MOORE HAVEN MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENTHANDBOOK

THIS AGENDA BELONGS TO:

NAME: ______

ADDRESS: ______

CITY: ______ZIP ______

PHONE: ______GRADE ______

MOORE HAVEN MIDDLE-HIGH SCHOOL

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Janice Foster...... Principal

Rosa Perez...... Assistant Principal

SUPPORT STAFF

Shannon Bass...... School Counselor

Samantha Barnes...... Receptionist

Renee Bass………………………………………………………...Testing Coordinator

Emma Strenth...... Instructional Aide

Angelica Cano...... Data Clerk

Calinda Chapman...... Instructional Aide

Dee Dee Beck...... Instructional Aide

Marlynn Perkins...... ISS Coordinator

Sabrina Gonzalez...... Instructional Aide

Waynette Rives ...... School Nurse

Sgt. Donnie Watts...... School Resource Officer

Toni Watts...... Confidential Secretary

Janice Brown...... Destination Graduation

Josh Bettard...... Instructional Aide

Malinda Cosby………………………………………………………. Instructional Aide

Anita Woods...... Bookkeeper

TEACHING STAFF

Jamie Brown...... Math

Bryan Browning...... Music and Theater

Brent Burnside…………………………………………………Social Studies/Reading

Matthew Cherry …………………………………………………...Social Studies/Math

Christopher Cook ………………………………………………………..Social Studies

Cynitha Cook...... Reading

Phillip Cosby ...... Agriculture

Katrina Fey ...... Science

Gabriela Galvez...... Spanish

Tommy Hare...... Math

Amie Hoch ...... Physical Education

Angie Hough ...... Business, Leadership

Dr. John Huysman… …………………...... Lab, Leadership, Driver’s Education

Cheryl Ivack ...... English/Reading

Alicia Lee...... Media Center

Max Manin...... Athletic Director, Physical Education

Muriel Mis ...... Language Arts/Reading

Steve Petti...... Physical Education

Jera Pio...... Math andScience

Elaine Philpot...... English

Samantha Rhymes...... Art and Yearbook

Andy Ringstaff……………………………………………………………………Science

Julio Rodriguez...... Science

Tanya Satchwell...... Exceptional Student Education

Shelby Schlueter...... Language Arts/Reading

Brandon Schwartz...... Math

Jim Shields...... Math

TBA ...... Exceptional Student Education

Summer Odom……………………………………………….Language Arts/Reading

Darcie Owens...... Social Studies

Sylvia Gonzalez...... English

Pam Woodward ...... Exceptional Student Education

Matt Zinser…………………………………………………………………………...AVID

Hail to the Spirit of Moore Haven High

Hail to her pride and glory free

Hail to her gold and black and white so true

Hail to the fighting varsity

Long may her banners wave over vanquished foes

In our hearts may she always be

Hail to the Spirit of Moore Haven High

We pledge our faith and loyalty. Yea!

Southern sun and sky blue water

Smile upon you Alma Mater

Mistress of this fruitful land

With all knowledge at your hand

Always just and honor true

All our love we pledge to you

Alma Mater stands forever on

Caloosahatchee’s wondrous shores.

GLADES COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION

The mission of the Glades County School Board, administration, teachers,and staff is to focus all students on academics, attendance, higher test scores, respect and values through positive student, parent and community involvement.

MOORE HAVEN MIDDLE-HIGH SCHOOL MISSIONSTATEMENT

The mission of Moore Haven Middle-High School is to prepare students for a successful,productive, fulfilling future.

SCHOOL VISITATION

Parents who wish to visit their child’s classroom should call the school to schedule an appointment. Please give 24 hour notice. Be aware that video and audio taping in the classroom, hallways or cafeteria is prohibited by law.

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL

This is a council comprised of school and community representatives who meet periodically throughout the school year. Members are nominated and voted on by peer groups (parents by parents and school personnel by the staff). This representative board serves to provide input, ideas, and reactions from a variety of interests, needs, and viewpoints in order to develop the School Improvement Plan. If you are interested in being a representative on this council, please contact: MHMHS at 946-0811.

DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE

Minimum three years in prison to sell, purchase, manufacture, deliver or possess with intent to sell an illegal drug within 1,000 feet of a school. FL Statute 893.

What is a Drug-Free School Zone:

Florida Statute 893.13 defines a “drug-free school zone” as the area within 1,000 feet of the real property of a private or public elementary or secondary school.

Why is the Zone established?

The State of Florida wanted to provide a drug-free sanctuary for our youth and to send a clear message that those who sell drugs near schools will be severely punished.

What are the signs for?

The “Drug-Free School Zone” signs are a visible reminder of a community’s and a school’s commitment to be drug-free. It is a warning that those who deal in illegal drugs face at least a three year mandatory prison sentence.

A community effort:

A Drug-Free School Zone Team of community leaders, such as those listed here, is important for the continuing success of this program.

School Board JudiciaryCrime Stoppers

Business Leaders PolicePublic Works

Chambers of Commerce State AttorneyReligious Leaders

Parent Organizations Elected Officials

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students are obligated to be punctual and attend school regularly. In the event of an absence, the student is expected to bring a note from a doctor or a parent upon return to school. The student has a maximum of three (3) days to bring a note. Parent notes are limited to three (3) per semester, after which a doctor’s note is required. Failure to bring such a note in three (3) days shall result in an automatic unexcused absence.

Absences are excused for the following reasons:

1. Death in the immediate family

2. Personal illness/serious illness in immediate family

3. Religious holidays approved in advance by the school

4. Health care appointments

5. School-related absences

6. Court appearances

The student must make arrangements to make up work with each of his/her teachers. Students will have one day for each day missed to turn in make-up work.

Remember: It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements to make up work missed on the day he/she returns to school.

All children who have attained the age of 6 years or who will have attained age 6 by February 1 of any school year or who are older than 6 years of age but who have not attained the age of 16 years, are required to attend school regularly during the entire school term. (S.1003.21 (1) (a), F. S.)

A student and parent/guardian have the primary responsibility for acceptable attendance. Further, students have the responsibility for completing teacher assigned make-up work following an absence. A student who has excessive absences(10 or more unexcused absences in a semester) may receive a passing grade and/or high school credit only after demonstrating mastery of performance standards as designated by the teacher and verified by the school principal. The student will have to take a competence test and pass it in order to receive high school credit.

ABSENTEES

When a student has five (5) or more unexcused absences within ninety (90) days, parents will be contacted either with a letter sent home, or a phone call notifying parents of a possible pattern of non-attendance. Additional unexcused absences will result in a truancy meeting with the student, parent, and school personnel. Further additional absences will result in a truancy meeting involving school and district personnel.

If unexcused absences continue or the parent/guardian fails to attend the intervention, the Supervisor of Support Services (under the direction and authority of the School Superintendent) may file a complaint with the Glades County Sheriff’s Office against the parent/guardian for “contributing to the delinquency of a minor”. Upon completion of attendance intervention (levels one, two and three), if the student has had a minimum of five unexcused absences within a calendar month or 10 unexcused absences within a 90 day calendar period, and the truancy interventions are clearly documented, evidence is sufficient to seek the intervention of law enforcement.

SCHOOL TRUANCY

The Glades Truancy Program is a partnership between the Glades County School Board (GCSB), and Lutheran Services. The primary goal of the Glades Truancy Program is to reduce truancy and have students attend school on a consistent basis, which will aid in lowering juvenile crime. The Glades Truancy Program utilizes a team of school and community personnel to develop approaches to address and reduce excessive unexcused absences and tardies as an intervention strategy. This team will provide support for students who have demonstrated chronic absenteeism and tardiness. The Glades Truancy Program combines early intervention with prosecutorial enforcement of Florida’s Compulsory Education Laws.

