Kendale Lakes Elementary School

Parent-Student

Handbook

2016-2017

Kendale Lakes

Elementary

School’s mission

is to provide a

productive, secure, learning

environment whereby

students will acquire a sense

of accomplishment that encourages

constant growth, pride, and the

desire to reach

full potential.

Martha T. Jaureguizar, Principal

Nancy Cabrera-Nuñez, Assistant

Principal

8000 SW 142 Avenue

Miami, FL 33183

(305) 385-2575305) 386-2718 Fax

http://kle.dadeschools.net

@KLEfamily

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

School Board Members

Ms. Perla Tabares Hantman, Chair Dr. Lawrence S. Feldman, Vice Chair

Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall Mr. Carlos L. Curbelo

Mr. Renier Diaz de la Portilla Dr. Wilbert "Tee" Holloway

Dr. Martin S. Karp Dr. Marta Pérez

Ms. Raquel A. Regalado

Superintendent of Schools

Alberto M. Carvalho

Deputy Superintendent, School Operations Valtena Brown

Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Kendale Lakes Elementary School! On behalf of the Kendale Lakes Elementary (KLE) School family it is my pleasure to welcome you to our school. The KLE Family takes tremendous pride in providing an excellent education in a loving, caring, family atmosphere. Through the cooperation and teamwork of our students, staff, parents and the community, we strive for excellence in all that we do within the various programs we provide. Close cooperation between the home and school is essential to providing a quality educational and an engaging extra-curricular program. In order to accomplish this, we encourage parents to be a partner in their child’s education. It is a privilege and honor to work collaboratively with all our stakeholders in preparing our students and providing them with the educational foundation needed to excel in our society and beyond.

¡Bienvenidos a la Escuela Kendale Lakes Elementary! En nombre de la familia de la Escuela Kendale Lakes Elementary (KLE) es un placer darles la bienvenida. La familia de KLE tiene el orgullo de proveer una excelente educación, en una atmósfera familia, llena de amor y cuidado. A través de la cooperación y el trabajo unido de nuestros estudiantes, maestros, empleados, padres y la comunidad, trabajamos hacia la excelencia en todos los programas que ofrecemos. Una cooperación unida entre el hogar y la escuela es esencial en proveer una educación de calidad y participación en las distintas actividades escolares. Para poder obtener esta meta les pedimos a los padres que formen parte de la educación de sus hijos. Es un privilegio y honor trabajar conjuntamente con todos nuestros colaboradores en preparar nuestros estudiantes y proveerles con la educación que necesitan para sobre salir en nuestra sociedad y en el futuro.

Sincerely/Atentamente,

MARTHA T. JAUREGUIZAR, Principal/Directora

Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Vision Statement We provide a world class education for every student.

Mission Statement To be the preeminent provider of the highest quality education that

empowers all students to be productive lifelong learners and responsible

global citizens.

Kendale Lakes Elementary School

Mission Statement Kendale Lakes Elementary School’s mission is to provide a productive,

secure, learning environment whereby students will acquire a sense of

accomplishment that encourages constant growth, pride, and the desire to

reach full potential.

Vision Kendale Lakes Elementary School’s vision is to provide organizational

strategies that reflect quality leadership, commitment to excellence,

and self-actualization for all stakeholders.

School Information Kendale Lakes Elementary School is a neighborhood elementary school which

serves students from Pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. It is located on

8.69 acres in an area of southwestern Miami-Dade County. The school was

built in 1974 and has serviced a vast number of residents that live within

the community. There are 62 classrooms and 11 portables on the school site.

The Media Center houses a state of the art closed circuit television system and Internet access to 30 computer workstations. The school serves

approximately 750 students from neighboring communities. We offer numerous

class configurations including self-contained, resource, mainstream and

inclusion classes. Reduced class sizes are offered to maintain behaviors

that are appropriate and conducive to learning.

Website Kendale Lakes Elementary has a colorful and helpful website. Please visit us

at http://kle.dadeschools.net. You will find critical information on

policies and procedures, links for our calendar, newsletter, faculty,

curriculum, calendar, kids' corner, FCAT Explorer, Ticket to Read,

Renaissance Place and many other helpful resources.

Please download the Miami Dade County Public School APP for up to date and

relevant school information. Additionally, the PAT has also launched a

school APP and it has been very successful in communicating with our

families. Download from Itunes or the Google store – search by Kendale Lakes

Elementary.

Elementary Schools

Kendale Lakes Elementary School Calusa Elementary School Claude Pepper Elementary School

Middle Schools

McMillan Middle

Hammocks Middle

Curry Middle

Various Magnet Middle

Schools through

application

Senior High School Sunset Senior High

K-8 Center

Winston Park K-8

Arrival Kendale Lakes has a “closed campus” policy. He following information and

procedures will be followed by all parents/guardians and students. Students

are expected to arrive between 7:45 and 8:25 daily.PK-2nd grade students

report to the cafeteria. Upon arrival, students in grades K-5 should report

to the cafeteria if eating breakfast. If not eating breakfast students should

proceed to the Annex or Tiger hallway and line up with their classmates as

indicated by class location in those buildings. Students should remain in

their designated area until the teacher arrives and opens the door to the

classroom. No students or parents are allowed to go directly to the

classrooms and wait for the teacher. Any student arriving after 8:45am must

be walked into the office by a parent for a tardy pass.

Arrival after the 8:20 am tardy bell (PK-1) and the 8:35 am tardy bell (2-5)

means a student is tardy.

Late Arrival Students who are tardy to school must report to the Main Office to secure a

tardy pass. Excessive tardies may result in loss of privileges, detention,

parent conference, and/or suspension; documentation in student’s

educational record.

TARDY 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

POLICY tardy tardy tardy tardy

Warning Issued Warning Issued Teacher will contact parent. Letter will be sent home to the parent; Students with perfect attendance and more than 3 tardies will not be recognized at the Awards Assemblies.

