Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021 - Sports Leadership and Management Academy of Tampa - SLAM! Tampa

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Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021 - Sports Leadership and Management Academy of Tampa - SLAM! Tampa
Sports Leadership and Management
                         Academy of Tampa

 Parent/Student Handbook
        2020-2021

                                          7116 Gunn Highway
                                         Tampa, Florida 33625
                                             813.920.8802
                                        www.slamtampa.com

COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021 - Sports Leadership and Management Academy of Tampa - SLAM! Tampa
Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to an exciting year at Sports Leadership and Management Academy
of Tampa. Our parents are an integral part of our school’s success and we gladly
welcome your input and suggestions throughout the year. Your collaboration is
essential in promoting our school’s mission as we continue to place an emphasis
on individual student achievement that produces college-bound and career
oriented students through emphasis on sports related majors and post-secondary
preparation. On behalf of the administration, faculty, and staff we assure you that
we are committed to SLAM’s vision by providing rigor, relevance, and relationship
building with students and stakeholders.

    We are honored and thank you for selecting us as your School of Choice!

                                         Mission & Vision
MISSION

The mission of SLAM is to provide an innovative and in-depth secondary
educational program that produces college-bound students through emphasis
on sports-related majors and post-secondary preparation.

VISION

The school philosophy is the mechanism through which the mission will be
achieved. In order to produce college bound and career-oriented graduates,
the school believes it must provide Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships in the
educational program.

                                        School Curriculum
Sports Leadership and Management Academy of Tampa integrates national
Common Core Standards and sports-related themes into a core curriculum of
Mathematics, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. SLAM prepares
students for careers in Sports Medicine, Business, Marketing, Health, and
Communications through electives coursework in the following career
academies:

-   Sports Medicine
-   Sports Broadcasting & Digital Media Production
-   Sports Marketing, Entertainment, & Management

COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
SLAM is a subsidiary of Mater Academy, Inc., one of the nation’s most
acclaimed charter school organizations for successfully preparing minority
students for college. As part of the Mater Academy network of high quality
charter schools, SLAM will be accredited by AdvancED under the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School
Improvement (SACS-CASI) division.

                                        Administrative Staff
Brett Kushner, Principal                            bkushner@slamtampa.com

                                            Office Staff
Romina Massignotti, Business Manager/ Registrar rmasssignotti@slamtampa.com
Susan Wagner, Administrative Assistant          swagner@slamtampa.com

                                        Board of Directors
Rene Ruiz, Board Chair                   rruiz@stearnsweaver.com
Joseph Mesa, Vice-President & Vice Chair tmesa@mesa-law.com
Alina Lopez, Secretary                   alina_lopez@dadeschools.net

Procedures for adding items to the board meeting agenda and filing complaints:
Board meeting schedules are posted outside of the main office. Items may be
added to the board meeting agenda by contacting Rene Ruiz at
rruiz@stearnsweaver.com through email at least 5 days prior to a scheduled
board meeting.

COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
School Schedule

                              Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
   All vehicles must enter the school from the west entrance (mall side).
   Under no circumstances will parents be allowed to park or leave their vehicles
    unattended in the drop off/pick up areas.
   Students will not be allowed to be dropped off on the south side of the building
    off Gunn Highway.
   Students will not be permitted to park their vehicles on campus without a
    parking permit.
   Parking Permits can be purchased online and picked up in the front office.

                                        Attendance Policy
SLAM will abide by the HCPS Student Attendance Reporting Procedures.

SLAM students are expected to:
 Be present at school each day.
 Attend class as scheduled.
 Arrive at school on time.
 Demonstrate appropriate behavior and a readiness to learn.
 Request make-up work from teachers.

SLAM! Parents are expected to:
 Notify school personnel about your child’s absence from school.
 Notify the school of any change of address, phone numbers, emails and
   emergency contact information.
 Be aware of student academic calendar and coordinate trips, vacations,
   and personal business to support attendance on school days.

COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
Excused Absences:
Parents are expected to notify the school the day of the absence.

