WELCOME TO LAKE MAGDALENE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT:
“Every Child Can Excel”
SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT:
Our students will become productive members of society by developing mutual respect, self motivation and positive self esteem while striving to achieve the optimum level of academic potential.
TEXTBOOKS:
The State of Florida loans textbooks to students on a temporary basis. Florida 233.47 states that “each parent having charge of a pupil for whom books have been issued, shall be held liable for any loss, destruction or unnecessary damage.”
BREAKFAST PROGRAM:
Breakfast is served daily from 7:30 – 7:50 a.m. Our school board has approved FREE BREAKFAST TO ALL STUDENTS IN EVERY SCHOOL. Students who eat a school breakfast demonstrate a longer attention span when focusing on their classroom activities, complain less of physical symptoms, and show fewer behavior problems. All students are invited to participate in our breakfast program. However, students arriving after 7:50 will not have time to participate in this program.
EARLY ARRIVALS:
Children who do not eat breakfast SHOULD NOT arrive at school earlier than 7:30 a.m. There is no supervision by school personnel available before 7:30. After breakfast, children will report to their classroom.
COUNTY BUS TRANSPORTATION AND FOOD SERVICE PHONE NUMBERS:
Use the numbers below for questions in these two areas:
Transportation: 558-1095 School Food Service: 558-1099
SCHOOL DAY BEGINS:
ALL STUDENTS MUST BE IN THEIR CLASSROOMS BY 8:00 A.M. It is very important for children to develop the habit of being prompt; this will assist them throughout their lives. If your child is late they should be escorted into the office for a tardy slip. Tardies are recorded on the student’s record and will cause a child to miss valuable learning time. With your guidance and help, each child should be at school on time.
SCHOOL DAY ENDS:
Please be prompt in your pick-ups (2:15 p.m.) Also, in the event your child is to go home with another parent (or another child) on a particular day, BOTH sets of parents need to communicate these plans to the school in writing. Students will NOT be allowed to walk to dismissal alone. Students will go home as regularly planned unless a change in dismissal is received in WRITING. We cannot accept any changes in dismissal over the phone or by word of mouth. Children may not ride a different bus to go home with another child without written permission from both parents and the office. They must pick-up a bus pass BEFORE dismissal. Children who walk should go immediately to their homes before going elsewhere. Under no circumstances is a student to leave the school prior to
dismissal time without permission from the office. It is very important that children be at school during the entire day for effective learning to take place. Please limit checking your child out early for reasons other than doctor or dental appointments or illness. Children are not allowed on campus after school hours. Please wait outside for children to be dismissed. Your child’s teacher will indicate to you where they may be picked-up. If you pick-up your child, please be prompt as there is no personnel available to supervise children after 2:15 p.m. Our office staff is very busy with their assigned work and is not available to supervise children.
CLASSROOM ENVIRONMANT/STUDENT BEHAVIOR:
The classroom environment must be safe and well disciplined so that all children have the opportunity to learn. If your child continually disrupts the classroom after the teacher takes the necessary steps to help him/her regain appropriate control, then you will be called to pick him/her up. In order to provide your child and the other children in the classroom with a safe, positive learning environment, we are concentrating on our discipline procedure for this year. You will receive a letter from your child’s teacher listing the individual class rules, the consequences if they are broken and the rewards for positive behavior. Students must realize that at school, certain behaviors will not be tolerated, such as: fighting, stealing, and being rude, disrespectful, and disobedient.
Rules are posted and reviewed in each classroom so those students know the behavior expected in the classroom. Every effort will be made to assist children in maintaining appropriate behavior; however we will not tolerate disruptive students. They will be removed from the classroom and parents will be contacted to pick them up.
