LEARNING ACADEMY VISION STATEMENT

The mission of this Learning Academy is to create a quality, respectful learning environment in which students, staff and community members cooperatively build sound life preparation skills for all students. This collaborative effort will provide students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors to become productive, employable, and responsible citizens.

We will provide programs designed to improve academic success, modify unacceptable behaviors, and improve school attendance. The staff at the Learning Academy believes that all students can learn when a program is delivered in a structured and disciplined environment and individualized to meet students’ abilities and needs.

The following  will help your student prepare for the annual FCAT that each school in Florida administers in the spring. Please review this with your student as that time draws near.

We look forward to working with you this year!

Dear Parents,

This Learning Academy exists to educate students. We encourage and assist students in developing their individual talents. In order to accomplish this, students and staff must have a safe and orderly environment, free of distractions, in which to teach and learn. The Learning Academy expects students and staff to demonstrate RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, APPROPRIATE DRESS AND GOOD CITIZENSHIP.

The intent of this document is to inform parents and students of the expectations regarding the standards of behavior at the Learning Academy. This year the Learning Academy is proud to inform our parents that we have adopted the Santa Rosa County Schools Code of Student Conduct. The school administrators and teachers will be reviewing the Code of Student Conduct along with our student handbook to bring attention to the rules, guidelines, and consequences that have been established. In order to enroll at the Learning Academy, students as well as a parent/guardian must sign a statement verifying they have read and understand the Code of Conduct, Student Handbook, attendance policy, and the Pupil Progression Plan. We hope these documents answer questions about expectations and operations of the school. We welcome your suggestions for improvement.

Sincerely,

Chad L. White

Director

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

Students are expected to abide by the Standards of Behavior for all school functions including transportation.

1. THE STUDENT HANDBOOK WILL BE CARRIED WITH EACH STUDENT AT ALL TIMES.

2. High school and middle school must refrain from associating with each other.

3. There will be no eating or chewing any form of candy, gum, food or drink on campus other than meal time in the cafeteria, unless pre-approved by school director. Students are not permitted to bring and eat breakfast after arriving on school campus. Breakfast may be provided on regular scheduled FCAT testing days.
   
   

4. Opened drink bottles are NOT allowed on campus. Only drinks that still have the safety seal are permitted on campus.
   
   

5. Students are not allowed to use school telephones or computers for personal use. This includes, but not limited to: scheduling transportation, appointments, etc. Learning Academy staff will make emergency telephone calls for students.
   
   

6. Students will attend school, each day, as scheduled, unless excused by the Director.

7. Students will stay in their seats as assigned. Students must raise their hand and receive permission to get out of the seat.

8. Students will use appropriate, polite, standard language both verbally and non-verbally. Profanity and inappropriate body language are prohibited.

9. Students will raise their hand and speak only when recognized by the teacher during class. (10:00-end of day)

10. Students and adults will treat others with respect.

11. Students will place all trash in designated receptacles.

12. Students will stay awake and on-task during school hours. Sleeping in class will not be acceptable.

13. Students will complete assignments within the stated timelines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they receive make-up work from each teacher permitted time limits.

14. Students are responsible for their own work. Cheating of any form is not acceptable and will be determined by the teacher, not the student. Students guilty of cheating will receive a zero on the assignment.
    
    

15. Students will comply with the DRESS CODE specified in the code of conduct.

16. Public Display of Affection (PDA) is prohibited. Students will respect personal space rule- also known as the 12-inch rule. Keep your hands to yourself at all times.

17. Students and their possessions may be searched on a random basis while on the school campus or school transportation. A portable metal detector may be used at the staff’s discretion.

18. Students will not play cards or other non-educational games. Gambling in any form is strictly prohibited.
    
    

19. Students will follow School Transportation Rules listed in the Student Handbook, and as directed by the driver or Director.

