PLUMOSA
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
REACHING EACH CHILD’S POTENTIAL
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2011 – 2012
2501 Seacrest Blvd.
Delray Beach, Florida 33444
(561) 330-3900
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Administration and Key Personnel
Mrs. Sally Rozanski
Principal
Mrs. Natalie Cromwell
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Jordana Saltzman
Guidance Counselor
Ms. Katie Armentano
Reading Coach
Mrs. Barbara Maness
Learning Team Facilitator
Mrs. Blaise Nicholsky
Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Contact
Mrs. Alberta Anosier
ESOL Contact
Mrs. Nancy Earley
Choice Programs Coordinator
Ms. Pam Dukes
Confidential Secretary
Mrs. Ivey Colligan
Bookkeeper
Mrs. Christine Bice
Attendance Clerk
Mrs. Charlene Freddino
Data Processor
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Students, Parents, and Guardians:
The purpose of the PSOA Student Handbook is to aide students, parents, and guardians to better understand the
expectations of Plumosa School of the Arts and the School District of Palm Beach County. This document also
serves as a companion to the Student and Parent Handbook provided by the School District of Palm Beach
County. The PSOA staff appreciates your support during the 2011-12 school year.
ACCIDENTS/INJURIES (STUDENTS)
1. Notify your teacher, coach, or administrator immediately.
2. Student insurance is available at the beginning of each school year.
3. More information is available from the School Insurance of Florida at 1-800-432-6915.
AGENDAS
We provide the first agenda at no charge. Students are responsible for bringing their agenda to school each day.
Additionally, the student is responsible to have his/her teacher sign the agenda each day and take it home to be
signed by the parent/guardian. If the student loses the agenda, a replacement must be bought. Please have your
child bring $5.00 (cash or check) to the main office to get a replacement agenda.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
For further information please refer to the district ONLINE version of the Student and Family Handbook pages 6-9.
BULLYING and HARASSMENT POLICY
The paramount goal of the School Board and Plumosa School of the Arts is to ensure a safe, secure, civil and
respectful learning environment for all students and school employees. Bullying or harassment, like other
disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a student's ability to learn and a school's ability to
educate its students in a safe environment. Bullying and harassment is a very serious offense and will not be tolerated.
Students, parents, and staff should report any incidences of bullying to the appropriate personnel. For further information
and definitions and examples of bullying and harassment please refer to P-5.002 located at:
www.palmbeachschools.org/policies/ (Chapter 5)
CAFETERIA
Plumosa School of the Arts is a “Breakfast for All” school. All students may eat free breakfast starting at 7:30
a.m. Students should arrive at school at 7:30 am to allow enough time to eat and to arrive to class on time.
Students may buy or qualify for free or reduced lunch from the school cafeteria. Students must remain in the
cafeteria while eating breakfast and lunch. S.T.A.R. Citizenship is an important part of being a student at
Plumosa School of the Arts, so all students are asked to clean their area and exhibit appropriate and responsible
behavior. For online Free and Reduced Lunch Forms please go to: www.palmbeachschools.org/sfs
CELL PHONES and OTHER WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES
According to the Palm Beach County School District Policy 5.183, if students possess a cellular phone [or other
wireless communications device], it should be turned off and kept inside a book bag, purse, or similar container,
and it may not be used (and may not be allowed to emit any ringtone or other noise) on school grounds or
during any school-sponsored program or activity, including school transportation. For further information
please refer to the district website: www.palmbeachschools.org/policies
CHEATING POLICY
Giving or receiving unauthorized help by talking, using written notes or by other visual, oral or tactile means is
cheating. Unless directed to do so by the teacher, sharing information/work is also considered cheating
Assignments and homework are considered individual assignments.
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CLINIC/HEALTH ROOM
Requests from a parent or guardian for their child to receive medication must be made by submitting a
completed “Physician’s Authorization of Medication for a Student at School” form, which details the name of
the drug, dosage, and time intervals for dispensing the medication. Clinic services are available for
emergencies. If a student becomes ill, he/she is to report to the clinic with a pass. A Public Health Nurse will
assist and confer with students and contact a parent/guardian if necessary.
CLOSED CAMPUS
To create a more positive education climate, and a more secure campus environment, Plumosa School of the
Arts operates a closed campus. When students arrive at school, they will be required to remain on campus until
the conclusion of their normal school day. Students must proceed directly from parking lot to main campus.
COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE ABUSE (Zero Tolerance)
In addition to the conditions addressed in the School Acceptable Use Policy, students will be suspended if they
destroy computer resources including hardware, software and network information by physically damaging
computer equipment or “hacking” or accessing unauthorized sites. For further information please refer to the district
ONLINE version of the Student and Family Handbook pages 49-52, www.palmbeachschools.org.
DRESS CODE
In accordance with School Board Policy 5.182, all students are expected to come to school in the mandatory
style of dress outlined below. This dress code facilitates a safe, orderly, and productive educational program.
You and your child’s cooperation and adherence to the dress code policy are greatly appreciated. Abiding by
the school’s dress code is essential to exhibiting S.T.A.R. citizenship.
SHIRTS
• ANY solid colored, polo style, collared shirts with two to three buttons maximum
• Shirts without buttons or shirts with zippers may NOT be worn
• Shirts longer than index finger length must be tucked in (when hands are placed to one’s side)
• During inclement weather (cold or rain), appropriate items MAY be worn over the collared shirt
o May be worn: sweatshirt, sweater, jacket, raincoat/jacket
• During cold weather, a long sleeved shirt MAY be worn under the collared shirt
PANTS/SHORTS/SKIRTS/DRESSES
• Pants must be worn at the natural waistline (a belt is suggested)
• Shorts or skirts must be longer than index finger length (when hands are placed to one’s side)
o Skirts may not have a slit
• Acceptable styles of pants include the following: Docker-style full length pants and Capri pants
o Jeans may NOT be worn unless approved by the administration (e.g., reward, cold weather)
• Acceptable colors: Khaki, Black, and Navy
o Denim, regardless of color, may NOT be worn
• A uniform-type dress or jumper (polo shirt underneath) may be worn if it complies with the other
components of the dress code
• Torn or frayed attire may NOT be worn
SHOES AND BELTS
• Closed toed shoes with a full back must be worn
o No Crocs, sandals, flip-flops, or shoes with a back strap
• Belts are suggested
o The student must ensure that his/her pants are worn at the natural waistline
The use of a belt helps ensure that pants are worn at the natural waistline
Additional Information:
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• Hats, caps, bandanas or other head coverings may NOT be worn (exception: religious purposes)
• Accessories or jewelry that may pose a safety hazard or are a distraction may NOT be worn (items will
be confiscated).
• Possible Vendors: Bealls Outlet, GAP, J. C. Penny, Old Navy, Sears, Target,Wal-Mart
Note: Any student out of compliance with the mandatory dress code will be asked to change attire and
the student is subject to disciplinary action (e.g., exclusion from activities, S.T.A.R. Days, positive
behavior awards, Fun Fridays).
EARLY DISMISSAL
An Early Dismissal Pass is issued when a student needs to leave campus early for an appointment, becomes ill,
or has an emergency. Parents should call ahead to arrange for an early dismissal for an appointment, Parents
need to come in to sign out their child prior to 2:00 p.m. When students are absent due to documented medical,
legal, or family death, they must bring a signed letter/note from the parent explaining the reason for the absence.
Students whose absences are not excused will not earn credit for any work missed.
GUIDANCE SERVICES
Every student at Plumosa School of the Arts has a Guidance Counselor who will assist him/her throughout
his/her school career. The school guidance counselor will provide classroom, small group, and individual
sessions based on specific student need.
HONOR ROLL
The Honor Roll is meant to recognize the dedication and hard work of students in the second through fifth grade.
Students in Kindergarten and first grade will be recognized in their individual classrooms by their teachers. There are two
levels of awards:
Academic Excellence - All “A” grades and no concerns in any areas
Honor Roll – Majority of “A” grades and no grade lower than a “B” and no concerns in any areas
MAKE-UP WORK
It is the responsibility of the student to make up all missed work. The student must contact the teacher and
arrange to complete all work within a period equal to the number of days absent. Tests and assignments
announced prior to an absence are due the day the student returns to school. If the student will be confined at
home for a week or more, a parent may request make-up work through the Guidance Department. A 48-hour
period is requested to obtain the work from the teachers.