Parent is required to contact the school and come in for a conference with the principal or designee. Student’s ability to participate in Extra- curricular activities may be affected. School social worker will be sent to the home.

Student’s conduct and/or effort grade(s) may be lowered in the subject(s) missed; Students on out-of-area transfers will be re-turned to their home school.

5th tardy

6th tardy

7th tardy

8th tardy

Dismissal * Students CANNOT remain after their regular hours of dismissal unless

they are enrolled in the ASC program. The following is our dismissal

policy:

Feeder Pattern Schools

Students in the Main Building and Annex Building dismiss towards the

front of the school with the exception of Pre-K which dismisses toward

back bus loading area. Students in the Tiger building and Portables dismiss towards the back

of the school by the bus loading area. If you have more than one child,

notify their teachers and they will be dismissed at the area of

youngest sibling.

Parking Children are to be dropped off and picked up using the drop off-lane in the

front of the main school and in the back by the bus loading area. However,

please observe and respect the bus loading area at all times, parents should

never park in or block the drop off lane, especially at arrival and

dismissal time. Parents must remain in their cars and never leave their

vehicles unattended in these locations. Parking in the front of the school

and the grass area by the Annex Building are designated for faculty and

staff personnel. Parents are not allowed in these areas. Parents and

visitors must find parking at other parking locations, such as in the park

parking lot or in the surrounding community. Please respect our neighbors.

DO NOT BLOCK DRIVEWAYS OR PARK ON NEIGHBORS’ GRASS.

Students enrolled in the After Care Program will be supervised (THE AFTER

CARE PROGRAM IS A FEE BASED PROGRAM) until 6:00 p.m. every day school is in

session. Wednesday, all grades are dismissed at 1:50 p.m.

We do not have staff to care for students who are not enrolled in the After

Care Program, or to provide for their safety.

Please refer to the After School Care Handbook for more detailed

information.

Parents must see to it that students leave the campus immediately at the end

of their school day. No students may wait outside the building or remain on

the campus waiting for rides or older siblings.

Please remember all of the above is to make our school a safe place for our

children.

IMPORTANT! No student will be allowed to wait in the office as a means of

supervision after dismissal. Parents please do not direct your child to the

office to wait for you. Our clerical staff do not supervise children.

Emergency Contact/Release from School The student contact card is sent home in the Opening of School Packet. It is

extremely important that the names and numbers be kept current. In addition,

you will be asked to identify people who are authorized to take your child

from school during the day. YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE RELEASED TO ANY PERSON

NOT LISTED ON THE CARD. It is your responsibility to keep this card updated.

Early Dismissal -Board Rule 6Gx13-5A-1.041

The early release of students causes disruption to the academic performance

of all students and may create safety and security concerns. No students

shall be released within the final 30 minutes of the school day unless

authorized by the principal or principal’s designee (i.e., emergency,

sickness).

Students released from school during the day must be signed out and picked

up from the Main Office.

Early dismissal should be used only in cases of emergencies. No students

should be signed out 30 minutes before dismissal. Please make appointments

after school hours. * Pre-1st signed out before 1:20 PM, 2nd-5th signed out

before 2:30 PM

School Hours: Pre K-First Grade: 8:20 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. Second-Fifth Grade: 8:35 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

Wednesdays: Dismissal FOR ALL GRADES is at 1:50 p.m.

**Please refrain from using your cell phone in the drop off/pick up

areas for our children’s safety. There is no walking in the designated

driveway areas.

Bell Schedule/Morning Bells PK- First Grade The first bell rings at 8:10am and the second bell rings at 8:15am

Students should be in class by 8:15am Second- Fifth Grade The first bell rings at 8:20 am and the second bell rings at 8:25am.

Students should be in class by 8:30am.

Afternoon Bells There will be a 1:50 PM and 3:05 PM dismissal bell. There is no supervision

for students after dismissal unless they are enrolled in the After School

Care Program.

Before and After School Care Program Kendale Lakes Elementary offers a BEFORE SCHOOL PROGRAM (open at 7:00 a.m.)

and an AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM (open until 6:00 p.m.) for working parents.

These programs provide supervision, care, safety and peace of mind. These

are fee-based programs. Call (305) 385-2575 for details. School Board Rule

6Gx13-6A-1.34 states "For safety reasons, no child will be accepted into a before-school care program unless parents or guardians sign-in their child

each morning”. This rule will be strictly enforced.

Rainy Day Dismissal – Parents notified via the Kendale Lakes Elementary App

And the impacted dismissal time will be provided in the message. During a rainy dismissal the procedures below must be followed: 1. Students in Main Building and Tiger Building will wait in the

cafeteria until it stops raining and then may walk or ride bicycles home.

Parents will have to park and pick up students in the cafeteria.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD UNDERSTANDS THE PROCEDURE HE OR SHE IS TO

FOLLOW DURING A RAINY DAY DISMISSAL.

Whatever procedure you use, if it’s raining during dismissal time it will

be hectic; however, it must be safe. The most important advice we can give

is to be patient during rainy weather, expect to take time, and be

considerate of others even if they are not considerate of you. Our children

are at stake. CHILDREN WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO USE THE TELEPHONE IN THE

EVENT OF RAIN.

Attendance Policy – Board Rule 6Gx13-5A-1.041 Student attendance is a means of improving student performance and critical

in raising student achievement. Together, the staff of Miami-Dade County

Public Schools, students, parents and the community must make every effort

to lessen the loss of instructional time to students. In order to accomplish

this goal, on April 18, 2007, the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida approved a new Student Attendance Board Rule, which is stated below.

