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9-19-2024 ACES and DSAHS Governing Board Meeting Agenda AVENTURA GOVERNING BOARD AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE SCHOOL AND DON SOFFER AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL � r DON SOFFEP ' - AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA September 19, 2024 9:00 a.m. Aventura Government Center 19200 W. Country Club Drive • Aventura, FL 33180 51h Floor Executive Conference Room Governing Board AVENTURA CITY COMMISSION ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE GOVERNING BOARD FOR THE AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE SCHOOL (ACES) AND THE DON SOFFER AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL(DSAHS) Mayor Howard S. Weinberg, Esq. Vice Mayor Dr. Linda Marks Commissioner Amit Bloom Commissioner Rachel S. Friedland, Esq. Commissioner Billy Joel Commissioner Paul A. Kruss City Manager Ronald J. Wasson — Governing Board Facilitator City Clerk Ellisa L. Horvath, MMC City Attorneys Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman Aventura Governing Board Meeting Agenda September 19, 2024 Aventura City of Excellence School and Don Soffer Aventura High School AVENTURA CITY COMMISSION ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE GOVERNING BOARD FOR THE AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE SCHOOL (ACES) AND THE DON SOFFER AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL (DSAHS): 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 13, 2024 Regular Meeting 4. APPROVAL OF THE ACES PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK 2024-2025 AND THE DSAHS FAMILY HANDBOOK 2024-2025 5. APPROVAL OF THE 2024-25 MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE ALLOCATION PLAN FOR ACES AND DSAHS 6. APPROVAL OF THE MASTER SCHOOL SAFETY PLAN 2024-25 SY FOR ACES AND DSAHS 7. APPROVAL OF FLORIDA SCHOOL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR KNOWN VIOLATIONS FOR ACES AND DSAHS 8. APPROVAL OF OUT-OF-FIELD WAIVERS FOR ACES AND DSAHS 9. APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE 2024/2025 ACES PARENT FACILITATOR/CONFLICT RESOLUTION OFFICER AND REAPPOINTMENT OF THE DSAHS PARENT FACILITATOR/CONFLICT RESOLUTION OFFICER 10. DISCUSSION OF SCHOOL CHAPLAIN 11. SCHOOL UPDATES: • ACES Principal Ana Melhuish • DSAHS Principal Dr. Geoff McKee 12. OTHER BUSINESS 13. PUBLIC COMMENT 14. ADJOURNMENT This meeting is open to the public. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who are disabled and who need special accommodations to participate in this meeting because of that disability should contact the Office of the City Clerk, (305)466-8901 or cityclerk@cityofaventura.com,not later than two days prior to such proceedings. One or more members of the City of Aventura Advisory Boards may participate in the meeting. Anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the Aventura City Commission, acting in its capacity as the Governing Board for the Aventura City of Excellence School (ACES) and the Don Soffer Aventura High School (DSAHS),with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Agenda items are available online at cityofaventura.com for viewing and printing, or may be requested through the Office of the City Clerk at (305) 466-8901 or cityclerk@cityofaventura.com. DON SOFFER (,AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL AVENTURA GOVERNING BOARD AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE SCHOOL AND DON SOFFER AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 13, 2024 9:00 a.m. Aventura Government Center 19200 West Country Club Drive Aventura, FL 33180 Aventura City Commission acting in its capacity as the Governing Board for the Aventura City of Excellence School (ACES) and the Don Soffer Aventura High School (DSAHS): 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order by Mayor Howard Weinberg at 9:02 a.m. The roll was called and the following were present: Mayor Howard S. Weinberg, Vice Mayor Dr. Linda Marks, Commissioner Amit Bloom, Commissioner Rachel S. Friedland', Commissioner Billy Joel, Commissioner Michael Stern, City Manager Ronald J. Wasson, City Clerk Ellisa L. Horvath, and City Attorney Robert Meyers. Commissioner Paul A. Kruss was absent. Also present were Jon Hage — Charter Schools USA CE02 and Rachel Windler-Freitag — Charter Schools USA Area 2 Florida Deputy Director. As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting commenced. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge was led by Mayor Weinberg. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion for approval of the May 16, 2024 Aventura Governing Board Regular Meeting Minutes was offered by Commissioner Bloom, seconded by Commissioner Joel, and passed unanimously by roll call vote. 4. RESOLUTIONS/PUBLIC INPUT: Mrs. Horvath read the following Resolution title: A. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AMENDED MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE SCHOOL BETWEEN THE CITY OF AVENTURA AND CHARTER SCHOOLS USA, AT AVENTURA LLC;AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE AIMS OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Participated via virtual communications media technology. Participated via virtual communications media technology. Aventura Governing Board Regular Meeting Minutes Aventura City of Excellence School and Don Soffer Aventura High School June 13, 2024 A motion for approval with the amendments was offered by Commissioner Joel and seconded by Commissioner Bloom. Mr. Wasson reviewed the management agreement and reported on CSUSA's agreement to the changes as outlined in the red-lined version. The City Commission discussed the item including the following: 10% cap, discipline responsibility now through CSUSA, requiring cameras on school buses, hiring of the principal, area administrator position, and the budget process. Mr. Hage provided information on the industry standard for the management fee percentage. Ms. Windler-Freitag provided information regarding the Commission providing input on the area administrator position. Mayor Weinberg opened the item for public input. The following members of the public provided comments: Enid Weisman (former Mayor). There being no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. The motion for approval of the Resolution passed unanimously with the amendments by roll call vote, and Resolution No. 2024-35 was adopted. Mrs. Horvath read the following Resolution title: B. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AMENDED MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE DON SOFFER AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL BETWEEN THE CITY OF AVENTURA AND CHARTER SCHOOLS USA, AT AVENTURA LLC; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE AIMS OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion for approval with the amendments was offered by Commissioner Stern and seconded by Commissioner Bloom. No comments were provided by the City Commission. Mayor Weinberg opened the item for public input. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed. The motion for approval of the Resolution with the amendments passed unanimously by roll call vote, and Resolution No. 2024-36 was adopted. 5. ORDINANCES — SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARINGS: Mrs. Horvath read the following Ordinance title: Page 2 of 4 Aventura Governing Board Regular Meeting Minutes Aventura City of Excellence School and Don Soffer Aventura High School June 13, 2024 A. AVENTURA CITY COMMISSION, ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE GOVERNING BOARD FOR THE AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE SCHOOL (ACES): AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,ADOPTING THE ATTACHED CHARTER SCHOOL OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR THE AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE SCHOOL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 (JULY 1 — JUNE 30), PURSUANT TO SECTION 4.05 OF THE CITY CHARTER; AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS ESTABLISHED BY THE BUDGET; PROVIDING FOR BUDGETARY CONTROL; PROVIDING FOR PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATION; PROVIDING FOR GIFTS AND GRANTS; PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENTS; PROVIDING FOR ENCUMBRANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion for approval was offered by Commissioner Joel and seconded by Commissioner Bloom. Mr. Wasson reviewed highlights of the budget totaling $13,715,262. Mr. Hage discussed mitigating the loss of ESSER funds. No comments were provided by the City Commission. Mayor Weinberg opened the item for public input. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed. The motion for approval of the Ordinance on second reading passed unanimously by roll call and Ordinance No. 2024-09 was adopted. Mrs. Horvath read the following Ordinance title: B. AVENTURA CITY COMMISSION, ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE GOVERNING BOARD FOR THE DON SOFFER AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL (DSAHS): AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,ADOPTING THE ATTACHED DON SOFFER AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL BUDGET FUND 191 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 (JULY 1 — JUNE 30), PURSUANT TO SECTION 4.05 OF THE CITY CHARTER; AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS ESTABLISHED BY THE BUDGET; PROVIDING FOR BUDGETARY CONTROL; PROVIDING FOR PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATION; PROVIDING FOR GIFTS AND GRANTS; PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENTS; PROVIDING FOR ENCUMBRANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion for approval was offered by Commissioner Joel and seconded by Vice Mayor Dr. Marks. Mr. Wasson reviewed highlights of the budget totaling $10,029,945. The City Commission discussed the item. Page 3 of 4 Aventura Governing Board Regular Meeting Minutes Aventura City of Excellence School and Don Soffer Aventura High School June 13, 2024 Mayor Weinberg opened the item for public input. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed. The motion for approval of the Ordinance on second reading passed unanimously by roll call vote and Ordinance No. 2024-10 was adopted. 6. APPROVAL OF 2024-2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR ACES AND DSAHS: Mayor Weinberg introduced the item. A motion for approval was offered by Commissioner Stern and seconded by Commissioner Joel. Mr. Wasson reviewed the calendars, accompanied by Ms. Windler-Freitag. The City Commission discussed the item including confirmation that the calendars were better aligned now. No comments were provided by members of the public. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. 7. SCHOOL UPDATES: None. 8. OTHER BUSINESS: None. 9. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. 10. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Commission as the Governing Board, a motion to adjourn was offered by Commissioner Joel, seconded by Commissioner Bloom, and unanimously approved; thus, adjourning the meeting at 9.49 a.m. Ellisa L. Horvath, MMC, City Clerk Approved by the City Commission, acting in its capacity as the Governing Board for ACES and DSAHS, on September 19, 2024. Page 4 of 4 AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE SCHOOL ACES 11 Of FXffIIfNCE SCHOH� ' r I d t a��1I q,.SNOO K lie PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK 2024-2025 ACES 11 �f((ENCE SCHO�� AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE SCHOOL 3333 NE 188" Street Aventura, Florida 33180 Telephone: 305-466-1499 Fax: 305-466-1339 Website: www.aventuracharter.org Board of Directors Mayor Howard S. Weinberg Commissioner Dr. Linda Marks Commissioner Billy Joel Commissioner Paul A. Kruss Commissioner Rachel Friedland Commissioner Amit Bloom City Manager Ronald J. Wasson Charter Schools USA Deputy Director Rachel Windler-Frietag Principal Ana Melhuish 1 Aventura City of Excellence School ACES 3333 NE 188t" Street Aventura, FL 33180 �LP kffMTURA(SIMa Dear ACES Families, Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year at ACES! We are thrilled to embark on another exciting year of learning and growth. Our innovative programs include rigorous academics, character education, athletics, interest exploration, and more. ACES curriculum is centered on Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards, and our goal is always to exceed those standards in all that we do! Please know that your commitment to engaging in all communication and reviewing our handbook is vital for ensuring a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment for all students. It is through the collaborative efforts of school staff, parents, CSUSA, our Governing Board, the School Advisory Committee, and our school community that ACES continues to thrive. We continue to outperform the district, state, and neighboring schools. There are still areas for growth and improvement. This is what sparked our 2024-2025 theme; "Committed to Growth." Even though we perform well year after year, we take immense pride in our students' achievements, our community of educators, and our dedicated families. We recognize that there is always room to improve, and we are committed to fostering an environment where continuous growth is embraced and celebrated. As we look at areas of growth we will focus on Academic Excellence - where we will continue to challenge our students with a rigorous and engaging curriculum. All while supporting our staff through professional development so they continue to be the best educators around. Personal Growth - because we believe that growth extends beyond academics. We are dedicated to developing students' resilience, empathy, and growth mindset. Through this, we aim to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Remember, at ACES, Excellence is the Expectation, Not the Exception! As we journey through this year together, let us remember that growth does not have a finish line. It is continuous and requires dedication, perseverance, and willingness to learn from one's mistakes. We are confident that with the collective effort of our students, staff, and families, we will achieve remarkable growth and continued success! We look forward to another incredible year. 66MCES;,a,�� Sincerely, A 6 Ana Melhuish III ACES Principal --� COMMI TIED TO 2024-2025 2 Table of Contents: Page Number(sl ACES SCHOOL CALENDAR 2024-2025 5 REPORT CARDS AND INTERIM REPORTS 5 ACES WELCOME 6 NON DISCRIMINATION NOTICE ACES VISION STATEMENT 6 ACES MISSION STATEMENT 6 ACES PHILOSOPHY AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS 6 ENROLLMENT/REGISTRATION 7 SCHOOL DIRECTORY 7 GOVERNING BOARD 7 STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 7 SCHOOL HOURS 8 ARRIVAL POLICY 8 ATTENDANCE 8 ABSENCES 8 EARLY DISMISSAL 9 TARDY POLICY 9 DISMISSAL RULES 10 CAR RIDER PERMITS 11 BUS TRANSPORTATION 11 "STUDENT OF THE MONTH" AWARDS 12 PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES 12 STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDS 13 DRESS CODE & UNIFORM POLICY 13 LABELS 14 DRINKS 14 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 14 EMERGENCY DRILLS 14 FIELD TRIPS 15 CURRICULUM 16 GRADING 16 3 ACADEMIC HONESTY/HONOR CODE 17 PARENT PORTAL 17 HOME/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION 17 HONOR ROLL REQUIREMENTS 17 RECESS 17 "HOME LEARNING" POLICY 17 INSTRUCTIONAL BOOKS, EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, AND SUPPLIES 18 PROMOTION/RETENTION 18 HEALTH SERVICES 19 ILLNESS, ACCIDENT AND MEDICAL EMERGENCY 19 SCREENINGS 19 MEDICATION 19 HEAD LICE 19 PARENT VOLUNTEER HOURS 20 PARENTS AND VISITORS ENTERING THE SCHOOL 20 STUDENT RECORDS/PARENT RIGHTS 20 COMMUNICATION POLICY/CONFLICT RESOLUTION 21 MEDIA CENTER 21 PARTIES 22 SCHOOL AFTERCARE INFORMATION 22 SCHOOL AFTERCARE PAYMENT PROCEDURE 23 SCHOOL ADVISORY COMMITTEE 23 LUNCHES 23 LUNCH PROGRAM 23 SCHOOL RULES 24 BULLYING/HARASSMENT POLICY 25 REPORTING SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR OR THREATS 25 SPECIAL PROGRAMS 25 ONE TO ONE DEVICES 28 4 ACES SCHOOL CALENDAR 2024-2025 Dates when students are not in school: September 2 Labor Day October 3-4 Teacher Planning November 5 Teacher Planning November 11 Veterans Day November 26-30 Thanksgiving Break December 23 — January 3 Winter Recess January 17 Teacher Planning January 20 Martin Luther King Day February 17 Presidents'Day March 24-28 Spring Break March 31 Teacher Planning April 18 Teacher Planning May 26 Memorial Day June 6 Teacher Planning Early Release Dates: August 15 September 23 October 24 November 22 December 20 February 3 March 21 April 14 May 12 June 3-5 Please note that Teacher Planning Days after the first quarter may serve as inclement weather make-up days if loss of power is likely to occur REPORT CARDS Report Cards Available on the District Student Portal: November 1 st Quarter Report Card February 2nd Quarter Report Card April 3rd Quarter Report Card June 4th Quarter Report Card *Report cards will no longer be printed and sent home. 5 ACES WELCOME The staff of the Aventura City of Excellence School welcomes you to our school family where integrity and excellence are the standards of the school in which the entire community takes pride. Along with increasing your knowledge and developing your skills, your major responsibility at ACES will be to respect your fellow students, teachers, and staff members. They, in return, will respect you. No individual has the right or privilege to infringe or deny the rights of another individual. Remember that your success in school will be directly proportional to your efforts. School will be whatever you make it. Let us always have the spirit to do the things that will make school rewarding. Non Discrimination Notice Aventura City of Excellence School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. We strive to be an inclusive community of learners, where all members feel valued. If you feel this has not been the case please contact the school Principal. Vision Statement: To join with our community to become the premier charter school in the nation, where academic excellence coexists with the promotion of innovation and exploration grounded in an atmosphere of social responsibility. Mission Statement: ACES mission is to develop future leaders by providing a world-class education with an unwavering commitment to the Whole Child, and an unyielding dedication to Student Success! At ACES, excellence is the expectation, not the exception! The Aventura City of Excellence School staff believes that we have a responsibility to create a school climate that enables every individual to feel cared for, respected and to act as contributing members of the school culture. All students can learn and will be encouraged to strive for academic excellence and personal growth that will enable them to be productive and active members of society. In the practical application of this philosophy, opportunities shall be provided to: 1. Develop in each student and professional staff member a sense of self-worth and a positive self-concept 2. Imbue such character traits as honesty, integrity, compassion, respect, cooperation, humility, happiness and responsibility toward each other, our community and our world 3. Develop in each student an understanding of and responsibility for making positive personal and social choices 4. Improve upon the quality of instruction and curriculum by increasing the effectiveness of teachers and their teaching through ongoing professional development 6 5. Provide each student with experiences to develop an awareness of good health habits and attitudes for living by encouraging each student to perceive learning as a life-long continuing process from preschool through adulthood 6. Encourage, through educational reporting, city and district officials, the citizens of Aventura, and the professional staff to support quality education in the school 7. Use assessment data to identify and track student achievement and learning goals 8. Develop school programs based on "best practices" to promote learning gains 9. Develop strong parent-teacher-student relationships 10. Provide a strong accountability system that will hold everyone at the school responsible for maximizing learning opportunities 11. Provide a low student-teacher ratio in order to enhance the development of the individual strengths of each student 12. Provide additional staff members for enrichment and remediation services 13. Develop in each student the ability to innovate, think critically, make inferences, apply knowledge to new settings and use these skills to make wise choices ENROLLMENT/REGISTRATION Aventura City of Excellence School admits students of any race, color, national origin, religion or gender. First consideration for admission will be given to residents of Aventura and dependents of U.S. military personnel on active duty in accordance with Florida Law. Once a student is accepted as an ACES student, the registrar will support in the completion of all necessary documents. Please see our current and prospective student links on the school website. (linked here) MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS All students attending ACES are students of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and are subject to applicable policies and entitled to all rights of any student attending a school in the district. SCHOOL DIRECTORY Click here to view the full school directory. GOVERNING BOARD The City of Aventura Commission serves as the Governing Board of ACES. here to view the Governing Board directory and a listing of meeting dates. STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Each student at ACES has the right to: • learn • ask questions and get honest answers • make mistakes 7 • know how their grades are determined • think their own thoughts and believe their own beliefs • grow and develop at their own pace • own their own things • live free from fear • be treated with respect and care • the responsibility to allow others to exercise the above-stated rights SCHOOL HOURS Breakfast available: 8:OOAM - 8:20AM K-5th Grades: 8:30AM - 3:OOPM Middle School: 8:30AM - 3:30PM *Students cannot be dropped off prior to 7:45AM without coordination. ARRIVAL POLICY Students should arrive with all appropriate supplies prior to the start of class (in their seat). Students should not be dropped off prior to 7:45 without coordination and parents are not to leave their vehicle when dropping off. All walkers should enter through the west gate and parents should not pass the Middle School building unless they are going to the front office themselves. Students arriving to school by car will be directed to enter the building through the breezeway. Students will not be able to access the building through the front office. It is advised that parents wait until after arrival to speak to the front office regarding any non-emergency situations. (If it is raining, the students will enter through the gate near the gym or the middle school doors. Please still pull all the way up and students will utilize the awning to walk into the building). ATTENDANCE It is important that pupils acquire the habit of regular attendance. All students are expected to be present and punctual for school every day. Parents are encouraged to promote good attendance and to refrain from making plans which will interrupt the educational process. ABSENCES 1. Your children must be in school every day as mandated by state law. 2. When absences become a concern (3 or more unexcused absences in a calendar month/10 or more unexcused absences in a 90-day period), the attendance clerk will first confirm medical excuse notifications received and recorded for absences. 3. If excused absence is required for more than 10 school days, the school will work with the family to consider hospital-homebound or other district alternatives. 4. The attendance clerk will contact the parent regarding excessive absences (5 or more unexcused absences in a calendar month/15 or more unexcused 8 absences in a 90-day period) or early dismissals via phone conference, email, teacher/parent conference or letter. 5. If absences continue, a formal referral letter for attendance will be made to administration with supporting documentation of parent contact and non-medical absences stapled to the referral and proper district and school procedures will follow. 6. A student must be present for a minimum of 4 hours of instructional time to be considered present. 7. Students with excused absences will have 10 days to complete make-up work. 8. If a student is picked up early, they will be marked absent for any classes they m iss. A student accumulating ten (10) or more class unexcused absences in an annual course or five (5) or more class unexcused absences in a designated semester course may have quarterly, semester, and final grade(s) withheld pending an administrative screening, and completion of assigned interventions by the Attendance Review Committee. When a child returns to school after an absence they must bring a note and turn it into the bin at either the Front Office or Middle School Office. Notes can also be emailed to attendance@aventuracharter.org. The note must include the student's name, dates of absence, the reason for the absence, parent/guardian name, and phone number. The following are considered excused absences: • Student illness • Illness of immediate family • Medical appointment • Death in the family • Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is mandated for all members of a faith that such holiday or service be observed • School-sponsored event or activity approved by the school principal As the holidays approach many of our students' families take holiday vacations. We encourage parents to vacation only when school is not in session. Families must fill out and submit a "Notification of Absence" form to the school administration. The school's registrar will inform the family as to the decision. All other absences are considered unexcused. All students with an excused absence (note from home or doctor) have ten days to make up missed work and assessments. All students with an excused absence (note from home or doctor) must complete the make-up assignments for classes missed within the approved makeup window. Students should check Google Classroom to locate the missed work. 9 All students with an unexcused absence may make-up work only if a "Notification of Absence Form" is on file and has been approved by administration. Administration will email teachers directly if a form has been submitted. If prior notification of absence is not completed, the parent must request permission from administration to make up work and assessments. EARLY DISMISSAL The parent or guardian must make all requests for early dismissal to the main office. Parents and guardians requesting early dismissal for their child must do so by sending a note to the teacher who will forward the note to the office. Only in the case of an extreme emergency will a phone call for early dismissal be acceptable. A child being dismissed early must be signed out in the office. The child will be asked to report to the office to meet the parent or guardian for dismissal. Students will only be released to adults who have been listed on the emergency contact card and who are over the age of 18. Please note: According to district rule, early dismissal will not be granted after 2:30 PM for elementary students, or 2:45 PM for middle school students. Additionally, during early release days, early dismissal will not be granted after 11:30 AM for elementary students, or 11:45 AM for middle school students. The front office will be closed to visitors from 2:45-3:45 and 11:45-12:45 on early release days. 5 early dismissals in a single quarter may result in a loss of grade in any subject the student is not present for. Parents must provide documentation for medical appointments. Students who miss classes for medical reasons will be given the opportunity to make up assignments on campus outside of school hours. TARDY POLICY A child is tardy when he/she is not in their classroom by 8:30 a.m. All students who are tardy for the start of school must enter the front office with a parent and be issued a tardy pass. A student is considered tardy if they are absent at the time attendance is taken provided the student is in attendance before the close of the day. If tardy for half a period or more, a student is considered absent for that period. Please note that our arrival gate will be closed at 8:27 daily. All students who arrive after the gate is closed are tardy. Tardy students MUST be signed in by an adult. Excused Tardies: A student will be considered as excused only if a parent/guardian personally escorts their child to the front desk and has a viable reason. The reasons for excused tardies are as follows: 1. Doctor appointments with notes from the doctor/orthodontist or 2. Extreme emergencies approved by administration Excused tardies will not count toward the student's tardy record. Unexcused Tardies: 10 A tardy will be considered as unexcused due to alarm clock failures, "parent's fault", car trouble, and inclement weather conditions. Unexcused tardies will count toward the student's record. Your children must be in school and ON TIME by state law. 3 unexcused tardies/early sign-outs will constitute 1 absence 1. At three tardies, the attendance clerk will double-check for medical excuses or extreme emergencies approved by the administration for tardies turned in and recorded. 2. At three tardies, the attendance clerk will contact the parent regarding excessive tardies or early dismissals via phone conference, email, teacher/parent conference, or letter. 3. At five tardies, students will be issued a morning reflection at 7:45 a.m. to work on goals that promote timeliness. Parents may be required to attend. 4. If tardies continue, a referral letter will be given to administration with supporting documentation of parent contact and non-medical or emergency tardies stapled to the referral. Appropriate consequences will follow, such as early release detention or Saturday School. DISMISSAL RULES Please note that all same-day changes to elementary dismissal procedures must be handled through email notification to the front desk. Students may only be released to an adult on the emergency contact card. Same-day dismissal changes should be handled as early as possible in the day in order to ensure teachers receive the communication in a timely manner. Parents who pick up their child are expected to adhere to the school's dismissal rules, which have been written to assure the safety of all children. Rules for parental pickup are listed below: • Car Rider dismissal begins at 3:00 PM (elementary) 3:30 PM (middle). Siblings will not be dismissed together. • Families who have students in grades K-5 and 6-8 must make arrangements for both dismissal times. Families can sign-up for sibling connection if they want to pick up at 3:30. Fees will be charged to families who pick up students after K-5 dimissal has ended. • Parents must remain in their vehicle at all times (NO WALK-UPS) • Students will not be released to any individual who is not in a vehicle, unless they are at the walker location (near Middle School) • No cell phone use while in the school zone (subject to citation) • Students who are designated as "walkers" or "bike riders" in grades 4-8 may leave campus on their own during dismissal. Students in grades K-3 must have an adult pick them up unless otherwise 11 communicated to the teacher. Students in K-3 who have older siblings may walk home with the older sibling. Note. A walker is a student who walks from the school campus to their home. Students will not be dismissed to walk to waiting vehicles. • If you must change your child's "typical" dismissal method, a message must be sent to the homeroom teacher the day before. If the change must be done within the school day, parents must receive confirmation from the front office. • If it is raining we will continue as normal unless the conditions require us to pause dismissal. In this case, all families will be notified via school communication tools. • No student should be picked up past 4.00 pm. Families will need to park and come to the front desk to pick up their child, where they will be asked to complete after-care registration and pay the $25 registration fee. For any additional late pickups, students will be placed in emergency after-care with YMCA at a fee to be charged to the family. If a parent knows they will need emergency aftercare prior to dismissal, they should call the Community Recreation Center at (305)466-3883. CAR RIDER Students who are designated as car riders will only be released to vehicles that have activated the student on Concierge Pad. Anyone picking up a student should have each student's placard with their number visible as they drive through the car line. BUS TRANSPORTATION As our present charter agreement states, regular bus transportation will be provided under the following conditions through Al Transportation: • Only children eligible for bus transportation are allowed to ride the school bus. • Eligible bus children may ride the bus only to and/or from designated stops. • Changing designated bus stops is not allowed. • Children who do not qualify as bus riders may not use the regular bus transportation to provide a courtesy ride to visit friends, to attend parties, etc. • Children who qualify as bus riders may not transfer to other buses for a courtesy ride to visit a friend, to attend parties, etc. • Please note that all changes to dismissal procedures should be confirmed by either the teacher or front office. These measures are taken to ensure safe and secure bus transportation with responsible accountability for our children. In the event of any changes from the bus company, we will notify families using Remind. 