omerset

cademy
Parent and Student Handbook
2010

Home of the Panthers

www.SomersetSoHo.com

D R . C RISTINA C RUZ - O RTIZ

P RINCIPAL

M S . L AYDA M ORALES
A SSISTANT P RINCIPAL
300 S.E. First Drive
Homestead Florida 33030
P HONE : (305) 245
F AX : (305) 245-6109

Somerset Academy South Homestead

2010 - 2011
A Miami-Dade County Public Charter School
All Somerset Academy South Homestead students are Miami-Dade County Public School students.

VISION STATEMENT
The vision of Somerset Academy Charter is to continue to be recognized and respected as a top ranked
learning community that graduates productive and caring citizens who are prepared to succeed in a global
society.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Somerset Academy Charter is to provide an individualized, academically rigorous and engaging
curriculum focusing on the ever-changing needs of our learners. Our educational process encompasses the
partnership among the school, family and community, in order to develop a life-long love of learning. We strive
to develop students who are self-assured, well-rounded and prepared for future success.

ADMINISTRATION Contact
Principal Dr. Cristina Cruz-Ortiz CristinaCruz@dadeschools.net
STUDENT SERVICES Contact
Attendance/H.S.A/ Registrar Ms. Adriana Valdez 305 245-6108
Activities Director/Sports coordinator Mr. Jose Herrera jherrera77@dadeschools.net
Lunch account information Ms. Beverly McKay 305 245-6108
Reading Plus/Data Analysis Ms. Betty Portugal bportugal@dadeschools.net
Pre-K4, Before and After School Ms. Yvette Martinez YMartinez13@dadeschools.net
Carnegie Math Ms. Maria Rodriguez Mayterodz@bellsouth.net
Grade Book Ms. Layda Morales Morales21@dadeschools.net
ESE Specialist Ms. Laura Rodriguez LRodriguez@dadeschools.net
Assistant Principal Ms. Layda Morales Morales21@dadeschools.net

HOURS OF OPERATION
Morning Care 7:00 a.m.– 8:10 a.m
Students: Pre-K4 through First Grade 8:15 p.m. -2:00 p.m.
Second through Eighth Grade 8:15 p.m. -3:00 p.m. (8:15 a.m. Homeroom begins)
Breakfast 7:45 to 8:10 (cafeteria)
Conferences Before school, after school or at times mutually
convenient for all parties.
Sibling Care (PM) PreK - First Grade 2:00 p.m. – 3:00pm ($50 monthly fee)
After Care (All Grades) 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ($120 monthly fee)

Drop off may begin at 8:00 a.m. School doors open at 8:10 a.m.

*Uniforms may be purchased at:

All Uniforms
27410 South Dixie Hwy, Miami FL 33010
786 545-9988 27495

Volunteer information website: www.dadeschools.net (Parent or Community Portal)

 *3 permanent referrals of any type will result in being placed on the waitlist for the upcoming school year.

Parent Contract

Somerset Academy parents are responsible for reading and signing the last page. Please return it to your
child’s homeroom teacher the next school day.

I understand and will assure compliance of the Somerset Academy South Homestead Student Code of
Excellence, which has been provided to me on the school website www.SomersetSoHo.com

I am responsible for signing the last page and returning it the following school day to my child’s homeroom
teacher.

I understand that it is the responsibility of the parent to provide transportation to and from school.

Attendance and Punctuality: Attendance and punctuality are mandatory. It is the responsibility of the parent to
notify the teacher of their child’s absence and provide a note within 48 hours of the student return to school.
Be aware that more than 10 unexcused hours in an annual course and 5 unexcused hours in a semester course
may result in a No Credit for the year.

School Hours:
Homeroom begins at 8:15 a.m. I understand that any student arriving after 8:15 a.m. will require a late pass
from the office in order to enter class. After ten tardies, the student will be issued a referral form that will be
placed in the student’s permanent records. In addition, they will lose the privilege of reenrollment and placed
on the waitlist for the upcoming year. If your child continues to arrive late, a MDCPS referral will be initiated for
each 5 additional tardies.