20. Students will keep all electronic devices off during the school day.

The Learning Academy of Santa Rosa reserves the right to use a variety of actions to punish students who have not followed the procedures stated in the Student Handbook and in the Code of Conduct. The Learning Academy reserves the right to add or delete from the following list as the need arises. Punishment options (listed in no particular order) may include one or more of the following:

Loss of Privileges, Time Out, Parent Notification, Alterations to Attire, After School or Saturday Work Detail, Out of School Suspension, Parent or Teacher Conference, Behavioral Contract, and Dismissal from the Learning Academy.

Note: Any student causing a disturbance while in ISS will be automatically suspended out of school for a minimum of one day.

TYPES OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION

1. LOSS OF PRIVILEGES

This may include having a required escort, loss of break time, loss of right to have vending, loss of free time, or other rewards earned for appropriate behaviors.

2. TIME OUT

Time out is assigned to students for a limited amount of time to give the student an opportunity to compose him/her and to prevent the student from getting into further trouble. Time out is offered first within the classroom; if unsuccessful, the student is removed.

3. DETENTION

Detention is the assignment of a student to a designated area. Any class activities that occur during the time a student is in detention cannot be made-up; therefore, a grade for that time is zero.

4. ISOLATION

Isolation is a more restrictive measure where the student is placed in a separate area for a pre-determined period of time, normally during school, lunch and breaks. These areas are barren of reinforcement and away from other students. Students who are isolated will not be allowed to utilize vending while in isolation. Hence, isolated students are encouraged to order a school lunch.

5. AFTER-SCHOOL WORK DETAIL

After-school time may be designated to perform service at the school. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide transportation when their child is placed on after-school work detail. School personnel are not responsible for students once the after-school work detail is completed. Students must be picked up promptly at the designated time. Students will not perform after-school work detail before school, or at their convenience. Those who fail to complete assigned service will automatically be suspended until they complete the after-school work detail on the available date.

6. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

In-School Suspension is the separation of a student from school activities for violations of the Standards of Behavior. The student continues to attend school during this punishment. Students are assigned to a specific area and required to do their work alone and without interaction with peers. A student who continues to disrupt ISS students will be placed on work detail for the remainder of the day and/or suspended out-of-school for the next school day. This will result in a zero on all work required for the days missed.

7. OUT-OF-SCHOOL

Out-of-School suspension is the separation of a student from school for a specified number of school days when that student’s presence in the school poses a continuing danger to person or property, threat to disrupt the academic process, or for an offense resulting in a recommendation for dismissal. The administrator notifies the parent/guardian orally and/or in writing. The number of days per incident shall not exceed 10 and is dependent on the intensity, frequency, and seriousness of the violation. The IEP/disciplinary staffing review committee must review ESE students who are suspended 10 days (cumulative during one school year). When suspended, students receive a zero for all missed assignments and make-up work will not be permitted. Students on school property during out-of-school suspension/dismissal will be considered trespassing.

8. DISMISSAL

Dismissal is the loss of the right to attend the Learning Academy. Periods of Dismissal are determined according to severity of the incident causing the recommendation for Dismissal. Dismissal periods will be either: (1) One full calendar year OR: (2) remainder of the school year and all of the next school year.

Recommendations for Dismissal will follow Due Process procedures. The student shall be suspended until the Learning Academy Board or President can act on the director’s recommendation. Parents will be notified by registered mail with return receipt. The Learning Academy Board shall review and, when requested, hear testimony from the student and/or parent/guardian. The Board will make a decision to support or deny the director’s recommendation to dismiss the student. The decision shall be final. Parents will be notified of the Board’s decision if they are not present at the meeting. Dismissed students shall not return to school property during the period of Dismissal. Note: The Santa Rosa County School District Board does not hear nor participate in any manner in the appeal of a decision to expel a student from the Learning Academy.

9. NOTICE TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR LEGAL CITATION

Law enforcement may require a student to appear before a Judge for interfering with the educational process or other offenses.

