELINE VII:
Users should also be aware that their use of FIRN is not completely private. While FIRN does not routinely monitor individual usage of the network, the normal operation and maintenance of network resources require the backup and caching of data and communications, the logging of activity, the monitoring of general usage patterns and other such activities that are necessary for the rendition of service. FIRN may also specifically monitor the activity and account of individual users, without notice, when:
- it reasonably appears necessary to do so to protect the integrity, security, or functionality of FIRN or other computing resources or to protect FIRN from liability;
- there is reasonable cause to believe that the user has violated or is violating this policy;
- an account appears to be engaged in unusual or unusually excessive activity; or,
- it is otherwise required or permitted by law.
GUIDELINE VIII:
Any such monitoring of communications, other than what is made accessible by the user, required by law, or necessary to respond to perceived emergency situations, must be authorized in advance by the FIRN Director in consultation with the Department of Education General Counsel's Office. FIRN, in its discretion, may disclose the results of any such general or individual monitoring, including the contents and records of individual communications, to appropriate personnel or law enforcement agencies and may use those results in appropriate disciplinary proceedings.
Communications made by means of FIRN computing resources are also generally subject to the Florida Public Records Law to the same extent as they would be if made on paper.
V. EXPECTED BEHAVIOR
You are expected to use the network to pursue intellectual activities, seek resources, access libraries, and find international friends. We want you to explore this new space and discover what is available there. This resource is new to all of us. We want you to learn new things and share that new found knowledge with your friends, parents, and teachers.
When you are using the computer network and communicating with others in remote or even close locations, think carefully about what you say and how you say it. Keep the following in mind:
1. You cannot see them.
2. You cannot tell how old they are or what sex they are.
3. They can tell you anything, and you cannot always be sure that what they are telling you is true.
4. Absolute privacy cannot be guaranteed in a network environment.
For your own safety and for the safety of others, remember to exercise caution when you are communicating with people in the outside world. Do not give out your home phone number or your address to anyone. They do not need to have that information. If you feel there is a problem or if you feel uncomfortable with the information someone is giving you, tell your school site administrator, teacher, or technology representative immediately.
By the same token, you may not harass other users. You do not want to run the risk of breaking the law by bothering other people. If a user on the network asks that you no longer send him/her mail or in any other way contact him/her, you are obliged to stop all contact immediately. You may feel you have the right of freedom of expression, but others have the right to be free from harassment.
A. Plagiarism
The dictionary defines plagiarism as "taking ideas or writings from another person and offering them as your own." The student who leads readers to believe that what they are reading is the student’s original work when it is not is guilty of plagiarism. Credit should always be given to the person who created the article or idea.
Be careful when you are using the Internet. Cutting and pasting ideas into your own document is very easy to do, so be sure to give credit to the author. If you do this, your teacher will know which ideas are yours, and you won’t be guilty of plagiarism.
B. Copyright
Copyright is another issue altogether. According to the Federal Copyright Act of 1976, "Fair Use" means that you may freely use any information that you legally find on the Internet as long as you do so only for scholarly purposes. You may not plagiarize or sell what you find.
Suppose, for example, that you find a copy of Microsoft Works on the Internet. Can you legally copy it? The answer is NO. It is copyrighted software. You have to purchase software packages before you can use them legally. Suppose you find an article about the use of Microsoft Works on the Internet. Can you legally copy it? The answer is yes, as long as you give credit to the author and do not sell the article for profit.
VI. GETTING STARTED
Before you begin to use these exciting new research tools, it is important to your parents, teachers, and school administrators that you understand the many consequences of the new computer connections that you wish to make. It is important that you understand that your use of this powerful educational tool is a privilege. It can provide you with countless hours of exploration and use, but like a driver’s license, it is a privilege that can be taken from you for breaking the rules. The Internet does include some material that is not suitable for students. The intent of the SDPBC, in providing Internet access, is that it be used only for purposes which are consistent with the District’s curriculum. Also, the PBCNet has limited resources due to the associated costs, and classrooms have limited time available for network-supported teaching and learning activities. Therefore, anyone who uses the network illegally or improperly will lose the privilege of using it. Additionally, you cannot use the PBCNet for commercial or for-profit services. This document will detail the proper way to use this communication tool.
VII. WHO IS WATCHING?
The Internet and PBCNet are public places. You must always remember that you are sharing this space with many other users. Potentially, millions of individuals may be interacting across the network at the same time. Your actions can be monitored by others on the network. If you use a particular service on the network, chances are that someone knows the connections that you are making, knows about the computer shareware that you have borrowed, and knows what you looked at while you were in the system. Because these connections are granted to you as part of the larger scope of the curriculum, PBCNet reserves the right to monitor all traffic on the network. We do this to make sure that the network continues to function properly for all of its users.
VIII. SCHOOL CONDUCT CODES
The SDPBC and your school site have behavior codes and student handbooks for all students that detail appropriate school behavior, outline rights, and set expectations for students. Because the PBCNet is used as part of a school activity, the school’s code of conduct applies to network activities as well. These rules apply to vandalism of computer equipment, unauthorized access to information, computer piracy, and tampering with hardware or software. Other types of damage and information loss to a computer system may be caused by viruses. If you are responsible for a computer becoming infected with a virus, you could be held liable. These rules further apply to the electronic use of harassing and abusive or obscene language. You may not use the network to annoy, harass, or offend other people.
IX. MORAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES
The moral and ethical issues involving the use of world-wide information systems deal with the appropriate access to information, the type of information accessed, and the behavior of the user. The PBCNet wants to provide you with a stimulating educational environment, but at the same time we want to protect you from information that is not appropriate for student use.
The SDPBC wants you to use this valuable educational tool, but at the same time we cannot condone the use of inappropriate information on the Internet. We acknowledge the fact that these materials exist and do everything we can to actively avoid them, including using filtering software. However, we cannot weed out all of the materials that are unacceptable for academic purposes, and it should be clearly understood by all students that access to such material in any form is strictly forbidden. The network is designed to achieve and support instructional goals, and any information that does not support classroom learning is to be avoided.
The actual percentage of unacceptable or inaccurate materials is small but unfortunately growing, and is a cause for concern among students, parents, and teachers. If you or a fellow student stumble onto such information while doing legitimate research, you should contact your teacher or the person responsible for technology at your school site for appropriate action.
X. ELECTRONIC LIBRARIES
Guidelines for access to information have already been established in the Federal Library Bill of Rights of 1980. These principles can be applied to the Internet. School libraries are required to build collections of resources which support the curriculum and which are consistent with the philosophy, goals, and objectives of the school district. This means that students have the right to information, but the school has the right to restrict any information that does not apply to the approved curriculum.
It is not farfetched to consider the Internet as a vast digital library. After all, the electronic-database and information-search tools it uses are rapidly becoming part of school media centers and libraries, and many public libraries are beginning to offer some type of network access as part of their services. The PBCNet is beginning to provide just such a connection to establish direct access to the appropriate materials that support curricular concerns.
XI. USING RESOURCES AND TRANSMITTING MESSAGES EFFECTIVELY
It may seem that there is no limit to the resources on the Internet, but the PBCNet has a limited capacity to handle traffic. This means the more users there are on the network, the more congested the network becomes. If there are too many users at any given time, the traffic on the network grinds to a crawl, just like a traffic jam on a freeway. Some users may be cut off altogether. Although the network may slow down, normally it will continue to function. The following list contains suggestions to help avoid gridlock on the Internet and PBCNet, and provides guidelines for the proper creation and transmission of documents and messages:
1. Do not tie up the network with idle activities.
2. Do not play games with others on the network or on the Internet. Networks are not designed for computer games. It is NOT Nintendo. Play games on your own time and on your own equipment.
3. Do not download huge files from places half a globe away. Take only the information you want and need. The best thing to do is get into the Internet, get what you need, and get out. Remember, there are many students who need to use this system.
4. Do not send lengthy materials or mail; be brief.
5. Do not send messages to large audiences when a small audience is appropriate.
6. Do not send documents with spelling errors, and make sure that your message is easy to read and understand.
7. Do not use vague or inaccurate titles or descriptions for your documents.
8. Do not send messages in poor humor or taste.
9. Do not fail to cite references for any facts you represent.
10. Do not attack Internet correspondents; persuade them with facts. Don’t forget, they are human beings.
11. Do not post messages to unknown groups.
Failure to follow these rules may subject you to disciplinary action and/or revocation of your access privileges.
XII. ELECTRONIC FIELD TRIPS
The Internet and PBCNet offer many opportunities for Aelectronic field trips@ to distant locations. The SDPBC considers all connections to remote locations as field trips. Therefore, the rules that apply to student conduct on field trips apply to these electronic field trips as well. It is important that you realize you are acting as an ambassador for your school. Just as parental/guardian permission slips are required before you may take field trips, your parents or legal guardians have to give you permission for electronic field trips by signing the attached PBCNet Consent and Waiver form.
XIII. DISCIPLINARY ACTION
The PBCNet declares unethical and unacceptable behavior as just cause for disciplinary action, the revocation of network access privileges, and/or the initiation of legal action for any activity through which an individual:
1. uses the PBCNet for illegal, inappropriate, or obscene purposes, or in support of such activities. Illegal activities shall be defined as a violation of local, state, and/or federal laws. Inappropriate use shall be defined as a violation of the intended use of the network, and/or purpose and goal. Obscene activities shall be defined as a violation of generally accepted social standards for use of a publicly-owned and operated communication vehicle.