Chapter 1003.26 of the Florida Statute requires the school to notify the parent, guardian, or other persons having control / responsibility for the child when the child has at least five (5) unexcused absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, within a calendar month or ten (10) unexcused absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, within a ninety (90) calendar day report

LEVEL / TRUANCY INFRACTION / INTERVENTION
Warning / 3 unexcused absences / Call to parent
1st Level / 5 or more unexcused absences / Administration calls parent, letter to parent
2nd Level / 2 additional unexcused absences / Letter to parent scheduling meeting with school level administration
3rd Level / Additional unexcused absence / Letter to parent to meet with GCSD personnel and school level administration
Truancy Complaint / 8-10 unexcused absences within a 90-day calendar period or 5 unexcused absences within a calendar month / File complaint w/GCSO and referral to Lutheran Services

DRIVING PRIVILEGES

A student under the age of 18 who possesses a Florida driver’s license and accumulates 15 unexcused absences within a 90-day calendar period will be referred to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and/or the Department of Juvenile Justice and may have his/her driver’s license suspended.

PARKING PERMITS

Parking permits and assigned parking spaces will be issued to all students who drive to school. Students will need to show their driver’s license and complete a parking request form. On the form you will need to list the make, model, year, color of the vehicle(s), and insurance company. The permit will cost $5.00.

It is a privilege to drive to school. The privilege may be denied by the school administration.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

Upon arrival at school in the morning, all students are to report to Spirit Hall until first bell.

If parents transport students, they must drop off and pick up from the west side of the front parking lot and exit from the north side.

  1. Each student MUST park in his/her assigned area.
  2. Driving from the school grounds during school hours is not permitted without permission.
  3. Speeding or careless driving on the school grounds and on streets bordering the school will not be permitted.
  4. Sitting in cars during the school day is not permitted. Students must leave their cars immediately after parking at school. Cars should be locked.
  5. Students may not enter the parking lot during the school day unless permission is obtained.
  6. Students parking in the school parking lot must enter from the west entrance and exit by the north gate.

TRANSPORTED STUDENTS

The bus drivers are requested to report misbehavior and unsafe conduct on the bus. The school administration can, and will, suspend for a limited time, students who are repeat offenders of the rules set down by the driver.

Instructions for students riding buses:

  1. Stand off the roadway while awaiting bus.
  2. Keep your seat while bus is moving.
  3. Keep arms and head inside windows.
  4. Cross the roadway immediately in front of the bus.
  5. Unnecessary conversation with drivers is dangerous. Please remain quiet.
  6. Outside of ordinary conversation, classroom conduct is to be observed.
  7. The driver is in full charge of bus and pupils. Students must obey the driver.
  8. The driver has the right to assign seats.
  9. Students must be on time; the bus cannot wait for those who are tardy.
  10. No talking while the bus is stopped.
  11. Students must board and get off the bus at designated stops.
  12. Students riding buses not assigned to them must have the principal’s or his/her designee’s signature. These are to be obtained during before/after school or between classes.

Off Campus Privileges

All students in grades 9-12 are required to be enrolled for seven (7) periods each day. Seniors who have passed the Statewide Assessment, have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above at the end of their junior year, and are able to meet their graduation course requirements in six (6) periods or less, may have the privilege of attending school for only six (6) periods a

day. Examples of off campus privileges include

  1. dual enrollment,
  2. executive Internship,
  3. pre-arranged absence,
  4. parent check-out, and
  5. school related absence.

TARDINESS/TARDY

It is the parent’s responsibility to see that the student is at school on time. Habitual tardiness is a behavior problem

which needs to be corrected early.

Excused tardies to school will be defined by the following guidelines:

1.Personal illness

2.Medical appointments

3.Court appearance

4. Other circumstances approved by school administration

Upon late arrival to school, students must check in with the office before reporting to class.

A student is tardy when he/she is not in the classroom at the appointed time. Tardiness is considered being less than five minutes late to class. After 5 minutes tardy the student will be considered to be skipping.

