By

signing and returning this page of the Palma Sola Parent & Student Handbook to your child’s teacher, you are confirming that you have received and reviewed the Palma Sola Handbook and have visited our websit: www.manateeschools.net/palmasola and reviewed the Manatee County Student Code of Conduct. You can locate the Code of Conduct under the parent and students tab on the top left of the web page. It is imparitive that you read through and familiarize yourself with both of these documents, as we use them to guide our daily routines here at Palma Sola Elementary. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school administrators. ______________________________________________

____________________ _____________________Student’s Name Student’s Signature

____________________Teacher’s Name

____________________ _____________________Parent’s Name Parent’s Signature

Palma Sola Elementary

School2019-2020

Parent & Student Handbook

6806 5th Ave. NW Bradenton, FL 34209Phone-(941)-741-3179 fax-(941)-741-3181http://www.manateeschools.net/palmasola

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from the Principal........................... 1

School Calendar…………………………..... 2Important Numbers….…….…...................... 3School Hours……………………………...... 4Absenteeism & Tardiness.............................. 4Communication-Parent/School/Community.. 5Conference-Parent/Teacher…........................ 5Homework Policy………………………….. 5School Dress Code…...................................... 6Lunchroom Procedures................................... 7Nutrition & Wellness……………………….. 8Arrival/Dismissal at School............................ 9Bus & Daycare..….......................................... 9Car Riders....................................................... 9Park & Pick-up…........................................... 9Walkers & Bike Riders………....................... 9Student Behavior............................................ 10School Bus Procedures................................... 10Report Cards………………………………... 11Progress Reports…………………………….. 11Fine Arts…………………………………….. 11Field Trips………………………………….... 11Visitors…………............................................. 12Volunteer Program…………………………... 12School Clinic……………................................ 13Guidance…………………….......................... 14PTO (Parent Teacher Organization)................ 15SAC (Student Advisory Council)..................... 16PSE Website & FB Page………….................. 17Mission Statements……………………...…… 17

Visit our website for the school calendar and updated information at Palma Sola Elementary School. Also available are district links that include the lunch menu, dress code, and other useful information.

http://www.manateeschools.net/palmasola

PSE Mission Statement

The mission of the Palma Sola Elementary School community is to embrace an enthusiasm for learning in a challenging, secure, trusting environment as we inspire each other to learn, dream and achieve.

Manatee County Mission Statement:Manatee County Public Schools will educate and develop all students today for their success tomorrow.

Manatee County Vision:Manatee County Public Schools will be an exemplary student-focused school system that develops lifelong learners to be globally competitive.

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School Advisory Council (SAC)

What is the School Advisory Council?The School Advisory Council, or SAC, is a school-based group of people whose primary purpose is to assist the principal in developing a school improvement plan and evaluating the results of the plan in order to help students achieve success. The SAC also advises the principal in the preparation of the school’s budget and use of school improvement funds.

This school-based group consists of individuals from various segments of the community. It includes parents, teachers, school principals, school staff, students, people in the business/industry, and other interested community members. There is a required balance of members so that all groups of the school community have a voice in school improvement.

How can I become a SAC member?Palma Sola welcomes and promotes community involvement with our student’s education! It’s proven that this increases student achievement. New members and officers of the SAC are selected through a nomination and voting process at the first meeting of the school year. Please check the school website and monthly calendars for meeting dates. Please consider joining our team!

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Message from the Principal

Dear Palma Sola Elementary Families,

Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year!  I am honored to be the principal of a school where a genuine love for children, high expectations, and character building are a priority. The staff at Palma Sola Elementary is committed to offering a challenging and supportive school program for all of our pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students. Our goal is to provide each child with the essential knowledge and skills they will need for success, while at the same time encouraging creativity, curiosity, and desires to be life-long learners.

At PSE, we will pride ourselves on being a community of learners.  We will have high expectations for students, and staff will continually strive to seek new and innovative instructional methods.  Our staff members will participate in continual professional learning opportunities as we implement the Florida Standards and prepare our students with the knowledge they need to be successful in their college and career paths. 