Dismissal time is 3:00 p.m. for all students in Second Grade through Eighth Grade (except on Wednesday, the
entire school dismisses at 2:00 p.m.). I understand that no student will be allowed on campus after 3:20 p.m.
unless they are participating in a school sponsored club or activity. The School reserves the right to apply
sanctions to any unsupervised students who are still on campus after school hours. I understand that after 2:15
p.m. for K-1st and 3:15 p.m. for 2nd through 8th (Monday, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) and 2:15 p.m. on
Wednesdays, all students who have not been picked up and remain on campus will be sent to the Aftercare
Program where they will be charged a $1.00 fee for every minute late.
* Younger sibling GOES TO OLDER sibling’s dismissal*
*All students will be dismissed at 2:00 p.m. every Wednesday.*
*Pre-K , Kindergarten and 1st grade daily dismissal is at 2:00 p.m.*

NOTE: The aforementioned rules will be strictly enforced for insurance reasons. We are not liable for students
arriving at school before 8:00 a.m. or departing after 3:15 p.m., as our insurance ends at this time.
Emergency Contact Card: Parents who wish to pick up their child early will be asked to show a picture ID at the
front office. Students will not be dismissed from school to any person NOT listed on the emergency contact
card. It is the responsibility of the parent to maintain the emergency contact card information updated.
Students will not be dismissed 30 minutes prior to General School Dismissal at 3:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. In other
words, no early release will be approved after 2:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. No Exceptions.

Electronic Devices: I am aware that my child is not allowed to bring any games, toys or electronic devices from
home to school grounds. The teacher will confiscate any unauthorized items that my child may bring into the
school and will turn these in to an administrator. The administrator is entitled to keep such items until the end of
the school year. I have been advised that my child may have a cell phone in school if, and only if, it remains
OFF and out of sight in the book back. I have been advised that all students must report to the main office in
order to contact their parents/guardians. Cellular phones use in school by the student is strictly prohibited and
such violation will cause the student to have their phone taken away. First offense, parents need to sign out the
phone. Second offense, phone taken away, parent needs to sign out phone and detention. Third offense
student will lose the privilege of having the cell phone for the rest of the school year, a permanent referral will
be initiated. Phones will be returned the last day of school. THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE OR ANY
ELECTRONICS OR PHONES.

Lunch: Lunch money is only collected on Friday’s ($3.50 lunch and $1.00 breakfast). It is strongly suggested
you always maintain at least a $10 balance for each child. All balances rollover. No outside food, such as
McDonald’s or Burger King, will be allowed in school. Students who do not bring lunch and/or lunch money will
be provided with cereal and milk. If you wish to inquire about your child’s lunch balance, please send a note or
email: Ms. McKay at bmckay@dadeschools.net.

Satisfactory Progress: I understand that students at Somerset Academy South Homestead must maintain a
minimum 2.0 GPA, as well as, a good attendance and behavior record. Non-compliance with these
requirements will prevent the students from participating in any sport or extra-curricular activity. In addition,
non-compliance with these requirements will result in the student being placed in an academic/behavior
contract and given a probation period for improvement.
(3 referrals of any kind will result in being placed on the waitlist for the upcoming school year)

Parental Involvement: I am aware that each family at Somerset Academy South Homestead is required to
complete 30 volunteer hours of services by May 6, 2011. Failure to complete this requirement will result being
placed on the waitlist for the upcoming school year. Parents may have the option to make a donation of $5 an
hour or $150 in lieu of the volunteer hours.

Uniform Policy Uniforms: Uniform Store: All Uniforms 27410 South Dixie Hwy, 33010 (786) 545-9988
The appearance of the students of the Somerset Academy South Homestead and family is of paramount
importance to us as we believe good appearance is fundamental to good character development and
success. Uniforms are required daily and will be strictly enforced. Failure to do so will result in administrative
action being taken (see below).