2. uses the PBCNet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyrights or other contracts violating such matters as institutional or third-party copyright, license agreements, and/or other contracts.
3. intentionally disrupts network traffic or crashes the network and connected systems.
4. degrades or disrupts equipment or system performance.
5. uses PBCNet or equipment for commercial or financial gain or fraud.
6. steals data, equipment, or intellectual property.
7. gains or seeks to gain unauthorized access to resources or entities.
8. forges electronic mail messages, or uses an account owned by another user.
9. invades the privacy of individuals.
10. posts anonymous messages.
11. creates, distributes, or purposely activates a computer virus.
12. uses PBCNet to send or request racist, inflammatory, or sexist messages.
13. sends or requests messages or documents that are inconsistent with SDPBC or school site polices, guidelines, or codes of conduct.
14. possesses any data which might be considered a violation of these rules in print, magnetic (disk), or any other form.
A. Consequences of Violations
Possible consequences of violations include, but are not limited to:
1. suspension and/or revocation of Internet access.
2. suspension and/or revocation of PBCNet privileges.
3. suspension and/or revocation of computer access
4. school suspension and/or expulsion.
5. legal action and prosecution by the proper authorities.
B. Remedies and Recourses
If you are accused of any of the violations listed above, you have all of the rights and privileges that you would have if you were subject to any other type of disciplinary action.
The SDPBC, the PBCNet, and the school site have the right to restrict or terminate network and Internet access at any time for any reason. Further, the SDPBC and the PBCNet have the right to monitor network activity, in any form that they see fit, in order to maintain the integrity of the network.
SAMPLE FORM
The School District of Palm Beach County
PBCNet Consent and Waiver
The following form must be read and signed by you, your parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and the school site teacher or administrator.
By signing the Consent and Waiver form attached, I (print name here) and my parent(s) or legal guardian(s) agree to abide by the following restrictions. I have discussed these rights and responsibilities with my parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
Further, my parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and I have been advised that neither The School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC), The Division of Information Technology’s (IT), nor the school site have control of the information on the Internet, though attempts are made to provide prudent and available barriers. Other sites accessible via the Internet may contain material that is illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive to some people. While the intent of SDPBC is to make Internet access available to further school and District educational goals and objectives, account holders will have the ability to access materials which may not be appropriate for that purpose. The SDPBC believes that the benefits of Internet access to educators and students, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, far exceed any disadvantages. However, the parent(s) and legal guardian(s) of minors are ultimately responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow. Therefore, the SDPBC supports and respects each family’s right to decide whether or not to apply for access to the District’s wide area network (PBCNet). Any questions should be directed to IT technology staff members at (561) 434-8830 or to the school site.
The student and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must understand that student access to the PBCNet is being developed to support the district’s educational responsibilities and mission. The specific conditions and services being offered will change from time to time. In addition, the District makes no warranties with respect to PBCNet service, and it specifically assumes no responsibilities for:
1. The content of any advice or information received by a student from a source, or any costs or charges incurred as a result of seeking or accepting such advice.
2. Any costs, liability, or damages caused by the way the student chooses to use his/her PBCNet access.
3. Any consequences of service interruptions or changes, even if these disruptions arise from circumstances under the control of SDPBC.
By signing this form I agree to the following terms:
1. My use of the PBCNet must be consistent with the primary goals of the SDPBC, IT, and the school site.
2. I will not use PBCNet for illegal purposes of any kind.
3. I understand that misuse may occur in many forms, including the sending or receiving of messages which indicate or suggest pornography, unethical or illegal solicitation, racism, sexism, inappropriate language, and/or other issues described in this document. I will not use the PBCNet to transmit threatening, obscene, or harassing materials. The SDPBC will not be held responsible if I participate in such activities, or for any such behavior on my part.
4. I will not use the PBCNet to interfere with or disrupt network users, services, or equipment through the distribution of unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer viruses, using printers other than those designated at my school site for student use, and using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the network or by any other means.
5. I will not use the PBCNet to access information or resources unless permission to do so has been granted by the owners or holders of the rights to those resources or information. It is assumed that information and resources accessible via PBCNet are private to the individuals and organizations which own or hold the rights to those resources and information unless specifically stated otherwise by the owners or holders of the rights.
The SDPBC makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the services provided and will not be responsible for any damages a user suffers. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by the District’s negligence or by user’s errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s own risk. The SDPBC specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through PBCNet services. All users need to consider the source of any information they obtain and consider how valid that information may be.
In accordance with the Electronic and Communications Privacy Act of 1986, (18 USS Section 2510), all students are hereby notified that there are no facilities provided by PBCNet for sending or receiving private or confidential electronic communications. All messages will be determined to be readily accessible to the general public. Do not use this system for any communications which the sender intends only for the sender and intended recipients to read. By your use of PBCNet, you agree to hold harmless the SDPBC against any and all claims arising out of said use.
Edline is an Internet based service providing parents and students with school news and student progress. Please refer to the Palm Beach County School District policy regarding guidelines and acceptable use of the Internet.
The purpose of this policy is to establish a safe, wholesome climate, which will foster learning and positive growth for students. Each student shall be subject to the policies of the School Board, the administrative direction of the Principal, other members of the administrative or instructional staff, or bus drivers to whom such supervisory responsibility has been delegated.
The principal or designee may suspend a student from school only in accordance with the rules of the school board and give the reasons to the parent and superintendent. The principal may suspend any student, transported to or from school at the public expense, from the privilege of riding on a school bus for one or more days.
The following acts by any student shall be deemed by the District as serious misconduct and shall subject the student to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from school. These rules apply during the time the student is attending school, en route to or from school on the school bus, and during all school activities. The principal has the authority to determine the consequence for violating any of these acts. Many of these items are included in the school’s Discipline Policy.
- The possession, display, or use of any object that could be used to harm another person.
- Being present on any school campus without the permission of the principal or designee of the school center, including being present on the campus of the student’s assigned school while under an out-of-school suspension.
- Pushing, shoving, fighting or threatening bodily harm towards a student, member of the school staff, volunteer, or school chaperon or visitor.
- The use or possession of tobacco products on School District property.
- The possession, sale, use or distribution of any mood-modifying drug or substance, including alcohol, or being present on any school campus under the influence of any mood-modifying drug or substance, including alcohol.
- The use of profane, or obscene and abusive language or gestures in the presence of students or staff members. In an effort to foster an educational atmosphere built on mutual respect and civility, the use of language, which tends to socially humiliate, verbally abuse, or tease in an excessive manner will not be tolerated.
- To invade the privacy of any student or staff member through actions which were not consented to by that person. This includes behavior which constitutes stalking, as defined in 784.048F.S
- Disobeying or threatening physical harm to any staff member, volunteer, or chaperon; threatening the family or property of any staff member, volunteer, student, or chaperon at a school center. Threats may include conditional, imminent and/or future acts.
- Defacing, stealing, or threatening to deprive the owner of real or personal property belonging to the District, a student, or members of the school staff, volunteers, or chaperons.
- Participating in or encouraging any activity that is disruptive to the general peace and welfare of the school center or related functions in the presence of, or without the presence of a professional staff member.
- Discriminating against any other student, staff member, volunteer or chaperon on the basis of his or her sex, race, creed, color, disability, or national origin.
- Displaying behavior on the part of a student which is self-defacing or injurious to the student.
- Participating in a walkout, sit-in, strike or other action which is disruptive to the good order and effective functioning of the school.
- Participating in or encouraging sexual harassment of a student or staff member.
- Bringing unauthorized electronic games and equipment to school.
The school is responsible for maintaining a safe, healthful learning environment and for ensuring equitable treatment of students. The purpose of a discipline code is to serve those ends and to provide notice to parents, students and staff of their respective responsibilities and rights.
Following is a list of the Range of Consequences that the school may impose for a student’s failure to follow the school rules and procedures. Recognizing that unusual situations may arise that necessitate a modification for the published procedures or the penalties for infractions, the administration reserves the right to communicate these changes through the PA system or other means. Full compliance and cooperation is expected in all instances. The numbers listed below correspond to the numbers listed with the range of consequences for each specific infraction.
- Conference: The teacher or administrator will confer with the student and may contact parents by phone. In addition, a meeting may be required with a teacher, student, counselor, parent, administrator, police or other appropriate person.
- Confiscation: Electronic games, music playing devices, headsets, or other unauthorized electronic equipment will be confiscated and must be picked up by a parent at the grade level administrator's office.
- Detention: Teachers or administrators may require that students remain after the regular school day for a maximum period of two hours or report before the school day. Students will be given 24 hours notice, which the student or parent may waive. Transportation home is the responsibility of the student and parent.
- It is the responsibility of the student to notify the parents of the assigned detention. Students will receive a detention notification form to take home for only before or after school detention assignment.
- Student involvement in extracurricular activities shall not postpone detentions. Should a conflict arise with any school-sponsored activity, the assigned detention shall take precedence.
- Detention assigned during the regular school day (e.g. interact/lunch) does not require the 24-hour notification.
- Temporary Removal from Class: A student, for cause, may be removed temporarily from a given class. Removal exceeding one day can occur only after consultation between the teacher and the appropriate administrator. Students referred to the office from a class will not usually return to that class on that day. The absence may be considered as unexcused.
- Financial Reimbursement: A student will be required to reimburse individuals of Eagles Landing Middle School for damage to or destruction of property.