10. ARRESTED AND CHARGED

Law enforcement officers do have the authority to arrest students found guilty of an illegal offense. This includes disruption of a school function, all acts of violence or threats of violence, and all other illegal activities.

DUE PROCESS

All students are to be afforded their right to due process in that they are not to be denied the opportunity to present any information relative to all instances before disciplinary action is taken.

STUDENTS UNDER COURT SANCTIONS

Students involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice or that are court ordered to receive an education will receive the same disciplinary action as any other student enrolled at the learning Academy of Santa Rosa. Rules will not be altered to protect/safeguard students who may be reassigned to juvenile detention centers or jail.

REASONABLE SUSPICION

If at any time a staff member has reasonable suspicion that a student is under the influences of drugs or alcohol, a law enforcement officer will be notified, and parents/guardians will be called to pick up their child immediately.

ALTERNATE PLACEMENT

Students who habitually violate this Student Handbook are students that endanger the safety, learning, health, and welfare of students who desire to comply with school rules and learn. An alternative may be given as choices to the parent/guardian of those students who are habitual offenders or the decision may or may not be made at a disciplinary hearing. **Refer to the Individual Educational Plan for all students classified as Exceptional Education Students.

*****Refer to the Individual Educational Plan for all students classified as Exceptional Education Students. Additional information is found in the Directors Manual.

FAILURE TO NOTIFY

Any student, who knowingly refuses to report a behavior that jeopardizes the safety and welfare of other students and/or staff, will be punished accordingly.

INTERFERENCE WITH SCHOOL STAFF

This is any action that prevents or attempts to prevent school staff from engaging in their lawful duties. If any student is engaged in this activity, they could face out of school suspension in accordance with the school’s discipline plan, and or legal action.

GANG ACTIVITY

Any activity that can reasonably be associated or identified with a gang activity or affiliation. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. The wearing of clothing associated with gangs

2. Flashing gang colors

3. Throwing hand signs, symbols, etc.

4. Bragging about gang activity outside of school as to threaten or intimidate other students.

Any student engaged in these types of activities will be suspended out of school immediately in accordance with the school’s discipline plan.

TRESPASSING

Trespassing is to enter or remain on the school’s campus or transportation without authorization or invitation and with no lawful purpose for entry, including students under suspension, dismissal, or alternative placement. The safety of our students and staff is a paramount concern; therefore, law enforcement will be immediately notified of any situation where we have unauthorized personnel on campus; legal action will be pursued if deemed necessary.

VANDALISM

Vandalism is the unlawful and/or malicious destruction, damage, or defacement of public or private property without consent of the owner or the person having custody or control of it. If there are any incidents of vandalism, the following action(s) will occur:

1. Notification of Sheriff’s department

2. Notification of the student’s parent/guardian

3. Discipline up to and including a recommendation for alternate placement or Dismissal.

4. Restitution in full for the damage for replacement value of a like item(s). An agreement of restitution will be made with the parent/guardian concerning the time frame of when the replacement value is due.

FALSE ACCUSATION OF A STAFF MEMBER

Any student that makes a false accusation that jeopardizes: the character, reputation, certification, or employment of a staff member, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including Dismissal and legal action taken against the accuser.

FALSE INFORMATION

Any student who intentionally provides false or misleading information is subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the school’s discipline plan. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. Information regarding an incident, which has occurred, or is imminent.

2. Information regarding juvenile or adult probation, or court sanctions.

3. False written accusations or statements about another student or staff member (may be subject to legal action).

SEARCHES AND SEIZURE

To ensure the safety and protection of our students and staff, these searches will be conducted as students arrive to school and/or during random searches to ensure no illegal contraband is brought to school. All Learning Academy staff members, including the SRO, are authorized to detain, question, and request a search of a student’s personal property at any time. According to the Student Handbook and the Santa Rosa Student Code of Conduct, disciplinary action will be taken if contraband is found on any student or their property. Contraband is any item that is not authorized at school. These searches are conducted to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all students, staff and faculty and are not of a form of harassment.