Students are to be counted in attendance only if they are actually present

for at least TWO HOURS of the day or engaged in a school-approved

educational activity which constitutes a part of the instructional program

for the student. (Board Policy 5200-Attendance)

The Attendance Review Committee The Attendance Review Committee is comprised of a minimum of a student

services representative and an administrator or administrative designee and

will provide guidance and support to students with significant absences. They are expected to:

1. Provide early intervention by convening when students reach an accumulation of five (5) unexcused absences in a semester or ten (10) unexcused absences in an annual course. 2. Convene a minimum of six (6) designated times per year. 3. Give consideration to all extenuating circumstances surrounding student absences. The Attendance Review Committee is charged with the responsibility of prescribing activities designed to mitigate the loss of instructional time and has the authority to recommend the following: a. Issuing of quarterly, semester or final grades. b. Temporary withholding of quarterly, semester or final grades. The following are among possible options:

(1) Make-up assignments (2) Attendance probation for the following grading period(s) (3) Completion of a school service project c. Permanent withholding of quarterly, semester or final grades and credit. The student is to be informed of his/her right of final appeal to the regional superintendent or designee. 4. Review attendance history for student(s) exhibiting patterns of excused and/or unexcused absences and provide appropriate referrals and counseling support.

Excused School and Class Absences and Tardies 1. Student illness: Students missing 5 or more consecutive days of school due to illness or injury are required to provide a written statement from a health care provider. The written statement must include all days the student has been absent from school. If a student is continually sick and repeatedly absent from school due to a specific medical condition, he or she must be under the supervision of a health care provider in order to receive excused absences from school. 2. Medical appointment: If a student is absent from school due to a medical appointment, a written statement from a health care provider indicating the date and time of the appointment, must be submitted to the principal. 3. Death in family 4. Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is mandated for all members of a faith that such a holiday or service be observed. 5. School-sponsored event or educational enrichment activity that is not a school-sponsored event, as determined and approved by the principal or principal’s designee: The student must receive advance written permission from the principal or the principal’s designee. Examples of special events include: public functions, Subpoena by law enforcement agency or mandatory court appearance. Outdoor suspensions Other individual student absences beyond the control of the parent/guardian or student, as determined and approved by the principal or the principal's designee. The principal shall require documentation related to the condition.

Students MUST provide a parent note or medical documentation when

returning to school after an absence. Students’ absence will be documented

as unexcused until required documentation is provided to change to excused

absence

All Other Absences are Unexcused Unreported or unexplained absences will be considered as unexcused

absences. A student accumulating 10 or more unexcused absences annually or

5 or more quarterly will have their grades withheld. Unexcused absences do

not require that the teacher provide make-up work for the student.

Unexcused School Absence Any absence that does not fall into one of the above excused absence

categories is to be considered unexcused. Any student who has been absent

from school will be marked unexcused until he/she submits required

documentation as specified above. Failure to provide required documentation

within three school days upon the return to school will result in an

unexcused absence.

Unexcused absences include: 1. Absences due to vacations, personal services, local non- school event, program or sporting activity 2. Absences due to older students providing day care services for siblings 3. Absences due to illness of others 4. Absences due to non-compliance with immunization requirements (unless lawfully exempted)

Activities & Clubs Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ students may participate in a wide variety of

activities, including student council, subject-area clubs, honor societies, service

clubs, school publications and class activities. School-sponsored clubs may be

curriculum-related or non-curriculum- related.

Curriculum-related clubs are student groups whose goals are an extension of the

activities and objectives in a particular subject area within the school's

curriculum. Conversely, non-curriculum-related clubs are student groups whose goals

are special interest oriented and not directly related to the curriculum. Meetings

of non-curriculum-related clubs may be scheduled only at times when instruction is

not taking place, either before or after school.

Fieldtrips and Special Activities Your child may have the opportunity to go on an educational field trip with the

teacher and with parents chosen to assist the teacher. Every chaperone must complete

the required volunteer form online and submit to a background check before they can

chaperone a field trip. You will be notified as to whether or not you have been

cleared through the District. Please be sure to register online at the beginning of

the school year. In addition, parent chaperones are prohibited from bringing

siblings and other children along, as the teachers need parental assistance with

their students. The number of chaperones per trip is limited. The teacher will

determine who will chaperone. Transportation will be by bus. It will be necessary

for you to go. Your child’s teach will send a form home to be signed by the parent

when a trip has been planned. These forms must be returned. No student will be

denied attending a planned field trip for economic reasons. For all in-county or

out-of-county field trips, all students must ride with their class on the provided

bus and must return on the same bus to the school. PERMISSION BY PHONE WILL NOT BE

ACCEPTABLE, AND ONLY OFFICIAL FIELD TRIP FORMS ARE ACCEPTED. MONEY FOR A FIELD TRIP

MUST BE TURNED IN TO THE TEACHER NO LATER THAN 9:00 A.M. ON THE DATE SPECIFIED ON

THE FIELD TRIP FORM.

Parties in School Birthday parties are not allowed in school with the exception of quiet celebrations in the cafeteria during the child’s lunch. All such celebrations must be pre-approved with your child’s teacher. Parents are not permitted to bring balloons, stuffed animals, and/or goody bags, etc. Only cupcakes are acceptable. Please check with the child’s teacher to ensure there

are no students with allergies before purchasing food items. All food items must be

dropped off in the office prior to the designated lunch time.

Breakfast and Lunch Programs Cafeteria 305 385-2575 extension 121

The National School Breakfast Program was enacted to ensure that school children are being served a nutritious breakfast daily. Miami-Dade County Public Schools offers breakfast at no charge to all M-DCPS Students. The breakfast at no charge is not dependent on the student qualifying for free/reduced meals at lunch.

Free & Reduced Lunch Program The National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs as administered by Miami-Dade County Public Schools provide free and reduced priced meals for children unable to pay the full price. Applications must be filled out every school year; forms are sent to all homes with a letter to parents or guardians the first week of school. Meal benefits begin on the day the application is approved and continue throughout the school year in which the application is approved, the summer, and approximately the first twenty days of the next school year.