OBLIGATIONS
Students will be held responsible for their financial obligations. Financial obligations refer to but are not
limited to the following; lost or damaged school property, school pictures, cafeteria accounts, participation in
fundraisers, participation in extracurricular activities, and trips. A student on the Obligation List will not be
allowed to participate in school activities. Financial needs will be dealt with on an individual basis. For
further information please refer to the district ONLINE version of the Student and Family Handbook pages 14.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-teacher conferences are a beneficial and welcome method for improving home-school communication
and for setting goals for student learning. Teachers, parents, or students may initiate these conferences. Parents
may call or email the teacher to request a conference. Conferences are held from 7:30am to 7:45am and from
2:45 pm to 3:30 pm. If necessary, arrangements can be made for alternate conference times.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress reports will be issued at the 6 week period of each trimester cycle.
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REPORT CARDS
Report cards will be issued each trimester. It is advisable to retain your report cards throughout your
elementary school years for reference purposes.
SCHOOL BASED TEAM
The School Based Team (SBT) identifies students requiring academic, behavioral, social or emotional
interventions. Members include but are not limited to Administration, guidance, school psychologist, ESE
representative, ELL representative, school nurse, 504 designee, School Police, classroom teacher, and
community agencies.
S.T.A.R. - School-wide Positive Behavior Support Plan
Below is a brief description of the Plumosa School-wide Positive Behavior Support Plan that promotes and
fosters personal responsibility (academics and behavior) and a sense of citizenship (S.T.A.R. Citizenship),
family, and community. Students and staff have embraced this encouraging and rewarding school-designed
plan.
• Universal Guidelines – read each day over the announcements and in class
o I will control my body
o I will control my voice
o I will focus my thoughts and use my imagination
o I will show respect and cooperate with others
o Because I am a STAR Citizen at Plumosa School of the Arts (students say this line )
• S.T.A.R. Citizen Matrix - outlines expected behaviors in all settings
o S-elf Control
o T-eamwork
o A-ctive Citizenship
o R-espect and Responsibility
• Universal Attention Signal
o FREEZE…Stop, look at the teacher, wait for directions
o Bathroom- thumb up
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Daily Management System:
Every day the student will have one of the following numbers indicated in his/her agenda (see below). Each
number has a corresponding behavior description. Students are responsible for controlling their own behavior.
A behavior rating of a 1 or 2 will also be accompanied by a description of the behavior(s), a referral or a phone
call to the parent.
o 4 – Behavior is conducive to the student’s learning and to the learning of others.
o 3 – Behavior is generally conducive to the student’s own learning.
o 2 – Behavior had a negative impact on the student’s learning and/or the learning of others.
o 1 – Behavior has violated school district and/or school policy (e.g., fighting, physical
aggression, verbal abuse, bullying, and profanity)
When rules are broken in or outside the classroom, one or more of the following steps will occur:
• Student will receive a warning
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• Student will be moved to time out within the classroom (Observation Deck)
• Student will forfeit the right recess, silent lunch, or exclusion from STAR rewards
• Student will be removed to an alternative setting
• Student will receive an administrative referral
• Parent will be called to pick-up the student from school
Examples of rewards for S.T.A.R .Behavior:
S.T.A.R. Raffle; Themed Fridays; S.T.A.R. Days
TELEPHONES
School phones are for school business. In case of an emergency, students will be allowed to use the phone.
STUDENTS WILL NOT BE CALLED FROM CLASS TO TAKE A PHONE CALL.
TEXTBOOKS
For further information please refer to the district ONLINE version of the Student and Family Handbook pages 52-53.
TRANSPORTATION
For further information please refer to the district ONLINE version of the Student and Family Handbook pages 39-41.
VISITORS
Persons other than students of the school and staff members are regarded as visitors and must report to the Main
Office to receive approval and sign on the computer in the main office for a visitor pass. Students from other
schools are not permitted to visit the campus or individual classes. People who are on campus for the purpose
of providing rides for students at the close of the day are to remain with their vehicle in the parent pick up area
and are not to interfere with the school program in any way.
VOLUNTEERS
All volunteers at Plumosa must register in the main office and be cleared prior to assisting teachers and
students. Volunteers must also complete the school’s volunteer training. Volunteers are not permitted to assist
in their child’s classroom. For further information please refer to the district ONLINE version of the Student and
Family Handbook pages 56 - www.palmbeachschools.org.
WITHDRAWAL
Students may be withdrawn by a parent/guardian or Assistant Principal.
ATTENTION: STUDENTS ARE ALSO HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE POLICIES
AND PROCEDURES STATED IN THE DISTRICT STUDENT AND PARENT
HANDBOOK.