• Pants and shirts that are too big, too small, or too tight for the student will NOT be acceptable and will be deemed
a violation of the uniform code. All shirts must bear the school name and logo.
• Belts must be worn at all times; these belts must be plain and black/brown and must be fastened securely at waist
level. Pants must be worn at waist level. Loose or low pants will not be tolerated.
• Shirts will be correctly tucked inside the pants/shirt/skorts/skirts at all times. Pants must have a black/dark brown
belt. Shirt colors allowed: Elementary School (K-5th grade): light blue or white.
Middle School (Grades 6th – 8th) light blue, white or navy shirts, and short sleeve Oxford Shirt.
• Sweaters and jackets; school sweaters or SOLID COLORED navy, white or light blue. (No print of any kind unless it is a
school logo). NO HOODIES ALLOWED!
• Turtlenecks and undershirts: navy, white or light blue plain long sleeve turtleneck may be worn underneath your
polo during cold days.
• Shoes must be closed and black/dark brown/navy. NO SNEAKERS of any kind will be allowed. Sneakers may be
used during PE only.
• Socks up to the ankle must be worn at all times.
• Jewelry is limited to one (1) watch, (1) ring, and (1) small chain. Chains must be worn inside the shirts and are not to
be visible except at the back of the neck. Boys may NOT wear any earrings at all.
• Uniforms need to be clean at all times. Good grooming of hair, skin and fingernails is expected at all times.
• Hair must not be dyed with unnatural colors, worn unusually, or maintained in unacceptable condition. Boy’s hair
should not touch the shirt collar, nor cover the ears, and the front length should not be below the eyebrow level.
Braids, cornrows, or dreadlocks that touch the collar of the shirt for boys will not be permitted, no Mohawks are
allowed.
• Any hairdo that the administration deems distracting to others learning environment is also banned.
• No caps or headgear unless it is for a special events.
• No buttons, tags, or labels may be worn on the school uniform unless approved by the administration.
• No writing on school uniforms or school approved apparel will be permitted.
• No writing on any body part that is visible will be permitted.
• Rolling book bags are not allowed unless medically necessary. A doctor’s note is needed.

PLEASE NOTE: 1st offense: warning, 2nd offense detention and parent need to bring uniform to school, 3rd offense
parent meeting and parent brings uniform to school, 4th offense indoor suspension, referral and parent brings
uniform and 5th offense indoor/outdoor with a permanent referral placed on the student record. Every 3 offenses
will result in a permanent referral.

* 3 referrals of any kind will result in being placed on the waitlist for the upcoming school year*

Additionally, it is recommended that student’s purchase a plain apron or smock for use in art and science classes in order to
protect their clothes. The school will not be held responsible for damage to students’ personal property
ATTENDANCE POLICY

Attendance is extremely important. A combination of 10 or more unexcused absences, early pickups or

tardies may result in cancellation of automatic re-enrollment and will be placed on the waitlist.

TEACHERS WILL ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES:

1. On 3rd absence (excused or unexcused), contact parent.
2. On 5th absence from school, contact parent again, internal referral initiated.
3. On 7th absence from school, schedule parent conference and permanent referral will initiated by
administration.
4. On 8th absence from school, submit a permanent referral to the attendance office.

If a student is continually sick and repeatedly absent from school, he or she must be under the
supervision of a physician in order to be excused. Absences will be marked as unexcused unless the
student presents a written note to the homeroom teacher within 48 HOURS of his/her return to school.

****10 or more Unexcused Absences/Tardies or early pickup may result in cancellation of automatic re-
enrollment.

The note should include the following information:

1. Student name, ID number and grade
2. Date(s) in which the student was absent from school
3. Reason for absence (acceptable reasons are only the ones listed below)
4. Parent’s name and signature
5. Parent contact number for verification purposes

Absences will ONLY be excused for the following reasons:

1. STUDENT illness
2. Medical Appointment (must present doctor’s note showing date and time of appointment)
3. Death in the immediate family (must provide a copy of death certificate)
4. Observance of a religious holiday or service recognized by Miami Dade County Public Schools
5. Official summons to appear in court or immigration appointment (documentation of these must be provided)
6. School sponsored events or activities previously approved by administrators
7. Other individual student absences beyond the control of the parent or student must be approved by the principal or
assistant principal. Transportation issues and parent/sibling illness will NOT be excused

• Pre-approved absences: In the event you know your child will be absent for several days, you need to
request a “Pre-approved Absence Form” from the front office, which is to be completed and submitted
for approval no less than 10 school days prior to the expected absences. FAMILY VACATIONS WILL NOT BE
EXCUSED.