12 Aventura City of Excellence School has established policies and regulations for student behavior while riding the school bus. It is requested that the regulations below be reviewed with your child and that they are informed that good, safe behavior is expected at all times. All children should: • Be at the proper bus stop on time. • Wait for the bus on the sidewalk or on the shoulder of the road. • Stay in line when boarding the bus. • Remain properly and quietly seated while the bus is in motion. • Keep head, arms, and hands inside the bus at all times. • Be courteous to the bus driver and fellow passengers. • Never throw objects in the bus, out of the bus windows, or at the bus. • Obey directions of the bus driver. • Do not deface the bus seats or equipment. • Do not eat while on the bus. • Take all personal articles off the bus when you leave. • Exit the bus in an orderly fashion. • After departing, stop and look both ways. • Cross in front of the stopped bus on the signal from the driver or school crossing guard. Never cross the street from behind the bus. Please note that failure to comply with bus rules may result in the loss of privileges to ride the school bus. Parents may visit https-//studentregistration.nellc.com/ to view bus stop information. "STUDENT OF THE MONTH" AWARDS Each month teachers will nominate one student for the Student of the Month Award. Students will be nominated based on the traits learned monthly from the Positivity Project. Parents are invited on campus to take part in the celebration. PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES Definition for purposes of this polices "electronic devices"shall include any wireless telephone, watch, wireless headphones, or device that allows two-way communication. These devices shall also include any device that may be used to store, record, or play auditory and/or visual information. In order to assist in communicating with family members, ACES will allow students to possess electronic devices on campus without it being a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. However, the use of the electronic device during school hours would be a violation of school policy. The possession of electronic devices by students on school property, or while attendina school-sponsored or school-related events is a privilege, not a right. A campus administrator or teacher, in the exercise of reasonable discretion in 13 response to student misbehavior, abuse of the privilege, or other reasonable cause, may deny or cancel the privilege of possessing an electronic device. Electronic devices are not to be used to make phone calls, send/receive text messages, post anything on social media platforms, etc. AT ALL DURING SCHOOL HOURS, including classroom changes and restroom breaks. Smart watches cannot be worn at any time during the school day. Electronic devices that cause a disruption to the educational environment or any unauthorized use of electronic devices will result in the electronic device being confiscated and turned in to the front office. Confiscated electronic devices will only be returned to a parent or guardian at the end of the school day or the following daX. If a cell phone is brought to school and is lost or stolen, the school is not responsible for the loss.Repeat offenders may be advised that they have lost the right to have a device with them during the school day for any reason, and possession at that point may lead to confiscation for the remainder of the school year. Consequences are as follows: First Offense: The electronic device will be returned to the parent/guardian of the student. Devices may be picked up that afternoon between 3-45-4.00 or the following day between 9-30-2.00 Second Offense: The electronic device will be returned to the parent/guardian of the student and the student will be required to turn in their device(s) every morning before reporting to class. Third Offense: Parent must sign paperwork acknowledging the electronic device will be returned at the end of the academic year. Failure to surrender items will result in a disciplinary consequence. STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDS Student ID cards are considered a part of the school uniform, and students are expected to have their ID card with them daily. Not having an ID card will result in a uniform violation. Students in grades K-3 will wear their ID card attached to their backpack, while grades 4-8 will wear theirs on the school-provided lanyard or the ACES lanyard purchased at Chai Tees. Defacing the ID card will result in a student being required to purchase a new one, and will be considered a uniform violation. Defacement includes, but is not limited to the following; adding stickers, writing or drawing, bending, cutting, or any other alteration to the ID card or lanyard. DRESS CODE & UNIFORM POLICY All ACES students are required to be in proper uniform at all times. Any student not in uniform will be referred to the office and may be assigned administrative consequences such as reflective time. Kindergarten through 5th-grade students have P.E. 4 days in a row every 2-3 weeks and are required to wear their ACES P.E. uniform. Middle school students scheduled in PE must wear their ACES 14 P.E. uniform for class each day. Athletic shoes must also be worn when the student has PE. Any middle school student who does not have PE or Dance as an elective, must be in regular school uniform daily. Students may only wear ACES uniform sweaters/sweatshirts or plain navy blue sweaters/sweatshirts with no hoods (without any logos/wording) to school. The sweater/sweatshirt (outerwear) policy should be followed on all days except dress-down days. Students are expected to follow the policy of wearing navy blue or ACES outerwear on all spirit and upstander days. Hats and other head coverings are not permitted with the exception of religious reasons. Students must wear proper and safe footwear. Backless footwear such as flip-flops, sandals, and Crocs are inappropriate for school and may not be worn. Students in grades K-5 are not permitted to wear make-up in school. Friday is an optional dress-down day. This is a fundraising opportunity for ACES where students are asked to bring $1.00 in order to "dress down." If a student chooses not to bring $1.00 he/she may wear the regular uniform to school. "Soffe shorts", "belly shirts", tank tops, and sweatshirts with hoods are prohibited. Throughout the year ACES will designate days allowing students to wear upstander or spirit shirts. On these days, students must wear the designated clothing and can wear any school-appropriate bottoms. Students are expected to follow the policy of wearing navy blue or ACES outerwear on all spirit and upstander days. Any student violating the ACES dress code, including wearing clothes deemed inappropriate by the teacher or administration will receive reflective-time or be sent to the office to contact home for a change of clothes. All uniform items must be purchased from Chai Tees located at 20725 NE 16th Ave A-10, North Miami Beach, FL 33179. The phone number is (786) 520-3624. Uniforms may also be ordered online at chai-tees.com Below is a summary of the ACES uniform dress code. (ACES'new uniform has had a logo change, however old logos are still allowed to be worn) Kindergarten-5�1 Grade Students may wear ACES uniform navy blue pants, shorts, skirt or skort with either the ACES oxford or the polo shirt in light blue. Shirts may be long or short sleeve. Navy blue tights or leggings are the only allowable color and may only be worn under skirts or dresses. 6�1— 8�1 Grade 15 Students may wear ACES uniform khaki pants, shorts, khaki skirt, or skort with either a white or navy polo shirt. White polos are no longer being sold but students may still wear them as part of the uniform. Shirts may be long or short sleeve. The ACES P.E. uniform for all students includes gym shorts or sweatpants that have been purchased at Chai Tees and an ACES t-shirt. All students must be in uniform every dad regardless of weather conditions. LABELS Please have your child's name on all personal property such as lunch boxes, backpacks, sweaters, raincoats, etc. DRINKS Students are encouraged to make healthy choices and bring bottled water to school. Sugary drinks are not permitted. Energy drinks or caffeinated beverages of any kind are prohibited on campus and will be confiscated. We strongly encourage students to bring refillable water bottles when on campus. All water bottles/beverages must be sealable in order to prevent spills. Reusable bottles with an exposed straw will not be allowed on campus. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS In the event of an emergency where parents and visitors are not permitted on the school campus, City Hall located at 19200 West Country Club Drive will be the designated meeting location where parents should go to meet a school representative to receive information. Additionally, every effort will be made to post pertinent information related to any incident at www.aventuracharter.org. EMERGENCY DRILLS On a monthly basis, students practice exiting the building in a speedy, safe and quiet manner when the fire alarm sounds. Each class is given directions by the teacher and special announcements may be made by the administration concerning the drill. In addition, Code Red (lockdown) drills are practiced monthly with all conversations being held in a developmentally appropriate manner. FIELD TRIPS Field trips are planned to encourage the development of interests and to expand the instructional program. Before a child is permitted to go on a trip, the parent or guardian must sign a permission slip. Any parent or guardian who does not want the child to take a trip may have the child excused from this activity, but not from school. Any child not going on the trip will be assigned to another class for that period of time. 16 Because we contract with field trip companies for our overnight trips there is limited availability. Any students who have shown a pattern of disruptive behavior, defiance, or non-compliance with school rules and/or attendance expectations may have the privilege of attending a field trip revoked at the discretion of the school administration. Parents will be notified and issued a refund if applicable. In some cases, students and families may be placed on a Field Trip behavior contract as a way to work towards earning the field trip. Chaperones may not bring children other than those in the class(es) attending on the trip (e.g., siblings, cousins, etc.) Chaperones must stay with their designated group for the duration of the trip. Only school staff may chaperone overnight field trips. FIELD TRIP BEHAVIOR Students participating in trip activities must abide by the following rules and regulations: All rules, regulations, and policies governing student behavior in the Miami-Dade County Student Code of Conduct are to be followed. Parents and Students may be required to sign a behavior contract prior to participating in a field trip. Students are to cooperate fully with and follow the instructions of all chaperones and other supervisory personnel. Repeated refusal to follow requests/directions of trip supervisors/chaperones or violation of school rules, regulations or policies will result in parents being notified and student discipline upon return to school. Severe behavioral problems may result in the student being sent home at the expense of the parents. Students who do not behave appropriately on a field trip may lose the privilege of attending future trips. Whenever chaperones or supervisors are speaking, students must be quiet and attentive. Remember that the actions of this group on this trip determine whether or not trips such as these occur in future years. Throughout the trip, students are required to maintain a "buddy system". STUDENTS MAY NOT LEAVE THE GROUP WITHOUT ADVANCE PERMISSION FROM A CHAPERONE. Neither, the School or the City of Aventura, its employees, agents or representatives are responsible for damage or loss to any property, money or other valuables of participants on a trip. Students and parents should carefully consider these rules and if, for any reason, either party feels that the student cannot adhere to ALL of the rules, then that student should not attend. 17 CURRICULUM Instruction is aligned to the B.E.S.T. Standards and the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. Teachers and students are accountable for all state and local assessments in addition to internal formal and informal assessments and observations (e.g., F.A.S.T., EOC, Benchmark Assessments, STAR, and classroom assessments). All ACES students are required to enroll in 6 live courses on campus. GRADING Kindergarten students will receive grades of E, S, N, and U. Students in grades one through eight will receive traditional grades (e.g., A, B, C, D, F) calculated using the state's grading scale. In addition, students in grades Kindergarten through eighth-grade will receive a report card each quarter that reflects academic progress through grades. Grading Scale Grade K Grades 1 — 8 E — Excellent A — Outstanding 90% - 100% S- Satisfactory B —Above Average Progress 80% - 89% N — Needs Improvement C —Average Progress 70% - 79% U — Unsatisfactory D — Below Average 60% - 69% F — Failure **Parents are encouraged to communicate regularly or meet with teachers individually to discuss student progress. ACADEMIC HONESTY/HONOR CODE Student work is a reflection of their individual ability, so it is assumed and expected that students give their best effort on all assignments. All students will work under an honor code. Each piece of work turned in should be an original product of the student. Plagiarism, Cheating, using Artificial Intelligence, and Stealing are not tolerated and may lead to academic consequences and/or school discipline as well as impact the course grade. PARENT PORTAL Parents and guardians are encouraged to open a Parent Portal account. The Portal contains valuable student information including the Electronic Gradebook, which monitors attendance and academic progress in each class. Prior to adding a student to your account, you must obtain a Parent PIN number for your child. If you need your Parent PIN you must come into the ACES front office with identification, and our Registrar's office will provide it to you. Step-by-step directions for creating a Parent Portal account can be found at the following link: Parent Portal Directions 18 HOME/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION Parents are an integral part of our school and as such we strive to keep them involved and informed. A Parent Night will be held at the beginning of the school year. Parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers via Aventura City of Excellence School email. Parents should also sign up to receive Google Classroom Guardian summaries. CONFERENCES Families are required to have at least one parent-teacher conference during the school year. This can be conducted in person or through a video conference. HONOR ROLL REQUIREMENTS Grade 1 — Grade 8 Principal's Honor Roll: All As in Academic subjects All As and B's in conduct and 1's in effort Honors: All As and B's in academic subjects All As and B's in conduct and 1's in effort Kindergarten: Students may earn the ACES Super Star award by earning all E's and consistently good in conduct and effort RECESS Kindergarten through 5th-grade students will have recess daily (weather permitting). While Middle School students do not have a daily recess, they will be provided with outdoor brain breaks. Please be sure your child has dressed appropriately for the weather as recess takes place outside. "HOME LEARNING" POLICY The purpose of homework is to develop study habits in children early on in their academic lives. It is also used to reinforce concepts that have been taught or to work on projects that have been assigned. It is the position of school administration that homework should be minimal, with the primary focus on research-based instructional technology with significant time throughout a given week to complete recommended lessons/time. Teachers will use the following time schedules as a guide when assigning homework: Grade Level Total daily Average (All Subjects) K-2: 15 minutes 3-5: 30 minutes 6-8: 60 minutes *(Students taking High School courses or who are on accelerated tracks may have increased workloads) 19 These times are a guide and are based on the average child's ability to complete an assignment. Please note that in addition to regular homework, a child who does not complete a class assignment may be required to complete the assignment for homework. Teachers keep daily records of completed homework assignments. Below are a few examples of how parents may assist with homework: • Show an interest in your child's work • Provide a place and time for quiet study • Assist in practicing vocabulary and number combinations • Encourage home reading and listen to your child read • Review the homework for neatness and completeness • Refrain from doing the work for your child • Discuss problems related to home study with your child's teacher • Check the Dadeschools portal often INSTRUCTIONAL BOOKS, EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, AND SUPPLIES All textbooks and library books needed by students for school and homework assignments are furnished by the school. Books must not be written in or on. Charges will be assessed for damaged or lost books and /or materials. Students must learn to be responsible for the care of personal and school materials. Students will be expected to provide all basic supplies such as paper, pencils, crayons, rulers, scissors, markers, glue, etc. Please help your child come prepared for school by packing his/her homework and supplies. Middle school students will be provided with a set of books for home use for certain subjects. Students should only use Al tools that have been approved by the Administration. PROMOTION/RETENTION Students will be promoted annually from one grade to another upon satisfactory completion of academic and other requirements. Students experiencing difficulties will be identified as soon as possible using the following procedure: 1) On-going communication between the administration, teachers, and parents 2) Informal observations conducted by appropriate staff members, followed by conferences between participants for suggestions as to how to help the child. 3) Appropriate, preliminary assessment of the child's progress will be reported to the parents, at which time the possibility of non-promotion will be discussed. ACES follows the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Student Progression Plan. 20 HEALTH SERVICES ACES has an on-site nurse who will provide initial first-aid and communicate with families in circumstances that may be more serious. ILLNESS, ACCIDENT, AND MEDICAL EMERGENCY If your child shows signs of illness or he/she is not feeling well, please keep your child at home. A child must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. (Fever-free means a temperature less than 100, without medication, for a 24-hour period.) On the Medical Emergency Record please list the name of someone (be sure to receive permission to do so) who would take care of your child in case of need. If information (telephone number, place of employment, physician, etc.) on your Medical Emergency Records changes, please notify us immediately. Immunizations must be updated annually for all students grades Kindergarten through second grade and seventh grade. The completed shot record (blue form) and the physical examination record (yellow form) must be on file with the registrar before students are allowed to attend school. Students in grades third through fifth must have an updated physical annually. SCREENINGS All students are screened for speech, hearing, and vision to rule out any difficulties in these areas in compliance with Miami-Dade County Public Schools. MEDICATION The administering or dispensing of any non-prescription or prescription medicines to students by employees of ACES without specific written authorization by the child's physician is forbidden. Only the school designee may administer prescription medication. A doctor's authorization must be on file for all prescription medication. All medication will be kept in the front office. HEAD LICE Head lice occur everywhere that there are large numbers of children. ACES follows a strict no-nit policy. Regardless of the head lice treatment that has been used, students must be completely free of nits in order to be in school. This policy will help all children, families, and our school remain lice-free. PARENT VOLUNTEER HOURS The purpose of volunteer hours is to ensure a strong home-school connection, which is known to increase performance for students, staff, and the school as a whole. Parents must abide by their contracted 20 volunteer hours for one child attending school and 30 contracted hours for two or more siblings within the school. Volunteers must coordinate their work ahead of time, check in with the 21 receptionist prior to doing any volunteer work, and ensure that proper documentation is completed. Parents may not volunteer in their child's classroom unless they are the designated room parent. Several opportunities will be shared publicly including but not limited to TAW, and Fundraisers. Additionally, ACES will encourage parents to attend workshops and complete training by providing volunteer hours for doing so. Volunteer opportunities are updated regularly on our website. Please note. In the event of a dispute over served hours, it is the parent's responsibility to provide signed documentation. PARENTS AND VISITORS ENTERING THE SCHOOL Appointments must always be made to conference with teachers and administrators. Appointments may be made by e-mail or, sending a note to the teacher. Visitors and parents are to report, sign in, and obtain a visitor's badge at the office each time they come to the school, regardless of the purpose of the visit. In the event that students forget items at home they should NOT be dropped off at school, and parents are encouraged to communicate this with the teacher or impacted staff member in order to make arrangements for instructional items. The front desk will not accept any items including lunch. This procedure is intended to alleviate unnecessary disruptions to instruction and maintain a safe school environment. Visitors and parents of middle school students are to report to the elementary school building to sign in and obtain a visitor's badge. There will be no external entry to the middle school building during school hours unless authorized by administration. This is a safety practice designed to facilitate quality instruction with no disruptions. ACES use of Raptor Technologies ensures that no unwanted persons are allowed on campus at any time. STUDENT RECORDS/PARENT RIGHTS All student records are kept in compliance with state and district policies. A parent has the right to inspect all school records upon request. Please give the office adequate time to make a copy if records are being requested. Depending on the amount to be copied, parents may have to pay a small fee for this service. Student records leave the building only when a Record Release Form is signed by the parent/guardian. COMMUNICATION POLICY/CONFLICT RESOLUTION • Parents or guardians of students attending ACES who have a concern or grievance relating to school policy or the student's teacher shall first 22 contact the student's teacher to discuss and attempt to resolve such concern or grievance. • In the event the parent cannot resolve their concern or grievance with the student's teacher, they may contact the administrator overseeing that grade level; Dean Stroup for K-5 (dstroupp_aventuracharter.ora) or Ms. Mogull for 6-8 (smo_ug I�aventuracharter.ora) to attempt to resolve their concern or grievance. • In the event the parent cannot resolve their concern or grievance with the assigned administrator, they may contact the Principal of the school to attempt to resolve their concern or grievance. • Parents who cannot resolve their concern or grievance with the Principal of the school may contact the City Manager to discuss and attempt to resolve their concern or grievance. The City Manager's decision on school matters, except the expulsion of students, shall be final. MEDIA CENTER Visiting the Media Center Students in grades K-5 have a scheduled time when they visit the media center with their homeroom class. Middle School students may visit the media center during their lunch period (students must see the media specialist in the morning to acquire a pass). Students with no pass will not be admitted to the media center. Checking Out and Returning Books Students may check out the following number of books: K& 1 — May borrow one book at a time. (Kindergarten students will begin borrowing books once they have become familiar with the media center). This typically occurs in January. 2 & 3 — May borrow two books at a time. 4 & 5 — May borrow three books at a time. Middle School — May borrow four books at a time. If a student would like to renew a book they must physically bring the book into the media center to be re-stamped. Each book has a due date slip on the inside of the front or back cover. The last date on the slip is when the book is due. All books that are to be returned must be placed in the book drop in front of the media specialist's desk. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE YOUR BOOK TO YOUR CLASSROOM TEACHER TO BE RETURNED. If a child is absent on the due date, please have your child bring their book back the day they return to school. If this is not done, an overdue fee will be charged. Every student is given the opportunity to check out books from the media center. If you do not want your child to check out books, it is your responsibility to make your child aware of your wishes. Overdue Books and Fees 23 Books that are not returned on time will be charged a 10-cent fine for each day they are late. Students who do not pay their fines or return their books will not be allowed to check out any library materials until their account is settled in full. Damaged books will also accrue a fee based on the extent of the damage. Checks and cash are accepted when paying fines and fees. Please make checks payable to "City of Aventura". Please write your child's first and last name on the memo section of your check. Books and fines are NOT to be left at the front office. The front office staff will not accept responsibility for books and fines that are left there. Please have your child return their books and pay their fines in the media center as this teaches them responsibility. If you have a question about a notice, fine or fee, you may email Ms. Miranda at smirandao_aventuracharter.orq. Please put your child's first and last name in the subject heading. If you do not have an email, feel free to send a note with your child. Please include a phone number in your letter in case the reply requires a phone call. PARTIES Invitations to parties should not be sent to the school unless the following rules are followed: • The entire homeroom class is invited, or if a specific gender is desired for the party, ALL of the boys or girls in the homeroom class are invited • This will prevent embarrassment to the child not receiving an invitation. If the parent wishes to bring food for a special celebration they must coordinate and approve this with the homeroom teacher. Please note that only store-bought food may be served. Balloons and decorations are not permitted. In K-5 birthdays may be celebrated once a month and must include all of the students having a birthday during the month. The party may be held only during lunch or recess and parents are not allowed to attend. • Siblings are not permitted to attend a party held in a sibling or family member's classroom. Additionally, food may not be brought to individuals in other classrooms. SCHOOL AFTERCARE INFORMATION The School Aftercare Program is run by the YMCA. Students in Kindergarten — 8t" grade may enroll in School Aftercare, an after-school supervision program from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 1. Beginning at 3:30 p.m. students may be picked up from the School Aftercare Program 2. Students must be signed out on the dismissal sheet at the front desk by the parent or/and another authorized person. All parents or authorized persons picking up a student should carry a photo ID at all times. 3. Students will not be dismissed to your vehicle. 4. All students must be picked up by 6:00 p.m. — no later. 24 5. There is a late fee for children that are not picked up on time. The late pick-up fee is $10 for every 15 minutes past the closing time of 6.00 p.m. Payment is due on the date of the incident. Please be advised that the School Aftercare program is a service provided for our parents who need their children to remain in school until 6.00 p.m. Therefore if you anticipate any conflict with our schedule, you should consider other means of care for your child. Daily/Hourly rates are not available through this service. Emergency Aftercare No student should be picked up from school past 4:OOpm. Families will need to park and come to the front desk to pick up their child, where they will be asked to complete after-care registration and pay the $25 registration fee. For any additional late-pickups, students will be placed in emergency after-care with YMCA at a fee to be charged to the family. If a parent knows they will need emergency aftercare prior to dismissal, they should call the Community Recreation Center at (305) 466-3883. Aftercare Withdrawals: If your child has been enrolled in the program and you wish to withdraw him/her, please notify the rec center. LUNCHES Students who bring lunch from home must bring their lunch to school on a daily basis. Parents will not be able to drop off lunches at the front desk. Students who do not have lunch have the option of getting the daily lunch. (All students in need of food will be provided something to eat) LUNCH PROGRAM A'viands is our food vendor, a K-12 Elior company. While kosher options will not be available, vegetarian options will be offered daily. Breakfast and lunch will be served daily. Prices will be determined annually. Students are also welcome to pack a bagged lunch. *If you do not wish for your child to purchase lunch or snacks through the school, you must communicate that to your child. The school will never deny a student the option to purchase food. Lunch payments should be made through myschooI bucks.com. Families must remain current on their child's lunch balance. Positive balances remaining on the meal account at the end of the year will carry over to the next school year unless a refund is requested in writing/email. Your child may qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch. These guidelines will be disseminated by your child's classroom teacher. All information is confidential. For those parents interested in purchasing Kosher Lunch for their child, please visit the Kosher Lunch link on the Lunch Information page (or click here) to learn 25 how to purchase meals and have them delivered to ACES. Please note that this is a service we allow,however, we do not control the menu, pricing, or delivery times of Xafe. SCHOOL RULES ACES students are expected to follow the MDCPS Code of Student Conduct. A copy is provided to each family at the beginning of the school year. A positive atmosphere is necessary to provide an effective educational program for each child. A good school climate is the result of the administrators, teachers, students, and parents working together. Please note that students may not use fragrances or sprays such as cologne, perfume, or body spray at any time on campus. In the Classroom - Students are expected to.