- School Service: Students may be required to restore furniture or an area they have damaged to a clean and/or safe condition. School service work plans will be developed on an individual basis.
- Saturday Detention: Students may be assigned detention or supervised school/community service on designated Saturdays as an alternative to suspension.
- Suspension: In accordance with the rules and regulations of the Palm Beach County Schools, the principal may suspend a student for cause for one and not more than ten days.
- The student will be given notice of the reasons for suspension, an explanation of the evidence and an opportunity to present his/her side of the story. Parents will be notified.
- Students who are suspended from school may not participate in any school-sponsored activities and are not permitted on Palm Beach County school grounds during the period of the suspension.
- The suspension usually ends the morning after the last day of suspension.
- The absences during a suspension are usually considered unexcused. Students are expected to make up their work. The student and/or parent has the right to appeal the suspension.
- The principal may request an extension of the suspension or an alternative placement.
This stated policy is intended to serve as notification of the suspension guidelines and appeals procedures.
- Exclusion: The principal may recommend that a student be permanently removed from classes or attendance at Eagles Landing Middle School.
- Police Referral: A student who violates the law shall be reported to the Police Resource Officer. A student may be arrested. The School Police Resource Officer will investigate possible criminal activities.
- Expulsion: A student may be excluded from all Palm Beach County Schools
It is understood that the level of disciplinary action may vary at the discretion of the administrator depending upon the circumstances. The numbers listed below refer to the consequences (1-10) described above.
Specific Infractions
Violations Definition/Range of Consequences
Arson and Explosive Devices These acts include the setting or the attempt to set any fire in the school or on the campus. No explosive devices such as firecrackers, smoke bombs, cherry bombs or poppers may be present on school grounds. (4, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Bus Misbehavior Any behavior that distracts the driver or annoys other riders is unacceptable. All school rules apply for infractions occurring to and from the bus stops, at the bus stop and while riding school system approved transportation. Bus riding privileges may be denied. (1, 2,5, 6, 7, 8)
Cafeteria Behavior Students are expected to follow the cafeteria guidelines and follow all procedures. Students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Everyone’s cooperation is needed to maintain a pleasant dining environment. Students are to keep their area clean and trash free. They are to comply with staff members’ requests to pick up trash or clean tables where they are seated or standing whether or not it is "their trash." There is to be no cutting in line, saving places in line or reserving seats. Bookbags are not to be taken through the serving lines. Students are to remain seated and quiet when directed to do so. (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Cell Phone/Beepers/Pagers It is illegal, according to Florida Statutes, for students to bring to school, have in their possession or keep in a locker any type of beeper or paging device for any reason. These devices may not be on campus or at any activity at any time. The Police Resource Officer will be notified. These devices will be confiscated. Cell phones are allowed on school campus. However, they must be turned off at all times. Cell phonesare not to be visible. They must be turned off and kept in a backpack or pocket. (1, 2, 5, 6, 7)
Cheating/Plagiarism Students are expected to maintain values of personal integrity and honesty. Cheating is not acceptable behavior. Any work submitted by a student must represent his/her own effort. In the case of material borrowed from another source, the work submitted must include clear and appropriate attribution. Any student who is apprehended cheating or deliberately plagiarizing will be subject to disciplinary action including a failing grade for work submitted. (1, 2, 3, 5, 7)
Computer Misuse Students are expected to follow all prescribed computer use rules. (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Dangerous Items Any item that is designed or intended to be used to hurt someone may not be brought to school. Other items such as rubber bands or paper clips may not be used in ways other than they are intended, such as ways that could cause harm to another. (1, 3, 7, 8, 9)
Destruction of Private or Public Property – Vandalism/Graffiti Respect for private and school property is expected at all times.(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Detention When a student has been assigned before-school or after-school detention by a staff member, the student will be given a 24 hour notice unless other arrangements have been made. It is the student’s responsibility to inform his/her parents of the detention and to make any necessary transportation arrangements. Students will be given written notification to give parents for after school and before school detention. The student is expected to report on the day and at the time determined by the staff member. A student who needs to be excused and rescheduled for a detention must see the staff member who assigned the detention and receive permission prior to the time of the original detention. Lunch and interact detention do not require 24 hour notice. (1, 2, 6, 7)
Dishonesty Any type of dishonesty, verbal or written, is unacceptable (e.g., lying). When a student has deliberately misrepresented the facts in a disciplinary situation, a penalty for dishonesty will be added to the consequences. (1, 2, 3, 6, 7)
Disruptive Behavior Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not disrupt the learning environment. Cooperative and appropriate behavior is expected in both classroom and non-classroom activities. (1, 2, 3, 6, 7)
Disruptive Items Items that are disruptive to the learning environment are prohibited. Exploding or noisemaker items such as poppers, snappers and other items are strictly prohibited. Water guns, laser guns, laser pens and other disruptive items have no place in the school environment. These types of disruptive items will be confiscated. (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9)
Dress, Inappropriate The wearing of inappropriate, offensive and/or distracting clothing is prohibited. (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7)
Drugs/Intoxicants/Inhalants The possession, purchasing, consumption, use or distribution of drugs, including intoxicating beverages, is illegal and is prohibited anywhere on school property. Any involvement in drug-related activity is prohibited. This includes all school activities and functions on and off school grounds. Offenses could result in exclusion or expulsion from school. Anyone deemed being under the influence of drugs/intoxicants to any degree is subject to disciplinary action. "Under the influence" is defined as having drunk any amount of an alcoholic beverage or having taken any amount of an illegal drug. (Sips and "one hit" count.) The possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited (e.g. rolling papers, bongs, toxic white out, etc.). (1, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Eating/Drinking in Appropriate Areas All food and beverages must be consumed in designated areas only and all trash must be properly disposed. No food or beverages should be consumed in the hallways or in classrooms unless it is an approved class activity. At no time should open cans of beverages be carried through the halls. At no time should food be eaten or should drinks be drunk while standing, sitting or walking in the halls. Everyone’s cooperation is needed to maintain a clean, trash-free campus. (1, 2, 3)
False Fire Alarm Any student who pulls the fire alarm without legitimate cause will be subject to immediate disciplinary action. (7, 8, 9)
Fighting Every individual has the right to be free from fear of attack, assault or intimidation. Actions on the part of any person which infringe this basic individual right will not be tolerated. Wherever possible, the administration will try to determine who started the fight and whether the fight was a "fight or a scuffle." The person starting the fight may receive the greater punishment. All students who actively participate in a fight regardless of who "threw the first punch" are subject to disciplinary action. Any student who has reason to believe a fight may occur should seek immediate help from an administrator, counselor or teacher as a preventative step. Students who promote or instigate violent activity will also be held responsible and accountable. Everyone must learn ways other than violence to handle individual differences. (7, 8, 9, 10)
Fire Drills Students are expected to remain quiet and to be cooperative during fire drills. (1, 2, 3, 6, 7)
Forging Documents Any student who submits a written document (for example, any absence excuse) which contains deliberately misleading or inaccurate information or a falsified signature will be subject to disciplinary action. It is not acceptable to sign anyone else’s name to a note even with the permission of that person. Signing someone else’s name to a note, with or without the person’s permission, or misrepresenting the intent of a signature could result in disciplinary action. There is no statute of limitations from the beginning of the current school year. (2, 6, 7, 9)
Gambling Gambling in any form is prohibited. (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9)
Gang-Related Activity Any type of activity or dress that is related to or associated with gangs is prohibited. (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Graffiti Respect for and care of the school’s facilities is a responsibility shared by students, staff and community. Students are expressly forbidden to write, paint, carve or otherwise deface the campus facilities with graffiti. (2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9)
Hall Conduct Students should make possible the orderly flow of traffic in the halls. All students should be able to walk the halls without having embarrassing or derogatory remarks made to or directed at them. Students should not bump into, push or jostle other students. There should be no running in the halls. There is to be no eating or drinking in the halls except in designated areas. Appropriate passes are required at all times except between classes. (1, 2, 3, 6, 7)
Harassment The act of troubling, annoying or tormenting another person who wants to be left alone is unacceptable. (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9)
Insubordination Insubordination is defined as defying the authority of a school official or acting in a manner which connotes such defiance. When a school official makes a reasonable request of any student, it is imperative that s/he comply. Students are expected to identify themselves immediately upon request. Failure to do so shall constitute insubordination. (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9)
Intimidation The act of frightening another person by threats or by physical contact such as pushing, tripping or bumping will not be tolerated. (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9)
Leaving School Grounds Students must remain on school grounds at all times unless excused through the office. (1, 2, 3, 6, 7)
"Look Alikes" Any item intended to be viewed as or appearing to be a weapon, a drug, etc. will be considered as such and the same disciplinary consequences will be imposed as if it were the "real thing." (7, 8, 9, 10)
Physical Abuse/Assault An act of physically assaulting a staff member or student on school grounds or in conjunction with school activities will not be tolerated and will result in severe disciplinary action. (7, 8, 9, 10)
Profanity/Obscenity The use of profane or obscene language and actions or clothing considered obscene have no place in the school or school-related activities (sports, contests, etc.) (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9)
Public Displays of Affection Respect for every individual must be demonstrated. The school campus and adjacent areas are not the places for public displays of affection (e.g. kissing, clutching, etc.) Appropriate public behavior is expected. (1, 2, 5, 6, 7)
Radios – Sound Equipment Radios, CD/tape players, games and all other electronic equipment are not permitted on school grounds. Calculators and hand computers are allowed. Items will be confiscated and returned to students at the end of the school year. (1, 2)
Refusal to Identify Oneself to a Staff Member Any student who is asked to identify himself/herself by a staff member is required to do so immediately and in a spirit of cooperation. (1,2,3,6,7)
Report to Administrator If a student is sent for by an administrator or is sent to an administrator’s office by any staff member at any time, he/she should report immediately to the appropriate office and check in with a secretary. Students should remain in the office until seen by an administrator or given permission to leave. Students should never have "no place" to be. If in doubt, students should report to the office. (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7)
Report to the Clinic/Guidance Office Students must have written permission to report to the clinic and student services office. Students must check in with a staff member and obtain a note for readmittance to class when leaving. (1, 2, 6)
Respectful Behavior Students are expected to show respect toward any staff person or parent from any school at all activities. (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9)
Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is the act of an unwelcome or inappropriate sexual advancement from one person to another, whether physical or verbal. These actions violate Palm Beach County Schools policy on sexual harassment. (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9)
Skateboards – Rollerblades Skateboards and rollerblades are not permitted on school grounds for any reason. They will be confiscated and returned to a parent. (1, 2, 6)
Smoking/Tobacco (Use/possession) Smoking and other tobacco use (such as chewing and dipping) are not permitted on campus. One is considered to be smoking if observed holding a lighted cigarette, exhaling smoke, having a lighted cigarette in his/her mouth or found behind an obstruction from which smoke was observed. Students are not to be in possession of any tobacco products during school or at any school activity. (1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Theft The taking of anything or the attempt to take anything without the owner’s consent is prohibited. Materials improperly removed from the media center or school fall into this category. (1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Truancy Students are expected to be in attendance every day unless legitimately absent with prior parent permission. Detention will usually equal the number of class periods missed. (1, 2, 3, 7)
Unauthorized Areas Areas designated for staff (e.g. staff lounge) or other unsupervised classrooms, spaces, offices or storage areas are "off-limits" to students, unless given written permission by a staff member. (1, 2, 3, 6)
Unauthorized Possession of School Property Students may not be in possession of any school property (e.g. hall passes, gradebooks, keys) without the permission of a staff member. (7, 9)
Verbal Abuse Verbal abuse is defined as intimidating, insulting or in another manner abusing verbally a member of the school community. (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Weapons Students who bring, possess, use or are in any way responsible for the presence of a weapon or any item intended to be used as an offensive or defensive weapon on school grounds, at school-related activities or on a school bus are subject to strong disciplinary action. (1, 7, 8, 9, 10)
DISSECTION IN LIFE SCIENCE CLASS
Dissection of animal specimens is a valuable learning strategy and one method of scientific investigation. Dissection permits students to learn laboratory techniques and to develop the concept that a living thing is a complex integrated organism rather than a collection of parts and systems.