Excused absences include:
 an illness of the student or a medical or dental appointment; six (6) or more
   absences within a nine-week grading period, may require a doctor’s
   statement by school officials.
 to attend therapy services.
 an accident resulting in injury to the student.
 a death in the student’s immediate family.
 an observance of an established religious holiday. Documentation of the
   religious affiliation of the student may be required by school officials. If the
   religious holiday observance cannot be identified as a traditionally well-
   known day, school officials should require a note from the parent and a letter
   from the leader of the faith organization stating that the day, if celebrated,
   would result in an absence. If the letters are submitted, the absence should
   be excused and also recognized as an established religious holiday that
   does not impact any attendance incentives.
 a subpoena by a law enforcement agency or a required court appearance.
 an emergency for a reason acceptable to the principal/designee for an
   emergency such as:
       o severe weather conditions;
       o a major personal or family problem;
       o fire, flood, or other major damage to the home;
       o an accident on the way to school.
 college visits by senior students only if a visit is required for admission and is
   documented on the college letterhead.

                                  Unexcused Absences:
Any absence that does not fall into one of the above excused absence
categories is to be considered unexcused. Any student who has been absent
from school will be marked under an unexcused absence until he/she submits
written documentation as specified above. Failure to provide required
documentation within three (3) days upon the return to school will result in an
unexcused absence.

Unexcused absences include:
 Absences due to vacations, personal services, local non-school event,
  program or sporting activity
 Absences due to older students providing day care services for siblings
 Absences due to illnesses of others

COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
   Absences due to non-compliance with immunization requirements (unless
    lawfully exempted)
   Absences caused by an out of school suspension.

SLAM Attendance Review Committee (ARC) will schedule a parent meeting for
any student who accumulates 10 or more absences. Students with excessive
absences will be placed on an attendance intervention plan.

Make-up Course Work:
Students who miss school work due to an absence must be given an opportunity
to make up their work. A student must make arrangements with their teacher(s)
within three (3) days of their return to school. The student is responsible for making
these arrangements. Make-up work must be submitted within the deadline set by
the teacher(s).

                            Late Arrival and Early Dismissal

SIGN-IN PROCEDURES

Any student arriving to school after 7:30 a.m. must report to the Main Office. A
pass shall be issued indicating excused or unexcused tardy. For the student to
receive an excused sign-in, a parent or guardian must accompany the student
to the Main Office and give an excusable reason (as seen above). More than
two sign-in’s in a grading period shall require medical or other documentation
and/or a parent must be present in order to be considered excused.

SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES (PRE-APPROVED AND EMERGENCY)

Once students arrive on campus, they may not leave without permission from
administration. Students who must leave school during school hours must have
their parent request this release by email or in person to the front office for pre-
approval. More than four sign-outs’ in a grading period shall require medical or
other documentation and/or a parent must be present in order to be
considered excused.

Excused sign-outs include the following:
·     medical or dental appointments (doctor’s statement may be required).
·     therapy services.
·     deaths or funerals.
·     emergency situations acceptable to the principal or designee.
·     court appearance (subpoena required).
COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
·       personal reasons acceptable to the principal or designee.

Unexcused sign-outs include the following:
·    forgotten items (for instance: books, lunch, money, homework, projects).
·    non-educational appointments.

RELEASE OF STUDENTS

During school hours a principal or designee shall permit a child to leave school
only in custody of one of the following adults:
·      parent/guardian of the student with photo ID.
·      person listed on Emergency Contact Card, with photo ID.
·      a law enforcement officer.
·      an authorized worker from the Department of Children and Families.

At the end of the school day, students are released at a specified time and
place and are expected to go directly home. Parents must notify the school
office in writing regarding any change in the student’s normal transportation.
Car riders should be picked up immediately in the school’s designated area.

                                        Uniform Policy
The appearance of the members of the SLAM family is of paramount importance
to us as we believe good appearance is fundamental to good character
development and success. Listed below, you will find the uniform policy that is
endorsed by the school. All students at SLAM are required to follow this policy.
Failure to do so will result in administrative action being taken.

