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Palm Beach County Schools – Rated “A” by the Florida Department of Education

The School Board of Palm Beach County, FL

District 1: Barbara McQuinn District 2: Alexandria Ayala District 3: Karen M. Brill (Board Vice Chair) District 4: Erica Whitfield District 5: Frank A. Barbieri, Jr., Esquire (Board Chair) District 6: Marcia Andrews District 7: Debra Robinson, M.D.

Mission Statement

The mission of the School District of Palm Beach County is to educate, affirm, and inspire each student in an equity-embedded school system.

Vision Statement

We envision… The School District of Palm Beach County is an educational and working environment, where both students and staff are unimpeded by bias or discrimination. Individuals of all backgrounds and experiences are embraced, affirmed, and inspired. Each and every one will succeed and flourish. The School District of Palm Beach County will take ownership for students' academic mastery, emotional intelligence, and social-emotional needs by creating environments where students, families, staff, and communities will develop agency and voice. A joy of learning is fostered in each student and a positive vision for their future is nurtured. Each student’s cultural heritage is valued, and their physical, emotional, academic, and social needs are met. ...WE SEE YOU.

Message from the Superintendent Michael J. Burke

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians:

Welcome to the 2021-22 school year! As your new Superintendent, I am excited to embark on this journey with you.

Our back to school theme is ‘“Your Time to Shine,” a carefully selected slogan that reflects optimism as our community continues to emerge from the challenges of the pandemic.

All across our A-rated School District, students are embarking on their respective journeys, whether it’s starting a new grade level, walking into a new school, or preparing for their final year and graduation before moving on into adulthood.

With that in mind, it is very important that our District provides detailed, clear-cut guidance on the processes necessary for effective functioning and District-wide success. That is why we created this Handbook, a comprehensive reference tool and a valuable resource.

The District’s Student and Family Handbook can be found on your student’s SIS page. The Handbook includes the Student Code of Conduct, the Notices of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Rights under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), and forms entitled, Student Participation in Authorized Surveys and Parent/Student Acknowledgement of Student Rules and Regulations of Operations. If you cannot access your student’s SIS page, please notify your child’s school promptly, as they will provide you with hard copies of these documents.

You will find an abundance of helpful information. I encourage you to pay close attention to this document and become familiar with its contents. As a School District, we are in the business of educating, and that means we promote thoroughly explained procedures, as well as established parameters and directives. We all benefit when everyone is aware and on the same page about important guidelines and instructions. This ensures that each school year is filled with success and triumph. It is also important to all students and parents/guardians that you become familiar with the District’s Zero Tolerance Policy.

I am inspired by the resolve and resilience of our students, and the dedication of our staff, for supporting our common goal of excellence in education.

Thank you for your support of the School District of Palm Beach County. Despite the challenges we face, I know we will always prevail when we work together, united in the cause of providing our children with the best possible education. Sincerely,

Michael J. Burke Michael J. Burke Superintendent

TABLE OF CONTENTS CALENDAR FOR 2021-22 1

RULES AND REGULATIONS OF OPERATION 2

INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW 2

PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT 3

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR ATHLETICS 5

ACADEMICALLY CHALLENGING CURRICULUM TO ENHANCE LEARNING (ACCEL) 6

ATTENDANCE 6

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AGREEMENTS 9

BULLYING, HARASSMENT, AND TITLE IX 9

CHOICE AND CAREER OPTIONS 11

CIVILITY 13

COMMUNITY SERVICE GUIDELINES 14

COMPLAINTS AND THE RIGHT TO APPEAL 14

COURT EDUCATION LIAISON PROGRAM 15

DRESS CODE 16

DUTIES OF THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL 17

ECONOMIC SECURITY REPORT 17

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY 18

EMERGENCY CODES 19

EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION 19

FEES FOR STUDENTS 21

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) AND FLORIDA STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS LAW RELATING TO STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, ANNUAL NOTICE 21

FLORIDA STATE-WIDE ASSESSMENT/PROMOTION 24

FOSTER CARE 29

FREE SPEECH AND STUDENT PUBLICATIONS 29

FUNDRAISING 32

GOLD REPORT/BEST PRACTICE 32

GRADUATION, MERITORIOUS RECOGNITION, AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 32

HEALTH 33

HOME EDUCATION 36

INFORMATION REGARDING CHILDREN EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS 37

HOSPITAL HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES 37

LIBRARY MEDIA SERVICES 37

MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL PUBLIC SAFETY ACT 38

MILITARY RECRUITERS AND INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING ANNUAL NOTICE FOR ACCESS TO DIRECTORY INFORMATION 38

MOMENT OF SILENCE 39

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT - FY22 39

NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER THE PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA) 41

PREGNANT AND PARENTING STUDENTS INFORMATION 42

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 43

PRIVACY 43

REASSIGNMENTS 44

REGISTRATION 44

RESOLUTION TO PROMOTE WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS 45

RESPECT FOR PERSONS AND PROPERTY 46

RETURNED CHECKS 46

RETURNING TO YOUR SCHOOL (ASSIGNED BASED ON BOUNDARIES) 47

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION 49

SCHOOL CONTROL AND DIRECTION OVER STUDENTS 50

SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE 51

SCHOOL POLICE - ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 54

SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973 AND THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 55

SOCIAL MEDIA USE GUIDELINES 55

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS OF STUDENTS AND PARENTS COLLECTION, USE, AND RELEASE OF 56

STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND ASSEMBLY 58

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT 59

STUDENT CRIME STOPPERS 72

STUDENT SEARCH AND SEIZURE 73

STUDENT TRANSCRIPT UNIFORM FEES 73

TECHNOLOGY – CONDITIONS FOR STUDENT USE 74

TEXTBOOKS AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS 77

TRANSPORTATION 78

VIRTUAL EDUCATION 81

VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN AND HEAD START PROGRAMS 82

VOLUNTEERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 83

WELLNESS PROMOTION 84

The information contained in this Handbook is valid as of October 26, 2021. Revisions, if necessary due to legislation, State Board of Education, or School Board Action, will be available online. Contact your school for additional information.

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CALENDAR FOR 2021-22 The School Board approved the School Calendar for 2021-22 and can be found online at:

School District of Palm Beach County Calendars

IMPORTANT DATES

August 10, 2021

First Day of School

October 15, 2021 Teacher Work Day

Professional Development Day (no students)

November 11, 2021 Teacher Work Day

Professional Development Day (no students)

January 4, 2022 Teacher Work Day

Professional Development Day (no students)

February 21, 2022 Teacher Work Day

Professional Development Day (no students)

March 21, 2022

Teacher Work Day Professional Development Day

(no students)

May 26, 2022

Last Day of School for Students

May 27, 2022

Teacher Work Day Professional Development Day

HOLIDAYS

September 6, 2021

Labor Day

September 7, 2021

Fall Holiday

September 16, 2021

Fall Holiday

November 22-26, 2021 Thanksgiving Holiday

December 23, 2021 –

January 3, 2022 Winter Break

January 17, 2022

M.L. King’s Birthday

March 14-18, 2022

Spring Break

April 15, 2022 Spring Holiday

May 30, 2022 Memorial Day

EMERGENCY MAKE-UP DAYS (EMD)

Emergency Make-Up Days will be at the discretion of the Superintendent and in accordance with the state

statute for student instructional time.

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Elementary Report Card Distribution Secondary Report Card Distribution

1st Trimester November 18, 2021 1st Quarter October 22, 2021 2nd Trimester February 28, 2022 2nd Quarter January 12, 2022 3rd Trimester May 26, 2022 3rd Quarter March 28, 2022

4th Quarter TBD

RULES AND REGULATIONS OF OPERATION For Elementary, Middle, and High School Students

We have public schools because American citizens believe that every person has the right to an education. Florida has laws to make sure that children can and do attend school. In Florida, children between the ages of 6 and sixteen (16) must attend school. Local counties must provide free public schools for them to attend. Those schools must provide a safe, friendly, and business-like place to learn. This Handbook addresses different rights and responsibilities of students in our schools. These rules and regulations apply whenever a student is participating in a school function or school-related activity, including Distance Learning. Rules regarding those rights and responsibilities are also included. Wherever student responsibilities are described, it is understood that parent(s) jointly share those responsibilities with their children. In almost every section of this Handbook, numbers appear in parentheses. These numbers are Florida Statutes (F.S. statute number), School Board Policies (P-policy number), Florida Administrative Code Rule (FAC-rule number) or State Board of Education Rules (SBER-rule number). Throughout the Handbook, when the word “parent(s)” is used, it means "either or both parents of a student, any guardian of a student, any person in a parental relationship to a student, or any person exercising supervisory authority over a student in place of the parent”. F.S. § 1000.21 (5) All School Board Policies are available at: School Board Policies.

INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW The District’s Student Progression Plans (SPPs) are available at your school for your review. The SPPs describe the School District’s strategy for student progression from the time of entry into the District until graduation, and many of its provisions are based on federal and Florida Law and State Board of Education rules. The Plans are used to set student performance standards in relation to student promotion, retention, and remediation. Also included in the SPPs are District entry and attendance requirements, educational program descriptions, guidelines for assessing and reporting student progress, and requirements for graduation. You can find valuable information on the District’s website: www.palmbeachschools.org. In addition, the following websites provide important school information:

● Student Code of Conduct ● School Public Accountability Report ● School Grades ● School Improvement Plan ● A complete list of Palm Beach County Schools and principals can be found on the District’s website under the

Schools tab and click Regional Offices & Resources. The Student and Family Handbook can be found online on the District’s website under the Students & Parents tab: Student and Family Handbook

● Display of State Motto: In 2018, the Florida legislature enacted a new law requiring all schools to display the State motto “In God We Trust” in a conspicuous place. In accordance with this law, the State motto will be displayed in a conspicuous place in every school.

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● SIS Gateway: The SIS Gateway provides parents and students with timely access to individual student schedules, assignments, assessment reports, attendance, and much more. Parents and students in secondary schools will be able to see real-time grades and assignments. The SIS Gateway allows parents and students the ability to easily email teachers through this system. Students have access to the SIS Gateway via the icon available on the District’s student portal. Parents must register for their SIS Gateway account with an activation code provided by the school. Parents are encouraged to contact their school to request SIS Gateway assistance.

PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT School Board Policy 1.015 (Parental Involvement) outlines the School Board’s commitment to creating a collaborative environment in which the parents and families of our students are welcomed, affirmed, and encouraged to be involved in the education of their child. The School Board recognizes the vital role parents and families play in the education, welfare, and values of its students and believes the education of each student is a responsibility shared by the school, the student’s parents, and family members. To ensure a strong home-school partnership, the School Board encourages the active participation of families and has set high expectations for each school to nurture positive family-school partnerships that impact and support the academic achievement and social-emotional well-being of students.

Parent and Family Engagement Checklists

In accordance with P-1.015 and F.S. § 1001.42 (17)(d), the following checklists are designed to help families participate in activities that promote the social and academic development of students. Having high expectations of your child(ren) and actively participating in their education, will increase the likelihood that they will meet and/or exceed state standards and will be college and career ready.

Make a check mark each time you do the following at home: 1 2 3 4

Set high expectations for my child (All) Made sure my child attended school every day and on time. Attendance matters! (All)

Made sure my child had a healthy breakfast at home or at school (E/M); Encouraged my child to have a healthy breakfast at home or at school (H)

Had conversations with my child about the importance of school, attendance, and habits that support success. Education is important! (All)

Encouraged my child to be an engaged learner by completing schoolwork and homework (All)

Helped my child manage their time by establishing a routine or schedule after school (homework, friends and their families, clubs, sports, free time – computer/video games, bedtime, etc.) (All)

Created a home environment that had a quiet, well-lit place to support my child’s learning (E)

Made sure my child had materials needed at home (pencils, paper, dictionary, etc.) to support learning (E)

Made sure my child was organized by using a planner or other online tool to help them stay on track (M/H)

Read with my child or made sure my child read independently for at least 20 minutes (E/M)

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Engaged in an educational activity/game, or conversation with my child to support student learning (All)

Connected learning to real life by engaging in anytime, anywhere learning (grocery store, in car, at the park, bank, watching the news, etc.) (All)

Visited library or museum, and/or zoo, historical site, etc. in person or through a virtual tour (All)

Had conversations with my child about what they did in school, what was learned, and their interactions with friends (All)

Encouraged my child to get involved in extracurricular activities (M/H); and to volunteer (H)

Had my child take career assessments (M/H) Talked with my child about how to have positive social interactions with others Bullying Awareness, Prevention, and Resources (All)

Shared expectations with my child along with the risks of unsafe behaviors like drinking, drugs, sex, etc. (M/H)

Taught my child about ways of speaking up for him/herself without becoming aggressive Bullying Awareness, Prevention, and Resources (All)

Discussed the appropriate use of technology and the potential consequences of misuses – Policy 8.123 https://cyberbullying.org (All)

Monitored my child’s use of technology and the internet, including privacy settings on social media accounts (All)

Gave praise to my child and/or rewarded my child for hard work, resilience, or grit. Celebrated success! (All)

TOTAL NUMBER OF INTERACTIONS:

Make a check mark each time you do the following with the school: 1 2 3 4 Maintained two-way communication with my child’s teacher(s) by checking the backpack, daily agenda, and/or SIS Gateway, etc. (All)

Communicated with school on a regular basis about how my child is doing academically and social-emotionally (communication logs, notebooks, phone calls, emails, etc.) (All)

Participated in a parent-teacher conference to learn about my child’s progress and made decisions about my child’s well-being and education (E/M) or to learn about my child’s progress, goals, expectations, how to support my child’s college-career readiness, and to make decisions about my child’s well-being and education (H)

Worked with my child’s teacher(s) to learn about academic expectations, goals, and how I can support my child at home (E/M)

Met with Guidance Counselor by phone, in person, or virtually to discuss college-career plans, college-career resumes/applications, due dates, college tours (visit colleges or virtual tours), college-career fairs, financial aid, scholarships, federal work study, post-secondary options, apprenticeships, etc. (H)

Reviewed my child’s progress regularly through the report card, mid-term reports, assessment results or SIS Gateway (All)

Was aware of classes/courses and GPA my child needed for college-career readiness (M/H)

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Attended a meeting at school or the District to participate in decision- making regarding my child’s education {Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), School Advisory Council (SAC), Parent Leadership Council (PLC), or District Parent Advisory Council} (All)

Attended parent trainings at school to learn about tools, programs, or strategies I can use at home to support my child’s learning at home (E/M); or college-career readiness (H)

Volunteered in my child’s school or classroom, at the school, or for athletic or extracurricular events (All)

TOTAL NUMBER OF INTERACTIONS:

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR ATHLETICS Policy 5.60

This policy is under review and is subject to change.

High School

A high school student must have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 unweighted scale, in the courses required for high school graduation, at the conclusion of each semester to be academically eligible to participate in interscholastic athletic programs during the next semester. A student who is academically eligible at the beginning of a semester shall be eligible during the remainder of the semester, except for lack of attendance, improper conduct that violates District and/or school rules, or other valid reasons, which may cause the principal to declare the student ineligible before the end of the semester. Likewise, a student who is academically ineligible at the beginning of a semester will continue to be academically ineligible for the remainder of that semester. A student is limited to four (4) consecutive calendar years of eligibility from the date he/she begins 9th grade for the first time. A student who reaches the age of 19 on or after September 1, and who has not exceeded his/her four-year limit of eligibility, may participate in interscholastic athletics during that school year.

Middle School

Failure in more than one (1) subject during a given 9-week grading period shall cause a student to be ineligible for practice and competition during the following 9-week grading period. The student needs a specified GPA of 2.0, as well as appropriate conduct in accordance with District and/or school rules as determined by the principal, for the previous 9-week period. A student shall be eligible for participation for three (3) consecutive years from the time the student first enters the 6th grade. Any student who has attained the age of 15 prior to September 1 of the current school year, may submit a hardship waiver to the school’s athletic director to be considered for participation.

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ACADEMICALLY CHALLENGING CURRICULUM TO ENHANCE LEARNING (ACCEL) The School District of Palm Beach County provides unique learning opportunities and options for students on various levels of learning. The ACCEL options provide academically challenging curriculum or accelerated instruction to eligible public school students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. The District has established eligibility requirements and procedures. See the Student Progression Plans at: Student Progression Plans. According to F.S. § 1002.3105, ACCEL options include, but are not limited to, the following:

▪ whole-grade and mid-year promotion; ▪ subject matter acceleration; ▪ virtual instruction; and ▪ Credit Acceleration Program (CAP).

Additional acceleration options may include, but are not limited to, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) coursework, enrichment programs, flexible grouping, advanced academic courses, combined classes, self-paced instruction, curriculum compacting, advanced content instruction, or telescoping curriculum. Parents and students should contact the school for information concerning acceleration options and eligibility criteria.

ATTENDANCE Policy 5.09

Students who are age six (6) on or before February 1 of that school year must attend school every school day of the 180- day school year until their 16th birthday unless an exception exists. F.S. § 1003.21(1) and F.S. § 1003.24 establishes that the parent of the child of compulsory age is responsible for the child’s daily school attendance. (SBER 6A-1.09513) School staff, parents, students, and appropriate state agencies are expected to work together to ensure that all applicable school attendance laws are obeyed, including, but not limited to, referral to the state-designated agency for possible court action for truancy. Schools keep student attendance records per SBER 6A-1.044. Family vacations are not excused absences. (P-5.09) Every student must have a Certificate of Immunization on file with the Florida Department of Health Immunization Registry (Florida Shots) unless the student’s parents have signed an FDOH approved Florida SHOTS Notification and Opt Out Form (DH 1478). Students who have not been immunized from a communicable disease as required by F.S. § 1003.22, should not be allowed to attend school, absent a specific exemption. In order to return to school, parents must obtain a doctor’s note stating that the student is no longer contagious or proof of immunization, as applicable. (P-5.06) Time of School Arrival and Pick-Up For student safety, parents must ensure that their children do not arrive at school until the official starting time and do not remain on school grounds after official closing time, as supervision is not provided. Check with your child’s school office to see if before school or after school child care is available. School-Age Child Care (SACC) programs (P-8.131) and Middle School After School programs provide a structured, safe, and enriching program at a nominal fee. Student Rights Students have the right to:

▪ know how school policy defines and handles excused absences, unexcused absences, and tardiness; ▪ ask that a penalty for an unexcused absence be reviewed; ▪ make-up work missed during absence; and ▪ be protected from exposure to communicable diseases and infestations when in school.

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Student Responsibilities Students have a responsibility to:

▪ attend classes and be on time; ▪ ask their parents to notify the school when they are absent; and ▪ ask teachers for, and to complete, make-up assignments.

Absences Parental Notification of Absence to School. Parents and guardians are responsible for notifying the school when a child will be absent and for informing the school of the reason for the absence. Thus, parents and guardians are expected to notify the school when their child is absent and inform the school of the reason for the absence within twenty-four (24) hours by a written note. Otherwise, students returning from an absence shall be required to present a written explanatory excuse from their parents or guardians stating the cause for the absence. Absenteeism, excused or unexcused, regardless of the reason, negatively affects the continuity of the learning process. As a student’s absenteeism increases, there is a greater responsibility for the school to deter future absenteeism, and there is a greater responsibility for the student to demonstrate that such absenteeism has not negatively affected performance mastery. Excused Absences The following qualify as “excused” absences:

▪ Student illness – If a student is continually sick and repeatedly absent from school, he or she must be under the supervision of a physician in order to receive an excuse from attendance.

▪ Medical appointment ▪ Death in the family ▪ Observance of a religious holiday or service that is recognized as such by all members of the faith (P-5.095) ▪ Subpoena by a law enforcement agency or mandatory court appearance ▪ Extreme weather conditions such as, but not limited to, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, or other acts of God,

which make it impractical or inadvisable for the safety of the student to attend school. ▪ Suspension - Suspension, in-school and out-of-school, is the temporary removal of the student from his or her

regular school program or all classes of instruction on public school grounds and all other school-sponsored activities, except as authorized by the Principal or designee, as defined by F. S. § 1003.01(5a-b), and provided for in the Student Code of Conduct Policies 5.1812 and 5.1813.

▪ Students on field trips, which are authorized by the Principal, are not considered absent. The school-related trips should be those that are related to the curriculum.

▪ Other individual student absences beyond the control of the parent or student, as determined and approved by the Principal or the Principal’s designee. Policy 5.09(3)(e)(i-ix)

Unexcused Absences An unexcused absence is any absence that does not fall into one of the above excused absence categories. Policy 5.09 mandates that each school in the District determine if any absence or tardiness is excused or unexcused according to the criteria established.

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Tardiness When a secondary student misses fifty percent (50%) or more of the instructional day or of the identified instructional class period due to late arrival or tardiness, the student shall be considered absent.

F.S. § 1006.09(1) (b) provides that: “No student shall be suspended for unexcused tardiness, lateness, absence, or truancy.”

Make-Up Work Grades K-12 – For excused and unexcused absences, including suspensions, the student will be afforded the opportunity to make up work without academic penalty. For in-school suspensions, students will receive assignments daily. For out-of-school suspensions, students will receive assignments in a timely manner. In accordance with Policy 5.09, high school students are expected to attend school regularly and be on time for classes. Procedures: Parents and guardians are responsible for notifying the school when a child will be absent and informing the school of the reason for the absence within 24 hours of the absence by written note.

▪ Parent(s)/guardian(s) are to be notified by telephone or by mail when lack of attendance endangers the student’s grades.

Mastery – Middle School Course(s) – Students must be in attendance for a minimum of ninety percent (90%) of the class time to earn a passing grade in a middle school course. Students who are absent more than ten percent (10%) of the class time may earn a passing grade by demonstrating mastery. Mastery is defined as:

1. earning a passing grade for the marking period; and 2. passing the marking period assessment.

Mastery – High School Credit Course(s) – Students who are absent from class more than ten percent (10%) of a semester must pass at least one nine-week marking period and the semester exam in order to demonstrate their knowledge of the subject and receive credit. This does not apply to virtual or performance-based instructional settings. NOTE: If a student is absent more than ten percent (10%) of the school year in an EOC Assessment course, the student must earn a passing grade in the fourth (4th) nine-weeks, in order to pass the course. NOTE: Absences policy for students with 504, ESE, Home/Hospital Bound Education Plans can be located in the Student Progression Plans. Driver’s License (P-5.185) – Students under 18 years of age who drop out of school or who have 15 unexcused absences within 90 calendar days and have a driver’s license may have their driver’s license suspended by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or may not be issued a license if they apply for one. Additional information about procedures and waivers is available from school administration or guidance offices. F.S. §§ 322.091; 1003.27(2)

Students may not be exempt from academic performance requirements based on practices or policies designed to encourage student attendance. A student’s attendance record may not be used in whole or in part to provide an exemption from any academic performance requirements. {F.S. § 1003.33(2)}

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BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AGREEMENTS The School District of Palm Beach County provides a list of Behavioral Health Agreements. These Agreements provide behavioral health services in schools for children and their families in coordination with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)/School Based Team (SBT). Staff from these agencies are permitted to work with students individually and in groups at school; meet with the SBT; and view the academic, behavior, and discipline data used by the Team. These Agreements allow experts to provide interventions and assistance to our students and their families that we, as educators, are unable to offer. These providers can help the SBT identify social and emotional barriers and create effective interventions. Agencies and their representatives agree to specific program implementation guidelines and must adhere to the following: Present appropriate identification (e.g., agency AND School Board Vendor badges) to school staff,

● sign in at the school center at each visit; ● provide a signed release from the parent, if applicable; ● meet with the Principal/designee to determine appropriate time, schedule, and/or location of service delivery; ● update Principal/designee of student progress; ● attend SBT, IEP, and 504 meetings, as requested; and ● maintain confidentiality.

BULLYING, HARASSMENT, AND TITLE IX The policies are under review and are subject to change.

The School District of Palm Beach County takes all forms of mistreatment and bullying seriously. Please refer to School Board P-5.002, entitled, Prohibition of Bullying and Harassment - view the District’s Bullying and Harassment policy. In 2008, the State of Florida enacted the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up For All Students Act, F.S. § 1006.147, which called for districts to enact anti-bullying policies that prohibited face-to-face mistreatment, as well as cyber-bullying, and cyber- stalking (the use of technology to harass and bully). In 2013, the legislation was amended so that the definition of bullying includes cyber-bullying and adds “private humiliation” as a behavior that may constitute bullying. School Board P-5.002, prohibits bullying and harassment in all forms, including cyber-bullying as defined in the Policy, and requires that all schools promote and teach students positive ways to interact socially and be reminded of appropriate behavior throughout the school year. In 2014, the state enacted legislation that required districts to create a Teen Dating Violence and Abuse Policy. School Board Policy 5.82, allows students of all genders and sexual orientations who believe they have been victims of dating violence or abuse to request accommodations via the creation of Student Safety Plans and/or School-Based Stay Away Agreements in order to create greater separation between themselves and their dating partner. Each secondary school is required to advertise this prohibition against dating violence and abuse in any form, including physical, emotional, or sexual, by posting the contact name and number of an on-site person who would handle any complaints, and post the policy in public places on campus, in the school's student handbook, and in District publications such as this one. School Board Policies can be found on the District’s Policy web page at: School Board Policies. Unacceptable Behavior – Bullying is defined by inflicting physical or psychological distress on one or more students and may involve teasing or social exclusion. Repetitive Bullying means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress in person-to-person encounters and/or by means of electronic communication or technological devices on one or more students or school employees. It is further defined as unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or

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physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual's school performance or participation; and may involve, but is not limited to, teasing, social exclusion, threat, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, theft, sexual, religious, or racial/ethnic harassment, public humiliation, damaging or destruction of property, placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or property, and cyber-bullying, and cyber-stalking as defined in P-5.002. Action steps your child should take if he or she is being bullied (advise him/her):

▪ Empower your child by listening to and validating his/her feelings, by acknowledging that the harm he/she experienced is not right, and that he/she needs to get help in order to stop the mistreatment.