EQUITY STATEMENT / NONDISCRIMINATION

Students in this school are offered the opportunity to participate in appropriate programs, services, and activities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, parenthood, pregnancy, disability, or social and family background.

Students are entitled to an environment free of discrimination and/or harassment by other students, adult employees, or volunteers, or persons with whom the school contracts for services. Students should not be subjected to nor should they subject others to:

1. Slurs or innuendoes about characteristics listed in the statement above concerning race, sex, etc.;

2. Any activity or talk related to those statements above that creates an offensive educational environment or unreasonably interferes with the individual’s school performance or participation in educational opportunities;

3. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes harassment or discrimination, the totality of the circumstances, the nature of the conduct and the context in which the alleged conduct occurred will be investigated. A substantiated charge against a student shall subject that student to disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension or Dismissal.

In any case which involves initial reporting of alleged harassment or discrimination, nothing shall require the individual alleging harassment or discrimination to present the matter to the person who is the subject of the complaint. Reporting harassment or discrimination will not affect the student’s status, extracurricular activities, future grades or work assignments with the exception of a False Claim. A substantiated False Claim, in which a student willfully, intentionally, in bad faith wrongfully accuses another student or adult, shall result in disciplinary action.

The right to Due Process will be guarded for both the complainant and accused. The right to confidentiality will be respected consistent with the obligation and necessity to investigate allegations of misconduct and to take corrective action when misconduct has occurred.

REPORTING:

Students should report complaints pertaining to this policy to a teacher, the director, or the dean of students.

Students who do not think their complaints have been adequately resolved may file a formal complaint, in writing, to the director.

Formal complaints involving student-to-student include but are not limited to rape, attempted rape, threats of physical violence, repeated harassment or discrimination, or any complaint that cannot be resolved by the teacher.

Formal complaints involving adult-to-student may include any action of a sexual nature or any action that denies a student access to education opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, nationality, ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or social and family background.

If the complaint is not successfully resolved at the school level, the student or parent may appeal to the Human Resource Officer, Management Center at (850) 314-6571. Appeals are available as defined in the Charter Contract with the school.

Profane, Obscene, Abusive Language or Gestures, Objects, or Pictures

This is the use if profane, obscene, abusive language or gestures, or the possession of objects or pictures which are disrespectful, offensive or socially unacceptable and which can or tend to disrupt the school environment, or a school function. This includes the taking and/ or sending, of inappropriate or offensive images or texts using electronic devices as well as being in the possession of inappropriate images or text. If any student engages in the use of electronic devices in this manner, it may result in the law enforcement being notified.

SEXUAL DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT

The Learning Academy complies with all laws regarding nondiscrimination. Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of civil rights. The Learning Academy believes that sexual harassment is both morally wrong and offensive. Such conduct on the part of any individual is not tolerated. Everyone is entitled to work and learn in an environment free from sexual harassment.

DEFINITION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT:

Unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, by student or employee that (1) denies, limits, conditions, or interferes with the provision of education, assistance, or services or (2) creates a hostile or intimidating educational environment. Insisting that behaviors or actions were “misunderstood” does not excuse or reduce responsibility for behavior. Students and staff have the right and the responsibility to report actions that may be sexual harassment without fear of reprisal or retaliation.

Examples of such behavior include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Verbal conduct such as sexual name-calling, spreading sexual rumors, telling sexual jokes, and making derogatory comments relating to appearance or gender.

2. Visual conduct such as displaying or drawing derogatory posters, cartoons, drawings, graffiti, or gestures.

3. Physical conduct such as unwanted touching, blocking another’s movements, or sexual assault.

4. Threats or demands for physical contact.

REPORTING AND INVESTIGATING SEXUAL HARASSMENT:

Any individual, who has a complaint of sexual harassment at school, whether it is another student or a school employee, should do the following:

• Tell the offending individual to STOP the behavior.

