1.  Students are expected to respect the authority of teachers.  All teachers have authority over all students. 

a.   Students who are referred to the administration by a teacher for causing classroom disruptions will be given appropriate consequences for their actions. The student’s parents will be contacted and consequences will be given, Students who have repeated referrals will be given indoor suspension or out of school suspension.  The following fees will be assessed for indoor suspension:

(1)    1^st offense:  $50 per day

(2)    2^nd (and each additional) offense:  $100 per day

b.  Students must come to class prepared with books, paper, pens, and assignments.  Failure to bring required materials to class will negatively impact the student’s grades, as the student will not be able to fully participate in the class activities.  If this lack of preparation on the part of the student continues, the parents will be contacted and a plan devised to assist in correcting the student’s lack of organization.

2.  Malicious destruction of school property will result in the replacement, repair, or payment for damages by either the student or student’s parents.  The placement of stickers on school property is not permitted.

3.  Students shall keep the school clean at all times.  There is to be no gum chewing* in any of the school buildings or on the school grounds.

Additional guidelines to be followed by all students include:

1.  No student is permitted to leave the school grounds during the school day without express permission from the administration.

2.  No notebooks, albums, magazines, backpacks, etc. will be permitted that carry pictures or slogans referring to alcohol or the gang or drug culture, or that have profanity or obscenities on them.  No profanity, abusive, or slang language is to be used.

3.  Students must wear shoes at all times.

4.  Clean, complete uniforms must be worn at all times.

TEACHER’S DETENTION 

 A teacher may assign a student an after-school detention for behavioral issues.  Students will be notified immediately of the detention and the parents will be contacted by the teacher. Unless the parent has previous plans for the student, the student will remain after school that day.  If the parent is unable to accommodate the student’s detention on that particular day, a time will be set, preferably the next day for the student to serve the detention. The teacher will determine the time required for the detention.  If the student does not serve a Teacher’s Detention, teachers will refer the student to the Administration for insubordination. 

HARRASSMENT POLICY 

Allison Academy will not tolerate physical, social, emotional, or sexual harassment. 

Proven allegations of harassment will be promptly investigated, giving due regard to the need for confidentiality. 

If the party deemed guilty of harassment is a student, the range of punishment could include verbal and written reprimand, in-school or out-of-school suspension, change of placement, and/or expulsion.

I.  Definition:

Harassment is when a person continually teases, annoys, threatens or insults another person in either a verbal, physical or written manner.

Sexual harassment is defined as any physical, verbal, and/or graphic sexual advance, request for sexual favors, and other sexually oriented conduct, which is offensive or objectionable to the recipient. Sexual harassment is when a person bothers another person using sexual words, pictures, gestures or conduct that the other person would find offensive.  Sexual harassment can occur when a person is forced by location or situation to see or overhear sexual comments, gestures or conduct that the person finds offensive. Allegations of sexual harassment can have serious consequences for the party deemed guilty.

 II. Examples of Sexual Harassment:

A person is being harassed if one or more of the following are occurring, and this behavior is unwanted and unwelcome. 

Sexual comments, jokes or gestures.

Suggestive comments or relating sexual exploits within hearing of other individuals.

Spreading sexual rumors about a person.

Being “sexually rated” by an individual, for example, on a scale from 1–10.

Being pressured to go out with someone.

Being the recipient of whistles, jeers or catcalls.

Being touched, grabbed or pinched in a sexual way.

Being intentionally brushed up against in a sexual way.

Having clothing pulled at in a sexual way.

Being shown, given, or left sexual pictures, photographs,
illustrations,messages, or notes.

Being forced (because of their location) to view centerfolds, photographs, posters or drawings of a sexual nature.

Having one’s path blocked in a sexual manner

Placing messages/graffiti written about a person on a computer screen, bathroom walls, in locker rooms, etc.

Being forced to kiss someone.

Being forced to do something sexual other than kissing.

Being called a gay or a lesbian.

Having clothing pulled off, down, or exposing oneself.      

Being spied on while dressing or showering.

Requesting sexual favors.

Information to Those Being Sexually Harassed: 

1.   Clearly tell the harasser to stop.

2.   If the harassment continues, make a written record of the incident including:  date, time, witness/witnesses and parties involved in the incident.  Report the incident immediately to an adult who has authority over the harasser. 