You can apply online for Free & Reduced Lunch at https://freeandreducedmealapp.dadeschools.net/

PAYPAMS Miami Dade County Public School’s Department of Food and Nutrition allows parents/guardians the convenience to pay on-line via the internet or by telephone for their child’s/children’s meals with a credit or debit card. The parent/guardian will create a lunch account on-line for the child and will be able to access the following:

view the account balance

schedule automatic payments

receive low-balance reminders

view a report of daily spending and cafeteria purchases

Cafeteria FOOD COST Breakfast: FREE for all students; Adults: $2.00 Lunch: $2.25 for students; Adults: $3.00

Cafeteria Behavior We believe that children should eat lunch in a pleasant atmosphere. Therefore, proper manners and good conduct are expected. Children will be expected to remain in their assigned table until they are excused. Food may not be shared or exchanged with other students. While in the cafeteria, students are under the supervision of a cafeteria aide and a security monitor. They are expected to show these staff members the same courtesy and respect that they show their teachers.

Cafeteria Rules Keep in a single line

Always be courteous to the cafeteria workers Always use acceptable table manners, and remain seated in your assigned area Discard the trash appropriately/ pick up all belongings Line up quietly and orderly for dismissal

Speak quietly

If a student is unable to follow the rules they will have to serve lunch detention in a separate designated area in the cafeteria or in the main office. Students with consistent inappropriate behavior will not participate in

Friday Lunch Movie Days.

Important Warning: There are several children in our school who have severe allergies to peanut and peanut products. These allergies are life- threatening to these children. If at all possible, we ask that parents make every effort not to send peanut products in the children’s lunches.

Registration & Immunization Procedures All students, PreK-5, prior to entering Miami-Dade County Schools for the first time MUST: 1. Have a current physical examination prior to entering school (Form DH 3040, yellow form). 2. Bring a birth certificate or other approved proof of age. 3. Have a current certificate of Immunization (Form DH 680, blue form). 4. Have proof of residency in the Kendale Lakes Elementary School attendance boundary. If students need to register, the parent or guardian must provide proof of address, birth certificate or passport, immunization record and proof of a physical. Then forms providing emergency contact data and language screening must be completed. See registrar in the office for all necessary forms.

Confidential Information Parents, guardians and students are protected by The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Florida Statutes from individuals’ access to information in students’ educational records, and provide the right to challenge the accuracy of these records. These laws provide that without the prior consent of the parent, guardian or eligible student, a student's records may not be released, except in accordance with the provisions listed in the above-cited laws. The laws provide certain exceptions to the prior consent requirement to the release of student records, which include, but are not limited to, school officials with a legitimate educational interest and lawfully issued subpoenas and court orders.

Each school must provide to the parents, guardians or eligible students annual notice in writing of their right to inspect and review student records. Once a student reaches 18 years of age or is attending an institution of postsecondary education, the consent is required from the student only, unless the student qualifies as a dependent under the law.

Classroom Assignments All classroom assignments are made by the school. Our assignments may often be tentative and are made for the benefit of each child. Due to

changes in enrollment, occasionally it is necessary to re-organize classes. We need your cooperation and understanding if it becomes necessary to reassign students.

Parent and Teacher Association (P.A.T.) The aim and goal of our Parent and Teacher Association is to assist us in working with the children and to provide opportunities for parents to become acquainted with the school program. The meetings are generally geared as informative ones, specifically for parents. Our P.A.T. has been instrumental in the past in assisting us with many fine projects, all aimed at benefiting students. Your P.A.T. encourages your participation in all activities. They will provide you with periodic bulletins and reminders during the school year. A P.A.T. membership form is included in the Opening of School Packet.

PAT Executive Board President Barbara Ortega

First Vice President Walter Rocha Second Vice-President Treasurer Lorraine Williams Assistant Treasurer Secretary

Parliamentarian

Emergency Contact Information New card this year! Student Data/Emergency Contact Cards are distributed during the

first week of school. Students are expected to bring the cards home and present them to their parents or guardians. The card must be carefully completed and then returned.

The information provided on the Student Data/Emergency Contact Card will enable school

staff to contact the parent/guardian immediately in the case of an emergency. Students

may only be released from school to the persons listed on the emergency contact card

after presenting picture identification. No persons, other than school staff, will have access to the information submitted.

Code of Student Conduct Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is committed to providing a safe teaching and learning environment for students, staff, and members of the community. This year, the School Board approved a newly revised Code of Student Conduct (COSC). The revised COSC identifies, recognizes, and rewards model student behavior within a framework of clearly established and enforceable rules and policies. It advocates a holistic approach to promoting and maintaining a safe learning environment and requires active participation from students, parents/guardians, and school staff. Students and parents/guardians can access the document by clicking

on the link from our website or directly at

http://kle.dadeschools.net/tuenews/csc_elem.pdf.

Additionally, KLE is proud to sponsor the Student of the Month and Do the Right

Thing program, both initiatives that enhances the COSC. It supports civic, moral

and ethical values, encourages a positive and supportive school climate, and

allows all school personnel to recognize and reward students for exemplifying

model student behavior. Special bulletin boards highlight their success.

Students are expected to come to school with proper attention having been given to personal cleanliness, grooming, and neatness of dress. Students whose personal attire or grooming distracts the attention of other students or teachers from their school work shall be required to make the necessary alterations to such attire or grooming before entering the classroom or be sent home by the principal to be properly prepared for school. Students who fail to meet the minimum acceptable standards of cleanliness and neatness as determined by the principal and as specified in this rule shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures.

1. Students should be encouraged to be neat, clean and properly dressed. 2. Closed-toed shoes provide better protection and support for the child’s feet. It is requested that sandals are NOT worn. A closed shoe must be worn for all physical education activities. 3. Large metal taps, metal cleats or wheels on shoes may not be worn. 4. Shoes should be worn at all times during the school day as a health and safety precaution. 5. Bermudas must be long enough to reach mid-thigh or to knee. 6. No hats or headscarves may be worn in the school building. 7. Only approved Kendale Lakes Elementary activities with special attire sponsored by the school are permitted (ex. United Way, School Spirit Day, Field Day, field trips etc.)