▪ Please do not encourage your child to fight or retaliate. Counter-aggression rarely works and often escalates the problem.

▪ Encourage self-reporting – Discuss the distinct difference between “tattling” (snitching, ratting, giving up, “narcing”) and “telling/reporting” with your child. Explain that “tattling” is when a person intentionally tries to get another student in trouble for something minor. “Telling” is completely different because it means informing an adult of the harmful, immoral, unethical, dangerous, destructive, hateful, or threatening behavior that has hurt the individual or someone else. If telling adults seems hard for your child, encourage him/her to ask a friend to accompany them to a faculty member to report the issue.

▪ Help your child strengthen his/her assertiveness skills. ▪ If your child is able to write, encourage him/her to complete a Student Mistreatment Report located in the front

office and/or complete a Bullying/Harassment Anonymous Drop-Box Report and file it in the drop boxes placed at various locations on the campus or complete the online Bullying and Harassment Report. Reporting is not tattling when the intention is to alert the teacher and/or administration of any harmful acts of mistreatment toward your child or others.

▪ Call Safe Schools’ centralized Bullying Anonymous Hotline Telephone to report concerns of bullying 561-434-8200.

▪ Whenever possible, encourage your child to walk with friends. ▪ If your child is being bullied online or by text messaging, encourage him/her not to retaliate and/or reply, but

rather to report the activity to school personnel. ▪ Encourage your child to join clubs or take part in activities where he/she can meet and/or make new friends.

If your child is engaging in bullying behavior:

▪ Make it clear that you take bullying seriously and you will not tolerate this behavior. ▪ Develop clear and consistent rules within your family for your child’s behavior. ▪ Spend more time with your child and carefully monitor his/her behavior. ▪ Build on your child’s talents by encouraging him/her to get involved in pro-social activities. ▪ Talk with your child’s teacher, school counselor, or administrator to approach this behavior as a team. ▪ If your child needs additional help, talk with a counselor or mental health professional.

What you should do if your child is bullied:

▪ Most importantly, focus on your child. Listen, be supportive, and gather information and the facts related to the incident.

▪ Stay calm and report the incident(s) to your child’s teacher, school counselor, assistant principal and/or principal. Document all incidents of mistreatment, abuse, cruelty, and/or disrespectful acts toward your child and or perpetrated by your child.

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▪ Complete and/or encourage your child to file the Student Bullying and Harassment Report found in the main office of your school and place it in the Drop Box or complete the online Bullying Report. Reporting is not tattling when the intention is to alert the teacher and/or administration of any harmful acts of mistreatment toward your child or others.

▪ Call Safe Schools’ centralized Bullying Anonymous Hotline Telephone to report concerns of bullying 561-434-8200.

▪ Request that you be informed or schedule a follow-up conference to discuss findings and determine actions to monitor and support all students involved, as well as to deter continued and/or escalation of incidents.

▪ Seek resources to assist you in strengthening your child’s resilience toward harm. The School District of Palm Beach County, Florida, adheres to a policy of nondiscrimination in all educational activities and programs and strives affirmatively to provide equal opportunity for all as set forth in the following School Board Policies. We seek to provide a safe and equal learning opportunity for each of our students, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or social and family background. Each school must be free from the disruption that would interfere with the teacher’s right to teach and the student’s right to learn. Pursuant to Title VI, Title IX, Section 504/Title II and other civil rights regulations, the District is committed to providing an educational environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. This commitment applies to all District operations, programs, and activities. Below are related policies:

● Policy 5.001: Protecting Students from Discrimination and Harassment ● Policy 5.002: Protecting Students from Bullying and Harassment ● Policy 5.81: Protecting Students from Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Discrimination ● Policy 5.82: Teen Dating Violence or Abuse

CHOICE AND CAREER OPTIONS

F.S. § 1002.20(6)(a); Policy 5.015; Policy 5.016

Choice and Career Options is committed to empowering and supporting students and their families in making informed educational decisions leading to post-secondary education and career options in order to compete in today’s technology- driven, global society. In an effort to graduate all students prepared for the demands of the 21st Century, students entering Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 have the opportunity to choose from an array of theme-based curricula offerings that provide innovative and rigorous academic instruction by specially trained teachers. Students may apply for up to two Choice or Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs with available space starting around the first week of November each year. Selection for placement will be made in the spring of each year through a random selection lottery process. The School District of Palm Beach County offers families various opportunities to choose programs they feel will best serve the educational interests or needs of their child(ren). Housed in the Department of Choice and Career Options are: Choice Programs Choice Programs create an educational environment that encourages exploration of talents and interests, appreciation of diversity, and collaboration among students, teachers, and parents to ensure student success. Choice Programs include, but are not limited to the K–12 Arts continuum, K–12 International Baccalaureate continuum, K–12 Dual Language continuum, elementary and secondary Cambridge Academy Programs, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Programs at all levels, and elementary Montessori, STEAM (STEM + Arts), Environmental and Animal Science, and Health and Wellness Programs.

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Choice and Career Academy Programs at the middle and high school levels require a Choice application and selection through a Choice lottery process. These Programs are available to all students, regardless of zoning. Transportation is only provided for designated transportation zones. Transportation. At the elementary level, many schools offer the Programs school-wide to those who reside in their attendance zone and these zoned students do not require admission through the Choice and Career Options lottery. Students not zoned for the school and all elementary Dual Language Programs do require an application. Programs designated as "In–House" are available only to students who are zoned to attend the school with that Program and may be listed as first choice. All students, regardless of their attendance zone, are eligible to apply first choice to the following full choice schools: Suncoast Community High School, A.W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts, Don Estridge High Tech MS, Bak Middle School of the Arts, Morikami Park ES, Northboro ES, Poinciana ES, SD Spady ES, and Village Academy. All students may also apply first choice to a 6-8 program at a K-8 school. For more information and to apply, visit www.mypbchoiceapp.com. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs These Programs are designed to graduate students with career training in high skill, high wage, and high demand occupations. Most Programs allow students to earn industry certification demonstrating students’ acquisition of key skills and competencies. While some Programs require admission through the Choice and Career Options lottery, many middle and high schools offer programs to students residing within their attendance zone. CTE Programs and Academies are a component of an overall Career Pathways System within the School District of Palm Beach County. Each CTE Program or Academy operates under a rigorous program of study combining core academic and technical subjects taught in career contexts with the opportunity for students to participate in out-of-classroom learning experiences—such as student organizations, job shadowing, cooperative education, and/or internships—that engage students directly with the world of work, making classroom time more relevant. Each CTE Program of study is purposefully designed to graduate students both college and career ready, providing a foundation for students to continue with postsecondary options such as technical or two-year colleges, four-year universities, the military, or the workforce. Through CTE, students’ career plans are carefully crafted and monitored frequently to guide all these activities and give students control of their life goals. By helping students make informed career plans, the School District of Palm Beach County’s Career Pathways System encourages students to prepare for occupations in which demand is greatest and wages are high, as well as those that best fit their talents and interests. By making the most of individual talents and capabilities, career pathways not only increase students' chances for personal fulfillment, they help ensure that our local, state, and national economy has qualified workers in the challenging, technology-driven sectors that require them. Opportunity Scholarships Upon direction from the Florida Department of Education, school assignment transfers may be available to students enrolled in a school considered to be failing under the A+ Education Plan (D or F graded and Intervene). Notifications are sent to all eligible students in the summer. Applications are included with the notification letter. Hope Scholarship The Florida Legislature created the Hope Scholarship Program to give public school children in Florida relief from bullying and violence beginning with the 2018-2019 school year. The Scholarship gives parents the opportunity to transfer their child to another K-12 public school with available capacity within the school district, receive a scholarship to transport the student to a public school with available capacity in another school district, or to request a scholarship for the student to attend an eligible private school. For more information, please speak with the administrative staff at your child's school or visit Hope Scholarship Program.

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Family Empowerment Scholarship The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) provides families with limited financial resources the opportunity to apply to a private school participating in this Scholarship Program. The following link has detailed information and includes the application: Family Empowerment Scholarship. Reassignments Reassignments are transfers granted upon approval of a parent’s application to allow the student to attend a school other than the school assigned to the parent’s address. For detailed information, please see the Reassignment section of this Handbook. Controlled Open Enrollment Controlled Open Enrollment (COE), defined by F.S. § 1002.31, allows parents/legal guardians of children entering grades K-12 the opportunity to apply to a school (not a program within the school) outside the assigned boundary school the following school year. Transportation is not provided for students assigned through COE. Available school selections are made from a list identified by the District as not having reached the established capacity based on published guidelines. Controlled Open Enrollment application dates are in the spring and will be posted on the Choice and Career Options website or at https://www.mypbchoiceapp.com/. All current information from the Department of Choice and Career Options is available at: School Choice.

CIVILITY

In order to provide a safe, caring, and orderly environment, the School District of Palm Beach County expects civility from all who engage in school activities. Mutual respect, professionalism, and common courtesy are essential qualities that all need to demonstrate in promoting an educational environment free from disruptions, discrimination, harassment, bullying, and aggressive actions. P-5.001, 5.002, and 5.81. SPECTATOR BEHAVIOR AT ATHLETIC EVENTS We request our parents and supporters, who attend school activities, including athletic events, provide positive support and encouragement to the student athletes by:

● placing the emotional and physical well-being of the students ahead of a desire to win at all costs. ● being a role model of good sportsmanship and encouraging participants to be role models, as well. ● supporting coaches and officials who spend hours with the athletes to provide positive and enjoyable

extracurricular experiences. ● expecting our athletes to treat other players, coaches, officials, and fans with respect regardless of race, sex,

creed, or ability. ● supporting extracurricular activities as an extension of the student’s educational experiences.

The school reserves the right to deny access to after-school events or school property to anyone displaying inappropriate behavior. P-2.04 (9), F.S. § 1006.20 and Florida High School Athletic Association By-Laws.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GUIDELINES Students of the School District of Palm Beach County are required to obtain a minimum of 20 community service hours to graduate from high school. Community service is also a requirement for many scholarships (i.e., Bright Futures) and college entrance programs. The purpose of community service is for students to engage in activities that help them develop an appreciation for the concept of service to the school or community. The following guidelines must be followed to participate in activities that are considered acceptable for community service:

● Community service is defined as non-paid volunteer work for a non-profit agency. ● Students may begin accumulating service hours as early as the summer prior to entry of the 9th grade year. ● Service should benefit the community at large. Working solely for an individual will not be acceptable. ● Hours must be documented in writing, either on a common community service log (generated by the school) or

on letterhead from the organization being served. ● Parent notification of the community service requirement is necessary. A school generated notice will include the

necessity of parental knowledge/supervision while students are engaged in community service activities. ● Students who do not have access to community service opportunities must be provided opportunities on the

school campus. It is the student’s responsibility to alert the School Counseling Department that they need school access to community service.

● Time spent organizing and collecting canned goods, clothing, or book drives for a community in need does qualify as community service.

● Service on behalf of a candidate for public office. The following are examples that would not count as community service:

● Rehearsal time for participation in a fine arts or performing arts program. ● Practice time for sports and band. ● Club meetings to organize community service activities. ● Donating canned goods or items to gain community service hours.

Parents cannot sign to verify their child’s participation in a community service activity. Schools should have the community service hours entered onto the student’s electronic records within two (2) weeks after submission.

COMPLAINTS AND THE RIGHT TO APPEAL The School Board of Palm Beach County believes in just treatment of ALL students and in providing a learning environment which is free from unfair or discriminatory practices. Procedures for disciplinary complaints and resolution of discriminatory practices have been established.

RIGHTS

Students have a right to report and file a complaint about discrimination or harassment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Students have a responsibility to know and follow procedures for filing complaints.

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Procedures All schools operate under School Board Policies; copies of policies are available at all school sites or at School Board Policies. Please refer to P-5.001, 5.002, and 5.81 for information on the procedures to file a complaint for suspected discrimination or harassment. These complaint procedures in no way prohibit a person from filing a complaint with the appropriate Federal or State Agency. Appeal Process for Suspension from School or Transportation The principal is to advise parents or guardians, in their native language, of the appeal procedures for an out-of-school suspension. The appeal must first be made to the school principal. A decision by the school principal must be made within 24 hours of receipt of the appeal. If the parents do not agree with the principal’s decision, they may appeal to the Regional Superintendent or designee. The conference shall be arranged as soon as possible following the parent’s request. During the period of appeal, the suspension remains in effect for the length of time designated. The results of the appeal may include, but are not limited to:

1. sustaining the suspension in all respects; 2. modification of penalties imposed; 3. rescinding the suspension and expunging the suspension from the student’s records.

The parents shall be notified of the appeal decision. NOTICE: Violation of the School District’s sexual harassment policy by a student is grounds for in-school suspension, out- of-school suspension, expulsion, or imposition of other disciplinary action by the school and may also result in criminal penalties being imposed. (P-5.81)

COURT EDUCATION LIAISON PROGRAM The Court Education Liaison Program: The Fifteenth (15th) Judicial Circuit of Florida The Department of Safe Schools provides Court Education Liaisons who are assigned to the Juvenile Division of the 15th Judicial Circuit Courts. These district employees participate in both dependency and delinquency court proceedings on behalf of Palm Beach County students. The Court Education Liaisons perform the following functions:

● Assist in all dependency and delinquency court proceedings ● Interpret educational records and provide student advocacy ● Collaborate with the Department of Children and Families on court involved youth ● Coordinate educational information packets for students at their court appearances ● Assist parents/guardians as appropriate concerning student enrollment matters ● Notify parents/guardians of appropriate school contact and enrollment requirements if not actively enrolled ● Notify Transition Coordinator of pending enrollment or assignment ● Notify appropriate homeschool campus contact, of student pending or recommended enrollment/assignment, via

email and phone contact ● Obtain contact information for Juvenile Probation Officer and school related requirements as applicable and

provide home school contact ● Share information with parents/guardians and students about educational assignment and graduation options ● Provide ongoing follow up and support to DJJ students and families as requested ● Participate in juvenile justice meetings and committees as assigned ● Explore business and community partnerships to support initiatives for students enrolled in DJJ/Youth Services

programs

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DRESS CODE Policy 5.182

It is a fundamental function of the District to create and maintain a positive educational environment by devoting attention to learning, increasing school safety, encouraging good behavior and discipline, and minimizing disruptions and distractions. The School Board believes that appropriate attire and grooming contribute to a productive and effective learning environment. Thus, all students are expected to be groomed and dressed appropriately for age, grade level, school, and school activities. Student attire or grooming that substantially or potentially disrupts the educational environment or school program creates a distraction, which interferes with the educational process or classroom activity, or presents a health or safety hazard to the students or school community is not permitted. The determination of what constitutes a safety or health hazard, or what constitutes a distraction of students from a classroom activity, or what constitutes a disruption of a school program or excessive maintenance of school property shall be made by the principal or designee. The principal or designee shall have final authority to decide if a student’s attire complies with a dress code or uniform dress code, and shall use reasonable discretion in interpreting and implementing the provisions of this policy. The dress and uniform codes as described below shall be applicable for the District. Additionally, schools may have additional requirements as allowed by Policy 5.182. District-Wide Student Dress Code To help create the best learning environment for District students, the District-wide Dress Code must be observed in all District schools. This Code provides a minimal District-wide dress code, which should apply even if a school implements a School Specific (Standard) School Dress Code or Higher Standard (Uniform) Dress Code as provided in this Policy. Specifically, the following attire is unacceptable in virtual classrooms or District schools:

i. Attire with language or images that are crude, vulgar, profane, lewd/obscene, sexually explicit, or sexually suggestive.

ii. Attire with symbols, mottoes, words or acronyms that promote illegal or violent conduct, such as gang symbols, the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia, or clothing that contains threats.

iii. Attire associated with discrimination based on age, color, handicap, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion, or sex.

iv. Clothing traditionally designed, as undergarments, such as boxer shorts or sleepwear, may not be worn as outer garments.

v. Clothing that is sexually suggestive or revealing (examples include, but is not limited to, clothing which exposes the midriff, exposes one’s undergarments, have plunging necklines, muscle tops, backless clothing, and are constructed of see-through materials).

vi. Attire that may be used as a weapon, including but not limited to, steel toed shoes; large, long, or heavy waist or other chains; studded or chained accessories; items with spikes; and other items deemed inappropriate by an individual school site.

vii. Articles of clothing that cause excessive maintenance problems for school property, such as, shoe cleats that scratch floors or tear rugs, trousers with metal rivets that scratch furniture, etc.

viii. Clothing which, because of fit, design, color, texture, inadequate coverage, or some other factor, creates classroom or school disorder or distract the attention of another student or students in any class in session from the lesson being presented or from any other assigned school activity, or which creates a safety or health hazard for any student in the school.

ix. Jewelry worn in a manner that presents a safety health hazard or causes a major disruption to the educational process. Examples may be chains hanging from the belt pocket or attached to the wallet.

x. Footwear that does not provide adequate protection or hygienic measures.

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xi. A student who fails to maintain personal cleanliness, grooming, or neatness of dress to the extent that presence in the classroom creates classroom or school disorder or distracts the attention of others from assigned classroom activity will be required to maintain a level of personal cleanliness, grooming, or neatness of dress that eliminates the disorder or the distraction of other students in the classroom.

DUTIES OF THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Pursuant to F.S. § 1001.54, a district school board shall employ, through written contract, public school principals. The school principal:

● has authority over school district personnel in accordance with F.S. § 1012.28. ● shall fully support the authority of each teacher and school bus driver to remove disobedient, disrespectful,

violent, abusive, uncontrollable, or disruptive students from the classroom and the school bus and, when appropriate and available, place such students in an alternative educational setting.

● shall provide instructional leadership in the development, revision, and implementation of a school improvement plan pursuant to F.S. § 1001.42(18).

● must make the necessary provisions to ensure that all school reports are accurate and timely, and must provide the necessary training opportunities for staff to accurately report attendance, FTE Program participation, student performance, teacher appraisal, and school safety, and discipline data.

● is responsible for the management and care of instructional materials, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 1006.

● shall fully support and cooperate in the implementation of F.S. §. 1002.23. ECONOMIC SECURITY REPORT

ECONOMIC SECURITY REPORT Please see the charts below.

Measuring the Economic Success of Florida’s Graduates

Outcomes Florida has an extensive postsecondary higher education system—a system that provides students access to a world class education. To ensure Florida’s postsecondary higher education system is well positioned for the future, the Florida Legislature created the Florida Economic Security Report to provide students, parents, and others with information on graduates of Florida’s public postsecondary institutions of higher education, which include the District Technical Centers (DTC), the Florida College System (FCS), and the State University System of Florida (SUS).1 Figure 1 below shows the first- and fifth-year earning outcomes by type of credential for over 985,000 graduates who completed their credential over the 5-year academic period of 2012-13 through 2016-17. The figure highlights that earnings increase with each step along the education ladder.

Figure 1. Median First- and Fifth-Year Earnings by Credential

In addition to earnings outcomes, we also look at the number of graduates by credential. Figure 2 shows the number of graduates over the same five-year period, which shows that the Associates degree is the most commonly awarded postsecondary credential in Florida (approximately 36% of all certificates/degrees awarded), followed closely by the Bachelor’s degree (34%). In addition, a significant number of students graduated from a certificate, diploma, or apprenticeship program (20%). Graduates from advanced degree programs represent the smallest group of total graduates (11%).

The data source of information in this summary report comes the Florida Department of Education’s Florida Education and Training Placement Information Program (FETPIP).

1

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Figure 2. Number of Graduates by Credential

Debt Student debt is a growing concern nationwide. Totaling more than $1 trillion, student debt now surpasses outstanding credit card debt and automobile loans and is second only to home mortgages. Many students default on their loans, and because student loans cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, the consequences of accumulating debt that cannot be paid off can be long-term and financially devastating. The average statewide federal loan amount per student at Florida’s postsecondary higher educational institutions was slightly more than $6,000 (this amount is averaged across all students, not only students that have loans, and does not include private loans or other debt issued by non-federal government sources).

Where the Jobs Are The earnings that graduates command are not only a function of the programs from which they graduate but also of the strength of the labor market into which they enter. The two fastest- growing industries in Florida are related to health and education. With projected growth of more than 19% between 2019 and 2027, ambulatory health care services is projected to be the fastest growing field, with the social assistance field second at 15%. Health care industries also are projected to grow rapidly because of population gains, an aging population, and improved medical technologies. Similarly, the rapid growth in educational services reflects the continued population growth of Florida.

Progress This is the fourth annual Economic Security Report. Therefore, we now have enough data to draw some conclusions on the progress made over the past four years. In nearly every case, median first-year salaries have increased steadily. The exception to this general pattern have been graduates from Advanced Technical Certificate programs that saw slight decreases with a rebound to its previous level for the most recent graduating class.

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EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY Online Instructional Resources SDPBC provides numerous web-based instructional and collaboration resources specifically intended for use by teachers, students, and parents. Students can access the vast majority of the available online resources at home and school by logging into their student portal at https://www.mysdpbc.org or by using the “Sign In” link at the top of the District’s home page. Many of the online programs and resources are personalized for students and the majority of the applications are single sign on and can be accessed directly from their Portal without the need for an additional username or password. Instructions on which specific resources will be used in the classroom and how to access any resources that do still require a username/password will be provided directly by school media specialists, school techs, or teachers. Online Textbooks and Resources SDPBC provides access to adopted instructional materials for courses that range from traditional printed materials to fully digital content. Currently, most courses have a mixture of both. and in some instances, class sets of printed texts may be assigned when the text is used as a reference. Most core courses have online platforms that allow teachers and students to use digital curriculum as part of the core instruction. These platforms and resources vary by subject matter and may require teachers to actively assign students resources and activities to meet their individual needs. Students must be actively enrolled in an appropriate course/class to gain access to find the links to their assigned textbooks/platforms via the “Student Texts” tile on their student portal. Many of the links will provide direct access and a small number will require a unique process to access from school or home. Specific log in instructions should be provided by their teachers. SIS Gateway The SIS Gateway provides parents and students with timely access to individual student schedules, assignments, assessment reports, attendance, and much more. Parents and students in secondary schools will be able to see real-time grades and assignments. The SIS Gateway allows parents and students the ability to easily email teachers through this system. Students have access to the SIS Gateway via the icon available in the District’s student portal. Parents must register for their SIS Gateway account with an active email address. Parents should contact their child’s school and ask the Gateway Manager to get their activation code. SIS Mobile App Staying connected to a student’s academic performance is now easier with the SIS Gateway mobile app. Parents and students can receive real-time notifications of grades, attendance, upcoming assignments, test scores, and more helpful information with the SIS Gateway mobile app. The app also includes the student’s virtual ID badge with a photo, ID number, and barcode that can be scanned for school meals. Download “Palm Beach County SIS Gateway” in Google Play or in the Apple App Store.

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TechSafe Program The Department of Educational Technology provides all students with the TechSafe Program. TechSafe is an age-appropriate instructional program regarding technology and internet safety, cyberbullying awareness, and digital citizenship. The TechSafe Program is intended to provide an opportunity for students to ask questions through a guided class discussion. All K-12 students who use District technology are required to receive this training in order to comply with District Policy 8.123 - "Technology Acceptable Use Policy for Students". Policy 8.124 Electronic Device Take Home Policy During the onset of COVID-19, in the Spring of 2020, the School Board supported the successful transition of instruction to distance learning. One of the supports for this transition was the implementation of a one-to-one student device initiative. Because of this, all School District of Palm Beach County students may be issued electronic devices. These devices are for instructional use to support curriculum goals and will be available for students to use at home or in school. Policy 8.124 was developed to govern electronic devices that are taken home by students.

EMERGENCY CODES Students

▪ Code Red – Full Lockdown – No Movement ▪ Code Yellow – Modified Lockdown – Limited Movement ▪ Code Blue – Evacuation ▪ Code White – Bomb threat – shelter in place ▪ Code Green – Normal Operation All Clear ▪ All District Codes - Parents and visitors are not to attempt to contact any student during the implementation

of a District Emergency Code. Parents should monitor local radio and television stations for more information. Depending on the length and severity of the emergency, parents will be contacted by ParentLink and are asked to monitor Twitter @PBSchoolsPD, @pbscd.

EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION Policy 5.725

The District follows Federal and State regulations and timelines regarding the identification, request for consent to evaluate, evaluation, and placement of students with disabilities, as well as those who are gifted. If you suspect that your child has a disability or is gifted, contact your school’s ESE Contact for further information. Parents may be accompanied by other adults of their choice at any meeting discussing their students. If your child is already identified as a Student with Disability (SWD) and there are any issues or concerns, contact your school’s ESE Contact. Parents will be provided with a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards for Parents of Students with Disabilities, which outlines a parent’s rights regarding notice of meetings, requests for reevaluation, disputes and other rights to which they are entitled under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). All decisions regarding SWD students are made by the Individual Education Plan (IEP) Team. For students who are gifted, decisions are made by the Educational Plan (EP) Team.

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Testing Accommodations for Statewide Assessments The IEP Team determines the need for testing accommodations for students with disabilities. These accommodations, if any, must be used regularly by the student in the classroom throughout the school year. Any accommodations that the IEP Team recommends must comply with allowable accommodations as determined and described by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). Florida Standards Alternative Assessment (FSAA) For students with the most significant cognitive impairments in grades 3-12, the IEP Team may document that these students are exempt from taking the FSA and will take the FSAA to measure achievement instead. This determination is based on criteria provided by the Florida Department of Education, Rule 6A-1.0943, (F.A.C.), and is intended for students who are working on alternate curriculum as a result of their significant cognitive disabilities. Parents will be asked to provide written consent for their student to participate in a modified curriculum and the FSAA. Another option available to assess the educational performance and growth of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities is through the use of the FSAA Datafolio, which is a collection of student work across three periods throughout the school year. This option is typically used for students who do not have a formal mode of communication. Waivers The IEP Team may determine that a student with disabilities, who meets specific criteria, may have the End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment results waived. If the criteria are met, the EOC Assessment results are waived for the purposes of determining the student’s course grade and credit. F.S.§1008.22(3)(c) The IEP Team must document that the student demonstrated proficiency on the course standards. Extraordinary Exemption An IEP Team may determine that specific circumstances or conditions prevent a student with disabilities from physically demonstrating mastery of skills by taking a statewide assessment. The District Superintendent makes a recommendation for extraordinary exemption, based on the IEP Team recommendation, to the State Commissioner of Education. Florida’s Commissioner of Education either grants or denies the request. The deadline for requesting an Extraordinary Exemption is 60 days prior to the assessment administration window. F.S. § 1008.212, If a parent disagrees with the Commissioner’s denial of an extraordinary exemption, they may request an expedited due process hearing. Collaboration of Public and Private Instructional Personnel Parents may request to have their private instructional personnel (Behavior Analysts, Speech/Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists) collaborate with public instructional personnel in order to enhance their student’s services. Florida Statute § 1003.572 delineates specific requirements for this collaboration, including Principal consent and establishment of written agreements. Additional information can be obtained from the school’s ESE Contact or the Regional ESE Coordinator. Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusion with ESE Students Information regarding the use of Restraint and Seclusion and the required documentation can be found in School Board P-5.181, which is located on the following website within Chapter 5: Pupil Personnel. The Policy allows for specific physical restraint procedures under limited emergency circumstances, but prohibits the use of seclusion.

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FEES FOR STUDENTS Policy 2.21

Any request for money from a student for curricular activities (including field trips) shall be in writing from the principal, addressed to the student’s parent, and shall clearly state: (a) no penalty of any type will be imposed against the student based upon a failure to pay; (b) no student shall be denied the right to participate for failure to pay; (c) 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; and (d) this request is for a voluntary payment. The Policy sets forth acceptable requests for payments.

Note: Extracurricular activities are not considered a part of Policy 2.21. Therefore, costs associated with those activities may be charged to the student. Policy 2.21(C), although a student cannot be denied the right to participate due to inability to pay.

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) AND FLORIDA STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS LAW RELATING TO STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS FOR ELEMENTARY

AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, ANNUAL NOTICE The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC§ 1232g, as well as F.S. §§ 1022.22, 1022.221, afford parents and students who are 18 years of age or older (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. In summary, these rights are: 1. a. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 30 days of the day the school receives a

request for access. Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their child’s or their education records should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal or appropriate school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If copies are provided, a minimal duplication fee may be charged. NOTICE: Both parents’ right of access will be honored by the school unless: a) there is a legally binding document or court order on file at the school that specifically denies the right of access to one or both parents, or b) another exception under FERPA exists. If you have questions, please contact your school office. b. The right to exercise the right of waiver of access to confidential letters or statements in certain circumstances.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA or other rights. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the school to amend a record should write to the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. See School Board P-5.50.

3. The right of privacy of personally identifiable information in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent; and the right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

Disclosure Without Prior Consent: One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. See 34 C.F.R. § 99.31(a) (1); 34 C.F.R. § 99.7(a) (3) (iii). A school official typically is a person employed by the school or School District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the School Board. A school official also may include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect

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to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, third party claims administrator, insurance adjuster, insurance company; aftercare provider, medical consultant, nurse, or therapist; an official of a charter school of this District; a school’s foundation; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional or delegated responsibility and complete job duties in performing an official task that requires access to information in the education records of students served. Upon request, the school or School District discloses education records, including student disciplinary records with respect to a suspension or expulsion, without consent to officials of another School District in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer. The school or School District intends to forward records on request or the disclosure is initiated by the parent or eligible student. FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the parent or eligible student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in §99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, and disclosures to the parent or eligible student, §99.32 of the FERPA regulations requires the school to record the disclosure. Parents and eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. In addition to the above, without obtaining prior written consent of the parents or the eligible student, a school may disclose PII from the education records of a student – ▪ To other school officials, including teachers, within the educational agency or institution whom the school has

determined to have legitimate educational interests, as defined above. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, including educational consultants, student assessment evaluators, outside online service providers (including google), companies monitoring student activity on District-owned computers, providers providing services allowing the District to obtain data on subsequent enrollment and educational achievements of students at postsecondary institutions, the District’s health care partners and other governmental, private, and social agencies jointly serving students, crisis planning and response companies, threat assessment team members and safe school officers and deputy sheriffs assigned to schools by contract, to the extent student records information is needed to provide and/or evaluate educational, health, and governmental/social services to students, provided that the conditions listed in §99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(3) are met. (§99.31(a)(1))

▪ Any information, which may be relied upon to take action against an employee represented by the Classroom Teachers Association, the District is legally required by a Court Order to release the name of a student and/or the student’s statement to the employee. The release of this information is solely for the purpose of providing the employee an opportunity to review the documentation and provide a response to the personnel investigation. Due to the fact that student information is exempt from public disclosure, the employee is prohibited from releasing your student’s information to the public. Moreover, the employee cannot retaliate against the student. If it is determined the employee has released student information to the public and/or retaliated against a student, the employee will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination. In accordance with sections 1002.22 and 1002.221 of the Florida Statutes, the aforementioned school records of a student will be produced in the manner required by law.

▪ To officials of another school, school system, or an institution of postsecondary education where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of §99.34. (§99.31(a)(2)).

▪ To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U. S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as the State educational agency in the parent or eligible student’s State (SEA). Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further

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disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf. (§§ 99.31(a)(3) and 99.35).

▪ In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid (§ 99.31(a)(4)).

▪ To State and local officials or authorities to whom information is specifically allowed to be reported or disclosed by a State statute that concerns the juvenile justice system and the system’s ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records were released, subject to § 99.38. (§ 99.31(a)(5))

▪ To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction (§ 99.31(a)(6)).

▪ To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions (§99.31(a)(7)). ▪ To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes (§99.31(a)(8)). ▪ To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena if applicable requirements are met (§99.31(a)(9)). ▪ To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to §99.36 (§99.31(a)(10). ▪ Information the school has designated as “directory information” if applicable requirements under § 99.37 are

met. (§99.31(a)(11). Note, however, that this District has not designated any “directory information” that can be disclosed without consent or within a FERPA exception

▪ To a caseworker or other representative of DCF or any other State or local child welfare agency or tribal organization who is authorized to access a student’s case plan when DCF or such other agency or organization is legally responsible, in accordance with State or tribal law, for the care and protection of the student who is in foster care placement (20 USC § 1232g(b)(1)(L))

▪ To the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representatives of the Food and Nutrition Service for purposes of conducting program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements of programs authorized under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, under certain conditions. (20 U.S.C. § 1232g(b)(1)(K))

4. The right to receive annual notice of their rights with respect to education records. 5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School District or

school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are:

Student Privacy Policy Office U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Ave. SW Washington, DC 20202-8520

Also see School Board Policy 5.50 and click FERPA and its interpretative regulations in 34 CFR part 99. Copies of this information and policy can also be obtained from the District’s Department of Communications Office and from the schools. Recordkeeping Requirements: Schools shall not destroy any education records that are under investigation or records/litigation hold. Schools are also required to maintain requests for access to records, disclosure of personally identifiable information from students’ education records and other education records in accordance with the District’s Records Retention schedule, which is available online at: Records Retention.

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FLORIDA STATE-WIDE ASSESSMENT/PROMOTION Next Generation Sunshine State Standards/Florida Standards

The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) began in 1998 as part of Florida's overall plan to increase student achievement by implementing higher standards. In 2008, as Florida continued its commitment to ensure that its graduates could compete academically at a World Class level, Florida adopted its Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS). The increased rigor exemplified in the NGSSS enhanced student performance in a rapidly advancing, global environment. In February 2014, Florida moved to the new Florida Standards in Language Arts and Mathematics to continue to enhance the rigor of instruction throughout the state. The intent of standards-based curriculum is to identify what a student should know and be able to do at each grade level. In the 2010-11 school-year, the statewide assessment programs began transitioning to assessing student achievement of the NGSSS through the implementation of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test® 2.0 (FCAT 2.0). During full implementation, the FCAT 2.0 was administered to students in grades 3-11 and consisted of criterion-referenced assessments in mathematics, reading, science, and writing, which measured student progress toward meeting the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS) benchmarks. The Florida End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments are part of Florida's Next Generation Strategic Plan for the purpose of increasing student achievement and improving college and career readiness. EOC assessments are computer-based, criterion-referenced assessments that measure the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for specific courses, as outlined in their course descriptions. The first Assessment to begin the transition to End-Of-Course testing in Florida was the 2011 Algebra 1 EOC Assessment. Biology 1 and Geometry EOC Assessments were administered for the first time in spring 2012, and the U.S. History EOC Assessment was administered for the first time in spring 2013. The Civics EOC Assessment was administered for the first time in spring 2014. The primary goal of these Assessments is to provide information about student learning in Florida, as required by Florida law. (F.S. § 1008.22; F.S. §§ 1003.41 (1); 1008.22 (3); FAC 6A-1.09401) Florida's K-12 Statewide Assessment Program

● NGSSS Assessments: Beginning in the 2015-16 school year, the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards, will only be administered for the Statewide Science Assessment (grades 5 and 8). (See Table 4)

● Florida NGSSS EOC Assessments: The Florida End-of-Course Assessments are designed to measure student achievement of the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for specific middle- and high-school level courses, as outlined in their course descriptions. These are computer-based tests, which include the Biology 1 EOC, the U.S. History EOC Assessment, and the Civics EOC Assessment. (See Florida End-of-Course Assessments)

● Florida Standards Assessment: The Florida Standards Assessment provides a more authentic assessment of the Florida Standards, because it will include more than multiple-choice questions. Students will be asked to create graphs, interact with test content and write and respond in different ways than on traditional tests. Question types assess students’ higher-order thinking skills in keeping with the higher expectations of the Florida Standards. The assessments measure student progress in Mathematics (MAFS), grades 3-8; Algebra 1, Geometry, and in English/Language Arts (LAFS, grades 3-10).

The following statewide assessments will be administered in the 2021-22 school year: Florida Standards Assessments (FSA)

● Grades 3–10 ELA ● Grades 4–10 ELA Writing component ● Grades 3–8 Mathematics ● Algebra 1 EOC ● Geometry EOC

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Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS) Assessments ● Grades 5 and 8 Statewide Science Assessment ● Biology 1 EOC ● Civics EOC ● U.S. History EOC

The schedule for these assessments and other statewide assessments, as well as the Test Format by Year Chart that illustrates which tests will be computer-based or paper-based each year can be found at: Florida State Assessment Program 2021-2022 Schedule Required Assessments for Graduation Designations According to Florida law, students must meet all academic requirements, which include passing the required statewide assessments, in order to earn a standard high school diploma from a public school. Students who meet the academic course requirements, but do not pass the required assessments, will receive a Certificate of Completion, which is not equivalent to a standard high school diploma. Passing scores for the statewide assessments are determined by the State Board of Education. The assessments students must pass in order to graduate with a standard high school diploma are determined by their year of enrollment in grade 9. Tables 1 and 2 lists the required assessments for each grade 9 cohort for Reading/ ELA and Algebra 1.

The Algebra 1 End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment requires a Level 3 (399) to meet the graduation requirement for all students taking Algebra 1 prior to Spring of the 2014-15 school year. Students taking the FSA Algebra 1 EOC in spring 2015 received a linked score to the Level 3 (399). The official passing score for students who test after spring 2015 is 497, which is the minimum Level 3, by the State Board of Education. Graduation Options

● Retaking the Statewide Assessments — Students can retake the Grade 10 ELA test or Algebra 1 EOC Assessment each time the test is administered until achieving a passing score, and students can enroll beyond the twelfth- grade year should they need additional instruction to pass an assessment. Students currently have up to five opportunities to pass the Grade 10 ELA test before their scheduled graduation. Students who do not pass the Grade 10 ELA in the spring of their tenth-grade year may retest in fall and spring of their eleventh- and twelfth- grade years. The number of opportunities to retake the Algebra 1 EOC Assessment will depend on the grade

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students are in when they first take the test, since they typically take it at the conclusion of the course. The Algebra 1 EOC Assessment is currently administered four times each year: in the fall, winter, spring and summer.

● Concordant and Comparative Scores Option — a student can also graduate by receiving a score concordant to

the passing score on FSA ELA and/or Algebra 1 EOC Assessment on state approved assessments. Students entering high school prior to the 2018-19 school year may apply either set of concordant scores. Students entering grade 9 during the 2018-19 school year can only use new concordant scores.

● High School Diploma Scholar Designation—to qualify for a standard high school diploma Scholar designation, students must earn passing scores on each of the statewide assessments displayed in Table 4, in addition to the requirements for a standard high school diploma.

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• Waivers for Students with Disabilities — Students with disabilities who are working toward a standard high school diploma are expected to participate in statewide, standardized assessments; however, legislation provides for a waiver of statewide, standardized assessment results for graduation requirement purposes for students with disabilities whose abilities cannot be accurately measured by the assessments. Pursuant to s. 1008.22(3)(c)2., F.S., “A student with a disability, as defined in s. 1007.02(2), for whom the Individual Education Plan (IEP) Team determines that the statewide, standardized assessments under this section cannot accurately measure the student’s abilities, taking into consideration all allowable accommodations, shall have assessment results waived for the purpose of receiving a course grade and a standard high school diploma. Such waiver shall be designated on the student’s transcript.” For additional information, contact the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services at Florida Department of Education - Exceptional Student Education.

• High School Equivalency Diploma Program (2014 GED® Test)—The High School Equivalency Diploma Program is

designed to provide an opportunity for adults who have not graduated from high school to earn a State of Florida High School Diploma, the State’s equivalency diploma, by measuring the major academic skills and knowledge associated with a high school program of study that graduating seniors should know and be able to do, with increased emphasis on workplace and higher education. The State selected the 2014 GED® test as the assessment for the High School Equivalency Program during a competitive process conducted in 2014. The 2014 GED® Test includes four required content area tests: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. It is a computer-based test. Passing the test may require some preparation. Local adult education programs sponsored by school districts, colleges, and community organizations may assist students with determining how to best prepare for the test. Additional information and resources regarding the GED® Test and the High School Equivalency Program may be accessed at High School Equivalency Diploma Program.

Previous Scores Required for Graduation Frequently Asked Questions about Required Assessments

Why do students take the Florida Standards Assessments? To meet the complex challenges of today’s workplace, students must be skilled in mathematics and science, have knowledge of the world in which they live, be able to read and understand difficult texts, and be able to write well. FSA test questions are designed to measure the reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies skills and knowledge that students should acquire. The tests help teachers, principals, superintendents, community, and business stakeholders determine the level of success students have with all the State Standards. What Florida Statewide Assessments will my child take? All students enrolled in grades 3 through 10 and/or applicable courses that include an End-of-Year exam are required to take a Florida Statewide Assessment. Additional information on the state assessments administered is available at Statewide Assessment Program Information Guide. Why are State Tests Important? All assessment results guide the course of your child’s education from year to year. If your child scores below the levels of proficiency in reading, math, science, or history he/she will be given additional help. Why was the FCAT replaced with the new Florida Standards Assessment? With new, more rigorous standards in place to help Florida students succeed, the FCAT 2.0 no longer serves the purpose of measuring student progress and achievement in these areas. The Commissioner of Education’s top priority was to choose the best assessment for students, ensuring that the test replacing the FCAT 2.0 in the 2014-15 school-year best serves Florida students by accurately measuring education gains and progress. To this end, the following goals were outlined in Governor Scott’s Executive Order on September 23, 2013:

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● provide timely and informative reports of results; ● do not significantly increase the overall cost of testing to the state, districts or schools; ● allow students to test as late in the school year as possible; ● measure student mastery of the standards taught; ● provide a basis for comparing Florida performance to that of other states; ● meet high quality standards for assessment, including reliability and validity for a variety of accountability

purposes; ● provide the flexibility necessary in order for schools and districts to build technology capacity; and, ● include appropriate accommodations for exceptional students.

What changes will Florida students and teachers see? What are the benefits to students? The new Florida Standards, adopted by the State Board of Education in February after unprecedented public input and review, will prepare Florida students for success in college, career and in life by emphasizing analytical thinking. The new test will provide a more authentic assessment of the Florida Standards, because it will include more than multiple choice questions. Students will be asked to create graphs, interact with test content and write and respond in different ways than on traditional tests. New question types will assess students’ higher-order thinking skills in keeping with the higher expectations of the Florida Standards. Will students be required to pass the new assessments in order to meet promotion and graduation requirements? The guidelines for promotion and graduation are largely the same. Students entering 3rd grade in 2014-15 and beyond, who have only been taught using the Florida Standards since kindergarten, will be required to achieve an achievement level 2 or higher on the 3rdgrade ELA assessment in order to meet promotion requirements. Students not achieving the required score may still meet promotion requirements through any one of six good cause exemptions. Students entering grade 10t and/or taking Algebra 1 in 2014-15 and beyond will be required to achieve an achievement level 3 or higher on the respective FSA Grade 10 ELA test and the Algebra 1 assessment in order to meet graduation requirements. These students will continue to have the opportunity for retakes. What is the Testing Blackout Period? Each year our School District takes very seriously that all schools teach the standards and prepare for the Statewide Testing (FSA’s) as allowed by law. To minimize the interruptions in the final preparation for these tests, most District meetings are not scheduled for school-based personnel (teachers and administrators) from March through the May testing period. This period is referred to as the State Assessment Blackout Period. How will I know if my child is making progress? Federal and State regulations require each school to adhere to Student Progression Plan Performance Level charts when making decisions for individual students regarding promotion, retention, and remediation. F.S. § I008.25(I) The purpose of the Student Progression Plan is to inform school personnel, parents, students, and other interested citizens the School Board rules and administrative procedures required to implement State and local student progression requirements. It is the responsibility of the Board and District administration to provide students with effective instructional and remedial programs that monitor progress, promote continuous achievement, and make provisions for individual differences. The Plan can be found at: Student Progression Plan. Other Palm Beach Performance Assessment (PBPA) that your child may be given this school year include:

● Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener (FLKRS) Star Early Literacy (K) ● iReady (K-5) ● The District Diagnostic Tests ● The Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) ● SDPBC Literacy Assessment System Subtests and Reading Record (Fountas and Pinnell) ● Teacher/ District created assessments ● Grade Level Quiz and Unit Assessments ● Course Specific Tests (Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge [AICE], or Industry

Certifications)

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● Florida Standards Alternate Assessment (FSAA) ● Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State for English Language Learners

(ACCESS for ELLs) ● PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT

FOSTER CARE

The School District of Palm Beach County maintains an Interagency Agreement with the Department of Children and Families (DCF)/ChildNet to promote and establish protocols supporting the educational stabilization and success of students in foster care. This Interagency Agreement also includes collaboration with CareerSource Palm Beach County, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Early Learning Coalition, Department of Juvenile Justice, and Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network. The District Foster Care Liaison’s role includes:

▪ Daily monitoring of juvenile dependency shelter orders from the court system, and providing feedback to school personnel to ensure the safety of students.

▪ Remove barriers and enhance collaborative efforts stabilizing the student in school to ensure academic achievement.

▪ Coordinate transportation, to the extent feasible, to maintain a level of consistency for students in foster care as housing situations change.

▪ Guide and advocate students to graduate from high school and ensure their readiness to attain post-secondary education and/or vocational training.

For additional information or support, please contact Laura Shoemaker, Foster Care Liaison at 561-494-1449 or [email protected]. Palm Beach County has a deficit of foster homes causing many District students to be transferred out of county, away from their birth families and siblings. To inquire about becoming a Foster Parent, call the Friends of Foster Children at 561-352-2501.

FREE SPEECH AND STUDENT PUBLICATIONS Policy 8.123; Policy 2.122; Policy 2.131, Policy 5.70

The Constitution of the United States guarantees us the right to express our ideas freely. A basic education should prepare us to do that in responsible ways. We need opportunities to learn how to listen to the views of others, as well as how to express ourselves peacefully and harmoniously.

Rules

Policy 2.131, Policy 5.70

Students are expected to behave in ways that respect the rights of all. No non-school printed or electronic materials may be distributed or posted in schools or on school grounds unless permission has been granted by the principal or an authorized administrator and in designated areas. The following rules apply:

1. Approval must be obtained from a school administrator prior to: a. handing out or posting non-school materials including petitions and surveys; b. printing or electronically distributing any school publications, collecting money or selling

advertisements for school publications, and/or distributing any commercial, political, or religious material on school grounds.

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▪ Notices of student non-curricular group meetings posted on general-purpose electronic or other student bulletin boards do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the School District and/or the Administration. The District is only offering physical space to such groups per federal law and does not promote, endorse or otherwise sponsor such materials. Students are encouraged to be sensitive to the viewpoints and beliefs of their fellow students when posting such notices (P-2.121).

2. Students may not distribute electronic or printed petitions, surveys or other non-school materials during class time, unless curriculum-based and authorized by the teacher. Policy 2.131 also states: Distribution locations on campus shall be designated by the principal and may include, among others, any entrance and exit to the school and places near the cafeteria. Distribution shall be conducted in an orderly manner and shall not disrupt the ordinary operation of the school or interfere with free expression by other students.

3. No items or publications shall be distributed or displayed in any school which can: a. reasonably be interpreted by the principal or supervising administrators as being obscene, lewd, or

pornographic in a school or setting; being libelous or slanderous; containing statements which invade the personal right of privacy or advertising items not permitted for use by minors; and

b. reasonably be expected to create a material and substantial disruption of normal school activity or appropriate discipline in the operation of the school; or which advocates violence or illegal activity. Pornographic materials are not allowed on school grounds.

4. Permission to use District technology resources including online telecommunications and/or networks requires that the student electronically acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the user’s rights and responsibilities and parents receive notification from the New and Returning Student Registration Form they sign each year. (P-8.123)

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RIGHTS

Students have a right to hear various sides of subjects presented in their course. (P-2.59(7)(d)) Students have a right to give their opinions and points of view subject to time, place and manner limitations (P-2.59, P-2.131). Students have a right of student expression through school-sponsored publications consistent with legal and regulatory requirements, board policies, civil discourse, responsible journalism and professional standards, and within a framework of mutual respect. (P-5.70) Students have a right to expect that pornographic and/or threatening materials will not be allowed in the school. (P-5.1812, P-5.1813, P-5.70, P-8.123) Students have a right to use online telecommunications and networks to increase their access to information and resources for academic purposes. (P-8.123) Students have a right to use online telecommunications and networks for academic purposes to obtain information, create intellectual products, collaborate, and communicate for educational purposes. (P-8.123) Students have a right to use online telecommunications and networks without the fear that their products will be violated, misrepresented, tampered with, destroyed, or stolen. (P-8.123) Students have a right to engage in their religious activities on their own time outside school functions. (P-2.122) Secondary students have a right to a limited public forum for student groups to meet. (P-2.121)

RESPONSIBILITIES

Students have a responsibility to examine, analyze, evaluate and synthesize information before drawing conclusions. (P-2.59) Students have a responsibility to use good judgment in developing student publications. (P-5.70) Students have a responsibility to use good judgment in the selection of sources of information. (P-5.70) Students have a responsibility to understand the difference between appropriate and unacceptable uses of District technology resources including but not limited to online telecommunications and networks. (P-8.123) Students have a responsibility to keep their assigned password(s) confidential. (P-8.123) Students have a responsibility to recognize that the use of online telecommunications and networks is a privilege that can be withdrawn if they engage in unacceptable or illegal use of this resource. (P-8.123) Students have a responsibility to use online telecommunications and networks in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner in accordance with their educational mission. (P-8.123)

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FUNDRAISING Fundraising projects and activities by school or groups within the school shall contribute to the educational and extracurricular experiences of the students, although if there is a tragedy within the school community, the school may sponsor a fundraiser or solicit funds to benefit the victim or the victim(s) or the victim's family. Items cannot be sold for personal gain, such as food, jewelry, t-shirts, etc., (P-2.16). The determination of fundraising projects and activities for a school shall be the responsibility of the principal and instructional staff. Because of possible safety hazards to the individual student involved in such fund solicitation, the following are some of the standards that shall be observed:

a. Sale of magazines shall be permitted by all students. However, door-to-door solicitation shall be prohibited for all students as to all fund and product solicitations.

b. Participants in school approved candy sales, car washes, and similar fundraising activities are prohibited from standing in roadways and/or medians of roadways.

c. Due to the inherent dangers posed by mechanical rides, no school or school organization is permitted to allow any mechanical rides on School District property or at any school sponsored activity for any activities whatsoever.

d. All School Board special event and safety rules are to be followed, even if the fundraiser is held off school property.