When a student is sent to the office, a report is made and you will receive a copy for your information. Teachers will contact you by phone or letter if your child is not completing work as assigned. Communication and cooperation between the home and school will provide your child with the best chance of school success and alleviate many problems. Please refer to the Lake Magdalene Discipline Plan for more information about our discipline plan and procedure. Remember YOU are the most valuable member of the team working for what is best for your child.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
Please be aware that if we must evacuate the building because of a bomb threat we are unable to use any communication devices to notify parents. These devices have a signal that can trigger a bomb. Children will be well supervised in a safe area until such time as it is safe to return to the building. Emergency cards will be taken outside during a bomb threat. To protect the safety of your child, no child will be dismissed to anyone who is not on the emergency card. We are required to have fire drills on a regular basis.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:
Florida’s School Health and Immunization Laws require students to have immunizations and a physical examination prior to admission to school. Children should be immunized against these diseases: Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Hepatitis B. The school principal shall require acceptable proof of age, a physical no more than one year old containing dates of inoculations, for all children desiring to be admitted to Kindergarten or First Grade.
ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS:
Florida State Law requires that a student to be in attendance every school day except for personal illness. It is required by law that parents explain the cause of the child’s absence or tardiness. If your child is ill and cannot attend school, you should call the attendance line, 975-7625, before 9:00a.m., explaining the absence. Excessive tardies take away valuable instruction time and learning from your child. Please make every effort to have your child at school, on time, each day.
HEAD LICE:
It is county policy that a child will be excluded from school when the student is found to have head lice and/or nits. The school takes special precautions and checks student’s hair on a continual basis. If you, the parent, will also check regularly, this will help. If you do notice this condition, please contact the school. Before a student may return to the classroom, after being excluded for head lice and/or nits, he/she must be accompanied by an adult in our office to be checked and given a clearance note for the teacher. There are only three (3) excused absences for head lice for the school year.
INSURANCE:
Students in Hillsborough County Schools are not insured by the School Board. The School Board has no legal responsibility for injuries incurred by students while at school.
TELEPHONE:
Use of the office phone is reserved for emergencies only. Office and guidance personnel are ready to assist your child when needed. After-school arrangements should be made prior to your child’s coming to school.
CONFERENCES AND VISITATIONS:
Conferences with teachers are to be arranged prior to and after the student day. A class will only be interrupted in an emergency. Lake Magdalene teachers schedule Parent-Teacher conferences for your convenience. We encourage parents to visit in the classroom by making prior arrangements with the teacher. All parents and visitors must go through the main office to sign in and obtain a visitor’s pass.
DRESS CODE:
Students are expected to adhere to the Hillsborough School District Dress Code. Student’s clothing should be non-disruptive and appropriate for the learning environment. The following should not be worn as they are classified as disruptive or inappropriate:
Tank tops Ankle-length dresses
Sleeveless shirts for boys Mini-skirts
Hats worn indoors Midriffs
Short shorts Halter-tops
See through material without the proper undergarments
Shoes should have a fastened, flat, closed heel and closed toe; therefore, no flip-flops, clogs, or sandals due to children running and playing outside and for Physical Education class. Athletic shoes are acceptable. Socks are required when appropriate. General appearance of a student should reflect neatness and good personal hygiene. T-shirts, etc., imprinted with obscene, defamatory, or disruptive words or pictures are not to be worn.
Parents of students who do not comply with the Hillsborough County dress policy will be called and asked to bring appropriate clothing.
SCHOOL HEALTH SCREENING:
School Health Services Program conducts health-screening activities at various times during a child’s school experience. Screening activities occur on a schedule dependent on guidelines established by the Department of Children and Families and local school health personnel. School health screenings may include the following activities: vision screening, hearing screening, measurement of height and weight, dental screening and screening for hypertension-high blood pressure. Parents/Guardians must inform the school in writing if they do not wish their child to participate in any portion of the program.
SCHOOL SAFETY PATROLS:
Safety Patrol members will be on duty to guide and assist students where traffic and other hazards exist. Please instruct your children to obey Safety Patrol members, as this will add to their safety and the safety of others.