• Immediately REPORT the incident to the director/dean or neutral staff member

• The director/designee shall promptly INVESTIGATE the complaint, obtain the name of the accused person, any witnesses, a description of the incident, and obtain a written statement from the alleged victim.

• The director/designee shall CONTACT THE PARENTS of the student allegedly harassed and the student, or employee, who allegedly did the harassing to inform them of the incident and investigation.

• The investigation will be made in an objective and sensitive manner, maintaining confidentiality for all persons involved as much as possible.

• If following investigation disciplinary action is found appropriate; the individual may follow the Appeal Procedure identified in the Charter Contract

• The director/designee must take immediate and appropriate steps to prevent reoccurrences and discipline the offender. (In the case of a professional, the incident must be reported to Learning Academy Board, district personnel Officer and the Department of Professional Practices.

VEHICLE USE BY STUDENTS

Driving a vehicle to school is a privilege, not a right. Any student who desires to drive to school must provide: proof of insurance, a copy of their driver’s license, a copy of their vehicle registration. Students who violate this policy will not be allowed to drive their vehicles to school. Upon occasion, students who drive will be dismissed before or after the loading of school buses. The Director or a staff member will release all students.

DRESS CODE

The Students attending the Learning Academy of Santa Rosa will adhere to the following dress code. Violation of the dress code may subject the violator to punishment according to the Student Code of Conduct. Students will be required to make arrangements for proper attire if the school’s director or dean deems clothing unacceptable. All clothing must be functional, appropriate, and non-distracting. If a student intends to argue with staff about this issue or even continues to violate this issue it may be deemed as defiance and punished accordingly. The following clothing items, or manner of appearance, will not be allowed:

1. All students will wear pants that fit appropriately; a belt is suggested to help keep the pants from falling or sagging. No undergarments or flesh around the midsection should be seen at any time during the school day.

2. Pajama pants or boxers are not considered appropriate outer garments and should not be worn as outer garments.

3. Skirts/dresses must be worn in such a fashion as to not expose the mid-section and the bottom must be no less than 3 inches from the knee.

4. Bras, panties, boxers, etc. are not to be exposed at any time.

5. Shirts must cover the portion of the body beginning at the pant/skirt and going to the neckline as to form some sort of reasonable collar, no chest area will be visible. The sleeves must extend in order to cover a portion if not all of the shoulder.

6. Any item of clothing advertising or advocating the use of alcohol, tobacco products, drugs, etc. will not be acceptable clothing.

7. Confederate flags will not be visible on shirts, pants, school supplies, jewelry, belt buckles, or tattoos. These items will be confiscated or covered as applicable.

8. No clothing or tattoo that is derogatory in any fashion toward any one group or multiple groups of people shall be visible. If an item is offensive in nature that item will be confiscated.

9. Flip-flops and sandals may be worn at the student’s risk. Shoes must be classified as a shoe for safety reasons.

10. Overcoats may only be worn during the appropriate seasons. Light jackets and sweaters are permitted to satisfy individual comfort. Shirts or jackets with a hood may be worn, but the student will not wear the hood while in doors.

11. Hats and visors are prohibited on school grounds or bus unless a fundraiser is being held. If seen these items will be confiscated by school staff.

12. Any items associated with gang attire or activity will be immediately confiscated and the School Resource Officer (SRO) on duty will be notified. If an SRO is not on campus, the proper authorities will be notified.

13. Make-up should be worn in a conservative manner. Students will not be allowed to reapply makeup during class time.

14. Sunglasses are prohibited on school grounds. If seen, they will be confiscated.

15. Jewelry is the responsibility of the student and is to be conservative in nature. Necklaces with medallions are unauthorized and will be confiscated. The school will not be responsible for stolen jewelry.