Fundraising drives seeking funds from students initiated by outside organizations, such as the Salvation Army, United Way, Girl Scouts, etc., are not permitted in schools during the school day. This Policy also states additional restrictions relating to fundraising at schools.

GOLD REPORT/BEST PRACTICE

Safe Schools collects data on 44 incidents of drug-related, weapons, violent crimes, bullying/harassment, and disruptive behaviors that occur on school grounds, on school transportation, and school-sponsored events that occur off campus, during any 24-hour period, 365 days per year. Incidents are reported by schools to the District that, in turn, provides the data to the Florida Department of Education. The Gold Report provides data by school year on a large number of data elements for the following grade groupings: K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Further, these data elements are disaggregated by race/ethnicity and gender. The website allows you to select a single school, or all schools in a given level (All Elementary Schools, All Middle Schools, or All High Schools). The Gold Report

GRADUATION, MERITORIOUS RECOGNITION, AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Policy 8.01 High School Student Progression Plan

To be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian recognition, a student must have attended the same SDPBC public school for three complete years, two of which must be the junior and senior years. A student who is required to change schools due to a District initiated boundary change will be eligible to share the recognition as valedictorian or salutatorian with a fully eligible student, without meeting the three-year attendance requirement in the same school. Students selecting an 18-Credit ACCEL Graduation Option or electing to complete the 24-Credit Option in three years will not be eligible for valedictorian/salutatorian. An early admission student enrolled full-time in a college or university during any portion of his/her senior year will not be eligible for valedictorian/salutatorian. Please see the Student Progression Plan for further details.

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Standard Diploma Requirements Academic Advisement – What Students and Parents Need to Know

What are the diploma options?

Students must successfully complete one of the following diploma options: • 24-credit standard diploma • 18-credit Academically Challenging Curriculum to

Enhance Learning (ACCEL) • Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway • Advanced International Certificate of Education

(AICE) curriculum • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma curriculum

What are the state assessment requirements?

Students must pass the following statewide assessments:

• Grade 10 English Language Arts (ELA) or a concordant score

• Algebra 1 end of course (EOC) or a comparative score

Refer to Graduation Requirements for Florida’s Statewide Assessments for concordant and comparative scores.

Students enrolled in the following courses must participate in the corresponding EOC assessment, which constitutes 30 percent of the final course grade+:

• Algebra 1 • Geometry • Biology 1 • U.S. History +Special note: Thirty percent not applicable if not enrolled in the course but passed the EOC (credit acceleration program [CAP]).

What is the difference between the 18-credit ACCEL option and the 24-credit option?

• 3 elective credits instead of 8 • Physical Education is not required • Online course is not required

What is the difference between the CTE Pathway option and the 24-credit option?

• At least 18 credits are required • 4 elective credits instead of 8

o 2 credits in CTE courses, must result in completion and industry certification

o 2 credits in work-based learning programs or up to 2 elective credits including financial literacy

• Physical Education is not required • Fine and Performing Arts, Speech and Debate, or

Practical Arts is not required • Online course is not required

24 Credit Standard Diploma

4 Credits ELA

• ELA 1, 2, 3, 4 • ELA honors, Advanced Placement (AP), AICE, IB and

dual enrollment courses may satisfy this requirement

4 Credits Mathematics*

• One of which must be Algebra 1 and one of which must be Geometry

• Industry Certifications that lead to college credit may substitute for up to two mathematics credits (except for Algebra 1 and Geometry)

• An identified computer science** credit may substitute for up to one mathematics credit (except for Algebra 1 and Geometry)

3 Credits Science

• One of which must be Biology 1, two of which must be equally rigorous science courses

• Two of the three required course credits must have a laboratory component

• Industry Certifications that lead to college credit may substitute for up to one science credit (except for Biology 1)

• An identified computer science** credit may substitute for up to one science credit (except for Biology 1)

3 Credits Social Studies

• 1 credit in World History • 1 credit in U.S. History • 0.5 credit in U.S. Government • 0.5 credit in Economics

1 Credit Fine and Performing Arts, Speech and Debate, or Practical Arts*

1 Credit Physical Education*

• To include the integration of health

8 Elective Credits

1 Online Course

Students must earn a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale for all cohort years and pass statewide, standardized assessments unless a waiver of assessment results is granted by the IEP team for students with disabilities.

* Eligible courses are specified in the Florida Course Code Directory. **A computer science credit may not be used to substitute for both a mathematics and science credit.

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Scholar Diploma Designation

In addition to the requirements of section (s.) 1003.4282, Florida Statutes (F.S.), a student must satisfy the following requirements (per. s. 1003.4285, F.S.):

• Earn 1 credit in Algebra 2 or an equally rigorous course

• Pass the Geometry EOC • Earn 1 credit in Statistics or an equally

rigorous mathematics course • Pass the Biology 1 EOC* • Earn 1 credit in Chemistry or Physics • Earn 1 credit in a course equally rigorous

to Chemistry or Physics • Pass the U.S. History EOC* • Earn 2 credits in the same World Language • Earn at least 1 credit in an AP, IB, AICE or a dual

enrollment course

*A student is exempt from the Biology 1 or U.S. History EOC assessment if the student is enrolled in an AP, IB or AICE Biology 1 or U.S. History course; takes the respective AP, IB or AICE assessment; and earns the minimum score to earn college credit.

Merit Diploma Designation

• Meet the standard high school diploma requirements • Attain one or more industry certifications from the

list established (per s. 1003.492, F.S.)

State University System (SUS)

Admission into Florida’s public universities is competitive. Prospective students should complete a rigorous course of study in high school and apply to more than one university to increase their chance for acceptance. To qualify to enter one of Florida’s public universities, a first-time-in-college student must meet the following minimum requirements (credit earned by industry certification does not count for SUS admission):

• High school graduation with a standard diploma, a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, and admission test scores meeting minimum college-ready test scores per Board of Governors (BOG) Regulation 6.008

• 16 credits of approved college preparatory academic courses per BOG Regulation 6.002

• 4 English (3 with substantial writing) • 4 Mathematics (Algebra 1 level and above) • 3 Natural Science (2 with substantial lab) • 3 Social Science • 2 World Language (sequential, in the same language

or other equivalents) • 2 approved electives

State University System of Florida

The Florida College System

The 28 colleges of the Florida College System serve nearly 800,000 students. Colleges offer affordable and stackable workforce credentials including certificate programs, associate in science degrees and associate in arts degrees, which transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. Many colleges also offer workforce bachelor’s degree programs in areas of high demand. All Florida College System institutions have open- door admissions for students who earned a standard high school diploma or an equivalent diploma or successfully earned college credit.

Florida College System

Career and Technical Colleges and Centers

Florida also offers students 49 accredited career and technical colleges or centers throughout the state, which provide the education and certification necessary to work in a particular career or technical field. Programs are flexible for students and provide industry-specific education and training for a wide variety of occupations.

Career and Technical Education Directors

What are the additional graduation options for students with disabilities ? Two additional options are available only to students with disabilities. Both allow students to substitute a CTE course with related content for one credit in ELA 4, mathematics, science and social studies (excluding Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology 1 and U.S. History). The two options are as follows:

• Students with significant cognitive disabilities may earn credits via access courses and be assessed via an alternate assessment.

• Students who choose the academic and employment option must earn at least 0.5 credit via paid employment.

What is the CAP? The CAP allows a student to earn high school credit if the student passes an AP examination, a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or a statewide course assessment without enrollment in the course. The courses include:

• Algebra 1 • Geometry • Biology 1 • U.S. History

Where is information on financial aid located? The Florida Department of Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance administers a variety of postsecondary educational state-funded grants and scholarships.

Office of Student Financial Assistance

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HEALTH

School Health Program

The mission of Florida’s school health services program is to appraise, protect, and promote the health of students.

Palm Beach County’s School Health Program is a collaborative partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, and the School District of Palm Beach County. School-based health services are jointly developed within the School Health Services Plan and provided in accordance to F.S. § 381.0056. School health services aim to help students stay healthy, in the classroom, and ready to learn. Schools may provide emergency care for students as needed. Parents or legal guardians who do not wish to give permission for emergency care must provide the school a notarized statement declining emergency care.

Core school health program requirements include: mandated health screenings (vision, hearing, scoliosis, growth and development), school nurse assessment, health appraisal, medication and medical procedures administration, emergency and first aid response, communicable illness prevention, parent/guardian consultation, and referral and follow-up of suspected and confirmed health conditions.

Health Requirements for School Attendance

Florida’s school immunization law F.S. § 1003.22, requires all students in public schools in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten-12th grade to have documentation of proper immunizations and school entry health examinations.

▪ School entry health exam required for new students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, 7th grade and initial entry regardless of grade level (P-5.06 and F.S. § 1003.22)

o Form DH3040 should be used for physical exam and presented to school o Out of state exams accepted when assessment requirements of DH3040 are met

▪ Certificate of immunization required for new students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, 7th grade and initial entry regardless of grade level (P-5.06 and F.S. § 1003.22)

o Form DH680 required with current immunizations presented prior to school entry o Religious exemption obtained only on DH681 from county health department o Students who are transferring from an out of county school; experiencing homelessness; in DCF custody;

or students entering a juvenile justice education program or school; or children of military families as defined under Section 1000.36 F.S. receive a 30-day exemption while their records are being transferred (FAC 64D-3.046(4))

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Immunization Registry Requirements

In accordance with Board Policy 5.06, Health Examinations and Immunizations, each child who is entitled to admittance to grades preschool through 12, shall have a certificate of immunization on file with the FDOH State Immunization Registry (Florida Shots).

Any child shall be exempt from the requirements of registration with the state immunization registry if the parent or guardian of such child objects to having their child in the FDOH State Immunization Registry (Florida Shots) and completes the following:

1. The parent or guardian of the child must present or have on file with the school a certificate of immunization prior to admittance or attendance in a Florida Public or private school.

2. The parent or guardian shall sign an opt-out form (DH 1478) obtained from the FDOH, from a healthcare practitioner or entity that provides their child’s immunization which indicates that the parent or guardian does not wish to have the child included in the immunization registry.

School Health Personnel

School nurses are employed by either the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County, and/or the School District of Palm Beach County. Their services include:

▪ Assessment and intervention for injury/illness ▪ Case management and care plan development for identified high risk health problems ▪ Health consultation with parents, staff, and physicians ▪ Liaison to health care providers, school and community partners ▪ Administration of medication/treatments required during school hours ▪ Education on health conditions and other related topics ▪ Review of health records (physical exams, immunization records, and screening results)

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Paraprofessionals and designated school staff, trained by and under the supervision of a registered nurse, provide student-specific health services as needed. School Health Mandated Screenings

Screening is a traditional school health service to identify potential impairments that could interfere with the learning process. The following grade levels are mandated for screenings specific to Chapter 64F-6.003, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.):

Type of Screening Grade Level Vision* K, 1, 3, 6, optional 9 Hearing K, 1, 6, optional 3 Scoliosis 6 Growth & Development 1, 3, 6, optional 9

*Distance acuity is the most important part of vision screening and 25% of school-age children will have vision problems that could seriously impact learning.

It is very important that all students receive these services for early identification and prevention of future health problems. School nurses notify parents of abnormal results and provide suggestions for their health care provider’s follow-up if necessary. Although Florida law mandates these health screenings, an exemption can be made by written request of the parent on the New and Returning Student Registration Form PBSD 0636. (P-5.06; F.S. § 381-0056(6)(e))

Parent Responsibilities with Student Health It is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s) to notify the school of any health condition of their child, which may require medication, treatment, or monitoring at school or on school-sponsored trips or activities.

▪ Pursuant to School Board Policies 5.321 and 5.3212, parents/guardians must submit a properly executed “Authorization for Medication/Treatment” form (available from physician) to school administration

o If their child requires medication (including over-the-counter) or treatment to be given during the school day

o If their child requires a health-related monitoring (including blood glucose) device during the school day ▪ Pursuant to School Board Policy 5.321 and upon receipt of “Authorization for Medication/Treatment” students

are allowed to carry the following medical supplies on their person and attend to the management of their health condition:

o Metered dose inhaler for asthma o Diabetic supplies and equipment o Enzyme supplements for pancreatic insufficiency o Epinephrine auto-injector

Collaborative Community Health Programs The School District of Palm Beach County partners with the county health department and approved professional health associations to provide specific initiatives targeting health needs of students within our county. The following programs provide support within the school setting.

▪ Dental Prevention Initiatives o Fluoride “Swish” Mouth Rinse Program at participating schools in grades K-5 provides a daily rinse

program in areas of the county with less than recommended fluoride levels in their water supply o Dental Sealant Program in 2nd grade provides preventive dental care on the “Tooth Fairy” bus at eligible

schools within our county ▪ Asthma Management

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Health and Accident Insurance The School District of Palm Beach County does not pay for medical treatment due to student accidents during the school day or aftercare programs. The following resources are available to parents. If parents want insurance coverage, it must be established in advance of an accident

o Florida KidCare - Health insurance application cards are sent home with every student at the beginning of the school year

• Contact through website: www.floridakidcare.org • Call: 1-888-540-5437

o School Insurance of Florida – Accident plan applications are available at every school • Contact through website: www.schoolinsuranceofflorida.com • Call: 1-407-798-0290 or 1-800-432-6915

o Private insurance School Health Program Contacts

o Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County, Division of Community & School Health • Website:http://palmbeach.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/clinical-and-nutrition-services/school-health/index.html • Contact phone number: 561-671-4175

o Health Care District of Palm Beach County, School Health Program • Website: http://www.hcdpbc.org • Contact phone number: 561-659-1270

o School District of Palm Beach County, Support Services • Website: https://www.palmbeachschools.org/departments/support_services • Contact phone number: 561-681-3796

School Board Policies Related to Student Health o Viewed on School District website: BoardDocs® Pro

• 5.06 Health Examinations and Immunizations • 5.32 Student Illness or Accident • 5.321 Administration of Student Medication/Treatment • 5.3212 Blood Glucose Monitoring • 5.322 Students with Chronic Illnesses and infectious Diseases • 5.3221 Use of Medical Marijuana/Low THC Cannabis By Qualified Students In School • 5.323 Automated External Defibrillators • 5.324 Students with Life Threatening Health Conditions • 5.325 Pediculosis (Head Lice) Prevention and Control

HOME EDUCATION Students registered with the Home Education Office Students may transfer to their public school that serves his/her attendance zone. Grade placement and credit decisions will be determined by the school administration according to the District Policies. The student’s curriculum, portfolio, and annual evaluations may be reviewed prior to placement. (P-8.14(12); P-8.01) For additional information on Home Education, visit Home Education. Questions, please email [email protected] or call 561-434-8052.

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INFORMATION REGARDING CHILDREN EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS Policy 5.74

Homelessness - Every Child Has the Right to an Education If, due to a loss of housing, you must live in a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground; on the street; in abandoned buildings; or doubled-up with relatives or friends due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; then you are eligible to receive services provided under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 11431 et seq., F.S. § 1003.01 (12). Rights of Eligible Students McKinney-Vento eligible students, including migrant students experiencing homelessness, have the right to:

• Receive equal access to the same free, appropriate education and comparable programs and services on the same basis as all other students, including special, migrant, and vocational education, and free school meals.

• Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment; • Enroll in the local zoned school; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when

permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if requested by the parent or guardian, and feasible. Transportation to and from the school of origin as appropriate, at the request of the parent/guardian or local homeless liaison (on behalf of unaccompanied youth), if in the student’s best interest.

• Access to a dispute resolution process to appeal a school/district decision regarding School Selection/Eligibility for Services.

• Have an opportunity to meet the same challenging State of Florida academic standards to which all students are held;

• Not to be segregated, separated, or isolated based on their status as homeless.

Information regarding District programs for homeless students, including unaccompanied homeless youth, as well as the duties of the homeless liaison is available by contacting the District Homeless Education Liaison at 561-494-1547.

HOSPITAL HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES A homebound or hospitalized student with a medically diagnosed physical or psychiatric condition which is acute or catastrophic, a chronic illness, or a repeated intermittent illness due to a persisting medical problem and that confines the student to home or hospital, restricts activities for an extended period of time can be reviewed for Hospital Homebound Instructional Services. Further information regarding eligibility and program design can be accessed through our District portal department link at Virtual and Home Education Programs.

LIBRARY MEDIA SERVICES All District schools have a Library Media Center to provide equitable access to print and electronic resources, including eBooks and databases, for student use in academic and leisure learning. Selection of these materials occurs through the guidelines established by School Board P-8.12. School Board P-8.1205 is an extension of the selection policy but outlines the process and procedures followed by the District if there is a request for reconsideration of a selected item.

The Destiny Library Catalog is available 24/7 from any Internet connected computer at home or at school. The Destiny Library Catalog lets you access eBooks and browse all the resources at your school. Electronic resources, including the Destiny Web Catalog, can be accessed through the student portal at https://www.mysdpbc.org. Check with your school Library Media Specialist for the password to access these resources outside of school. The School District works in close collaboration with the municipal and public libraries in Palm Beach County to extend resources to students beyond the school day.

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MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL PUBLIC SAFETY ACT The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act (SB 7026) is a comprehensive law that focuses on public and school safety. An important component of the legislation is providing students and their families’ access to mental health services. Parents/Guardians of new or transferring students will be required to note referrals to mental health services on the Student Registration Form. District policies and procedures relating to the prevention of violence on school grounds and the provision of mental health services will be updated per this legislation. FortifyFl App The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act has funded the development of a mobile suspicious-activity reporting tool that allows students and the community to relay information anonymously concerning unsafe, potentially harmful, dangerous, violent, or criminal activities, or the threat of these activities, to appropriate public safety agencies and school officials. The FortifyFL App is available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play. The Student Code of Conduct has been changed in accordance with SB 7026, and now states that any student that makes a threat or false report; brings a firearm or weapon; who makes, posts or transmits a threat in writing or other record, including an electronic report, to conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism, in any manner that would allow another person to view the threat, must be referred to a mental health agency for evaluation or treatment when appropriate. In addition to mental health referrals, students will also be referred for disciplinary action by the District, which can include expulsion.

MILITARY RECRUITERS AND INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING ANNUAL NOTICE FOR ACCESS TO DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, a Federal law), and F.S. § 1002.22 generally requires that the School District of Palm Beach County obtain your written consent before disclosing any personally-identifiable information from your child’s education records (unless an exception designated in the law applies). The School Board does not have a directory information policy. However, Federal law has required that school districts receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) must give military recruiters access to certain directory information. Federal law requires that the District “shall provide, on a request made by military recruiters or an institution of higher education, access to secondary school students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings.” The information will be used for military recruiting purposes and other legitimate purposes such as informing students of scholarship opportunities at institutions of higher learning. Parental consent is not required before providing the information to recruiters and institutions of colleges, although parents/students may “opt out.” In accordance with Federal laws, military recruiters are entitled to receive the name, address, and telephone listing of secondary school students, unless the parent or student has advised the school that they do not want the student’s information to be disclosed without specific prior written consent. (“A secondary school student or the parent of the student may request that the student’s name, address, and telephone listing . . . not be released without prior written parental consent” to military recruiters or institutions of higher learning. U.S.C. § 7908(a)(2)

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OPT-OUT NOTICE: If you DO NOT want the school or the District to disclose one or more of these categories of information (name, address, or telephone) to military recruiters or officials of institutions of higher learning without your prior written consent, we ask that you notify the school principal in writing within 10 days of receipt of the Student and Family Handbook. Although OPT-OUT notification will be honored at any time during the school year, it is recommended that you alert the school within 10 days so that no information will be released to recruiters.

Federal law also requires secondary schools to give military recruiters the same access to secondary students as they generally provide to postsecondary institutions or prospective employers. For example, if the school has a policy of allowing postsecondary institutions or prospective employers to come on school property to provide information to students about educational or professional opportunities, it must afford the same access to military recruiters. For more information on the requirements of the law, you may contact the Office of the Secretary of Defense for copies of the statute, or questions relating to it, as follows: Director, Accession Policy, 4000 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-4000, Telephone: 703-695-5529. For more information on the requirements of 20 U.S.C. 7908, you may contact the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20202. For more information about both of the above laws and your right to opt out, please see the U.S. DOE Guidance on Access to High School Students and Information on Students by Military Recruiters. (Oct. 9, 2002).

MOMENT OF SILENCE On June 14, 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 529 which requires teachers of all grades to set aside at least 1 minute, but no more than 2 minutes daily, for a moment of silence during their first period class. Students may not interfere with other students’ participation in this moment of silence and teachers may not make suggestions as to the nature of any reflection that a student may engage in during the moment of silence. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss the moment of silence with their students and to make suggestions as to the best use of this time.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT - FY22

The School Board of Palm Beach County, Florida, prohibits discrimination in admission to or access to, or employment in its programs and activities, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or sexual orientation, marital status, age, religion, disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic prohibited by law. The School Board also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

The School District of Palm Beach County offers the following career and technical programs, including career academies wherein students may earn industry certification, visit the Programs of Study page for more information as well as a list of classes.

Lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation. The District may assess each student’s ability to benefit from specific programs through placement tests and counseling, and, if necessary, will provide services or referrals to better prepare students for successful participation. Further information can be found at: Non-Discrimination Statement The persons listed below have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies, reports of alleged violations, concerns about compliance, and/or the grievance procedures, etc.

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Age Act Coordinator Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Accommodations Equal Employment Opportunities Employee & Labor Relations 3300 Forest Hill Boulevard, C-301 West Palm Beach, FL 33406 [email protected] Title IX Coordinator Dr. April K. Bullard Roosevelt Elementary School/Safe Schools 1220 15th Street, Building 5-101 West Palm Beach, FL 33407 561-653-5185 [email protected] Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/504 Students Coordinator Kimberly Doyle, ADA/504 Specialist Exceptional Student Education 3378 Forest Hill Boulevard, Suite A-203 West Palm Beach, FL 33406 561-434-8895 [email protected] Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Facilities Thomas Hogarth, Director Building Code Services 3661 Interstate Park Road North, Suite 200 Riviera Beach, FL 33404 561-383-2028 [email protected] Gender Equity in Athletics/Title IX Valerie Miyares, Athletic Director Support Services 3300 Forest Hill Boulevard, Suite C-216 West Palm Beach, FL 33406 561-434-7341 [email protected] Florida Educational Equity Act Coordinator Keith Oswald, Chief Equity and Wellness 3300 Forest Hill Boulevard, Suite C-316 West Palm Beach, FL 33406 561-434-8822 [email protected]

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NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER THE PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA)

The PPRA, 20 U.S.C. § 1232h, affords parents, including legal guardians or other persons standing in loco parentis, of elementary and secondary students certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. See also Policy 2.142. These include, but are not limited to, the right to: ● Consent before students are required to submit a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas

(“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)--

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; 2. mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family; 3. sex behavior or attitudes; 4. illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; 5. critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships; 6. legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers; 7. religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or 8. income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

● Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of--

1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding; 2. any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by

the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and

3. activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others. (This does not apply to the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions.)

● Inspect, upon request and before administration or use-- 1. Protected information surveys of students and surveys created by a third party; 2. instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other

distribution purposes; and 3. instructional materials used as part of the educational curriculum.

These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or is an emancipated minor under State law. The District’s Section 504 & Americans with Disabilities Act Procedural Manual outlines the eligibility requirements and processes for students. The School District of Palm Beach County has developed and adopted policies in consultation with parents regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes (except for a survey administered to a student in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA, 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.); and also except for the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions.