- Dissections must follow the code of the International Science and Engineering Fair Board (ISSEF) and the Florida Foundation of Future Scientists (FFFS).
- No experiments using human blood, serum or body fluids are permitted.
- Students who object to dissection may be exempted; however, they shall be responsible for material covered and may be required to be a passive observer. An alternate assignment may be given.
- Guidelines to be exempted:
- Teacher shall alert students prior to experimentation.
- Students/parents who object to experimentation shall contact the teacher in writing.
- The teacher shall direct students in their responsibility for material covered.
DISTURBANCE OF SCHOOL FUNCTIONS
Any person not subject to the rules and regulations of a school who creates a disturbance on the property or grounds of any school, who commits any act that interrupts the orderly conduct of a school or any activity thereof shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided by law. This section shall not apply to any pupil in or subject to the discipline of a school.
DRESS CODE
(STANDARDIZED STUDENT DRESS)
We, at Eagles Landing Middle School, believe that students have a right to attend a safe and secure school where the focus is placed on learning. We seek to provide our students with a reasonable freedom of clothing choices within an established decorum. Clothing should be suitable, comfortable, and reflect pride. We believe our standardized dress code will help promote a safe and wholesome learning environment for all students.
Shirts/Blouses
· Solid color polo style collared shirts with sleeves – (Button down shirts are unacceptable) – no spandex
· No pictures or writing on shirt/blouses/jackets/sweatshirts
· Only pocket-sized logos are acceptable
Pants
· Solid colors only – "dockers" or "khakis" style
· Jeans or denim (of any color), oversized pants, sweat pants, running pants, nylon pants, parachute pants, and tight, formfitting pants are unacceptable
· Hems are required
· Pants must be worn at the waist
Dresses/Skirts
· Dresses/skirts must be to the top of the knee length or longer with sleeves
· Dress or skirt slits above the knee are unacceptable
Shorts
· Solid colors only – "dockers" or "khakis" style
· Shorts must be to the top of the knee in length or longer. Capri length is acceptable
· Hems are required
· Jean or denim shorts (of any color), oversized shorts, sweat shorts (or shorts of sweat pants material, athletic shorts, nylon shorts, and tight, formfitting shorts are unacceptable
Shoes/Sneakers
· Shoes must have closed toes and backs
Outer Wear
· Sweatshirts must be solid color
- Approved dress code attire must be worn underneath
General
· No exposed undergarments
· No exposed midriffs
· No tank tops, or tube tops
· No caps, hats, bandanas, or sunglasses
· Any attire, hairstyle/color, or jewelry deemed disruptive by the administration will be unacceptable
Students who come to school inappropriately dressed will be required to change. A parent will be called to pick up the student if a clothing change is not available. All attempts will be made to avoid students missing class time for dress code concerns. However, a student missing class time in order to conform to the school policy in the matter of personal appearance will receive an unexcused absence for the time the student is away from class.
DRUG ABUSE – PENALTIES
In compliance with Florida Statute 230.23, the following penalties for students in schools regarding possession/use and distribution of drugs have been established. Definitions of terms are presented for clarification and apply to enrolled students of the Palm Beach County School System:
- Possession/Use – Knowingly having on one’s person or within one’s personal property or under one’s control controlled, uncontrolled, unauthorized prescription and O.T.C. (over the counter) substance including, but not limited to, those substances listed in Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, and including alcohol and tobacco, while on school property or when under the jurisdiction and control of the School Board of Palm Beach County. Students in possession of legitimate prescriptions in their names and following appropriate guidelines of the School Board Policy for medications are exempt from this directive.
- Distribution – The transfer of any controlled, uncontrolled, unauthorized prescription and O.T.C. substances including, but not limited to, those substances listed in Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, prescribed medications, and including alcohol and tobacco, to another person, with or without exchange of money or consideration of other valuables when under the jurisdiction of the School Board of Palm Beach County. Under this directive, possession is included in any case of distribution.
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF POLICY
- Possession and/or Use – First Offense
- mandatory 10-day suspension; however, up to 7 of the 10 days may be waived if the student agrees to have an Alternative to Suspension evaluation performed by a licensed treatment center/professional
- report to legal authorities all details related to the incident
- required reinstatement conference with principal and/or designee and parent
- provide follow-up support services for students returning
Possession and/or Use - Second Offense
- mandatory 10-day and/or 30-day suspension and a possible recommendation for expulsion
- report to legal authorities all details related to the incident
- suspension/expulsion may be waived if the student enters and completes a state-certified drug/alcohol rehabilitation program
- required reinstatement conference with principal and/or designee and parent
- provide follow-up support services for students returning
- Distribution – First Offense
- mandatory 10-day and/or 30-day suspension and a possible recommendation for expulsion
- report to legal authorities all details related to the incident
- required reinstatement conference with principal and/or designee and parent
- provide follow-up support services for students returning
NOTE: PENALTIES MAY BE INCREASED BASED ON QUANTITY OF THE SUBSTANCE INVOLVED AND PAST RECORD OF THE INDIVIDUAL.
In addition to any other authority granted in this section, a principal, teacher, librarian, dean, others engaged in an instructional capacity, school security officers, or agents of the School Board hired to detect, locate and seize contraband shall be authorized to conduct and assist in the conducting of canine sniff searches and seizures pursuant to the rules and conditions set forth herein.
- The School Board recognizes that a serious problem exists…regarding the possession, use and sale of drugs, drug paraphernalia and alcohol. The School Board also recognizes there is a substantial student body, parental and school official concern regarding the problem; loss of staff morale; peer pressure placed on students; loss of learning and administrative time through drug investigations.
- The School Board has employed many strategies to combat these problems and provide students with a drug and alcohol free educational environment, including the following:
- Development of "The Drug Education Resource List."
- Improved drug education through the Health Education Life Management Skills and Home Economic classes.
- Development of Students Against Driving Drunk Chapters on 13 high school campuses.
- Adoption of Drug Education Philosophy and objectives.
- Implementation of Drug Awareness Week.
- Revision of Drug Use and Possession Penalties to encourage counseling and treatment.
- Development of in-service training program for counselors and others so they can refer students for counseling or treatment.
- Alternative to suspension programs.
- In order to do everything reasonable and necessary to create drug and alcohol free campuses for our students, the School Board hereby directs and authorizes the Superintendent to utilize canine sniffers, pursuant to the policy set forth herein, to search persons and property and seize contraband discovered in said searches. (SECTIONS DELETED FOR BREVITY)
- The decision to refer a case to police authorities shall be made according to school board policy (refer to directive D-5.132). (SECTIONS DELETED FOR BREVITY)
- Alcohol, Drugs, Smoking
- The use or possession of alcoholic and intoxicating liquors and beverages and narcotic type drugs shall not be permitted in any school center, or any school sponsored activity in Palm Beach County Schools by any person.