- speak in an acceptable manner • move in a careful way • follow directions • respect the property and ideas of the school, teachers, and others In general, students are expected to behave in a way that promotes learning and does not interfere with teaching and learning. Teachers seek to promote an optimum learning environment. Students reported for misconduct will speak with appropriate school staff. Parents will be notified when it is deemed necessary. In The Halls - Students are expected to.- remember that classes are in session • walk quietly ;neral, go directly to their destinations In students should be quiet, careful, and courteous in the halls. They should be considerate of classes that are in session and try not to disturb teachers and students who are working. During transitions, students should walk on the right-hand side of the hallway. On The Playground- Students are expected to.- play carefully, and in a manner that will not cause harm to themselves or others. • use the rules of the games • follow directions • walk to their class line when the signal is given In general, students are expected to abide by the rules of the playground, to cooperate with the staff on duty, and be considerate. Students who do not follow the rules may be required to miss recess for a period of time. Recess will rarely be taken away in its entirety. 26 In The Cafeteria- Students are expected to.- pass through the serving area in a quiet, orderly manner • remain seated at their assigned tables (elementary school) • eat lunch first without talking, then talk in an acceptable manner (quietly to your neighbor) • respect school property and the belongings of others • follow directions • clear tables and place trash in the proper receptacles before leaving • listen carefully and line up quietly when the signal is given for dismissal from the cafeteria In general, students are expected to abide by the rules of the cafeteria. Students reported for misconduct may be required or referred to the office to have lunch in another area designated by the school administration. A cafeteria supervisor ensures that students follow cafeteria rules and display proper eating etiquette. Classes are rewarded for appropriate behavior. Middle School students are expected to adhere to all of the above rules. Students will be allowed to choose their seats for lunch unless the cafeteria behavior deteriorates. At that time, students will be assigned seats. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS LiveSchools is used to document daily positive and negative behavior. Families are expected to check their children's accounts frequently and have discussions with them about their behavior. Teachers will communicate with families about any behaviors that are continuous. There are three (3) levels of disciplinary action and the levels are determined by the seriousness of the act and the Miami-Dade Code of Conduct. Level I Actions- In order to resolve Level I discipline problems, the following options are available: • Conference with teacher • Parent Contact • Conference with teacher and family • Conference with a member of administration • Conference with counselor • Behavioral Contract • Detention (lunch) Level II Actions- In order to resolve a Level II offense, more formal disciplinary actions shall be used. Formal actions include but are not limited to: • Detention (after school administrative) • Detention (before or after school teacher) 27 • Time Out • Conference with a member of administration • Saturday School • In-school suspension • Out of-school suspension if repeated offense Level III Actions- In order to resolve Level III offenses, the options available are: • Out of school suspension • Dismissal from school • Administrative review and reassignment AFTER-SCHOOL DETENTION An administrator or teacher will complete the Before or After-School Detention form which includes the date/time/location of the detention, description of why the detention was given, and the attempts made to contact parent/guardian. If a student misbehaves during Detention or is late, they may be issued another behavioral consequence such as Saturday Detention. SATURDAY DETENTION Saturday Detention may be assigned to those students whose behavior is consistently inappropriate. Saturday Detention is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; students are required to wear their school uniform and must complete reflection activities while serving the detention. There is zero tolerance for misbehavior. A student may be suspended for one day if they miss Saturday Detention, unless due to a family emergency or illness verified by a doctor's note. SUSPENSION Suspension is a disciplinary action that temporarily removes a student from a class or all classes for a prescribed period of time not to exceed ten (10) school days. The Principal or other member of Administration shall make every effort to employ parental assistance with alternative consequences for misconduct prior to suspending a student except in emergencies, disruptive conditions, or incidents involving serious misconduct. PERMANENT DISMISSAL The Principal may recommend dismissal of a student to the Board of Directors for any of the following: 1. Possession, use of, or transmission of a weapon including, but not limited to, a gun, knife, razor, explosive, ice pick or club. 2. Possession, use of, or transmission of a substance capable of modifying mood or behavior. 3. Using any article as a weapon or in a manner calculated to threaten any person. 4. Committing a serious breach of conduct including, but not limited to, an assault on school personnel or on another pupil, making a threat or false report, lewd or lascivious act, arson, vandalism, or any other such 28 act, which disrupts or tends to disrupt the orderly conduct of any school activity. 5. Engaging in less serious but continuing misconduct including, but not limited to, the use of profane, obscene, or abusive language, or other acts that are detrimental to the educational function of the school and that have clearly transpired. Suspendible offenses include but are not limited to, the following: 1. Fighting or other dangerous and/or disruptive behavior. 2. SmokingNaping on school grounds. 3. Being under the influence or having alcoholic beverages and/or drugs on school grounds. 4. Possession and/or use of a weapon or any object that can be used as a weapon including but not limited to: knives, brass knuckles, Chinese stars, chains, mace, etc. 5. Defacing or vandalizing school property. 6. Igniting any flammable substance. BULLYING/HARASSMENT POLICY ACES follows the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Anti Bullying Policy. Miami Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students. To this end, M-DCPS is dedicated to eradicating bullying and harassment in its schools by providing awareness, prevention and education in promoting a school atmosphere in which bullying, harassment, and intimidation will not be tolerated by students, school board employees, visitors, or volunteers. The entire policy can be found at the following link: http://www.dadeschools.net/schoolboard/rules/Chapt5/5d-1.1 01.pdf In accordance with the MDCPS Code of Student Conduct, ACES maintains a Zero Tolerance Policy on school violence, crime, and the use of weapons. Any student who feels that they have been a victim of bullying or have witnessed an act of bullying can report the incident anonymously using the Bullying Form found on our website. REPORTING SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR OR THREATS FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials. Anyone with knowledge of a threat can use this anonymous reporting tool by accessing the link on any ACES device or on our school website. FortifyFL is linked here. 29 SPECIAL PROGRAMS CHARACTER EDUCATION.- ACES Character Education Program is focused on cultivating community. Core values are integrated throughout the curriculum and within our daily interactions to better prepare students for lifelong learning. ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL).- This program is offered to students who are working toward English proficiency. Classroom teachers servicing ELL students have undergone special training related to strategies that enhance language acquisition. ACES ELL Coordinator collaborates with classroom teachers related to instructional modifications that aid in content comprehension. ACES ELL Coordinator meets with parents and conducts annual evaluations to measure progress toward English language proficiency EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION (ESE).- ESE students are fully mainstreamed, reducing social stigmas and enhancing the continuity of instruction. The ESE teacher works with the classroom teacher to modify instruction as appropriate to enable students to meet their goals. The ESE teacher collaborates with classroom teachers to ensure that "strategies for success" are implemented in all subject areas. GIFTED.- Eligible students in grades K through 8 will have an opportunity to enroll in a gifted Language Arts course. Project-based application allows students an opportunity to combine their creativity and practical knowledge. INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY. Classroom teachers utilize technology daily to reinforce instruction and offer opportunities for independent practice. ACES students have access to Internet-based instructional programs at home and at school. Middle School students are required to enroll in a half-year Computer Concepts, Coding, and Research course designed to expose them to all facets of the technology world available to them. LIBRARY AND RESEARCH SKILLS.- Students may check out books daily. K-5 students receive library instruction from ACES' Media Specialist in topics such as research skills, types of literature and media, plagiarism, organizing ideas, concept mapping and the importance of developing a lifelong love of learning. 30 MUSIC.- All students in grades K-5 attend music classes once per rotation. The ACES music program emphasizes multicultural music appreciation, song, rhyme, and music. PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PE).- ACES PE program emphasizes sportsmanship and teamwork. Students are exposed to a variety of games, sports, and activities utilizing our full-size, an indoor gymnasium, and our Middle School track and basketball courts. Middle School students may select PE as a half-year or full-year elective. SPEECH AND LANGUAGE.- This program is offered to students who qualify for services based on school district requirements. ACES part-time Speech and Language Pathologist services students' needs in small groups. SCIENCE RESOURCE LAB.- ACES science laboratory program provides students with hands-on application of the core curriculum. Students in kindergarten through fifth conduct experiments within their classrooms. Students conduct scientific investigations including predictions, observation, data collection, evaluation, and communication of findings. All middle school students enroll in a comprehensive science course that emphasizes hands-on investigation. SPANI SH. ACES Modern Language Program places emphasis on four basic components of language acquisition (e.g., listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Students build an understanding of the relationship between perspectives and products of various cultures. Students in grades K-5 receive Spanish instruction one time per rotation. Middle School students can elect to enroll in Spanish courses throughout their Middle School career at ACES. ART Our Arts program fosters self-expression and creativity. The Art Program is designed to inspire and motivate students to experience the connection between disciplines such as language arts, math, science, and social studies. Students use a variety of mediums including paint, chalk, clay, and fabric to create 2-D and 3-D art. 31 ONE-TO-ONE DEVICES All students will be issued a personal device as part of the ACES One-to-One device program. All students and parents must sign the Technology Acceptable User Agreement. Student's will lose access to technology if the agreement is not completed. Terms of Agreement In this agreement, "you"and "your"means the parent/guardian and the student enrolled in Aventura City of Excellence School (ACES). The "equipment"is a Chromebook and battery. Terms: You will be issued an ACES Chromebook and battery to be used during the school day. You will comply with the ACES One-to-One Parent/Student Handbook at all times. Title: Legal title to the equipment belongs to the ACES and shall at all times remain with ACES. Your right to possess and use the equipment is limited to and conditioned upon your full compliance with this Agreement. Your possession of the equipment terminates on the collection date set by the school unless terminated earlier by the ACES or upon withdrawal from the school. Lost, Stolen, or You must report any lost, stolen, or damaged equipment to the Damaged school immediately. For stolen equipment, you must also file a Equipment: police report. If the equipment is lost or damaged, either intentionally or due to negligence, the student may be subject to discipline and you may be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement. Sanctions for Any activity that violates Electronic Resources Policy and Violations Procedures should be reported to a school administrator. Disciplinary action, if any, for the students and other users shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. Violations of the policy can constitute cause for revocation of access privileges, suspension of access to Aventura City of Excellence School electronic resources, other school disciplinary action, and/or other appropriate legal or criminal action including restitution, if appropriate. 32 PARENT OBLIGATION 2024-2025 I (We)the parent(s)/guardian(s)of have read and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and the Dress Code of Aventura City of Excellence School I (We) understand that my(our)child is a Miami Dade Schools student. WHEREAS, in order to provide my(our)child with a unique educational opportunity; WHEREAS, by choosing to enroll my (our) child at Aventura City of Excellence School is a decision of my (our) personal choice and not a privilege; WHEREAS, my (our) desire to enroll my(our)child at Aventura City of Excellence School is premised upon my (our) desire to become an active partner in the education of my(our)child; NOW,THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing: 1. As a parent of a student at Aventura City of Excellence School, my(our)commitment is to abide by the following resolutions: A. To recognize and embrace my role as the primary educator of my child. B. To participate in the parenting workshops as provided by the school. C. To attend all conferences scheduled with any member of the Aventura City of Excellence School staff. D. To participate in the Parent Volunteer Program for 20 hours for the first child and 10 hours for all other additional children. Recording of volunteer hours will be done on PowerSchool by the parent for credit. 1/2 of the hours must be completed before Winter Break and the second 1/2 by May 111 E. To provide transportation to and from school for my child. I understand that if I am late picking up my child, Aventura City of Excellence School is not responsible for my child's safety. If my child is continually tardy or absent, I understand that for the benefit of my child's education, he/she may be required to transfer to a school that is more accessible for my child. F. To purchase uniforms for my child from the Aventura City of Excellence School approved supplier and ensure that my child is wearing the approved uniform daily. G. To supply a lunch, either brown bagged or purchased from the Aventura City of Excellence School approved vendor, each school day for my child. H. To be responsible for timely payment of any fees accrued to my account at the school. I. To participate in at least one of the many parent groups i.e. PTC, School's Improvement Committee, Fundraising Committee, etc. 1. To purchase an Agenda Book and Weekly Folder from the approved supplier and sign book nightly. 2. To do the following things to enhance my(our)child's academic growth, I (we)agree to do the following: A. To read and use the information sent home by the school to keep parents informed of the academic topics to be introduced and studied in the classroom. B. To provide a suitable time and place within the home for homework. C. To assist my child in obtaining and regularly using a library card at the Public Library and allow for at least 60 minutes of homework daily. D. To limit television and video games and phone usage during the week and allow more time for reading, studying and family time. E. To check my child's homework nightly. As a proud member of the Charter Schools USA family, we believe all parents should have a choice in their child's education, and that all children deserve access to a quality education. We look forward to sharing information with you regarding changes in legislation, or other factors that could impact the educational environment or a parent's right to choose. We may also call upon you to help us communicate the importance of putting students first.To assist with the advocacy of school choice,you agree, by indicating below, to allow for the licensing of your school related demographic data. You may opt out by checking: No I do not want to participate. Thank you in advance for your support. I (we) understand that participation in the school, as defined above, fulfills the mission of the school by enhancing my child's education and the school community as a whole. I(we) understand that such participation is a contractual obligation to the school and to my(our)child, and that failure or refusal to fulfill this obligation is incompatible with the school's mission.Therefore, a breach of this obligation by you may impact your child's status with the school. Signature of Parent/Guardian Date Acknowledged by: Date School Official 33 Aventura City of Excellence School POLICY AND PROCEDURES PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION, INCLUDING SEXUAL AND OTHER FORMS OF HARASSMENT I. Policy Against Discrimination A. No person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, political or religious beliefs, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity, or in any employment conditions or practices conducted by this School, except as provided by law. B. The School shall comply with all state and federal laws, which prohibit discrimination and are designed to protect the civil rights of applicants, employees, and/or students, or other persons protected by applicable law. C. The School shall admit students to programs and classes without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, marital status, disability or handicap or sexual orientation. II. Policy Against Sexual Harassment or Other Forms of Harassment Prohibited by Law A. The School desires to maintain an academic and work environment in which all employees, volunteers, and students are treated with respect and dignity. A vital element of this atmosphere is the School's commitment to equal opportunities and the prohibition of discriminatory practices. The School's prohibition against discriminatory practices includes prohibitions against sexual harassment, or any other form of harassment based upon a person's membership in a protected class and specifically prohibited by applicable state or federal law. The School forbids sexual harassment, or any other form of illegal harassment, of any employee, student, volunteer or visitor. The School will not tolerate sexual harassment, or any other form of illegal harassment by any of its employees, students, volunteers or agents. B. The prohibition against discrimination including sexual and other forms of illegal harassment shall also apply to non-employee volunteers who work subject to the control of school authorities, and to all vendors or service providers who have access to School facilities. III. Definition of Sexual Harassment A. Prohibited sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: 1. Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of an individual's employment, academic status, or progress. 2. Submission to or rejection of the conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting the individual. 3. The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact on the individual's academic performance or employment, unreasonably interfering with the individual's education or employment, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or employment environment. 34 4. Submission to or rejection of the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding any term or condition of employment, employment or academic benefits, or services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the school. B. Types of conduct which are prohibited in the School and which may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: 1. Graphic verbal comments about an individual's body or appearance. 2. Sexual jokes, notes, stories, drawings, pictures or gestures. 3. Sexual slurs, leering, threats, abusive words, derogatory comments or sexually degrading descriptions. 4. Unwelcome sexual flirtations or propositions for sexual activity or unwelcome demands for sexual favors, including but not limited to repeated unwelcome requests for dates. 5. Spreading sexual rumors. 6. Touching an individual's body or clothes (including one's own) in a sexual way, including, but not limited to, grabbing, brushing against, patting, pinching, bumping, rubbing, kissing, and fondling. 7. Cornering or blocking normal movements. S. Displaying sexually suggestive drawings, pictures, written materials, and objects in the educational environment. IV. Definition of Other Forms of Prohibited Harassment A. Illegal harassment on the basis of any other characteristic protected by state or federal law is strictly prohibited. This includes verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his/her race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship or sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law and that: 1. Has the purpose or affect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or academic environment; 2. Has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's work or academic performance; or 3. Otherwise, adversely affects an individual's employment or academic performance. B. Examples of prohibited actions, which may constitute harassment include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Epithets, slurs or negative stereotyping; 2. Threatening, intimidating or hostile acts, such as stalking; or 35 3. Written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group and that is placed on walls or elsewhere on the school premises or circulated in the workplace or academic environment. V. Retaliation Prohibited A. Any act of retaliation against an individual who files a complaint alleging a violation of the School's anti-discrimination policy and/or sexual or illegal harassment policy or who participates in the investigation of a discrimination complaint is prohibited. B. Retaliation may include, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment based upon participation in the investigation if, or filing a complaint of, discrimination. VI. Procedures for Filing Complaint of Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, or Other Form of Illegal Harassment A. Procedures for Filing Complaints 1. Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against, or placed in a hostile environment based on gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, national origin, religion, age or disability by an employee, volunteer, agent or student of the school should within sixty (60) days of alleged occurrence file a written or oral complaint. The complaint should set forth a description of the alleged discriminatory actions/harassment, the time frame in which the alleged discrimination occurred, the person or persons involved in the alleged discriminatory actions, and any witnesses or other evidence relevant to the allegations in the complaint. 2. The complaint should be filed with the school Principal. Complaints filed with the Principal must be forwarded to CSUSA Employee Services within five (5) days of the filing of the complaint. If the complaint is against the principal, the complaint may be filed directly with CSUSA Employee Services. 3. If the complaint is against CSUSA Employee Services, the Chief of Schools, or other member of the School's Board, the complaint may be filed with the School Attorney. B. Procedures for Processing Complaints 1. Complaints filed against persons other than the Chief of Schools or member of the School's Board: a. Upon receipt of the written complaint by CSUSA Employee Services, CSUSA Employee Services shall investigate or appoint an investigator to conduct an investigation of the allegations in the complaint. The investigator shall interview the complainant and the accused; interview any witnesses identified by the complainant, accused, or by other sources; take statements from all witnesses; and review any relevant documents or other evidence. Upon completing a review of all evidence relevant to the complaint, the investigator shall prepare a written summary of the investigation, and make a recommendation to CSUSA Employee Services as to whether there is reasonable cause to believe a violation of the School's anti-discrimination policy has occurred. Copies of documents, evidence and witness statements 36 which were considered in the investigation must be sent to CSUSA Employee Services along with the summary and recommendation. b. If the complaint is against CSUSA Employee Services, the School Attorney shall appoint an investigator, who shall conduct an investigation in the manner set forth in section VI.B.1.a. (above). c. The investigation, summary, relevant documents, witnesses'statements and recommendation should be completed and forwarded to CSUSA Employee Services within thirty (30) days, or to the School Attorney within thirty (30) days, if the complaint is against CSUSA Employee Services. CSUSA Employee Services, or School Attorney, respectively, shall review the investigation summary, evidence and recommendation, and determine within ten (10) days whether there is reasonable cause to believe a discriminatory practice occurred. d. If CSUSA Employee Services or School Attorney determines there is reasonable cause to believe a violation of the nondiscriminatory policy occurred, he or she shall within ten (10) days provide notice of the reasonable cause finding to the complainant and the accused. CSUSA Employee Services or School Attorney shall then review the investigatory file, reasonable cause determination, and all related documents and evidence, to the Chief of Schools. e. If CSUSA Employee Services or School Attorney determines, after a review of the investigation, summary, recommendation and other evidence, that there is no reasonable cause to believe a discriminatory practice occurred, he or she shall provide within ten (10) days notice of the finding of no reasonable cause to the complainant and accused. f. The complainant may request a no reasonable cause finding by CSUSA Employee Services or School Attorney be reviewed by the Chief of Schools within ten (10) days of receipt of this notice. The complainant shall provide a written statement detailing facts in support of his or her disagreement with the determination. The complainant will also be given an opportunity to meet with the Chief of Schools and CSUSA Employee Services/School Attorney to present his or her position. The Chief of Schools and CSUSA Employee Services/School Attorney shall prepare a written memorandum summarizing the content of the conference to be included in the complaint file. The Chief of Schools shall within ten (10) days of receipt of the notice make a final determination as to whether there is reasonable cause to believe a discriminatory practice occurred. g. If review by the Chief of Schools is not timely requested, CSUSA Employee Services or School Attorney's determination of no reasonable cause shall be final. h. The accused may request, within ten (10) days of receipt of a notice of a finding of reasonable cause, that the determination be reviewed by the Chief of Schools. The request must include a written statement expressing the accused's position on the complaint and findings, and address any facts, statements or evidence which he or she submits are inaccurate. The accused will be given an opportunity to meet with the Chief of Schools and CSUSA Employee Services/School Attorney to present his or her position. The Chief of Schools and CSUSA Employee Services/School Attorney must within ten 37 (10) days of receipt of the notice prepare a memorandum summarizing the content of the meeting to be included in the complaint file. i. After providing the opportunity for an informal hearing as referenced in section VI.B.1.h. (above), the Chief of Schools shall evaluate all the evidence, the investigation summary, recommendations and findings, along with any input by the accused and complainant, and make a final determination as to whether there is reasonable cause to support the complainant's allegations. He or she shall then determine any necessary disciplinary, remedial, or other action. Notice of the final disposition of the complaint and any disciplinary and/or remedial action shall within twenty (20) days of the informal hearing be forwarded to the accused and the complainant and the Chairman of the School's Board, and a copy of will be filed with and maintained in the office of Charter Schools USA Senior Director of Human Resources. 2. Complaints against School Board Members. a. Complaints against the School's Board Members shall be filed with the School Attorney. The School Attorney will within twenty (20) days appoint an outside, independent investigator to conduct an investigation and make a recommendation as to whether a discriminatory practice has occurred. It is recommended, but not mandatory, that the investigator be an attorney familiar with federal and state law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of a protected status. b. The complainant and accused shall be interviewed by the outside investigator. Both shall provide written lists of witnesses to be interviewed, and documents or other evidence to be reviewed as relevant to the complaint. The investigator shall interview all witnesses identified by the complainant or accused, in addition to witnesses with relevant knowledge which the investigator may discover from other sources. The investigator shall also review relevant documents and other evidence. The investigator shall within twenty (20) days of receiving the complaint prepare a written summary of his or her investigation, and a recommendation to the School Attorney as to whether there is reasonable cause to believe that a discriminatory practice may have occurred. c. If reasonable cause is recommended by the investigator against a School's Board Member, the recommendation shall within twenty (20) days be forwarded to the Chairman of the Aventura City of Excellence School to determine if there is evidence that a misfeasance or malfeasance of office occurred. The Aventura City of Excellence School will be responsible for taking any necessary action in accordance with applicable law with reference to an elected official. d. A finding of no reasonable cause by the outside investigator, which is reviewed and confirmed by the School Attorney, shall be final and a copy will be forwarded to the Chairman of the Aventura City of Excellence School. In compliance with Florida Statute, the investigation file shall become public record and the School's Board Member shall answer to their constituency. 