• NO make-up work, tests, or projects will be given to the student for the day(s) missed until absences are
excused and the teachers are presented with an "Admission to Class" (ADMIT), which the student is
responsible for showing to the homeroom teacher. If the student fails to follow these procedures he/she
will receive a grade of “F" on all missed work. Teachers will designate a reasonable amount of time in
which make-up work can be completed.

• If a student is continually sick and repeatedly absent from school, he or she must be under the
supervision of a physician in order to be excused. Students accumulating ten (10) or more absences in
an annual course, or five (5) or more absences in a semester course, DUE TO ILLNESS, are required to
have a note from a physician on file at the school in order to receive an excused absence thereafter.
 • Students accumulating ten (10) or more absences in an annual course, or five (5) or more absences in a
semester course, will be subject to the withholding of a grade(s). Students with 15 or more unexcused
absences in a 90 calendar day period are subject to having a complaint of truancy filed with the
Department of Juvenile Justice and legal action will be taken to insure regular attendance. In addition,
it may/will result in cancellation of re-enrollment privileges and placed on the waitlist.

TARDIES

Students arriving after 8:15 a.m. will be marked tardy and must attain a pass by the security guard or the main
office. A tardy is defined as not being in their seat when the bell rings. It is the student’s responsibility to request
a pass and failure to do so may result in him/her being marked absent instead of tardy to school.

TEACHERS WILL FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING TARDY TO SCHOOL POLICY for each 9 weeks grading period:
1. On 3rd tardy to school, contact parent.
2. On 5th tardy to school, contact parent again, in-house referral.
3. On 7th tardy, parent meeting and permanent referral.
4. On 8th tardy, submit a referral to the attendance office. The referral will appear on the student’s
permanent record. **Your child will lose automatic registration for the following school year and placed on
the waitlist.
Repeated tardiness may be considered a Code of Student Conduct violation. (#70, Tardiness, Excessive).

EARLY DISMISSAL
1. Parents/guardians or any other adult (21 or older) who is listed in the Emergency Contact Card must come
to the Attendance Office or Reception area in order to request an early dismissal.
2. The adult picking up a student must present picture identification and this must be validated using the
information on the Emergency Contact Card in order for students to get released. Students will not be
dismissed out of school to any person NOT listed on the emergency contact card.
3. After a student’s 5th early dismissal, a doctor’s note will be required for make-up work to be given in missed
classes.
4. Early releases will count as absences and will affect the student’s attendance record for the classes missed.
5. NO student will be released for early dismissal after 2:30 p.m and 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. No Exceptions!

SCHOOL BOARD POLICY STATES THAT STUDENTS WILL ONLY BE RELEASED TO AN ADULT LISTED ON THE EMERGENCY CONTACT
CARD. A PICTURE ID MUST BE SHOWN. A PARENT OR GUARDIAN MUST COME IN PERSON IN ORDER TO ADD NAMES TO THE
EMERGENCY CARD. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILTY OF THE PARENT TO MAINTAIN THE EMERGENCY CONTACT CARD INFORMATION
UPDATED. A NOTE SENT WITH A STUDENT, A FAX, AND/OR A PHONE CALL FROM A PARENT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR
UPDATING THE EMERGENCY CONTACT CARD INFORMATION. NO EXCEPTIONS!

BIRTHDAY/HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
Celebrations are welcomed, but to ensure that instructional time is not lost, there are a few school wide
procedures.
• All celebrations must be coordinated with the teacher and will be held the last 30 minutes of the school
day.
• Cupcakes and small treats are welcome, but piñatas, games, clowns or characters, and birthday
presents should be kept for an outside celebration.