SLAM Polos
    Grades 6-8 : Red
    Grades 9-11: Gray
    Grade 12: Black
Bottoms
    Students must wear:
         o Black or khaki pants, shorts, or skirts
         o NO: Rips or Holes
         o NO: Leggings or Jeggings
         o NO: Jeans
Jackets/Sweatshirts/Hoddies
    Only SLAM! Tampa Jackets/Sweatshirts/Hoodies may be worn.
         o All other jackets, sweatshirts and hoodies will be confiscated.
Shoes
    Shoes may be any color as long as they are closed-toe shoes.

COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
Face Coverings
    Mandatory at all times while at school.
    Face coverings that are offensive in nature, or create controversy are
     strictly prohibited.

All headgear is forbidden on school property except as deemed acceptable by
administration for special events. (Headgear that forms part of a team uniform is
allowed for sports events only).

On select Fridays, students may wear blue jeans for $2.00 as a school fundraiser
event. Jeans may not have tears/rips in which skin is shown.

                                           School Lunch
Students are required to bring their lunch or purchase lunch from the cafeteria.
Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch will be provided with a lunch from
the school cafeteria. Breakfast is free for all students.

Parents may not drop off lunch for their child during school hours. Students who
do not bring lunch and/or lunch money will be provided with a school lunch and
will be required to pay the money owed on the following day.

It is the parent’s responsibility to monitor the student’s lunch account and make
sure that the student has sufficient lunch money.

Students may not order delivery or leave campus for lunch.

                             Student Behavior Expectations

               TREAT PEOPLE KINDLY:                         BE ACCOUNTABLE FOUR YOUR ACTIONS:

        Listening and following staff directions           Take charge of your academic success

        Looking out for others and having their best       Arrive to school and classes on time

         interest in mind                                   Use self-control and see the positive

        Greet staff and students

COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
BE PREPARED FOR SUCCESS:                         BE PROUD TO BE A SPARTAN:

          Carrying the expected materials                  Keep your school clean

          Dressing in the proper school uniform            Participate in school events

          Using technology appropriately (cell phones      Create a positive atmosphere

           & computers)

SLAM students are expected to show respect for themselves and others. Each
classroom has a climate in which optimal learning can take place. Students are
expected to behave in ways that are acceptable to classmates and conducive
to learning. Misbehavior on the part of students can be generally corrected when
parents and teachers work together.

Types of Disciplinary Action:
          Verbal/Written Warning
          Referral
          Contact with parent
          Loss of Privileges
          Detention: Student will be issued a Saturday School Detention, and/or
           detention to be served on a teacher planning day.
          Work Duty on Campus: student is assigned to a designated staff member
           to engage in active work such as cleaning, picking up, and organizing
          Out-of-school suspension – absence from school – student is not allowed on
           school grounds or at any school-related function.
          Expulsion – if applicable, student may be recommended for explosion
           pending approval from HCPS.

Determination of disciplinary actions will be made by the administration after
careful review of specific incidents. Student referrals will be issued at the discretion
of the administration.

                       Items Permitted/Not Permitted in School

Student are expected to bring school supplies that are listed on the official school
supply list, homework, lunch money or lunch from home and any other items
requested by the teacher.

COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
Students are not permitted to bring toys, games or other items of value to school.
Students who violate this policy may be issued a disciplinary referral. In addition,
electronic devices used in violation of the Code of Student Conduct will be
confiscated and will remain in the office for 24 hours, after which a parent or
guardian may come to the office to retrieve it. The school is not responsible for
any inconvenience this may cause. After the second confiscation, the item shall
remain at school until the end of the school year. SLAM will not be responsible for
any lost or stolen items brought to school or that have been taken away by school
personnel.