3. Penalties for confirmed Discrimination or Harassment 38 a. Student- A substantiated allegation of discrimination or harassment against a student shall subject that student to disciplinary action consistent with the Code of Student Conduct. b. Employee or Volunteer - A substantiated allegation of discrimination or harassment against an employee may result in disciplinary actions including termination and referral to appropriate law enforcement authorities. A volunteer shall be removed from service and a referral may be made to appropriate law enforcement authorities. 4. Limited Exemption from Public Records Act and Notification of Parents of Minors a. To the extent possible, complaints will be treated as confidential and in accordance with Florida Statutes and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Limited disclosure may be necessary to complete a thorough investigation as described above. The School's obligation to investigation and take corrective action may supersede an individual's right to privacy. b. The parents of a person under the age of 18 who has filed a complaint of discrimination and/or harassment shall be notified within three (3) days of receipt of a complaint. Aventura City of Excellence School shall conspicuously post its Notice of Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment and the name and telephone number of the employee responsible for compliance with such policies at its facilities subject to its discretion regarding placement. CSUSA Employee Services Charter Schools USA 800 Corporate Drive, Suite 700 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334 (954) 202-3500 39 Parental Rizhts in Education Policy WHEREAS, The 2022 Florida Legislature passed House Bill 1557, Parental Rights in Education which Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law on March 28, 2022 with an effective date of July 1, 2022. WHEREAS, This Policy is to ensure the charter school governing board (the"Governing Board") will comply with the newly amended Section 1001.42, Florida Statutes, relating to student welfare and procedures for notifying a student's parent if there is a change in the student's services or monitoring related to the student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being and the school's ability to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for the student. WHEREAS, This Policy also provides the procedural requirements for the Governing Board and the relationship/duties of the School Board which serves as the Governing Board's sponsor in relation to the parents fundamental right of parents to make decisions regarding the upbringing and control of their children. Nothing in this Policy is intended to prohibit parents from accessing any of their student's education and health records created, maintained, or used by the Governing Board, as required by Section 1002.22(2), Florida Statutes. NOW THEREFORE, The Governing Board, respecting and reinforcing the fundamental rights of parents to make decisions and control of their children and as required by Section 1001.42, Florida Statutes and further enumerated in Sections 1002.20 and 1014.04, Florida Statutes provides the following: L Notification Requirements The Governing Board shall notify and provide parents/guardians of the following information and services offered at the School at the beginning of each academic school year: a. That classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards. b. Each health care service offered at their student's school and the option to withhold consent or decline any specific service. c. Provide an option that parental consent to a health care service does not waive a parent's right to access his or her student's educational or health records or to be notified about a change in his or her student's services or monitoring. d. Require consent from the parent/guardian before administering a student well-being questionnaire or health screening form to a student in kindergarten through grade 3. II. Parent Grievance Procedures 40 In the event a parent/guardian feels that any of the above actions in Section I(a-d) of this Policy has or has not occurred, the parent shall first email the principal or his or her designee regarding concerns which is believed to occur within his or her student's school. Upon receipt of the email and/or written correspondence from the student's parent/guardian, the principal or his or her designee shall immediately cause to be investigated whether a violation of Section 1001.42, Florida Statutes has occurred. The principal or his or her designee shall, within seven (7) calendar days after notification by the parent, provide a written summary of the investigative findings and any steps to be taken and available to both the School and the parent. If the parent/guardian, within thirty (30) days after notification to the principal or his or her designee of the alleged violation of Section 1001.42, Florida Statutes, by the parent that the concern remains unresolved, the Governing Board shall appoint a third party (other than the principal or his or her designee)to investigate whether a violation of Section 1001.42, Florida Statutes has occurred or if there is a change in the student's services or monitoring related to the student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being and/or the school's ability to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for the student and such change has not been properly communicated to the Parent. The Governing Board shall receive the summary of findings from the third party and report the findings to the School Board for the School Board to make a final determination of whether a violation of Section 1001.42, Florida Statutes has occurred or if there is a change in the student's services or monitoring related to the student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being and/or the school's ability to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for the student and such change has not been properly communicated to the Parent. If a concern is not resolved by the School Board, a parent may: a. Request the Commissioner of Education to appoint a special magistrate who is a member of The Florida Bar in good standing and who has at least 5 years' experience in administrative law; or i. The special magistrate shall determine facts relating to the dispute over the School's and School Board's procedure or practice, consider information provided by the school, and render a recommended decision for resolution to the State Board of Education within 30 days after receipt of the request by the parent. ii. The State Board of Education must approve or reject the recommended decision at its next regularly scheduled meeting that is more than 7 calendar days and no more than 30 days after the date the recommended decision is transmitted. iii. The costs of the special magistrate shall be borne by the school district. 41 b. Bring an action against the school district to obtain a declaratory judgment that the school district procedure or practice violates this paragraph and seek injunctive relief. A court may award damages and shall award reasonable attorney fees and court costs to a parent who receives declaratory or injunctive relief. III. Required Communication from Charter School In the event a charter school principal or the principal's designee is directed to notify a parent by the Governing Board pursuant to this Policy, the charter school principal or the principal's designee shall make a reasonable attempt to meet and with the student have the student discuss the issues relating to their upbringing with their parents prior to the formal written notification to the student's parent/guardian. For purposes of this policy, "a reasonable attempt to notify" means the exercise of reasonable diligence and care by the principal or the principal's designee to make contact with the student's parent, guardian, or other known contact whom the student's parent or guardian has authorized to receive notifications. At a minimum, the principal or the principal's designee must take the following actions: a. Use available methods of communication to contact the student's parent, guardian, or other known emergency contact, including but not limited to, telephone calls, text messages, e-mails, and voice mail messages following the notification of a when there is a change in the student's services or monitoring related to the student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being and/or the school's ability to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for the student. b. Document the method and number of attempts made to contact the student's parent, guardian, or other known emergency contact, and the outcome of each attempt. A principal or his or her designee who successfully notifies any other known emergency contact may share only the information necessary to alert such contact that the parent or caregiver must be contacted. All such information must be in compliance with federal and state law. IV. Delayed Communication from Charter School The principal or the principal's designee may delay notification pursuant to this Policy if: a. The principal or the principal's designee deems the delay to be in the student's best interest and if there is knowledge, suspicion, or reason to 42 suspect that such notification may result in abuse, abandonment, or neglect; or b. The principal or the principal's designee reasonably believes that such delay is necessary to avoid jeopardizing the health and safety of the student. V. Conflict of Law This policy is intended to supplement Sections 1001.41, 1002.20 and 1014.04, Florida Statutes. If there is any provision of this policy which conflicts with and Florida Statute, the Florida Statute shall control. In the event the Department of Education updates, as necessary, school counseling frameworks and standards; educator practices and professional conduct principles; and any other student services personnel guidelines, standards, or frameworks in accordance with the requirements of this act, the Governing Board shall adopt and incorporate such updated frameworks and standards in compliance with this Policy, Florida Administrative Code, and Florida Statutes. VI. Effective Date. This policy became effective July 1, 2022. The Governing Board reserves the right to change provisions of this Policy at any time in the future. 43 DON SOFFER -.N(LHIGH SCHOOL AV NTU A Oil 1 1. m11 FAMILY HANDBOOK 2024-2025 �k, CSUSA �� Strong Minds Good Hearts The most enriching growth period of our students' lives begins the first day of school. The Charter Schools USA family of schools is proud to offer you and your family a magnificent educational experience until the caps and gowns are donned. Our schools require no tuition and offer a rigorous curriculum, safe learning environment, family atmosphere, and robust extracurricular opportunities. Productive parental involvement powerfully impacts student performance. This handbook provides essential information regarding your student's learning experience. If you would like additional information,please call our main office. CSUSA Mission: Relentless commitment to student greatness in school and in life. CSUSA Values: Purpose,Passion, Integrity, Grit CSUSA Promise: Strong minds and good hearts. Letter from the Principal Dear Members of the Don Soffer Aventura High School Community, Welcome to Don Soffer Aventura High School! I am honored to join you and all members of our school community in accomplishing a two-part mission. Part one is to provide for these high school years to be the most wonderful years of our students' lives to date. Part two is to equip our students to make each future year even better. Here are some essential elements of this mission: • Students experience TOP excellence, found at the intersection of each student's greatest "T" for talent, "O" for opportunity,and "P"for purpose. • Support is provided for each student to take every course on the most challenging,manageable level. • Students have the opportunity to complete course requirements for the University of Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education(AICE) diploma, as well as the College Board AP Capstone diploma. • Extracurricular and athletic involvement is celebrated for student growth, to experience the fulfillment of selfless service, and to develop resumes that impress college admission officers and scholarship judges. • Students learn to formulate and clearly communicate sophisticated,personal perspectives verbally and in writing; and students learn to understand the perspectives of others. • Students develop the preparation and execution strategies necessary generate a peak performance when it matters most in all areas of life,including standardized testing. • Students advocate for themselves and others if ever support is needed or injustice is perceived, and all members of our community listen. Considering what an amazing school community we have,it is reasonable to anticipate magnificent outcomes: The DSAHS target graduation rate is 100%;DSAHS will earn elite national ranking and maintain the current"A"rating from the Florida Department of Education; the percent of students earning Cambridge AICE diplomas and AP College Board Capstone diplomas will rival top high schools throughout the world;and our graduates will be prepared to succeed at elite universities, thrive in their careers, and become global leaders. Thank you for joining our school community in empowering our students to achieve their greatest potential,while affirming they are worthy of our complete respect,kindness, and devotion just as they are. Gratefully, Dr. Geoff McKee,Principal AVENTURA C uSA FL Department of CAMBRIDc �1►T7 Capstone School = Education 4$ HIGH 5 C H O O L Strong Minds International School �CTRaseach,Academic Rigor,niscincuoo Good Hearts School Grade:A Academics Academic recognition: Here are the academic distinctions based on the cumulative weighted grade point average rounded to the one-hundredth's place for all classes taken at DSAHS will be notified: • Summa Cum Laude distinction is earned by the top 5% of the graduating class. • Magna Cum Laude distinction is earned by students ranked in the 6%-10% of the senior class. • Cum Laude distinction is earned by students ranked in the l l%-15% of the senior class, as well as any student with a weighted GPA of 4.0 or higher. Students do not receive an individual rank. Students who have earned these honors, as well as those who are on track to becoming the Valedictorian or Salutatorian will be notified at the start of senior year. The final determination for these honors will be done at the end of the third quarter, senior year, and will include the averaged grade for quarters one, two, and three. These averaged quarter grades will receive the same weight as the annual grades earned during 9t1i, 10', and I I'1i grade.Only high school and college level classes taken at DSAHS will be included.Grades for classes taken virtually,in middle school,through dual enrollment,and through external academic programs,will not be included in this calculation. Florida high school diploma: Students earn a diploma through either successfully passing the courses required for a Cambridge AICE diploma;or through earning 24 credits,including 16 core academic credits and eight elective credits.The 24-credit standard diploma option includes four credits in English/Language Arts,four credits in mathematics;three credits each in science and social science; one credit of fine and performing arts; and one credit of physical education with the integration of health education.At least one course within the 24 credits must be completed through online learning.A high school level online course taken in grades 6-12 fulfills this requirement. Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma: The Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) is an international diploma students earn from the University of Cambridge in England. Cambridge courses teach students to think independently,collaborate with peers,synthesize information,apply knowledge,and present logical and persuasive arguments. The AICE diploma requires students to earn seven credits in specified subject areas. Through earning an AICE diploma and documenting 100 hours of community service,students qualify for the Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholars Scholarship. The AICE curriculum requirement includes AICE Global Perspectives, at least one class in the AICE Arts and Humanities category,at least one class in the Math and Science category,at least one class in the Language category,and any three additional AICE classes. Students who complete these requirements are not required to meet the PE,performing or expressive arts,or online requirement for graduation. Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma: AP Capstone is an innovative program that equips students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges. AP Capstone is built on the foundation of two courses,AP Seminar and AP Research,and is designed to enhance the discipline- specific learning gained through other AP courses. The AP Capstone curriculum fosters inquiry, research, collaboration, and writing skills through the intensive investigation of topics from multiple perspectives. AP courses are rigorous college level courses. The AP Diploma requires students to earn scores of three on the five-point scale in AP Seminar and AP Research and on any four additional AP exams. Standard Diploma Designation: Given to all students who fulfill the State of Florida's graduation requirements. These requirements include a 2.0 GPA, specific classes, and passing required state assessments. Scholar Diploma Designation: Pass the Geometry, Biology 1, and U.S. History End of Course exams; earn 1 credit in Algebra 2;statistics or an equally rigorous mathematics course;chemistry or physics or an equally rigorous course;2 credits in the same world language;and at least 1 credit in AP,AICE,or dual enrollment. Superintendent's Diploma of Distinction:Meet the standard high school diploma requirements,and earn credit in at least 4 Honors, AP, AICE, or dual enrollment courses; complete at least 75 hours of community service; earn a GPA of 3.5 or above by the end of the first semester of senior year with no final grades of a"C"or lower on their transcripts. For more information regarding diplomas,visit this site: http://www.diplomgpathways.dadeschools.net 3 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook Florida Seal of Biliteracy Requirements is established to recognize a high school graduate who has attained a high level of competency in listening, speaking,reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English by the award of a silver or gold seal on a standard high school diploma. Florida Gold Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to a student who has earned a standard high school diploma and who has satisfied one of the following criteria for eligibility: Has earned four foreign language course credits in the same foreign language with a cumulative 3.0 grade point average or higher and level 4 or higher on the grade 10 English Language Arts (ELA) Florida Standards Assessment (FSA); or has earned a score or performance level on any of the state approved examinations; or has satisfied alternative requirements as determined by the FL Board of Education. Florida Silver Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to a student who has earned a standard high school diploma and who has satisfied one of these criteria: Has earned four foreign language credits in the same language with a cumulative 3.0 grade point average or higher on a 4.0 scale;or has earned a score or performance level on any of the state approved examinations; or has satisfied alternative requirements as determined by the FL Board of Education. For languages which are not tested on the nationally recognized examinations, students may demonstrate language proficiency through maintenance of a portfolio of language performance meeting the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines of 2012 in the modes of communication appropriate for that language. Visit this link for additional information: diplomapathways.dadeschools.net. Academic Honor Quality education,ethical conduct,and social responsibility are prioritized at DSAHS.All students are expected to exhibit academic honor.Every graded assignment provides an opportunity success in two categories,one for academic proficiency, and the other for integrity.The more important category is integrity. Violations of academic honor generally fall within these two categories: 1) Receiving or giving information that provides an unfair advantage on a graded assignment. a. Only the information the teacher has availed to all students for all graded assignments. b. An example of an Academic Honor Code violation would be to take a test,then share in infonnation to one or more individuals who will take the test later. 2) Submitting work, whether completed in class or elsewhere, that is not original work of the student seeking credit for the submission. a. Assistance from any artificial intelligence(Al) source and any other source must be reported to the teacher in accordance with the teacher's rules. Those who do not demonstrate academic honor will be subject to disciplinary consequences, including probation or dismissal from honor societies and leadership positions. Violations include lying, cheating, stealing, or assisting others in doing so. Such acts damage trust and undermine our school's honorable reputation,for which we are all stewards. Administrative Support Team Dr.Beck,Assistant Principal,Dean for students whose last names begin with G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O Ms.Bartley, School Office Manager Ms. Campbell, School Office Administrator Ms. Clappier,Assistant Principal Ms. Cordero,Administrative Assistant and Receptionist Ms. Garzon, School Enrollment and Marketing Administrator Ms.Hernandez,Assistant Principal,Dean for students whose last names begin with P,Q,R, S,T,U,V,W,X,Y,Z Dr.McKee,Principal Ms.Montes, School Counselor,Dean for students whose last names begin with A,B,C,D,E,F Ms.Nicholson,College and Career Specialist Ms.Norris,Athletic Director 4 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook Arrival Students need to learn the importance of regular and prompt school attendance. All students must be dropped off in the school driveway. The early start drop-off time is from 7:OOam-7:15am to ensure students are in class by 7:24am. The standard start drop off is from 8:00-8:20am to ensure students are in class by 8:30am. The school is not responsible for supervision before 7:OOam or after 3:45pm, unless students are involved in school-sponsored activities. Breakfast is available from 7:00-7:20am for early start and 8:00-8:25am for standard start students. For drop off and pickup,vehicles enter through 3301 NE 213t1i Street,the Waterways Park main entrance. Athletics Students are encouraged to participate in intramural and interscholastic athletics.Athletic packets must be submitted prior to participation and all Florida High School Athletic Association(FHSAA)requirements must be met prior to participation. Here is the link for additional information;https:Haventuracharterhs.org/athletics/ Attendance Please email AttendancekAventuraCharterHS.Org for all attendance matters. Don Soffer Aventura High School has developed the following attendance policy to comply with Miami-Dade County Public Schools.One of the most significant factors impacting achievement is punctual attendance.It is our obligation to record attendance accurately and ensure that it is taken and recorded for each period, inform parents/guardians of student absences, and to see that the compulsory attendance laws are enforced as mandated by Florida Statutes.We encourage the commitment of students,parents,and staff to work together to accomplish this. Students are responsible to be present and on time to school, turn in proper documentation explaining all absences,make-up missed assignments, and turn in assigned work on time. Documentation regarding an absence must be received within 48-hours following the student's return to school. If documentation is not received within that timeframe,the absence will not be excused. A. Excused Absences a. 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 statements must include all days of absence. b. Medical Appointment: If a student is absent from school due to a medical appointment,documentation from a health care provider indicating the date and time of the appointment must be submitted to the front office staff. c. Death of a family member. d. 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. e. 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 student performances and presentations at public functions, conferences, and regional, state and national competition. f. Subpoena by law enforcement agency or mandatory court appearance. g. Out of school suspension B. Unexcused Absences a. Absences for vacations,personal services,job interview or orientation, and non-school athletic or club activities. b. Absences to assist with family responsibilities,including supervision of children. c. Absences due to illness of others. d. Absences due to non-compliance with immunization requirements. Tardies: Students disrupt the learning environment if they are not-in their assigned classroom and ready to learn when the late bell rings. 5 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook • Students will receive three grace tardies per quarter. These are for unavoidable tardies, including tardies due to health issues. • Additional tardies earn consequences,unless documentation of a medical appointment or unavoidable absence. • For the fourth, fifth, and sixth tardies, student phones will be collected and returned to the student after lunch detention is served that day. • Beginning with the seventh tardy in a quarter, students will receive a lunch detention and after-school detention. Cell phones will be confiscated and returned after the after-school detention is served. • In addition to the consequences listed above, the tenth tardy and every additional tardy will be evaluated by administration to determine if a disciplinary referral for insubordination is appropriate. Early Release: Students will only be permitted before 2:35pm; and must meet one of the following criteria: 1) A parent/guardian picks up the student in person;or 2)documentation is presented to confirm the early release qualifies as an excused absence. In either case,the departure must be pre-approved by an administrator and processed in the front office. Students who leave campus without administrative approval will receive disciplinary consequences. Planned Extended Absences: Parents are urged to plan family trips during school vacations. Absences due a vacation are unexcused. If an extended absence is unavoidable, please email AttendancegAventuraCharterHS.Or-g at least one week before the anticipated absence or as soon as the need for the absence is known. Book Bags,Folders,Personal Items Book bags, backpacks, folders, or any other personal items must not display patches, entertainment insignias, drawings, obscene words, gang related paraphernalia, or any other item that would be deemed inappropriate, offensive, promote alcohol or drug use, or reflect negatively on Don Soffer Aventura High School. Failure to comply will constitute a disciplinary consequence and parent notification. Bookbags and all personal belongings are subject to search if there is reasonable suspicion the search will uncover an illicit item or evidence of an illicit act. Bus Transportation Don Soffer Aventura High School does provide bus transportation to students who reside two or more miles from school, as determined by the school's contracted bus company, AIA Transportation. If the number of requesting riders is greater than the number of available bus seats, a waitlist will be created. All reasonable provisions will be made to add qualifying waitlisted students to a bus roster. Cafeteria Aviands is our food services provider.Only students who qualify for free lunch and free breakfast will receive breakfast or lunch without having to pay. Those interested in free or reduced-price meals may apply on www.MySchoolApps.com. Lunch costs must be paid through MySchoolBucks.Com. Here are the costs: Full price lunch: $4.00; full price breakfast: $2.05; reduced price lunch: $0.40; reduced price breakfast: $0.30. During lunch, students must remain in the cafeteria or another supervised area. Care of School Property Students are expected to respect the school buildings and property. Receptacles are provided throughout the buildings and grounds for proper disposal of waste.Marking or defacing school property is a serious offense and will result in disciplinary action and will be reported to law enforcement. Any student who damages/vandalizes school property will be required to make full restitution for damages. Chewing gum in the school building is forbidden. All food must be consumed in the cafeteria or area designated by Administration. Any student who disregards rules pertaining to the care of school property will be subject to disciplinary action. Cell Phones Cell phones must be turned off and placed in the teacher's cell phone holding box at the start of every class unless the teacher makes an exception for instructional purposes. Students may not leave the room during class time with their cell 6 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook phones. Cell phones and other electronic devices are subject to search by an administrator if there is reasonable suspicion the cell phone contains evidence regarding a disciplinary infraction, threat to any member of our school community, or criminal offense. Unauthorized use of cell phones or other electronic devices may result in the device being confiscated. Failure to surrender items will result in a disciplinary consequence. If confiscated,the parent may pick up the device when the administrator is available. Furthermore, FL Statute 1006.07 (2)(f) requires the following notification: "use of a wireless communications device includes the possibility of the imposition of disciplinary action by the school or criminal penalties if the device is used in a criminal act. A student may possess a wireless communications device while the student is on school property or in attendance at a school function; however, a student may not use a wireless communications device during instructional time,except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes." Character/Citizenship Students at Don Soffer Aventura High School are expected to demonstrate superior character and citizenship.We encourage students to always do the right thing and seek the assistance of staff members when a troublesome situation arises. Follow the golden rule: Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. Lend a helping hand whenever possible. Readily share gratitude. Make good choices and act responsibly. Child Abuse State law requires that teachers, administrators, and other school personnel report suspected cases of abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the DCF Hotline at 800-96-ABUSE. Communication Between Home and School Communication is essential for parents and staff members to promote outstanding student achievement. Report cards are printed for students at the end of the 1st 2nd and 31d quarter. Teachers will email progress reports to parents at the midpoint of each quarter. Throughout the year, parents and students are encouraged to check grades and attendance through PowerSchool,our online academic platform. Parents in need of PowerSchool login information or any other PowerSchool assistance should contact the main office. Parent satisfaction surveys are emailed to parents during the first quarter and the fourth quarter.Parents earn volunteer time through completing the survey and help us identify areas where praise is deserved and areas where improvement is needed. Contagious Conditions,Including Covid,Pediculosis(HEAD LICE) and Eve Infections Students with contagious ailments or conditions will be quarantined on campus until the parent is able to arrange for the student's departure from school. Prior to returning to class,the school nurse must clear the student. Deliveries to Students Maintaining a safe, uninterrupted learning environment is a priority. All deliveries, including food deliveries for students will be accepted during the school day only from those who are on the student's emergency contact list. Food deliveries will be held in the main office until the student picks up the delivery during lunch.All other items may be picked up by the student during class change. Deliveries from restaurants or delivery services will not be accepted for students. Discipline Procedures The DSAHS disciplinary program is designed to protect the rights of all DSAHS community members and to establish a safe,well-ordered environment where students and teachers can attain peak academic,extracurricular,and athletic success. Mutual respect, law-abiding conduct, good manners, and positive interactions are essential. School authorities will hold students and parents accountable for any action that interferes with the learning process,creates a disruption,or contributes to a hostile environment for any member of the DSAHS community. 