DAYSPRING ACADEMY (4301 & 4334) - ELEMENTARY LEARNER HANDBOOK
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DAYSPRING ACADEMY (4301 & 4334) ELEMENTARY LEARNER HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BOARD APPROVED 5
WELCOME MESSAGE TO OUR PARENTS AND LEARNERS 6
OUR VISION 6
OUR MISSION 6
PASCO COUNTY SCHOOLS LEARNER CODE OF CONDUCT 6
CAMPUS LOCATIONS 7
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 8
AFTER SCHOOL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 8
Encore Reading Program 8
ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICIES 8
Attendance Overview 8
Attendance Procedures 8
Absence Criteria 9
Consequences for Unexcused Absences 10
Make-up Work 10
Tardiness and Early Dismissal [Subject to change] 11
Learner Consequences for Unexcused Tardiness 11
BEFORE AND AFTER CARE PROGRAM - ACT II 11
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS - SEE DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS 11
BIRTHDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS 11
BUS RIDERS – SEE TRANSPORTATION 12
CAR LOOP (Subject to change) 12
Dismissal Procedures 12
CELL PHONES 13
CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM 13
Page 2COMMUNICATIONS 14
DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS 14
Respect 14
Responsibility 15
Recognizing the Rights and Property of Others 15
Consequences 15
Infractions and Consequences Equivalency 15
DISMISSAL – SEE CAR LOOP & DISMISSAL 16
DRESS CODE 16
Approved Uniform Attire - Elementary Learners 16
DRESS DOWN DAYS 17
Dress Down Day Coupons 17
Dress Code for Dress Down Days 17
EARLY DISMISSAL OF LEARNERS – SEE CAR LOOP & DISMISSAL 18
EMAIL 18
EMERGENCY LUNCH 18
ENROLLMENT/LOTTERY 18
FIELD TRIP EXPERIENCE 19
FOOD SERVICES 19
Food Deliveries to Campuses 19
Free/Reduced School Meals 19
Elementary Parent Lunch Policy 19
School Meal Payments 20
GRADING SCALE 20
K-2 and Arts Enhancement 20
Grades 3-5 20
HEALTH 20
Illness 20
Screenings 21
HOMEWORK 21
HOPE SCHOLARSHIP 21
HOURS OF OPERATION 22
Elementary 22
IMMUNIZATIONS AND PHYSICALS 22
Page 3Required Immunizations 22
Physicals 23
INCLUSION AND GRIEVANCE POLICIES 23
See APPENDIX A 23
LABELING BELONGINGS 23
LEARNER CONTACT INFORMATION 23
LICE 23
LOTTERY PROCESS – SEE ENROLLMENT/LOTTERY 24
LOST AND FOUND 24
MEDICATION 24
MYSTUDENT 24
NON-SUFFICIENT FUND CHECKS 24
ORIENTATION 24
PARENT CONFERENCES 25
PHYSICALS – SEE IMMUNIZATIONS AND PHYSICALS 25
PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS 25
PROMOTION AND RETENTION 25
REFUNDS 25
REGISTRATION – SEE ENROLLMENT/LOTTERY 25
REPORTING SYSTEM 25
SUPPLY & TECHNOLOGY FEE 25
TARDY POLICY – SEE ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICIES 26
TEACHER REQUESTS 26
TESTING 26
TECHNOLOGY POLICY 26
TELEPHONE MESSAGES 26
TRANSPORTATION 26
Transportation Policy 26
School Bus Rules 27
School Bus Emergency Evacuation Procedures 29
Page 4UNIFORMS 29
VISITATION 29
VOLUNTEERING/VOLUNTEER HOURS 29
WEAPON FREE POLICY - SEE ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY 30
WELLNESS POLICY 30
WITHDRAWALS 31
Learner Withdrawals 31
Withdrawal of Learner Records 31
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY 31
Firearms 31
Weapons 32
CREATION FOUNDATION, INC. 33
ADMINISTRATION 33
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 33
APPENDIX A 33
Inclusion and Grievance Policies 33
BOARD APPROVED
June 2021
Page 5WELCOME MESSAGE TO OUR PARENTS AND LEARNERS
We are delighted that you have chosen Dayspring Academy to nurture your child in his or her
educational, cultural, and character development. By partnering with you and your family, we believe
your child can learn and achieve their highest potential through the learning environment Dayspring
Academy provides.
Together, as we provide this high-performing, educational and arts community, we also need to
establish standards and guidelines. In every effort to promote good communication between you as the
parent and us, as the Dayspring Academy staff, we have compiled this handbook for your reference.
We appreciate your support of our policies and procedures, including our uniform policies, which are
designed to remove any distractions from the learning environment, allowing Dayspring to provide an
enriching educational program and to allow our learners to focus on their education.
The Dayspring Academy staff is looking forward with great anticipation to serving you and your child.
OUR VISION
To create an educational family which develops character driven, culturally literate, lifelong learners
who bring value to their community.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to prepare learners of Pasco County, Pre-K through 12th grade for high school, college,
and for the workforce by delivering a world class education through the arts in a collaborative
environment fueled by a passion for learning.
PASCO COUNTY SCHOOLS LEARNER CODE OF CONDUCT
Dayspring Academy also adheres to the Pasco County Schools Student Code of Conduct and
Discipline Guidelines. To review this information, please visit Pasco County Schools Learner Code of
Conduct and Discipline.
Dayspring’s campuses and properties are drug, alcohol, and tobacco free.
All forms of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco including vaping, are strictly prohibited.