RELEASE OF PUPILS:
Children are expected to remain at school; however, any student who must leave school prior to dismissal time to see a doctor, dentist or for illness, etc., must be released through the school office. The parent or authorized person taking the student must sign the Sign-Out Book. Children are not allowed to leave with someone who is not on the emergency card. Teachers are not authorized to release students from the classroom.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION:
All students are expected to participate in physical activities. Students are not excused from such classes without a written statement from a doctor. Students are required to have 150 minutes of physical education each week.
LUNCHES:
School lunches cost $1.75 per day, including milk. Parents are encouraged to send $8.75 for the week on Monday. Please enclose monies or check in a sealed envelope labeled with child’s name and amount enclosed. Preprinted envelopes are available for monthly prepayments. Checks should be made for the exact amount and payable to Lake Magdalene School Lunchroom. Money is collected in the lunchroom before school each day. Days will be carried forward if your child is absent. IN AN EMERGENCY, a child may charge lunch for one (1) day and PAY THE NEXT DAY. You will be called when charges accumulate for three (3) days. Free lunches are available according to School Board approved salary scale. The applications are available in the office.
LOST AND FOUND:
Please label your child’s clothing (coats, sweaters, etc.) so that it will be easily identified if misplaced. LOST AND FOUND articles are placed in the physical education equipment shed. Parents and students are welcome to look for lost items at this location during regular school hours. After a reasonable time, unclaimed clothing and articles will be discarded or donated to charity.
MEDICAL INFORMATION:
In case of illness or accident at school, it is very important that the school have your child’s correct address and emergency phone number. Parents are notified immediately in case of accident or when a child is ill. No child may remain at school with fever. He/She will be isolated until he/she can be taken home. If medication must be administered at school, a parent or guardian must sign the appropriate form giving the health aide permission to administer the medication. We cannot administer the medication without this form. An adult must bring all medication to the school clinic. All Medication to be administered by school personnel MUST be received and COUNTED at the time of receipt and stored in its original container. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHILDREN TO SCHOOL WITH MEDICATION.
This new policy requires some time for the parent who must count it in the office, so please leave your self enough time to accomplish this with one of our staff members. We CANNOT administer medication if this procedure is not followed. Please be sure we have a working phone number. Emergencies do develop!
RAINY DAYS:
On rainy days, dismissal will be the usual schedule. Students must have a clear understanding of what to do in the event of rain at dismissal time. Please sit down with your child and discuss your plan for what children should do in case of rain. If lightning occurs at dismissal, walkers will remain at school until conditions are safe.
CANDY, CHEWING GUM AND TOYS:
Students may not bring candy, chewing gum or toys to school. Out school rule, “Show respect for property”; indicates that these items distract students from their schoolwork. Students should only bring the necessary supplies to learn.
THE HOME/SCHOOL TEAM:
At Lake Magdalene we consider parents/guardians the most important players of the Home/School Team. Together, we can provide all the support students need to be successful learners. Some suggestions for participation are:
w Get involved. Spend time in your school; get acquainted with the principal, and teachers.
w Show your child that you think education is important.
w Provide an appropriate place in your home for study and monitor homework assignments for completion.
w Compliment your child on their schoolwork and appropriate behavior.
w Become a school volunteer. Ask your principal or teacher how you can help.
w Attend and support school functions – Parent/Teacher Conferences, Open House, Advisory Council Meetings, PTA Meetings, plays, concerts, and school programs.
w Speak up for public schools. Tell people of the successes and needs of the school. Our country was built on the premise of free, public education for all and it remains the foundation of what makes America great.
CLASSROOM & BIRTHDAY PARTIES:
The School Board permits the school to offer two (2) classroom parties per year. These are held at Lake Magdalene the last school day prior to the winter holiday and on the last day of the school year. Birthday parties for students are not permitted at school. Please do not send birthday favors or treats to school.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY:
To further ensure the safety of students and adults on campus, it is requested that no individuals walk through the parking lot at anytime. Please use sidewalks and crosswalks.
CIVILITY:
The vision statement of the School District of Hillsborough County regarding civility reads as follows:
"In order to provide a safe, caring and orderly environment, the School District of Hillsborough 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 disruption, harassment, bullying and aggressive actions."