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The School District of Palm Beach County will directly notify parents of such policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. The District will also directly notify, such as through a notice in this Handbook or the U.S. mail or e-mail, the parents of students who are scheduled to participate in specific activities or surveys and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation in the specific activity or survey. The District will make this notification to parents (such as through a notice in this Handbook) at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. The School Effectiveness Questionnaire (SEQ) is administered annually in the Spring of each year for all employees, students (grades 3-12), and all parents. The notice for SEQ administration is through the District Assessment Bulletin provided to principals, in addition to an SEQ specific bulletin prior to administration. The student SEQ for students in grades 3-12 consists of 41 items for elementary students and 48 items for secondary students.

● Responses use a five-point Likert scale ranging from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree. Administration of the student SEQ is available online and through Performance Matters for those who require a printed copy.

● The parent SEQ is for parent(s) of all students in grades K-12 and consists of 39 items. Responses use a five-point Likert scale ranging from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree, as well as some general questions regarding demographics.

● Administration of the parent SEQ is available online and through Performance Matters for those who require a printed copy.

● All versions of the SEQ are provided in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. For applicable surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this direct notification requirement:

▪ Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution. ▪ Administration of any protected-information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED. ▪ Any non-emergency, invasive physical examinations or screenings as described above.

Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:

Student Privacy Policy Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202

PREGNANT AND PARENTING STUDENTS INFORMATION

Title IX, the Education Amendments of 1972, Public Law No. 92-318, 86 Stat. 235 (June 23, 1972), codified at 20 U.S.C. § § 1681 through 1688, was co-authored and introduced by Senator Birch Bayh; it was renamed the Patsy Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act in 2002, after its House co-author and sponsor. It states (in part) that: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance..." with certain exceptions. Florida law also provides that pregnant and parenting students have the right to continue attending their public school. F.S. § § 1002.20 (2), 1003.21 (1)(9d), & 1003.54, and 6A-6.0525 FAC. We encourage pregnant students to work with their guidance counselor and school nurse. The School District of Palm Beach County offers a half credit parenting skills course, referrals to health and social services and child care services, to assist students in completing their high school diploma. See also P-8.13 and 5.27. (*Note these policies are under review and are subject to change.) For more information regarding the Teen Parent Program (TPP) contact: [email protected].

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Policy 5.40

The State of Florida requires that the Pledge of Allegiance be recited at the beginning of the day in every Florida public elementary, middle, and high school. Each student shall be informed by a written notice published in the student handbook or a similar publication pursuant to s. 1006.07(2) that the student has the right not to participate in reciting the pledge. Upon written request by his or her parent through a written opt-out, the student must be excused from reciting the pledge, including standing and placing the right hand over his or her heart. F. S. § 1003.44(1).

1. A student under the age of 18 who is not emancipated must stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, unless excused in writing by the parent. An 18-year-old or older or an emancipated high school student has personal authority and cannot be required to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. In the event of a non-participating student without an opt-out, the school personnel: a. cannot single out the student in front of the class; b. must counsel with the student (who is not 18 years of age or older, or an emancipated high school student)

privately and notify the parent for parental resolution, and any conflict between the parent and child should be resolved by the parent;

c. cannot discipline a student for failing to stand and/or pledge; d. may issue disciplinary action if a student materially disrupts the Pledge.

PRIVACY

Personal privacy is a right. This right protects both individual and group concerns.

RIGHTS

Students have the right to personal privacy.

Students have the right to expect that schools will keep their records safe, secure and private. (P-5.50; F.S. § 1002.22); (F.S.§ 1002.221; 20 U.S.C.‚ § 1232g)

Students have the right to know that information about another person must be treated with respect and privacy. (P-5.50)

RESPONSIBILITIES

Students have the responsibility of respecting the privacy of others. (P-5.002)

Students have the responsibility to learn how the information in their school records is gathered, how it is used, and what it means.

Students have the responsibility of having in their possession only items allowed by law and School Board Policy. (P-5.1812; P-5.1813)

Students have the responsibility to recognize they have only a limited expectation of privacy when using School District technology resources. (P-8.123)

Students have the responsibility to recognize that disrespectful behavior, such as touching anyone’s body in a way that offends the other person, is unacceptable. (P-5.001)

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REASSIGNMENTS

In Palm Beach County District Schools, students who are minors must attend the school assigned to the primary residence of the parent/student (P-5.01(1)) unless assigned to another school through a special assignment method. Special assignments include placement for necessary services, placement by the Choice and Career Options lottery, placement through Federal or State programs, and placement by reassignment. A reassignment is a request to attend a school other than the school assigned to the parent’s address. Reassignments are considered and reviewed based on standards criteria set forth in P-5.015; they are not based on convenience or choice preference. These reassignment requests are reviewed in accordance with the criteria adopted by the School Board, and schools with enrollment at or above 100% of capacity, new schools in their first year, schools that are overcrowded due to construction-related issues, and schools that lack available classrooms due to special programs cannot be considered as a receiving school (P-5.015(4)).

Reassignments are requested by application at https://www.mypbchoiceapp.com/ or on the appropriate District form. Absent special circumstances for hardship cases or when the reason for reassignment arises for the first time after the prescribed date, the parent or guardian must submit applications by the published application deadline dates for each semester. Attendance and discipline records influence reassignment decisions, subject to federal law. If a reassignment request is approved, except as to one basis for reassignment, it is the parent’s responsibility to provide transportation to the new school. Reassignments may be revoked by the principal for attendance, discipline, or academic reasons subject to federal law, and are reviewed annually for reassignment continuance.

REGISTRATION

To register a child in the School District of Palm Beach County, you will need to take the following documents to the appropriate school and submit a completed and signed New/Returning Student Registration Form (PBSD 0636):

▪ Current proof of address (2 items – refer to list below), unless extenuating or hardship circumstances exist as stated in P-5.011:

o Telephone, Cellular Phone Bill o Electric Bill o Rent Receipt with the name of the tenant and landlord and contact information for all parties o Lease agreement with name of tenant and landlord and contact information for all parties o Mortgage o Home purchase contract including specific closing date, with copy of the deed to be provided within 30

days of closing date o Automobile Insurance Policy o Current State of Florida Driver’s License o Current State of Florida ID card o Credit Card Statement o US Postal Service confirmation of address change o Evidence of correspondence, including a stamped, addressed, postmarked envelope delivered to the

home address; or o Declaration of Domicile

▪ Birth Certificate or other acceptable proof of birth per F. S. § 1003.21** ▪ Proof of a physical examination within 12 months of the date of entry (and this may be submitted within 30 school

days if not available at time of registration) ▪ Proof of immunization status**

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o Florida Form DH680, or o Permanent Medical Exemption, or o Religious Exemption

▪ School Records, if applicable ▪ Affidavit of Person Acting as Parent (PBSD 1543) or Affidavit of Person Acting as Parent for Extra Curricular

Academy (PBSD 2416) and Affidavit of Residence Form (PBSD 1866), if applicable Immunization Registry Requirements

In accordance with Board Policy 5.06, Health Examinations and Immunizations, each child who is entitled to admittance to grades preschool through 12, shall have a Certificate of Immunization on file with the FDOH State Immunization Registry (Florida Shots). Any child shall be exempt from the requirements of registration with the state immunization registry if the parent or guardian of such child objects to having their child in the FDOH State Immunization Registry (Florida Shots) and completes the following:

1. The parent or guardian of the child must present or have on file with the school a certificate of immunization prior to admittance or attendance in a Florida Public or private school.

2. The parent or guardian shall sign an opt-out form (DH 1478) obtained from the FDOH, from a healthcare practitioner or entity that provides their child’s immunization which indicates that the parent or guardian does not wish to have the child included in the immunization registry.

**Students that do not have two forms of proof of residence, or have other extenuating circumstances should see their school’s administration. Students experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied youth and children who are found to be dependent or are in shelter care have extended time (30 days is a suggested extension) to present these documents. Contact MVP Team at 561-494-1569. See information about homeless families discussed above. Schools must meet the language needs of parents at all relevant stages of the registration process to ensure meaningful access to their students’ educational opportunities.

See Student Progression Plans incorporated by reference in Policy 8.01, under Initial Entry Requirements and P-5.011 Additional proof of residence may be required where there is a reasonable suspicion that the student is not residing within the attendance zone or if the school may be facing a boundary change due to overcrowding as stated in Policy 5.01(4). Refer to the Transportation section of this Handbook for information regarding requesting transportation for your child(ren). NOTE: If you move during the school year or the school has a wrong address, you must notify the school. (P-5.011). Also, the New and Returning Student Registration Form must be completed and returned to your school yearly.

RESOLUTION TO PROMOTE WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS Immigrant Support Plan - Complete Plan Toolkit 2021 - 2023 As a result of the Resolution to Promote Welcoming and Inclusive Schools for all Students and Families passed by the School Board on April 19, 2017, the District has developed the Immigrant Support Plan 2021-2023. It is our sincere hope the information contained in the Plan will help support our immigrant students and families by promoting a welcoming

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and inclusive environment on school campuses, as well as connecting them with community resources to support them as they prepare for higher education. This Immigrant Support Plan includes information about immigrant legal rights and resources. Such materials are for information purposes only, and may not reflect the most current developments. These materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. The Immigrant Support Plan has been translated into Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Spanish and can be found on the District Website: Welcoming and Inclusive Schools

RESPECT FOR PERSONS AND PROPERTY Public and private safety is a right. These rights must sometimes be balanced against each other for everyone’s benefit. Students, parents, and school staff need to work together to see that these rights are preserved in our schools. Rights

● Students have the right to be treated with respect. ● Students have the right to attend a safe and orderly school.

Responsibilities

● Students have the responsibility to respect the rights of others. ● Students have the responsibility to treat others with respect. ● Students have the responsibility to treat school property and the property of others with respect ● students have the responsibility to act in a way that does not interfere with the rights of others and is not harmful

to the health and safety of others. ● Students have the responsibility to tell a trusted adult, parent, or staff member, confidentially, if they suspect

there is or will be danger to a student or others, or if there will be other disruption to the school campus. Everyone is responsible for safety.

A recommendation of expulsion or assignment to an alternative school may also be made for a student who is found to intentionally make false accusations that jeopardize the professional reputation, employment or certification of a teacher or other member of the school staff, according to the School Board Student Code of Conduct. F.S. § 1006.09(1)(c); P-5.1817(2)(a)

RETURNED CHECKS "Pursuant to F.S. § 68.065, the School Board of Palm Beach County, Florida reserves the right to seek payment of a service charge for checks presented to it that are dishonored by the drawing bank because of lack of funds, lack of credit, or lack of an account, or where the person who wrote the check stops payment with intent to defraud the School District/School. The School Board/School may seek to collect from the person who wrote the dishonored check: 1) bank fees actually incurred by the School Board/School as a result of the dishonored check, 2) the value of the dishonored check, plus 3) three times the amount of the check, and/or 4) any other fees or costs allowable by law."

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RETURNING TO YOUR SCHOOL (ASSIGNED BASED ON BOUNDARIES) Students who attend Choice Programs or Career Academies Students who exit a Choice or Career Program (voluntarily or involuntarily), may not remain at the choice option school site. Information regarding Choice Program exits can be found in the Choice Procedures Manual and on the Choice Programs Website. Students who were expelled from school Under School District policies, absent early reinstatement, students who are expelled (although they are being provided alternative educational services) may return to the regular education program of the School District at the beginning of the term following the one-year anniversary date of their expulsion. Students are to contact the Regional/Instructional Superintendent about school registration information. They may be assigned to a school other than the one from which they were expelled. (P-5.1817(6); P-8.13) ESE Students who were given an alternative placement for up to 45 days The IEP Team will meet prior to the end of the IAES period (which may be up to 45 school days) to determine the student’s future placement. The school to which they return may be different from their home school. (P-8.13) Students returning to a Regular School District School from a Charter School Students should register at the school serving his/her attendance zone immediately after withdrawing from a charter school. Students returning from Commitment Programs Students are expected to return to the School District of Palm Beach County upon their release from the program. They should contact their Regional Superintendent and/or their school principal BEFORE returning to the school site. (P-8.13)

Students who have received a reassignment to another school A student shall be permitted to return to the assigned school serving his/her attendance zone at the end of the semester; unless there are extenuating circumstances. P-5.015 (11). If a reassignment is revoked by the receiving school principal for reasons set forth in P-5.015 (12), the student returns to their school serving his/her attendance zone after three calendar days as outlined in the Reassignment policy.

Students returning to their boundary school from a McKay Scholarship Program (McKay) public or private school placement Upon reasonable notice to the Florida Department of Education and the School District, the student’s parent may remove the student from the Program, forfeiting his/her McKay choice option for the school year. In order to exercise the McKay choice option in the future, the student must prequalify for initial eligibility criteria as established by F.S. § 1002.39(2). Grade placement and credit history will be determined by the receiving school administration according to School District policies. The school serving his/her attendance zone should be contacted for registration information and procedures. If that school is not able to implement the child’s most recent IEP of record, the school will work through the Area ESE Office to determine a placement site. In the case of public school choice, the McKay assigned school number becomes the student's home school number. Students may remain at their choice school through the highest grade level in that school. Commencement Implication Seniors who return to the zoned school and who meet all graduation/certificate requirements may enjoy all of the senior activities including commencement exercises. However, this does not include meritorious recognition for Valedictorian or Salutatorian. It is understood that said students would transition at the beginning of the year and no later than the beginning of the 2nd Semester. EXCEPTION: mutual agreement between the principals of the schools.

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Behaviors: Students are expected to honor their responsibilities and behave in ways that respect the rights of all. The expectations for behavior include, but are not limited to:

▪ Being prepared for class by bringing paper, pencil, pen, books, and other needed supplies

▪ Completing all classwork and homework (P-8.16)

▪ Using class time properly ▪ Taking home and returning necessary forms ▪ Following rules and regulations about field

trips

▪ Taking care of and returning textbooks, library books, or other school-owned material loaned to them. (NOTE: Please see Student Textbooks and Other Instructional Materials) (P-8.1225)

▪ Acting responsibly on campus, on buses and at all school sponsored events regardless of location (P-5.186; P-5.1812; P-5.1813)

Field Trips: Field trips are a privilege, not a right. This privilege can be denied for unacceptable behavior. An educational alternative will be offered. (P-5.1812; P-5.1813) *Note that P-5.1812 & P-5.1813 are currently under review and are subject to change.

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SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION The School District of Palm Beach County maintains a Local Scholarship Search website at Scholarship Search. Students and parents should periodically review the site where scholarships can be searched by keyword or GPA or can be sorted alphabetically or by deadline date. Scholarship-related resource links are also available on the site. Additional information can be obtained by contacting your School Counselor.

School Name Phone Number

Adult Education Center 561-616-7813 A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts 561- 802-6007 Atlantic High School 561-243-1515 Boca Raton High School 561-362-4572 Boynton Beach High School 561-752-1216 Forest Hill High School 561-540-2408 G-Star (Sch. Of Motion Picture & TV) 561-967-2023 Glades Central High School 561-993-4462 High Ridge School, Walter Kelly Center 561-494-0014 Inlet Grove Community High School 561-881-4628 John I. Leonard High School 561-491-8354 Jupiter High School 561-744-7945 Lake Worth High School 561-540-6128 Olympic Heights High School 561-852-6990 Pahokee High School 561-924-6403 Palm Beach Central High School 561-304-1009 Palm Beach Gardens High School 561-694-7320 Palm Beach Juvenile Correctional Facility 561-868-5392 Palm Beach Lakes High School 561-640-5005 Palm Beach Regional Juvenile Detention Center 561-494-0009 Palm Beach Virtual School 561-881-4765 Park Vista High School 561-491-8437 Riviera Beach Maritime Academy 561-841-7600 Royal Palm Beach High School 561-753-4020 Santaluces High School 561-642-6219 Seminole Ridge High School 561-422-2610 South Tech Academy 561-369-7035 Spanish River High School 561-241-2210 Suncoast High School 561-882-3407 Village Academy 561-243-6100 Wellington High School 561-795-4915 West Boca Raton High School 561-672-2052 William T. Dwyer High School 561-625-7828

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SCHOOL CONTROL AND DIRECTION OVER STUDENTS NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS

F.S. § 1003.31 describes circumstances when each student is under the control and direction of the School District. See also State Board of Education Rule 6A-3.0121.

These circumstances are:

a. during the time the student is being transported to or from school at public expense; b. during the time the student is attending school; c. during the time the student is on school premises participating with authorization in a school-sponsored activity;

and d. during a reasonable time before and after the student is on the premises for attendance at school or for

authorized participation in a school-sponsored activity, and only when on the premises...In defining reasonable time, the statute provides that the term “reasonable time” may mean 30 minutes before or after the activity is scheduled or actually begins or ends, whichever period is longer.

Subsection (2) of the Statute also sets forth limitations to the School District’s duty of supervision following notice:

Casual or incidental contact between School District personnel and students on school property shall not result in a legal duty to supervise outside of the reasonable times set forth in this section...Parents should not rely on additional supervision. The duty of supervision shall not extend to anyone other than students attending school and students authorized to participate in school-sponsored activities.

The School Board assumes no responsibility for the student’s safety when the student is not under the control and direction of the School District under the circumstances described above. This includes when a student is participating in a non-school sponsored activity or a non-school related event. Parents are responsible for any activities they sponsor for students or that occur at their home, such as parties. Parents and students are notified, as allowed by State Board of Education Rule 6A-3.0121, that they have the following responsibilities in relation to transportation:

1. To ensure the safe travel of their students during the portions of each trip to and from school and home when the students are not under the custody and control of the school district, including during each trip to and from home and the assigned bus stop when the school district provides bus transportation.

2. To ensure that students ride only in their assigned school buses and get off only at assigned bus stops, except when the District has approved alternative buses or arrangements.

3. To ensure students are aware of and follow the District’s adopted Student Code of Conduct while the students are at school bus stops (School Board Policy 5.186) and to provide necessary supervision during times when the bus is not present.

4. To ensure that, when the physical disability of the student renders the student unable to get on and off the bus without assistance, the parent provides the necessary assistance to help the student get on and off at the bus stop, as required by District policy or the student’s Individual Educational Plan.

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SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE

Breakfast and Lunch For the 2021 - 22 school year, School Food Service is able to offer Free Breakfast and Lunch to all students enrolled where breakfast and lunch is provided by the School Food Service Department. In order to receive a FREE breakfast, students must select three or four of the following food groups: whole grains, lean meats, fruit, and milk. For FREE lunch, students may select three, four or five of the following food groups: whole grains, lean meats, fruit, vegetable, and milk. At least one of these choices must be from the fruit or vegetable group. District Menus District menus can be accessed by visiting the School Food Service website at: palmbeachschools.org/sfs . Look for the Menu Information box which will take you to Nutrislice, our online menus. On Nutrislice, pictures of the menu items along with nutritional facts, allergens, and carbohydrate counts are available. Menus may also be viewed through multiple outlets including: the Nutrislice mobile app, and school cafeterias. Charge Policy This year all students are eligible to receive FREE breakfast and FREE lunch therefore we will not be utilizing our charge policy , however, if you would like more information on School Food Services charge Policy, please click on the link: Policy 6.185 - School Food Service Management Special Dietary Needs Each year, School Food Service reviews the ingredients of each food item offered in the cafeterias to identify potential allergens and/or intolerances. Allergy and other special dietary needs information, such as carbohydrate counts and meal preferences, is available on the School Food Service website under Special Dietary Needs School Food Service. For questions regarding meal accommodations, please email [email protected]. Although breakfast and lunch meals are offered free to all students this year, parents may still want to complete an application to qualify for other reduced cost or free programs. Completing an application also assists your school with possible Title 1 funding. The remaining School Food Service information below pertains to our Free and Reduced Price Meal Application process and must be provided in its entirety to parents every year. Free and Reduced-Price Meals You may be eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunch meals for your children. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to apply online at School Food Service. Applications are also available from your child’s school in English, Spanish, and Creole. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact the School Food Service Office at 1-888-383-2025.

APPLY FOR BENEFITS: You may apply for benefits at any time during the school year. If you are not eligible now, but your income decreases, you lose your job, your family size increases or you become eligible for SNAP, FDPIR or TANF benefits, you may submit another application.

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NOTICE: If your child is approved for meal benefits, they will carry on from the date of approval through the rest of this school year. If you currently receive a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Head Start/Even Start, SNAP, FDPIR or TANF your enrolled child(ren) may be eligible for free meals.

SNAP INFORMATION: Households with children who are members of currently certified SNAP/TANF households may submit applications for these children with abbreviated information. Free meal benefits will be extended to all children in a household when the application lists a SNAP/TANF number. Additionally, you may qualify for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). You can apply online at http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida.

FOSTER CHILDREN: Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court, are eligible for free meals. A foster child may be included as a member of the foster family if the foster family chooses to also apply for benefits. If the foster family is not eligible for free or reduced-priced meals, it does not prevent a foster child from receiving free meal benefits. If you have foster children living with you and wish to apply for such meals for them, please contact us.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS AND NOTIFICATION OF APPROVAL/DENIAL: Applications can be submitted online electronically at http://www.palmbeachschools.org/sfs. Please do not submit a paper application if you have submitted one electronically. Paper applications can be mailed to 3661 Interstate Park Road N., Suite 100, Riviera Beach, FL 33404. If you have applied online, you can check your child's status online with the confirmation number provided at the time of application. If a paper application was submitted, notification will be sent via US mail to the address on file with the school.

MILITARY FAMILIES: Privatized military housing allowance is excluded from income eligibility determinations. For the purpose of determining household size, deployed service members are considered a part of the household. Families should include the names of the deployed service members on their application. Report only that portion of the deployed service member’s income made available to them or on their behalf to the family. The determining official would count the service member as part of the household in establishing a child’s eligibility for free and reduced price meals.

FAIR HEARING: If you do not agree with the District's decision regarding your application or the result of verification, you may discuss it with the School Food Service. You also have the right to a fair hearing. This can be done by writing or calling: Chief Operating Officer, 3300 Forest Hill Blvd.; West Palm Beach, Florida 33406-5813, 561-434-8510.

VERIFICATION: Your eligibility may be checked at any time during the school year. School officials may ask you to send records proving that your child should receive free or reduced price meals.

USE OF INFORMATION STATEMENT: The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act requires the information on this application. You do not have to give the information, but if you do not, we cannot approve your child for free or reduced price meals. You must include the last four digits of the social security number of the adult household member who signs the application. The last four digits of the social security number is not required when you apply on behalf of a foster child or you list a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) case number or other FDPIR identifier for your child or when you indicate that the adult household member signing the application does not have a social security number. We will use your information to determine if your child is eligible for free or reduced price meals, and for administration and enforcement of the lunch and breakfast programs. We MAY share your eligibility information with education, health, and nutrition programs to help them evaluate, fund, or determine benefits for their programs, auditors for program reviews, and law enforcement officials to help them look into violations of program rules.

NON-DISCRIMINATION: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

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Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027). and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

Fax: 202-690-7442 or email: [email protected]

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Income to Report

Earnings from Work: Salary, wages, cash bonuses, Net income from self-employment (farm or business), Strike benefits

Public Assistance/Alimony/Child Support: Unemployment benefits, Worker’s compensation, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Cash assistance from state or local government, Alimony payments, Child support payments, Veteran’s benefits

Pensions/Retirement/ All Other Income: If your children have been Directly Certified to receive free meals for the 2021-22 school year, you do not need to submit an application. For everyone else, free or reduced price meals are not permitted without a processed application. This includes SNAP, FDPIR, TANF and foster applications. A new application must be submitted each school year. We will notify you in writing of your status (free, reduced or paid). If you have any questions, please call the School Food Service Office at 888-383-2025. For more information about our program and to view our menus, please visit our website at School Food Service.

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INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

Use the income chart below to see if you qualify for reduced price meal benefits. Effective July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022

Household Size Annual Monthly Twice Per Month Every Two Weeks

Weekly

1 $ 23,826 $ 1,986 $ 993 $ 917 $ 459

2 $ 32,227 $ 2,686 $ 1,343 $ 1,240 $ 620

3 $ 40,626 $ 3,386 $ 1,693 $ 1,563 $ 782

4 $ 49,025 $ 4,086 $ 2,043 $ 1,886 $ 943

5 $ 57,424 $ 4,786 $ 2,393 $ 2,209 $ 1,105

6 $ 65,828 $ 5,486 $ 2,743 $ 2,532 $ 1,286

7 $ 74,222 $ 6,186 $ 3,093 $ 2,855 $ 1,428

8 $ 82,621 $ 6,886 $ 3,443 $ 3,178 $ 1,589

For each additional family member, add:

$ 8,399 $ 700 $ 350 $ 324 $ 162

SCHOOL POLICE - ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Florida Constitution mandates that our schools provide a safe and secure learning environment. To that end, our District established the police department in 1972, and serves to keep our schools and District properties safe and secure. We operate a countywide dispatch and command center, which answers inquiries and requests for police response. In addition, we have at least one officer assigned to every school, as well as several specialized units to include rapid response units trained in appropriate protective measures. Our Investigative Unit conducts long-term and specialized investigations for incidents occurring on campus or affecting our school operation, which further enhances our secure environment, which protects our children. Any requests for police services should be made by contacting our Dispatch Center at 561-434-8700.

