Student & Parent Handbook
2009-2010
                   [See also MCDS Middle School Progression Plan @ the bottom of this page.]
 

Social Security Number Disclosure Notice

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Horace O’Bryant Middle School has an excellent curriculum which provides wellrounded
and balanced programs for middle school students.
 

SIXTH GRADE
Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Reading
Art, Chorus, Physical Education, Health/Careers, Band
 

SEVENTH GRADE
Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Reading
Art, Chorus, Physical Education, Health/Careers, Band
 

EIGHTH GRADE
Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Reading
Art, Chorus, Physical Education, Health/Careers, Band, Student Assistant
Based on new Florida State Statute, some elective and academic classes will include
career and education planning to satisfy the middle grades promotion requirement.
Each student who is not meeting Florida State and/or Monroe County School District
requirements for proficiency in reading/fluency will be required to attend two intensive
reading classes. After school reading tutorial programs may be required.
The goal of our school is to offer programs that prepare every student for success in
the world of work and postsecondary education. In order to maximize the potential of all
students, our approach is to encourage and allow each student access to high content
curriculum courses based upon the assumption that every child can learn if they are
provided the appropriate environment and support.
While there may be some specific prerequisites for entrance into certain courses,
students will generally be allowed access to most courses offered in the school. Test
scores, achievement date, student/parent input and teacher recommendations will help
make decisions about each student’s course of study. Access to high content curriculum
courses will be encouraged and allowed.

GRADING SYSTEM
A 90-100 Outstanding Progress
B 80-89 Above Average Progress
C 70-79 Average Progress
D 60-69 Lowest Acceptable Progress
F 0 -59 Failure
I Incomplete
 

If a student has not made up all work by the end of a grading period and the teacher is
willing to allow more time, an incomplete "I" may be given. If that work has not been
made up by the end of the next grading period that incomplete becomes an F. Final
grades for each course are computed by a numeric system and a student must earn a
minimum of a D average to pass a course.
 

PROMOTION POLICY
In compliance with Florida Statutes the School Board has adopted a policy for pupil
promotion which requires each Middle School student to pass each of the core academic
subjects in order to be promoted to the next grade. Any student who does not pass each
subject will go before a promotion committee. In order to be promoted to the 9th
grade, a student must show proof of successful completion of all three years of the core
academic subjects as well as the required career component.
The promotion or retention of any student who does not pass each subject will be
considered by the promotion committee. Those students who fail either one or two
subjects may be eligible to attend summer school (if offered) or to complete an approved
credit retrieval option. Please see the Monroe County School District website at
www.keysschools.com to view the updated Middle Grades Student Progression Plan
Mid-term Progress Reports and Report cards are sent home each nine weeks. Parents,
teachers, or students may request conferences at any time.
 

HONOR ROLL-At the end of each grading period students are awarded the Honor
Roll as follows: "A" Honor Roll - All As; "B+" Honor Roll - All As and Bs;
"B" Honor Roll - All As and Bs and one C. Students are disqualified from the
Honor Roll if they receive an unsatisfactory conduct notation (# 9 on the report
card).
 

SCHOOL AWARDS
Each year our students are recognized for excellence and outstanding effort. Some of
the awards are on display in the trophy case. Among the annual awards are:
The Glynn R. Archer Memorial Award to an eighth grader for outstanding leadership and
service to the school.
The Gil Gates Memorial Award for the outstanding eighth grade athlete (male and
female).
The Sharon Carter Memorial Award for outstanding achievement and dedication in the
chorus.
The Rotary Award based on Rotary’s Four-Way Test.
The Zonta Award for earning all As all three years of middle school.
The Principal's Award for citizenship, scholarship, and service to a male and female on
each team.
Awards are presented to students on the straight A Honor Roll all four grading periods.
Awards are presented to students who have straight A final averages.
Awards are presented to students who have all As and Bs on their final averages.
Awards are presented to each Student Council Officer and the Executive Board officers
on each team.
Certificates are presented to each member of the Executive Board and the Student
Council.
Each department awards certificates in their subject area.
Team awards may be presented to a student on each team for outstanding citizenship and
service to school.
The Physical Education Department recognizes the top male and female athlete at each
grade level. They also recognize winners of special events and breaking or tying school
or age records.
 

SCHEDULE CHANGES
Schedule change requests are processed according to an established procedure. A
parent conference is required with the teacher involved to attempt to resolve any
problems or misunderstandings. The purpose of the conference is to arrive at a solution
which will ensure a successful school experience for the student. Following the
conference, if there is no resolution to the problem, a schedule change request can be
initiated through the guidance office. The principal has the final say in any requested
schedule change.
 