Uniform Policy Kendale Lakes Elementary is a mandatory uniform school as determined by the voting of our school parents. All students are required to wear the school uniform. This uniform consists of a navy blue, white or baby blue Polo shirt and navy blue or khaki colored pants, skirt, skorts or shorts. School-related t-shirts and blue jeans may be worn only on Fridays. All tops are to have the Kendale Lakes Elementary logo. Shirts with logo are available at the school store; however you may purchase uniforms from other stores and logo patches from the Kendale Lakes PAT. Parents who object to their child wearing a mandatory uniform must request an Application for Exemption from the Student Uniform Program. This application must be completed in full and submitted to the Principal. Applications are available in the school office. Once the application is received, a meeting must occur with the Principal at the school. If it is determined that the waiver request will be granted, a Confirmation of Uniform Exemption letter will be sent to the parent.

Messages and Use of Telephones The school telephone is always busy with the normal operation and functioning of

school business. Children may not use the school telephone except for emergency

calls. Please see that arrangements for extra activities are made before your child

leaves home. Students who bring a cellphone or any electronic device to school, do

so at their own risk. No students are called to the phone nor are messages

delivered to them. Only in an extreme emergency will we be of assistance.

Lost and Found Throughout the school year items, which have been lost, are turned into the school

office. Many of our problems would be solved if clothing and personal belongings

were labeled with the student's name. Any time a student loses an item, he/she may

come to the office to claim it, or you may look in our Lost and Found bins kept in

the cafeteria. There are many items lost and never claimed each year. These items

are donated bi-annually to various charitable institutions. Therefore, please

label yourchild's personal belongings.

Student Rights and Responsibilities The rights and responsibilities presented in the Code of Student Conduct reflect the need for providing students with greater opportunities to serve themselves and society, and allow students maximum freedom under law, commensurate with the schools' responsibility for student health, safety, and welfare.

Objects to Leave at Home In order to avoid accidents and protect the health and well-being of all the children, we ask your cooperation in seeing that these following items do not come to school:

1. Chewing gum and candy 2. Baseball bats, yo-yo’s, rubber bands, weapons, knives, and other sharp objects 3. Money in large amounts 4. Toys including electronic devices, IPOD’s, virtual pets and radios 5. Heirlooms, valuable jewelry and irreplaceable valuable articles

Cell Phones Possession of a cellular telephone is not a violation of the Code of Student Conduct (COSC). However, the possession of a cellular telephone which disrupts the educational process; the use of the cellular telephone during school hours; and the possession or use of a cellular telephone which disrupts or interferes with the safety-to-life issue for students being transported on a M-DCPS school bus, would be a violation of the COSC. We are not responsible for damaged, lost or stolen cell phones.

Internet Use Policy – see Board Rule 6Gx13-6A-1.112 Access and use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and its use must support the educational objectives of the District. Students must always get permission from their teachers prior to using the internet. In addition, the District prohibits the transmission of materials such as copyright material, threatening or obscene material or material protected by trade secret, which violate local, state, and federal law or regulation, as well as the use of the Internet for product advertisement, commercial activities, political campaigning or solicitation.

Health Screening According to the guidelines established by the Florida Legislature, during the school year, parents shall be notified of the screening activities available through the School Health Services Program. It is requested that you provide the school with written notification if you do not want to participate.

HOME LEARNING POLICY The Miami-Dade County School Board has a home learning policy which places a great emphasis on home learning and that stresses the importance of meaningful home learning to the overall instructional program.The minimum time requirements for elementary students are: Kindergarten and grade 1 - 30 minutes per night, 5 days per week, including Fridays. Grades 2 -3 - 45 minutes per night, 5 days per week, including Fridays.

Grades 4-5 - 60 minutes per night, 5 days per week, including Fridays.

Additionally, students MUST READ 30 minutes daily at home above and beyond their assigned home learning. In addition to the daily home learning assignments, there will occasionally be projects or long range assignments in subjects such as science and/or social studies, and book reports. The grade level home learning assignments are based upon the teacher’s best estimate of how long it should take to complete a project or assignment, in an uninterrupted session, without distractions. Independent reading is part of every home learning assignment.

If your child is going to be absent for several school days and you want the home learning that is being regularly assigned, please call the school office and request home learning before 9:00 A.M. We will not interrupt the regular class routine to obtain home learning during the school day.

Parents must assist the home learning process by providing an appropriate place, a specific time and by checking over the child’s work. During this study period students must not be interrupted by the telephone, television, errands or chores. Parents who provide a definite time and place for study have the best results. Home learning is an extension of class instruction and provides opportunities for practice, drill, reinforcement, developing independent study skills, enrichment activities and preparation for future class assignments. Students are responsible for: 1. completing assigned home learning as directed; 2. returning home learning to the teacher on time; submitting home learning assignments which reflect careful attention to detail and quality of work; 3. obtaining parent’s initials next to the written assignment in this agenda book as utilized by their teacher.

Parent’s responsibilities include: 1. providing continued interest and concern for the child's successful performance in school through encouraging and supporting the child in his/her performance of home learning assigned; 2. indicating an interest about assignments and assisting, if possible, when requested by the child, but not to include performing the work for the child; 3. supporting the school in regard to assigned home learning; 4. requesting assignments for students when short term absences are involved; 5. signing or initialing the daily assignment in the parent-student agenda handbook.

Insurance The Student Protection Plan is designed to cover students or injuries while traveling to and from school or when involved in accidents while engaged in supervised activities on the school premises. Participation in this program is voluntary. The school will forward the enrollment application and additional information to the parents.

