Mater Preparatory Academy Elementary
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Mater Preparatory Academy Elementary
Charter School
“Empowering Student Leaders”
Parent Student Handbook
2021 – 2022
*The Parent Student Handbook is a live document that is subject to change by
Mater Preparatory Academy Administration at any time.
Updated 7/7/2021
2
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Mater Preparatory Academy Elementary Charter School
Mater Academy, Inc.
Robert Blanch, President
rblanch@materacademy.com
Judith Marty, Chief Academic Officer
jmarty@materacademy.com
Board of Directors
Cesar Christian Crousillat, Board Chairperson
Shannine Sadesky, Vice-Chair
Idalia Suarez, Secretary
Maurene Sotero Balmaseda, Student Alumni Representative
Javier Jerez, Student Alumni Representative
Updated 7/7/2021
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC PAGE #
Mater Inc. Board of Directors 7
Mater Inc. District Vision, Mission, and Information 7
Mater Preparatory Academy Mission and Alma Mater 9
Principal’s Message 10
School Information and Website 11
MPA 2020-2021 School Calendar 12
Student Enrollment / Lottery 13
Attendance Policy 15
Excused Absences
Unexcused Absences
School Hours
Bell Schedule
Early Release Days
Arrival
Dismissal
Before and After School Care Program
Late Arrival
Early Dismissal
Academic Grades 20
Grade Reporting
Effort
Conduct
Breakdown of Grade Calculations
Grade Point Average
Honor Roll
Student Performance Standards and Performance Levels Grades K-5
Interim Progress Report
Homework / Make-up Assignments
Academic Recovery
RTI Process
Special Education
Updated 7/7/2021
4
Retention Policy
Comprehensive Reading Plan
MPA Student Progression Plan
Cafeteria 27
Food Cost
Free/Reduced Lunch Program
Cafeteria Rules
Student Information and Safety 27
Confidential Information
Use of Student Photograph or Videotape
Emergency Contact Information
Accidents/Illnesses
Visitors
Withdrawals/Transfers
Parent Portal
Permanent Records
Lost and Found
Communication 29
Parent/School Communication
Parent/Teacher Communication
Chain of Command for Addressing Concerns
Student Behavior Policy 30
Code of Student Conduct
School-wide Management Plan
Sanford Harmony
Parent Behavior Notification
Hallways and Hall Passes
Unauthorized Items Policy
Cell Phones
Internet Use Policy
Internet and Social Networking Policy
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Bullying Policy
Character Education Program
Referrals
Computer Usage Policy 37
Updated 7/7/2021
5
License Agreements
Acceptable Use
Liability
No Guaranteed Content Privacy
Disciplinary Measures
School Clubs and Activities 40
Extra-Curricular Activities and Clubs
National Elementary Honor Society
Fieldtrips and Special Activities
Parties in School
*Student Uniform Policy 41
Dress Code
Mater Preparatory Academy Elementary Uniform Policy
Student Health 42
Lice
Health Screening
Immunizations Requirements for School Entry
Florida KidCare
Student Finances 44
Financial Obligations
Outstanding Fees
Safety and Security 44
Accident Reports
Code Yellow/Code Red
Fire Drills
FortifyFL
Closing of School
Transportation
Elevator
Student Services 45
Medication
Counselor Request
The Parent Academy
Mater Preparatory Academy Parent Association (F.I.S.H.)
Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC)
Updated 7/7/2021
6
Volunteer Program
Volunteer Hours
Visitor Policy
COVID-19 Updates 48
Miami Dade County Public Schools 49
Teacher Qualification Parent Letter 49
Florida Statutes and Policies 50
Non-Discrimination Policy 51
Updated 7/7/20217
Mater Academy, Inc. School District
7901 Northwest 103rd Street, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33016
Telephone: (305) 828-1886 Fax: (305) 828-6175
The Vision of Mater Academy, Inc. is to provide students an exemplary educational choice by offering an
innovative college preparatory curriculum; empowering confident leaders of tomorrow.
At Mater, students are not asked “If” they are going to college
They’re asked “Where?”
The Mission of the District is:
● Mater provides a safe learning environment where
● Academics are facilitated by
● Teachers, administrators, parents & the community which
● Enables students to become confident, self-directed learners in a technologically-rich, college
preparatory environment through
● Rigor, Relevance and Relationships.
Board Meeting Dates
For a current list of Board of Director’s Meeting Dates, please visit our school website www.materprepacademy.com or
contact the main office.
Procedures for Addressing the Board
Positive relations between the School and its parents and families are a primary concern. For that reason, every effort
will be made to handle disputes in the most positive way possible. The following steps have been outlined in order to
facilitate resolution of such issues:
Step 1
Make an appointment to clarify issue with your student's teacher (if applicable).
Updated 7/7/20218
Step 2
Make appointment to clarify issue with the school administrator.