The School Director and Dean have the final say on what is and what is not appropriate. There may be occasion for a student to be allowed to wear an item for religious reasons; this is acceptable if it is not unsafe or distracting from the focus of the class. A student who comes to school in violation will be sent home until he/she can conform to the code of conduct. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that their child dress appropriately for school.

ATTENDANCE

Good attendance is vital to the success of students at the Learning Academy. Improving student attendance is a major goal of this school. The Learning Academy utilizes an automated voice telephone program called Connect-Ed that will make daily contact to a specified phone number for each that is absent. Students will NOT be allowed to report absences.

Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend school regularly, be on time for classes, and satisfy all course requirements. Poor attendance or excessive tardiness [five (5) or more during a nine week period] will result in low or failing grades. Students who have excessive tardiness and unexcused absences will receive after-school work detail. In order to pass a course after fifteen (15) unexcused absences in a semester, the student will be required to pass a comprehensive examination. Students may be counted in attendance only if they are actually present or if they are away from school on field trips or other school sponsored activities under the supervision of school authorities.

A student must be in school for a minimum of two hours in order to receive credit for the day.

Florida Law (F.S. 232.01) places responsibility on parents/guardians to send their child to school regularly. Violations of the compulsory attendance law may result in legal charges as a First or Second Degree Misdemeanor. Specific notifications and interventions are offered by the school to assist in improving student attendance. Please do not hesitate to contact the Director or your child’s teacher if special arrangements are required in order to assure your child benefits from their school experience.

Excused Absence is defined as one of the following:

1. Death in the family or other bona fide, verifiable family emergency.

2. Illness or injury requiring medical or dental attention.

3. Appointments for medical or dental care

4. Religious holidays (Good Friday, Yom Kippur, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah or others when the parents request, in writing five days prior to the absence that their child be excused for Religious reasons).

Required Documentation for Excused Absence: In order for an absence to be “excused,” a parent must notify the school within three days of the student’s return to school. If notification is not received within three days, the absence will be marked as unexcused and truancy procedures will be initiated. After a student is absent for 3 or more days consecutively, a doctor’s note is required to consider the absence excused.

Make up work for excused absences: For excused absences, the student will be expected to make up the work missed during the time of absence or completed with 5 school days after the student returns to school. However, the teacher may grant additional time for the makeup work if the individual situation warrants.

Unexcused absences are absences resulting from:

1. Unauthorized absence

2. Truancy

3. Suspension

4. Dismissal/Expulsion

Tardiness is recorded when a student has no bona fide reason for not being present and prepared for class at the appropriate time. Five (5) unexcused tardies will result in after-school work detail assignment. Unexcused tardies will be viewed by the administration as students skipping school.

Truancy: The absence of a student without excuse. A parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified and may result in out of school suspension.

Leaving Campus is prohibited once a student arrives. Students will not be given credit for attending school if they leave early. A student must remain at school for a minimum of two (2) hours in order to receive credit for the day.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION RULES

If you do not ride the transportation vehicle for 3 days in a row, regardless of the reason, the bus will NOT come back by your house until you make contact with Durham Transportation at 850-983-5100. The Learning Academy is NOT responsible for scheduling transportation due absences.

***Students may not ride buses or use different pick-up/drop-off points other than those to which they are regularly assigned. There will be no exceptions to this rule regardless of parent permission.

STUDENT RESPONSIBLITITIES FOR RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS

1. Boarding the bus:

   • Be at assigned bus stop and by the road FIFTEEN MINUTES before pick-up time

   • Use a safe walking route to your stop and use proper crossing procedures

   • Wait in a safe, orderly manner away from traffic

   • Respect the rights of property owners at your stop and along your walking route

   • Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before moving forward to board

   • Board in an orderly manner, without pushing or shoving, at your stop or at the school

   • Use the grab rail and watch your step.