EXPECTED STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Citizenship at Horace O'Bryant Middle School is based upon mature and responsible
conduct and respect for people and property. Our rules have been established to make
certain that each student has the opportunity to pursue his or her education in a clean,
safe, and orderly setting. Cooperation, courtesy and respect are our guides.

You are expected to:
1. Show courtesy and respect toward faculty, staff, students, and others.
2. Obey your teachers and abide by school and class rules.
3. Take your books, homework, and materials to each class. Do your homework. Do
not copy homework, class work, or tests. Backpacks are to be left in your lockers.
4. Walk while in the building.
5. Do your part in keeping our school clean and tidy. Take care not to break or cause
damage to the equipment, materials, or facility. If you break something accidentally
you may be required to fix or replace it.
6. Remove hats and sunglasses while in our building. Bandanas, curlers, etc. are not
permitted
7. Ask for assistance in settling a dispute. Under no circumstances is fighting an
acceptable way to settle an argument.
8. Be on time to school and to your classes every day.
9. Follow the dress code regulations
10. No inappropriate intimacy while on school grounds (hand holding, kissing, etc.)
One of the purposes of a middle school is to help you develop mature and responsible
behavior. Students who violate the rules or act irresponsibly are subject to disciplinary
measures. Some examples are listed below:
 

Parent conferences - Parents are notified or parent conferences are scheduled when your
parents need to be informed. In extreme cases a Discipline Letter may be sent home
requiring a conference the following morning at 8:00 am.
 

Referral to Truancy Court – Students with excessive unexcused absences or tardies
may be referred to truancy court through CINS/FINS.
Teacher's Detention - Students may use the office phone to notify parents that they will
be staying after school if they are assigned detention. If the parent is not available or if
the student rides the school bus, a 24-hour postponement will be granted. Detention takes
precedence over all other school activities or outside recreation. Failure to serve
detention will result in further disciplinary action. Teacher detention takes priority over
dean's detention.

Dean's Detention - Dean's Detention is held Monday through Thursday from 3:15-4:15
for students who have received tardy slips or who have been assigned hours for
misbehavior or violating school rules. If you receive detention or work detail you are
expected to work it off promptly. Students who have not worked off their hours cannot
attend school socials and recreational activities such as parties, dances, field day
activities, and assembly programs including the Eighth Grade Recognition Ceremony.
Any student with unserved dean’s detention at the end of the school year will be on the
“Loss of Privilege” list to begin the following school year.

Supervised Lunch – Students may be assigned to supervised lunch. They lose their
lunch time playground privileges.

Work Detail - For violating school rules, work detail may be assigned from 3:15-4:15
Monday through Thursday or during social activities during the school day. Students are
supervised by an adult and are required to work such jobs as sweeping, cleaning, or
assisting the custodians.

In-School Detention - If you have not worked off your detention or work detail hours,
you may be required to work off your hours during school time when social and
recreational activities are scheduled for your team.

Alternative Class Setting (ACS) - For more serious infractions of the rules, students
may be assigned to an alternative class setting (ACS). Students do not attend their
regular classes and complete their daily assignments in isolation in the ACS room.
Students are not permitted to go in the hall between classes and they eat their lunch in the
ACS room.

Loss of Privileges - Students that have been suspended, have been truant, have been
involved in theft, or have been involved in other serious offenses will be put on the Loss
of Privileges list for a month, at which time the team of teachers will discuss possible
reinstatement of a student’s social privileges. Only students that meet the dress
standards, have served all detentions, have paid all debts, and have not had
privileges pulled will be allowed to attend the end of the year Eighth Grade
Recognition Ceremony.

Alternative to Out-of-School Suspension – For a first time, serious violation, students
who would normally be assigned an out-of- school suspension will be given the
opportunity to attend this program at May Sands School. Work will be provided by the
teachers and the students will be supervised by an instructor. This is offered only once
during a school year and at the discretion of the Administration. If the student is
disruptive or chooses not to attend, an Out-of-school suspension would apply.

Out-Of-School Suspension - For serious violations or continued misbehavior, students
may be suspended from school for up to ten (10) days. During a suspension, students are
required to take their books home. It is recommended that the student remain at home in
their room if possible, without the benefit of stereo, radio, or TV and attend to their
school work. Work completed at home will be accepted for credit. Upon returning to
school, students will be permitted to make up the work they missed. Students suspended
from school are not permitted back on campus until their suspension is completed.
Violation could result in trespass charges.

Juvenile Citation Program – Students may be issued a Juvenile Citation by the School
Resource Officer for disruption of school, theft, or other major offenses. The student will
then be involved with Teen Court, IDDS or a DJJ Program.