Page 6CAMPUS LOCATIONS
Elementary/Harmony Campus Elementary/Jazz Campus
8911 Timber Oaks Avenue 7137 Jasmine Blvd.
Port Richey, FL 34668 Port Richey, FL 34668
Phone: 727-862-8600 Phone: 727-296-0319
Fax: 727-245-8826 Fax: 727-245-8826
Middle School/Symphony Campus
Early College/Ovation Campus
9509 Palm Ave 8330 Dayspring Academy Way
Port Richey, FL 33668 Port Richey, FL 33668
Phone: 727-847-9003 Phone: 727-296-0302
Fax: 727-848-8774 Fax: 727-245-8826
Little Scholars and Administration/Minuet Campus
9732 Little Rd.
New Port Richey, FL 34654
Phone: 727-857-6912
Fax: 727-245-8826
Visit us at dayspring.academy
Page 7ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Each learner's academic instruction will consist of language arts, math, history, science, physical
education, arts, humanities, and other elective classes. All learners will have an individualized set of
plans and realistic goals. All learners will be given the attention and resources needed to achieve their
goals and reach their highest potential. Parents are expected to reinforce the learning environment at
home and encourage academic excellence.
AFTER SCHOOL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Encore Reading Program
Dayspring elementary school offers a reading program designed to help your child succeed
academically in the area of reading. Your child may participate in the program based on assessments,
school and standardized scores, teacher observations, and classroom performance. Learners who
participate in this program will have the opportunity to gain skills and strategies to improve their literacy
skills. To ensure learners are acquiring the necessary instruction to improve their skills and
understanding of concepts, learners are required to attend the program on the scheduled dates that
have been set. Learners who are absent more than three days will be dismissed from the program.
The Arts are integrated into every part of Dayspring Academy. Arts are in the classroom, in our
electives, and in our homes. Arts information can be found in our weekly newsletters, our Facebook
Events posts, and on Parent Square.
ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICIES
Attendance Overview
State statute requires that “All learners who have attained or will have attained the age of 6 years by
February 1 of any school year and have not yet attained the age of 16 years, except as otherwise
provided, are required to attend school regularly during the entire school term.” (F.S. 1003.21)
It is the belief of the District School Board of Pasco County and Dayspring Academy that academic
success requires continuity of instruction and active classroom participation. Attendance shall be
required of all learners enrolled in school during the days and hours that the school is in session.
School attendance shall be the responsibility of parents and learners.
School Attendance: Learners are to be counted in attendance only if they are actually present or
engaged in a school-approved educational activity, which constitutes a part of the instructional program
for the learner.
Class Attendance: Learners are to be counted in attendance if they are physically present in class or
have been excused by the teacher on a class-related assignment, or have been requested by a
member of the school support staff for an approved school activity including taking required
assessments.
Attendance Procedures
All elementary school learners who are absent will be marked “unexcused” (“U”) until the
parent/guardian notifies the school in writing and justifies the absence with one of the acceptable
Page 8reasons as defined in section Acceptable Reasons for a Learner’s Absence from Class. Failure to do so
within three (3) school days will cause the absence to be recorded as “unexcused”. In the case of
excessive or extended absences which are claimed to be due to illness, upon request of the principal or
designee, a parent must provide documentation (doctor’s statement) of a learner’s illness. Excessive or
extended absences are considered over 5 absences in one quarter. A District notification letter will be
sent home when a learner misses 5 days of instructional time in a quarter, to include tardies, early
dismissals, or absences (excused or unexcused).
Absence Criteria
● Illness of learner.
● Major illness in the immediate family of the learner (immediate family is determined as parents,
brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, legal guardians or persons in loco parentis, or a
member of one's own household).
● Death in the immediate family of the learner.
● Religious holiday of the learner’s faith (including Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Epiphany, etc.).
● Religious instruction (including Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Confirmation, etc.).
● Religious institutes, conferences, or workshops, provided that the principal or designee
approves the absence in advance.
● Absences for trips or other parental requests that are determined to be educationally relevant
for the learner as determined by the principal or designee. Requests must be approved at least
one week in advance. The principal or designee’s decision in this matter is final.
● In-school or out-of-school suspension.
● Subpoena or forced absence by any law enforcement agency. A copy of the subpoena or court
summons must be submitted to the school.
● For purposes of attendance, school related activities would not be counted as absences from
school.
*Vacations are unexcused absences.
Florida Law 1003.26(1)(b) provides that if a learner has at least five (5) unexcused absences, or
absences for which the reasons are unknown, within a calendar month or ten (10) unexcused
absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, within a 90 calendar day period, the school
must take action. The school may require documented medical and legal excuses for a pattern of non-
attendance.
● Attendance shall be counted period by period (6-10 only).
● A learner, whose parent or legal guardian is an active duty member of the armed forces and has
been called to duty, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from deployment, shall be
granted additional excused absences, at the discretion of a school district’s superintendent or
designee, to spend time with said learner’s parent/legal guardian, relative to such leave or
deployment.
● After three (3) unexcused absences the school shall contact the home (or workplace) of the
parent/guardian to determine the reason for the absence.
If the initial parent/guardian meeting/contact does not resolve the problem and the person responsible
for all non-attendance determines that an early pattern of nonattendance is developing, interventions
Page 9that best address the problem will be developed. The interventions may include but need not be limited
to:
● Attendance agreements.
● Referral to the school based intervention team and school principal, when applicable.
When a learner enters the classroom late, or if a child is routinely dismissed early, it seriously affects
the continuity of the learning environment and could impact your child's academic progress.
If the attendance agreements and the referral to the school principal and/or school based intervention
team are not successful, then a referral to Pasco County Student Services personnel, including a
district assigned school social worker, will be made. Once referred to the school social worker, a
learner and/or parent may be referred to the Office of the State Attorney’s Truancy Intervention
Program (TIP), Youth and Family Alternatives (YFA), or a Children in Need of Services/Family in Need
of Services (CINS/FINS) petition could be filed.
These programs are a partnership between the District School Board and the State Attorney's Office
and Youth and Family Alternatives, that brings the involved adults together to achieve the child's
improved attendance.
Consequences for Unexcused Absences
Florida statutes link regular school attendance to the Learnfare Program (Section 414.1251) and the
Drivers License (Statute 322.091). The District School Board is mandated to report to the Department
of Children and Families (DCF) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) any student who
accumulates 15 unexcused absences in a 90 calendar day period. Therefore, as a result of non-
attendance, your cash assistance (TANF) may be interrupted and/or the student's ability to receive or
maintain a driver's license may be interrupted.