- No smoking shall be permitted by students in any school center, on any public school bus, or any school sponsored activity.
- There shall be no smoking in the gymnasiums and auditoriums of the Palm Beach County Schools by any person. Notice to that effect shall be displayed.
Students who must be dismissed prior to the end of the school day are to bring a note from home to the front office before school begins. The note should include the student’s name, the reason for the dismissal, a parent’s signature and a telephone number where the parent could be reached that day.
- Students should give their note to the front office secretary.
- Students will be issued a pass to show their classroom teacher in order to leave the class.
- Students should use the pass to report to the main office to sign out and to meet their parents.
- Parents must come into the office to sign out and to remove their children from the campus.
- If students return to school the same day, they should return to the office with their parents to sign in and receive an admit slip to class.
- Any absence from class due to an early dismissal will count as part of the 10% attendance policy. Absences of less than half of the class (block) period will be considered one half of an absence. Absences of more than half a class (block) period will be considered as an absence.
- There are no early dismissals permitted after 3:15pm.
EARLY RELEASE/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS
To promote significant and sustained school improvement, schools need time to provide activities that support learning, collegial planning and other professional development activities for teachers and other educators. To meet this need, flexible scheduling has been implemented in all public schools in Palm Beach County. Early Release Days for 2003-2004 (students dismissed at 1:00pm): September 23, October 21, November 4, January 27, February 24, April 21.
ELIGIBILITY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS – EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- A sixth-grader is eligible to compete in interscholastic athletic competition. To be eligible, the sixth-grader must be a bona fide student in the school which he/she represents (unless being home schooled), must have been regularly promoted from the fifth grade, and must be carrying a normal class load and doing satisfactory classroom work with a satisfactory conduct record. A student may participate only one year as a sixth grader.
- Age rule: A middle school student loses eligibility when he/she reaches the age of 15 years and 9 months.
Students participating in athletics are required to submit a valid physical dated after June 1, a copy of a birth certificate and proof of insurance. A notarized permission slip is also required. An after school activity bus will be provided for students involved in after school activities. All students who plan to ride the bus MUST have an activity bus pass signed by the sponsor. All normal bus rules apply. This transportation is a privilege and can be denied.
Eligibility for interscholastic competition requires that a student pass five courses and maintain a 2.0 grade point average in all courses taken during the previous marking period. Students are expected to display exemplary conduct. Interscholastic eligibility for the next school year is based on passing five (5) courses for credit and obtaining a 2.0 grade point average for the last marking period. This includes cheerleading, and competitions for band and chorus.
ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL)
A comprehensive ESOL program is provided for students with limited English proficiency.
Exceptional Student Education is provided for those who are eligible because of specific learning disabilities, gifted learning abilities, varying exceptionalities, speech/language problems, or emotional handicaps.
The eligibility of an exceptional student shall be officially certified by the district coordinator of Exceptional Student Education (or his designee) after reviewing the student’s complete eligibility file, which includes all necessary identification data. A school staffing committee shall consider the eligibility of a student for special programs and recommend students to the area ESE Placement Committee chairperson.
EYE PROTECTIVE DEVICES
Eye protective devices shall be worn by students, teachers, and visitors whenever engaged in or observing an activity, or using hazardous substances which may cause injury to the eye. Safety glasses or devices for students, teachers and visitors shall be provided. Prescription safety glasses of the shatterproof variety are the responsibility of the individual.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT
(BUCKLEY AMENDMENT)
Copies of the School District of Palm Beach County’s policies and directives on student records and a list of all persons in the school (by name and title) who have access to the student records are maintained in the principal’s office and are available for review by parents of eligible students. Student records are forwarded to the receiving school upon receipt of a written request for the records from the school. Parents and eligible students (age 18 or older) have the right to review the student records, to waive their right to review the records, to request a copy of the records (the cost to be born by the parent or eligible student), or to request a hearing to challenge the accuracy of the records and the right of privacy of the records.
FEES/SCHOOL REQUESTS FOR PAYMENTS FROM STUDENTS
No fee or charge may be required of any student as a condition of attendance and participation for credit in any class unless authorized under Florida Statute 228.061 or any other federal or state statutes. Principals are permitted to request, as set forth below, that students voluntarily purchase certain items or voluntarily pay to participate in an activity, which may aid in their learning. If a parent or legal guardian does not make a voluntary payment to purchase a particular item, consumable or otherwise, or does not pay for an activity, and if the item is used and/or the activity is maintained, the school shall provide this item or activity without cost to the student of that parent or guardian, or may choose to forego use of the item or engaging in the activity as part of the instructional program. Schools are required to provide technical and other resources at the school center for students.
The basic supplies students need to complete work, such as paper, pens, pencils, notebooks, and rulers, are the responsibility of the parent or guardian and are not subject to the limitations of this policy.
Any request for money from a student shall be in writing, addressed to the student’s parent or legal guardian, and shall clearly state: (a) this request is for a voluntary payment; (b) no penalty of any type will be imposed against the student based upon a failure to pay; (c) no student shall be denied the right to participate for failure to pay; and (d) the principal may forego a planned activity or use of a particular item based upon the collection of insufficient funds to cover the cost of the item or activity.
This policy does not apply to the purchase of uniforms by students attending school which require uniforms or particular clothing for attendance pursuant to the School Board’s dress code policy.
A TLE form (Temporary Learning Elsewhere) will be issued by the sponsor of the field trip. This form must be completed and signed by each of the student’s teachers approving the student’s absence(s) from the class. It is the student’s responsibility to facilitate completion of the TLE. In addition to the TLE, a signed permission slip must be on file with the sponsoring teacher before a student will be allowed to leave campus on a field trip. Teachers and chaperones will have complete authority during the trip. Regular school conduct codes apply. PARENT PERMISSION MUST BE IN WRITING. PHONE CALLS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED.
Students are expected to have paid for such items as lost or damaged textbooks, library fines and other class fees as designated so that they will be able to receive their grade reports at the end of each semester. Students with outstanding financial obligations will not be permitted to participate in any athletic or non-athletic co-curricular activity until the obligation is satisfied.
Several fire drills will be conducted during the school year. When the alarm is sounded, all students are to leave the building quietly and quickly by the exit designated in each classroom. Students must remain with their class. All students should be at least fifty feet from the building. Students are to remain quietly outside until the all-clear signal is given. If classes are changing or students are in an assembly or somewhere other than in a classroom, students should leave the building immediately and quietly by the shortest route. Students are to be silent and follow all directives.
FUNDRAISING
Various clubs, organizations, classes and teams will conduct fundraising activities throughout the year. The money raised by these activities enables the school to provide enriched opportunities for students. They also afford students the chance to contribute to their school community while they learn responsibility and enjoy camaraderie. At no time, however, should these fundraisers interfere with the learning environment. Nor should they jeopardize the health or safety of students. Door to door solicitations or any other potentially dangerous activity is not permitted.
GANG CONTROL POLICY
The Palm Beach County School Board adopted the following policy to address the problems associated with gangs through education and disciplinary action, where necessary.
DEFINITION OF GANGS (Florida Statute Section 874.03)
- Youth and street gang – Any ongoing organization, association or group of three (3) or more persons, either formal or informal, which meets BOTH of the following criteria:
- has unique common name or common identifying signs, colors, or symbols, and
- has members or associates who, individually or collectively engage repeatedly in, or have repeatedly engaged in criminal activity.
- Youth and street gang member – A person who meets any two (2) of the following criteria:
- admits to gang membership,
- is a youth up to age 21 who is identified as a gang member by a parent or guardian,
- is identified as a gang member by a documented reliable informant,
- resides in or frequents, a particular gang’s area and adopts their style of dress, use of hand signs, symbols, or tattoos, and associates with known gang members,
- is identified as a gang member by an informant of previously untested reliability and corroborated by independent information,
- has been arrested more than once in the company of identified gang members for offenses which are consistent with usual gang activity,
- is identified as a gang member by physical evidence such as photographs or other documentation.
OPERATIONAL POLICY AND PROCEDURES
- The school administrator shall justify in writing any restrictions of symbolic expression as follows and prior to imposing such restrictions shall articulate:
- which item of dress, expression, or article is being restricted, and
- the basis of the administrator’s belief based on articulated facts that the exercise of the prohibited activity would materially interfere with or substantially disrupt school activities.
- The type of dress, apparel, activities, acts, behaviors or manner of grooming displayed, reflected, or participated in by the student shall not:
- lead school officials to reasonably believe that such behavior, apparel, activities, acts or other attributes are gang related and would materially interfere or substantially disrupt the school environment or activity and/or educational objectives;
- present a physical safety hazard to self, students, staff, employees, or other persons authorized to be on the school campus.
- If the student’s behavior or other attributes is in violation of these provisions, the principal or designee will request the student to make the appropriate correction. If the student refuses, the parent/guardian may be notified and asked to make the necessary correction. The principal will take appropriate corrective and disciplinary action.
- Students identified as being gang involved, influenced or affiliated shall be provided assistance and/or programs which discourage gang involvement or affiliation, enhance self-esteem, encourage interest and participation in school or other positive activities and promote membership in authorized school organizations.
