EMERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
OUR MISSION
Our
mission is to enable students to achieve their potential and become contributing
members of society through a well-rounded education that involves critical
thinking, modern technology and active parent participation of students,
teachers, parents, and community members.
SCHOOL
MASCOT: The fox
EMERSON’S
SCHOOL SONG
Here’s a song to the
green
and white of Emerson, Emerson.
Standing under skies made bright
by Miami’s sun, Emerson.
May each heart be strong and
true Emerson for you...
Always in a memory, Emerson and
me, Emerson and me...
Mrs. María P. Acosta
Ms. Olga Caballero
Ms. Rosalind Castle
Principal Assistant Principal
Assistant Principal
EMERSON
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
A warm welcome to our students and parents!
This
will be a great year at Emerson Elementary. Our staff is outstanding and as a
"family" unit parents and teachers will work together to provide a
wonderful education for our terrific boys and girls.
This
handbook is one way to bring the parents, teachers, and students of Emerson
Elementary School together. Only
together can we accomplish a program of well-rounded education for all of our
children. In this book you will
find the answers to most of your questions.
Please call the school office, (305) 265-5757, for additional
information.
Our
boys and girls deserve our best efforts...
Excellent school attendance, punctuality, a good night's sleep, a
nutritional breakfast, and having the proper supplies needed in school are all
part of a program of success for students.
UNIFORMS
Research
indicates that there is a close correlation between student behavior and dress
standards. SCHOOL UNIFORMS ARE
REQUIRED AT EMERSON ELEMENTARY. PARENTS VOTED VERY STRONGLY IN FAVOR OF THIS
POLICY. The uniform will consist of
the Emerson T-shirt in a variety of colors and navy blue or khaki pants, shorts,
skirts, jumpers, or skorts. Blue
jeans may be worn on Fridays only. The
T-shirts can be purchased at the school through the PTA, $10.00 each.
The bottoms may be purchased at any local store.
Safety, cleanliness, and
decency are factors considered in the established dress code.
The following are NOT permitted at Emerson:
1.
Metal football cleats, clogs, and thongs
2.
Shorts which do not cover the buttocks
3.
Bicycle shorts
4.
Hats and caps
If
you have any questions, please call the school office and ask for assistance
from a member of the school PTA/PTSA or a member of the Emerson staff.
We believe that proper dress is as important as proper behavior.
Therefore, we request your cooperation in this matter.
ATTENDANCE
Our
students should have excellent attendance. Please make every effort to achieve
perfect attendance and punctulity. Students
must be in class before 8:30 a.m. A written note from a parent or
guardian must be sent to the teacher when a child returns from an absence. The
note should include the date and the reason for the absence. This information is
necessary for the school records. PARENTS OF STUDENTS THAT HAVE FlVE OR MORE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A MEETING WITH THE PRINCIPAL AND TEACHER.
FURTHER UNEXCUSED ABSENCES WILL INVOLVE THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
EMERSON
COMMUNITY SCHOOL PROGRAM
In
an attempt to meet the needs of the children of this community, the Community
School Program offers many activities throughout the week that compliment the
regular school program and expand the participant’s educational, cultural, and
recreational opportunities.
Emerson
Elementary offers a before and after school program under the direction of the
Community Education Office. The
hours and fees are:
7:00-8:15
a.m.- $ 30.00 every two weeks
2:00-3:00
p.m.- $ 30.00 every two weeks for Kindergarten and Grade 1 students
2:00-6:00
p.m. -$ 60.00 every two weeks
The
Community School Program also offers a large number of classes which include
salsa, piano, art, theater, and computers.
Remedial programs in math and reading are also offered to assist those
students who experience difficulty in the regular classroom.
Informational
meetings for the community, as well as, meetings for special groups such as
Girls’ or Cubs’ Scouts can be scheduled through the Community School Office.
We encourage active participation and new ideas for future programming. For more information, please call 305 264-5757, Ext. 116,
between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
ADDRESS
– TELEPHONE CHANGES
It
is vital that the school office be notified of any change of address and/or
telephone number immediately. There are times when an emergency necessitates our
having an exact address and/or telephone number.
EARLY
PICK-UP
When
parents pick up their children before school is over, they should report to the
office first to have him/her signed out. The student will be called to the office over the intercom.
THIS SHOULD ONLY HAPPEN DURING SCHOOL HOURS IF THE CHILD IS SICK, HAS A
MEDICAL APPOINTMENT, OR A FAMILY EMERGENCY.
The student will be released only to those adults whose names
appear on the Emergency Contact Card as authorized by parents.
In addition, those adults need to present a Florida Driver’s License or
other picture I.D. Under no
circumstances will a student be allowed to leave the school grounds on his/her
own before school is over.
TARDINESS
The
tardy bell rings at 8:30 a.m.. All
children who are not in their rooms at this time are marked "Tardy."
Parents of these students need to come in to the office and explain why
they are late. If a parent does not
come in to the office the student will not be allowed in the classroom until the
parent comes back to sign him in. Promptness
is a habit we encourage. Parents should see that children arrive on time.