We acknowledge that parents are the child’s first and best teacher. Because nobody knows a child better than the parent, they play a critical role in the success of our students. Information such as understanding the child’s unique needs, talents, and interests can be provided to teachers to increase the child’s success. Teachers will see each child as a member of the class and watch as they interact with peers, face the challenge of new learning, ask questions, and solve problems. A working partnership between parents and teachers is crucial to ensure that each child’s time at Palma Sola Elementary School is encouraging and rewarding.

I truly believe that family is the first and most powerful influence in a person’s life and encourage our families to take an active role in our school.  Please join in our parent events or contact a member of our PTO board for more information on how you can become involved at Palma Sola.

It is my desire for us to all work together to provide our children with the best possible education.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at 741-3179 ext. 2001 or by email at grimesj@manateeschools.net.    Sincerely,

Jennifer Grimes

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School Calendar

Aug. 12 First Day of SchoolSept. 2 Labor Day / School ClosedSept. 11 Professional Learning Early Release (1:40PM)Oct. 11 End of the First Quarter & Elementary Early

Release (1:00)Oct. 14 Record Day / No School for StudentsOct. 18 Elementary Early Release (12:55PM)Nov. 6 Professional Learning Early Release (1:40PM)Nov. 11 Veterans’ Day Observed / School ClosedNov. 25-29 Fall Break / School ClosedNov. 25-27 Hurricane make-up days if neededDec. 4 Professional Learning Early Release (1:40PM) Dec. 20 End of 1st SemesterDec. 23-Jan. 2 Winter Break / School ClosedJan. 3 Record Day / No School for StudentsJan. 6 District Inservice / No School for StudentsJan. 7 School ResumesJan. 20 Martin Luther King Day / School Closed Feb. 5 Professional Learning Early Release (1:40PM)Feb. 17 Presidents’ Day / School ClosedMarch 6 Elementary Early Release (12:55PM) Mar. 12 End of the Third QuarterMar. 13 Record Day / No School for StudentsMar. 16-20 Spring Break / School ClosedMar. 27 Elementary Early Release (12:55PM)Apr. 1-14 3rd Grade ELA FSA & 4th Grade FSAWriting Apr. 10 Good Friday School ClosedApr. 15 Professional Learning Early Release (1:40PM)May 4-15 3-5 Grade FSA Math & 4-5 FSA ELAMay 11-12 5th Grade Science TestMay 25 Memorial Day / School ClosedMay 26-28 District Early Release Day (12:55PM)May 28 Last Day of School / Early Release @ 12:55PM

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Panther Pride Team PTO of Palma Sola

The Palma Sola Elementary School PTO would like to welcome you to the new school year. For those of you who are unfamiliar with us, we are the Panther Pride Team PTO. A volunteer organization made up of parents, teachers and administrators who are dedicated to the successful education of our children. The PSE PTO works very hard to help make the school year both enjoyable and exciting for students, teachers & parents. 

The purpose of our organization is to aid the students, teachers & staff by providing support for educational and recreational needs; to promote strong parent involvement, raise money for classroom needs and carry out a positive school spirit. 

Our first PTO meeting of the school year is scheduled for Thursday, August 29 at 6:30pm. We are looking forward to meeting parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles that would like to get involved with our PTO this year. Everything we do is based on volunteers and we are always looking for those of you to help make a difference in the lives of our children. 

How to join Membership is FREE! If you are interested in being a PSE PTO Member or general events volunteer please contact us at palmasolapto@gmail.com and/or fill out the Membership/Volunteer sign-up form located in the front office. 

How to stay informed There are 3 ways you can stay informed: 1- Come to PTO meetings 2- Fill out a Volunteer Form (located in the school office) with your email information. 3- “Like” us on Facebook @ Palma Sola PTO.

We look forward to getting to know you!

Tabitha Hager, PTO President

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at: palmasolapto@gmail.com or "Like" us on Facebook @ Palma Sola PTO.