● May be excluded from attendance reward incentives as defined at the school level.
● Lose the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities. These include but are not limited to
dances, special events, club activities and athletics, until the end of the following grading
quarter. Absences accumulated in the fourth quarter will result in loss of privileges during said
quarter.
Make-up Work
Excused absences guarantee learners the right to make up any and all assignments assigned on the
day[s] of absence at full credit. The learner is responsible for asking the teacher(s) for assignments and
make-up tests within two days. The teacher(s) shall specify a reasonable period of time for completion
of make-up work. In no case shall the time be less than one full calendar day for each day missed.
Work due to be turned in on the day of the absence will be turned in upon return and be given full
credit. The principal or designee shall have the authority to modify these conditions with a confirmed
hardship. Learners who have been assigned out-of-school suspension (OSS) may make up all missed
assignments and tests for full credit.
Page 10Tardiness and Early Dismissal [Subject to change]
Learners need to arrive on time and stay through dismissal so they can receive important directions,
class instruction and avoid disrupting other learners. Parents can set a good example by encouraging
learners to follow the school’s time schedule.
All parents must sign in their learner at the front office when dropping off their learner late and must
sign out their learner at the front office when picking up their child prior to the regular dismissal time.
● A learner is tardy at the elementary campus if he/she is not in the classroom by 8:30 AM.
● Note there will be no early dismissals after 3:00 PM for elementary learners.
Learner Consequences for Unexcused Tardiness
Excused tardiness may not impact a learner’s academic grade. Reasons for an excused tardy include:
● A learner illness.
● Medical or dental appointment (a note from the doctor or dentist is required for the tardy to be
excused).
● Death in the family.
● Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is mandated for all members of a faith that
the holiday or service is observed.
● Previously approved school-sponsored event.
● Family emergency, however, must be approved by the principal.
Unexcused tardiness includes any tardiness that does not fall into one of the categories listed above. It
is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to explain in writing any tardiness to school. Failure to
provide a written explanation will automatically be considered an unexcused tardiness.
BEFORE AND AFTER CARE PROGRAM - ACT II
Dayspring Academy’s ACT II program provides high-quality before and after care for learners K-5,
providing a safe and fun program that supports the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical
development of learners so that parents can work free of worries about their learner's safety. The
mission of our ACT II program is to provide a hands-on learning environment for school age learners to
grow and develop into effective and influential members of society by bringing the Arts, community, and
tutoring to life through experiences and resources. Our K-5 program is available from 6:45 AM until
school begins and from 3:30 PM – 6 PM. ACT II is also open during the summer and on certain days
when school is closed at our elementary campuses, with care offered on these days from 6:45 AM – 6
PM. For more information, please email act2@dayspringacademy.org.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS - SEE DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOR
EXPECTATIONS
BIRTHDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS
All birthday celebrations will take place during the learner’s recess time. All refreshments must be
commercially prepared. No home-baked goods will be accepted in the interest of learner safety.
Healthy snacks are encouraged.
Page 11BUS RIDERS – SEE TRANSPORTATION
CAR LOOP (Subject to change)
Thank you for understanding that the safety of our learners is a top priority at Dayspring Academy. We
encourage our parents to remove offensive and inappropriate bumper stickers from their vehicles that
may be seen by young children during car loop. No political activity can occur during car loop, including
auditory speeches. No loud music is permitted from cars during car loop.
Arrival Procedures - Harmony and Jazz Campus Car Loop
● Please follow the car loop map that was included in your learner’s orientation packet.
● Morning AM car loop will officially begin at 8:05 AM and end promptly at 8:25 AM.
● Due to our limited space for parking, and consideration for our neighbors, we ask that you do
not arrive for AM car loop before 8:05 AM. If you arrive earlier and traffic backs out onto the
street, you will be asked to park in our parking lot due to safety hazards this poses. To ensure
learner safety at all times, learners may not be in the front office before 8:15 AM.
● For the safety of our learners, we cannot allow learners to wait outside or in the lobby at any
time without parent/guardian supervision.
● In order to have car loop run safely and efficiently, please have learners sit in the back seat
behind the driver’s side rear door during arrival to assist with unloading learners.
Dismissal Procedures
● Afternoon PM car loop gate will officially open at 3:15 PM and will close promptly at 3:50 PM.
● Kindergarten-2nd dismissal will begin at 3:30 PM and 3rd-5th dismissal will begin at 3:40 PM.
● In order to have car loop run safely and efficiently, please have learners sit in the back seat
behind the driver’s side rear door.
● Due to our limited space for parking, and consideration for our neighbors, we ask that you do
not arrive for PM car loop before 3:15 PM. If you arrive earlier and traffic backs out onto the
street, you will be asked to park in our parking lot due to safety hazards this poses.
● Parents and guardians are to use the PikMyKid app to pick up your learners via car loop. If the
driver does not have the PikMyKid app on their phone, the driver will be directed to park their
vehicle and proceed to the office for dismissal of their learner after the carloop closes.
● Your PikMyKid app must be activated upon arrival and shown on your phone to the Dayspring
staff to ensure prompt delivery of your child to your car.
● If you have a change in transportation (ex: your learner will not be riding the bus home today or
your learner will not be staying after school for scheduled rehearsal, etc) you MUST login to the
PikMyKid app to submit the change; all changes must be entered into PikMyKid by 3 PM.
● Due to safety, learners will not be dismissed through the elementary school front office between
3:00 PM and 3:50 PM.
● Please DO NOT exit your vehicle while in car loop. If you need to help your child buckle their
seatbelt or car seat, you will need to continue through car loop and pull into a parking space or
pick up your child from the front office.
● It is important that you pick up your learner through the ES carloop by 3:50 PM daily. Any
learners not picked up by 3:50 PM will be escorted to our after school program, ACT II, for after
Page 12school care. A $10.00 late fee per learner will be charged to the parent. The parent will be
required to pay the late fee utilizing Dayspring Academy's electronic payment system at the time
of pick-up.