- Training to provide increased awareness of the threat to the safety of students, staff and school property which gang-related activity poses shall be provided by School Police on an as-needed basis. Additional presentations shall be made available to individual schools, staff or students at the request of the principal. Presentations shall provide training in current identification symbols used by those involved in gang-related activity and shall include the identification of hand signals, apparel, jewelry, and/or other pertinent gang-related information.
REVIEW PROCEDURE
Student and/or parents who are in disagreement with handling of gang related issues and/or corrective and disciplinary action associated with the gang control policy may utilize the District Grievance Procedures D-2.031, SB 5.18. However, where symbolic expression is restricted, the principal/designee shall complete the grievance process within 48 hours, during which time the implementation of disciplinary action shall not be delayed.
All Palm Beach County Schools are on a nine-week grading period.
A = 90-100% Outstanding Progress A=4 points
B = 80-89% Above Average Progress B=3 points
C = 70-79% Average Progress C=2 points
D = 60-69% Lowest Acceptable D=1 point
F = 0-59% Failing F=0 points
Students must receive four points to pass a subject.
I = Incomplete
M = Missing Valid Grade
W = Withdrawn
CONDUCT GRADES
A student receiving two or more F’s in a subject, one of which is in the fourth nine-week period, will fail that subject regardless of other grades.
4 - Student behavior constructive to learning.
3 - Student behavior generally supportive to learning.
2 - Student behavior detrimental to own learning.
1 - Student behavior detrimental to own learning and/or the learning of others.
Each school must establish procedures for students and parents to present grievances. Students and parents are required to follow the District’s procedures for addressing grievances.
A grievance is defined as any situation or condition occurring in the course of the school’s operation which causes a student to feel aggrieved. The aggrieved student should contact the person who has allegedly caused the grievance and try to solve it directly through informal procedures. Failing to achieve this end, the student has the right to request a conference with the student grievance committee. An exception to this is the appeal of a suspension. The committee shall consist of students, parents, and staff members.
Any student who has a grievance may communicate the concern orally or in writing to any member of the grievance committee, who will present the grievance to the committee for consideration. The committee has the responsibility of investigating the alleged grievance, of conducting meetings when they are deemed necessary and of reporting its findings and recommendations to the principal. The principal has the responsibility to review the recommendations of the grievance committee and to make a decision.
Procedures for submitting a grievance concerning a disciplinary action taken by the school administrators are:
- Florida statutes provide that appeals arising from disciplinary action taken by a member of the school staff shall be made to the school principal or designated representative. The principal or designated representative will conduct a meeting in a fair and impartial manner, and afford the student the right to present evidence and testimony. The implementation of disciplinary action shall not be delayed by the appeal process.
- Following the meeting on the grievance, the principal shall inform the student and the parent about the decision in writing, either canceling, modifying or affirming the original action.
Each student will be assigned a grade level counselor. The counselors are located in the student services office and are available to assist students and parents with any school-related matter. Counselors are to serve as student advocates. They will provide academic and personal guidance counseling.
The guidance program will include individual and small group counseling as well as classroom guidance activities. Students and parents are encouraged to utilize the services provided.
There is no gum chewing allowed on any part of campus.
HEALTH/IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
All new students seeking entrance into a public school in Palm Beach County are required by Florida Statute 232.032 and School Board policy to present, at the time of entry, valid documentation that they have received the required immunizations against the communicable diseases as identified by the Palm Beach County Health Department or provide a Certificate of Medical Exemption (temporary or permanent) based on medical reasons or on religious tenets.
Hepatitis B series and TD (Tetanus/Diphtheria) Booster– required for students entering or attending grades 7 & 8.
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – 2 doses of Measles vaccine required for grades 6, 7, 8.
Physical Examination – required for all students entering a Palm Beach County school for the first time and all 7th graders.
Students enrolled in high school credit courses are subject to all of the rules of these courses taken at a high school. This includes the attendance policy and semester exams. Students who accumulate five (5) or more days absence within a semester, jeopardize receiving credit in the course. These courses provide grades that appear on the high school transcript. This policy includes both excused and unexcused absences.
Teacher recommendation is required to be enrolled in these courses (Spanish I/Algebra I). Prerequisite for Spanish I is Beginning Spanish or Intro. to Spanish.
Homework is one of the many learning activities in which students must engage in order to succeed in meeting their course objectives. The purpose of homework is to reinforce work done in the classroom, to provide opportunities for independent work, to strengthen concept and skill development, and to provide enrichment. Students should expect that homework will be assigned, reviewed and evaluated on a regular basis. Homework is an integral part of the learning process and as such will be a factor in determining a student’s report card grades.
To be eligible for selection to the honor roll a student is required to receive all A’s and B’s. Students must have no conduct grade lower than a 3 in conduct to be eligible for the honor roll.
Included in the school’s regular curriculum in all grades will be course content dealing with aspects of human sexuality that is mandated by the State of Florida. The law emphasizes that the curriculum shall provide for instruction, where appropriate, and it should incorporate lessons that:
- teach abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage as the expected standard for all school-age children.
- teach abstinence from sexual activity as a certain way to avoid pregnancy, sexual transmission of AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
- teach that each student has the power to control personal behavior and encourages students to base actions on reasoning, self-esteem, and respect for others.
- provide instruction and materials that are appropriate for the grade and age of the student.
INTERACT
The interact period is a time for students to pursue special interests, socialize with friends, secure teacher assistance, make up missed work, participate in counseling groups, attend club meetings, do homework, or "rest". It is an "unstructured" period of time for which students may select their activity on a daily basis. During this interact period students must be under the supervision of a staff member. Students must be in their chosen activity by the time the interact bell rings or they will be sent to the interact detention room for that day.
IN ORDER FOR THE INTERACT ACTIVITY TO BE SUCCESSFUL AND TO BE CONTINUED THE COOPERATION OF EVERY STUDENT IS EXPECTED. The behavior of each student must be above reproach.
LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS
Unless a student is officially excused to leave school, the student must remain on campus. There are no exceptions.
Lost and Found articles are turned in to the School Resource Officer. Items in the lost and found are periodically discarded or given to a charity. Students should check for lost articles in a timely manner.
Students will be allowed to make up work. It is the student’s responsibility to see each teacher and request make-up assignments. Students will receive credit for make up work done as the result of excused absences. Students will have one day for each absence to turn in makeup work. If a student will be absent for more than three days due to illness, the parent may request home assignments by notifying Student Services Secretary. Teachers are given 24 hours notice to prepare assignments.
MEDIA CENTER SERVICES
The Media Center is central to the instructional program at Eagles Landing Middle School. The Media Center seeks to promote and increase student achievement, aligning with the curriculum by:
- providing access to current resources and the latest information technology.
- enhancing student competency with information skills (ability to access, organize and interpret information).
- introducing students to telecommunications as a means of information retrieval.
- purchasing curriculum based materials using Palm Beach County Guidelines and with statistics from actual use.
Media Center Mission Statement
The mission of the Eagles Landing Media Center is to provide information services and bibliographic resources to support the informational needs of the school community. In doing so, the library strives to reflect the curriculum first.
Specific Goals and Objectives:
A. To provide information resources to support the curriculum.
1. To update the collection as required and keep it current in all subjects.
2. To provide access to technology that enables students and staff members to access up-to-date information on topics in all subjects.
3. To establish online links to other libraries in order to share information resources.
B. To create an easier-to-use, more inviting environment for students and faculty.
C. To improve access, services, and efficiency through automation.
D. To enhance audio-visual services and capabilities campus-wide.
E. To provide expertise and support in the use of media center technologies and library resources.
Borrowing Materials
- Students present their own card to check out materials and are responsible for all materials checked out on it.
- In order to check materials, a student must be in good standing with no outstanding overdue materials.
- Videos, films and A/V equipment are loaned out ONLY to staff.
- Reference materials, newspapers, and magazines may not be checked out.
Returns
- Materials may be returned to the drop box in the Media Center.
- Students are responsible for returning items checked out on your borrowing card by the due date.
- The Media Center will make a reasonable attempt to notify patrons of overdue materials and excessive fines.
- Students will be blocked from checking out additional materials if they have ANY items currently overdue.
- Students will be charged for replacement of any materials that are lost, damaged or returned incomplete.
At various times during the course of this school year, representatives of the news media (including print, radio, and television) will request access to school campuses to cover positive school activities and events. The School Board allows the news media to visit school campuses for this purpose.
If you object to having your child(ren) photographed, filmed, or interviewed by news media representatives, regarding assemblies, creative projects, awards, etc. please notify the school center in writing. If the news media are allowed access to this campus, the school administration will take every reasonable precaution to honor your request to prohibit news media representatives from speaking to, filming, or photographing your child(ren).
Parents of students requiring the administration of medication during the school day should contact the school nurse in the clinic to make arrangements. Students may not possess any prescription or non-prescription medication on school grounds or at a school activity.
Administration of Medication by School District Personnel (S.B. Policy 5.321)
- Notwithstanding the provisions of the Nurse Practice Act, Chapter 464, Florida Statutes, school district personnel shall be authorized to assist students with required prescription medication if the following conditions have been met:
- School personnel designated by the principal to administer medication are trained according to a procedure in the approved school health services plan.
- Policies and procedures that govern the administration of medication are adopted by the School Board. Policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to:
- The student’s parent/guardian provides a completed Physician’s Authorization of Medicine/ Treatment for a Student at School form.
- The parent/guardian should deliver the medication and documentation to the school nurse.
- The medication to be administered shall be received in its original container. When the medication is not in use, it shall be stored in a secure fashion, under lock and key, in a location designated by the principal.