CHAPERONES AND VOLUNTEERS (FOR FIELD TRIPS)

The ratio of chaperones to students for field trips is 15:1. We invite parents to join us on field trips depending on
the capacity of the trip. Normally, we ask for 2 parent chaperones per trip. Chaperones are chosen as fairly as
possible by placing all interested parents names in a hat and randomly pulling 2 names. If you had already
received the opportunity to attend a field trip that year, and your name is pulled, it is placed aside to give
others the opportunity for a first time field trip. Anyone interested in chaperoning on a field trip must fill out the
Volunteer Application and be approved by Miami Dade County. Please go to www.dadeschools.net parent or
community portal.

COMMITTEES
All of our teachers sit on committees to help our school to be the best it can be and we always invite our parents
to join them. At the beginning of the year, we will put a list of the committees that we have, their meeting times
and dates, and the contact person for each committee on the website. If you are interested in earning your
volunteer hours by helping out on one of our committees, please contact the head of each committee.

CONFIDENTIALITY
We take confidentiality very seriously at Somerset Academy and although our teachers and administration are
always willing to discuss the needs and concerns of your child, we will not discuss another child, their behaviors
and or consequences with you.

Under no circumstances will we give out the personal information of another student or family (including phone
numbers and email addresses) unless written permission has been given to the teacher or administration to do
so.

FAILURE NOTICES (UNSATISFACTORY PROGRESS REPORTS)

Parents/guardians of all students are encouraged to view your child’s grades on a weekly basis. Grades are
viewed via the Miami Dade County Student Portal www.dadeschools.net (Click on Student Portal). Please call
the office for your PIN number. You will be notified via email or a written notice during a grading period when it
is apparent that the student may fail the class or is doing unsatisfactory work. If a student is in danger of failing,
a formal Unsatisfactory Progress Report will be sent home, in that both the parents and the teacher can work
together to help our students succeed.

FINANCES
Somerset Academy will accept checks for all school related activities for anything over $20. Only cash or
money orders will be accepted for anything under $20. Any school personnel that accepts cash from you will
write you a receipt that you may use as proof that you paid. If writing a check, it needs to be written on an
individual activity basis, for example you may not send money for your child’s lunch account and a field trip on
the same check.

If a check is returned to the school by your bank, you will be responsible for any fees accrued by your bank, a
$25 returned check fee to the school, and the original amount of the check.

For purposes of accounting and closing out the school year, only cash or money orders will be accepted for
the months of May and June.
GRADES
Teachers are required to issue weekly grades in each subject area. These will
Grading Scale
be recorded in an online grade book which you will be able to access at your
convenience. It is strongly recommended that you check grades
90 – 100 A
weekly. www.dadeschools.net (Via the Student Portal)
80 – 89 B
70 – 79 C
60 – 69 D
59 – below F

ILLNESSES AND INJURIES

An ailing child has a difficult time learning and also may present a health hazard to others. Parents will be
called and asked to pick up your child if they become sick on campus. Teachers are not allowed to administer
any medicine to a child, please see our Medicine section for more information on rules for dispensing
medication.
Symptoms requiring immediate attention and/or removal from school include: fevers; vomiting; bleeding;
fractures and broken bones; severe bumps or bruises; red, watery eyes (pink eye); red, itchy bumps all over the
body (chicken pox/measles); itchy scalp (lice); dizziness or loss of consciousness.
 MEDICINE
To have medicine administered to your child during school, you need to fill out the Miami Dade County
Authorization for Medication/Treatment form and have it signed by your doctor. This form can be found in the
office. All medications will be administered through the office by personnel who have completed the Health
and Medicine training course. Only medications that are supplied in the original container, unopened, and
authorized by a physician may be administered.
INSURANCE
In order to participate in any off campus activities, such as field trips, sports or summer camp each student must
have a copy of their health insurance card on file. If your child does not have health insurance, we do offer a
Student Coverage Plan for a minimal fee. Please ask for an insurance application in the office.