Alternative School - Students who continually or seriously violate the rules of conduct
or are being academically unsuccessful, may be placed in our Alternative program at an
off-campus sight.
 

Expulsion From School - By action of the School Board, students may be expelled from
school for the remainder of the school year and the following year for a serious breach of
conduct including but not limited to: willful disobedience, open defiance of authority,
violence against persons or property, or any other act which substantially disrupts the
orderly conduct of the school (Florida School Laws).
 

BUS RULES
Bus rules have been established to insure your safety. If you ride a school bus, you
will be required to have your parent or guardian sign a slip indicating you have received a
copy of these rules.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
1. The driver is in full charge of bus and pupils. Pupils must obey the driver.
2. The driver must assign pupils seats to promote order on the bus.
3. Stand off the roadway while awaiting the bus. Parents are responsible for student
behavior prior to arrival of the bus and after departure from the bus.
4. Stay in your seat at all times while the bus is moving.
5. No portions of the body may be outside the bus windows.
6. Cross the roadway five steps in front of the bus. Wait for the driver's signal before
crossing.
7. No conversation should occur with the driver while the bus is in motion.
8. Classroom conduct is to be observed.
9. No eating, drinking, or smoking is allowed on the bus.
10. Pupils must be at the bus stop on time. The bus will not wait for those who are tardy.
11. No reptiles, bugs, animals, or marine life, dead or alive, are allowed on the bus.
12. Students must ride their assigned bus and cannot board or depart the bus at any stop
other than their regular stop. Emergency changes must be approved by the principal or
designee.
13. Pupils must be absolutely quiet when dome lights are on.
14. Band instruments which interfere with the seating and safety of others are not
permitted on school buses.
15. It is a felony to throw any items out of windows (State Law). Parents and students
will be held responsible.
16. Students must give proper name upon request from driver.
17. No signs may be displayed from the bus.
18. Parents and students will be held responsible for all vandalism and restitution will be
required.
19. No obscene language or gestures will be permitted on the bus.
20. Radios and tape players are prohibited without prior written administrative approval.
21. Students will exhibit appropriate behavior at the bus stop location.
Students who violate the bus rules are subject to disciplinary measures including
suspension and expulsion from the bus.

Security and Digital Cameras
In the interest of student safety, the Monroe County School District may use closed
circuit television camera surveillance system(s) at various school sites and digital
surveillance systems in all school buses that transport children throughout the Monroe
County School District.
There is no expectation of privacy while at school sites or on school busses that have
closed circuit television camera surveillance systems or digital surveillance systems.
Security cameras at the school sites are used in common areas only.
Videos may be made or viewed and used is disciplinary actions including suspensions,
expulsions and legal proceedings

GENERAL INFORMATION

Attendance

1. Absentee: You are required to bring a note from home when you have been absent.
This note should be given to your homeroom teacher on the following day. Students who
have been absent because of a communicable disease must bring a doctor's written
release before returning to school. An absence from school without a note will be
considered unexcused. Unexcused absences may result in a referral to the CINS/FINS
Office for truancy. A phone call reporting a child's absence should also be followed with
a note on the day the student reports back to school. Students absent from school during
the school day are not eligible to participate in any social activities at school that evening.

2. Tardies: A note is required when you are late to school. The note should be given to
the homeroom teacher. After three (3) unexcused tardies you will be assigned dean's
detention. Excessive tardiness to school may also result in a referral to the CINS/FINS
office for truancy.

3. You are allowed four minutes to change classes between bells. It is your
responsibility to be in your class on time. The attendance office does not issue passes to
students who are late to class between changes.

Make-Up Work For Being Absent - When students are absent they are permitted to
make up work missed within a reasonable period of time when they return to school.
Parents may request make-up work for an absent student if the student will be out three
or more days. Parents should call the attendance office in the morning to make such
requests. The assignments are to be picked up the next day at the close of school.

Out of School Appointments (Dental/Medical) - Regular school attendance is very
important. Appointments should be made before or after school if possible. Please
bring a note and the attendance office will issue you a pink slip to be dismissed from
class at the designated time of appointment. Sign out in the attendance office then sign
back in upon returning. The pink slip can then be used to admit you back to class.

Permission to Leave School Early - Under no circumstances is a student to leave the
school grounds without first checking out through the attendance office. If you become
ill, ask for a pass to report to the clinic. If sick, your parents will be contacted. Once
contacted, the parent should pick up students immediately. The school must be notified if
someone other than a parent will be picking up the student. Students who leave without
permission are truant.