● After two incidents of being picked up late through ACT II, an ACT II registration fee will be
charged to the parent ($25.00, plus a $50 deposit). The parent will also be required to fill out
ACT II registration forms for each learner. The parent will be required to pay the late fee and
registration fee utilizing Dayspring Academy's electronic payment system and complete the ACT
II registration packet at the time of pick-up.
● In case of inclement weather, afternoon car loop will be reduced to one (1) lane for the safety of
your child. Please remember to turn off windshield wipers when it is raining. Please be advised
carloop may close early for safety of teachers and learners in extreme weather conditions. This
may include extreme heat, lightning and rain.
● Smoking or the use of any tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and vaping) is prohibited on
any school grounds.
● The use of cellphones is NOT permitted while in car loop (with the exception of “announcing”
your learner in your PikMyKid app).
● All pets, including dogs, are not permitted in the car loop. This is to ensure the safety of our
learners and staff while loading the learners into vehicles.
● Only individuals listed on the PikMyKid app have permission to pick up learners. Individuals will
be required to present a photo ID before we can release your learner to the individual.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices, with the exception of electronic devices
issued to learners, are not permitted during school hours due to the interruption to the learning
environment that these devices may present. Learners may use electronic devices only when instructed
by their teacher that electronic devices will be used during a class activity. If a learner is found using a
cell phone or other electronic device (excluding electronic devices used in class), or if these devices
disrupt instruction during school hours, the following consequences will be implemented:
1st Offense ………………. Verbal warning by the teacher. Device is turned off and put away and the
parent is notified.
2nd Offense ……………… Verbal warning by the teacher. Device is turned off and put away and the
parent is notified.
3rd Offense ………………. Device is taken by the teacher and given to the administration. Device will be held
until signed out by the parent.
At any time, the Administration may remove learners' cell phone devices and keep them in the front
office to be returned to the parents at the end of the day.
CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM
If an elementary school learner is caught cheating or plagiarizing, the following consequences will be
enforced:
Page 131st offense ………………..Zero (0%) to 50% of the grade will be given on the assignment/assessment;
teacher will initiate a conference with the parent/guardian; assignment/assessment must still be
completed; behavior infraction will be written.
Subsequent offenses ……. Zero percent score will be given on the assignment/assessment; teacher
initiates conference with parent/guardian; assignment/assessment must still be completed; behavior
intervention infraction will be written.
COMMUNICATIONS
In order to protect our learners’ learning time, we must limit messages delivered to learners for
emergencies ONLY. Forgotten homework, projects, school issued electronic devices, etc. can be
delivered to the front office. We strive to encourage personal responsibility. Please remind your
learner(s) to bring everything they need at the start of each day. Learners may not contact parents
during school hours on personal or school electronic devices (iPads, chromebooks, cell phones, smart
watches, etc.).
No learner information will be permitted on outside social media without approval from administration.
All social media communications and postings about Dayspring learners, as well as any
communications and social media directly affecting Dayspring learners or teachers/staff, must have
administration approval in advance.
DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Dayspring’s discipline policy is a school-wide process for ensuring a safe, serious learning environment
is in place for our learners. The main concept of this policy is to deal with behaviors that disrupt the
classroom, thereby allowing the classroom to stay as it should be - a place to learn. Please read
through and discuss the Dayspring discipline guide and the Pasco County Student Code of Conduct
with your child. These guides are very important and will affect him/her throughout the year. We are
confident that, with your support, our learners will enjoy a learning environment where increased
academic achievement can take place. When you review and reinforce these concepts at home, you
are doing your part to assist us in ensuring your child’s success in school.
Each learner at Dayspring Academy is expected to display excellent character and to adhere to all the
rules. The behavior of each learner is solely his or her responsibility and so they will be held to high
standards in this area.
Respect
All Dayspring Academy learners have the right to be treated with respect and with self-worth and to
treat others with respect as well.
● Learners will show proper respect to all classmates.
● Learners will follow directions the first time when given by an adult.
● Learners will show proper respect to all faculty and staff, including body language and verbal
responses.
● Learners will conduct themselves quietly and courteously in the hallways, restrooms, and during
class.
Page 14● Defiance toward adults will not be tolerated.
Responsibility
All Dayspring Academy learners have a right to learn. Teachers have a right to teach. Both have the
right to do a job well-done.
● Learners will arrive to class on time, will come prepared with materials needed for class, and will
be willing to participate.
● Learners may not bring the following to school: candy, gum, toys, smoke bombs, firecrackers,
electronic toys, or any objects which may cause physical harm or interfere with learning.
● Learners will wear Dayspring Academy uniforms and will abide by the proper dress code.
● Learners will complete all class homework on their own; cheating will not be tolerated.
● Learners will use appropriate language at all times.
● Learners must have a pass to be in the hallways during class time.
● Learners arriving late to school are required to sign in at the front office and receive a tardy
pass.
Recognizing the Rights and Property of Others
All Dayspring Academy learners have the responsibility to respect adults, other learners, and self. This
will be modeled by the following procedures:
● Bullying and harassing others because of their disability, ethnicity, socio-economic, or physical
appearance will not be tolerated.
● Learners will respect the property of Dayspring Academy, Dayspring learners, and our teachers.
● Learners will not be permitted to fight, play rough, or touch another learner with harmful intent.
● Learners and their families will assume financial responsibility for property damage caused by
the learner.
Disrespect and lack of responsibility will not be tolerated. Consequences WILL BE GIVEN if these
discipline guidelines are not followed.
Consequences
Consequences for not demonstrating respect, responsibility, and recognizing the rights of others
include but are not limited to:
● Behavior Infraction
● ISS (in school suspension) or OSS (outside school suspension)
● Parent conference (via phone or in person)
● Not allowed to participate in extracurricular activities
● Lunch/recess reflection
● Referral in learner’s file
● Parent shadowing
Infractions and Consequences Equivalency
● Once an OSS has been assigned, the learner will be placed on a Behavior Contract and parents
and learner will conference with the principal. At the next infraction similar to or greater than
what warranted the contract according to the Pasco County Schools Code of Conduct, the
learner will receive OSS for additional days up to 10 days.