                                        Cell Phone Policy

The following rules must be followed regarding the possession, use and display of
cell phone:
 Students may possess, display and use cell phones before or after the
   instructional day.
 Students shall avoid classroom disruptions, by not displaying, using, or
   activating cell phones during the instructional day. This includes during class
   and during any other structured school activity.
 Students must ensure that devices are turned off during the instructional day.
 Students must conceal cell phone in a backpack, pocket, purse or other
   container during the instructional day.
 The School is not responsible if a student’s cell phone is lost or stolen.

                                        Internet Use Policy

Access and use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and its use must support
the educational objectives of the school. Students must always get permission
from their teachers prior to using the internet. Students who violate the following
internet usage policy may lose any and all internet usage privileges.

The school requires the following of its staff, students and parents:
 No recording, either photographic or audio/visual in nature may be made on
   school property without the express permission of the administration.
 No document or media that exists or is produced in reference to the school, its
   staff or students including photographs, letters, yearbooks and other material
   may be published where it is accessible to the public without the express
   permission of the administration.
 No staff member, student or parent may use the SLAM name or any of its logos
   for identification purposes in any public forum or media. The term “public
   forum or media” also includes but is not limited to publicly accessible websites
   and social media sites.

COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
Utilization of the Internet and Inappropriate Use of Computers

While exercising the right to use available technology, students must be aware of
their responsibility as users. Advancement of technology has enabled many
students with the access and opportunity to commit offenses that violate the
Code of Student Conduct.

The following are examples of improper uses of technology and are violations of
the Code of Student Conduct:
 Using the network to send or receive obscene or lewd material;
 Using the network to make threats against anyone or the school;
 Sending electronic mail that threatens to do bodily harm to another student
   that might be considered assault or cyber-bullying; or messages containing
   sexual content.
 Downloading pirated software (is comparable to stealing);
 Willfully and knowingly obtaining an unauthorized access to or “hacking” into
   the school’s computer system (constitutes vandalism);
 Using, without authorization, school property or a school computer or other
   electronic device and damaging a school’s computer system or causing the
   computer to “crash” (constitutes a “computer-related” crime leading to
   criminal charges).

These are only a few examples of violations committed through electronic means.
The school administration will evaluate and determine the appropriate level of
infraction under the Code of Student Conduct.

                              Special Events and Activities

Participation is contingent on attendance and behavior.

                            Inclement Weather Procedures

Arrival and dismissal procedures may be delayed due to hazardous weather
conditions. Please be patient and continue to follow drop-off/pick-up procedures
to ensure your child’s safety. Tardies may be suspended due to hazardous
weather at the discretion of the administration.

                                        Withdrawals

COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
Please notify the school office of your child’s withdrawal or transfer at least one
day in advance. In order to process a withdrawal from the school, the
parent/guardian must come into the school office and complete the necessary
paperwork to process a transfer. A transfer involves notification of a change in
school and the return of textbooks, library books and payment of any/all monies
owed to the school.

                                    Contact Information

It is critical that the school office be notified of any change of address and/or
telephone number immediately.

                                          Visitors

FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL OF OUR STUDENTS, ALL VISITORS must report to the front
office to obtain a visitor’s pass. Only persons with pertinent business are permitted
on school grounds. Children, including family members, who are not currently
enrolled at SLAM will not be permitted on school grounds during school hours.
Instructional time is precious and must not be interrupted by parent visits. Please
schedule appointments with your child’s teacher or administration to avoid
unnecessary interruptions. The school will not receive deliveries for students. In
addition, we will not hold deliveries for students during the school day.

                                        Textbooks

Students will be issued textbooks at the beginning of each school year. Students
must immediately inform teachers about any LOST or DAMAGED books so that
they can be replaced. Parents will be responsible for the cost of the replacement
book(s).

                     Grading and Reporting Student Progress

Our goal is to provide students equal access to a standards-based curriculum,
quality instruction, and academic support. Grades will reflect student
achievement toward mastery of course content standards. Grades should be
based on impartial, consistent observation of the quality of student work and
student mastery of course content and academic standards. Students shall have
multiple opportunities to demonstrate this mastery through a variety of channels.

COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
Academic Grades: Academic grades are to reflect the student’s academic
progress. The grade must provide for both students and parents a clear indication
of each student’s academic performance as compared with norms that would
be appropriate for the grade or subject. The academic grades of “A,” “B,” “C,”
“D,” or “F,” are not related to the student’s effort and conduct grades. Grades in
all subjects are to be based on the student’s degree of mastery of the instructional
objectives and competencies for the subject.

Grading Scale:

-Formal Standards-Based Summative Assessments (Including Large Projects) =
30%

-Short Standards-Based Formative Assessments, Bi-Weekly Assessments, Quizzes,
Exit Tickets, Small Projects, Classwork = 60%

-Participation =5%

-Homework = 5%

                    6-12        NUMERICAL           VERBAL
                   GRADES         VALUE         INTERPRETATION
                     A           90-100%     Outstanding progress
                      B           80-89%    Above average progress
                     C            70-79%       Average Progress
                                              Lowest acceptable
                       D           60-69%
                                                    progress
                       F            0-59%            Failure

Conduct Grades: Conduct grades are to be used to communicate clearly to both
students and their parents the teacher's evaluation of a student's behavior. These
grades are independent of an academic grade. The conduct grade must be
consistent with the student's overall behavior in class and should not be based on
a single criterion.

Progress Reports: Individual Progress Reports are issued once at the midway point
of each quarter (four (4) times a year). A report of each student’s current
academic standing can be found on Edsby. Please review your child’s progress
weekly. Please feel free to consult your child’s teacher regarding his/her school
progress. Report cards are issued the same days as identified in the Hillsborough
County School Calendar.
COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
Homework

Homework is a school related assignment which requires time and effort outside
of the regular classroom. Homework shall be meaningful and have purpose
aligned to core curriculum and content standards. Homework should be
considered practice and reinforce fundamental skills to meet course objectives.
Homework should aid in processing needed information to demonstrate mastery
and provide an opportunity to increase students learning ability through
independent experiences with resources found outside of a classroom setting.
Homework should also help develop regular study habits and self-discipline.
Ultimately, homework should enhance concepts taught in class.

To improve the effects of Homework:
 Provide your child with a quiet place which is conducive to studying and to
    learning.
 Show an interest in your child’s homework assignments by providing assistance
    and reviewing completed work.
 Do not complete any part of the homework assignments for your child. If your
    child is having difficulty with their assignment please notify the teacher.
 Encourage your child to read daily.
Student responsibilities for completing homework activities:

1. Students are responsible for completing all homework assignments
   independently. Parents may provide assistance, but students must complete
   the work on their own.
2. Homework assignments should to be done in a quiet place with good lighting
   and minimal disturbances.
3. If there is a problem in understanding how to complete homework
   assignments, students are to do the very best job possible and are encouraged
   to bring it in the next day and ask the teacher for assistance.
4. A daily planner/calendar can be used to keep track of homework assignments
   for each night.
5. If a student is having difficulty in managing their time for homework, ask the
   teacher for assistance with homework time management.

                                  Late Assignment Policy

   Students will be allowed to turn work late, but after 4 days, work will not be
   accepted, and will result in a grade of zero. Penalties for late work are as
   follows:

COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
-1 Day Late- Max Grade 90%

                                  -2 Days Late- Max Grade 80%

                                  -3 Days Late- Max Grade 70%

                                  -4 Days Late- Max Grade 60%

       *Considerations will be given on a case by case basis for extenuating
                                   circumstances.

                                   Classroom Placement

Our administrative staff reviews each student’s scores and performance
evaluations in order to provide students with the best possible learning
environment. We also consider a student’s individual work ethic and
development in our final decisions.
Students will be placed with consideration given to their academic needs and
progress with teacher and administrator recommendation.

                          Parent to School Communication

The lines of communication must be kept open at all times so that we may be
properly tuned in to your child’s needs.

Please notify us immediately if:
1. Your child has developed a communicable disease (e.g. COVID-19).
2. You will be out of town.
3. Your emergency contact information (home or work) has changed.