7 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook DSAHS must have documentation that every student and parent/guardian has had a chance to read the Code of Student Conduct. All parents/guardians must return the page acknowledging the Miami-Dade County Public School's Code of Student Conduct manual,which requires a signature. In addition to the M-DCPS manual,we at DSAHS have created this addendum. Parent&Student Contracts:Included in each student's registration packet are a Parental Contract and a Student Contract. A parent/guardian must sign the Parental Contract agreeing to the terms therein.Each student is required to sign the Student Contract agreeing to the terms therein,including the Miami-Dade County Code of Student Conduct,the DSAHS Addendum to the M-DCPS Code of Student Conduct and the DSAHS Dress Code. Failure to comply with the terms of the Student Contract may result in the following: A. Lunch Detention B. After School Detention C. Suspension D. Recommendation for Expulsion Each teacher will establish appropriate procedures for discipline in his/her classroom based on these guidelines. The following list is not all-inclusive: A. Students are expected to respect the authority of school personnel which includes but is not limited to administration,teachers, staff, and substitutes. B. Malicious or careless destruction of school property results in the replacement,repair or payment for damages by the student or his/her parents. The placement of stickers on school property is forbidden. C. No items that may disrupt the learning environment,including but not limited to water pistols,matches,lighters, vape pens,vape cartridges,vape chargers,weapons,look-alike weapons,or items that could be used as weapons are not permitted at school. D. No items that display images,words,or slogans deemed by school administration to be inappropriate. E. There is zero tolerance for aggression, drugs, or alcohol at school. Students that push, hit, bite, kick, harass, bully or use the internet in a negative way will receive discipline referrals and consequences up to and including suspension,referral to law enforcement, and recommendation for dismissal from the school. F. Each teacher may take disciplinary action to correct a student who disrupts a normal classroom activity,who is disrespectful, disobedient,uses abusive or foul language, violates school rules, or interferes with the learning of any student. G. Disciplinary action taken at DSAHS shall be in accordance with the regulations and procedures established by the school and the Miami-Dade County Public School's Code of Student Conduct. Teacher and Staff Interventions: Severe offenses will result in administrative referrals and consequences. Interventions that may be utilized by school staff include verbal warning, phone call to parent, behavioral contract, referral to administration,mediation/conflict resolution, and a parent conference. Administrative Interventions and Definitions; The following list provides a written description of the disciplinary interventions that may be assigned to a student who is repeatedly tardy to class or commits a behavior infraction. A. After-School Detention or Lunch Detention B. Confiscation of cell phones,electronics,or any items that may cause damage or disruption. C. Loss of Privilege(s): revocation of the right to participate in school activities. D. Suspension: In School Suspension(ISS)requires students to report to a supervised location other than class. E. Out of School Suspension(OSS)is the exclusion of a student from school attendance and school activities. F. Parent Contact/Conference: Phone calls,letters,meetings,emails. G. Referral to Student Services and/or Mental Health Professional: school-based counseling aimed at improving student behavior. H. Restitution or Repair: payment or repair for damages to property. L Threat Assessment:multidisciplinary assessment used to validate a verbal,nonverbal or written threat by a student. Student and parent interviews are conducted,if necessary. J. Time out: a disciplinary action that allows the student time to reflect and refocus. It can be given in the classroom, in the office or in another classroom. 8 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook Levels of Disciplinary Action: The Don Soffer Aventura High School staff works diligently to provide an appropriate learning environment for all students. Nonetheless, at times students may become disruptive, talkative, disrespectful, etc. To manage minor offenses, teachers and administrators will work collaboratively to implement a Progressive Discipline Plan and continue to implement the following alternatives to suspensions. The seriousness of the offense, academic placement, attitude, pattern of misconduct, and degree of student cooperation, and any other circumstances will be considered in determining actions. The levels of behaviors are listed below: A. Level I Behaviors: Acts that disrupt the orderly operation of the classroom, school function, extra-curricular activities or approved transportation. B. Level II Behaviors: More serious than Level I because they significantly interfere with learning and/or the well- being of others. C. Level III Behaviors:More serious that Level II because they endanger health and safety,damage property,and/or cause serious discipline to the learning environment. These behaviors require School Police involvement. D. Level IV Behaviors: More serious acts of unacceptable behavior than Level III. They seriously endanger health and well-being of others and/or damage property. These behaviors require School Police involvement. E. Level V Behaviors: The most serious acts of misconduct and violent actions that threaten life. These behaviors require School Police involvement. Please refer to the Miami-Dade County Public School's Code of Student Conduct regarding the Range of Corrective Strategies for Level I—Level V behaviors. Dismissal Students must leave school grounds at dismissal unless participating in an approved after school activity (athletics, clubs, detention).Parents must wait for their student(s)in the parking lot and must comply with the established traffic pattern.As a reminder,there is no supervision for students after 3:45pm,unless the students are involved in a school-sponsored activity while on campus. Dress Code/School Attire/Uniforms Many studies have linked productivity and conduct to attire. Our Dress Code requires that students wear DSAHS polos or sweatshirts, as well as uniform joggers, pants, skorts, or shorts purchased from Chai Tees, the DSAHS uniform vendor; attire earned as an honor roll gift;or approved official DSAHS team or club attire. Students are invited to participate in Dress-Down Fridays. On these days, school-appropriate attire is required: Undergarments may not be visible; hoodies,tank tops, and ripped jeans are prohibited;tops must cover the belly and back; shorts and skirts must be hemmed and within 8"of knee;human images on clothing must be appropriately clothed;clothing with words,pictures or symbols that are offensive or promote the use of drugs,alcohol,tobacco,or any prohibited activity may not be worn on campus or at school activities. Dress code violations must be corrected before students may attend class.Absences due to dress code violations are unexcused.Additional disciplinary consequences will be assigned to egregious offenders. Here are additional guidelines regarding attire and appearance: • Hair must be neat,clean,and may not be a distraction to learning based on the perception of school administration. • No hats, hoodies, headbands, scarves, or bandanas may be worn. Exceptions required for religious observance may be approved by school administration. • Students must wear closed shoes(toe and heel) at all times.No sandals, flip flops, slippers, slides, and shoes with pointed or steel toes,metal tips,cleats,or wheels,may be worn. • Students may not wear apparel that is immodest or offensive on campus or at any school function. • Spiked accessories or other accessories deemed by administration as potentially injurious or inappropriate may not be worn. Please Note: There may be additional dress code issues, according to the judgement of DSAHS administration, which require attention and earn disciplinary action. 9 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook Dual Enrollment Students are encouraged to enroll in dual enrollment, a cost-free opportunity to earn college credit at Florida International University or Miami Dade College during summer sessions. This is especially worthwhile for students able to earn college credit in another language or in technology classes not offered at DSAHS. Interested students should see Ms.Nicholson in February. Emergencies Emergency situations and communications:As we go through the school day,there could be a number of reasons to limit hallway movement within our school building or even restrict all access into or out of the building. A lock down does not automatically mean your student is in danger. Lock downs are used in an abundance of caution to assure our staff and students are secure. Our first priority during a lock down of any type is to secure the building and make sure all everyone is safe. As we are assessing the situation, we are not able to immediately call parents during this time. Law enforcement is immediately involved when placing the school on a Code Red lockdown.We must follow all directions from the local police at that time and they may ask us not to share any information to be sure we do not hinder the investigation. During a lockdown,no one is permitted in or out of the building, so parents should not come to the school to pick up their children unless they are advised to do so. Possible reasons for lock downs: Power outage; plumbing/water issues; weather issues (such as severe lightning and thunderstorms, tornado watches and warnings); facility/maintenance issues; potentially threatening community issue; medical issue requiring emergency transportation;potential on-campus threat; any actual emergency. This list is not all-inclusive.We understand lock downs can be troubling,especially to students.Although we know students may text you during a lock down with inaccurate information. Please trust that we will give you accurate and up-to-date information as quickly as possible. Family Rights and Privacy Act The revised Family Rights and Privacy Act became a Federal law in November 1974.The intent of this law is to protect the accuracy and privacy of student educational records.Without your prior consent,only you and authorized individuals having legitimate educational interests will have access to your student's educational records. In special instances,you may waive this right of access to allow other agencies working with your student to have access to those records. Field Trigs As a learning experience, teachers may plan field trips. Parents may be asked to assist the teacher as chaperones. Parents serving in this capacity may not have other students accompany them. Parents who are officially selected to be chaperones may count their hours on the field trip as volunteer hours.All chaperones must go through the Chaperones approval process as per M-DCPS. Parents serving as chaperones for students on overnight field trips must also be fingerprinted and background checked per the Jessica Lunsford Act. Participation in field trips is a privilege. Students may be excluded from participation in any trip for reasons relating to behavior or conduct. Students who fail to follow instructions will be given an appropriate consequence upon return to school. If a student is suspended,that student may be excluded from participating field trips or other school events for an extended period of time. If a student is currently serving a term of suspension,he or she will be excluded from attending a field trip or participating in a school-related activity. Students participating on the field trip are required to ride on the charter bus with their classmates. Parents attending the field trip may not sign their own student(s) out from the school at the end of the scheduled field trip. Students who do not ride the bus to the field trip location will be marked absent from school for that day. Early dismissal from a field trip site is not permitted. Field trips must be paid through the MySchoolBucks.Com app. Only DSAHS students and approved chaperones will be able to attend DSAHS field trips. 10 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook Fortify FL(GetFortifvFL.com) All members of our school community are encouraged to report any potential threat or criminal activity. GetFortifyFL.com /provides an online, anonymous reporting option that will immediately alert law enforcement and DSAHS administration. Intentionally false reports will be reviewed by school administration and law enforcement to determine appropriate consequences. Governine Board The DSAHS Governing Board is comprised of the Aventura Mayor,Commissioners,and the City Manager.Communication to the Board should be conducted through the City Manager. For additional information regarding our Governing Board, click the link on our school website. Gradine Teachers use a variety of assessments to record an average of at least one grade per week. Grades, progress updates in PowerSchool,reports on state assessments, standardized testing results,parent conferences, and student conferences serve as the primary means of communicating progress and achievement. A student's academic grade reflects the teacher's assessment of the student's mastery of taught standards. Cheating and plagiarism: Students who cheat or commit plagiarism will receive a behavioral consequence. The student will be required to complete graded activity to replace the zero earned as a result of the cheating or plagiarism. To receive credit for the makeup assignment,the student will be required to take a different assessment or redo the assignment during a supervised after school study hall session within five days of the offense. Late submissions, makeup tests, and exam retakes for honors and regular classes. Students will not be academically penalized for turning in an assignment or making up a quiz or test within a reasonable time (generally before the on-time assignments are graded and returned to students).Here are additional guidelines: • Assignments for which extended time is allotted may be lengthened and the requirements increased due to the extra preparation time allotted. • The teacher may require that the makeup assignment or exam is completed under supervision after school. • A behavioral consequence may be assigned for not submitting the assignment on time. Punctuality will impact citizenship grades. • If a student seeks to retake an exam or quiz, the teacher may require the student to attend a study session or complete a preparation assignment prior to the retake. • Late submissions,makeup tests, and exam retakes should be completed within five school days from the time the grade on the original assessment was communicated to the student. • Assignments completed with fidelity should receive no less than 50% credit if submitted prior to the final date work is due each quarter,established as the fifth school day before the quarter ends. • If a student fails to submit an assignment or make up a test before the final date work is due each quarter, the student will earn a zero for that graded assignment or test. Late submissions,makeup tests,and exam retakes for AICE and AP classes: To reflect the academic rigor and standard required by AICE and AP classes,the late work and makeup requirements are aligned to match the collegiate expectations: • Mastery work for AP and AICE classes will have a firm due date, published on Schoology at least three school days in advance. • Late assignments should be made up as soon as possible, with a 10% drop in the grade each day after the initial due date, or due date that is reestablished due to absence(s). • Absent students should be permitted two makeup days for every day of excused absence to take missed tests or submit assignments. For assignments and tests made up after the reestablished date,the grade reduction should be applied as detailed in the above bullet. 11 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook • Students with avoidable unexcused absences must take missed tests and make up assignments within two days of returning to school. After two school days,the grade reduction should be applied as detailed in the second bullet, above. • Assignments completed with fidelity should receive no less than 50% credit if submitted prior to the final date work is due each quarter,established as the fifth school day before the quarter ends. • If a student fails to submit an assignment or make up a test before the final date work is due each quarter, the student will earn a zero for that graded assignment or test. • Teachers may allow extra time,retake opportunities, and more flexible grading for students experiencing extreme setbacks due to severe health issues,a family or personal crisis,etc...These instances will be managed case by case. Here are guidelines for grading performance and reporting student progress: Grade and Percentage Point Value Honors Course Point Value AP or AICE Course Point Value* A- 89.5-100% 4 5 6 B - 79.5-89.4% 3 4 5 C- 69.5-79.4% 2 3 4 D- 59.5-69.4% 1 1 1 F— 0-59.4% 1 0 1 0 1 0 Note that the point value for each class is used to calculate each student's weighted grade point average and rank. For instance, if Dalton has straight A's in unweighted courses, Mia has straight B's in all Honors courses, and Devin has all C's in AICE classes,Dalton,Mia,and Devin will each have a cumulative grade point average of 4.0, and the same rank. *Students who do not take or based on administrative judgement, do not make a reasonable effort to pass an AICE or AP exam will not receive this added weight. Determining annual grades for high school students: In authorized annual courses, the final grade is determined by assigning the "Point Value"on the chart above to every quarter score, dividing by 4, and rounding up if the value ends in a .5. A teacher may administer a cumulative assessment at the end of each nine-week grading period. The value of the assessment may not exceed 5%of the grade for each nine-week grading period.In secondary courses with mandatory Florida End of Course(EOC)assessments,the EOC score is 30% of the final course grade. To pass an annual course, students in grades 9-12 must earn a minimum of 4 grade points for the year,and 2 of these points must be earned in the second semester.If the average annual grade would have been a D or better,the principal may approve for the average grade to be awarded and the second semester four-point rule to be disregarded. Grade Point Average (GPA): Guidelines for interpreting students' grades with respect to grade point average are provided in School Board Rule 6Gx-13-S5B-1.061. Grade point averages(GPA) impact high school graduation status; eligibility to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities;awards and recognition program participation;membership in honor societies;college admissions and scholarship opportunities. Grievance Procedure If a student or his/her parents feel they have a grievance or complaint,they should do the following: • The student should set an appointment with the teacher to discuss. • If not resolved,the student should address with the student's dean. • The next step towards resolution would be to address the concern with the principal. • It the issue needs additional attention, the student and parent should email Rachel Windler Freitag, the CSUSA South Florida Deputy Director,rwindlerfreitaggcharterschoolsusa.com. • If still unresolved,the parent and student should contact Ms.Merchant,Governing Board Liaison,(305)466- 8008. If Ms.Merchant does not resolve the concern,she will provide guidance regarding the next step. Homework Regular, purposeful homework is an essential component of the instructional process in school. Homework assignments 12 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook should be reflected in the gradebook as practice,not mastery. Honor Roll Students who make the honor roll will be celebrated each quarter at a recognition ceremony during the school day the week report cards are distributed. The following criteria must be met to achieve honor roll status at DSAHS. • Principal's Honor Roll: Academic Grades: > 5.5 weighted GPA or straight A's • Superior Honor Roll: Academic Average: >3.5 weighted GPA,no grade lower than a C Illness The importance of regular attendance cannot be over-emphasized,but students should not be sent to school when they are ill. Students will be sent home if they have symptoms of any contagious ailment. In order for a student to return to school, he/she should be fever-free without fever reducing medication, and without diarrhea, nausea, congestion, or a productive cough for at least 24 hours. The school nurse must be notified in writing of any student's chronic illness (i.e., asthma, diabetes,heart conditions,or seizures,etc.).Please update Emergency Contact Information when changes occur. Immunizations Florida law requires that all students meet requirements for immunizations or have an exemption on file prior to attending classes. Please contact our school nurse if you have any questions regarding immunizations. Iniury An accident report will be completed and filed for everyday accidents in accordance with these guidelines: • Teachers will send the student to the office if the injury is minor. • Teachers will notify the office if the student is unable to be moved. • School personnel will administer basic first aid. • The parent(s)will be notified. • Emergency Services will be called for critical injuries,and the parent or emergency contact will be notified. Instructional Books,Equipment,Materials, and Supplies All textbooks and technology needed by students for school and home learning assignments are furnished by the school. The items issued for student-use are the responsibility of the student and/or parent and must be returned at the end of the year in the without damage or excessive wear. Failure to do so will result in financial obligations being assigned to the student to cover the replacement cost. Any student who has not paid for a lost book, or any other financial obligation(s), will have the unpaid expenses added to the cost of non-academic activities such as the prom or homecoming, and to participate in any special activities,including graduation. Laptops and Tablets Each student will have an approved laptop or tablet,which must be brought to school every day.Examples include a laptop (PC or Mac),Android tablet,or Wad. Students may register a personal device if the device is approved and prepared by the Technology Specialist. Students who do not register a personal device will receive an Wad or upgraded device if the student has a qualifying class. Personal devices that are not approved and prepared by our Technology Specialist will not be permitted on campus during school. Students who bring unapproved devices will receive disciplinary consequences. Electronic devices and cell phones are subject to search by an administrator if there is reasonable suspicion the device contains evidence regarding a disciplinary infraction,threat to any member of our school community, or criminal offense. All users will be expected to follow the Acceptable Use Policy when utilizing a device and/or when using the school's network. Disciplinary measures will be implemented in accordance with the Miami-Dade County Public School's Code of Student Conduct for any student who fails to abide by the Acceptable Use Policy. 13 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook Medication The administering or dispensing of any medicines(including non-prescription medication)to students by school employees without specific written authorization by the physician & parents of the student is forbidden. If it is absolutely necessary that the student take medication in school,a completed Physician's Form must be submitted to the school nurse.The parent may come to the school to administer medication personally. A Physician's Form may be obtained from the main office. Students are not allowed to have any medication(not even over the counter medication)in their possession while at school or any school event.Parents must pick-up and drop-off medicine in the office. Students are responsible to come to the office at the appropriate time to ask for their medication. Parent Teacher Cooperative (PTO The partnership between the student's home and school support network is essential for student success. The PTC goal is to enhance engagement of all school community members.This will be done through supporting student clubs,committees, and team participants,club sponsors,and team coaches in recruiting community member participation in specific activities. Parent Volunteer Hours Parents/guardians, in accordance with the enrollment agreement, are required to volunteer for 20 hours per household for the 1st student and 30 volunteer hours for two or more students.These hours should be entered by parents through PowerSchool. For assistance with this process,please call the main office. Attending athletic games, participating in school events (i.e. theater shows, art exhibits, community events), joining Parent University learning sessions, helping with club initiatives, completing school-related tasks including CSUSA surveys, responding to wish lists for the school and classrooms, activities to show appreciation for staff members such as purchasing class-enhancing items and writing or emailing supportive notes to school staff. In accordance with our charter and with state policy, we may not accept money in lieu of monetary donations or any other parental obligations.However,parents will receive volunteer hours for time spent shopping,preparing,and delivering donations or supportive cards that benefit members of our school community. Creating a safe environment for students to learn and succeed is our top priority. The School Volunteer Program at DSAHS is responsible for electronic registration, background checks, and the training of volunteers. Any individual interested in volunteering at DSAHS must present a current driver's license. Charter Schools USA has elected to use the Safe Schools Online Training Program to train Professionals, Support Staff, and Volunteers on school-related issues.All volunteers MUST have ALL assigned courses completed prior to any volunteer interactions with staff and students. The completed certificates MUST be printed and submitted to the school office before volunteering. Parents are not permitted to volunteer in classrooms. Parents must be under the direct supervision of a staff member when volunteering on campus or at events with students in attendance. Parking on Campus for Students Only students with current DSAHS parking permits are allowed to park in the DSAHS or Waterways Park parking lot 7:30am-4:OOpm on school days. Students who park on campus without a parking pass will earn disciplinary consequences, and unauthorized cars may be towed at the owner's expense. The cost of an annual parking pass is$95. Parking passes will be issued based on a random selection process in order of seniority by grade.Having a parking pass is a privilege.To qualify for the parking pass lottery,students must be on track to graduate(have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.0) and,for the preceding or current quarter,meet the following criteria: 1) No more than 5 absences in any one class 2) No more than 5 tardies in any one class 3) No more than one in-school suspension 4) No out-of-school suspension 14 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook It is anticipated that parking permit holders will demonstrate appropriate responsibility and judgement. However, this privilege will be revoked or suspended for lack of adherence to the following guidelines: 1) Students operating a vehicle on school grounds must possess a valid Florida Driver's License. 2) The student's vehicle must have a valid Florida Registration and be covered by the insurance required by Florida law. Proof of valid insurance and registration must be provided for the application to be accepted. 3) Vehicles operated on school grounds must be in safe operating condition. 4) Denial or revocation of a parking permit may result if students exhibit one or more of the following: a. Having more than 10 class absences, more than 10 class tardies, more than one in-school suspension, or one out-of-school suspension during a semester. b. Unpaid fees or obligations. c. Parking in a spot that does not match the decal. d. Leaving school grounds without permission. e. Allowing use of the permit by a driver other than the driver to whom the pass is assigned. £ Failure to abide by traffic patterns,driving in a careless or unsafe manner. g. Failure to have a decal properly displayed on the windshield. h. All cars are subject to search and seizure while parked on campus if there is reasonable suspicion that the car contains any of the illicit items listed below.Failure to comply will result in immediate loss of driving privilege,additional consequences,and a referral to law enforcement. i. Having any of the following items in the car: drug, alcohol, intoxicant, tobacco-related product, paraphernalia, vape device, vape cartridge, rolling papers, pipes, matches, alcoholic beverage containers (empty or full),weapon or item that may be used as a weapon including bat,blade,brass knuckles,knife, chain,tear gas,pepper spray; a gun of any sort including,but not limited to air gun,bb gun,paintball gun, pellet gun, staple gun, spear gun,or toy gun. j. Failure to park in the assigned parking space that correlates to the parking placard number. k. Transporting a non-student, (any person, other than a guardian or parent, who is not an active DSAHS student)to school during the school day without administrative pre-approval. 1. Leaving campus during the school day without administrative pre-approval. in. Having a student in the registered car during that student's school day. n. Using a phone while driving on campus, driving over 10 mph on campus, driving in a manner that could jeopardize safety,create a disruption,or damage property. o. Displaying a flag, banner, poster, sticker, or other item that is deemed by administration as inappropriate or potentially disruptive. 5) Students are not permitted to remain in their vehicles or in the parking area after arriving on campus. 6) Students may also not enter the parking area during the school day without administrative approval. 7) Don Soffer Aventura High School, the City of Aventura, and the School Board of Miami-Dade shall not be held responsible for damage to vehicles or theft of valuables in cars on school property. This form must be accompanied by three documents. 1) a photocopy of your driver's license, 2) a photocopy of the valid and up-to-date Florida Registration for the vehicle listed on this application, and 3) a photocopy of the valid and up-to- date Insurance Card for the vehicle listed on this application. Please attach all three documents to this signed agreement. Positive School Culture All students and school employees deserve an educational setting that is safe, orderly, and free from harassment and bullying. Bullying and harassment, as defined below are prohibited. Our school complies with the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act,and Florida Statute 1006.13,the policy of zero tolerance for crime and victimization. Bullying,including cyberbullying,is the systematic and chronic inflicting of physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more people. This may be done through a pattern of unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or physical behaviors, including threatening, insulting, dehumanizing gestures, that are severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; unreasonably interfere with the individual's school performance or participation;and may include a power differential. 