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SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973 AND THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990

If your child is in general education classes and you believe that a physical or mental impairment may be substantially affecting a major life activity, please contact the school’s Section 504 Designee. Your child may be entitled to accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended effective January 1, 2009, Americans With Disabilities Amendments Act, ADAAA). Major life activities are broadly defined to include, but are not limited to: caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. Major life activities also include the operation of major bodily functions, including but not limited to: functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions. Please note that an impairment that is episodic or in remission is also a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active. If your child has been determined eligible under Section 504 or is a transferring student with an active Section 504 Plan, promptly inform the school administration. The District’s Section 504 & Americans with Disabilities Act Procedural Manual, found on the Department of Exceptional Student Education website, outlines the eligibility requirements and processes for students. The District's Student Progression Plan, outlines progression requirements pertaining to all students, including students with Section 504 Plans. Student conduct code policies address discipline of students with disabilities. (P-5.1812, P-5.1813, and P-5.1814) The School District of Palm Beach County, Florida, prohibits harassment or discrimination against students for any reason including gender expression and/or gender identity, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, linguistic preference, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or social/family background. (P-5.001)

SOCIAL MEDIA USE GUIDELINES Policy 2.503

Palm Beach County School District realizes that part of 21st century learning is adapting to the changing methods of communication. The importance of teachers, students and parents engaging, collaborating, learning, and sharing in these digital environments is a part of 21st century learning. As such, educational standards are now requiring the use of online educational tools to demonstrate proficiency. To address related issues, PBCSD has developed guidelines to provide direction for students and the school district community when participating in online social media activities. Social Media refers to the use of web-based and mobile technologies that enable all Palm Beach County Public Schools’ internal and external stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and form virtual communities via the computer and/or Internet. For some, social media is used mainly for social purposes, but for others, these sites and technologies are used as tools to teach and to connect with the community. The First Amendment, in general, protects the rights of individuals to participate in social media. However, the laws and courts have ruled that schools can discipline students and staff if their speech, including online postings off campus, materially and substantially disrupts school operations, reasonably likely causes a material and substantial disruption of the school, constitutes a violation of certain relevant federal or state laws or School Board policies.

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Since social media reaches audiences far beyond the community and can leave lasting impressions, students must use social sites responsibly and be accountable for their actions. Students should not post or link anything to social networking sites that they would not want peers, teachers, college admissions officers, or future employers to access. Students should be sure to utilize privacy settings to control access, never share personal information with parties’ unknown on unsecure sites and be protective of site passwords. Misrepresentation of someone else’s identity must also be avoided. Students should remember to be respectful to others. When responding to someone during a disagreement, be sure that criticism is constructive and not hurtful. Beware of profane, obscene, or threatening language. If the use or posting to a social media site creates a substantial and material disruption on a school campus, regardless of time or location while posting to a social media site, students will be subject to the behavioral standards set forth in the Student Code of Conduct and potentially criminal charges.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS OF STUDENTS AND PARENTS COLLECTION, USE, AND RELEASE OF

The School District is authorized to collect, use or release social security numbers (SSN) of students and/or parents*** for the following purposes, which are noted as either required or authorized by law to be collected. The collection of SSN’s is either specifically authorized by law or imperative for the performance of the School District's duties and responsibilities as prescribed by law. {F.S. § 119.071(5) (a) 2 & 3} & (P-3.09)

1. Student registration and student identification numbers. [Required to request by F.S. §1008.386 and F.S. § 119.071(5)(a) 6.1008.386 notes as an exception: “However, a student is not required to provide his or her social security number as a condition for enrollment or graduation.”]

2. Registration in an adult education program. [Required by FAC - 6A-10.0381, if available and/or student identifier, as required by F.S. § 119.071(5) (a) 6.]

3. Tracking of adult students enrolled in a postsecondary program. [Required by FAC - 6A-1.0955 (3)(e), and by F. S. § 119.071(5) (a) 6.]

4. Criminal history, Level 1 and Level 2 background checks/Identifiers for processing fingerprints by Department of Law Enforcement/ Registration information regarding sexual predators and sexual offenders authorized by F.S. § 943.04351, if SSN is available. [and F.S. § 119.071(5) (a) 2 6.]

5. Reports on students required to be submitted to Florida DOE. [Authorized by F.S. § 119.071(5) (a) 2& 6.] 6. Tort claims and tort notices of claim against the School Board. [Required by F.S. § 768.28 (6), and F.S. § 119.071(5) (a) 6.] 7. Use of motor vehicle information from the Department of Motor Vehicles for the District to carry out its functions and to

verify the accuracy of information submitted by agent or employee to the District, including to prevent fraud, in connection with insurance investigations, and to verify a commercial driver's license. [Authorized by federal law 18 U.S.C. 2721 et seq. and F.S. § 119.071(5) (a) 6.]

8. Information received from the Florida Department of Education to locate missing Florida School Children. [Required by FAC - 6A-6.083 and F.S. § 119.071(5) (a) 6.]

9. National School Lunch Act application verification process /Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools. [Required of the adult, if the person has a number, by federal law 42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq. and federal regulations 7 C.F.R. 245.2 and .3 and F.S. § 119.071(5)(a)6.]

10. Reports from the Department of Motor Vehicles of each student whose driver's license is suspended for excessive unexcused absences and reports to Department of Motor Vehicles of non-enrollment or non-attendance upon the part of a student who is required to attend some school. [Required by F.S. §322.091(5), F.S. §1003.27 and F.S. § 119.071(5) (a) 6.]

11. Written verification from employer for vocational education, student follow up. [Required by FAC 6A-10.0341 and F.S. § 119.071(5) (a) 6.]

12. Child abuse report to DCF, of student victim and subjects of report. [Required by FAC - 65C-29.002 and F.S. § 119.071(5) (a) 6.]

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13. Identification of blood donors. [Authorized by federal law 42 U.S.C. 405 (c) (2) (D) (i).] 14. The disclosure of the social security numbers is expressly required by Federal or State law or a court order. [Required by

F.S. § 119.071(5) (a) 6.] 15. Collection and/ or disclosure are imperative or necessary for the performance of the School District's duties and

responsibilities as prescribed by law, including but not limited for password identification to the School District's network. [Authorized by F.S. § 119.071(5) (a) 6 and required by F.S. § 119.071(5) (a) 2.]

16. The individual expressly consents in writing to the disclosure of his or her social security number. [Authorized by F.S. § 119.071(5) (a) 6.]

17. The disclosure of the social security number is made to prevent and combat terrorism to comply with the USA Patriot Act of 2001, Pub. L. No. 107-56 or Presidential Executive Order 13224. [Required by F.S. § 119.071(5) (a) 6.]

18. The disclosure of the social security number is made to a commercial entity for the permissible uses set forth in the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994, 18 U.S.C. Sec. 2721 et seq.; the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681 et seq.; or the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 6801 et seq., provided that the authorized commercial entity complies with the requirements of this paragraph 5 in F.S. § 119.071. [Authorized by F.S. § 119.071(5) (a)6.]

19. Income for Medicaid eligibility, determine the amount of medical assistance payments, process Medicaid billing, and provide program follow-up [Required by federal regulation 42 C.F.R. § 435.910, unless student applicant for Medicaid refuses to obtain a social security number, based on well-established religious objections]

*** Note, this statement provides the reasons for collecting, using or releasing the social security numbers only of students and/or parents. A separate form, Statement on the Collection, Use or Release of Social Security Numbers of Employees and Others (PBSD 2272) sets forth the reasons for collecting, using or releasing the social security numbers of employees and individuals other than students and parents, and a separate written statement exists for collecting, using or releasing the social security numbers of volunteers as part of the volunteer (VIPS) application.

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND ASSEMBLY

All of us need to learn how to be effective members of the communities in which we live. School activities give students a chance to interact in positive ways. Students can learn from each other how to work together harmoniously for common goals.

Activities Related to School-Approved and School-Sponsored Clubs Policy 2.121

Students are expected to have prior approval from school administration for any activities related to school-approved and school-sponsored clubs and groups. For example, approval is needed to:

▪ Present a program or an assembly ▪ Collect funds/sell on campus ▪ Have a fund-raising project on or off school grounds (P-2.16) ▪ Hold a demonstration

RIGHTS

Students have a right to participate in extracurricular activities, assemblies, and school-approved organizations without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, linguistic differences, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or gender identity, genetic information, or socioeconomic background. (P-5.001) Students have a right to seek office in student government and/or school clubs without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, linguistic differences, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or gender identity, genetic information or socioeconomic background. (P-5.001, P-5.81) Students have a right to consult with faculty sponsors of school curriculum related clubs and groups. (P- 2.121) All students have a right to take part in electing officers for student government.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Students have a responsibility to keep their extracurricular activities from interfering with their academic work and to know and follow the rules for the activities they choose. (P-5.60) Students who hold office have a responsibility to learn how to do their jobs, follow the rules, support the goals of the group, and to treat other members of the group fairly. Students have a responsibility to see that their actions as members of school clubs and groups meet the standards set by the school administration. (P-2.121) Students have a responsibility not to lose their privilege to participate in extracurricular activities for violations of the student code of conduct, loss of meeting eligibility requirements, or failure to pay for a monetary obligation after reasonable collection efforts by the principal, for lost, destroyed, or unnecessarily-damaged instructional materials. (P-5.60; P-5.1812; P-5.1813)

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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT Policy 5.1812, Policy 5.1813

The policies and additional Student Code of Conduct policies are under review and are subject to change.

For the most updated version of the Student Code of Conduct, please visit: Student Code of Conduct

NOTE: Sections of this Handbook contain a summary of the Student Code of Conduct. There is an elementary and secondary version. To view the entire Student Code of Conduct electronically, see the policies on the District’s website under Chapter 5 at BoardDocs® Pro including P-5.002 (Bullying and Harassment), P-5.09 (Attendance, Absenteeism, and Truancy), P-5.0921 (Palm Beach County School Board Gang Control Policy), P-5.1812 (Student Code of Conduct for Elementary Students), P-5.1813 (Student Code of Conduct for Secondary Students), P-5.1817 through P-5.186, P.5.81 (Protecting Student from Sexual Harassment and Discrimination), although note that some of these policies are currently under review and are subject to change. If you require a paper copy of the Student Code of Conduct, copies are available at the school center. The separate Student Code of Conduct for Elementary School students and for Middle and High School students can be found on the District’s website at: Student Handbook We encourage parents and students to review this Student Code of Conduct together and talk about the importance of being safe, responsible, and respectful at school and in everyday life. The Student Code of Conduct is the District’s policy that creates a safe learning environment to ensure academic success. If this objective is to be accomplished, it is necessary that the school environment be a safe and supportive community. The “reculturing” of a school to a positive school climate supports academic achievement and promotes fairness, civility, acceptance of diversity, as well as mutual respect. The School Board of Palm Beach County has adopted and is implementing the framework of Positive Behavior Support (PBS) to assist in these efforts. PBS is a proven, research, and evidence-based discipline program that emphasizes school-wide systems of supports. PBS emphasizes teaching students to behave in ways that contribute to academic achievement and school success that supports a safe school environment where students and school staff are responsible and respectful. PBS also emphasizes the need for school staff to promote appropriate behaviors by teaching, modeling, and reinforcing appropriate behaviors and by treating minor misbehaviors as “teaching moments”. What is the Discipline Guide within the Student Code of Conduct? The DISCIPLINE GUIDE is a tool for administrators to respond appropriately when students have committed discipline infractions, per the Student Code of Conduct. This tool is designed to offer consistency at all levels across the District so that students are disciplined fairly from school-to-school when their behavior requires discipline beyond the classroom. The DISCIPLINE GUIDE does not apply to classroom management as assigned by the teacher, but rather as a progressive step when a student has broken the rules requiring a principal and/or his designee to assign consequences. Certain violations of the rules such as weapon possession, assault, sexual harassment, require immediate initial administrative action. The DISCIPLINE GUIDE is designed to assist you and your child in understanding the consequences of violating school rules. While most parents will have no need to be familiar with the discipline guide (pages 19-22), the School Board and the District want to ensure that parents are knowledgeable about the actions of its school administrators when students misbehave.

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The DISCIPLINE GUIDE enables administrators to assign consequences consistently, regardless of the school your child attends. When a student has multiple violations in one incident, such as fighting with a weapon, the administrator will impose the more severe consequences. Like the Student Code of Conduct, the DISCIPLINE GUIDE is reviewed annually by District stakeholders, including parents, teachers, administrators, counselors, and other community representatives. Discipline Referral Incidents in Palm Beach County are classified as Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 infractions. When deciding what disciplinary action should be taken, the Principal or designee shall consider the student’s age, exceptionality, ELL status, previous conduct, intent, and severity of the incident. Administrators are asked to administer discipline in a progressive manner. The underlying principle is to use the least severe action that is appropriate for the misbehavior. Administrators would increase the severity of the action if the misbehaviors continue. Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) ENDS, also called electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, or vape pens, are battery-powered devices used to smoke or “vape” a flavored solution which usually contains nicotine or THC. The use, possession, storage or sale of ENDS devices is prohibited by the School District of Palm Beach County. Refer to the Student Code of Conduct for additional information. Student Reporting Requirements The School District will utilize Florida’s Statewide School Environmental Safety Incident Reporting (SESIR) System to Report on School Safety and Discipline Data. Incidents shall be included in the school’s report of safety and discipline data. The report must include each incident, the resulting consequences, including discipline, interventions, and referrals. The School District will provide incident, discipline, and referral data to the Florida Department of Education at designated dates.

Positive Behavior Support (PS)

PBS is an evidence-based 3-tiered framework created to improve and integrate all the data, systems, and practices affecting student outcomes every day. Its research-based strategies are used to minimize problem behavior and maximize quality of life by teaching new skills, cultivating the mindset, and making changes in a person's environment.

According to the Association of Positive Behavior Support, PBS combines:

● Valued outcomes; ● Behavioral and biomedical science; ● Validated procedures; and ● Systems change to enhance quality of life and reduce problem behaviors. (APBS, 2021)

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Safe: we follow all procedures and expectations to ensure the safety of ourselves and others

Accountable: we are accountable for our own actions and the choices we make daily

Fidelity: we are committed to education and learning is endless

Excellence: we excel in all that we do, and failure is never an option

Administrative Office Hallways Dining/ Lounging Area

Open/ Outdoor Area

Restroom

Safe *Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself *Ask an adult for help if you have a problem

*Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself *Practice safe distancing

*Practice safe distancing *Patiently wait to be dismissed *Comply with request

*Pay attention to surroundings *Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself

*Give others privacy *Wait your turn

Accountable *Use appropriate language, tone of voice and attire

*Watch, listen and follow directions *Help Keep Hallways clean *Quiet voices *Get to areas on time

*Seek staff for assistance and wait patiently *Help keep cafeteria clean *Watch, listen and follow directions

*See something, Say something

*Keep area clean *Wash your hands using soap *Return to area promptly

Fidelity *Sign in and out of log book using your correct name

*Wear proper identification *Use only passes completed by staff

*Pay for your food and drink items *Use only your account

*Follow the rules, even when no one is watching

*Use equipment properly *Use only what you need

Excellence *Communicate clearly *Keep electronics off and out of sight *Be helpful to peers and staff

*Model appropriate behavior *Keep the hallways clean *Be helpful to peers and staff

*Be accepting and welcoming of peers *Clean the table and area when finished *Report any concerns to staff

*Be a role model for others *Use appropriate language, tone of voice and attire

*Throw all trash in the trash can

Model Student Behavior: Model student behavior creates a safe learning environment and reduces disruption of the educational process. Interventions for Misbehavior: An intervention is the systematic application of research validated procedures to change behaviors through teaching new skills or through manipulation of antecedents and consequences. Consequences: Consequences are the result or effect of misbehavior.

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Model Student Behavior

Tier 1- Model Behavior ● Understand and follow school rules and

expectations ● Attend school regularly ● Request permission for authorization to leave

class when needed ● Attend all classes ● Prepared for class each day ● Adhere to the school dress code ● Use approved electronic devices responsibly

Interventions or Consequences for Misbehavior

Tier 1 – Misbehavior Responses ● Reteach the expectations ● Signal/Look/Gesture ● Model and Practice Expectations ● Discussion with Student ● Planned Feedback ● Monitor/Feedback Sheet ● Proximity ● Verbal Reprimand

Tier 2 - Model Behavior

● Use conflict management skills to resolve disagreements

● Report all acts of violence, harassment or threats to the proper authorities

● Speak to others using respectful language ● Seek to resolve issues before they escalate ● Share materials that are educationally

appropriate ● Show respect for the property of others ● Use school resources to resolve or report

issues of concern

Tier 2 - Misbehavior Responses plus Tier 1 Responses

● Teaching and Practice of Expected Behavior ● Social Skill Correction Procedure ● Positive Practice ● Time Out ● Time Owed ● Loss of Privileges ● Restitution ● Conference with Teacher

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Tier 3 - Model Behavior

● Accept responsibility for their own actions ● Respect the quality of life ● Show pride in their school and community ● Use adaptive skills for solving problems ● Always maintain their self-control ● Seek assistance from trusted adults to solve

problems or report incidents of concerns ● Report any acts of aggression or violence to a

staff member or law enforcement officer ● Cooperate with school officials to create a

positive learning environment ● Participate in investigations conducted by

school staff or law enforcement agencies

Tier 3 - Misbehavior Responses Plus Tier 1 and 2 Responses

● Individualized Behavior Intervention Plan ● Parent Involvement ● De-escalation ● Interagency Support ● Detention ● Referral System ● In School/Out of School Suspension

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ELEMENTARY LEVEL 1

Behaviors

Level 1 Incidents are acts that disrupt the orderly operation of the classroom, school, transportation or extracurricular activities

LEVEL 1 INCIDENTS

➢ Tardiness, Habitual* ➢ Truancy ➢ Out of Assigned Area ➢ Leaving School Grounds w/out

permission ➢ Dress Code Violations ➢ Public Displays of Affection ➢ Cheating ➢ Failure to comply with School Rules ➢ Bus Rules Violation ➢ Computer/Technology Misuse

(Minor) ➢ Disruptive (Unruly) Behavior or Play ➢ Disrespectful Language ➢ Confrontation ➢ Lying/Misrepresentation ➢ Cellular Telephone/Technology

Violation ➢ Prohibited Items ➢ Unauthorized Sale/Distribution of

Materials ➢ Inappropriate Activity ➢ Disobedient/Insubordination

*Referral to School Based Team Mandatory

Range of Corrective Strategies Prior to Administering

Discipline ➢ Review of Matrix of

Expectations ➢ Re-teach Behavior ➢ Coaching ➢ Reflective Assignment ➢ Apology Letter

Range of Discipline Actions The principal or designee may select at least one of the following from Level 1 Actions. Principals may authorize use of Level 2 Actions for repeated, serious, or habitual Level 1 Incidents. Administrative Responsibilities

Parent/Guardian Contacted (M) Conference with Student (M)

LEVEL 1 ACTIONS

➢ Conference with Parents ➢ Referred to School Guidance ➢ Referral for Peer Mediation ➢ Referral for Administrative

Mediation ➢ Behavior Contract ➢ Plan Meeting (IEP, 504, LEP) ➢ Daily Weekly Report ➢ Schedule Change ➢ Parent Guardian attends school

w/student ➢ Voluntary Restitution ➢ Assigned Bus Seat ➢ Silent Lunch/Lunch Detention ➢ After School Detention ➢ Extended or Multiple Detention ➢ Saturday School Detention ➢ Confiscation ➢ Conflict Resolution ➢ Mentoring ➢ Referral to Outside Agency

M = Mandatory

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ELEMENTARY LEVEL 2

Behaviors

Level 2 Incidents are more serious than Level 1 Incidents. These behaviors significantly interfere with the learning process and/or the well-being of others

LEVEL 2 INCIDENTS

➢ Harassment * ➢ Bus Disruption ➢ Profane or Obscene Language ➢ Threat, non-criminal * ➢ Physical Aggression ➢ Repetitive Disruptive Behaviors * ➢ Repetitive Disobedience ➢ Bullying/Cyber bullying * ➢ Vandalism <1000 ➢ Petty Theft or Stealing <300 ➢ Possession of Tobacco Products

(include Vape/ENDS) ** ➢ Un-served Detentions (Regular) ➢ Un-served Detentions (Saturday) ➢ Firecrackers/Poppers * ➢ Forgery of Document of Signature ➢ Gambling * ➢ Sexual Harassment * ➢ Possession of Other Instruments or

Objects ➢ Menacing Statements, Non-

Criminal * ➢ Severe Inappropriate Activity * ➢ Cheating Severe

*Referral to School Based Team Mandatory

Administrative Responsibilities

➢ Investigation ➢ Witness Statements

Range of Corrective Strategies Prior to

Administering Discipline ➢ Investigation ➢ Witness Statements ➢ Review of Matrix of

Expectations ➢ Coaching ➢ Reflective Assignment ➢ Apology Letter ➢ Check in-Check Out ➢ Restorative Justice ➢ Ripple Effects ➢ Stay Away Agreement ➢ Victim Safety Plan

Range of Discipline Actions Where appropriate, principals or designees should apply discipline in a progressive manner. The principal or designee can select one of the strategies from Level 1, as well as one action from Level 2.

Administrative Responsibilities

Parent/Guardian Contacted (M) Conference with Student (M)

LEVEL 2 ACTIONS

➢ Mediation ➢ Behavior Contract ➢ Plan Meeting (IEP, 504, LEP) ➢ Daily Weekly Report ➢ Voluntary Restitution ➢ Restorative Justice ➢ Community Service ➢ Loss of Privileges ➢ Confiscation ➢ In-School Intervention ➢ In-School or Virtual Suspension ➢ Days Held in Abeyance ➢ ATOD Program ** ➢ Bus Suspension ➢ Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)

for 1-3 days ** 1st Offense – Parent Conference, Afterschool Detention, Referral to School Guidance ** 2nd Offense - Parent Conference, 1 day OSS, Counseling Materials **3rd Offense –5 days OSS/3 in Abeyance with attendance at an approved Alcohol Other Drug (AOD) program M = Mandatory

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ELEMENTARY LEVEL 3

Behaviors

Level 3 Incidents are more serious than Level 2 Incidents. These behaviors cause significant disruptions with the learning process. These incidents cause health and/or safety concerns, or damage to school property.

LEVEL 3 INCIDENTS

➢ Fighting ➢ Verbal Assault on a Student/Person ➢ Verbal Assault on School Board Employee ➢ Physical Aggression on a Student / Person

(Non-School Board Employee) ➢ Physical Attack ➢ Extortion/Blackmail/Coercion ➢ Robbery ➢ Physical Aggression on School Board

Employee ➢ Hazing ➢ Stealing >300 ➢ Vandalism >1000 ➢ Breaking and Entering/Burglary ➢ Computer /Technology Misuse (Major) ➢ Reckless Vehicle Use ➢ Motor Vehicle Theft ➢ Counterfeit or Misrepresented Document ➢ Sexual Assault ➢ Unauthorized use/possession/storage of

Prescription Medications*** ➢ Use of Intoxicants*** ➢ Alcohol *** ➢ Drug Paraphernalia *** ➢ Drugs/Imitation Drugs Represented as

Drugs (possession/use/storage) *** ➢ Vape/ENDS Paraphernalia Sale/Distribution

(non-drug) *** ➢ Threat/Intimidation ➢ Disruption of a School ➢ Trespassing ➢ Bomb Threat **** ➢ Inappropriate Lewd, or Obscene Act ➢ Sexual Misconduct ➢ Possession of a Knife or Other Potentially

Dangerous Item MHR

Administrative

Responsibilities

➢ Investigate (M) ➢ Witness Statements (M) ➢ Notify School Police (M) ➢ Referral to School Based

Team (M) ➢ MHR – Mental Health

Services Referral (M)

Range of Discipline Actions

Principal or designee must select at least one of the non-mandatory Level 3 Actions.