Parents of children who are tardy more than three times may be required
to meet with an administrator to discuss this issue. After the first week of
school students who are late will not be admitted to class without a pass from
the school office.
CAFETERIA
Dade County has a standard menu, which is available
in all elementary schools. A well-balanced hot lunch including milk and dessert
is provided. A la Carte items are available for students bringing their lunch.
Milk, orange juice and orange juice bars are available.
Cafeteria
manners and good habits are a part of our school instructional program. We
reserve the right to suspend the cafeteria privileges of any child who creates
unnecessary disturbances. A child
who forgets his lunch or lunch money or loses it will receive a peanut butter
and jelly sandwich. No money is
available to loan for lunch charges.
PREPAID
AND REDUCED RATE LUNCH PROGRAM
All
students have the opportunity to pay a week in advance for their lunch. The
prepayments are collected every Monday morning before 8:25 a.m. only. To
participate, please send with your child the correct amount of money in an
envelope marked with his name and room number. Lunches are $ 1.25. Milk
purchases alone are $0.30.
Parents
who are in need of a reduced price or free lunch should make application to the
school office. Children receiving a reduced price lunch must prepay $2.00
weekly.
CITIZENSHIP
Educating
children to become good citizens is a responsibility jointly shared by home and
school, and one that must be carried out. With this in mind, daily acts of
citizenship, such as pledging allegiance to the flag, should be performed by
adults and children alike, in a respectful manner.
We
must work together to set examples of good citizenship by displaying proper
respect for our country, ourselves and others through acts of courtesy,
cooperation, thoughtfulness, honesty, reverence and good sportsmanship. The
actions of children mirror the actions of adults around them. Let school and
home support each other in providing good citizenship models for our students.
CONFERENCES
Parent-teacher
conferences are an important part of the school program.
Know your child's teacher and give them an opportunity to know you.
Give your child the security of feeling the cooperative spirit, which
exists in a friendly parent-teacher relationship.
Please
make appointments for conferences by telephoning the office or writing a note to
the teacher or office. Parents may set up conferences with teachers after
school. Time: Pre-K, Kindergarten,
and First Grade -2:00 to 2:30 p.m., Second through Fifth Grade -3:00 to 3:20
p.m. Teachers may also available
during times when pupils are in art or music classes, by appointment.
DADE
COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD POLICY REQUIRES ALL VISITORS TO REPORT TO THE OFFICE BEFORE
GOING TO CLASSROOMS. THIS IS FOR YOUR CHILD'S SAFETY.
A
parent-teacher conference is the very best way to find out how well your child
is progressing. WE BELIEVE THAT PARENT-TEACHER UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION
CONTRIBUTES MORE THAN ANY OTHER SINGLE FACTOR TO A CHILD'S SUCCESS.
DISCIPLINE
Emerson
Elementary students are expected to show respect for themselves, for other
students, and for their teachers. So that each room has a climate in which
optimal learning can take place, we expect students to behave in ways, which are
acceptable to classmates and conducive to learning. Misbehavior on the part of
students can be corrected generally when the home and school work closely
together.
FIELD TRIPS
All
trips planned by the school are for specific educational purposes. Children
going on a field trip must assume the responsibility for any necessary fee, for
parent's written permission, and for safe, courteous behavior on the trip.
Parent chaperones must not bring brothers or sisters along, as they are not
covered by insurance.
GRADING
Individual
Progress Reports are issued every nine weeks and are a progress report of each
child on an individual basis. Please review your child's progress with him.
However, we welcome your questions and/or comments concerning his progress.
Please feel free to consult your child's teacher regarding his school progress.
ILLNESS OR ACCIDENTS
Parents will be notified immediately in case of
illness or an accident. In case you cannot be located we will use the name and
telephone number of your emergency contact. PLEASE be sure we have these
numbers. The school is not allowed to administer medication unless a completed
the form, Miami-Dade
County Authorization for Medication,
is on file in the office.
PLEASE
NOTIFY THE SCHOOL OF ANY ILLNESS OR CHRONIC CONDITION YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE.
PLEASE
NOTE: MEDICATION MAY NOT BE ADMINISTERED TO STUDENTS BY SCHOOL PERSONNEL UNLESS
PRESCRIBED BY A DOCTOR. A DADE COUNTY AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDICATION FORM OBTAINED
IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE MUST BE COMPLETED.
HOME LEARNING
Developing
the habit of nightly study requires parental help and guidance. Parents can
help:
Showing
a sincere interest and by providing your child with a quiet place which is
conducive to study and learning. Showing an interest in all work your child
does. Inspiring him/her through encouragement while reviewing the work done.
Resisting all temptation to do the work for him/her or giving "too
much" direction. Reading books as a family is an important part of home
learning.
LOST AND FOUND
Each
year many articles of clothing are lost and remain unclaimed. When these items
are turned in they are placed in the Lost and Found area in the school office.