15 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook Pupil Progression Plan Don Soffer Aventura High School abides by the Student Progression Plan for Miami-Dade County Public Schools regarding academic support and enrichment opportunities for our students. For further information,please reference our Program of Study on the DSAHS website. Registration Requirements All enrolled students have been randomly selected for admission in an automated lottery process conducted through the Charter Schools USA enrollment portal. Top priority is given to students who have lived in Aventura for at least one full year during the open enrollment period at the start of the calendar year. Here is the link for interested families: https://csusa.schoolmint.net/welcome Report Cards Report cards are printed for students at the end of the 1st,2"d,and 3,d quarter.Teachers will email progress reports to parents at the midpoint of each quarter. Throughout the year,parents and students are encouraged to check grades and attendance through PowerSchool, our online academic platform. Parents in need of PowerSchool login information or any other PowerSchool assistance should contact the main office. School Activities and Clubs Students at Don Soffer Aventura High School have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities, including student government, clubs, honor societies, service clubs, school publications, and class activities. Club meetings are scheduled at times when instruction is not taking place, before or after school, or during lunch. There will be a club rush event during lunch in September for students to learn about club activities. Club information is also included in the daily morning announcements. School Hours • Main Office: 7:00am—4:OOpm • Early Start Student Arrival: 7:1 Oam—7:25am; students must be seated and ready to learn by 7:35am. • Regular Start Student Arrival: 8:OOam—8:25am;students should arrive by 8:25am to be in the classroom and ready to learn by 8:30am. • Student Supervision: 7:OOam— 3:45pm School Safety and Security Safety and security are of paramount importance to the CSUSA and DSAHS faculty and staff. As part of DSAHS's commitment to being a premier school,it is our priority to provide a safe and secure learning environment free of distractions. Students powerfully impact school safety through respecting and valuing differences;through not promoting or participating in violent interactions; and through not bullying,teasing, gossiping, or sharing negative information about others. Any student who feels threatened or endangered or who knows of a student who feels threatened or endangered must report these concerns to a teacher, administrator,or our school resource officer immediately. Any student with knowledge of another student or visitor in possession of a weapon, planning to harm someone else or harm oneself,must share this information with a teacher,administrator,or the school resource officer immediately. Though the terms "snitch" and "tattle"have negative connotations,all members of our community must commit to sharing information that may protect others from life-ending and life-scarring events.Breaking the "code of silence"is the first step in creating a safe and healthy school culture. If any student is concerned that sharing such information will result in 16 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook retaliation,the student may leave an anonymous note in the office or report anonymously through GetFortifyFL.Com. Emergency Operations Plans: Student and employee safety are a primary concern of the Miami-Dade County Public School(M-DCPS) System and Don Soffer Aventura High School. 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.DSAHS has a site-specific plan to address all types of critical incidents. This plan addresses the individual needs of the school and provides guidelines for devising communication methods with staff, students,parents/guardians, and the media during a critical incident or an emergency. Some 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. Here are some important tips for parents/guardians to remember during a Critical Incident: • Monitor media outlets for updates and official messages from DSAHS. • Know that school personnel will be addressing the issue and not able to answer calls. An email will be sent via School Messenger as soon as possible. • If the school is on lockdown,wait until the lockdown is lifted before going to the school. All DSAHS administrators and Aventura 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 students. Safety Drills: We will ensure students and staff are prepared to make their way to safety in the event of an emergency by conducting required safety drills,including evacuation drills, extreme weather responses,and lock-down drills. Should we need to evacuate the building, law enforcement officials will assist in determining the reunification site. Students will be released to parents when law enforcement officials confirm the threat is mitigated, and administrators confirm conditions allow for safe departure. Students will only be released to those who present proper identification confirming they are on the Emergency Contact Form. For information during such an emergency, including the student pickup reunification plan, you may contact CSUSA at 954-202-3500. Local news stations may also be helpful is always helpful with disseminating information regarding evacuations and procedures as well. Screenings In accordance with Florida Statute 381.0056 (4), students participate in the following required health screenings: Growth and development screening shall be provided,at a minimum,to students in grades 1, 3 and 6 and optionally to students in grade 9. In addition, annual screening for at-risk indicators of social emotional concerns is conducted for newly enrolled students and students in grades 1, 4, 7, and 10. Any parents who desire to opt out of the screenings, indicated above, for their student shall notify the school in writing. Senior Privilege Students qualify for a senior privilege period,allowing them to take six classes during senior year if they meet the following criteria: Weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher or unweighted GPA of 3.0;Florida Department of Education testing requirements for graduation met; 20 high school credits have been earned; AICE Diploma coursework completed or on track to be completed prior to graduation. Seniors who select Senior Privilege will be assigned to a no-credit study hall class during the privilege period they select, either at the beginning or end of the day. During the privilege period, students are not required to be on campus. Students who choose to be on campus during the privilege period must be in the main office or under the supervision of a staff member. 17 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook Student Identification Cards Student ID's will be distributed once student photos are completed. Students must always have their ID's available for any requesting staff member when on campus and when attending school events.Failure to accurately identify oneself will result in disciplinary action. Student Information System All parents will have access to the web-based PowerSchool to access student information, including real-time grades, attendance. If assistance is needed to access PowerSchool,parents should call the main office. Student Scheduling The administrative team schedules students based on a seven-step scheduling process designed to maximize achievement and accommodate students' academic talents and interests. These additional factors will be taken into consideration: Teacher-assigned grades, standardized and formative assessments, as well as requirements for a Florida high school diploma, Cambridge AICE diploma, AP Capstone diploma, college admission, NCAA participation, and building an impressive academic resume. Students should share scheduling input and questions with their deans or with the principal. Student Records 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 are provided 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,which include,but are not limited to, school officials with a legitimate educational interest and lawfully issued subpoenas and court orders. Parents, guardians, or eligible students have the right to inspect and review student records annually. Please contact the Main Office for more information about this. Once a student reaches 18 years of age or is attending an institution of post-secondary education,the consent is required from the student only,unless the student qualifies as a dependent under the law. Student Rights Students have the right to feel safe from hostile acts or threats.Threatening conduct,slurs,inappropriate innuendoes,violent acts,or any conduct that contributes to a hostile environment will result in exclusion from participation in class and school activities and disciplinary action.All students and employees will be treated with respect.All such offenses will be reported to law enforcement. If any parent has a conflict with a student other than their own student, the parent should request to have a DSAHS staff member address the matter.Parents and all other DSAHS community members may not engage in an adversarial interaction with a student or other member of our campus or at any school event. Suspension and/or Expulsion In accordance with the Miami Dade County Public School's Code of Conduct, the principal may recommend student expulsion to the Miami Dade County Superintendent of Schools for any expellable offense.Prior to suspension or expulsion, the student has the right to a fair hearing as outlined by the Code of Conduct. Teacher Conferences Parents may request a conference by emailing the teacher directly. In the event you do not receive a response by the next workday,please contact the main office and ask that the teacher be notified of your request for a conference. 18 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook Trespassing Students may be on the school campus after school hours only if properly supervised. Violators, including students who come to campus after having been suspended or expelled, will be subject to disciplinary action and legal action for trespassing. Please note that general supervision is not permitted before 7:OOam or after 3:45pm. If anyone is seen in the building without a visitor sticker or appears as if they do not belong on campus, this should be reported immediately to the nearest faculty or staff member. Unless directed to do so by an administrator, students and approved visitors may not open the doors to the school for anyone.All visitors must be screened through the Main Office. Severe Weather Weather conditions such as lightening alerts,tornado warnings,and severe storm advisories may impact the school schedule. If weather conditions result in school being closed or the arrival or dismissal schedule being altered,an alert will be sent to parents through the School Messenger email system. Valedictorian and Salutatorian Recognition The valedictorian and salutatorian will have the privilege of presenting the valedictory and salutatory speeches at commencement if they meet the DSAHS National Honor Society meritorious requirements to be in good standing. Students must attend DSAHS all four years to be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian recognition. The cumulative weighted grade point average rounded to the one-hundredth's place for all classes taken at DSAHS will determine the valedictorian and salutatorian after third quarter grades are entered senior year.A preliminary calculation for these honors will be done at the start of senior year, allowing recognized students to report in college and scholarship applications that they are on track to earn these honors. Here are additional considerations impacting valedictorian and salutatorian calculations: • In the event a student takes more than seven classes at DSAHS in a year,the top seven grades earned will be used to determine the valedictorian and salutatorian. • Grades earned during the first three quarters of senior year will be averaged and factored as annual grades, equal to the value of annual grades earned in grades nine,ten, and eleven. • Only grades for classes taken at DSAHS will be included in this calculation. Grades for classes taken virtually, in middle school,through dual enrollment, and through external academic programs will not be included. • If there is a tie for valedictorian, no salutatorian will be named. If there is no tie for valedictorian, and more than one student ties for the honor of salutatorian,co-salutatorians will be recognized. Visitors All visitors,including parents,must report to the office upon arrival during school.For the safety and protection of students, parents and visitors must present a valid driver's license at the front desk.Parents will also sign in and out,state whom they are visiting, state the purpose of the visit, and obtain administrative approval before proceeding to any location other than the main office during school hours. The School Resource Officer will address any concerns regarding this requirement. 19 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook 01 C USA AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL Strong Minds Good Hearts PARENT OBLIGATION I(We)the parent(s)/guardian(s)of have read and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and the Dress Code of Don Soffer Aventura High School(DSAHS). I(We)understand that my (our)child is a Miami Dade County student. WHEREAS,in order to provide my(our)student with a unique educational opportunity; WHEREAS,by enrolling my(our)student at DSHAS is a decision of my(our)personal choice and not a privilege; WHEREAS,my(our)desire to enroll my(our)child DSAHS is premised upon my(our)desire to become an active partner in the education of my(our)child; NOW,THEREFORE,in consideration of the foregoing: 1. As a parent of a student at Don Soffer Aventura High School,my(our)commitment is to abide by the following resolutions: A. To recognize and embrace my role as the primary educator of my child. B. To participate in the parenting workshops provided by the school. C. To attend all conferences scheduled with any member of the Don Soffer Aventura High School staff. D. To participate in the Parent Volunteer Program for 20 hours for the first child and 10 additional hours for any other children in the family who attend DSAHS. Parents must record their volunteer hours on PowerSchool for administrative review. The goal is for''/2 of the hours must be completed before Winter Break and the second''/2 by May 1st E. To provide transportation to and from school for my child.I understand that if I am late picking up my child,Don Soffer Aventura High School is not responsible for my child's safety. If my child is continually tardy or absent,I understand that for the benefit of my child's education,he/she may be required to transfer to a more accessible. F. To purchase uniforms for my child from the Don Soffer Aventura High School approved supplier and ensure that my child is wearing the approved uniform daily. G. To supply lunch,brought from home or purchased from the DSAHS cafeteria,each school day. H. To be responsible for timely payment of any fees accrued to my account at the school. L To participate in at least one of the many parent groups such as PTC,School Advisory Board,club or team booster. 2. To enhance my(our)child's academic growth,I(we)agree to do the following: A. To read and use the information sent home to keep parents informed of the academic topics to be studied in the classroom. B. To provide a suitable time and place within the home for homework. C. D. To limit television and video games and phone usage during the week and allow more time for reading,studying and family time. E. To check my child's homework nightly. As proud members of the Charter Schools USA family,we believe all parents should have a choice for their child's education, and all children deserve access to a quality education. We look forward to sharing information with you regarding changes in legislation, or other factors that could impact the educational environment or a parent's right to choose.We may call upon you to help us communicate the importance of putting students first. To assist with the advocacy of school choice,you agree,by indicating below,to allow for the licensing of your school related demographic data. You may opt out by checking:No I do not want to participate. Thank you in advance for your support. I(we)understand that participation in the school,as defined above,fulfills the mission of the school by enhancing my child's education and the school community as a whole.I(we)understand that such participation is a contractual obligation to the school and to my(our) child,and that failure or refusal to fulfill this obligation is incompatible with the school's mission.Therefore,a breach of this obligation by you may impact your child's status with the school. Signature of Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Date Once this document is completed,please sign,scan,and email to kareema.bartley@aventuracharterhs.org. 20 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook O1 T CSUSA AVENURA � HIGH SCHOOL Strong Minds Good Hearts Handbook Acknowledeement Dear Parent, Please complete, sign, scan, and email to kareema.bartley@aventuracharterhs.org at your earliest convenience. Student Name I acknowledge that I have read the parent handbook. I agree to comply with the policies set forth in this handbook. Parent/Guardian Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date Once this document is completed,please sign,scan, and email to at your earliest convenience. 21 Don Soffer Aventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook A$ AVENTURACSUSA HIGH SCHOOL Strong Minds Good Hearts DON SOFFER AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL POLICY PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION, SEXUAL HARRASSMENT,AND OTHER FORMS OF HARASSMENT I. Policy Against Discrimination A. No person shall,on the basis of race,color,religion,gender,age,marital status,disability,political or religious beliefs,national or ethnic origin,or sexual orientation be excluded from participation in,be denied the benefits of,or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity,or in any employment conditions or practices conducted by this School,except as provided by law. B. The School shall comply with all state and federal laws, which prohibit discrimination and are designed to protect the civil rights of applicants,employees,and/or students,or other persons protected by applicable law. C. The School shall admit students to programs and classes without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin,marital status,disability or handicap or sexual orientation. IL Policy Against Sexual Harassment or Other Forms of Harassment Prohibited by Law A. The School desires to maintain an academic and work environment in which all employees, volunteers, and students are treated with respect and dignity.A vital element of this atmosphere is the School's commitment to equal opportunities and the prohibition of discriminatory practices. The School's prohibition against discriminatory practices includes prohibitions against sexual harassment,or any other form of harassment based upon a person's membership in a protected class and specifically prohibited by applicable state or federal law. The School forbids sexual harassment, or any other form of illegal harassment, of any employee, student, volunteer, or visitor. The School will not tolerate sexual harassment or any form of illegal harassment by any of its employees, students,volunteers or agents. B. The prohibition against discrimination including sexual and other forms of illegal harassment shall also apply to non-employee volunteers who work subject to the control of school authorities,and to all vendors or service providers who have access to School facilities. III. Definition of Sexual Harassment A. Prohibited sexual harassment includes,but is not limited to,requests for sexual favors,and other verbal,visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: 1. Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of an individual's employment,academic status,or progress. 2. Submission to or rejection of the conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting the individual. 3. The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact on the individual's academic performance or employment,unreasonably interfering with the individual's education or employment, or creating an intimidating,hostile,or offensive educational or employment environment. 4. Submission to or rejection of the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding any term or condition of employment, employment or academic benefits, or services,honors,programs,or activities available at or through the school. B. Types of conduct which are prohibited in the School and which may constitute sexual harassment include,but are not limited to: 1. Graphic verbal comments about an individual's body or appearance. 2. Sexual jokes,notes, stories,drawings,pictures or gestures. 3. Sexual slurs,leering,threats,abusive words,derogatory comments or sexually degrading descriptions. 4. Unwelcome sexual flirtations or propositions for sexual activity or unwelcome demands for sexual favors,including but not limited to repeated unwelcome requests for dates. 5. Spreading sexual rumors. 22 Don SofferAventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook 6. Touching an individual's body or clothes (including one's own) in a sexual way, including, but not limited to,grabbing,brushing against,patting,pinching,bumping,rubbing,kissing, and fondling. 7. Cornering or blocking normal movements. 8. Displaying sexually suggestive drawings, pictures, written materials, and objects in the educational environment. IV. Definition of Other Forms of Prohibited Harassment A. Illegal harassment on the basis of any other characteristic protected by state or federal law is strictly prohibited. This includes verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his/her race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship or sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law and that: 1. Has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or academic environment; 2. Has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's work or academic performance; or 3. Otherwise,adversely affects an individual's employment or academic performance. B. Examples of prohibited actions,which may constitute harassment include,but are not limited to,the following: 1. Epithets, slurs or negative stereotypes; 2. Threatening,intimidating or hostile acts, such as stalking; or 3. Written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group and that is placed on walls or elsewhere on the school premises or circulated in the workplace or academic environment. V. Retaliation Prohibited A. Any act of retaliation against an individual who files a complaint alleging a violation of the School's anti- discrimination policy and/or sexual or illegal harassment policy or who participates in the investigation of a discrimination complaint is prohibited. B. Retaliation may include, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment based upon participation in the investigation if,or filing a complaint of,discrimination. VL Procedures for Filing Complaint of Discrimination, Sexual Harassment,or Other Form of Illegal Harassment A. Procedures for Filing Complaints 1. Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against, or placed in a hostile environment based on gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, national origin, religion, age or disability by an employee,volunteer,agent or student of the school should within sixty(60)days of alleged occurrence file a written or oral complaint. The complaint should set forth a description of the alleged discriminatory actions/harassment, the time frame in which the alleged discrimination occurred, the person or persons involved in the alleged discriminatory actions, and any witnesses or other evidence relevant to the allegations in the complaint. 2. The complaint should be filed with the school Principal. Complaints filed with the Principal must be forwarded to CSUSA Employee Services within five(5)days of the filing of the complaint.If the complaint is against the principal,the complaint may be filed directly with CSUSA Employee Services. 3. If the complaint is against CSUSA Employee Services, the Chief of Schools, or other member of the School's Board,the complaint may be filed with the School Attorney. B. Procedures for Processing Complaints 1. Complaints filed against persons other than the Chief of Schools or member of the School's Board: a. Upon receipt of the written complaint by CSUSA Employee Services,CSUSA Employee Services shall investigate or appoint an investigator to conduct an investigation of the allegations in the complaint. The investigator shall interview the complainant and the accused;interview any witnesses identified by the complainant, accused, or by other sources; take statements from all witnesses; and review any relevant documents or other evidence. Upon completing a review of all evidence relevant to the complaint, the investigator shall prepare a written summary of the investigation and make a recommendation to CSUSA Employee Services as to whether there is reasonable cause to believe a violation of the School's anti-discrimination policy has occurred. Copies of documents, evidence and 23 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook witness statements which were considered in the investigation must be sent to CSUSA Employee Services along with the summary and recommendation. b. If the complaint is against CSUSA Employee Services, the School Attorney shall appoint an investigator,who shall conduct an investigation in the manner set forth in section VLB.La. (above). c. The investigation, summary, relevant documents, witnesses' statements and recommendation should be completed and forwarded to CSUSA Employee Services within thirty (30) days, or to the School Attorney within thirty (30) days, if the complaint is against CSUSA Employee Services. CSUSA Employee Services,or School Attorney,respectively,shall review the investigation summary,evidence and recommendation,and determine within ten(10) days whether there is reasonable cause to believe a discriminatory practice occurred. d. If CSUSA Employee Services or School Attorney determines there is reasonable cause to believe a violation of the nondiscriminatory policy occurred,he or she shall within ten(10)days provide notice of the reasonable cause finding to the complainant and the accused. CSUSA Employee Services or School Attorney shall then review the investigatory file,reasonable cause determination,and all related documents and evidence,to the Chief of Schools. e. If CSUSA Employee Services or School Attorney determines, after a review of the investigation, summary, recommendation and other evidence, that there is no reasonable cause to believe a discriminatory practice occurred,he or she shall provide within ten (10) days' notice of the finding of no reasonable cause to the complainant and accused. f. The complainant may request a no reasonable cause finding by CSUSA Employee Services or School Attorney be reviewed by the Chief of Schools within ten (10) days of receipt of this notice. The complainant shall provide a written statement detailing facts in support of his or her disagreement with the determination.The complainant will also be given an opportunity to meet with the Chief of Schools and CSUSA Employee Services/School Attorney to present his or her position. The Chief of Schools and CSUSA Employee Services/School Attorney shall prepare a written memorandum summarizing the content of the conference to be included in the complaint file.The Chief of Schools shall within ten (10)days of receipt of the notice make a final determination as to whether there is reasonable cause to believe a discriminatory practice occurred. g. If review by the Chief of Schools is not timely requested, CSUSA Employee Services or School Attorney's determination of no reasonable cause shall be final. h. The accused may request,within ten (10) days of receipt of a notice of a finding of reasonable cause, that the determination be reviewed by the Chief of Schools. The request must include a written statement expressing the accused's position on the complaint and findings, and address any facts, statements or evidence which he or she submits are inaccurate.The accused will be given an opportunity to meet with the Chief of Schools and CSUSA Employee Services/School Attorney to present his or her position. The Chief of Schools and CSUSA Employee Services/School Attorney must within ten (10)days of receipt of the notice prepare a memorandum summarizing the content of the meeting to be included in the complaint file. i. After providing the opportunity for an informal hearing as referenced in section VLB.I.h. (above),the Chief of Schools shall evaluate all the evidence, the investigation summary, recommendations and findings, along with any input by the accused and complainant, and make a final determination as to whether there is reasonable cause to support the complainant's allegations. He or she shall then determine any necessary disciplinary, remedial, or other action. Notice of the final disposition of the complaint and any disciplinary and/or remedial action shall within twenty (20) days of the informal hearing be forwarded to the accused and the complainant and the Chairman of the School's Board, and a copy of will be filed with and maintained in the office of Charter Schools USA Senior Director of Human Resources. 2. Complaints against School Board Members. a. Complaints against the School's Board Members shall be filed with the School Attorney. The School Attorney will within twenty (20) days appoint an outside, independent investigator to conduct an investigation and make a recommendation as to whether a discriminatory practice has occurred. It is recommended, but not mandatory, that the investigator be an attorney familiar with federal and state law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of a protected status. b. The complainant and accused shall be interviewed by the outside investigator. Both shall provide written lists of witnesses to be interviewed,and documents or other evidence to be reviewed as relevant 24 Don SofferAventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook to the complaint.The investigator shall interview all witnesses identified by the complainant or accused, in addition to witnesses with relevant knowledge which the investigator may discover from other sources. The investigator shall also review relevant documents and other evidence. The investigator shall within twenty (20) days of receiving the complaint prepare a written summary of his or her investigation, and a recommendation to the School Attorney as to whether there is reasonable cause to believe that a discriminatory practice may have occurred. c. If reasonable cause is recommended by the investigator against a School's Board Member, the recommendation shall within twenty(20)days be forwarded to the Chairman of the DSAHS Governing Board to determine if there is evidence that a misfeasance or malfeasance of office occurred. The DSAHS Governing Board will be responsible for taking any necessary action in accordance with applicable law with reference to an elected official. d. A finding of no reasonable cause by the outside investigator,which is reviewed and confirmed by the School Attorney,shall be final and a copy will be forwarded to the Chairman of the DSAHS Governing Board. In compliance with Florida Statute, the investigation file shall become public record and the School's Board Member shall answer to their constituency. 3. Penalties for confirmed Discrimination or Harassment a. Student-A substantiated allegation of discrimination or harassment against a student shall subject that student to disciplinary action consistent with the Code of Student Conduct. b. Employee or Volunteer - A substantiated allegation of discrimination or harassment against an employee may result in disciplinary actions including termination and referral to appropriate law enforcement authorities. A volunteer shall be removed from service and a referral may be made to appropriate law enforcement authorities. 