Withdrawal From School - If you are withdrawing from school, bring a note from home
one day before your last day of attendance. Give this note to the attendance office. The
next day you will be given a check-out card to have each teacher sign as you return
textbooks and other class property. At the end of the day, return the check-out card to the
attendance office where you will receive a report card. (You must have been enrolled in
school for 20 days to receive a grade for a nine week period.) Students who withdraw
without advanced notice will have their records mailed.

Emergency Needs - The clinic will help with first aid. The attendance office will help
with minor clothing repairs and emergency telephone calls home.

Report Cards - Report cards are issued at the end of each nine-week period. All library
fines, lost book fees, or other financial obligations must be met before report cards are
issued.

Medication - All prescribed medication must be turned into the clinic in the original
container with the appropriate form filled out. At no time are students to keep any
prescription or non-prescription medication with them. Inhalers and EpiPens may be in a
student’s possession as long as the parent/guardian has signed the appropriate paperwork
for this in our clinic.

Lost and Found - As a young adult, your personal articles, clothing and textbooks are
your responsibility. Lost and found articles are held in the Dean's Office for students to
reclaim. If you find another student's property, please turn it in to the attendance office.
It's a good idea to have your name written in ink on all your textbooks and name labels
on all personal articles. Articles which have not been claimed by the end of each
semester will be donated to charitable organizations. Report any major losses
immediately to the attendance office. The school is not financially responsible for lost
items.

Cell Phones, Pagers, etc. - Cameras, CD players, radios, tape recorders, IPODs, and
electronic games are not allowed in school except with special permission from the
Dean's Office. Cell phones and electronic pagers are permitted in school by Florida
Statute but must remain turned off and in the student’s locker during the school day. Any
violation will result in the confiscation of the cell phone or pager and will require the
parent to come to school to pick up the item. During any testing situation, possession of
any electronic device will result in the invalidation of the student’s score.
Lockers and Locks - Lockers are assigned to each student by the homeport and physical
education teachers. These lockers must be secured with a Master V54 series lock which
must be purchased from the school store. These locks may be opened by a master key in
case of an emergency. The security of your locker is your responsibility so you are urged
to keep your combination confidential. Lockers are the property of the school and the
school reserves the right to examine the locker's contents at any time. Non V54 locks
will be cut off.

Fire Alarm - The fire alarm sounds like a horn. Instructions for fire drills are posted in
each room and will be explained by your teacher. During a fire drill, go quickly and
quietly to the designated area until the "all clear" signal is given to return to the
classroom. Florida Law requires five fire drills each semester.
Bikes, Mopeds, Scooters, and Motorcycles - Bikes should be parked in the racks in the
rear of the school and locked at all times. If you have a moped, scooter, or motorcycle
you must register it in the attendance office. Riding on school grounds is prohibited.

Personal Property - Neither the school nor the School Board provides insurance
coverage for damage to or theft of students' personal property. This includes
automobiles, bicycles, textbooks, clothing, radios, tape players, other electronic devices,
athletic equipment, purses, wallets, money, etc. Students have the responsibility of
securing their own personal property. Hats may be worn outside the building.
Student Insurance - Neither the school nor the School Board provides insurance
coverage for accidents which occur at school. However, the Board has made a low-cost
student accident insurance policy available and strongly recommends that all students
buy the insurance. This insurance covers all accidents at school (subject to some
limitations), on the way to and from school, and at all school-sponsored activities.
Information about this insurance coverage is available at the school office.
Tutoring - No credit may be granted for private tutorial work unless prior special
arrangements have been made with the school.

Textbooks - You are expected to take good care of the textbooks furnished by the School
board. Students must assume full responsibility for the care of the books issued to them.
Loss of books due to theft or other circumstance will not be accepted as reasons for
nonpayment. If a textbook is lost, before another one is issued you will be required to
pay the full price for books less than one year old. In no instance will payment be less
than 50% of the value of the book. If books are damaged, students may be required to
pay a damage fee depending on the condition of the book when issued. Students who
remove or damage the bar code on their textbook will be assessed a fine.

Backpacks - students may bring backpacks to school but must remove books and
supplies in the morning before homeroom. Backpacks must be placed in the homeroom
locker. Students may not use the backpack during the day. After school students may
place books and supplies in their backpacks to carry home.

Student Records - Student records are intended to provide information which can be
used to develop the best possible educational program for each student. Parents,
guardians or students have the right to inspect, review or contest the information
contained in these records. Requests for appointments to review student records can be
made with the guidance counselors. Copies of a student record may be sent to a school
outside Monroe County upon receipt of a written official school request. The school
reserves the right to release "directory information" without prior permission of the
parent for school publications, programs for school events, and news releases.

