ATTENTION PARENTS: 
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Our center will implement new policies to improve our elementary education.  
 
1) Attendance In the upcoming school year: 
We would like to take this opportunity to remind parents the importance of arriving on time to school. Students are expected to be seated to begin class at 8:00 AM.
Tardiness causes disruption in the classroom already in session. 
Excessive tardiness/absences may result in loss of privileges, detention, parent conference and/or suspension. All absences MUST require documentation from a doctor or some other official.
Parents cannot provide no more than three excused absences written documentation during this school year. 
In addition, the importance of attendance, school attendance has a direct impact on academic achievement. In order to make the most of educational opportunities, students must have consistent, daily punctual attendance. Attending school every day is vital for students' excessive tardiness.  
It's a fact that students who attend school regularly learn more and are more successful in school than students who do not.
Parents who make regular school attendance a priority also are helping their children learn to accept responsibility, and that’s an important lesson for a successful life. Attendance patterns are formed early in life.  
Children who develop good attendance habits in the early grades will be more likely to continue them throughout their school career, as well as into their chosen career.
Regular attendance is critically important, because students who miss school miss out on carefully planned sequences of instruction.  
They miss out on active learning experiences and class participation. They miss out on the opportunity to ask questions. As a result, they are more likely to fall behind, and they are more likely to drop out. 
 
2- Emergency Contact Information: 
Emergency Student Data Forms are distributed during the first week of school. Students are expected to bring the forms home and present them to their parents/guardians.  
 
The form must be carefully completed and returned. The information provided on the Emergency Student Data Forms will enable school staff to contact the parent/guardian immediately in the case of any emergency. Parent/Guardian(s) that provide a cell phone number will receive a phone call, text message and an email should an emergency arise.  
 
Students may only be released from school to the persons listed on the form after presenting a picture identification. No persons, other than school staff, will have access to the information submitted. If your child has an emergency, please notify the director of the center to report his or her tardiness to keep a record of attendance at our center as usual according to its set by the law of Florida. 
 
3- The Elementary Schools Student Discipline Guidelines  
(Infractions and Consequences) 
 
 I. Level One 
a. Infractions 

1. Inappropriate behavior 

1. Inappropriate/profane language or gesture 

1. Disruptive behavior 

1. Disrespectful behavior 

1. Dress code violation 

1. First bus incident b. Consequences – All infractions should be handled within the framework of class or school rules and by the staff involved with the student at the time of the infraction. Any number of the following consequences may be applied. 

1. One-to-one reminder on appropriate behavior; 

1. One-to-one reminder and/or reprimand on the inappropriateness of the infraction and a reminder on exercising appropriate behavior 

1. One-to-one warning that a repeat of the infraction will lead to further consequences (Level II type) 

1. Use of a related behavior modification technique or activity 

1. Use of isolation, loss of privileges or detention 

1. Make an apology, amends, fixes damage, or makes restitution; and 

1. Contact teacher, parents or guardians. 

II. Level Two 
a. Infractions 

1. Repeated level one infractions; 

1. Dishonesty 

1. Insubordination 

1. Forgery 

1. Truancy 

1. Misuse of technology 

1. Harassing or bullying behaviors 

1. Second bus incident 

 
b. Consequences  
The student infraction(s) may need to be documented and referred to the Principal if Level One Consequences have failed to correct the behavior.  
The student’s parents will be contacted immediately by his/her teacher and or Principal. Any number of the following consequences may be applied. 

1. At the direction of the Principal and/or Associate Principal, a student discipline file and anecdotal record may be initiated; 

1. One-to-one meeting with the Principal where the infraction will be reviewed, made part of the written record of the student discipline file maintained by the Principal, and recommendations will be made for appropriate behavior so the infraction is not repeated; 

1. Severe reprimand by the Principal on the inappropriateness of the infraction and a warning that a repeat of the infraction will lead to further consequences (Level III); 

1. Use of a related behavior modification technique or activity by the Principal; 

1. Use of isolation, loss of privileges or detention (as directed or conducted by the Principal); 

1. After-school detention; 

1. Counseling; and fixes damage and/or makes restitution. 

 
 
III. Level Three  
a. Infractions 

1. Repeated level two infractions; 

1. Endangering the health, safety, and/or welfare of self or others; 

1. Physical aggression; 

1. Possession of a weapon, firearm, or other dangerous/illegal substance 

1. Vandalism 

1. Theft; 

1. Third bus incident 

  
b,Consequences  
The students’ parents will be contacted immediately by the teacher and/or Principal. A discipline file will be established. Any number of the following consequences may be applied. 

1. Parental visit to school and conference with Principal; 

1. In-school detention and/or loss of privileges; 

1. After-school detention; 

1. ½-day suspension; 

1. 1-day suspension; 

1. 1-3 day suspension; 

1. 5-day suspension; 

1. 5+ days’ suspension with Superintendent’s Hearing; 

1. Counseling and intervention; and fixes damage and/or makes restitution. ​

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***Definition of bullying: threatening, stalking or seeking to coerce or compel a person to do something; engaging in the nonverbal, verbal, written, cyber or physical gestures and/or conduct that threatens another with harm, including intimidation through the use of epithets or slurs involving race, ethnicity, natural origin, religion, religious practices, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability that substantially disrupts the educational process. It is usually, but not necessarily, repeated over time.  
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4) Breakfast hours  
Breakfast will be served from 7:00 AM to 7:45 AM only. Please note: Breakfast will NOT be served after 8:00 AM. In addition, outside food is not allowed in the center. Happy Hearts Elementary is certified by the department USDA and according to nutrition standards we offer healthy and appropriate food for all of our children. 
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5) Uniform Policy  
UNIFORMS ARE MANDATORY EVERYDAY 
● School polo shirt with logo  
● Khaki or navy blue pants  
● Girls have an option to wear skirts Consequences for not complying with uniform policy ● Notification sent home  
● After three notifications sent home a parent conference will be requested and possible disciplinary action will occur.  
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** PLEASE NOTE:  In order to have effective communication with teachers please do not use your phone while picking up your child or during the dismissal process. 
Thank you, for your Cooperation 
Att. Valia Salgado (Center Director)

Mrs. Ventura (V) (HHS Principal) 
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