Explanation of “Confidentiality” and “Retaliation”: Confidentiality must be maintained as much as possible during any sexual harassment investigation.  Confidentiality is maintained when the identity of the people involved or the circumstances surrounding the incident are kept private.  For example, you do not maintain confidentiality if you tell your friends that John Doe or Jane Doe sexually harassed you. 

Retaliation is defined in the dictionary as meaning “to pay back (an injury) in kind”.  When a person is alleged to have engaged in any sexual harassment, the common reaction of that person is to be angry, and want to pay them back (retaliate).  Retaliation must not occur. 

TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF BEING ACCUSED OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT: 

DO:
Keep your hands to yourself.
Think before you speak.

DON’T: 
Touch anyone in an inappropriate way.
Keep asking a person to go out with you after that person has said
"No”.
Be in a room alone with a person with the door closed.
Make remarks that have sexual overtones or implications.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY HARASSED:

DO: 
Report the incident to a teacher or an administrator.

DON’T:
Think that if you just ignore the problem, it will go away.

CONSEQUENCES OF IMPROPER CONDUCT 

Serious infractions that intrude upon the educational process of fellow students or the orderly pattern of campus life will result in immediate expulsion: 

* Possession of a weapon or explosives

* Threat of physical harm by use of weapon

* Striking a faculty or staff member

* Gang affiliation

* Use, possession, or promotion of drugs or alcohol.  (Being under the influence is considered “use”)

* Profanity and/or obscenity directed at a faculty or staff member

NOTE:  We have a zero tolerance on the above behaviors- - no second chances! 

Expulsion is the most severe penalty that Allison Academy assigns.  It is recorded as part of the permanent school record.  Once dismissed (expelled), a student must leave campus immediately, unless the Director has granted an extension.  Expelled students forfeit their right to a school yearbook.  All school property must be returned, locker must be emptied, and student I.D. card surrendered.  A dismissed student may not return to campus without a specific appointment with a member of the school’s faculty or administration. 

Other infractions which receive severe consequences: 

Infraction   

Computer hacking 

Destruction of school property (including vandalism and graffiti)    

Stealing    

Tampering with fire alarm system

Harassment 

Threat of physical harm towards student/adult

Verbal or physical conflict with a student or faculty member

Cheating  

Lying       

Disrespectful behavior demonstrated toward any faculty
member   

Smoking (including chewing tobacco or snuff)  

Selling of any items on school property, unless specific approval has been granted by the administration

Possession of any tobacco product      

Rudeness or discourteousness  

Plagiarism   

Verbal abuse      

Profanity/obscenity/ethnic slur/racial slur       

Leaving campus without permission    

Public display of affection       

Attending school functions on or off campus after missing classes 

Automotive violation:  moving / parking  

Disorderly conduct/disruptive behavior (campus, bus, or off-campus activities)

Class disruption**      

Possession or misuse of a laser light pen  

Gambling and card playing       

Class cut (per period); grades will be lowered one letter each 8 unexcused absences.

Failure to serve detentions

Spitting     

*Gum chewing:  Gum chewing is detrimental to the cleaning efforts of the faculty and cleaning staff.  Gum tends to clog plumbing, mar carpets, damage clothing, and generally produces an unattractive appearance.  For these reasons, gum chewing is not permitted.

 **Persistent disruptive behavior will result in indoor suspension, and parents will be charged additional fees. (See page 3)

 **Fighting:  The person who starts the fight will receive three days’ suspension, and the person who retaliates will receive one day of suspension.  Please note that although we try to understand sources of conflict, we cannot allow fighting to be an acceptable response.  Regardless of “provocation”, students participating in a fight will be disciplined.

Suspended students may not participate in school activities (on – or off-campus) during suspension.

The administration reserves the right to expel a student from Allison Academy who cannot accept the conduct code. Any action by a student and/or student’s parents, which seriously interferes with Allison Academy’s ability to accomplish its educational goals, may be grounds for immediate dismissal.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

In the spring of 1993, the Florida School Board reviewed and passed the Pupil Progression Plan, 6Gx13-5B-1.04.  This School Board rule states that all high school students are required to serve community service hours in order to receive a diploma upon graduation.  This rule was incorporated into the core curriculum, which established community service as a stand-alone graduation requirement.