Why should I belong to PTO? To show pride in my child’s school To take part in fun events To have input in how PTO funds are allocated To support teachers and staff To make friends of other parents and school staff To show my child by my example that education is important

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GuidanceThe counseling program at Palma Sola Elementary School is available to help students, parents, and teachers to develop positive social emotional learning experiences.  The program consists of a variety of services and activities, including individual and group counseling, large group and classroom guidance, Response to Intervention process for students experiencing behavioral or academic difficulty, parent and teacher consultation, informational services, referral assistance to other programs and services in the community and student testing.

Primary services of the school guidance counselor are to provide direct assistance to students in the school.  For this reason, a major portion of the counselor’s day is scheduled with services for the children.  Parent and teacher consultations are usually scheduled in the early morning before classes begin or after school hours. 

The school guidance counselor is a certified professional with training in human development, learning theory, behavioral theory, curriculum for exceptional student education, counseling and consulting, tests and measurement, career development, research, and other areas appropriate to the practice of counseling in a school.

The school counselor’s office is located across from the office.  Appointments can be scheduled by calling 741-3179 Ext. 2023 or via email at murphym@manteeschools.net

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Important Phone NumbersMain school number: 941-741-3179

Jennifer Grimes Principal x-2001Heather Cherry Assistant Principal x-2002Sally Tyson Senior Secretary x-2003Pat Phillips Registrar x-2010Linda Rose-Applegate Clerical Assistant x-2008Marzena Murphy Guidance Councelor x-2023Michele Miller Student Support Specialist x-2054Alexa Velez Head Custodian x-2018Renate Muldoon Cafeteria Manager x-2022Jasminda Michelson LPN-Clinic x-2009Lee Ann Watts Nurse x-2075ESOL Support x-2062

Manatee School Board 941-708-8770Bus Transportation 941-708-8800 Reporting Student Absences – 741-3179 and press 8

Please make every effort to contact the school office by 8:30 a.m. if your child will be absent. This request is made for the protection of your child. For withdrawals, please notify the school office in advance. Enrolling your child in another school within the county requires a withdrawal form from the current school.

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School HoursStudent Hours.............................. 8:25 AM - 3:15 PM

(Monday-Friday)

Professional Early Release Student Hours 8:25 AM – 1:40 PM(Sept. 11, Nov 6, Dec 4, Feb. 5, April 15)

Elementary Early Release Student Hours 8:25 AM – 12:55 PM(Oct. 11, Oct. 18, Mar. 6 & Mar. 27, May 26, May 27, May 28)

School Office Hours.................... 7:45 AM - 4:00 PM***For safety reasons, students are not permitted on campus prior to 7:45 AM unless enrolled in a supervised program.

AttendanceState Law 232.01 states that children attending school must be in attendance daily unless the individual is sick or there is an emergency in the family. Excessive or chronic tardiness (ten) will be referred to the school truancy officer. This same law implies that students are expected to be in class at 8:25 a.m. each school day. Any student arriving after 8:23 a.m. must report to the office and be marked tardy before going to the classroom.

TardiesBeing late to school disrupts the educational process for not only the tardy student, but for the teacher and other students of his/her class. Being on time is a vital ingredient for success as children develop. If your child is going to be tardy, you MUST walk him/her into the building to check them in. Doors will lock at 8:23am and your child can not enter the building without a parent. A record of tardies as well as absences are reported to parents at the close of each quarter and are recorded on the student’s permanent record. (County policy: 3 unexcused tardies equals 1 unexcused absence)

Student AbsencesPlease call the school by 8:30 a.m. if your child will be absent. This request is for your child’s safety. If your child is absent and the school has not been notified, these absences will be marked unexcused. If a child accrues 7 unexcused absences, the parent/ guardian will receive a letter informing them that those absences will show as unexcused on the child’s permanent record and a court appearance may be requested. Family vacations during scheduled school time are considered unexcused absences . It is vital that parents/guardians are aware that they are held legally responsible for their child’s attendance.