SCHOOL BOARD RULE 6GX13-5D-1.06 “Student insurance is designed primarily to furnish a low cost accident policy to pupils of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The Board approves the sale of student accident insurance for the convenience of students and parents”. Enrollment forms are provided in the Opening of School Packet.

Activity Demographics Marketing Plan ANNUAL Rate

24 Hour PK-12 Basic $79.00

At School Exclude Athletics PK-6 Basic $16.00

At School Exclude Athletics Middle & High School Basic $18.00

At School inc Athl & Activities Exc Football Middle and High School Basic $59.00

Football High School Miami Dade Football $265.00

Spring Football High School Miami Dade Football $59.00

For registration, go to https://www.hsri.com/K12_Enrollment/Main/default.asp

Florida Kid Care-Child Health Insurance You Can Afford Florida Kid Care’s Comprehensive Health Insurance for children from birth to 18 years of age who are uninsured. Any family can apply.

Florida Kid Care accepts application all year. No interview is required. You may apply online at www.floridakidcare.org and click Apply Now.

Parent Portal Parents and guardians of all Miami-Dade County Public Schools students, including employees, have access to the Parent Portal. In order to access the information in the portal, you must first establish a parent user account at http://www.dadeschools.net/parents.asp. At this time you can see and update personal information, see your child’s information - including grades, attendance, and bus route information, and have access to the Parent Resource links such as Parent Academy, School of Choice, etc.

You also have access to electronic book for each subject; free and reduced lunch applications with balance renewal capability; access to a new Choice application that will allow parents to indicate preferential school choice via the portal; and access to the Supplemental Educational Services (SES) component of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).

Grades

KINDERGARTEN GRADES

NUMERICAL VALUE VERBAL INTERPRETATION

GRADE POINT VALUE

E

G

S

M

U

90-100%

80-89%

70-79%

60-69%

0-59%

Outstanding Progress Above average progress Average progress Lowest acceptable progress

Failure

4

3

2

1

0

K-12 GRADES

A

B

C

D

F

NUMERICAL VALUE VERBAL INTERPRETATION

Outstanding progress

GRADE POINT VALUE

4

3

2

1

0

80-89%

70-79%

60-69%

0-59%

Above average progress

Average progress Lowest acceptable progress

Failure

Conduct Conduct grades are to be used to communicate to both students and their parents/guardians the teacher’s evaluation of a student’s behavior and citizenship development. These grades are independent of academic and effort grades.

Grade Point Average When calculating the grade for a semester or an annual course, the following grade point averages are to be used: A = 3.50 and above B = 2.50 – 3.49 C = 1.50 – 2.49 D = 1.00 – 1.49

Honor Roll Qualifications & criteria

Principal’s Honor Roll

Academic Average

Academic Grades Effort

Conduct Average Conduct Grades

Superior Honor Roll

4.0

All A’s All 1

4.0 All A’s

Regular Honor Roll

3.6

All A’s and B’s All 1 and 2

3.6 All A’s and B’s

Citizenship Honor Roll

3.50 – 3.59

All A’s and B’s All 1 and 2

3.0 or higher All A’s and B’s

Interim Progress Report Interim Progress Reports must be sent home at any time Interim Progress Report the student is performing unsatisfactorily in academics, conduct, or effort, and are disseminated to all students at mid-grading period.

Interim Progress Report Schedule

Grading Period Grading Period Grading Period Grading Period

1- 9/22/2016 2- 12/08/2016

3- 02/23/2017 4- 05/04/2017

Report Card Schedule Grading Period 1-11/16/2016 Grading Period 2- 02/14/2017 Grading Period 3-04/18/2017 Grading Period 4-06/27/2017

Homework / Make-up Assignments Teachers are required to provide students with make-up assignments once the absence has been excused; however, it is the responsibility of the student to request the assignments from the teacher(s).

Out of Area Transfer – Board Rule 6Gx13-5A-1.08 Students in the regular school program (K-12) are assigned to attend school on the basis of the actual residence of their parent or legal guardian and the attendance area of the school as approved by the Board. A student may request an out of area transfer if the student resides with parent or legal guardian, and a change of residence occurs. The Regional Superintendent (or designated Regional Director) may administratively assign or approve the reassignment or transfer of students when the Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH) capacity of the receiving school is below 105 percent in the 2007-2008 school year; below 100 percent in the 2008-2009 school year, and below 100 percent thereafter. In the event a student with an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) requests to attend a school other than the school in which the student is enrolled, parent(s)/guardian(s) must meet with Regional Center special education personnel to ensure that the programmatic needs of the student can be met at the requested school.

Textbooks Each child is responsible for taking appropriate care of his/her textbooks. Should your child lose a textbook, he/she will be responsible for paying for the lost textbook.

Permanent Records – from the Student Educational Records Manual Miami-Dade County Public Schools maintains the records of students in PK- 12 and adult/vocational students enrolled in high school completion programs or vocational programs of 450 hours or more. Permanent records

consist of the following student information: a) pupil’s or student’s full legal name b) authenticated birth date, place of birth, race, and sex c) last known address of pupil or student d) names of pupil’s or student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) e) name and location of last school attended f) number of days present and absent, date enrolled, date withdrawn.

Publications Kendale Lakes Elementary publishes a monthly calendar (sent home on paper) The calendar serves as a source of communication and information for both students and parents. In an effort to “go green” and become more environmentally friendly, we will send important information home via Connect-ed, the monthly bulletin boards, and our KLE website. Please ensure we have your current email(s) and phone number(s) on file so that we are able to reach you at all times.

Procedures for Addressing Concerns For issues involving an individual teacher or class, parents address their concerns to the following individuals in the order below.

Teacher

Counselor

Assistant Principal

Principal

Regional Center

District

Conferences Parents may set up conferences with teachers by telephoning the office or writing a note to the teacher or principal. We appreciate your cooperation in refraining from seeking “instant conferences” during school hours.