Page 15● After 10 OSS days have been assigned, the learner may be recommended to the Dayspring
Academy board for expulsion from Dayspring Academy. If the Dayspring Academy Board
recommends expulsion, the Dayspring Academy Board will then recommend expulsion to the
Pasco County School Board.
DISMISSAL – SEE CAR LOOP & DISMISSAL
DRESS CODE
In order to promote a safe and supportive learning environment and to enhance school safety, maintain
order, and promote a positive atmosphere, Dayspring Academy has adopted the following uniform
policy for grades K-5. This policy has been in effect since August 1, 2000 and has subsequently been
reauthorized annually.
Refer to Dress Code for Dress Down Days for approved dress down day attire.
Parents may choose to opt-out of the dress code only for religious purposes or by reason of a learner's
disability.
Approved Uniform Attire - Elementary Learners
All elementary school learners are required to wear a school uniform every day, except on designated
dress down days.
Bottoms:
● Only navy blue or khaki uniform pants, capris, skirts, shorts, skorts, or jumpers (skirts, shorts,
skorts, and jumpers must be knee length). Knee length is not shorter than 2 inches above the
knee.
● NO jeans, jeggings, and leggings are allowed.
Tops/Jackets:
● Short or long sleeve polo style shirt MUST be white, light yellow, navy blue, or light blue ONLY
and MUST have a collar.
● No logos or emblems are permitted, with the exception of the Dayspring Academy logo.
● Tops must cover the midriff area and must extend beyond the belt loop area; low cut tops are
not allowed.
● Long or short sleeve WHITE or NAVY only shirts may be worn under a 3 button polo shirt.
● Jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts must be navy, white, light blue or light yellow; no logos or
emblems are permitted, with the exception of the Dayspring Academy logo.
● Friday Only: Any Dayspring event shirts (OM, production t-shirts) can be worn with a uniform
bottom.
Other Items:
● Girls may wear only uniform color tights or leggings under shorts, skirts, skorts, and jumpers.
● Socks must be solid uniform color.
Page 16● Closed toe and closed heel shoes and sneakers only; no flip-flops, heels, Crocs, or sandals
allowed.
● Learners are not required to wear face masks. If a face mask is worn, it must be a solid color
with no writing or logos.
Please call the Harmony campus at 727-862-8600 or the Jazz Campus at 727-296-0319 if you
have any questions.
DRESS DOWN DAYS
Dress Down Day Coupons
Elementary learners can pay $1 the day of the dress down or they can purchase the semester dress
down coupon via Parent Square at a cost of $5 per semester. If the learner chooses to dress down on a
dress down day, they must have paid on Parent Square or bring $1 on the dress down day or they will
be required to change into a school uniform.
Dress Code for Dress Down Days
The following are NOT allowed:
● Tops with spaghetti straps (unless covered by another shirt, jacket or sweater)
● Tank tops or sleeveless shirts (unless covered by another shirt, jacket or sweater)
● Crop tops
● Camis (unless covered by another shirt, jacket or sweater)
● Low cut tops
● Sundresses (unless covered by a jacket or sweater)
● Strapless tops
● See-through tops
● Tops with slits or lace on the shoulders, sleeves or back (includes cold shoulder tops)
● Shirts with offensive writing and/or images
● Jeans, pants, skirts, skorts, and shorts with holes
● Clothing with inappropriate logos or graphics
● Open toe and open heel shoes, flip flops, or shoes with heels higher than 1 inch are NOT allowed
Other
● Tops must cover the midriff area and must extend beyond the belt loop area
● Shorts, skirts, skorts, jumpers, and dresses must be knee length (knee length is not shorter than 2
inches above the knee)
● Face masks and face shields may be worn by learners. Face masks and shields must be Dayspring
appropriate and must be a solid color, with no logos, writing, or other emblems, with the exception
of the Dayspring Academy logo.
● Can wear jean shorts (knee length), jeggings or leggings (no holes or tears)
Page 17EARLY DISMISSAL OF LEARNERS – SEE CAR LOOP & DISMISSAL
EMAIL
Emails are welcome and encouraged. Please contact us at any time at
dayspringacademy@dayspringacademy.org. If you wish to communicate with a specific staff member,
use their first initial and last name plus @dayspringacademy.org. Ex: For John Doe, use
jdoe@dayspringacademy.org.
EMERGENCY LUNCH
Dayspring follows the Pasco County School District’s policy.
ENROLLMENT/LOTTERY
Pasco County residents in grades K – 12 are eligible to attend Dayspring Academy through an equal
opportunity lottery process. Learners residing outside of Pasco County may also participate in the
lottery; however, priority enrollment is given to Pasco County residents.
A public Lottery Information Session is held every year. Information about this session is posted on the
Dayspring website and an ad is placed in the newspaper to serve as public notice of this session.
The Lottery Registration process begins on February 1st at a designated time, usually 9 AM. The
Lottery Registration period closes March 7, at a designated time, usually 4 PM. The dates and times
are advertised beginning in January. Lottery Registration applications are only accepted during the
Lottery Information Session and throughout the open Lottery Period. Administration has the ability to
extend or change lottery period and post lottery information on the Dayspring website.
Lottery Registration forms must be submitted online via the Dayspring website during the February
open registration period. Any Lottery Registration forms received after the Lottery Registration period
ends are placed at the bottom of the corresponding grade’s waiting list, in order of the date received.
Please note: If you would like to enroll ANY school age siblings in Dayspring (K-12) or Dayspring’s Little
Scholars (VPK only), a Lottery Registration form must be completed for EACH sibling. In order to be
eligible for sibling status, the child must be a sibling of a current* Dayspring Academy (K-12) or Little
Scholars (VPK) learner, and must NOT be currently enrolled in Dayspring Academy. *Current
Dayspring learners are defined as those learners who are enrolled at Dayspring (K-12) or Little
Scholars (VPK) during the month of February of the current school year. You must list all siblings on
each Lottery Registration form so that we are able to identify learners who qualify for sibling status.