It will be the responsibility of the student to get a tardy excused. For example, if a teacher keeps the student after the bell and the student is late to the next class, then the student must bring a note from the teacher who kept him/her.

STUDENT PASSES

A student is not permitted out of a classroom during a class period unless he/she is accompanied by a teacher or has a hall-pass signed by an authorized staff member.

CHECKING OUT OF SCHOOL

If it is necessary to pick up a student before school isdismissed, checkout must be done through the office prior to 2:00 p.m.Parent/guardian or authorized representative of the student must come to front office to check a student out of school. Approved reasons for check out are

  1. death in immediate family,
  2. personal illness/serious illness in immediate family,
  3. religious holidays approved in advance by the school,
  4. doctor/dentist appointments,
  5. school-related activities, and
  6. court appearances.

All other reasons must be approved by school administration. There will be NO telephone checkouts except in cases of emergency. Checking out a student does NOT excuse the absence. The Parent/Guardian must submit a written note or doctor’s note to excuse the absence.

If the parent/guardian is picking up a student during the day, before the scheduled dismissal time, he/she must come to the office first to check the student out or give his/her representative a written authorization to be presented at the office. This is to protect students from being taken out of school by unauthorized persons or students leaving school without parent/guardian knowledge.

EMERGENCY CLOSING

There are times when the school will not be open or when it will be closed early due to emergency conditions. When this happens, announcements will be made on the local radio and television stations. The Glades County Sheriff’s Department will also be able to give you emergency information. It is strongly advised that each family have their own emergency plan set up with their children in case of unscheduled dismissals.

IN-SCHOOL CONDUCT

As the school should be a place of trust, happiness and friendship, the classroom should present an atmosphere conducive to learning. Classroom and building rules are designed to produce an educational atmosphere, and it must be understood that disciplinary action will be taken when necessary to provide the desired classroom atmosphere.

In order for the most benefit to be gained from any subject, it is desirable that there is a maximum amount of cooperation between the students and their teachers as well as with fellow students.

CONDUCT AT OFF-CAMPUS SCHOOL FUNCTIONS

  1. The rules of behavior or conduct shall apply, whether home or away.
  2. Sponsors, coaches, and school administrators shall be responsible for enforcing the rules of proper conduct.

SCHOOL DANCES

The following rules will be enforced at school dances:

  1. School dances are open to students currently enrolled at Moore Haven Middle-High School.
  2. High school dances are for students in grades 9-12. Middle school dances are for students in grades 6-8.
  3. School rules will be enforced regarding behavior and the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products.
  4. Anyone who leaves the dance will not be allowed to re-enter.
  5. Chaperones will ask anyone whose behavior is unacceptable to leave.
  6. The school dress code may be somewhat relaxed for dances. However, dress still must be modest and in good taste.
  7. Students who wish to bring a date who is not enrolled at Moore Haven Middle-High School,must complete the proper form one week in advance.

FIELD TRIPS AND EXTRACURRICULAR TRIPS

Field trips are defined as the extension of a classroom activity to serve as a laboratory experience.

  1. Parents shall be notified prior to any field trip. Notice shall give location, date, time of departure and estimated time of return.

2.A permission slip signed by the parent or guardian of each student shall be required.

3.Any trip outside of the immediate community requires a written request submitted by the principal and approved by the superintendent, or his designee.

Extracurricular trips are defined as trips that are school sponsored or connected but which do not qualify as an educational trip.

RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DISCIPLINE

As citizens of the United States, students have rights as well as responsibilities. Most of the rules you are asked to conform to at Moore Haven Middle-High School are to protect your rights as an individual and/or as a member of a class or group. As an individual, for example, you have a right to a classroom free from unusual noises or distractions. You do not have an individual right to complete freedom of movement or speech when your actions are distracting or interrupt the business of a classroom. Teachers and the administration will work to provide a pleasant atmosphere for learning. We will restrict individual freedom when necessary for the benefit of the students as a whole or as a group.