All students are required to complete 75 hours of community service before graduation.  We suggest that each student perform a minimum of 20 hours per year.  We recommend that students complete the 75 hours as quickly as possible.  Friday afternoons are excellent times for this project.

Guidelines for Community Service:

1.  Student volunteer service hours may be earned both in the school and in the community.

2.  Services for which a student receives financial or other substantial compensation will not be counted.

3.  Participation in and travel to theatrical/musical performances, festivals or community events will count as service learning hours if “a” and “b” below are both met:

a.   The performance meets an identified community service need.

b.  The student does not receive any form of compensation for the performance, including academic credit, letters, or financial compensation.

4.  Rehearsal and practice time will count for volunteer service projects created specifically to meet community service needs.

5.  Service learning hours documented for community service learning as part of non-credit granting workshops, programs or conferences will count as service.

6.  Fundraising activities for non-profit charities will count for volunteer service hours provided the activity complies with Miami-Dade County Board Policies and as long as the student is not volunteering for an organization that directly benefits the student.

7.  Activities organized by profit making or non-profit athletic or summer music camp for no financial compensation will count as service training hours.

8.  Services performed for day care centers or retirement homes count for service learning.

9.  Services performed on staff at non-profit athletic or summer music camp for no financial compensation will count as service learning hours.

10.  Time out of class may not be used for service hours, however a maximum of 5 volunteer hours per week can be earned by participation in an organized, supervised and approved tutoring program provided the tutoring takes place when school is in session.  Tutoring cannot take place during the tutor’s academic classes.

11.  Volunteer work done to promote a particular religious or political point of view will not count.

12.  In general, service rendered directly to a for-profit institution or organization as a precondition of employment, will not count.

13.  Service for a student’s family or family business will not count.

14.  Service performed as a result of disciplinary action taken by the school or courts will not count.

15.  Participation in campus or competitive activities, such as athletics, plays, debate meets, etc., will not count.

16.  Services performed, as an academic requirement, other than performed as part of the approved volunteer service learning courses, will not count.

17.  Baby-sitting or similar services, performed for an individual family will not count.  Baby-sitting for school related activities will count.

18.  Volunteer hours may not be certified by a family member or fellow student.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost and found articles should be turned into the administrative office or middle school office.  Persons wishing to reclaim articles should do so during the lunch period, before school or after school.

HEALTH INFORMATION

State Health Department Laws, mandates that EVERY student have a physician signed copy of current Certificate of Good Health (HRS Form 3040 and Florida Certificate of Immunization, including a TB test (HRS Form 680) in their file before starting school.

MEDICATION POLICY 

When a student is enrolled, parents sign a Parental Permission for Medication form, which specifies what medications the child may take, and what, if any medications are prescribed by a physician.

All medications must be handed in to the office before school.  No student is permitted to have any medications with them at school.  No student will be given medication of any kind unless the parents have signed the permission form to approve the medication. 

Storing Medications:

All medications are stored in a secure place in Dr. Allison’s office.  The basic medications available for students include Tylenol, aspirin, Advil, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, cough drops, allergy caplets, and other basic over-the-counter medications. Prescription medications that have been sent in by parents for their students’ needs are also stored in Dr. Allison’s office. 

Administering Medications:

The medications are administered by Dr. Allison, Ms. Sheriff, or Ms. Robayo.  Students sign out for the meds with their names, date, time, and meds taken

PARENT-SCHOOL COOPERATION

Allison Academy strongly believes in promoting regular communication between parents, teachers, and administration. Parent involvement is an integral part of the total education process, and parent support is highly valued.  We anticipate positive involvement with all parents and strive to cooperate in all ways possible to provide a united commitment to all students.

 Parent-teacher conferences are held periodically at the request of either the parents or the school, as soon as issues of concern arise.  Telephone communication is maintained on a routine basis to check on absences, illnesses, and simply to keep in touch with parents. Email communications can be sent to allisonacademy@allisonacademy.com, or to sallison@allisonacademy.com.  Any teacher may be emailed by using their first initial and last name at allisonacademy.com. It is in the best interest of our students that we maintain continuous, open communication with their parents.  We welcome parent visits, conferences, and phone calls!  Parents may also access their student’s information, school calendar, activities, and announcements by logging on to Edline at www.edline.net and enter your password to see your child’s information.