Parents/guardians will be notified mid April of the enrollment status of their learner. Parents/guardians
must accept or decline the enrollment opportunity within 3 business days of being notified their learner
has been accepted into Dayspring Academy. If acceptance notification is not received by Dayspring
Academy within 3 business days, the opening will be offered to the next learner on the waiting list.
Proof of Pasco County residency is required at time of enrollment to receive priority enrollment.
Page 18By Florida law, the entrance age for Kindergarten is 5 years old on or before September 1st.
Registration information is required before entering a Florida school. The following criteria must be met:
● Current physical examination within one year prior to enrollment
● Florida Certificate of Immunization or Certified Religious/Medical Exemption from the Florida
Dept. of Health
● Evidence of age (i.e., original certified birth certificate)
● Proof of Pasco County residency (parent Driver’s License, utility bill, etc.)
● Social Security number (if available, parent disclosure is voluntary)
FIELD TRIP EXPERIENCE
Opportunities for field trip experiences will be offered across curricula to encourage real world
application of content taught in the classroom. All parents must provide consent following the
designated field trip permission process.
All field trip chaperones MUST be approved volunteers. Please refer to Volunteering/Volunteer Hours of
this handbook for our policy regarding field trip chaperones. Also refer to our Volunteer handbook which
can be found on Parent Square under Resource Hub in Parents Links.
Parents and children not registered as a Dayspring learner who have not been pre-approved by
Dayspring may not attend the field trip.
* Please note field trip payments are not refundable.
FOOD SERVICES
Dayspring partners with SLA Management through Pasco County Schools to provide a streamlined
food service program for our staff and families. Prior to the first day of school, please create a My
School Bucks account for your learner. Click here for the link to set up your accounts.
Food Deliveries to Campuses
Dayspring learners and parents are prohibited from ordering food deliveries to the campuses from
outside vendors such as Uber Eats and other vendors.
Free/Reduced School Meals
Your learner(s) may qualify to receive breakfast and lunch each school day for free or at a reduced
rate. To find out if your family qualifies, fill out a Free/Reduced Meals application via Parent Square in
the Resource Hub under Parent Links. This process is strictly confidential.
Elementary Parent Lunch Policy
● Parents who would like to eat lunch with their learner on campus must first check in at the front
office and present their driver’s license so that they can be checked in through the
security/approval process. If for some reason you do not clear the security/approval process,
you will not be allowed to eat lunch with your learner on campus, however, you are welcome to
sign your learner out for lunch, following the school’s dismissal policy.
Page 19● Parents who are approved to eat lunch on campus with their learner are required to sit at the
Parent Table with their learner only; learners are not permitted to sit at the Parent Table unless
accompanied by their parent.
● Parents may bring lunch for their learner(s) only; parents may not bring lunch for another
learner.
School Meal Payments
Please note: You will need a valid credit or debit card to utilize this service. Additionally, you will need
your child’s six digit learner identification number. If you have questions or require further assistance,
please call the campus front office.
GRADING SCALE
K-2 and Arts Enhancement
E – Excellent ……………………….. Shows exceptional achievement, dedication, or ability.
S – Successful …………………….. Successfully accomplishes what is expected; needs little or no
assistance.
N – Needs Assistance …………... Lacking in skills, concentration, or desire to complete assigned
tasks without assistance.
U – Unsuccessful ……………….... Performing well below expectations. Requires assistance on a
consistent basis.
Grades 3-5
90-100 ……………………………… A
80-89 …………………………......... B
70-79 ……………………………….. C
60-69 …………………………......... D
Below 60 …………………………... U
HEALTH
If your learner has any health conditions such as excessive nose bleeding, convulsions, allergic
reactions to insect bites, food allergies, hearing and/or vision problems, etc., this information must be
indicated on the learner’s online registration form. This will make it possible for us to handle emergency
situations adequately when they arise. If there are any changes to your learner’s health, please notify
your learner’s campus front office as soon as possible. Refer to the MEDICATION sections of this
handbook for additional information.
Illness
We ask for your assistance in preventing the spread of illnesses among our learners and staff by doing
the following:
● Please keep sick learners at home, especially if they are exhibiting one or more of the following
symptoms, which could indicate a more serious illness:
○ Fever
○ Chills
Page 20○ Sore throat
○ Newly developed cough
○ Muscle pain
○ Vomiting
○ Headache
○ New loss of taste or smell
○ Diarrhea
○ Pink eye
○ Any other communicable disease
● A learner who has a fever of 100.4 or displays symptoms must stay home and be symptom free
for 24 hours without the use of over-the-counter medications to treat these symptoms.
● Please notify your learner’s campus immediately if your learner or their immediate family
member has been exposed to Coronavirus OR if the learner and/or family member tests positive
for Coronavirus.
● Have alternative childcare available in the event your learner becomes ill.
Preventative Measures to Stay Healthy
Below are some of the ways we plan to promote healthy hygiene to our learners and we ask our
families to reinforce these habits as well at home:
● Clean hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at
least 60% alcohol.
● Always cover coughs and sneezes.
● Practice social spacing.
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Screenings
Dayspring may follow the screening guidelines set forth by the Pasco School District, Florida
Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
HOMEWORK
Our policy at Dayspring Academy is to tailor homework as much as possible to fit the needs of the
individual learner. The purpose of homework is to reinforce skills and to practice introduced skills. If a
learner is sick and misses school, he/she will be expected to make up missed assignments. Please
allow the teacher 24 hours to get your child’s missed assignments together. Assignments cannot be
picked up in the middle of the school day in order to give the classroom teacher adequate time to tend
to his/her class and prepare the learner’s assignments.
HOPE SCHOLARSHIP
Beginning with the 2018-19 school year, a student enrolled in a Florida public school in kindergarten
through grade 12 who has been subjected to an incident of battery; harassment; hazing; bullying;
kidnapping; physical attack; robbery; sexual offenses, harassment, assault, or battery; threat or
Page 21intimidation; or fighting at school has the opportunity to transfer to another public school with capacity
or enroll in an approved private school under the Hope Scholarship.