4. Limited Exemption from Public Records Act and Notification of Parents of Minors a. To the extent possible,complaints will be treated as confidential and in accordance with Florida Statutes and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act(FERPA). Limited disclosure may be necessary to complete a thorough investigation as described above. The School's obligation to investigation and take corrective action may supersede an individual's right to privacy. b. The parents of a person under the age of 18 who has filed a complaint of discrimination and/or harassment shall be notified within three (3)days of receipt of a complaint. DSAHS shall conspicuously post its Notice of Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment and the name and telephone number, Assistant Principal Pam Clappier, 786-481-3032, of the employee responsible for compliance with such policies at its facilities subject to its discretion regarding placement. CSUSA Employee Services Charter Schools USA 800 Corporate Drive, Suite 700 Ft. Lauderdale,FL 33334 (954)202-3500 25 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook O1 CSUSA AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL Strong Minds Good Hearts Digital Device Agreement(collected during device distribution) Thanks to generous supplemental funding from the City of Aventura and Charter Schools USA (CSUSA), we are able to loan a device to each student. These devices remain the property of CSUSA, and are to be used strictly for schoolwork, enhancing productivity,providing access to learning opportunities beyond the classroom,broadening research,and fostering communication. Prior to receiving a device, students and their parents/guardians must sign the mandatory Equipment Borrower Responsibility Form. School rules apply to students when they are using the device.As students are responsible for their behavior in class and on school grounds, they must also be responsible when using a CSUSA-owned device, regardless of the location. The information and procedures found within this document apply to all digital devices used at DSAHS. Our teachers may also set additional requirements for use in their respective classrooms. Responsibility: As it states in the Equipment Borrower Responsibility Form, "In the event of loss or damage of any kind to any item of equipment,the parent/guardian and student shall pay the cost to replace the same in good repair, condition, and working order; or,if Charter Schools USA determines the equipment to be lost, stolen,destroyed,or damaged beyond repair,you shall pay Charter Schools USA the book value of the equipment." Safety and Security: Security and safety are a priority when using CSUSA-owned devices. It is important to note the specific security/safety and acceptable use concerns that could exist and how those situations will be handled since the device is being accessed both at on and off school grounds. DSAHS provides a secure,filtered and monitored environment while students are in school and using the CSUSA computer network. Software Licensing: The CSUSA-owned device will be configured with a standard-suite of applications and programs that are appropriate for student use along with State mandated safety applications. Software or applications for personal use, such as entertainment and games, may not be installed on this device or any CSUSA-owned device. Consequences of Misuse and/or Violation of the Provision of the Agreement: Inappropriate use of CSUSA-owned devices on or around school property, in school vehicles and buses, and at school-sponsored activities may result in disciplinary action. DSAHS jurisdiction to enforce student behavior and discipline policies shall apply whether the inappropriate use or violation is at school or away from school. Limitation of Liability: DSAHS shall not be responsible for and shall be held harmless from any damages suffered by the student, including those arising from service interruptions, unauthorized use, loss of data, and exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate material or people. Use of the digital device and accessing the Internet or communication technologies with this device is done at the Parent/Guardian/student's own risk. DSAHS specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the Internet. Compliance with Children's Internet Protection Act 2001(CIPA): In accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act(CIPA,updated 2011)parent permission is required for students under 13 to use some online tools.Any programs will be used for educational purposes only and all educational data will remain private. Terms of use for CSUSA-owned devices: 1. The device is the property of CSUSA. The device shall only be used to access educational information and to promote learning activities both at school and at home.Additionally, students shall 26 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook not transmit or knowingly post their own or other's personal information such as telephone numbers, home addresses, last name, email addresses, photos, or other personal identifying information using CSUSA-owned devices. The CSUSA-owned device is only for the use of the student to whom it is assigned. 2. Physical and virtual vandalism will not be tolerated.Any intentional act by a student that damages or interferes with the appearance or performance of the CSUSA-owned device will be considered vandalism and will be subject to school discipline and appropriate criminal or civil action. Students will be responsible for keeping their devices clear of stickers or other items that might deface or damage the devices finish,screen,or other necessary components. 3. Cyber bullying is specifically prohibited. Students agree not to access, submit, send, publish, display, or print inappropriate material, including ay impolite, abusive, defamatory, obscene, profane, abusive, threatening, offensive, sexually oriented,or illegal material over the internet or CSUSA network.Any recipient of cyber bullying should report the incident immediately to an administrator,teacher,or other staff member. 4. Any attempt to load and/or use software on the or to modify the software image loaded on the CSUSA-owned device is strictly prohibited. 5. The use of CSUSA-owned devices is not private; students should not expect that files stored on or transmitted via this device will be confidential.All digital transmissions are subject to inspecting and/or monitoring by DSAHS employees and other officials. 6. This device has been set up specifically to be used on the CSUSA wireless network. 7. Students and their parent/guardians are financially responsible for the device in case of loss,theft, or damage from the time the device is checked out until it is returned. 8. Students shall immediately report all malfunctions, damage,theft, or loss of a device to a classroom teacher or school administrator at the school. Please enter the information requested below and sign to acknowledge that you have read and understood the terms of this Digital Device Agreement. Student Name(please print): Student ID Student Signature: Date: Parent/Guardian Name (please print): Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: 27 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook O1 C USA AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL Strong Minds Good Hearts Contract for Borrowed Equipment(collected durinE device distribution) Student Information Student(print) Parent/Guardian(print) Homeroom Teacher Grade Level Address Telephone Number Items Checked Out Item # Description Replacement Price,Lost/Damaged Serial Number Date Wad $500 Dell Latitude $650 Macbook AIR $850 Charger $40 Protective Case $50 I acknowledge that I am financially responsible for the items assigned to my student in case of loss,theft,or damage from the time the item is assigned to my student until my student returns the item.I also agree to return said materials immediately upon request. The term "financial responsibility" means that the student shall use the equipment in a careful and proper manner, and shall comply with all laws, Charter Schools USA policies, rules and regulations related to the possession, proper use,and maintenance of the equipment, and all requirements of this form; and that the parent/guardian and student assume and bear the entire risk of loss and damage to the equipment from any and every cause,unless confirmed by a school technology specialist,the such loss or damage was not caused,in whole or in part,by misuse,carelessness,or neglect. In the event of loss or damage of any kind to any item of equipment,the parent/guardian and student shall pay the cost to place the same in good repair, condition, and working order; or, if Charter Schools USA determines the equipment to be lost, stolen,destroyed,or damaged beyond repair,you shall pay Charter Schools USA the book value of the equipment. Student Name(please print): Student Signature: Date: Parent/Guardian Name (please print): Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: For Administration Use Only Authorized Name Signature Date By Date to be Returned.- Date Returned: 28 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook ,401_ R CSUSA �AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL Strong � Good Hearts Parental Rights in Education Policv WHEREAS,The 2022 Florida Legislature passed House Bill 1557,Parental Rights in Education which Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law on March 28,2022,with an effective date of July 1,2022. WHEREAS,This Policy is to ensure the charter school governing board(the"Governing Board")will comply with the newly amended Section 1001.42,Florida Statutes,relating to student welfare and procedures for notifying a student's parent if there is a change in the student's services or monitoring related to the student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being and the school's ability to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for the student. WHEREAS,This Policy also provides the procedural requirements for the Governing Board and the relationship/duties of the School Board which serves as the Governing Board's sponsor in relation to the parents'fundamental right of parents to make decisions regarding the upbringing and control of their children.Nothing in this Policy is intended to prohibit parents from accessing any of their student's education and health records created,maintained,or used by the Governing Board,as required by Section 1002.22(2),Florida Statutes. NOW THEREFORE,The Governing Board,respecting and reinforcing the fundamental rights of parents to make decisions and control of their children and as required by Section 1001.42,Florida Statutes and further enumerated in Sections 1002.20 and 1014.04,Florida Statutes provides the following: I. Notification Requirements The Governing Board shall notify and provide parents/guardians of the following information and services offered at the School at the beginning of each academic school year: a. That classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards. b. Each health care service offered at their student's school and the option to withhold consent or decline any specific service. c. Provide an option that parental consent to a health care service does not waive a parent's right to access his or her student's educational or health records or to be notified about a change in his or her student's services or monitoring. d. Require consent from the parent/guardian before administering a student well-being questionnaire or health screening form to a student in kindergarten through grade 3. IL Parent Grievance Procedures In the event a parent/guardian feels that any of the above actions in Section I(a-d)of this Policy has or has not occurred,the parent shall first email the principal or his or her designee regarding concerns. Upon receipt of the email and/or written correspondence from the student's parent/guardian, the principal or his or her designee shall investigate whether a violation of Section 1001.42, Florida Statutes has occurred.The principal or his or her designee shall,within seven calendar days after notification by the parent, provide a written summary of the investigative findings and any steps to be taken and available to both the School and the parent. If the parent/guardian, within thirty (30) days after notification to the principal or his or her designee of the alleged violation of Section 1001.42, Florida Statutes, by the parent that the concern remains unresolved, the Governing Board shall appoint a third party (other than the principal or his or her designee)to investigate whether a violation of Section 1001.42, Florida Statutes has occurred or if there is a change in the student's services or monitoring related to the student's mental,emotional, or physical health or well-being and/or the school's ability to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for the student and such change has not been properly communicated to the Parent. The Governing Board shall receive the summary of findings from the third party and report the findings to the School Board for the School Board to make a final determination of whether a violation of Section 1001.42,Florida Statutes has occurred or if there is a change in the student's services or monitoring related to the student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being and/or the school's ability to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for the student and such change has not been properly communicated to the Parent. 29 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook If a concern is not resolved by the School Board,a parent may: a. Request the Commissioner of Education to appoint a special magistrate who is a member of The Florida Bar in good standing and who has at least 5 years' experience in administrative law;or i. The special magistrate shall determine facts relating to the dispute over the School's and School Board's procedure or practice, consider information provided by the school, and render a recommended decision for resolution to the State Board of Education within 30 days after receipt of the request by the parent. ii. The State Board of Education must approve or reject the recommended decision at its next regularly scheduled meeting that is more than 7 calendar days and no more than 30 days after the date the recommended decision is transmitted. iii. The costs of the special magistrate shall be home by the school district. b. Bring an action against the school district to obtain a declaratory judgment that the school district procedure or practice violates this paragraph and seek injunctive relief.A court may award damages and shall award reasonable attorney fees and court costs to a parent who receives declaratory or injunctive relief. M. Required Communication from Charter School In the event a charter school principal or the principal's designee is directed to notify a parent by the Governing Board pursuant to this Policy,the charter school principal or the principal's designee shall make a reasonable attempt to meet and with the student have the student discuss the issues relating to their upbringing with their parents prior to the formal written notification to the student's parent/guardian. For purposes of this policy, "a reasonable attempt to notify" means the exercise of reasonable diligence and care by the principal or the principal's designee to make contact with the student's parent,guardian,or other known contact whom the student's parent or guardian has authorized to receive notifications. At a minimum,the principal or the principal's designee must take the following actions: a. Use available methods of communication to contact the student's parent,guardian,or other known emergency contact, including but not limited to,telephone calls,text messages,e-mails,and voice mail messages following the notification of a when there is a change in the student's services or monitoring related to the student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being and/or the school's ability to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for the student. b. Document the method and number of attempts made to contact the student's parent, guardian, or other known emergency contact,and the outcome of each attempt. A principal or his or her designee who successfully notifies any other known emergency contact may share only the information necessary to alert such contact that the parent or caregiver must be contacted.All such information must be in compliance with federal and state law. IV. Delayed Communication from Charter School The principal or the principal's designee may delay notification pursuant to this Policy if: a. The principal or the principal's designee deems the delay to be in the student's best interest and if there is knowledge, suspicion,or reason to suspect that such notification may result in abuse,abandonment,or neglect;or b. The principal or the principal's designee reasonably believes that such delay is necessary to avoid jeopardizing the health and safety of the student. V. Conflict of Law This policy is intended to supplement Sections 1001.41, 1002.20 and 1014.04,Florida Statutes. If there is any provision of this policy which conflicts with and Florida Statute,the Florida Statute shall control. In the event the Department of Education updates,as necessary,school counseling frameworks and standards;educator practices and professional conduct principles; and any other student services personnel guidelines, standards, or frameworks in accordance with the requirements of this act, the Governing Board shall adopt and incorporate such updated frameworks and standards in compliance with this Policy,Florida Administrative Code,and Florida Statutes. VL Effective Date This policy became effective July 1,2022. The Governing Board reserves the right to change provisions of this Policy at any time in the future. 30 Don Soffer A ventura High School, Charter Schools USA—Family Handbook I I 2024=251 I Dade - AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE MENTAL HEALTH APPLICATION I Dental Health Assistance Allocation Plan FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION I Table of Contents I. Introduction ......................................................................................................... 1 II. MHAA Plan ........................................................................................................ 2 B. District Program Implementation .............................................................. 6 C. Direct Employment ................................................................................. 10 D. MHAA Planned Funds and Expenditures ............................................... 12 E. Charter Governing Board Approval ........................................................ 13 Dade AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE 2024-25 MHAC I. Introduction Plan Purpose The purpose of the Mental Health Assistance Allocation (MHAA) is to provide funding to assist school districts in establishing or expanding school-based mental health care; train educators and other school staff in responding to mental health issues; and connect children, youth and families who may experience behavioral health issues with appropriate services. These funds are allocated annually in the General Appropriations Act to each eligible school district. Each school district shall receive a minimum of$100,000, with the remaining balance allocated based on each school district's proportionate share of the state's total unweighted full-time equivalent student enrollment. Charter schools that submit a plan separate from the school district are entitled to a proportionate share of district funding. A charter school plan must comply with all of the provisions of this section, must be approved by the charter school's governing body, and must be provided to the charter school's sponsor. (Section [s.] 1006.041, Florida Statutes [F.S.]) Submission Process and Deadline The application must be submitted to the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) by August 1, 2024. There are two submission options for charter schools: • Option 1: District submission includes charter schools in their application. • Option 2: Charter school(s) submit a separate application from the district. Printed: 07/24/2024 Page 1 of 13 Dade AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE 2024-25 MHAC II. MHAA Plan A. MHAA Plan Assurances 1 . Charter School Assurances One hundred percent of state funds are used to establish or expand school-based mental health care; train educators and other school staff in O detecting and responding to mental health issues; and connect children, youth and families with appropriate behavioral health services. Other sources of funding will be maximized to provide school-based mental health services (e.g., Medicaid reimbursement, third-party O payments and grants). Collaboration with FDOE to disseminate mental health information and O resources to students and families. A system is included for tracking the number of students at high risk for mental health or co-occurring substance use disorders who received mental health screenings or assessments; the number of students referred to school-based mental health services providers; the number of students O referred to community-based mental health services providers; the number of students who received school-based interventions, services or assistance; and the number of students who received community-based interventions, services or assistance. Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plans for charter schools that opt out O of the District's MHAA Plan are reviewed for compliance. Curriculum and materials purchased using MHAA funds have received a thorough review and all content is in compliance with State Board of O Education Rules and Florida Statutes. The MHAA Plan was approved by the charter school's government body. O The MHAA Plan was provided to the District to review for compliance. O Printed: 07/24/2024 Page 2 of 13 Dade AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE 2024-25 MHAC The MHAA Plan must be focused on a multi-tiered system of support to deliver evidence-based mental health care assessment, diagnosis, intervention, treatment and recovery services to students with one or more O mental health or co-occurring substance abuse diagnoses and to students at high risk of such diagnoses. Section 1006.041, F.S. Printed: 07/24/2024 Page 3 of 13 Dade AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE 2024-25 MHAC 2. School Board Policies Students referred to a school-based or community-based mental health services provider, for mental health screening for the identification of O mental health concerns and students at risk for mental health disorders are assessed within 15 calendar days of referral. School-based mental health services are initiated within 15 calendar days O of identification and assessment. Community-based mental health services are initiated within 30 calendar O days of referral. Individuals living in a household with a student receiving services are provided information about behavioral health services through other delivery systems or payors for which such individuals may qualify if such O services appear to be needed or enhancements in those individuals' behavioral health would contribute to the improved well-being of the student. District schools and local mobile response teams use the same suicide screening instrument approved by FDOE pursuant to s. 1012.583, F.S., O and Rule 6A-4.0010, Florida Administrative Code. Assisting a mental health services provider or a behavioral health provider as described in s. 1006.041, F.S., respectively, or a school resource officer or school safety officer who has completed mental health crisis intervention training in attempting to verbally de-escalate a student's crisis situation O before initiating an involuntary examination pursuant to s. 394.463, F.S. Such procedures must include strategies to de-escalate a crisis situation for a student with a developmental disability as that term is defined in s. 393.063, F.S. Printed: 07/24/2024 Page 4 of 13 Dade AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE 2024-25 MHAC The requirement that in a student crisis situation, the school or law enforcement personnel must make a reasonable attempt to contact a mental health professional who may initiate an involuntary examination pursuant to s. 394.463, F.S., unless the child poses an imminent danger to self or others before initiating an involuntary examination pursuant to s. 394.463, F.S. Such contact may be in person or using telehealth, as defined in s. 456.47, F.S. The mental health professional may be available O to the school district either by contracts or interagency agreements with the managing entity, one or more local community behavioral health providers, the local mobile response team, or be a direct or contracted school district employee. Note: All initiated involuntary examinations located on school grounds, on school transportation or at a school-sponsored activity must be documented in the Involuntary Examinations and Restraint and Seclusion (IERS) platform. Parents of students receiving services are provided information about other behavioral health services available through the student's school or local community-based behavioral health service providers. Schools may O meet this requirement by providing information about and internet addresses for web-based directories or guides for local behavioral health services. Printed: 07/24/2024 Page 5 of 13 Dade AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE 2024-25 MHAC B. District Program Implementation Evidence-Based Program (EBP) #1 Evidence-Based Program (EBP) Attitude is Altitude Tier(s) of Implementation Tier 1 Describe the key EBP components that will be implemented. A comprehensive learning experience that includes a K-12 curriculum where students learn and repeatedly practice skills for learning and life, known as Noble Techniques, that help them shift to be confident, proactive, respectful, compassionate students who develop healthy relationships and make responsible decisions. This experience is built upon an intentional implementation approach. Early Identification Explain how your district will implement evidence-based mental health services for students to improve the early identification of social, emotional or behavioral problems or substance use disorders, as well as the likelihood of at-risk students developing social emotional or behavioral problems, depression, anxiety disorders or suicidal tendencies, and how these will assist students dealing with trauma and violence. Attitude is Altitude will be implemented by teachers in designated grade levels through classroom lessons. The curriculum is aligned to research based on skills for learning and life, with an emphasis on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision- making. High Risk Students Explain how the supports will deliver evidence-based mental health care assessment, diagnosis, intervention, treatment and recovery services to students with one or more mental health or co- occurring substance abuse diagnoses and students at high risk of such diagnoses. Supports will help students develop their skills for learning and life and will help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. Skills for learning and life will be how children and adults learn to understand and manage emotions, set goals, show empathy for others, establish positive relationships and make responsible decisions. This will result in stronger academic outcomes, improved behaviors and student attendance, increased graduation rates, long-term and global impact, and improve lifetime outcomes. Evidence-Based Program (EBP) #2 Evidence-Based Program (EBP) Printed: 07/24/2024 Page 6 of 13 Dade AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE 2024-25 MHAC Invo's Integrated Multidisciplinary Program to Address Childhood Trauma (IMPACT) —Targeted Small Group Interventions Tier(s) of Implementation Tier 2 Describe the key EBP components that will be implemented. IMPACT provides front-line support for schools in driving outcomes for high-risk students by addressing the underlying causes of challenging, disruptive, and sometimes dangerous behaviors. Leveraging a unique team-based approach, the program integrates experienced Mental Health and Behavioral Health teams into the natural school environment to dramatically increase student's social and emotional skills while teaching and fostering replacement behaviors. Interventions are delivered by licensed mental health professionals who receive support from a board-certified behavior analyst. Behavior support and therapeutic interventions are provided while encouraging academic support and progress. Interventions are provided to targeted students in small groups, with a focus on skill acquisition, stress reduction, increased self-awareness, and enhanced personal empowerment. Early Identification Explain how your district will implement evidence-based mental health services for students to improve the early identification of social, emotional or behavioral problems or substance use disorders, as well as the likelihood of at-risk students developing social emotional or behavioral problems, depression, anxiety disorders or suicidal tendencies, and how these will assist students dealing with trauma and violence. Interventions align closely with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and applied behavior analysis with the explicit goal of reducing mental health symptoms, improving functioning in a variety of domains, encouraging youth and their parents to understand the nature of mental health and/or substance related disorders and how to use newly learned skills to maintain position functioning and recovery. In CBT, youth are taught about the link between thoughts and emotions, and how they may affect subsequent behavior. By replacing maladaptive thoughts with healthy thoughts, youth can make better decisions and use effective coping skills. CBT also makes use of established behavior principles such as positive reinforcement to reward adaptive behavior and extinguish unhealthy behaviors. Trauma-focused CBT is a subspecialty within CBT that allows providers to focus closely on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This therapy addresses affective/emotional, cognitive/ thinking-based and behavioral problems by incorporating discussions about the specifics of the trauma, teaching effective parenting skills to caregivers, and capitalizing on the healing therapeutic alliance between therapist and student. Tier 2 services will be provided via targeted small group interventions. High Risk Students Printed: 07/24/2024 Page 7 of 13 Dade AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE 2024-25 MHAC Explain how the supports will deliver evidence-based mental health care assessment, diagnosis, intervention, treatment and recovery services to students with one or more mental health or co- occurring substance abuse diagnoses and students at high risk of such diagnoses. Implementation and treatment will allow students to make progress in areas of skill acquisition, stress reduction, increased self-awareness, and enhanced personal empowerment. Evidence-Based Program (EBP) #3 Evidence-Based Program (EBP) Invo's Integrated Multidisciplinary Program to Address Childhood Trauma (IMPACT) — Intensive Individualized Interventions Tier(s) of Implementation Tier 3 Describe the key EBP components that will be implemented. IMPACT provides front-line support for schools in driving outcomes for high-risk students by addressing the underlying causes of challenging, disruptive, and sometimes dangerous behaviors. Leveraging a unique team-based approach, the program integrates experienced Mental Health and Behavioral Health teams into the natural school environment to dramatically increase student's social and emotional skills while teaching and fostering replacement behaviors. Interventions are delivered by licensed mental health professionals who receive regular support from a board-certified behavior analyst. Behavior support and therapeutic interventions are provided while encouraging academic support and progress. Interventions draw on each youth's strengths and may incorporate family with the goal of establishing healthy behaviors that will serve the youth throughout his/her lifetime. Early Identification Explain how your district will implement evidence-based mental health services for students to improve