PARENT COMMUNICATION
www.SomersetSoHo.com
Communication is essential. In order to keep effective communication, we have many ways for our parents to
be in contact with our teachers, please utilize any and all of the ones listed below:
• PLANNERS ARE MANDATORY! Please use the planner to write notes back and forth with the teacher, as
well as check for any behavior concerns the teacher may have written.
• Email – every teacher on our campus, as well as office staff and administration, has a Somerset email
address that will be checked and responded to within a 24 hour period.
• Newsletter/Calendar – a school-wide newsletter and calendar will be posted on our website.
• Electronic Grade book- please check your child’s grades weekly www.dadeschools.net ( Via the
Student Portal)

Code of Excellence
We believe that a safe and orderly school is of primary importance. When children behave in a respectful,
responsible and safe manner, they learn more and develop into responsible adults whose “character counts”.
The Somerset Academy Code of Excellence (see below) is a school-wide plan that clearly outlines students’
expectations.

As a Miami-Dade County Public Charter School, Somerset Academy South Homestead uses the Code of
Student Conduct published and distributed by the Miami-Dade County Public School Board as a general
guideline. In order to ensure a safe and orderly learning environment, **Somerset Academy enforces stricter
standards for its students as outlined in the School Wide Discipline Plan.

Code of Excellence and School Wide Discipline Plan

All students at Somerset Academy must comply with the Code of Student Conduct published and distributed
by the Miami-Dade County Public School Board. A copy of this can be found by visiting www.dadeschools.net.
In addition, our school holds a Zero Tolerance Policy for the following infractions of the Code of Student
Conduct as listed in the severe clause below. Please note that this list is NOT all-inclusive and the school
administration reserves the right and discretionary authority to enforce consequences accordingly.

A severe clause can be enacted automatically when the student performs one of the violations listed below:

Severe Clause: Fighting, drugs, weapons, profanity, defiance of school personnel, assault upon a student or
staff member, and any continuous disruptive behavior that disrupts the learning environment. The
parent/guardian will be called to pick up the student. Any infraction within the Severe Clause will result in
immediate outdoor suspension and possible withdrawal from Somerset Academy.
(3 referrals of any type will result in loss of automatic reenrollment for the next school year)

Classroom Discipline
All students at Somerset Academy must follow each teacher’s Classroom Discipline Plan and will be subject to
teacher enforced consequences. Parents will receive and sign each teacher’s discipline plan at the beginning
of the school year.

Satisfactory Progress
Students at Somerset Academy South Homestead must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, as well as a good
attendance and behavior record. Non-compliance with these requirements will prevent the students from
participating in any sport or extra-curricular activity. In addition, non-compliance with these requirements will
result in the student being placed in an academic/behavior contract and given a probation period for
improvement.

Please sign and return this page to your child’s homeroom teacher the next school day.

Somerset Academy Parent and School Contract

Student Name: ______________________________ Grade:____________ Teacher:____________________________

Student Identification Number:__________________

Please read, sign and return the following agreement. You are agreeing to comply with all the rules and
regulations of Somerset Academy South Homestead, If you need clarification for any of the following please
call the school.

 I have read, understood, and will abide by the Academic Agreement of Somerset Academy South
Homestead.
 Each year a new enrollment form must be filled out and placement is not guaranteed.
 I have read, understood, and will abide by the Parent Contract of Somerset Academy South
Homestead.
 I have read, understood, and will abide by the Uniform Policy of Somerset Academy South Homestead.
 I have read, understood, and will abide by the Attendance & Tardy Policy of Somerset Academy South
Homestead.
 I have read, understood, and will abide by the Code of Excellence which is stricter than the Miami
Dade County Student Code of Conduct: www.dadeschools.net
 I have read, understood, and will abide by the Parent Contract of Somerset Academy South
Homestead.

Date:_____/_____/______

______________________________________ __________________________________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s Name Parent’s /Guardian’s Signature

Contact phone number:____________________________________________