The parent/guardian must submit an application to Pasco County Schools requesting another public
school with available capacity, after receiving the verification document (Hope Scholarship Notification
Form) provided by the current school of enrollment. Families may email the verification to:
hopescholarship@pasco.k12.fl.us or send via fax (813)-794-2915. If the verification document is not
received, an application cannot be processed.
Approval is granted through the highest grade level served, subject to availability at Dayspring
Academy. If the form is received by Dayspring and there is not an opening for that learner, the learner
will be placed at the top of that grade’s waiting list.
Requests to attend a Pasco County school, if you live in another county, per HB 7029, Out of District
Students may not displace Pasco's students.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Elementary
The elementary school day hours are 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM for grades K-5. For the safety of our learners,
we cannot allow learners to wait outside or in the lobby at any time without parent/guardian supervision.
The front office will not dismiss learners through the front office between 3:00 PM and 3:50 PM.
We will begin dismissing our K-2 learners at 3:30 PM and our 3-5 learners at 3:40 PM. Any learners not
picked up by 3:50 PM will be taken to our after school program, ACT II, for after school care. Parents
will be charged for this after school care. Refer to Car Loop and Dismissal for additional information.
IMMUNIZATIONS AND PHYSICALS
All learners entering school for the first time, including Kindergarten, 1st grade, and transfer learners,
must comply with the Florida Compulsory Immunization Law (Florida State FS 323.032).A Certificate of
Immunization, which may be obtained from a physician or the County Health Department, must be
presented before the learner will be admitted to school. Please refer to the Pasco County Schools
website for additional information. http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/ssps/programs/immunizations/
Required Immunizations
The immunization record must show that the learner has met the following minimum state
requirements:
Kindergarten
* 4-5 doses of DTaP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)
* 3-5 doses of polio vaccine (last one after age 4)
* 2 doses of MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella)
* Hep B (3 Doses)
Page 22* 2 doses of varicella vaccine or date of disease (year) as verified by parent or healthcare provider
Physicals
A physical exam report completed within one year prior to enrollment is required for any learner who
has never attended school in Florida in the past, ie, Kindergarten and out of state/country
transfers. Homeless learners are the only exception to this rule. Florida Statute gives homeless
learners a 30-day grace period to comply.
INCLUSION AND GRIEVANCE POLICIES
See APPENDIX A
LABELING BELONGINGS
Please mark your learner’s belongings - coats, sweaters, lunch boxes, bags, umbrellas, etc. with their
name for identification purposes.
LEARNER CONTACT INFORMATION
Dayspring Academy requires that each learner has current emergency contact information on file in
MyStudent. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to keep the school informed of any changes
to their learner’s emergency contact information, as well as changes to their address, phone numbers,
and email addresses. In the event of an emergency, your learner’s welfare will depend on this
information. We must have a minimum of two emergency phone numbers whereby someone can be
reached in case of illness or injury to your child. Please review MyStudent to ensure the information
Dayspring has on record for your learner(s) is accurate. If you have any changes or questions, please
contact your learner’s campus office.
LICE
Please remember to continually check your learner’s hair for head lice. Our policy focuses on the
exclusion of active lice infestations. Active infestation is defined as the presence of live lice and/or nits.
Parents/guardians of learners who are found to have nits or live lice will be called to pick up their
learner. They will provide information regarding treatment. Parents must assume the responsibility for
checking their learner(s) and treating head nits and lice when it occurs.
After treatment, parents are asked to accompany their child to school so that the front office can check
the learner’s hair. The learner must be nit and lice free to return to school. For additional information on
head lice, visit www.headlice.org.
Page 23LOTTERY PROCESS – SEE ENROLLMENT/LOTTERY
LOST AND FOUND
Items that are left at the school will be placed in the lost and found. Because the lost and found bin is
cleared out every two weeks, be sure to check for misplaced items regularly. Items that are not claimed
after two weeks will be donated to a local charity.
MEDICATION
The parent/guardian of any learner required to have medication administered during school hours
MUST complete an Authorization for Medication Administration form and a Learner Medical Record
form before the first day of school. This also includes learners who require EpiPens, inhalers, and
diabetic testing supplies. These forms are available at all Dayspring campuses. It is strongly
recommended that all medication and supplies listed on the authorization form be brought to Dayspring
before the first day of school.
Medication must be brought to school by the parent/guardian in the original prescription container with
the original prescription label as follows:
● Learner’s name
● Name of medication (only regulated medications will be administered at school, i.e. no herbal
medications)
● Dosage prescribed (if the dosage changes, a new prescription bottle must be provided)
● Time of day to be taken
● Physician’s name
● Special instructions
● Date of prescription (current, within one year)
Regulated, non prescription medications, including cough drops, will not be administered at school
unless accompanied by a physician’s statement, dated within the current school year, and including the
name of the medication to be dispensed, # of milligrams/dosage, frequency of administration, time of
day for administration, and symptoms that the medication controls. The parent/guardian must also
complete the Authorization for Medication Administration and Learner Medical Record forms. DO NOT
send medication with your child.
MYSTUDENT
MyStudent is a program that allows parents to access their learner’s grades and assignments.
NON-SUFFICIENT FUND CHECKS
There will be a $35 return charge fee collected for all checks returned by the bank.
ORIENTATION
An Orientation session is held at the beginning of every school year, and is usually held the week
before the first day of school. An electronic reminder will be sent to each family in July with the date,
Page 24time, and location of the Orientation session. At this session, learners will receive their elementary
school teacher assignments and will be able to meet their teachers.
PARENT CONFERENCES
Parents are cordially invited to confer regularly with staff members concerning their child’s progress.
Parent conferences must be scheduled in advance and can be scheduled by contacting your learner’s
teacher via Parent Square. Parent Square messages are always welcome and are an effective form of
continual communication with the school.
Please notify your child’s campus front office immediately of any changes to your email address to
ensure you receive all school communications, including our weekly newsletter.