Administrative Responsibilities

Parent/Guardian Contacted (M) Student Conference (M)

LEVEL 3 ACTIONS

➢ Confiscation (where applicable)

➢ Restorative Justice ➢ Community Service ➢ Loss of Extra Curricular

Activities ➢ In-School or Virtual

Suspension ➢ Days Held in Abeyance ➢ Suspension from School

1-5 days ➢ Recommended for

Expulsion

Alcohol and Other Drugs Offenses

*** 1st Offense – 5 days OSS/3 in Abeyance with attendance at an approved Alcohol Other Drug (AOD) program

*** Repeated AOD offense – 10 days OSS/5 in Abeyance with attendance at an approved AOD program

M= Mandatory

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ELEMENTARY LEVEL 4

Behavior

These behaviors are the most serious acts of student misconduct and threaten life

**** MHR for all level 4 incidents

LEVEL 4 INCIDENTS

➢ Imminent Threat of Violence, High Level****

➢ Attempt a Criminal Act Against a Person****

➢ Possession of a Firearm, Handgun, Rifle, Shotgun****

➢ Battery on Law Enforcement Officer****

➢ Possession, Use, Sale, Storage or Distribution of an Explosive Device****

➢ Sale, Intent to Sell, or Distribution of Drugs, Imitation Drugs Represented as Drugs, or Prescription Medications****

➢ Aggravated Assault**** ➢ Battery or Aggravated Battery on

Student/ Person (Non- School Board Employee) ****

➢ Armed Robbery**** ➢ Battery or Aggravated Battery on

School Board Employee**** ➢ Sexual Battery **** ➢ Kidnapping or Abduction**** ➢ Arson **** ➢ Bomb Threat**** ➢ Post/Transit a Threat of Mass

Shooting or Terrorism **** ➢ Homicide****

Administrative Responsibilities

➢ Investigate (M) ➢ Witness Statements (M) ➢ Notify Regional Office

(M) ➢ Notify Safe Schools (M) ➢ Notify School Police (M) ➢ MHR – Mental Health

Services Referral (M)

Discipline Consequences

Principal or designee must use the following Level 4 Actions

LEVEL 4 ACTIONS

➢ Parent/Guardian Contacted (M) ➢ Student Conference (M) ➢ Confiscation (if applicable) (M) ➢ Suspension from School 10 days

(M) ➢ Recommendation for Expulsion

**** (M)

M= Mandatory

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SECONDARY LEVEL 1

Behaviors

Level 1 Incidents are acts that disrupt the orderly operation of the classroom, school, transportation or extracurricular activities.

LEVEL 1 INCIDENTS ➢ Tardiness, Habitual ➢ Truancy ➢ Out of Assigned Area ➢ Leaving School Grounds w/out

permission ➢ Dress Code Violations ➢ Public Displays of Affection ➢ Cheating ➢ Failure to comply with School Rules ➢ Bus Rules Violation ➢ Computer/Technology Misuse

(Minor) ➢ Disruptive (Unruly) Behavior or Play ➢ Disrespectful Language ➢ Confrontation ➢ Lying/Misrepresentation ➢ Cellular Telephone/Technology

Violation ➢ Prohibited Items ➢ Unauthorized Sale/Distribution of

Materials ➢ Inappropriate Activity ➢ Disobedient/Insubordination

Range of

Corrective Strategies Prior to Administering Discipline

➢ Review of Matrix of Expectations

➢ Re-teach Behavior ➢ Coaching ➢ Reflective Assignment ➢ Apology Letter

Range of Discipline Actions

The principal or designees may select at least one of the following from Level 1 Actions. Principals may authorize use of Level 2 Actions for repeated, serious, or habitual Level 1 Incidents.

Administrative Responsibilities

Parent/Guardian Contacted (M) Conference with Student (M)

LEVEL 1 ACTIONS

➢ Conference with Parents ➢ Referred to School Guidance ➢ Referral for Peer Mediation ➢ Referral for Administrative

Mediation ➢ Behavior Contract ➢ Plan Meeting (IEP, 504, LEP) ➢ Daily Weekly Report ➢ Schedule Change ➢ Parent Guardian attends school

w/student ➢ Voluntary Restitution ➢ Assigned Bus Seat ➢ Silent Lunch/Lunch Detention ➢ After School Detention ➢ Extended or Multiple Detention ➢ Saturday School Detention ➢ Confiscation ➢ Conflict Resolution ➢ Mentoring ➢ Referral to Outside Agency

M = Mandatory

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SECONDARY LEVEL 2

Behaviors

Level 2 Incidents are more serious than Level 1 Incidents. These behaviors significantly interfere with the learning process and/or the well-being of others

LEVEL 2 INCIDENTS

➢ Harassment * ➢ Bus Disruption ➢ Profane or Obscene Language ➢ Threat, non-criminal * ➢ Physical Aggression ➢ Repetitive Disruptive Behaviors * ➢ Repetitive Disobedience ➢ Bullying/Cyber bullying * ➢ Vandalism <1000 ➢ Petty Theft or Stealing <300 ➢ Possession of Tobacco Products

(include Vape/ENDS) ** ➢ Un-served Detentions (Regular) ➢ Un-served Detentions (Saturday) ➢ Firecrackers/Poppers * ➢ Forgery of Document of Signature ➢ Gambling * ➢ Possession of Other Instruments or

Objects ➢ Sexual Harassment * ➢ Menacing Statements, Non-

Criminal * ➢ Severe Inappropriate Activity * ➢ Cheating Severe

*Referral to School Based Team Mandatory

Administrative Responsibilities

➢ Investigation ➢ Witness Statements

Range of

Corrective Strategies Prior to Administering Discipline

➢ Investigation ➢ Witness Statements ➢ Review of Matrix of

Expectations ➢ Coaching ➢ Reflective Assignment ➢ Apology Letter ➢ Check in-Check Out ➢ Restorative Justice ➢ Ripple Effects ➢ Victim Safety Plan ➢ Stay Away Agreement

Range of Discipline Actions

Where appropriate, principals or designees should apply discipline in a progressive manner.

The principal or designees can select one of the strategies from Level 1, as well as one action from Level 2.

Administrative Responsibilities

Parent/Guardian Contacted (M) Conference with Student (M)

LEVEL 2 ACTIONS

➢ Mediation ➢ Behavior Contract ➢ Plan Meeting (IEP, 504, LEP) ➢ Daily Weekly Report ➢ Voluntary Restitution ➢ Restorative Justice ➢ Community Service ➢ Loss of Privileges ➢ Confiscation ➢ In-School Intervention ➢ In-School or Virtual Suspension ➢ Days Held in Abeyance ➢ ATOD Program ** ➢ Bus Suspension ➢ Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) for

1-5 days

** 1st Offense – 5 days OSS/3 in Abeyance with attendance at and approved Alcohol or Other Drugs (AOD) program

** 2nd Offense – 5 days OSS/2 in Abeyance with attendance at and approved Alcohol or Other Drugs (AOD) program

*** Further offenses – 10 days OSS

M = Mandatory

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SECONDARY LEVEL 3

Behaviors

Level 3 Incidents are more serious than Level 2 Incidents. These behaviors cause significant disruptions with the learning process. These incidents cause health and/or safety concerns, or damage to school property. LEVEL 3 INCIDENTS

➢ Fighting ➢ Verbal Assault on a Student/Person ➢ Verbal Assault on School Board

Employee ➢ Physical Aggression on a Student /

Person (Non-School Board Employee) ➢ Physical Attack ➢ Extortion/Blackmail/Coercion ➢ Robbery ➢ Physical Aggression on School Board

Employee ➢ Hazing ➢ Stealing >300 ➢ Vandalism >1000 ➢ Breaking and Entering/Burglary ➢ Computer/Technology Misuse (Major) ➢ Reckless Vehicle Use ➢ Motor Vehicle Theft ➢ Counterfeit or Misrepresented

Document ➢ Sexual Assault ➢ Unauthorized use of Prescription

Medications*** ➢ Use of Intoxicants*** ➢ Alcohol *** ➢ Drug Paraphernalia *** ➢ Drugs/Imitation Drugs Represented as

Drugs (possession/use/storage) *** ➢ Vape/ENDS Paraphernalia

Sale/Distribution (non-drug) *** ➢ Threat/Intimidation ➢ Disruption of a School Trespassing ➢ Bomb Threat ➢ Inappropriate Lewd, or Obscene Act ➢ Sexual Misconduct ➢ Possession of a Knife or Other

Potentially Dangerous Item MHR

Administrative Responsibilities

➢ Investigate (M) ➢ Witness Statements (M) ➢ Notify School Police (M) ➢ Referral to School Based

Team (M) ➢ MHR – Mental Health

Services Referral (M)

Range of Discipline Actions

Principal or designees must select at least one of the non-mandatory Level 3 Actions.

Administrative Responsibilities

Parent/Guardian Contacted (M) Student Conference (M)

LEVEL 3 ACTIONS

➢ Confiscation (where applicable) ➢ Restorative Justice ➢ Community Service ➢ Loss of Extracurricular Activities ➢ In-School or Virtual Suspension ➢ Days Held in Abeyance ➢ Suspension from School 1-10

days ➢ Recommended for Expulsion

Alcohol or Other Drug (AOD) Offenses

*** 1st Offense – 10 days OSS/5 in Abeyance with attendance at an approved Alcohol or Other Drugs (AOD) program

*** Repeated Alcohol or Other Drugs offense (during same calendar year) – REQUIRE a 10 day out-of-school suspension and recommendation for Severe Incident Assignment.

M= Mandatory

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SECONDARY LEVEL 4

Behavior

These behaviors are the most serious acts of student misconduct and threaten life

**** MHR for all level 4 incidents

LEVEL 4 INCIDENTS

➢ Imminent Threat of Violence, High Level****

➢ Attempt a Criminal Act Against a Person****

➢ Possession of a Firearm, Handgun, Rifle, Shotgun****

➢ Battery on Law Enforcement Officer****

➢ Possession, Use, Sale, Storage or Distribution of an Explosive Device****

➢ Sale, Intent to Sell, or Distribution of Drugs, Imitation Drugs Represented as Drugs, or Prescription Medications****

➢ Aggravated Assault**** ➢ Battery or Aggravated Battery on a

Student/Person (Non- School Board Employee) ****

➢ Armed Robbery**** ➢ Battery or Aggravated Battery on

School Board Employee**** ➢ Sexual Battery **** ➢ Kidnapping or Abduction**** ➢ Arson **** ➢ Bomb/Transmit a Threat of Mass

Shooting or Terrorism **** ➢ Homicide****

Administrative Responsibilities

➢ Investigate (M) ➢ Witness Statements

(M) ➢ Notify Regional Office

(M) ➢ Notify Safe Schools (M) ➢ Notify School Police

(M) ➢ MHR – Mental Health

Services Referral (M)

Discipline Consequences

Principal or designees must use the following Level 4 Actions

LEVEL 4 ACTIONS

➢ Parent/Guardian Contacted (M)

➢ Student Conference (M) ➢ Confiscation (if applicable) (M) ➢ Suspension from School 10

days (M) ➢ Recommendation for Expulsion

**** (M)

M= Mandatory

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Suspension of IDEA-eligible students shall follow the provisions of their Individual Educational Plan (IEP) and applicable laws. Suspension of students determined as disabled under Section 504 shall follow the Section 504 Accommodations Plan and applicable laws. Zero Tolerance for Crime and Victimization Florida Statute § 1006.13 sets forth standards for school districts to adopt zero tolerance policies. “Zero-tolerance policies are not intended to be rigorously applied to petty acts of misconduct and misdemeanors, including, but not limited to, minor fights or disturbance…zero-tolerance policies must apply equally to all students regardless of their economic status, race, or disability.” The zero-tolerance policy requires students found to have committed one of the following offenses to be expelled, with or without continuing educational services, from the student’s regular school for a period of not less than 1 full year, and to be referred to the criminal justice or juvenile justice system.

1. Bringing a firearm or weapon, as defined in F.S. chapter 790, to school, to any school function, or onto any school-sponsored transportation or possessing a firearm at school. Please refer to the F.S. and the Student Code of Conduct for the definition of a weapon.

2. Making a threat or false report, as defined by F.S. §§ 790.162 and 790.163, respectively, involving school or school personnel's property, school transportation, or a school-sponsored activity.

In complying with the law, the Palm Beach County School Board defines zero tolerance to mean that certain kinds of misconduct will always lead to a disciplinary consequence of expulsion. F.S. § 1006.13 for certain misconduct, administrators have discretion as to discipline and penalties and for others the School Board has mandatory penalties. “If a student committing any of the offenses in this subsection is a student who has a disability, the district school board shall comply with applicable State Board of Education rules.” All of these policies have been enacted to ensure that your child is safe and has every opportunity to benefit from instruction.

STUDENT CRIME STOPPERS

Student Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization created to give students an avenue to anonymously report a threat or crime. The program empowers students to be proactive in preventing violence in their school and community. The program awards a monetary incentive of up to $100 for information about criminal activity and $500 for the recovery of a firearm at school. The following steps are to be followed in calling in a tip:

▪ Call 1-800-458-TIPS (8477) ▪ Do not give your name; say you are a student caller. ▪ Give the information you have about the criminal activity. You may be asked questions to clarify the situation.

You will NOT be asked your name. ▪ You will be given a code. Write down the code. You will be instructed when to call back to find out if you will

receive an award. It is your responsibility to know your code number; it is your only link to receive your award. ▪ Information about a crime may also be reported at www.studentcrimestopper.com or by text messaging at

[email protected].

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STUDENT SEARCH AND SEIZURE School personnel may search students reasonably suspected of being in possession of contraband or other prohibited items while on School Board-Owned property or wherever students are under the official supervision of School Board employees, such as on field trips, at extracurricular activities, or while being transported to and from such places either by school bus, by approved drivers, or by other means of conveyance. School personnel may conduct a search of a student, a student’s possessions, a student’s locker, or any other storage area on school property without a warrant when school personnel have reasonable suspicion that illegal, prohibited, harmful items or substances, or stolen property may be concealed on a student’s person or in a storage area. F.S. § 1006.09(9) Locker/Storage Area Search Notice posted in each public K-12 school, in a place readily seen by students, will be a notice stating that a student’s locker or other storage area is subject to search, upon reasonable suspicion, for prohibited or illegally possessed substances or objects. This does not prohibit the use of metal detectors or specially trained animals in the course of a search for illegally possessed substances or objects. F.S. § 1006.09(9) School personnel are encouraged to attempt to obtain consent from a student to search for illegal, prohibited, harmful items or substances, or stolen property, but may proceed with a search without a student’s consent, upon reasonable suspicion of a prohibited or illegally-possessed substance or object. School personnel have the authority to search a student’s backpack, purse, or wallet, upon reasonable suspicion, if the student refuses to reveal the contents inside. Parking a vehicle on School District property is a privilege which may be extended to high school students. All students desiring to park a vehicle on School District property shall be required to sign a consent form allowing their vehicle, upon reasonable suspicion to believe that the vehicle contains contraband, to be searched by the principal/designee. Refusal of a student to cooperate in the request to search his/her vehicle may result in the withdrawal or revocation of the student’s parking permit and subject the student to discipline. Local school rules concerning parking privileges for students appear in Policy 5.184.

STUDENT TRANSCRIPT UNIFORM FEES Current students and former students who graduated or withdrew within the past two years obtain transcripts from their previous school.

● Electronic Transcripts (FASTER) FREE ● Final/End-of-Year Transcripts FREE ● Hard Copy Transcripts* $3 ● Other Transcript Services* $3

*Students on Free/Reduced Lunch will receive free transcripts *Transcripts for military recruitment purposes are free Former students, who graduated or withdrew from the School District three or more years ago, obtain transcripts from Records Management. ETranscript requested and submitted electronically through School District approved system $5

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TECHNOLOGY – CONDITIONS FOR STUDENT USE Policy 8.123

The following notice must be read by, or read and/or explained to, the student. In addition, it is available to be read by, or explained to, the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (unless the student is emancipated). The New and Returning Student Registration Form, PBSD 0636, which is required to be reviewed, completed and signed by the parent/legal guardian/emancipated student annually, will contain language providing them notice of P-8.123 and that the students must abide by its terms. Student access to District technology resources, including access to the Internet, is to support the District’s educational responsibilities and mission. Policy 8.123 Training and “TechSafe” Every year, all students are required to receive direct instruction on the requirements of Policy 8.123. This “TechSafe” training is provided during the school day and helps ensure that students understand the terms of the policy and their obligations to abide by its terms. Included in this training is information about the safe use of the Internet, as well as how to recognize and appropriately react to instances of cyberbullying. During this training, students are permitted to ask questions. Student access to District technology resources, including access to the Internet, is 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 network or Internet service, and it specifically assumes no responsibilities for:

● The content of any source on the Internet, or any costs, liability, or damages caused by the way the student chooses to use his/her network or Internet access.

● Any consequences of service interruptions or changes, even if these disruptions arise from circumstances under the control of the District.

The student agrees to the following terms: 1. The student’s use of the District’s technology resources must be consistent with the primary goals of the District, IT,

and the school site. 2. The student will not use any District technology resources for illegal purposes of any kind. 3. The student understands that misuse of District technology resources may occur in many forms, including the issues

described in this document and School Board P-8.123 and its referenced Manual. 4. The student will not use District technology resources to transmit materials that are harmful to minors, threatening,

obscene, or harassing. The District will not be held responsible if the student participates in such activities or for any such behavior on the student’s part.

5. The student will not use District technology resources 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 the student’s school site for student use, and/or using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the network or by any other means.

6. The student will not use District technology resources and information 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 District technology resources 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.

7. The student has read or been informed of the provisions of School Board P-8.123 and its Manual and understands that the student is responsible for abiding by the provisions within this Policy relating to Student Use of Technology at Board Policies and the IT User Standards and Guidelines Manual.

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8. The student acknowledges that only a limited expectation of privacy exists to the extent required by law for him/her as a student related to his/her use of District technology resources. District technology resources may be monitored for all lawful and good cause purposes. Use of these resources constitutes consent for the District to monitor these resources for these purposes. The student further acknowledges that the District may retrieve and/or disclose, as allowed by law, all messages stored by the District or an outside entity on its behalf.

9. The student’s District computer account, if the student is authorized to do so, may be used by the student to electronically acknowledge District documents. The student’s account may also be used to access and update the student’s personal information in District information systems.

10. The student acknowledges his/her intent to be bound by documents he/she acknowledges electronically by the method described above in paragraph 9 to the same extent the student would be bound if signing a hard-copy of the document.

11. All passwords assigned to the student will be kept confidential and the student will not disclose them to any third parties. The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed 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 District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through District network or Internet 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 USC Section 2510), all students are hereby notified that there are no facilities provided for sending or receiving private or confidential electronic communications. All messages may be considered 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 the student’s use of the District network or Internet, the student agrees to hold harmless the District against any and all claims arising out of said use. The student and his/her parent(s) or the student alone, if emancipated, is bound to the terms and conditions of this Notice. The student has discussed these rights and responsibilities with his/her parent(s). The student understands that any violations of the above provisions may result in disciplinary action, the revocation of the student’s access privileges, and/or privileges, and/or appropriate legal action. The student also agrees to report any misuse of the information resources to the school site administrator, teacher, or technology representative. All the rules of conduct described in District or school site policies, procedures, and handbooks apply when the student is on the network. The parent or guardian of this student has been provided an opportunity to read this Notice and School Board P-8.123 and its referenced Manual. The parent or guardian understands the provisions and conditions of this document and the Policy and Manual and that Internet access via the District network is being provided solely for educational purposes related to the curriculum, the academic development of the student, or a school extracurricular activity. The parent or guardian understands that his/her child will abide by the provisions and conditions of this Notice and the parent or guardian understands that any violations of the above provisions may result in disciplinary action, the revocation of his/her child’s access privileges, and/or privileges, and/or appropriate legal action. All the rules of conduct described in District or school site policies, procedures, and handbooks apply when his/her child is on the network. The parent or guardian further understands that it is impossible for the District to restrict access to all controversial materials, and the parent or guardian will not hold the District responsible for materials acquired on the District network or Internet. The parent or guardian also will report any misuse of any information resources or technology to the school site administrator, teacher, or technology representative. The parent or guardian accepts full responsibility for the supervision of his/her child should he/she use remote connections to the District network or Internet in a non-school setting.

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The principal/designee agrees to promote the terms and conditions of this Policy with the student and to instruct the student on the acceptable use of the network and proper network etiquette. The principal/designee also agrees to report any misuse of any information resource or technology to the school site technology representative. Parents take notice While principals routinely reiterate messages about the proper use of technology with students, it may be prudent for parents to discuss and remind your child about the legal and ethical use of technology (both in and out of school) in order to prevent serious incidents. School Board P-8.123 (Technology Acceptable Use Policy for Students), (New and Returning Student Registration Form PBSD 0636) and Appendix 1 (pages 38-39) of the IT User Standards and Guidelines Manual contains certain standards for the student’s use of District technology, including an agreement not to use the technology for illegal purposes or for sending or receiving messages suggesting pornography. Students will be held responsible, in compliance with the law, for any inappropriate immoral, unethical, dangerous, destructive, hateful or threatening behavior committed against a student(s) or employee(s) on or off school grounds by means of electronic communication or use of a technological device. In compliance with policy, the school will intervene, investigate and search diligently in situations where off campus speech and behavior has resulted in violent altercations between students or has created significant interference with the rights of a student(s) or employee(s) or has interfered with the operation of the school and/or the delivery of instruction. When discussing the legal and ethical use of technology with your child, please:

▪ Inform your child that publishing their thoughts, ideas, and opinions is a form of speech that is often protected by the First Amendment. However, the right to free speech does not mean that a student can make public defamatory remarks, or post threats against someone and/or damage his/her reputation. (P-5.002)

▪ Encourage your child to alert adults on campus if anything harmful or dangerous is sent via technology; please see the Bullying section above.

▪ Remind your child of School Board P-5.183 on student use and possession of cellular telephones and the cell phone policy at your school, including student discipline for violations and procedures concerning the potential confiscation and return of cell phones. This policy can be accessed at https://go.boarddocs.com/fl/palmbeach/Board.nsf/Public, clicking Policies. The devices are not allowed to be visible, used, or activated, must be stored in a non-visible secure location, and must be kept in the "off" position throughout the instructional school day and while on school-sponsored transportation, except as allowed by the policy and your school.

1. Responsibility/Liability – Any student who chooses to bring a cellular phone or other wireless communication device to school shall do so at this or her own risk and shall be personally responsible for the security of his or her cellular phone or wireless communication device. Neither the school personnel nor Board will assume any responsibility or liability for loss, theft, damage, nor vandalism to a cellular phone or other wireless communication device brought onto school property or for the unauthorized use of any such device.

2. Tell your child that she/he is expected to show good character in the use of all technology. If something could be hurtful to another person physically, socially, or psychologically, students should not write, save, or forward the message.

3. “Sexting” (defined as students sending nude or semi-nude pictures of them or other students through cyberspace) is forbidden and is strictly prohibited. Similarly, downloading and printing hard copies of “sexted” images is also prohibited.

4. Remind your child that adults (including law enforcement officials) take the cyber-bullying and the “sexting” issue very seriously in light of child pornography laws, even if students are only “kidding around.” ALL incidents will be investigated by law enforcement. Young people have been arrested for sending sexually- provocative/suggestive/offensive/insulting pictures to friends. To make a report if you receive any unwanted obscene pictures, solicitations, or messages, you should contact: http://www.cybertipline.com.

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5. Let them know that unclothed pictures of people under 18 (taken with or without their permission) are considered a form of child pornography, despite the intent of the parties. It is illegal to transmit any unclothed pictures of people under the age of 18.

6. Cyber-bullying can easily cross the line from being a school violation to being a SERIOUS CRIME. Cyber-stalking is defined in P-5.002 as:

to engage in a course of conduct [could be twice or more] to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose, as defined in F.S. 784.048(1d)

TEXTBOOKS AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS Policy 8.122, Policy 8.1225

Many of the ways we do things are changing. The basics of pencil, chalk, and print textbooks are being supplemented with computers, handheld devices, and other electronic media. Florida is poised to transition its instruction to the digital age and remove barriers to provide Florida’s teachers and students digital learning tools. We are committed to ensuring that your child has access to these materials for homework, class use, time on a computer at school, or other instructional materials available in our library media centers. The textbooks in core subject areas can be accessed online by students. Students/parents should check with the school to obtain access methods for online textbooks. A list of all District adopted textbooks and those that are available online and via the student portal and can be found at the following link: Instructional Materials (Textbook) Adoption. Our School Board is committed to providing appropriate instructional materials in all core areas of study for each student. Parents are hereby notified of their ability to access their children's instructional materials through the District's local instructional improvement system and by which the District will encourage parents to access the system. This notification of parents will include use of the student portal 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. At the beginning of the school year, 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. Many textbooks are available online through a link to each student’s district portal. These textbooks can be accessed from any location where an Internet connection is available. Procedures to challenge instructional materials can be found in School Board Policies 8.122 and 8.1205. When textbooks, library books, or other instructional materials are assigned to a student and materials are lost or damaged, the parent is financially responsible. F.S. § 1006.42 Failure to pay for lost or damaged textbooks may result in the student’s suspension from extracurricular activities or a requirement that the student perform community service equal to the value of the lost or damaged materials. Parental and student responsibility as to instructional materials, debts for loss, damage or destruction, and accountability procedures, including debt collection efforts by the District, are set forth in Policy 8.1225. Please look for such information from your child’s teacher(s). Please attend parent/teacher functions, especially Open House at the beginning of the school year. If you have any questions, please call your child’s school.

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TRANSPORTATION The School District of Palm Beach County provides transportation to and from school for eligible students. Eligibility requirements as defined by F.S. § 1006.21 and State Board of Education Rule 6A-3.001 include:

▪ K-12 students whose homes are more than a reasonable walking distance, from the nearest appropriate school. A reasonable walking distance for a student is defined by the Florida Department of Education Administrative Code Rule 6A-3.001 as "any distance not more than two (2) miles between the home and the school or one and one half (1-1/2) miles between the home and the assigned bus stop".

▪ Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students with special needs or disabilities, regardless of the distance from home to school (Requires form Specialized Transportation Request, PBSD 1848 - administered by the school’s ESE personnel).