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School Clinic

The clinic is available for students who become ill or are injured during school hours. If the injury or illness is such that the student should go home, the parent will be notified. The parent will need to make arrangements for the child to be picked up from school. Students that have fevers, are vomiting, or have diarrhea are not permitted to be sent to school that day. Also, if head lice are found on your child, you will be notified and will need to take your child/children home. Manatee County School Board policy notes that the student must be lice free before returning to school.

Clinic guidelines for administrating medicine are:

1. Only prescription medicine will be given.2. Medicine must be provided in a child-proof container bearing the

prescription, child’s name, physician’s name, name of the medication, the amount to be given, time or frequency, and any other special instructions.

3. All medications must be delivered to the clinic by a parent or guardian. Parents must sign an authorization for medication form when the medication is delivered to the clinic.

Please remember, do not send common over-the-counter medicines to school with your child. Students are not to carry cough medicine, cough drops or headache medicine on the school site.The nurses, Mrs. Watts and Mrs. Michelson, can be reached at 741-3179 Ext. 2009.

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Visitors

At Palma Sola Elementary School, parent involvement is strongly encouraged. We welcome parents and other relatives to our school. The following procedures, however, must be followed to ensure a safe environment for our children. When you come on campus for lunch, conferences, and classrom events during school hours, please report to the office, with a valid driver’s license, to sign into our electronic background investigation system. A visitor badge will be printed for you to wear. Please return this badge when you leave so we can check you out of the system. Volunteers/Business Partners

We have an extremely successful volunteer program. The Principal, Assistant Principal, Student Support Specialist, and staff recruit, train and assign volunteers. We strive to match the interests and talents of the volunteer with the needs of the teachers and students.

If you would like to come and join the activities, more volunteers are always needed. Please call the school at 741-3179 for more information. School volunteers are needed, appreciated, and valued. Thank you very much for making a commitment.

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Communication-Parent/School/Community

Communication is an important factor in the success of a parent/school/community relationship. As a means of communication, you will be receiving monthly school and a quarterly newsletter from the school to keep you informed. You should also receive information from your child’s teacher that will keep you up to date with what is happening here at Palma Sola.

The staff will also appreciate your communication as a parent regarding your child, suggestions for the SAC and ideas about all aspects of our school.

Conference-Parent/TeacherYour child’s report card cannot tell you everything you need to know about his/her progress. For this and other reasons, parent conferences are scheduled for the first and third quarters. Report cards are picked up at these conferences and teachers will contact you to arrange a conference time.

Please refer to our PSE school calendar for scheduled report card conference days. However, a conference can be scheduled with your child’s teacher anytime.

Homework PolicyHomework will be assigned to students. The type, length, and complexity of the assignments will vary from team to team according to the maturity of students and the levels at which they are working. Homework is the extension of class instruction. Please take the time to check your child’s agenda book and offer assistance with homework. Check it with your child when it is complete.Teachers will be assigning homework at least three times per week. Homework assignments should be:

K-2: No more than 30 minutes3-5: No more than 60 minutes

If your child takes longer than these times to complete assignments, please contact the teacher for possible solutions. Homework may run longer for special projects.

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School Dress Code

You are expected to dress appropriately for school and for the business of learning with proper attention given to personal cleanliness, grooming, and neatness. If your personal attire or grooming distracts the attention of the other students or teachers from their school work, you will be required to make the necessary alterations to such attire or grooming before entering the classroom or you may be assigned to In-School Suspension (ISS). If you fail to meet the minimum acceptable standards of cleanliness, neatness, proper fit, safety and decency as determined by the principal or Designee and as specified in the District Code of Student Conduct, you will be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures.

The following apparel or items are NOT allowed at school: Shorts/skirts that are not of proper length Cutoff pants, shorts, skirts Clothing that exposes the midriff Tank tops or muscle shirts that are not covered with an over shirt. Spaghetti straps or strapless dresses or tops Leggings that are not covered by a shirt or skirt Ill-fitting sweat pants or warm-ups No unnatural hair coloring Any clothing, accessories, jewelry, or hair styles that may be

considered disruptive to the learning environment.