In event of an emergency, the school will notify each parent simultaneously by cell phone, from our school emergency notification system, ParentREACH.  This notification system will also be used to notify parents of special events, activities, and PTSA Meetings.

The Allison Academy Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) meets several times each year and welcomes active participants in our school projects.  The PTSA provides an excellent support system for our school, and has raised funds for numerous additions to enhance our programs. We encourage every parent to participate and enjoy the interaction with other parents. 

DRESS CODE

Allison Academy maintains that students’ dress and appearance should contribute to a positive image of the school and the students.  Students will purchase and wear the school uniform daily.

Acceptable clothing:

*Khaki dress style slacks, proper fit, worn at waist with no underwear showing, purchased from Continental Uniform, Inc.

*All clothing must fit appropriately.  Appropriateness is determined by the Director in consultation with the classroom teachers.

*Khaki shorts, two inches above the knee (for girls), purchased from Continental Uniform, Inc. *Short shorts are not acceptable.

*Khaki shorts (for boys) purchased from Continental Uniform, Inc.

*Belts

*Sweatshirts purchased from Continental Uniform, Inc. with Allison Academy name and logo.

*Burgundy, white, or forest green polo style, collared shirts, with the Allison Academy logo purchased from Continental Uniform, Inc.

*Shoes:  sneakers, loafers, or walking shoes (sandals, flip-flops or clogs are unacceptable)

*Socks are required

*Khaki skirts (for girls) must be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee.

*Capri Pants purchased from Continental Uniform, Inc.

*Jewelry or accessories that distract from the learning process will need to be removed and placed in the student’s locked locker for safe keeping or given to administration until the end of the school day.

*Jewelry may not be worn to physical education classes as it can cause harm to the student and others.

**Any items of clothing not purchased from Continental Uniform, Inc. are unacceptable, and will result in the student being held in the office until proper attire can be brought from home, or the student can be properly dressed with clothing from the school uniform room. If clothing can not be fitted here from the uniform room, and proper attire is not brought to school, the student will be sent home for the day, with the student receiving an “F” in each class missed.

*    Uniforms are not to be altered in any fashion without permission from administration.

*    No unnatural hair color, hair pieces or dreadlocks to be worn

*    No headbands or  elastic/rubber bands to be worn in hair

*    Hair must be well kempt and presentable to the discretion of the administration.

*    LONG SHIRTS (longer that 3 inches below the waistline), MUST BE TUCKED INSIDE PANTS/SHORTS/SKIRTS AT ALL TIMES.

*    Short shirts that are no longer than three inches below the belt/waist line, will not have to be tucked into the pants.

 SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT

Required:  Pencils, pens, paper, highlighters, markers, organizers, loose-leaf paper, notebooks, calculators, and folders are the required school supplies. Please do not purchase spiral notebooks. Battery operated Laptops are recommended.

Additional special supplies will be assigned by the teachers on an as needed basis.

LOCKS AND LOCKERS

School locks and lockers will be assigned during the week before school begins, or when the student enrolls.  Students must use an Allison Academy lock. If a lock is lost, the student will be charged $6.00.  All other locks are unacceptable and will be cut off.  The school is not responsible for items stolen from lockers, or locks that become misplaced, stolen, or damaged.  Students must maintain the assigned locker unless a change is approved by the administrator in charge of lockers.  Students should go to lockers in the morning before the opening of school, at lunch and after school. STUDENTS ARE NOT TO BE EXCUSED TO GO TO LOCKERS DURING THE CLASS PERIOD.

All students’ lockers and book bags are subject to search without warning, with reasonable suspicion, pursuant to State of Florida law FSS 2321.250.

UNACCEPTABLE IN SCHOOL, ON SCHOOL PROPERTY OR WITHIN 1000 FT OF SCHOOL PROPERTY: weapons of any kind, pocket knives, water pistols, cigarettes, and any objects that could be used to distract or cause harm to another person.