School Center for Special Instructions (SCSI) School administrators may elect to assign students to the School Center for Special Instruction (SCSI) as an alternative to suspension from school. The center is designed to provide tutorial and guidance services.

When misconduct in a class results in an assignment to SCSI, the student should be removed from only the class in which the misconduct occurred. Continued misconduct can result in removal from all classes.

Transportation Eligibility Students will be assigned a bus if the distance between the home and the school exceeds two miles, or if the distance between the home and the nearest bus stop exceeds 1 ½ miles. Students who do not meet these requirements are not eligible for transportation services. Special provisions are made for Special Education students.

Safety and Security The Emergency Operations Plan The safety and well being of students is a major concern of the school staff. The school has general rules and teachers have specific rules for their classroom that include the proper way to move through the building and in the room. There are also certain rules that must be followed when coming to and leaving school. These rules are explained to the children early in the year and are reviewed frequently. Our physical education teacher, School Resource Officer, the Principal, Assistant Principal and each classroom and special area teacher devote instructional time for safety. Fire drills are held on a monthly basis. The purpose of the drills is to teach children to leave the building as quietly and orderly as possible. Lockdown drills are held twice a year and tornado drills once a year to prepare students for other emergency situations. The child’s safety to and from school is the responsibility of the parents. Plan with your child a safe route to and from school, emphasizing the importance of going directly home after school. Discuss the danger of talking to or accepting a ride from strangers. Remind children to use the crossing lights and crosswalks. PARENTS ARE ASKED TO SET AN EXAMPLE BY CROSSING ONLY AT CORNERS AND CROSSWALKS.

Student and employee safety is a primary concern of the Miami-Dade County Public School (M-DCPS) System. The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) was created to provide school personnel with the necessary leadership skills and knowledge needed to respond to critical incidents or other related emergencies that may occur in our schools /community. All schools have a site specific plan to address all types of critical incidents. These plans address the individual needs of the school, and provide guidelines for devising methods for communicating with the staff, students, parents/guardians, and the media during a critical incident or an emergency. Some of the protective action procedures include the evacuation of students/staff from the building(s), evacuation of the disabled and if necessary the relocation of students/staff from the school campus, lockdown procedures and holding/dismissing students during school and community emergencies. Some important tips for parent/guardians to remember during a Critical Incident are as follows: Remain calm Monitor media outlets for updates and official messages from M-DCPS Do not flood the school with telephone calls; and If the school is on lockdown, wait until the lockdown is lifted before going to the school.

All school administrators, Regional Center Superintendents/Directors and all M-DCPS Police officers have been adequately trained in the school EOP and are prepared to respond immediately during a critical incident or emergency to provide safety for all children.

Accident Reports Any student who witnesses an accident or is injured in school should report it immediately to the nearest staff member.

Code Yellow/Code Red In the event of an emergency, the primary responsibility of all school personnel is to provide for the safety of all students. In the event a school administrator announces a possible threat to students and staff safety exists within the community (Code Yellow), or an imminent threat to students and staff safety exists within the school (Code Red) students, faculty and staff will comply with all the procedures outlined in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Critical Incident Response Plan and remain on lockdown until a school administrator makes an “All Clear” announcement.

Closing of School The emergency closing of a school for any cause, such as weather or in which the safety of individuals may be endangered, is only at the discretion of the Superintendent of Schools.

Fire Drills Ten fire drills will take place according to the Miami-Dade County Public School Policy and Emergency Procedures. At the sound of the emergency bell, students must stop what they are doing and follow the teacher’s instructions. They must clear the building promptly by the prescribed route. Any student who is in the hallway or the restroom at the sound of the emergency bell must proceed to the nearest exit and locate the teacher. Students, teachers and staff must remain outside the building until permission is given to re-enter. Practice drills are performed monthly to ensure

safety and proper procedure for staff and students.

SAFETY PATROL

The Kendale Lakes Safety Patrol is organized to help protect children from danger. We urge you and your child to respect their directions when they are on duty. Although the patrol is a group of selected children, they are still children and may only remind students of the rules. The Safety Patrol needs the support of all!

Transporting Students to School Students who live within our attendance boundary must provide their own transportation. Parents may drop their kids off in the drive through or secure rider ship on an approved private bus. Only students eligible for exceptional student education are provided with bus transportation by Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Bicycles/ Skateboards Students are encouraged not to ride bicycles to school. Traffic around our school is very heavy. Additionally, bikes are not monitored during the day to prevent theft and/or vandalism. If children do ride bikes to school, they must park them in the bike area west of our school. We advise the use of bicycle locks in the bicycle area. All bicycles should be registered with Metropolitan Dade County. We cannot assume responsibility for lost, stolen or vandalized bikes.

Students are not to ride skateboards/skates/scooters to school. No exceptions can be made. They are dangerous, especially in heavy traffic. There is no way that we can secure them.

Visitors Due to legal regulations, students are not permitted to have guests attend school with them at any time. Parents/guardians are always welcome and tours may be arranged to view the school. Classroom visits require a 24- hour notice. Visitors must first register with security at the main entrance, sign-in and produce photo identification, and then proceed to register in the main office. Anyone who fails to follow these procedures will be considered a trespasser and is subject to arrest.

Elevator The school elevator is to be used by individuals who are handicapped and cannot use the stairs. Please present yourself to the Main Office for assistance in this capacity.

Media Center It is the primary responsibility of the Kendale Lakes Media Center to ensure that students and staff are effective users, consumers and producers of information and ideas. In addition, it is our goal to provide intellectual and physical access to a wide variety of materials in all formats to all members of the school community. The immediate goal is resource-based teaching. To achieve this goal, the media specialist and teachers cooperate to plan and implement units of study as teaching partners. These units integrate those strategies and skills necessary to solve problems, make decisions and include locating, evaluating, organizing and presenting information from a variety of sources. The long- range goal is to prepare students to become informed decision-makers, life-long learners and to be informed and empowered citizens.