The school Principal or Designee will be the final judge about whether a student’s clothing is appropriate for school, creates a climate that is distracting to learning, or is a potential safety hazard. Principals, faculty, and staff members will enforce the dress code. Students will be given a verbal warning initially with a note in their planner. A second offence will result in a parent call home. A third offence will result in an office discipline referral. Individual schools may have additional requirements if supported by a majority of School Advisory Council (SAC) members, and if parents are notified in writing of the changes. For a specific list of dress code examples, please refer to the Manatee County Code of Student Conduct.

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Report Cards – 2019-2020Report cards are issued every nine weeks. Students in grades Kindergarten through second are graded with a numeric rubric. Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades receive letter grades. Parent conferences will be held at the end of the 1st and 3rd quarter, and as needed. Resport Card Conference dates are as follows:

Quarter 1: 10/17/19 Quarter 3: 3/26/20

Progress Reports: 2019-2020These are sent home four times during the school year: Sep. 12th, Nov. 14th, Feb. 6th, Apr. 23rd

Fine Arts ProgramStudents will rotate through one fine arts class each day. The rotation includes: Art, Music, PE ( 3 times per week), and Engineering.

Field TripsField trips are designed to enhance the instructional program. Students must have written consent in order to participate. Students may lose the privilege of attending field trips due to persistent misconduct or poor work habits. All students are required to use the transportation provided by the school. Only those parents designated by the school as chaperones may accompany the class on field trips. For safety reasons, parents serving as chaperones are not able to bring younger children.

11Student BehaviorWe adhere to the county Code of Student Conduct that is available via link on both the District and Palma Sola Elementary Websites. Hard copies in both English and Spanish are also available in the front office upon request.

When a student is not following our expectations for behavior, his or her classroom teacher counsels him/her individually. If the student exhibits a lack of cooperation, or the behaviors are deemed dangerous or

interfering with the opportunities of others, further disciplinary action will be taken. Parents will be contacted for information and assistance. Occasionally a child exhibits behavior that requires the attention of the principal. In such a case, the parent may be notified in writing in the form of a referral. This must be signed by the parent and returned the next day.

The staff, teachers, and parents of Palma Sola Elementary School feel that our students and staff deserve a campus that is safe and secure. Palma Sola Elementary has a zero tolerance policy for threats of violence against any person. There is also a zero tolerance policy for guns or knives (toys included).

School Bus ProceduresSafety on the bus depends on the cooperation of each child. Bus drivers will review safety procedures on the bus during the first week of school. When students fail to cooperate with the bus driver, parents will be notified via a bus warning or referral and the privilege of riding the bus may be temporarily suspended. We suggest that parents wait at designated bus stops in the morning and meet students in the afternoon to insure safe practices are being followed. Parents are responsible for their child at the bus stop prior to the arrival of the bus in the morning and after the departure of the bus at the end of the day. School bus rules are given to each student at the beginning of the year with registration cards. They can also be found in the Manatee County Student Code of Conduct.Special Note: School Board Policy prohibits any student from riding a bus to which he/she is not assigned. Friends may not accompany bus riders home from school for any reason. Changes in buses and bus stops can only be made if a child moves, and must be approved in advance.

10Lunchroom Procedures

The school provides a lunch program for those who wish to participate. Cafeteria personnel are on duty Monday morning before school to allow students to pay for lunches for the week. Students should not wait to pay for any lunches in the lunch line as it causes delays in the serving process. Students who bring their lunch from home will eat their lunch in the cafeteria and may purchase milk. Parents are asked to discourage students from

bringing carbonated beverages or gum to school. No glass containers, please!

I. Breakfast is FREE to ALL students on a daily basis and is served from 7:45 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. The price of an adult breakfast is $1.60.

II. For students on full-pay status the lunch cost is $2.50 per day and reduced status lunch is $.40 per day. The price of an adult lunch is $3.50.

*If you have any questions about the cafeteria or your child’s account, please call our Cafeteria Manager at 741-3179 ext.-2022.