the early identification of social, emotional or behavioral problems or substance use disorders, as well as the likelihood of at-risk students developing social emotional or behavioral problems, depression, anxiety disorders or suicidal tendencies, and how these will assist students dealing with trauma and violence. Interventions align closely with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and applied behavior analysis with the explicit goal of reducing mental health symptoms, improving functioning in a variety of domains, encouraging youth and their parents to understand the nature of mental health and/or substance related disorders and how to use newly learned skills to maintain position functioning and recovery. In CBT, youth are taught about the link between thoughts and emotions, and how they may affect subsequent behavior. By replacing maladaptive thoughts with healthy thoughts, youth can make better decisions and use effective coping skills. CBT also makes use of established behavior principles such as positive reinforcement to reward adaptive behavior and extinguish unhealthy Printed: 07/24/2024 Page 8 of 13 Dade AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE 2024-25 MHAC behaviors. Trauma-focused CBT is a subspecialty within CBT that allows providers to focus closely on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This therapy addresses affective/emotional, cognitive/ thinking-based and behavioral problems by incorporating discussions about the specifics of the trauma, teaching effective parenting skills to caregivers, and capitalizing on the healing therapeutic alliance between therapist and student. Tier 3 services will be provided via individual therapy and/or family therapy. High Risk Students Explain how the supports will deliver evidence-based mental health care assessment, diagnosis, intervention, treatment and recovery services to students with one or more mental health or co- occurring substance abuse diagnoses and students at high risk of such diagnoses. Implementation and treatment will allow students to make progress in relevant domains assessed by the Invo Outcome Scale (IOS), which is administered at intake and discharge. The IOS measures the following domains: Anxiety Symptoms, Anger Symptoms, Attitude Towards School, Coping Skills Acquisition, Crisis Response/Sense of Safety, Depressive Symptoms, Feelings of Connectedness/ Belonging, Improvement of Behavior, Self-Esteem, and Socialization/Peer Relations. Printed: 07/24/2024 Page 9 of 13 Dade AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE 2024-25 MHAC C. Direct Employment 1 . MHAA Plan Direct Employment School Counselor Current Ratio as of August 1, 2024: 0:1035 School Counselor 2024-2025 proposed Ratio by June 30, 2025 0:1035 School Social Worker Current Ratio as of August 1 , 2024: 0:1035 School Social Worker 2024-2025 proposed Ratio by June 30, 2025 0:1035 School Psychologist Current Ratio as of August 1 , 2024: 0:1035 School Psychologist 2024-2025 proposed Ratio by June 30, 2025 0:1035 Other Licensed Mental Health Provider Current Ratio as of August 1 , 2024: 0:1035 Other Licensed Mental Health Provider 2024-2025 proposed Ratio by June 30, 2025: 0:1035 Printed: 07/24/2024 Page 10 of 13 Dade AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE 2024-25 MHAC 2. Policy, Roles and Responsibilities Explain how direct employment of school-based mental health services providers (school psychologists, school social workers, school counselors and other licensed mental health professionals) will reduce staff-to-student ratios. Above ratios are not indicative of services provided. The school will contract with licensed mental health providers who will work on site for at least a total number of hours commensurate to a minimum of 90% of the school's MHAA. Additional funding opportunities will be sought to allow for increased financial resources to allow for expanded provider service schedules and a reduction in staff-to-student ratios Describe your district's established policies and procedures to increase the amount of time student services personnel spend providing direct mental health services (e.g., review and revision of staffing allocations based on school or student mental health assistance needs). Through mental health team meetings, the school will identify students who are at the greatest need of intervention. We will use an MTSS model to allocate resources based on student need. Students identified as needing Tier 3 interventions will have the greatest number of touchpoints, followed by those identified as needing Tier 2 supports. The team will meet regularly to review student progress. Describe the role of school-based mental health providers and community-based partners in the implementation of your evidence-based mental health program. Providers/partners will work collaboratively with the school mental health team to ensure that services are aligned and coordinated to meet the needs of the students on the caseload. Services will be initiated timely, in accordance with state statute. 3. Community Contracts/Interagency Agreements List the contracts or interagency agreements with local behavioral health providers or Community Action Team (CAT) services and specify the type of behavioral health services being provided on or off the school campus. Invo-Progressus Therapy: Qualified mental health provider (LMHC, LMFT, LCSW, RMHCI, RMFTI, RCSWI) - Assessment, therapy, collaboration Invo-Progressus Therapy: Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Consultation/Collaboration Printed: 07/24/2024 Page 11 of 13 Dade AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE 2024-25 MHAC D. MHAA Planned Funds and Expenditures 1 . Allocation Funding Summary MHAA funds provided in the 2024-2025 Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP): $55,413.90 Unexpended MHAA funds from previous fiscal years: $102,686.99 Grand Total MHAA Funds: $158,100.89 2. MHAA Planned Funds and Expenditures Form Please complete the MHAA planned Funds and Expenditures Form to verify the use of funds in accordance with s. 1006.041 , F.S. School districts are encouraged to maximize third-party health insurance benefits and Medicaid claiming for services, where appropriate. Uploaded Document: 13-0950 ACES Planned Funds and Expenditures Form 2024-2025(MHAA Plan).csN, Printed: 07/24/2024 Page 12 of 13 Dade AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE 2024-25 MHAC E. Charter Governing Board Approval Approval Date: 06/13/2024 Printed: 07/24/2024 Page 13 of 13 I I I 2024=251 I Dade - DON SOFFER AVENTURA CHARTER SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH APPLICATION Dental Health Assistance Allocation Plan FLORIE}A 13EPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Table of Contents I. Introduction ......................................................................................................... 1 II. MHAA Plan ........................................................................................................ 2 B. District Program Implementation .............................................................. 6 C. Direct Employment ................................................................................. 10 D. MHAA Planned Funds and Expenditures ............................................... 12 E. Charter Governing Board Approval ........................................................ 13 Dade DON SOFFER AVENTURA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 2024-25 MHAC I. Introduction Plan Purpose The purpose of the Mental Health Assistance Allocation (MHAA) is to provide funding to assist school districts in establishing or expanding school-based mental health care; train educators and other school staff in responding to mental health issues; and connect children, youth and families who may experience behavioral health issues with appropriate services. These funds are allocated annually in the General Appropriations Act to each eligible school district. Each school district shall receive a minimum of$100,000, with the remaining balance allocated based on each school district's proportionate share of the state's total unweighted full-time equivalent student enrollment. Charter schools that submit a plan separate from the school district are entitled to a proportionate share of district funding. A charter school plan must comply with all of the provisions of this section, must be approved by the charter school's governing body, and must be provided to the charter school's sponsor. (Section [s.] 1006.041, Florida Statutes [F.S.]) Submission Process and Deadline The application must be submitted to the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) by August 1, 2024. There are two submission options for charter schools: • Option 1: District submission includes charter schools in their application. • Option 2: Charter school(s) submit a separate application from the district. Printed: 07/29/2024 Page 1 of 13 Dade DON SOFFER AVENTURA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 2024-25 MHAC II. MHAA Plan A. MHAA Plan Assurances 1 . Charter School Assurances One hundred percent of state funds are used to establish or expand O school based mental health care, train educators and other school staff in detecting and responding to mental health issues; and connect children, youth and families with appropriate behavioral health services. Other sources of funding will be maximized to provide school-based O mental health services (e.g., Medicaid reimbursement, third party payments and grants). Collaboration with FDOE to disseminate mental health information and O resources to students and families. A system is included for tracking the number of students at high risk for O mental health or co-occurring substance use disorders who received mental health screenings or assessments; the number of students referred to school-based mental health services providers; the number of students referred to community-based mental health services providers; the number of students who received school-based interventions, services or assistance; and the number of students who received community-based interventions, services or assistance. Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plans for charter schools that opt out O of the District's MHAA Plan are reviewed for compliance. Curriculum and materials purchased using MHAA funds have received a O thorough review and all content is in compliance with State Board of Education Rules and Florida Statutes. The MHAA Plan was approved by the charter school's government body. O The MHAA Plan was provided to the District to review for compliance. O Printed: 07/29/2024 Page 2 of 13 Dade DON SOFFER AVENTURA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 2024-25 MHAC The MHAA Plan must be focused on a multi-tiered system of support to O deliver evidence based mental health care assessment, diagnosis, intervention, treatment and recovery services to students with one or more mental health or co-occurring substance abuse diagnoses and to students at high risk of such diagnoses. Section 1006.041, F.S. Printed: 07/29/2024 Page 3 of 13 Dade DON SOFFER AVENTURA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 2024-25 MHAC 2. School Board Policies Students referred to a school-based or community-based mental health O services provider, for mental health screening for the identification of mental health concerns and students at risk for mental health disorders are assessed within 15 calendar days of referral. School-based mental health services are initiated within 15 calendar days O of identification and assessment. Community-based mental health services are initiated within 30 calendar O days of referral. Individuals living in a household with a student receiving services are O provided information about behavioral health services through other delivery systems or payors for which such individuals may qualify if such services appear to be needed or enhancements in those individuals' behavioral health would contribute to the improved well-being of the student. District schools and local mobile response teams use the same suicide O screening instrument approved by FDOE pursuant to s. 1012.583, F.S., and Rule 6A-4.0010, Florida Administrative Code. Assisting a mental health services provider or a behavioral health provider O as described in s. 1006.041, F.S., respectively, or a school resource officer or school safety officer who has completed mental health crisis intervention training in attempting to verbally de-escalate a student's crisis situation before initiating an involuntary examination pursuant to s. 394.463, F.S. Such procedures must include strategies to de-escalate a crisis situation for a student with a developmental disability as that term is defined in s. 393.063, F.S. Printed: 07/29/2024 Page 4 of 13 Dade DON SOFFER AVENTURA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 2024-25 MHAC The requirement that in a student crisis situation, the school or law O enforcement personnel must make a reasonable attempt to contact a mental health professional who may initiate an involuntary examination pursuant to s. 394.463, F.S., unless the child poses an imminent danger to self or others before initiating an involuntary examination pursuant to s. 394.463, F.S. Such contact may be in person or using telehealth, as defined in s. 456.47, F.S. The mental health professional may be available to the school district either by contracts or interagency agreements with the managing entity, one or more local community behavioral health providers, the local mobile response team, or be a direct or contracted school district employee. Note: All initiated involuntary examinations located on school grounds, on school transportation or at a school-sponsored activity must be documented in the Involuntary Examinations and Restraint and Seclusion (IERS) platform. Parents of students receiving services are provided information about O other behavioral health services available through the student's school or local community-based behavioral health service providers. Schools may meet this requirement by providing information about and internet addresses for web-based directories or guides for local behavioral health services. Printed: 07/29/2024 Page 5 of 13 Dade DON SOFFER AVENTURA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 2024-25 MHAC B. District Program Implementation Evidence-Based Program (EBP) #1 Evidence-Based Program (EBP) EPB: Attitude is Altitude Tier(s) of Implementation Tier 1 Describe the key EBP components that will be implemented. A comprehensive learning experience that includes a K-12 curriculum where students learn and repeatedly practice skills for learning and life, known as Noble Techniques, that help them shift to be confident, proactive, respectful, compassionate students who develop healthy relationships and make responsible decisions. This experience is built upon an intentional implementation approach. Early Identification Explain how your district will implement evidence-based mental health services for students to improve the early identification of social, emotional or behavioral problems or substance use disorders, as well as the likelihood of at-risk students developing social emotional or behavioral problems, depression, anxiety disorders or suicidal tendencies, and how these will assist students dealing with trauma and violence. Attitude is Altitude will be implemented by teachers in designated grade levels through classroom lessons. The curriculum is aligned to research based on skills for learning and life with an emphasis on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision- making. High Risk Students Explain how the supports will deliver evidence-based mental health care assessment, diagnosis, intervention, treatment and recovery services to students with one or more mental health or co- occurring substance abuse diagnoses and students at high risk of such diagnoses. Supports will help students develop their skills for learning and life and will help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. Skills for learning and life will be how children and adults learn to understand and manage emotions, set goals, show empathy for others, establish positive relationships and make responsible decisions. This will result in stronger academic outcomes, improved behaviors and student attendance, increased graduation rates, long-term and global impact, and improve lifetime outcomes. Printed: 07/29/2024 Page 6 of 13 Dade DON SOFFER AVENTURA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 2024-25 MHAC Evidence-Based Program (EBP) #2 Evidence-Based Program (EBP) Invo's Integrated Multidisciplinary Program to Address Childhood Trauma (IMPACT) —Targeted Small Group Interventions Tier(s) of Implementation Tier 2 Describe the key EBP components that will be implemented. IMPACT provides front-line support for schools in driving outcomes for high-risk students by addressing the underlying causes of challenging, disruptive, and sometimes dangerous behaviors. Leveraging a unique team-based approach, the program integrates experienced Mental Health and Behavioral Health teams into the natural school environment to dramatically increase student's social and emotional skills while teaching and fostering replacement behaviors. Interventions are delivered by licensed mental health professionals who receive support from a board-certified behavior analyst. Behavior support and therapeutic interventions are provided while encouraging academic support and progress. Interventions are provided to targeted students in small groups, with a focus on skill acquisition, stress reduction, increased self-awareness, and enhanced personal empowerment. Early Identification Explain how your district will implement evidence-based mental health services for students to improve the early identification of social, emotional or behavioral problems or substance use disorders, as well as the likelihood of at-risk students developing social emotional or behavioral problems, depression, anxiety disorders or suicidal tendencies, and how these will assist students dealing with trauma and violence. Interventions align closely with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and applied behavior analysis with the explicit goal of reducing mental health symptoms, improving functioning in a variety of domains, encouraging youth and their parents to understand the nature of mental health and/or substance related disorders and how to use newly learned skills to maintain position functioning and recovery. In CBT, youth are taught about the link between thoughts and emotions, and how they may affect subsequent behavior. By replacing maladaptive thoughts with healthy thoughts, youth can make better decisions and use effective coping skills. CBT also makes use of established behavior principles such as positive reinforcement to reward adaptive behavior and extinguish unhealthy behaviors. Trauma-focused CBT is a subspecialty within CBT that allows providers to focus closely on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This therapy addresses affective/emotional, cognitive/ thinking-based and behavioral problems by incorporating discussions about the specifics of the Printed: 07/29/2024 Page 7 of 13 Dade DON SOFFER AVENTURA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 2024-25 MHAC trauma, teaching effective parenting skills to caregivers, and capitalizing on the healing therapeutic alliance between therapist and student. Tier 2 services will be provided via targeted small group interventions. High Risk Students Explain how the supports will deliver evidence-based mental health care assessment, diagnosis, intervention, treatment and recovery services to students with one or more mental health or co- occurring substance abuse diagnoses and students at high risk of such diagnoses. Implementation and treatment will allow students to make progress in areas of skill acquisition, stress reduction, increased self-awareness, and enhanced personal empowerment. Evidence-Based Program (EBP) #3 Evidence-Based Program (EBP) Invo's Integrated Multidisciplinary Program to Address Childhood Trauma (IMPACT) — Intensive Individualized Interventions Tier(s) of Implementation Tier 3 Describe the key EBP components that will be implemented. IMPACT provides front-line support for schools in driving outcomes for high-risk students by addressing the underlying causes of challenging, disruptive, and sometimes dangerous behaviors. Leveraging a unique team-based approach, the program integrates experienced Mental Health and Behavioral Health teams into the natural school environment to dramatically increase student's social and emotional skills while teaching and fostering replacement behaviors. Interventions are delivered by licensed mental health professionals who receive regular support from a board-certified behavior analyst. Behavior support and therapeutic interventions are provided while encouraging academic support and progress. Interventions draw on each youth's strengths and may incorporate family with the goal of establishing healthy behaviors that will serve the youth throughout his/her lifetime. Early Identification Explain how your district will implement evidence-based mental health services for students to improve the early identification of social, emotional or behavioral problems or substance use disorders, as well as the likelihood of at-risk students developing social emotional or behavioral problems, depression, anxiety disorders or suicidal tendencies, and how these will assist students dealing with trauma and violence. Interventions align closely with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and applied behavior analysis with the explicit goal of reducing mental health symptoms, improving functioning in a variety Printed: 07/29/2024 Page 8 of 13 Dade DON SOFFER AVENTURA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 2024-25 MHAC of domains, encouraging youth and their parents to understand the nature of mental health and/or substance related disorders and how to use newly learned skills to maintain position functioning and recovery. In CBT, youth are taught about the link between thoughts and emotions, and how they may affect subsequent behavior. By replacing maladaptive thoughts with healthy thoughts, youth can make better decisions and use effective coping skills. CBT also makes use of established behavior principles such as positive reinforcement to reward adaptive behavior and extinguish unhealthy behaviors. Trauma-focused CBT is a subspecialty within CBT that allows providers to focus closely on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This therapy addresses affective/emotional, cognitive/ thinking-based and behavioral problems by incorporating discussions about the specifics of the trauma, teaching effective parenting skills to caregivers, and capitalizing on the healing therapeutic alliance between therapist and student. Tier 3 services will be provided via individual therapy and/or family therapy. High Risk Students Explain how the supports will deliver evidence-based mental health care assessment, diagnosis, intervention, treatment and recovery services to students with one or more mental health or co- occurring substance abuse diagnoses and students at high risk of such diagnoses. Implementation and treatment will allow students to make progress in relevant domains assessed by the Invo Outcome Scale (IOS), which is administered at intake and discharge. The IOS measures the following domains: Anxiety Symptoms, Anger Symptoms, Attitude Towards School, Coping Skills Acquisition, Crisis Response/Sense of Safety, Depressive Symptoms, Feelings of Connectedness/ Belonging, Improvement of Behavior, Self-Esteem, and Socialization/Peer Relations. Printed: 07/29/2024 Page 9 of 13 Dade DON SOFFER AVENTURA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 2024-25 MHAC C. Direct Employment 1 . MHAA Plan Direct Employment School Counselor Current Ratio as of August 1, 2024: N/A School Counselor 2024-2025 proposed Ratio by June 30, 2025 N/A School Social Worker Current Ratio as of August 1 , 2024: N/A School Social Worker 2024-2025 proposed Ratio by June 30, 2025 N/A School Psychologist Current Ratio as of August 1 , 2024: District provides evaluations School Psychologist 2024-2025 proposed Ratio by June 30, 2025 District provides evaluations Other Licensed Mental Health Provider Current Ratio as of August 1 , 2024: .29 of FTE Other Licensed Mental Health Provider 2024-2025 proposed Ratio by June 30, 2025: .31 of FTE Printed: 07/29/2024 Page 10 of 13 Dade DON SOFFER AVENTURA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 2024-25 MHAC 2. Policy, Roles and Responsibilities Explain how direct employment of school-based mental health services providers (school psychologists, school social workers, school counselors and other licensed mental health professionals) will reduce staff-to-student ratios. The above ratios are not indicative of services provided. The school will contract with licensed mental health providers who will work on site for at least a total number of hours commensurate to a minimum of 90% of the school's MHAA. Additional funding opportunities will be sought to allow for increased financial resources to allow for expanded provider service schedules and a reduction in staff-to-student ratios. Describe your district's established policies and procedures to increase the amount of time student services personnel spend providing direct mental health services (e.g., review and revision of staffing allocations based on school or student mental health assistance needs). Through mental health team meetings, the school will identify students who are at the greatest need of intervention. We will use an MTSS model to allocate resources based on student need. Students identified as needing Tier 3 interventions will have the greatest number of touchpoints, followed by those identified as needing Tier 2 supports. The team will meet regularly to review student progress. Describe the role of school-based mental health providers and community-based partners in the implementation of your evidence-based mental health program. Providers/partners will work collaboratively with the school mental health team to ensure that services are aligned and coordinated to meet the needs of the students on the caseload. Services will be initiated timely, in accordance with state statute. 3. Community Contracts/Interagency Agreements List the contracts or interagency agreements with local behavioral health providers or Community Action Team (CAT) services and specify the type of behavioral health services being provided on or off the school campus. Invo-Progressus Therapy: Qualified mental health provider (LMHC, LMFT, LCSW, RMHCI, RMFTI, RCSWI) - Assessment, therapy, collaboration. Invo-Progressus Therapy: Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Consultation/Collaboration Printed: 07/29/2024 Page 11 of 13 Dade DON SOFFER AVENTURA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 2024-25 MHAC D. MHAA Planned Funds and Expenditures 1 . Allocation Funding Summary MHAA funds provided in the 2024-2025 Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP): $44,224.04 Unexpended MHAA funds from previous fiscal years: $26,658.26 Grand Total MHAA Funds: $70,882.30 2. MHAA Planned Funds and Expenditures Form Please complete the MHAA planned Funds and Expenditures Form to verify the use of funds in accordance with s. 1006.041 , F.S. School districts are encouraged to maximize third-party health insurance benefits and Medicaid claiming for services, where appropriate. Uploaded Document: 13-7026 Don Soffer Aventura HS MHAAP Planned Funds and Expenditures Form 2024-2025.xlsx [� Printed: 07/29/2024 Page 12 of 13 Dade DON SOFFER AVENTURA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 2024-25 MHAC E. Charter Governing Board Approval Approval Date: 07/21/2022 Printed: 07/29/2024 Page 13 of 13 Aventura City • • • Memo To: Ronald J. Wasson, City Manager From: Ana Melhuish, Principal Date: 9/19/2024 Re: Request for governing board approval of out-of-field waivers Teachers working on additional certification or endorsements for subjects that they are teaching are considered out-of-field until requirements are met. All teachers hold a current certification. These are additional or unique credentials for their current position. English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Endorsement This is an add-on to a current certificate to be able to teach English Language learners. The following teachers are involved in a five-course sequence, allowing six years for completion, some of which have completed coursework and await a testing appointment or FLDOE action: Tina Briganti, Yordan Delgado, Atiya Green, Abigail Guzman, Silvia Volonte, Massie/ Villar, Enrique Vila, Nasreen Moreno, Elizabeth Mongeau, Sue Gonzalez, Nicole Monella Gifted Endorsement This is an add-on to a current certificate to be able to teach gifted learners. The following certified teachers are involved in on-going coursework in pursuit of gifted endorsement: Joelle LaRose, Sue Gonzalez, Christina Angelo Elementary Education These teachers are certified in a different grade level, field, or subject and have a scheduled testing date to earn certification as elementary educators. Tina Briganti (English 5-9), Elizabeth Mongeau (Math 5-9), Nasreen Moreno(Social Science/Reading), Juan Parra (6-8 English), Brandee Singleton 1 (6-12 Social Science), Zaida Castro (Educational Leadership), Nayla Cespedes (K-12 Art) Math 5-9 These teachers are certified in a different grade level, field, or subject and have a scheduled testing date to earn certification in Math 5-9. Nicole Monella (Elementary Ed.) English 6-12 These teachers are certified in a different grade level, field, or subject and have a scheduled testing date to earn certification in English 6-12. Babjide Orindare (ESE) Social Science These teachers are certified in a different grade level, field, or subject and have a scheduled testing date to earn certification in Social Science. D'Angela DiMercurio (English 5-9) Physical Education These teachers are certified in a different grade level, field, or subject and have a scheduled testing date to earn certification in Physical Education Anthony Guitierrez (Business Education), Lazaro Valdes (ESE) • Page 2 DON SOFFER AVENTURA H SCHOOL MEMORANDUM September 10, 2024 To: Ronald J. Wasson, City Manager From: Dr. Geoff McKee, Principa Subject: Out-of-Field Waiver Approva The teachers listed below are working to meet Florida certification requirements for one or more of the subjects they teach. Until these requirements are met, the teachers are classified as out- of-field, and in need of an approved out-of-field agreement. Each teacher holds a current certificate and has signed an out-of-field agreement confirming they must meet one of the following terms by June 30, 2025: A. Complete of at least six semester hours of college credit towards certification in the listed subject(s). B. Complete 120 in-service points towards certification in the listed subject(s). C. Pass the Florida subject area exam(s) in the listed subject(s). Here are the teachers and subject areas for which out-of-field agreements are being requested: Teacher Subject(s) Bromberg, Tereza Social Science, Psychology Forcone, Kathryn Chemistry Kasireddy, Vishnu Physics Levine, Scott Physical Education Morgante, Mercedes High School English Pariser, Zachary Mathematics, Statistics Swannack, Jessica Social Science, Psychology 3151 Northeast 213 Street Office: 786-481-3032 Aventura, FL 3318o ;`'r; AventuraCharterHS.Org CITY OF "ENTURA OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER MEMORANDUM TO: City Commission, Acting in its capacity as the Governing Board for the Aventura City of Excellence School (ACES) and the Don Soffer Aventura High School (DSAHS) FROM: Ronald J. Wasson, City Manager - DATE: September 13, 2024 SUBJECT: Appointment of the 2024/2025 ACES Parent Facilitator/Conflict Resolution Officer and Reappointment of the DSAHS Parent Facilitator/Conflict Resolution Officer September 19, 2024 Aventura Governing Board Meeting Agenda RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that Bryan Pegues be appointed as the Parent Facilitator/Conflict Resolution Officer for the Aventura City of Excellence School (ACES) for 2024/2025. It is also recommended that Kimberly S. Merchant be reappointed as the Parent Facilitator/Conflict Resolution Officer for the Don Soffer Aventura High School (DSAHS) for 2024/2025. If you have any questions, please contact me. RJW/act CC04022-24