Periodically all lost items are placed on the stage in the cafeteria. All
children are encouraged to look through them and claim their own. Label as many
items as possible with your child's name.
PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION
Your 2004-2005 elected PTA Board Members are:
Celia Mayor - President
1st Vice-President
Treasurer/Secretary
All
parents are urged to become members of the Emerson Elementary School PTA/PTSA
and to meet and work with the parents of your child's friends. All parents are
invited to attend our PTA meetings. Notices will be sent home by all children
prior to the meetings, the purpose being to inform you of the time and the
program. Very interesting programs have been planned for this year.
RAINY DAY PROCEDURES
Plans
should be so clear that there will be no doubt in your child's mind concerning
rainy day procedures so the use of the telephone will not be necessary.
PARTIES
Birthday parties for students are not to be held in
school with the exception of
Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and First Grade.
Since we cannot grant privileges for every child, we feel that there is a
need for the establishment of this policy.
SAFETY
Students
should arrive between 8:00-8:15 a.m. Please
follow the following drop-off procedures in the morning:
Pre-K
– Pre-K Classroom
Kindergarten
and First Grade: Front of School,
36th Street. They will be picked up
by their teachers in the cafetorium.
Second
– Fifth Grade: Back of School,
35th Terrace, they will be picked up by their teacher at that location.
For
individual questions or concerns, please call the office, 305 264-5757.
SAFETY PATROL
The
School Safety Patrol has been organized to help protect all students from
danger. Unless children develop a respect for the boys and girls on the Safety
Patrol, it becomes difficult to help them. Although the patrol is a group of
selected children, they are still children and may only remind students of the
rules. The Safety Patrol needs the support of all!
SPECIAL SERVICES
Special
services are provided for those children who need extra help in speech, hearing,
or who have a learning disability. Special teachers will be assigned to children
needing help in these areas.
Our
guidance program also provides for educational and psychological evaluations
without charge to children in need of them with the cooperation of the parents.
If you feel your child has need of special services, please let his/her
teacher know or make an appointment to discuss the matter with the
administration.
STUDENTS
ARE TO BRING TO SCHOOL
STUDENTS SHOULD LEAVE ATHOME
paper- pencils -homework
pets -toys -large amounts of money-
lunch money or lunch
dangerous items –gum candy -soda -
items requested by teacher
transistor radios, hardballs
and other
sports equipment
STUDENT
INSURANCE
Student
insurance which covers the medical expenses for school accidents is available at
a small cost. Information may be obtained from the office.
TEXTBOOKS
AND SCHOOL PROPERTY
Textbooks
are furnished by the State of Florida and distributed by the teacher. Children
are responsible for books issued to them and will be charged in proportion to
any loss or damage to these books. Students may write their names and the year
in textbooks in ink to aid in recovery.
VISITORS
FOR
THE SAFETY OF YOUR CHILD, ALL visitors will please report to the office to
obtain a visitor's pass. Only persons with pertinent business are permitted on
school grounds. Please request all non-Emerson Elementary students or former
students in your family not to enter the building during school hours.
WITHDRAWALS
Please
notify the school office of your child's withdrawal or transfer at least a day
in advance. A transfer involves notification of a change in address, the return
of textbooks and library books. Parents must show proof of a new residence with
a FP&L bill, lease, or similar document.
The
School Board of Miami-Dade County adheres to a policy of non-discrimination in
employment and strives affirmatively to provide an equal opportunity for
employment for all applicants as required by:
TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964--prohibits
discrimination
on the basis of race, color, religion, or national
origin.
TITLE VII OF THE CIVIC RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, as
amended--prohibits
discrimination in employment on the basis of race,
color, religion, sex,
or national origin.
TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF
1972--prohibits
discrimination on the basis of sex.
AGE DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 1976, as
amended--prohibits discrimination
on the basis of age between 40 and 70.
SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF
1973--Prohibits
discrimination against the handicapped.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 (ADA)
prohibits
discrimination against individuals with
disabilities in employment,
public service, public accommodations and
telecommunication.
THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993 (FMLA)
--requires
covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of
unpaid, job-protected leave
to "eligible" employees for certain
family and medical reasons.
FLORIDA EDUCATIONAL
EQUITY ACT--prohibits discrimination on the
basis of race, gender, national origin, marital
status, or handicap against a
student or employee.
FLORIDA CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1992--secures for all
individuals within
the state freedom from discrimination because of
race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, age, handicap, or marital status.
SCHOOL BOARD RULES 6GH 13-58-1.10, 6GH 13-4R-1.01 ,
and 6GH 13-4R-1.32--
prohibit harassment and/or discrimination against a
student or employee on the
basis of gender, race, color, religion, ethnic or
national origin, political beliefs,
marital status, sexual orientation, social and
family background, linguistic
preference or disability.
Veterans
are provided re-employment rights in accordance with P.L.93-508 (Federal) and
Florida State law, Chapter 77-422, which also stipulates categorical preferences
for employment.