▪ All students enrolled in a Teenage Parent Program and the registered children of such students. F.S. § 1003.54 ▪ Elementary age children whose grade level does not exceed grade 6 and live within two miles of their assigned

elementary school and who are subject to hazardous walking conditions as defined in F.S. § 1006.23. Hazardous walker areas are officially determined by Transportation Services.

When you register your child (see the “Registration” section of this Handbook), please indicate your request for transportation at that time. This information will be forwarded to Transportation Services and will be reviewed for student eligibility and routing. For information regarding bus routes, please reference “Find my Bus”. For Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students requiring special transportation, the ESE Contact at the school center will process the request for transportation services as indicated by the student’s Individual Education Plan. For all other transportation related inquiries, contact the Transportation Call Center at 561-242-6565.

Behavior on the Bus

Policy 5.186

School bus transportation is a privilege not a right. This privilege can be denied for recurring unacceptable bus behavior. Required Use of Seat Belts on Buses Students are required to utilize seatbelts while riding as a passenger in a school bus equipped with seatbelts. All buses manufactured after January 2001 are required to have seat belts. As the belts are different from those on most private vehicles, parents are encouraged to teach their students how to use the 2-point lap belt system (similar to those used on airplanes). Students must push the two ends together, hear a click and then pull the strap to tighten the belt. Students are highly encouraged to utilize seat belts during the bus operations. The bus driver will announce “buckle your seatbelts” to students during departure and buckle up decals are in buses for student safety. Students shall not bring on board the school bus any item which may be disruptive or interfere with the safety of students. These items include, but are not limited to: glass containers of any kind, sharp objects, balls, bats, roller skates, skateboards, cutting instruments of any kind, fishing poles, athletic equipment (inclusive of golf clubs, and lacrosse sticks), any type of balloon, all animals, and any large or bulky item which may interfere with the proper seating of students or evacuation of the school bus. These items include but are not limited to: baritone horn, baritone and tenor saxophone, bass drums, cello (half or full), contra-bass clarinet, contrabassoon, French horn, snare drum, sousaphone, tuba, guitar, trombone, or electronic keyboard. (P-5.186)

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Students and teachers need to concentrate on the learning /teaching process. In order to achieve this goal, it is important for students to obey teachers and all other school employees, obey each rule as defined by the school, and obey bus drivers. See P-5.186 for prohibited student transportation conduct. Subject to federal law, any student who commits the following safety violations while riding a school bus will receive a ten-day suspension from the bus for the first violation and lose his/her bus transportation privileges for the remainder of the school year for the second violation:

▪ Opening a school bus emergency exit door while the bus is in motion ▪ Opening a school bus emergency door and exiting the bus when the bus is stopped, unless directed by the school

bus driver in an emergency or during an emergency evacuation drill (P-5.186(2)(q)) Students who violate the Discipline Policy on any school transportation or at the bus stop while on the way to or from school are subject to school discipline consequences, denial of transportation services, and possible criminal prosecution. NOTE: Bicycle riders and passengers under the age of 16 must wear properly fitted, safety-rated helmets when riding a bicycle. Law enforcement officers may issue traffic citations and assess fines to riders or passengers who do not comply. F.S. § 316.2065(3d), & (e) Student Bus Stops After School - P-5.186(2p) For students who ride a school bus, it is also important to understand that bus drivers are not permitted to let students off the bus except at the school or at the student’s designated stop. School officials, bus operators, parents, and students themselves are all responsible for ensuring that school bus riders follow these safety tips: At the bus stops:

▪ Students and parents are responsible for safety and proper student behavior going to and from the stop and while waiting for the bus.

▪ Students must stand off the roadway while waiting. ▪ Students must respect other people’s property. ▪ Students must not push, shove, or engage in horseplay. ▪ Parents should supervise children at the stop if possible. ▪ Students must arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time. ▪ Students must wait for and get off the bus only at approved stop locations. ▪ Parents must not board the bus without permission of the driver.

During loading and unloading

▪ Always stay away from the 12-foot “danger zone” around the bus, except when you are directed by the driver to get on or off the bus.

▪ NEVER pick up an object that you drop under or near the bus. Ask the driver for help. ▪ Always be sure the driver can see you. ▪ Make sure clothing and backpacks have no loose drawstrings or long straps that could catch in the handrail or

bus door. ▪ When you see the bus coming, stand at the stop and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop. ▪ Always wait for the driver to signal that it is safe to cross the road and/or load into the bus. ▪ When crossing a traffic lane, always look left, right, then left again; cross only if approaching traffic has

stopped. ▪ Never walk behind the bus. ▪ Follow the driver’s directions at all times

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▪ Never distract the driver from driving unless there is immediate danger to you or others. ▪ Remain seated and keep the aisles clear. ▪ Eating, drinking, and chewing gum are prohibited. ▪ Never bring unsafe or unauthorized items into the bus. ▪ Always wear your seat belt when one is available. ▪ Always keep your arms, legs, and head inside the bus. ▪ Always show respect for your fellow students. ▪ Keep conversation at a reasonable level and remain quiet at railroad crossings. ▪ The Student Code of Conduct applies in the bus as well as in the classroom.

Tips for Riders in Cars, SUVs, and Trucks

▪ Drivers and passengers in cars, SUVs, and trucks must always use appropriate safety restraints. Anyone transporting children needs a child safety seat, booster seat, or safety belt, depending on children’s sizes and ages.

▪ Preschool age children should always be restrained properly in a secured child safety restraint system, such as a rear-facing infant seat, rear-facing convertible seat, forward-facing convertible seat, or forward-facing- only seat appropriate to their age and weight range.

▪ All children who have outgrown child safety seats should be properly restrained in booster seats until they are at least 8 years old, unless they are at least 4’ 9” tall.

▪ The backseat is the safest place in a crash. Children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in the back. Infants riding in rear-facing seats must NEVER be placed in front of an airbag.

Tips for Parent Drivers and Teens To reduce energy usage, pollution, and traffic congestion in neighborhoods, consider walking or bicycling with your children. If you need to drive, follow these safety tips:

▪ When picking up children in the afternoon do not arrive too early and hinder the movement of traffic in the neighborhood around the school.

▪ Wait in a single line and leave enough room so an emergency response vehicle would be able to get through. ▪ Do not block driveways, mailboxes, disabled parking spaces, or fire hydrants, and don’t park on lawns or

personal property. ▪ Always use designated loading and unloading areas when picking up or dropping off students. ▪ Conduct yourself in a respectful manner at all times. ▪ Be patient, understanding and mindful that walkers, bicyclists, and school buses are trying to exit the school

simultaneously. ▪ Do not block access to or the view from side streets. ▪ Do not back out onto any street from the school parking lot or from a side street. ▪ Try to arrange your drop off/pick up time after the peak rush hour and use designated loading and unloading

areas. ▪ Always heed signs and the directions of school and law enforcement officials. ▪ Always obey posted speed limits and other traffic laws. ▪ Act as you would want people to act if it were your neighborhood. ▪ Be patient and understand that walkers, bicyclists, and school buses are trying to exit the school, too. ▪ Always ensure that you and your passengers buckle up. ▪ Never talk on a cell phone or engage in other distractions while driving.

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Tips for Walking and Biking Safely

Walking – Teach, practice, and remind children to: ▪ Walk with an adult or responsible older child at all times. ▪ Walk on the sidewalk if there is one. ▪ Walk facing the traffic, as far from the road/traffic as possible, if no sidewalk is available. ▪ Walk; do not run. ▪ Give drivers time to see you before crossing the street. ▪ Keep looking for cars while you are crossing. ▪ Wear white clothing or reflectors when walking in the dark or in low light. ▪ Be familiar with the traffic signs such as the moving light signal of a man walking, which turns red or green to

signify that people can cross the street. ▪ Always look first to your left and right, and be aware of moving vehicles at all times - - even bicycles! ▪ Walk within the crosswalk. ▪ Try to cross the street with other people. ▪ If there is a policeman or guard giving a signal, wait for him to motion with his hand indicating that you can

cross or to show a placard that says “Go”. ▪ Avoid dawdling or engaging in other activities while walking such as using a cell phone or looking for something

in your bag. Biking – Bicycles are vehicles. Riders must follow Florida Traffic Laws. Teach, practice, and remind children to:

▪ Always wear a helmet that is properly fitted. ▪ Whenever possible, ride with an adult or responsible older student. ▪ Always obey all traffic signs and signals. ▪ Ride on the right side of the road or trail in a single file (one bicycle behind another). ▪ Ride in the same direction as other vehicles. ▪ Go straight across railroad tracks. ▪ Always use proper hand signals when turning and stopping. ▪ Yield to pedestrians and alert them with a bicycle bell or your voice when passing. ▪ NOTE: Bicycle riders and passengers under the age of 16 must wear properly fitted, safety-rated helmets

when riding a bicycle. Law enforcement officers may issue traffic citations and assess fines to riders or passengers who do not comply. F.S. § 316.2065(3)(d), & (e)

VIRTUAL EDUCATION Policy 5.017

Florida provides virtual education as an educational choice in all public school districts. The District’s Virtual Education Program provides various options for online instruction.

▪ K-12 students have access to academically appropriate courses online. There are multiple virtual options for students; the most current options at all levels can be viewed at www.palmbeachvirtual.org. Enrollment windows are open a minimum of 90 days prior to the first day of each school year.

▪ Palm Beach Virtual School is available to support students with online enrollment and with questions regarding the online education selections most appropriate for each student. Courses are available for full-time and part- time enrollment for grades K-12, including a high school diploma program.

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▪ Students entering 9th grade and seeking the standard 24-credit high school diploma must take and pass one approved online high school course. Palm Beach Virtual School assists students to meet this requirement. Additionally, completion of a course in which a student earns a nationally recognized CAPE industry certification in information technology or passage of information technology certification examination without enrollment in the corresponding course satisfies this requirement as well. Successful completion of an online high school course taken in grades 6-8 also qualifies. Students transferring into the state of Florida during their senior year as well as students with an exemption written into their Exceptional Student Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.) do not need to meet the online course graduation requirement, F.S. § 1003.4282(4).

▪ The Palm Beach County School District provides an online course recovery solution in all middle schools and online credit recovery courses in all high school and alternative schools. It is important to note that credit recovery courses are not approved by the NCAA.

▪ For additional information, visit www.palmbeachvirtual.org or call 561-366-6131.

VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN AND HEAD START PROGRAMS F.S. § 1002.53

Florida created the free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program for all 4-year-olds, regardless of family income. VPK prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. The District offers both the school year (part day) and summer (full day) VPK programs in most, but not all elementary schools. Parents may choose to have their child attend one, but not both VPK programs. To participate, children must turn 4-years-old by September 1 of the year prior to kindergarten entry, be residents of Palm Beach County, and have a VPK Certificate of Eligibility. However, the state allows parents with children who turn four between February 2 and September 1 to postpone enrollment until the following year.

The District’s VPK classroom teaching teams are composed of a certified teacher and credentialed assistant teacher. Teaching teams implement a research-based curriculum aligned to the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards. Our schools offer opportunities for children living within their boundary areas to attend VPK where their siblings also attend elementary school.

Families whose children are enrolled in the District’s school year, part day VPK program may choose to have their children attend enrichment hours that extend the VPK program hours, creating a seamless 6-hour day. Grants, contracts and other funding sources pay for the enrichment hours in VPK programs located in Title I schools. In these Title I VPK programs, enrollment has certain requirements, such as living in the school’s boundary area. VPK programs offered in non-Title I schools offer the enrichment hours through parent fees. Eligible parents may use School Readiness (subsidy) vouchers to pay parent fees. Some schools also offer VPK wraparound hours from 2:00 PM up to 6:00 PM, on a parent fee basis.

Until all VPK seats are filled, schools will continue to enroll students. Steps to enroll include:

• Step 1: Obtain a VPK Certificate of Eligibility through Florida’s Early Learning Family Portal. For assistance, contact the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, call 561-434-8720, or send an email to [email protected].

• Step 2: Visit Find My School to identify your home school. • Step 3: Visit the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Programs website, call 561-434-8720, or email

[email protected] to find out if your home school offers the VPK program. • Step 4: Call your identified school to determine if your child qualifies for the VPK program offered at that school,

and if the school has open VPK seats. • Step 5: Register for a VPK seat by visiting the school. Bring your child’s VPK Certificate, birth certificate, two

proofs of address, and current Health and Immunization forms. Complete a New/Returning Student Registration Form in your preferred language online or at the school.

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The District also offers Head Start and Early Head Start programs in ten elementary schools. The Head Start program serves low-income families on a year-round, 10-hours per day basis. To apply, complete an online Head Start Preliminary Application. For assistance or information, call 561-963-3835 or email: [email protected].

Contact the District’s Department of Early Childhood Education for additional information by calling 561-969-5884 or email: [email protected].

VOLUNTEERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS The School District of Palm Beach County would like your assistance in your child’s school. There are many ways to get involved, here are just a few. Business Partnerships are also integral to a school’s success.

Tutors Chaperones Academy Advisory

Listeners PTA/PTO Councils

Clerical Career Education Sponsorships

Mentors Adopt-A-Class Programs Arts & Crafts

Classroom Assistants Job Shadowing Special Education

Media Center Internships Special Interest Speakers

Physical Education Professional Development School Advisory Councils

After-School Programs

For more information about volunteering, contact your school’s Volunteer Coordinator or the Office of Engagement at 561-434-8789 or 561-434-8771. Helping at School with Food Food may be sold or served on school grounds only if prepared in the school kitchen under the supervision of the cafeteria staff or if prepared in commercial conditions approved by the Health Department. Accessing Community Agencies for Additional Assistance The School District of Palm Beach County wants to help parents address the social, emotional, and mental health of their children by linking students and families in need with community agencies that provide assistance. A number of community agencies offer services at low or no cost. Parents can access a list of community resources that provide counseling and other services by dialing 2-1-1 or by contacting their child’s school counselor.

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WELLNESS PROMOTION

The District recognizes that students and staff are facing increasing health and safety issues that can affect their overall wellness, ability to learn and perform, and ability to be productive citizens of our society. In an effort to assist in addressing these issues the District has their “Wellness Promotion Policy” (2.035). This policy incorporates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child” (WSCC) model. The District is committed to providing a school environment that enhances learning and development of lifelong wellness practices, promotes, and protects the overall well-being of all students and staff. Please reference the policy by clicking on this link: Wellness Promotion Policy (2.035) - Latest Revision.

The WSCC model combines and builds on elements of the traditional coordinated school health approach and the whole child framework by:

❏ Responding to the call for greater alignment, integration, and collaboration between education and health to improve each child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.

❏ Incorporating the components of a coordinated school health program around the tenets of a whole child approach to education.

❏ Providing a framework to address the symbiotic relationship between learning and health. The District established a Wellness Promotion Task Force (WPTF) that meets periodically to share progress of overall health and wellness initiatives throughout the District and Community, and we welcome all who wish to attend. Anyone interested in attending any of the WPTF meetings, please email at [email protected]. Wellness Promotion Task Force Purpose: To create an educational forum that allows students, staff, parents, community partners, and members of the public to successfully collaborate in the promotion of healthier lives. With the District’s ultimate goal of improving student performance, the direction of the Wellness Promotion Task Force is to encourage a proactive approach to holistically address the health, wellness, and safety of all schoolchildren and staff.

For more information go to the District's Wellness Promotion.

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Wellness Starts with YOU! Be Well for Academic Success and

Always Move Your Body

▪ Good nutrition has been shown to improve concentration, memory and the ability to think better. ▪ Breakfast is important! Breakfast provides your body and mind with the necessary energy and nutrients to start

your day off right. Free Breakfast is offered to all students enrolled where breakfast is provided by the School Food Service Department.

▪ Building a balanced and healthy meal is easy. Just include foods from each food group (www.choosemyplate.gov):

➢ Grains: breads, pasta, cereal, and crackers. Make sure to choose mostly whole grain. ➢ Vegetables: raw, cooked, fresh, frozen, canned, dehydrated, whole, cut up, or mashed are all great. ➢ Fruits: can be eaten fresh, canned, frozen, dried, whole, cut up, or pureed. ➢ Dairy: go low fat or fat-free when choosing milk, yogurt, cheese, and any other dairy products. ➢ Proteins: foods made from meat, poultry, seafood, beans, peas, eggs, soy, nuts, and seeds.

▪ Drink water instead of sugary beverages. ▪ Supplement healthy eating with physical activity. Find your balance between food and FUN…make sure to get out

and PLAY at least 60 minutes every day. You do not have to do it all at once – you can break it up 10-15 minutes at a time.

▪ Be sure to take proper safety precautions; warm up before an activity, run with an adult, make sure your bike has reflectors and that you wear a helmet, and drink plenty of fluids before, during and after the activity. Additionally, apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and then at least every 2 hours thereafter, more if you are sweating or swimming.

▪ Use the following tip to help with your fitness goals: ➢ Every day: play outside, take the stairs, and do stretches in the morning and at night before bed. ➢ 2-3 times per week: walk, run, bike, jump rope, swim, skateboard, dance, inline skate or participate

in football, basketball, soccer, tennis, martial arts, yoga or any other fun activity. ➢ Cut down on: video, computer games and TV…get up and move every 30 minutes.

▪ Sleep is food for your brain. Be sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night so you are refreshed and focused at school. Getting adequate sleep helps you perform better on tests and schoolwork.

▪ Your oral health can have a direct impact on your overall health. Reduce your risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.

▪ It is just as important to take care of your mental health, as it is your physical health. If you are angry, worried, or sad, do not be afraid to talk about your feelings and reach out to a friend or adult you trust, including a family member, guidance counselor, teacher, or coach.

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Parents (including legal guardians) are required to provide written permission to their child's school if they wish to: 1) allow their child to participate in school activities and the School District to publish the student's name, school name, grade level, photograph, video image, art work, writing, etc. in annual yearbooks, graduation programs, web sites, school newspapers, approved news gatherings, releases and articles, etc. AND 2) allow publication to the public of certain specified information (such as honors received) related to their child.

PBSD 1941 (Rev. 8/5/2016) ORIGINAL - School COPY - Parent/Student

DIRECTIONS: If this is a blanket consent for all student publications throughout the school year, the parent will check the appropriate box and provide the school year. If a one-time release and consent for a special project is required, the parent will check the special release box and list below the name of the special project publication. The parent will sign and return to the student's school.

Signature of Parent/Guardian or Emancipated Student (including if age 18 or over - proof of age required)

Date

I give permission for the consent request indicated above.

I do not give permission for the consent request indicated above.

The School District of Palm Beach County shall have the right to sell, duplicate, reproduce or make other use of such rights transferred as The School District of Palm Beach County so desires. This agreement is given with free knowledge of the rights transferred to the School District of Palm Beach County. This agreement is made without restrictions or time limits.

I also understand the production, publication, presentation or materials may be submitted for classwork, for open broadcast by Instructional Television (ITV), The Education Network (TEN), a film festival or contest or any other display according to the broadcast/ publication rules of the appropriate trade.

I hereby give permission for the school or District to use my child's photograph, video image, writing, voice recording, name, grade level, school name, etc. in the special production named above.

special release and consent for the student information publication listed below:

blanket release and consent for all student information publications for school year I hereby give permission for the school or District to use my child's photograph, video image, writing, voice recording, name, grade level, school name, participation in officially recognized activities and sport, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, diplomas and awards received, date and place of birth, and most recent previous school attended, in annual yearbooks, graduation programs, playbills, school productions, web sites, social media sites, etc. and/or similar school or District sponsored publications or in school or District approved news media interviews, releases, articles, and photographs. I also provide permission for the release by the school or District to the media and governmental entities of my child's name, grade, school name and honors my child has received for public announcement of recognition of my student's accomplishments. I understand that without checking the permission box my child's name and photograph cannot and will not be included in any publications or presentation, including a school yearbook.

Parent/Guardian Name

Contact Phone NumberSchool Name

Student Name (first, middle initial, last)Student ID #

School Contact

TYPE OF CONSENT (check one only)

Grade

THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

Release and Consent for Student Information Publication

Teacher

Grade

PBSD 2027 (Rev. 6/24/2019) RECORD COPY: Cumulative Record Folder (CRF)

Student's Name (first, middle, last)

School/Dept Name

I have read and understand this form concerning surveys conducted in the School District of Palm Beach County. I, the parent/legal guardian of the above named child, DO NOT give my consent for my child to take the surveys described above.

DateSignature of Parent/Legal Guardian

Print Parent/Legal Guardian Name

THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

The School District of Palm Beach County uses this notice to inform you about "protected information surveys" and obtain your consent (if students are required to submit to a survey concerning specified "protected information") or let you opt-out your child from completing certain other voluntary surveys. If your child is 18 or older, he or she can give consent or choose not to take the surveys. "Protected information surveys" include surveys that relate to political affiliations or beliefs; mental or psychological problems; sexual behavior or attitudes; or illegal, anti-social, self- incriminating, or demeaning behavior; critical appraisals of close family members; legally-recognized privileged relationships such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers; religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs; or certain income information. The District conducts surveys to plan programs, gather current information, and decide how well programs for students are working. Here is a schedule of the surveys that may be conducted this school year:

None of these surveys is funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education. Participation is voluntary. Completing the surveys will not pose a risk to your child. The surveys are anonymous. Your child's name is not on the survey. No one can determine which student answered the questions. Survey procedures protect your child's privacy. There will be no action taken against you or your child if your child does not participate. These surveys provide valuable information to ensure that there are programs, activities, and support for children as they grow up. If you want to see any of these surveys before they are administered or used, write:

Department of Safe Schools c/o Roosevelt Elementary School 1220 15th Street Building 5-101 West Palm Beach, FL 33407

OR Teaching & Learning 3330 Forest Hill Blvd., C-223 West Palm Beach, FL 33406

As a parent, you can opt-out of having your child participate in these surveys. Read the section below. If you DO NOT GIVE YOUR CHILD PERMISSION TO PARTICIPATE in surveys conducted at your school this year, tear off and return the completed form below to your child's school.

Student Participation in Authorized Surveys SAFE SCHOOLS

The Florida Youth Surveys, Youth Risk Behavior Survey (select High Schools), and Middle School Health and Behavior Survey (select Middle Schools): Middle and High Schools; Spring, conducted by Safe Schools. These are anonymous surveys sent to the District by the State of Florida. They ask students questions about drug and alcohol use, sexual behavior, violence, and other at-risk behaviors. The surveys also ask questions about family make-up, the relationship between parents and children, the use of tobacco at home, health and nutrition, and family history of drug (including alcohol) problems. Climate and Safety Survey: Elementary, Middle and High Schools; Fall or Spring. Conducted by Safe Schools. This is another anonymous survey about students' attitudes and beliefs - about themselves, violence, drugs, and the climate at their school. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey is sponsored by the Florida Departments of Health, Education, and Children and Families and is administered by the SDPBC Teaching and Learning Department. Students in classes identified by the state will be administered one of five possible surveys: Youth Tobacco Survey (Grades 6-12), High School Youth Substance Abuse Survey (Grades 9-12), Middle School Youth Substance Abuse Survey (Grades 6-8), Youth Risk Behavior Survey (Grades 9-12), or Middle School Health Behavior Survey (Grades 6-8). These anonymous surveys ask students questions about family make-up, family relationships, the use of tobacco at home, health and nutrition, personal and family history of drug and alcohol use, sexual behavior, violence, and other at-risk behaviors.

Students, parents*, teachers, counselors, administrators, and office staff all have important roles to play in our schools. Rules have been made to address possible problems that may occur. Like laws, rules apply to everyone. They work only when everyone knows what they are.

The Student and Family Handbook lists many of the School District rules for students in Palm Beach County. The rules apply to all activities occurring on school grounds, on other sites being used for school activities, and for any vehicles authorized for the transporting of students. Please read the rules carefully. Parents, students, school faculty, and staff need to know the rules. Since parents can be held responsible for the actions of their children, it is important that they are aware of the rules and consequences if the rules are broken.

Parents need to become involved in the education of their children and have the responsibility to provide the school with the current emergency contact person(s) and telephone numbers. They also have the responsibility to notify the school of anything (such as medical information) that may affect their child's ability to learn, to attend school regularly, or to take part in school activities.

Signed forms must be part of every student's record. Your signature below means that you have reviewed the Student and Family Handbook and know the rules. (It does not mean that you agree or disagree with them.)

* Wherever the word "parent(s)'' appears, it shall also refer to "guardian(s) or persons acting as a parent." Further, wherever student responsibilities are described, it is understood that parents jointly share those responsibilities with their children.

THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

Parent/Student Acknowledgments of Student Rules and Regulations of Operations

PBSD 1910 (Rev. 3/11/2015) ORIGINAL - School

Student First Name

Teacher Name Grade

Birth Date

Signature of Parent or Guardian Date

Signature of Parent or Guardian Date

Signature of Student Date

SAFE SCHOOLS

Last Name

School District of Palm Beach County, FL 3300 Forest Hill Boulevard

West Palm Beach, FL 33406 561-434-8000