PHYSICALS – SEE IMMUNIZATIONS AND PHYSICALS
PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS
Each learner’s progress report and report card will communicate whether or not a learner is making
progress to meet quarterly and yearly standards for their specific grade level. Parent conferences can
be scheduled to explain progress monitoring plans and learner overall progress. Refer to the Dayspring
calendar for progress and report card dates. Parents will access learner progress reports and report
cards online via MyStudent.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION
A learner’s progress is based on his/her achievement during the school year. A learner is expected to
achieve a year’s worth of learning. If this is not achieved, retention will be discussed as an option. If a
child is to be retained, it will be in accordance with Florida Law and the Pasco County Student
Progression Plan.
REFUNDS
NO refunds will be given for activity and fee payments to include, but not limited to, field trips, supply
fees, technology fees, school activities, ticket sales, and other payments.
REGISTRATION – SEE ENROLLMENT/LOTTERY
REPORTING SYSTEM
The reporting system is made up of progress reports, quarterly report cards, and conferences, as well
as periodic communication between parents and teachers. Parents may also check MyStudent to stay
up to date on their child’s progress. The combination of these measures should give the parent and
learner a clear picture of the progress that has taken place.
SUPPLY & TECHNOLOGY FEE
All learners are required to pay a supply fee for expendable supplies. The fee is $20.00 for elementary
learners. This money is used for items such as supplementary reading materials, instructional
Page 25materials, art materials, etc. Pencils, paper, and notebooks needed for daily work at all grade levels are
not included in this fee. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact your learner’s
Principal or Assistant Principal.
*Please note once you have registered your learner the supply fee is not refundable.
TARDY POLICY – SEE ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICIES
TEACHER REQUESTS
Teacher requests cannot be guaranteed. Our primary goal is to develop classes which reflect a
balanced distribution of learning styles and abilities. The Instructional staff and administration
collaborate to develop classes for the upcoming school year that are equitable and balanced. We do
our best to match learners and teachers to ensure the individual needs of each learner are considered
in the overall composition of each classroom.
TESTING
Learners enrolled in grades 2 – 5 will be required to perform on state adopted competency testing
every year.
TECHNOLOGY POLICY
Dayspring Academy is proud to offer our learners a digital device program for use at school/home. The
digital device program, which provides mobile computing and wireless technology to Dayspring
Academy learners, has been designed to enhance the delivery and individualization of instruction.
Please refer to Dayspring Academy’s complete Technology Policy which is located on our website,
Resources tab.
TELEPHONE MESSAGES
Telephone messages for learners WILL NOT be taken, except in an emergency related to a sudden
and direct danger to a child.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to and from Dayspring Academy is provided, subject to availability. All learners must
adhere to Dayspring Transportation rules and regulations. Learners who do not adhere to
transportation guidelines may temporarily lose privilege based on Student Code of Conduct.
Transportation Policy
● Learners will be assigned one bus stop.
● Each learner using transportation must abide by the rules, which are established to insure the
safety of all passengers.
● When waiting for the bus, loading or unloading, learners must follow the Learner Code of
Conduct. Bus drivers will report learners who violate the Learner Code of Conduct and break
school bus rules to the school administration for appropriate disciplinary action. Administrators
Page 26shall investigate and issue discipline accordingly. Behavior not directly observed at bus stops,
but reported and confirmed by witnesses, may be acted upon.
● Violations of the Learner Code of Conduct shall result in disciplinary action, suspension of riding
privileges, recommended bus expulsion and may result in referral to law enforcement.
● Parents/guardians are responsible for their learner(s) at the bus stop. Once the bus arrives at
the stop, and only at that time, does the learner become the responsibility of Dayspring
Academy. Such responsibility shall end when the learner is delivered to the regular bus stop
and the bus has departed, at the close of the school day.
● An elementary learner’s parent, guardian, or designated party must be waiting at the elementary
school learner's bus stop every afternoon. Elementary school learners WILL NOT be dropped
off at a bus stop if a parent/guardian/designated party is not waiting to meet them at the bus
stop. This includes our bus stop at Calvary Chapel Worship Center. If an elementary learner
has a sibling in middle or high school, it is permissible for the elementary learner to be released
to the older sibling. If the parent/guardian is not at the bus stop, the elementary learner will
remain on the bus and will be returned to our after school program, ACT II, located at our
elementary school campus, for after school care. Upon the second return to the ACT II program,
parents will be charged for this after school care. A parent/guardian will be required to pick up
and sign out the learner from the ACT II program between 5:15 PM and 5:30 PM.
● If an elementary school learner is not met at their bus stop by a parent or guardian more than 3
times per semester, the learner will be removed from the bus for the remainder of that semester
and their seat will be given to a learner on the bus waiting list. They will be allowed to ride the
bus the 2nd semester ONLY if there is a seat available.
● Our buses run at full capacity, therefore, we cannot accept requests to have a learner put on a
bus for one day to go home with a friend or relative. If a learner, who is not a scheduled bus
rider, arrives to school with a note from a parent/guardian giving permission to ride the bus
home, the learner WILL NOT be allowed on the bus and the parent/guardian will be contacted to
pick the learner up at their campus.
● If your child is participating in any after school activity (including, but not limited to, play practice,
art club, book club, etc), the parent/guardian MUST log into their PikMyKid app and indicate the
days the learner will not be riding the bus. If the transportation change is not reflected in
PikMyKid by 3:00 PM on the day of the activity, the learner will be placed on the bus. No phone
calls home are permitted. Please note there are no exceptions to this policy.
● Teachers who chaperone bus trips will have the same authority and responsibilities as they
have in the classrooms.
● Parent conferences are not permitted while the bus is en route or stopped at a bus stop. Any
conference that the parents wish to have with the bus driver must be scheduled with the
school’s administration.
● Learners may be removed from the bus at any time based on allegations and will remain off the
bus until any investigations are completed.
School Bus Rules
The following bus rules will be obeyed:
● The bus driver is in full authority and must be obeyed.
● Never run to or from the bus.
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