- Every attempt shall be made to administer medicine in a manner which will not interfere with the educational process.
- There will be no liability for civil damages as a result of medication administration, when the person administering such medication acts as an ordinarily prudent person would have acted under the same or similar circumstances.
- An asthmatic student shall be allowed to carry a metered dose inhaler on his person while in school, if proper documentation is provided.
Due to a limited office staff, messages to students will not be able to be delivered. The office will not interrupt classes during the instructional periods with public address announcements. Parents should make all arrangements with their child prior to students reporting to school.
A Mid-term Progress Report in each subject will be given to students to be taken home to parents at the mid-point of each grading period.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY FOR STUDENTS
Discrimination on the basis of religion, race, national origin, color, sex, marital status, or parental status is prohibited in the admission selection, scheduling, or other treatment of any student in any activity or educational program conducted by the Palm Beach County School System, except as may be operationally required and authorized through Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parents who wish a conference regarding their child’s work, or any other issue, are asked to schedule an appointment by calling the Student Services Secretary. Conferences are not available on a drop-in basis. School visitors must report to the Main Office prior to meeting with school personnel. Teachers are not permitted to leave a class of students at any time to talk to a parent. Any material sent home with a teacher’s request for a signature should be signed and returned as requested.
P.A.S.S./TUTORIAL/REMEDIATION PROGRAM
For GRADES 6-8
P.A.S.S. is an in-school program designed to help students remediate failing grades throughout the year. The P.A.S.S. program will enable students to earn a "D" grade in any one subject after receiving an "F" for the quarter.
The following items are NOT to be brought to school: laser pens, radios, pagers, CD players, cameras, record players, headphones, portable telephones, noise makers, skateboards, rollerblades, white-out, permanent markers, games, toys, squirt guns, glass containers, mace, pepper spray, aerosol sprays, fireworks or other dangerous or disruptive items. These items, or others which cause distraction or damage to persons or property or otherwise interfere with learning will be confiscated from the student and held until picked up by a parent. If appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken. Balloons can be distracting to the learning process. Therefore, students are not permitted to carry them from class to class or transport them on school buses. Balloons, candy, or flowers should not be delivered to students.
PROMOTION POLICY – PALM BEACH DISTRICT SCHOOLS
A student receiving two or more F’s in a subject, one of which is in the last nine-weeks period, will fail that subject regardless of other grades. Students must receive 4 points to pass.
Points: A=4 B=3 C=2 D=1 F=0
Averages:
A = 3.6 or above
B = 2.6 – 3.59
C=1.6 - 2.59
D = 0.6 – 1.59
F = 0.59 or below
PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS
To be promoted to grades 7, 8, and 9 students must pass the equivalent of five year-long courses, including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and one elective class.
SPECIAL PROGRAM CONSIDERATIONS
Students enrolled in approved special programs such as Exceptional Student Education (ESE), Dropout Prevention, Work Experience, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and transitional programs are considered to have met promotion requirements if they demonstrate sufficient progress toward achievement of the special program’s objectives.
Students mainstreamed into the regular classroom from approved special programs should be provided with appropriate modifications as determined by designated staff to help students meet regular-program promotion requirements.
Students enrolled in ESE programs are considered to have met promotion requirements based upon evaluation of each student’s achievement of appropriate instructional goals. Promotion is based on consideration of the following: district curriculum standards and benchmarks, IEP goals and objectives, progress tests, classroom assignments, daily observation, situational assessment, standardized tests, ESE checklists, student performance standards, attendance, maturity, attitude, work habits, mental and physical health and type of disability of the student. The primary responsibility for determining each student’s level of performance is that of the exceptional education teacher and the regular education teacher. The principal may waive promotion requirements upon recommendation of the instructional staff and the IEP team.
If retention is being considered due to failure for a student with an active Section 504 Plan, the Child Study/504 Team should meet (with parent notification). The team must determine if the failure is caused by the disability of record on the active Section 504 Plan. If the team determines that the failure is caused by the disability, the student’s placement must be re-evaluated to address the need for Special Session. If the team determines that the failure is not caused by the disability, the student is treated in the same manner as similarly non-disabled students.
During the 8th grade year, an initial declaration of diploma choice is made with the IEP team, including the student and parent(s)/guardian(s), to decide whether the student will pursue a regular or an ESE diploma.
RELEASE OF STUDENTS
Students will not be released to persons other than parents or guardians unless the identity and authority of the person has been established by the emergency card. Early dismissal is not permitted after 3:15 pm.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are given to the students to take home for the first three grading periods. Report cards are mailed home for the fourth nine week period. The report card dates are: October 27, January 19, April 6, and the week of June 6.
Saturday Detention is sometimes used as a disciplinary measure. Students report to school on a designated Saturday and, at the discretion of the administrator, either do community service or study quietly. The hours are 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
CHEDULE CHANGES
Schedule changes will not be permitted except for extraordinary or educationally justifiable reasons.
The School Advisory Council (SAC) is an integral component of the State of Florida’s Education Reform Program. The primary role of the SAC is to maintain, monitor and evaluate progress in meeting the objectives of the formal School Improvement Plan (SIP).
The SAC membership consists of representatives from the following groups:
- parents
- business and community members
- teachers
- administrators
- support personnel
School dances may be sponsored by various school organizations during the year. The dances are for students attending this school only. School conduct policies and dress code will be in effect. Supervision will be provided fifteen minutes before and fifteen minutes after the activities. Parents should assure student drop off and pick up within the supervised time frame. Students must provide their own transportation.
Any school administrator or authorized officer may conduct a reasonable search of a student on the school premises if there is reasonable suspicion to believe that the student possesses an item, the possession of which constitutes a criminal offense or a danger.
Any school administrator or authorized officer may conduct a search of every part of the physical plant of the school. Any confiscated property belonging to a student will be returned to his/her parents within a reasonable time, except as required by law or by consideration of safety for students and staff.
SELLING, VENDING AND ADVERTISING
Selling, vending and advertising of merchandise or printed material is prohibited without the express consent of the administration. Posters must be school related and approved by the administration.
EXUAL HARASSMENT – STUDENTS (SB Policy 5.81)
The School District of Palm Beach County, Florida ("District") prohibits sexual harassment activities by any of its students. This policy shall apply to all official activities of the District as well as all District sponsored activities and functions. It is recognized that discrimination or harassment complaints by students may arise from actual or perceived situations and circumstances related to the prohibition of discrimination or harassment. Students are obligated to carefully examine this policy prior to filing a sexual harassment complaint. In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment, the totality of the circumstances, the nature of the conduct, and the context in which the alleged conduct occurred will be investigated. The procedure, definitions and rights are stated in school board policy and available upon request. If a student believes they have been sexually harassed they should report it to a grade level counselor or administrator.
Skateboards and rollerblades are not permitted on school grounds. Student-driven, motorized skateboards, scooters, mopeds, go-karts, motorcycles, or other such vehicles are not permitted at school.
SPORTSMANSHIP
All fans are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. At athletic events, good sportsmanship prohibits booing. Students should be quiet during critical plays, such as basketball foul shots or when a player is injured. All fans are expected to display respectfully appropriate behavior during the National Anthem and other pre-game activities. Confetti, streamers, tissue paper rolls etc. are not permitted. Any object that has the potential to injure anyone is not permitted to be thrown to the stands or from the stands at either indoor or outdoor events. Stomping on the bleachers and other potentially harmful or damaging behavior is not allowed. Violations could cause removal from the events and other appropriate disciplinary actions. This high level of sportsmanship is expected of both students and adults.
STANDARDIZED TESTING PROGRAM
Standardized testing is an important part of the school and individual assessment program. At the middle school level the following tests are administered:
Test Grade(s)
FCAT Writes! Assessment 8
- a statewide test that assesses the ability of students to write to a specific prompt (topic). Students are randomly assigned either a persuasive essay or an expository essay.
FCAT – Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test 8
- a statewide test that assesses the performance of Florida’s students and schools on the Sunshine State Standards, which are Florida’s Curriculum guidelines.
FCAT Norm-Referenced Test 6,7,8
- a norm-referenced achievement test that provides a comparison of a child’s academic achievement with achievement of students from all over the United States.
Student aides will be approved on a limited basis.
Aides are required to have punctual and regular attendance in their positions as aides; the same guidelines for determining excused and unexcused absences for regular classes apply for aides.
Aides should always be under the direct supervision of the staff member. If there is a need for the aide to be elsewhere, he/she should have a specific task to accomplish and have a pass permitting his/her presence in another part of the school. Aides who do not prove to be reliable and helpful will be reassigned.
Aides with attendance and discipline-related problems will be referred to the appropriate administrator under the same rules and procedures as outlined in the school’s Attendance and Discipline Plan.
SOARING STARS OF THE MONTH
Students will be selected by the staff to be students of the month in the areas of academics, activities, service, athletics, citizenship and improvement. In addition, many individual and group recognition activities will transpire.
STUDENT RECORDS AND REQUESTS FOR LISTS OF STUDENTS
Any requests for directory information including name, birth date, school address, home address, telephone number or dates of attendance about a specific student, as well as requests for lists of students, must be screened through the Coordinator of Pupil Personnel Services and sent in writing. Parents have the right to refuse the release of such information, but must state their refusal in writing to the coordinator of Pupil Personnel Services.
(BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL HOURS)
House Bill 232.25FS – effective July 1, 1996 states that school personnel are legally responsible for the supervision of students 30 minutes prior to the start of, and 30 minutes after the end of the school day, OR a school sponsored activity. This means, for example, that students arriving before 8:30 am on school grounds or staying after 4:05 pm, UNLESS in a supervised activity are without supervision and school center personnel are not legally responsible for them. We need your assistance to ensure the safety of all students. We ask that you not allow your child to arrive before 8:30 am and instruct him/her to leave campus immediately at the end of the day. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we are no longer legally responsible for supervising students outside of these times.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS/PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Substitute teachers and parent volunteers are guests in the school and need to be treated with utmost respect.
Students who receive an out-of school suspension are not permitted to be on any Palm Beach County School District property and are not permitted to attend or participate in any school related activity during the time of the suspension without prior permission of the principal. This prohibition includes both "home" and "away" events. Students may not visit other school campuses. The student’s absence from school is considered to be unexcused.
TARDINESS TO SCHOOL
Since prompt arrival to school is the responsibility of the student and parents, late arriving students, transported by parents or by themselves are considered tardy. Students who are tardy to school must obtain a tardy slip before proceeding to class.
- Students arriving after the 9:00am late bell rings should report to their class where the teacher will mark them tardy. After 9:30am they should report to the 7th/8th grade office to sign in and to receive a pass to class.
- Tardiness to school is neither "excused" nor "unexcused."
- Tardiness of more than 20 minutes counts as an absence from class.
20 – 40 minutes = ½ absence
40 minutes and more = 1 absence
TARDINESS TO CLASS
- When a student arrives tardy to class, the teacher will issue the student a verbal warning. Students who come to class tardy, but with a pass, are excused.
- The consequences for tardiness are:
Technology Acceptable Use Policy for Students first offense - verbal warning
second offense- 1 interact detention, parent contact
third offense - 1 teacher detention – before or after school, parent contact
fourth offense - administrative after school detention, administration referral, parent contact
Subsequent offenses receive an administrative referral and are subject to further disciplinary actions as part of an administrative discipline plan.
Palm Beach County District Policy
- Student access to District technology resources is authorized exclusively for academic purposes.
- Such resources include, but are not limited to, electronic mail, Internet access, electronic records, and databases, and computer software and hardware;
- Students shall not use any such resource for private business, personal use or gain, non-curricular related computer gaming, and or non-curricular related Internet browsing
- The Superintendent shall establish guidelines which detail the accepted standards of behavior for students while using District technology.
- Violation of this policy, or the guidelines required by this policy, may result in disciplinary action.
- A student's access to District technology shall be contingent upon a signed written acknowledgment that the student will comply with the District's Acceptable Use Guidelines (See Directive 3.47), and that the parent or legal guardian has read and agreed to the PBCNET Consent and Waiver Form.
The school office telephones are for business purposes only. If there is an emergency, students are to obtain a pass from the teacher and report to the main office for permission to use the phone. Students should advise parents of their plans to stay at school late or attend a game, practice, etc., prior to leaving home instead of phoning from school. The outside pay telephone is for student use before and after school only.
TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Many of the ways we do things are changing. Particularly, the basics of pencil, chalk and textbooks are being supplemented with computers, videos, and other electronic printed materials.
Our school and our School Board are committed to providing appropriate instructional materials in all core areas of study for each child. We are committed, also, to ensuring your child has access to these materials, be they for homework, class use only, time on a computer at school, or other materials available in our media center.
We want you to be informed of how we meet our commitment. Therefore, at the beginning of the school year, our teachers will advise you in person or by newsletter of the core materials they plan to use and how homework will be assigned.
In some instances, there may be no textbook because other materials are more appropriate or up-to-date for content purposes. In some other instances, class sets (books not assigned to students but used in class and available to students and parents as needed for use at home) may be assigned when the text is used as a reference and other materials are more appropriate for outside-class assignments.
Please look for such information from your child’s teacher(s). Please attend our parent/teacher functions, especially Open House at the beginning of the school year. If you have any questions, please call our school.
Florida statute 233.47 specifically states the responsibility for instructional materials. All textbooks shall be the property of the district. When distributed to pupils enrolled in the school, such materials shall be merely LOANED to the pupils and are to be returned. Each parent, guardian, or other person having charge of a pupil shall be held liable for any LOSS OR DESTRUCTION OF, OR UNNECESSARY DAMAGE TO, such materials when directed by the principal or teacher in charge and shall be REQUIRED to pay for LOSS, DESTRUCTION, OR UNNECESSARY DAMAGE as provided by law. Florida Statute 233.46 In essence, the textbooks are LOANED to students who are expected to keep them in good condition.
- Students must use book covers that will not damage the book upon removal.
- Students whose names appear on the textbook obligation list will lose privileges to attend any activities on or off campus.
- Students are required to present textbooks at each book check or arrange to pay for the loss/damage/destruction of the textbook.
- Students must learn the responsibility of paying fines promptly. If this is not done, report cards may be held until parents are notified and arrangements are made for payment of the obligation.
TEXTBOOK FINES
Florida Statute 233.47 – Obligations will be assessed as per the following county guidelines:
Damage Amount of fine
Lost book 75% of cost
Missing page 75% of cost
Broken back 25% of cost
Dirty binding or pages torn $.50 per page
Writing on pages; dog ears $.10 per page
Profane notes $1.00 per page
Defacing or writing false name $1.00 per page
Book unusable 75% of costTRANSPORTATION
Bus transportation is provided for students living more than two miles from school. Riders are subject to the authority of the bus driver and may be suspended from riding the bus for violation of bus rules. Occasionally, a bus is delayed in picking up students. Students should wait a reasonable time and then contact the school to see if the bus is en route.
Students are required to ride their assigned bus.
Bicycles are to be locked to the bicycle racks. Bicycle safety helmets must be secured to the bike or stored in the student’s book bag.
Drop-off/ Pick-up Procedures – Students are to be dropped off and picked up at the sidewalk in front of the school building that is so designated. Students are not to be dropped of at the main entrance or at the bus loop.
SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER BLADES, STUDENT-DRIVEN, MOTORIZED SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS, MOPEDS, GO-KARTS, MOTORCYCLES, OR OTHER SUCH VEHICLES ARE NOT PERMITTED AT SCHOOL.
BUS RULES
The school bus operator is in charge of the bus and the passengers. The operator is responsible for the safety of pupils and for their conduct on the bus. Riding the bus is a privilege that can be denied if a pupil’s behavior creates a problem on the school bus or at the bus stop.
In addition to the disciplinary rules stated in this handbook, the following rules must be observed:
- Students are expected to respect their neighbors and the property of their neighbors while waiting for the bus or while en route to or from the bus. Students are expected to behave in a way that promotes safety and good manners.
Students must stand off the roadway while waiting for the bus.
- Students preparing to board the bus should cross the roadway immediately in front of the bus, BUT NOT UNTIL THE BUS DRIVER HAS GIVEN THE SIGNAL TO CROSS.
Students riding buses must arrive at the bus stop on time; the bus cannot wait for those who are tardy.
- Students must remain in their seats at all times when the bus is in motion.
- All riders must keep their arms and heads inside the bus at all times.
- Riders should not engage in unnecessary conversation with the driver because this creates a dangerous situation. Students are to observe classroom conduct, except for ordinary conversation.
- Students must treat the bus property respectfully and carefully.
- Eating, drinking or smoking on the bus is absolutely forbidden. Smoking is prohibited at the bus stop or while waiting for the bus.
- The driver has the right to assign students to certain seats if necessary in order to promote order and safety on the bus.
- Students must get on and off the bus at their assigned school bus stop. No one is entitled to ride any bus other than the one to which assigned.
- Parents/adults other than official personnel are not to board the bus for any reason.
TRESPASS UPON GROUNDS OR FACILITIES OF PUBLIC SCHOOL
PENALTIES: ARREST (FS 228.091)
Any person who is NOT a student, officer, parent, guardian, employee of a public school, or individual with legitimate business on the campus, or IS a student under suspension or expulsion, and who disrupts the orderly conduct of activities on a campus, or enters or remains on a campus after being
directed to leave the campus, is trespassing and guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. Such individuals are subject to arrest. All visitors must check in at the main office and secure permission to visit the campus. For the safety and security of the students and staff, identification may be requested to be shown.
Respect for school property is an essential expectation.
Students guilty of vandalism or defacing school property will be:
- Required to clean up the defacement before or after school,
- Subject to an investigation and prosecution by school police,
- Subject to suspension from school and parent conference,
- Required to pay for the repair or replacement of the items defaced or destroyed.
Visitors, especially parents, are always welcome. However, regulations require that all visitors must report to the main office. Visitor badges will be issued.
Students not registered at Eagles Landing Middle School are not permitted to visit school or attend classes.
School volunteers make a significant contribution to the success of our students and are always needed and welcomed. Please contact the volunteer coordinator for more information.
The parent or guardian should notify the data processor at least a day in advance of a student withdrawing from school so that the parents may be made aware of any books, materials or outstanding obligations.
The student services secretary will issue the student a withdrawal form, which the student will take to his/her teachers for sign-off and grades. The media specialist, cafeteria manager, and data processor will also sign the withdrawal form. All books must be returned and financial obligations cleared. The student returns the withdrawal form to student services for final sign-off. A student may not enter another school in Palm Beach County without a withdrawal form.
The student’s records will be forwarded to the new school upon that school’s request.
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