Unacceptable behaviors under this policy include:
— Behaviors which interfere with or threaten to interfere with school activities.
— Using loud offensive language or profanity
— Intimidating, harassing, bullying, or inappropriate displays of temper
— Threatening verbal or physical harm
— Threatening, abusive, or obscene telephone conversations, written communication, electronic mail, or voice mail
Students, parents and District personnel all have the right to report any incidents of unacceptable behavior to a school district employee who will follow established District procedures for review and resolution of the reported incident.
BULLYING:
The following is an excerpt from the District’s policy on bullying:
Bullying is a form of aggression and occurs when (one or more) person(s) who perceive(s) a power imbalance, willfully subject(s) another person (victim), whoever they may be, to an intentional, unwanted and unprovoked hurtful verbal and/or physical action(s) which result(s) in the victim feeling oppressed (stress, injury, discomfort) at any school site or school board-sponsored activity or event…students who engage in such conduct shall be subject to a range of punishment to include verbal or written reprimand, in-school or out-of-school suspension, change of placement, and/or expulsion.
Examples of bullying include (but are not limited to) specified physical actions, verbal expressions, and infliction of emotional distress. All individuals have the right to report any incident(s) of bullying without fear of reprisal or retaliation. School District personnel are responsible for investigating and taking corrective action to prevent bullying at any school site or school-sponsored activity, and must do so with proper regard to the need for confidentiality and the safety of the victim and/or any individual(s) who report any incident(s) of bullying. Consequences for anyone found guilty of engaging in bullying are specified in the District Handbook.
Victims of bullying are encouraged to take the following actions:
© Clearly tell the bully(ies) to stop.
© Don’t ignore the incident. Immediately report the incident to someone at school, seek peer mediation, and/or tell your parent/guardian.
© If the bullying continues after you have clearly told the bully(ies) to stop, make a written record of the incident including the date, time, witness(es) and parties involved in the incident, and share this immediately with a responsible adult.
© Avoid being alone with the person(s) who have bullied or attempted to bully you in the past.
The following guidelines are offered to minimize the risk of being accused of bullying:
© Keep your hands to yourself.
© Remember that NO ONE has the right to harm another person in any way.
© Think before you speak.
© Immediately apologize if you accidentally say or do something that has made another person feel oppressed.
© Report all incidents of bullying behavior you have witnessed to appropriate school personnel.
© Don’t touch anyone without his or her permission and especially in an inappropriate way.
© Don’t keep interacting with a person after he/she has perceived your behavior toward them as being “inappropriate” and has clearly told you to “Stop”.
© Don’t make remarks that may cause another person to feel “oppressed” (stressful, scared, and intimidated).
BICYCLES:
Bicycles should be walked on school grounds. Bicycle racks are available to house students’ bicycles. Students should chain and lock their bikes to ensure their safety. The school cannot be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged bicycles. No scooters, shoe skates, or skateboards are allowed on campus.
DOGS:
Dogs on the school grounds can be dangerous. To protect all children, do not allow your dog to follow children to school.
DELIVERING MESSAGES TO CHILDREN:
The school cannot be responsible for delivering messages to children except in cases of emergency. The one interruption you request may seem insignificant, but the total requests we would receive in one day would be rather high. Please help us by not asking us to deliver messages.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE:
It is extremely important that every student has an up-to-date address, home telephone number and emergency numbers on his or her record card kept in the office. If any of these items change during the school year, the office should be notified immediately.
EARLY DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS:
Parents are asked to come to the office during school hours if they desire to have their student dismissed early for some type of appointment. This is a protection for all children against unauthorized adults taking children from school. We require parents to sign students out when a request is made for early dismissal. By coming through the office we also do ensure minimal interruption to the ongoing instructional program. The school will not allow students to be checked out during the last thirty (30) minutes of the day on a regular basis.