Cafeteria - The cafeteria serves a well-balanced lunch which includes a half-pint of milk.
If you bring your lunch you may purchase milk or juice. Student lunches are $2.25
(breakfast is $1.50). Students receiving a reduced lunch will be charged .40 (breakfast is
.30) A-la-carte items are also sold at an extra cost. Parents are reminded that fast-food
items are not acceptable for your child. If your child forgets his/her lunch money they
are given the chance to call home for money. The school office does not have funds to
lend students. Lunches may be paid for by the week.

IOU Policy - When a student has reached the dollar limit allowed for IOU’s the parent
will be responsible for providing lunch until the account is paid. Café Managers will
continue to follow the IOU policy currently in effect with the issuance of IOU letters and
then follow up with a phone call if necessary. Cafeteria managers need to provide an
alternate meal for those students that still do not bring in the money owed or do not have
a lunch with them without an IOU being issued.

Remember that as you are going to and from lunch, other classes are still in progress and
take care not to disturb them. While you are in the cafeteria sit at your assigned table, use
good table manners, and speak softly. Be sure to leave your table clean and put your tray
and silverware at the designated area as you leave. Students in each class rotate the
responsibility of cleaning the tables.

Library/Media Center - The library opens daily at 8:30 a.m. for student use. During the
school day the library maintains open scheduling for all teachers and students to utilize.

Library Expectations:
1. All students must have a pass or be accompanied by a teacher to the library during
school hours.
2. Students are not permitted to bring backpacks to the library during school hours.
3. Gum, food, and candy are not permitted in the library except for special occasions.
4. Students may check out 2 books at a time for a period of two weeks.
5. Students are responsible for any book checked out under their individual computer
number.
6. If a student has an overdue library book, he/she may not check out another book until
the overdue book is returned or paid for.
7. Reference books may be checked out for overnight use at the end of each school day.
8. All library books must be returned or paid for before the end of each nine-week
grading period or the student will not receive a report card.

Guidance - Your guidance counselors are available at all times to help you with
problems or questions you may have during the school year. By discussing a problem or
question confidentially with one of the counselors you may receive the assistance or
information you need to make the best decisions. You are welcome in the guidance
office throughout the school day if you have a pass from your classroom teacher.

National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) - Consideration for NJHS is based on academic
standing as well as behavior. Students must have earned a 4.0 grade point average at the
end of the school year in order to be considered for induction into NJHS for the
upcoming school year. One exception to this is the Algebra course. This is considered a
high school level weighted course, and students will be considered by the faculty council
if they have earned a 3.0 average in this course. This is the only exception to the
requirement policy. Once inducted into NJHS, students must maintain a 3.5 GPA.
Members must be well behaved leaders who are willing to work.

Executive Board - Each team elects its own Executive Board which is comprised of a
president, vice president, and secretary/treasurer elected by all students on the team. In
addition each homeroom elects officers to represent them on the executive board. The
sponsor may appoint up to three additional members. Members of the Executive Board
play an important role in school because they aid in problem-solving and work to
improve the school. They also sponsor many school activities. Executive Board
members are expected to demonstrate high standards of conduct, attend all meetings, and
participate in all activities sponsored. Students failing to meet these responsibilities are
subject to dismissal by their sponsor. Students are subject to disqualification if they
receive an unsatisfactory conduct mark on their report card or an F in any subject.

Student Council – Student Council is a volunteer group of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students
whose goal is to create a council which builds community relations, represents the
student body in the community, and helps to build a sense of civic responsibility in our
students. Officers will be elected by Student Council members and will consist of
President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Student Council members are
expected to demonstrate high standards of conduct, attend all council meetings, and
participate in all activities sponsored. Students failing to meet these responsibilities are
subject to dismissal by their sponsor according to the Student Council Constitution.

Employee Performance Assessment (F.S. 231.29) - According to Florida Statute,
parents have the opportunity to provide input on an employee’s performance. Forms are
kept in the front office and are available upon request. Forms must be signed by the
parent to be accepted.

Medicaid Notice:
The school district may seek Medicaid reimbursement in accordance with applicable
rules and regulations. Parents and guardians may contact the district administration
offices for further information.

MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

1. No person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, martial status, disability,
political beliefs, national or ethnic origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits
of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity, or in any
employment conditions or practices conducted by this School District, except as provided by law.
2. The School Board shall comply with all state and federal laws, which prohibit discrimination and
are designed to protect the civil rights of applicants, employees, and/or students, or other persons
protected by applicable law.
3. The School Board shall admit students to District Schools, programs, and classes without regard to
race, color, religion, age, nation or ethnic origin, marital status, disability or handicap.

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