Parents are welcome to join their child for breakfast or lunch. You must sign in at the front desk in the office and receive a visitor pass which is required for anyone visiting Palma Sola Elementary.

Applications for free and reduced meals are available in the front office. Eligibility for the free or reduced lunches will be determined by state and federal guidelines. If your income level changes during the school year you need to reapply and may request a form from the school office. Each year students need to apply to qualify for the Free or Reduced meal program or to remain on the program.

7Nutrition and Wellness Policy 5.13The Nutrition and Wellness Policy 5.13 was updated to meet new Smart Snack regulations. The policy was written based on current research and with student health and wellbeing as the focus. The School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) will be responsible for evaluating the policy and the Food and Nutrition Services will be responsible for monitoring compliance.Breakfast, Lunch, and Snack 1. Students will have at least 10 minutes of eating time for breakfast and 15 minutes of eating time for lunch.

2. Students must take 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable and 2 other components to qualify as a complete meal. 3. Access to water will be available in all cafeterias. 4. All nutritional content will be available online and through the NutriSlice Mobile App.5. Parents can only bring food into the cafeteria for their child. Classroom Celebrations 1. Elementary schools can celebrate in the last hour of the school day. 2. Food served must meet Smart Snack Nutritional Standards (can purchase from Food and Nutrition Services). 3. Food must be from a licensed food service establishment and have an ingredient label.Classroom Food/Rewards 1. Classroom rewards and snacks must meet Smart Snack Nutritional Standards.2. Non-food alternatives should be used as rewards. 3. Students are allowed to have water bottles unless there is a discipline issue. 4. Food used as classroom fundraising or other fundraising, during the school day, must meet Smart Snack Nutritional Standards. Fundraising foods cannot be sold during meal service hours. Nutrition Education Elementary and Middle Schools will provide at least one hour of nutrition education monthly. This nutrition education can be incorporated into other subject areas including physical education. Physical Activity 1. Physical activity (including recess) will not be denied or required as part of discipline or punishment. 2. Opportunities for physical activity will be included in other subject areas and stretch breaks will be incorporated where possible. 3. Elementary schools will provide 30 consecutive minutes of physical education daily.

8Arrival/Dismissal at School

Upon arrival at school, students will wait in the cafeteria until 8:15 a.m., then move to their assigned hallways until notified to enter their classroom. Students arriving to school by car may ONLY be dropped off through our car rider line with the exception of Pre-K

families. This is the designated and supervised area for students to be dropped off. Car rider drop off is prohibited in our front parking lot.

Bus Riders & Day Care Pick UpBus riders and Day Cares will be dismissed to the bus waiting area. They will remain seated in the section designated for their bus/day care until called to the loading area which will be in the North campus bus loop.

Car Riders Students are NOT permitted to be dropped off or arrive before 7:45 a.m.

because there is no supervision from school staff. To pick up students prior to dismissal, we ask that you are here before

2:45. Students cannot be released between 2:45-3:15. It creates quite a disturbance while students are receiving homework directions and important notices per district policy.

All car riders (PreK-5) will be dismissed to the cafeteria where they will wait for their ride. Using an electronic scanning system, students will be called and loaded into their vehicles in the car rider line on the South side of campus (behind the cafeteria).

While waiting in the car rider lines, parents are to remain in their cars at all times allowing for a smooth flow of traffic

Walkers/Bike Riders Bike riders and walkers will be dismissed by classroom teachers out

through the gate on the Southwest side of campus. All bikes are to be locked securely inside the bike rack.

Students must use sidewalks and crosswalks provided to exit school grounds even with accompanied by an adult.

Bikes, scooters and skateboards must be walked off school grounds and riders should always wear a helmet. Always cross with the crossing guard.

Students riding bikes will be dismissed before any walker students allowing them to safely exit the campus.

* If you must change your child’s mode of transportation, please send a note with your child in the morning. If you must change the mode of transportation after your child has arrived at school, please call the main office. We ask that you do this before 2:00 p.m.

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