Just What is a Fundamental School?

1. Just What is a Fundamental School? Is it for our family? Bill Lawrence Director, Advanced Studies & Academic Excellence Madeira Beach Middle School

2. What is a Fundamental School? • First of all, a fundamental school is a setting where the daily focus is on highest student achievement. • Fundamental schools provide a highly structured learning environment emphasizing parental involvement. • Rules and policies are strictly enforced and a strong emphasis is placed on the requirement that home and school work together to promote successful learning.

3. What is a Fundamental School? • The dress code exceeds that of the school district, homework may be assigned on a daily basis. Students are required to behave in a responsible and self-disciplined manner. • Students and Parents must follow specific fundamental school guidelines and sign a commitment letter agreeing to this. Not complying with the guidelines can result in withdrawal and reassignment to another school. • Parents are required to attend PTA, PTSA, or SAC meetings.

4. What is a Fundamental School? • There is no school bus transportation to fundamental schools. Parents must provide transportation to and from school • There are no academic criteria established for admission. Most middle school students come from one of the fundamental elementary schools or through the Countywide Programs application process.

5. What is happening at Madeira Beach? • For 2009-2010, the current fundamental middle school program at Southside Fundamental Middle School is relocating and consolidating with Madeira Beach Middle school. • Madeira Beach families have the choice to remain at the school and agree to sign and commit to following all fundamental guidelines • Madeira Beach Elementary will also be part of the consolidation and creating a single full school K-8 fundamental school

6. What is happening at Madeira Beach? • All current Madeira Beach families can choose to stay and agree to the Fundamental School philosophy. • Families will receive a letter about how to make this choice soon. • Families that do not choose this option will be assigned to their new zoned school. • See the new Zoned School Locator for 2009-10 under PCS News at www.pcsb.org

7. In what ways are fundamental schools specifically different? • Fundamental schools follow a set of guidelines, rules and policies that go above and beyond those stated in the Code of Student Conduct. • While uniforms are not required, all members of the middle school fundamental community must adhere to a strict dress code. For example, shorts, flip flops or backless shoes are not permitted for students, faculty or staff.

8. In what ways are fundamental schools specifically different? • Competitive sports are not part of the fundamental middle school program; some schools offer intramural sports • While the fundamental philosophy focuses on the academics, students also have opportunities to pursue interests including the performing and visual arts. Most students will have an opportunity to participate in electives like Band, Chorus, Art, a Foreign Language, and a variety of extracurricular clubs and activities.

9. Fundamental Expectations • Parent Expectations & Responsibilities • Student Expectations & Guidelines • Dress Code • Homework/Classwork • Discipline

10. Parent Expectations & Responsibilities • Attend a minimum of the 8 required PTA, PTSA, or SAC meetings which are held monthly. • Provide transportation to and from school on a daily basis. • Sign all homework, other student work, teacher communications and forms and notices as needed. • Attend parent-teacher conferences as requested

11. Student Expectations & GuidelinesDress Code • Ankle length pants • Skirts & dresses mid thigh or longer • Shoes with closed back or heel straps (no thongs or sandals) • Shirts and/or tops must cover the midriff and must have sleeves that cover the shoulders • Specifically prohibited are body piercings (except ears), tattoos, neck collars or heavy chains, & gothic wear

12. Student Expectations & GuidelinesHomework / Classwork • Homework may be assigned any day and typically is daily in all classes • All homework assignments must be reviewed and signed by a parent/guardian • Demerits are used to track homework/classwork expectations

13. Student Expectations & GuidelinesHomework / Classwork Demerits are assigned as follows: • 2 Demerits – No homework turned in or incomplete homework • 1 Demerit – No parent/guardian signature • 1 Demerit – Lack of necessary materials for class • 5 Demerits in one grading period in one class results in a written warning. Failure to return the signed notice will result in a detention. • 5 additional Demerits in the same class (totaling 10) will result in referral to the IAC.

14. Student Expectations & GuidelinesDiscipline • All violations will result in consequences including warning, parent/guardian contact, written Report, Detention, Office Referral, suspension, work detail, etc. • Each school’s Handbook lists specific offenses like: skipping class, tardy, gum, candy, prohibited items (i.e. toys, playing cards, electronic devices, etc.), general misconduct, dress code violations, and prohibited behaviors including displays of physical affection and gossip, slander, or unkind/hurtful remarks about another person.

15. Student Expectations & GuidelinesDiscipline • Notice of Discipline Violation – a formal written notification requiring a parent/guardian signature. It may result in a Report, Detention, or Office Referral. Failure to return the signed notice the following day results in a Detention. • Detentionsare 30 minutes and held before or after school, depending on the specific school and schedule. A missed detention results in an additional detention.

16. Student Expectations & GuidelinesDiscipline • 4 Detentions (cumulative total) in a school year results in a Notice of Disciplinary Status warning requiring signature and a mandatory parent/guardian conference • 6 additional Detentions (10 total) requires referral to the IAC • Suspension– Out-of-school suspension requires referral to the IAC

17. Intervention & Appeal Committee (IAC) • The purpose of the IAC is to review and enforce violations of the Fundamental Procedures. • The IAC may recommend alternatives and interventions for improvement, recommend probations with stipulations and removals from the school.

18. Introductions& Questions • District Staff • Southside Fundamental School Staff • Questions