Your child is responsible for taking care of any library books, which he/she checks out. Your child is also responsible for paying for any lost/damaged library books.

Technology Throughout the year, we encourage students to take advantage of the multiple online resources available to enhance their education. Username and passwords can be obtained from your child’s teacher.

Vmathhttp://www.vmathlive.com/signin/ FCAT Explorerhttp://www.fcatexplorer.com/ Student Portalhttp://www.dadeschools.net/students.asp BrainPophttp://www.brainpop.com/ KLE Library Catalog http://destiny.dadeschools.net/common/servlet/presentloginform.do Tumble Bookshttp://www.tumblebooks.com/ AR BookFinderhttp://www.arbookfind.com/UserType.aspx Online Databaseshttp://library.dadeschools.net/online_db.htm Renaisance Place https://hosted80.renlearn.com/66265/Public/RPM/Login/StudentLogin.aspx Spelling City http://www.spellingcity.com/

Special Education The School Board of Miami-Dade County ensures that all students suspected of having a disability are identified, evaluated, and provided appropriate, specially designed instruction and related services, if it is determined that the student meets the state's eligibility criteria and the parent consents to initial placement.

Prior to referral for evaluation, the student must have participated in the school's Progress Monitoring Plan (PMP) program and have been referred to the school's intervention team, known as the Child Study Team (CST),

udent Student Support Team (SST) or the Student Development Team (SDT)and the Response to

Intervention Team (RTI).

Students with disabilities who are eligible and require special education will have an Individual Educational Plan (IEP). The IEP describes the student's strengths and weaknesses and documents the services and supports the student needs in order to access a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). The IEP is a working plan that must be developed by the IEP team at least once every 12 months and reviewed, when appropriate, to revise and address any lack of expected progress toward annual goals, or to consider any new information that has been provided through re-evaluation or by the parent/guardian. Parent involvement in the special education process is very important. Parents will be asked to participate in the IEP process each year and to consider the need for their child's re-evaluation at least once every three years.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that parents of a child with a disability have certain procedural safeguards. The Summary of Procedural Safeguards for Parents of Students with Disabilities documents all the information about the rights of parents/guardians. This notice of procedural safeguards is made available to the parent, at a minimum, upon initial referral; or the parent's request for evaluation; upon the school district's refusal to conduct an initial evaluation that the parent has requested; upon each notification of an IEP meeting; upon consent for re-evaluation; upon the school district's receipt of a request for a due process hearing; and any other time the parent may request to receive a copy.

Other rights that are presented in the procedural safeguard document include, but are not limited to, the right of prior written notice; informed consent; participation in meetings; records, independent educational evaluation, mediation, state complaint; local education agency complaint; due process hearings; resolution meetings; due process; attorney fees; discipline; and private school placement.

As the parent/guardian of a child with disabilities, you are a very important member of the team that plans your child's education. Be informed and get involved. If you have any questions, please contact your child's school. Staff from the special education department and your child's student service provider will help to answer your questions. Additional information may also be found at http://ese.dadeschools.net/.

Student Services Medication: Students are not permitted to administer their own medication. An authorization for medication form, FM-2702, signed by a physician must be on file in the office if your child is to take any medication in school. Authorization forms

are valid for only one school year. If there are illnesses or conditions, which require

medication, contact the office for information.

ESE Clerk, Ms. Hernandez Counselor Request Ms. Ceballos School Psychologist Ms.Ingrid Castelblanco

School Social Worker Ms. Algaze Speech Therapy Ms. Weisman

The Parent Academy The Parent Academy is a free, year-round, parent engagement and skill building program of Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS). The goals are to educate parents about the importance of their role; strengthen the family unit; unite families and schools; and inform parents of their rights, responsibilities and the educational opportunities available to their children and to them personally.

In addition, The Parent Academy provides classes and workshops for parents/guardians; organizes Family Learning Events; coordinates the availability of M-DCPS and community resources for parents/guardians and students; and provides professional staff development for school personnel on how to create parent-friendly schools.

Within this framework, The Parent Academy offers classes and workshops developed around the nine subject area strands listed below: Help Your Child Learn (Example: PASSport to Success – 8 module series) Parenting Skills (Example: Positive Discipline) Early Childhood (Example: Developing Early Literacy Skills) Arts & Culture (Example: Enrich Your Child through Arts and Culture in Miami) Languages (Example: American Sign Language for Families) Computer Technology (Example: Parent Portal)

Health and Wellness (Example: Preventing Substance Abuse) Financial Skills (Example: Financing Your Child’s College Education) Personal Growth (Example: GED Preparation – offered through Adult Education)

The Parent Academy “campus” is spread throughout every corner of this community, and offers free classes and workshops at over 201 local sites such as public schools, libraries, parks, colleges, private businesses, and neighborhood centers. Monthly calendars are posted in the Course Directory section on The Parent Academy’s Web site at www.theparentacademy.net. The Parent Academy staff members are available to provide parents/guardians, students and school sites with guidance and assistance in scheduling workshops. Staff can be reached at (305) 995- 2680.

Volunteer Program The School Volunteer Program is responsible for electronic registration, background checks and trainings of volunteers. Before you volunteer, an electronic volunteer application must be submitted. That form can be accessed at: http://community.dadeschools.net/!svp/school-vol.asp

You will receive an email once your application has been cleared.

All volunteers must come to the Main Office to show ID and get a sticker. You will be approached by staff if you do not have a sticker.

There are two different levels of volunteerism: Level 1 -complete a database Level 2 -complete a fingerprint

background check background check

Day chaperones for field trips Certified Volunteers Mentors Classroom assistants Math Listeners/Oyentes and/or Reading tutors. Athletic/Physical Education assistants Overnight chaperones.