Always attempt to resolve issues/conflicts with your child’s teacher first. If you are
unable to resolve issues or conflicts with your child’s teacher, you may contact
the main office to schedule an appointment with the administration.

                           Parent/Teacher Communication

Conferences with individual teachers must be arranged directly with your child’s
teacher. Conferences with all teachers must be scheduled with administration.
Parent conferences will be scheduled before or after school. Teachers may also
COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
be available during their planning time; however, you must make an
appointment during this time.

Please do not engage in conferences during arrival/dismissal of students, in the
hallways, or during classroom time.

                              Authorization for Medication

Hillsborough County Schools “prohibits school personnel from administering any
prescribed medication without parental consent, physician instructions/orders
and a medication count form. In order for medication to be administered to your
child, we must have an AFM (Authorization for Medication) form. This form is
available in the office and must be kept on record. This form must be completed
by a pediatrician or a family doctor. Medication must be in its original container
labeled with the following information: The child’s name, dosage, name of the
drug, physician’s name and the name and phone number of the pharmacy that
filled the prescription. Rigid guidelines are followed in administering medication.
For example, office personnel designated to dispense medication are required to
count the number of pills the student brings to school and document it in the
student medication log.

                                        Accidents/Illnesses

Parents will be notified immediately in case of illness or an accident. In the event
that a parent cannot be located, the person(s) named as the emergency
contact will be notified. It is your responsibility to make sure that these numbers
are current and accurate. Please notify the office immediately of any accident
or injury which occurred during arrival or departure from school.

Children who are ill should remain at home to minimize the risk of passing the illness
on to others. Please notify us of any contagious illness your child has so we may
alert other parents. In addition, please notify the school of any chronic condition
your child may have.

                                          Lost and Found

A lost and found area will be designated in the Front Office. To minimize the
quantity of lost and found articles, we ask that you please write your child’s
name on everything he/she/they brings to school.

COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
Field Trips

All trips planned by the school are for specific educational purposes. Participation
in field trips requires the student to present a field trip form signed by the
parent/guardian to his/her teacher in advance. Students going on a field trip
must assume the responsibility for any necessary fee. Please keep in mind that
once the field trip has been paid, the school will not issue a refund. If a hardship
exists where a student cannot afford the cost of the field trip, please notify the
teacher or administration. Field trips are a privilege, student attendance will
impact field trip participation. Field trip chaperones will be selected by classroom
teachers, preference will be given to parents who have not attended previous
trips. Parent chaperones may not bring siblings on field trips as they are not
covered by insurance. All parents attending field trips must be cleared through
Hillsborough County.

Students will not be released to anyone during a field trip for any reason.
Authorized persons who wish to have a student released early must report to the
main office to sign out the child and wait for the child to return with their class
from the field trip.

                                   Financial Obligations

All late charges, fees and/or monies owed to the school or any school sponsored
program, must be paid by the last day of the school year. Financial obligation
notices will be sent as reminders throughout the school year.
Students with outstanding financial obligations will not receive transcripts or their
high school diploma.

COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
Sports Leadership and Management
                                      Academy of Tampa

                                  PARENT & STUDENT HANDBOOK
                                 AGREEMENT VERIFICATION FORM

                                          2020-2021

Thank you for choosing SLAM as your School of Choice! Our Parent & Student
Handbook can be found online on our website at www.slamtampa.com . Please
read and review the handbook with your child. If you are unable to access the
Internet, please feel free to pass by the main office and request a copy.

Once you have read the handbook, please complete the form below.

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS FORM TO YOUR CHILD’S HOMEROOM TEACHER:
As a parent, I understand the importance of these documents and agree to
abide by all of the policies and procedures contained therein.

Name of Student: __________________________________       Student ID: ____________

Teacher (Homeroom): ____________________________ Grade: ______________

_________________________________________________________________________
(Signature of Parent/Guardian)                  (Date)

_________________________________________________________________________
(Signature of Parent/Guardian)                  (Date)

_________________________________________________________________________
(Signature of Student)                          (Date)

COVID 19 Guidelines will be followed.
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