   • Smoking and /or engaging in illegal activities while awaiting pickup are prohibited and will result in disciplinary action

2. On-Board Procedures:

• Take your seat promptly and remain seated for your ride to and from school

• Sit in the seat-facing front; keep your feet, and other belongings, out of the aisle

• Always keep your hands, arms, head and any objects/items inside the bus

• Your conversations should be quiet and your conduct orderly so that the driver is never distracted from the important job of driving

• Applying makeup, eating, drinking, smoking, throwing object(s), or using vulgar language is never permitted.

• Do not damage any part of the bus, and report any damage you see

• The emergency door/windows should be used ONLY for emergencies

• Never sit in the driver’s seat or tamper with any equipment or controls

• Should your bus breakdown or have an accident, remain seated and follow the driver’s instruction(s)

3. Unloading The Bus:

• Wait until an adult gives permission to leave your seat

• Get off the bus only at your assigned stop

• Watch your step and use the grab rail; move promptly away from the bus

• If it is necessary to cross the road, do so at least 10 feet in front of the bus

• Go directly home by a safe route

• Never throw any object at the bus or any motor vehicle

School Bus transportation is a privilege, not a right. Violations of the rules will result in loss of this privilege. Violent or unlawful acts will be subject to the same disciplinary measures as violations that occur on campus, in addition to any transportation suspension.

USE OF REASONABLE FORCE

The use of reasonable force is permitted to protect students form the following;

1. Conditions harmful to learning

2. Conditions harmful to students’ mental health

3. Conditions harmful to students’ physical health

4. Conditions harmful to safety and/or injury to self, school, personnel, and others.

5. Reasonable force cannot be excessive, cruel, or unusual in nature. Physical force should cease upon the restoration of a safe and orderly environment.

Medication

No student is allowed to have medication, prescription or non-prescription, (with the exception of an Epi-pen, insulin pens, or Asthma inhaler- a proper medication form must be completed by a parent/guardian), in his/her possession on school premises, on a school bus, or at a school function. All medication must be brought in its original container to the school by the parent/guardian/authorized adult, and given to the office manager or director. Medication will not be accepted from a student. Only mid-day doses of medication will be administered. Morning doses should be taken at home.

Florida Statutes do not permit the school to furnish medicine. This includes aspirin, Tylenol, etc., to students.

LAB/ CLASS FEES

Some courses, such as Biology 1 and Art classes, have a required lab or class fee. The lab/class fee must be paid at the beginning of the class and is needed for the student to receive credit for the course. The lab fee allows for the purchase of materials used in classes. A note will be sent home with the amount required for each class.

CREDIT AND GRADE CLASSIFICATION

• Grade 9- Promotion from 8^th grade

• Grade 10- 4 credits (including English and Math)

• Grade 11-10 credits

• Grade 12- 17 credits

A student must have 24 credits, passing scores on the FCAT and an overall 2.0 cumulative GPA to graduate form the Learning Academy of Santa Rosa. Credit Requirements are:

❑ 4 credits in English (major concentration in composition and literature)

❑ 4 credits in math (must include Algebra IA&1B)

❑ 3 credits in science (two of which must include a lab component)

❑ 1 credit in American history

❑ 1 credit in World history

❑ 1/2 credit in economics

❑ 1/2 credit in American government

❑ 1 credit in practical arts/career and technical education or performing fine arts

❑ 1/2 credit in life management skills

❑ 1 credit in physical education –H.O.P.E. (Health Opportunities through Physical Education)

❑ 7 1/2 credits in electives

ONLINE GRADES

Online grades can be accessed at www.classbuilder.com. In order for you to access your child’s grades, you will have to supply each teacher your email address. Instructions for accessing grades are below:

1. Give email address to front office or teachers.

2. Wait for an email to be sent to you by each teacher that has their Class Name and your assigned password.

3. Go to www.classbuilder.com

4. In the box titled student/parents login, you will need to type in the class name. Only one class can be accessed at a time.

5. At this point you will be able to choose whether to look at the grade summary or a detailed listing of grades with assignments.

(Remember that these steps will be needed to check each individual class).