GUIDANCE PROGRAM:
The purpose of the Guidance Program is to help each individual student achieve his/her highest level of growth and development mentally, emotionally and socially. The counselor conducts classroom guidance lessons for all children. Typical topics for lessons are: friendship, responsibility, feelings, families, careers, and choices. Small group guidance sessions focus on a particular topic that will be helpful to a select group of children. Topics may include: school success, getting along with others, improving self-concept, anger control techniques, problem solving, and family concerns. Individual counseling is also available to students. A student can request an appointment with the counselor at any time. Parents may also request an appointment with the counselor to discuss a concern relevant to
his/her child.
EXCEPTIONAL CHILD PROGRAMS:
The following exceptional child programs are available to students who meet eligibility requirements:
© Emotionally Handicapped Program
© Gifted Program
© Specific Learning Disability Program
© Speech and Language Program
© Mentally Handicapped Program
© Early Exceptional Learning Program
THE CHILD STUDY TEAM:
Teachers, parents and/or school personnel may refer a student to the Child Study Team. A referral is generally made when it is felt that a student should be considered for further evaluation to determine the most appropriate educational setting. The team can be comprised of the Principal, Assistant Principal for Elementary Instruction, Administrator Resource Teacher, Guidance Counselor, Psychologist, Social Worker, Emotionally Handicapped Teacher, Learning Disabilities Teacher, Speech and Language Teacher and Classroom Teacher.
MONEY/CHECKS:
All money sent to school should be placed in an envelope with the child’s name, teacher, amount of money enclosed, and the purpose for which it is intended, written on the outside of the envelope. This is particularly necessary for primary (K-3) pupils and it is recommended for all pupils. All checks must be for the exact amount and made payable to Lake Magdalene School. Checks for lunches must be made to Lake Magdalene Lunchroom with the child’s name written on the check.
DOOR TO DOOR SALES:
Throughout the year, our school may participate in several fundraising activities. The money raised from these activities will be used to purchase items to support learning in the classroom. To promote the safety of our children, Hillsborough District policy does not allow “door to door” selling. We feel it is important that school and home work together to ensure the safety of every child. Please notify your child’s teacher if you do not want them to participate in our school’s fundraising activities. We look forward to working with you.
SCHOOL SPIRIT DAY:
Each Friday students are encouraged to show their school spirit by wearing their school colors or school shirt.
WEAPONS, TOY GUNS, DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS:
Please refer to the Parents Handbook for county policy on weapons. Nothing that resembles or could be considered a weapon may be brought to or made on school grounds, on school buses or to school bus stops. This includes toy guns or knives of any kind.
BUS TRANSPORTATION:
Bus transportation is provided for students who live two (2) miles or more from school. All routes and stops are developed by the central bus garage. Any concerns regarding bus stops should be addressed to the bus coordinator for Area 4 schools at 558-1095. If there is a request to ride home with a friend, a note must be received from both set of parents. Students are permitted depending upon space available. Request from students to ride a different bus other than the one they are assigned should be submitted to office personnel in writing prior to the requested change. A statement to the reason should be included.
TRAFFIC PLAN:
Due to our large population, traffic at dismissal can be a problem. Please adhere to our traffic plan closely so that we can eliminate as many delays as possible.
Circular Drive – Kindergarten, First, and Second grade car riders
Front of school West of the traffic light – Third, Fourth, and Fifth grade car riders
Older brothers and sisters may go to the circular drive with the younger siblings. Parents may not use the bus driveway on the west side of the school for either drop off or pick up. Students may not walk in the bus driveway at any time. This is a very dangerous area.
MOVING TO ANOTHER SCHOOL:
If you move out of our attendance area, please notify the school office at least one day prior to your departure. It is understandable that emergencies arise and one day notice cannot be given. When this occurs, contact the front office as soon as possible.
PTA:
The PTA is a vital part of the community. Membership, attendance, and active support help all of us to better understand and help our children. General meetings are scheduled periodically during the school year. Newsletters announcing the dates and times will be sent home.
Dad's Club:
Lake Magdalene is has an active Dad’s Club which meets each month. Our Dads assist PTA upon request, tutor students, sponsors a family picnic and a golf tournament each year. They support their children’s education in every way possible.
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