Step 3
Contact Educational Support Provider (Academica)
Phone – 305-669-2906
Email – parentsupport@academica.org
Step 4
Educational Support Provider will put you in contact with the Board Appointed
Parent Liaison for your school. (See Attached)
Step 5
State concerns at a scheduled Governing Board meeting. If you want the Board to resolve or address some dispute or
issue that you have with the school, then you must describe the matter in writing (assistance available upon request
from Kelly Mallon / Board Liaison whose contact information is below) at least 3 days prior to a regularly scheduled
meeting. Your matter will be added to the Board’s agenda. Please understand that: A public board meeting is the only
forum in which Board Members should be addressed for disputes and the only forum in which they will respond to you.
Board Members cannot respond to any other direct means of contact because an individual charter school board
member, even the Chairman, does not have the authority to make decisions on behalf of Mater Academy, Inc.
Kelly Mallon
Board Liaison
Email: kmallon@academica.org
Mailing Address: 6340 Sunset Drive, Miami, Florida 33143
Fax: (305) 669-2906
Note: This policy does not replace or change any proceeding that is governed by the Code of Student Conduct or the
Parent Contract.
Step 6
Contact the Charter School Compliance and Support at your local school district
Updated 7/7/20219
Mater Preparatory Academy Vision Statement
The vision at Mater Preparatory Academy is to provide a safe, supportive, and dynamic
learning environment, cultivating relationships amongst all stakeholders to produce students
who have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge for success at every level of their K-5
education, and evidenced by student’s performing at or above average on their academic
measures.
Mater Preparatory Academy Mission Statement
The mission of Mater Preparatory Academy is to educate students to their fullest potential by
providing a rigorous and relevant educational program to enable students to become
confident, self-directed, and responsible lifelong learners.
Alma Mater
“Mater Preparatory Academy… Empowering Student Leaders”
Updated 7/7/202110
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Welcome to Mater Preparatory Academy, home of the Marlins!
Welcome to the 2021-2022 School Year! My name is Helga Chalas and I am honored to be your school principal. I began
my career in education in 1998 as an elementary teacher at a traditional school in Miami Dade County Public Schools. In
2006, I had the opportunity to work at Mater Gardens Elementary where I started my journey within the charter school
network. My passion as an educator continued to reach new levels - in 2009, I was promoted to Reading Coach at Mater
Academy Elementary in Hialeah Gardens. Four short years later, I was presented with the opportunity to be the
Assistant Principal at Mater Academy Elementary where I have been working for a total of ten years.
Mater Preparatory Academy is part of Mater Inc. – a network of high-achieving schools. Mater Preparatory will service
350 plus students ranging in grades from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. My personal goal as a school administrator
is to meet the needs of each student by building a culture enriched with 21st Century skills. Our students will become
confident leaders and effective problem solvers within a collaborative learning environment.
Mater Preparatory Academy offers an outstanding academic program and a diverse learning community. The faculty and
staff at Mater Preparatory Academy provide our students with authentic learning experiences that encourage students
to think critically and develop problem-solving techniques through an integrated learning approach.
Our school community has a firm belief in school-family collaboration. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in
their child’s learning experience by being involved in their child’s school. With your support, students will exceed high
expectations and take part in the many learning opportunities offered at Mater Preparatory Academy.
I make a commitment to you as well as the community, to ensure our children have a highly effective elementary
education and a safe school environment. As the principal of Mater Preparatory Academy, I am delighted and privileged
to be a member of such an amazing community of faculty members, students and parents. I look forward to a very
successful and productive educational journey.
Respectfully,
Helga Chalas
Updated 7/7/202111
School Information
Mater Preparatory Academy, a Title 1 School, has been part of Miami -Dade County Public Charter Schools since 2019.
Featuring technology rich classrooms and a select staff of highly qualified teachers and administrators, we provide an
enriching learning environment where children can flourish as individuals while acquiring the knowledge and skills
essential to their future development. Mater Preparatory Academy Elementary is the newest addition to the Mater
Academy, Inc. family of high-performing charter schools. With over a decade of educational success, Mater Academy
charter schools have won multiple awards for high academic achievement. Some of the recognitions received by Mater
Academy Inc. Schools include:
· 2001-2009 Proclamation Gold Award for Superior School Performance
· 2001-2007 Platinum Award for Superior School Performance
· 2001-2008 United Way Student Campaign Recognition
· 2002-2014 Florida School Recognition Award for Achieving Higher Academic Performance
for All Students
· 2009-2014 Florida Title I Distinguished School
In addition, Mater Preparatory Academy has received full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools, the foremost organization in granting an external mark of quality and high standards to academic institutions in
the Southern region of the U.S. Our school goes above and beyond to guarantee student success in the classroom and
beyond. It is evident that Mater Preparatory Academy faculty and staff maintain an elevated standard of performance
and strive to provide students with the most highly qualified educational system in order to guide our students to
become empowering leaders in the 21st century.
School Leadership Directory
Ms. Helga Chalas, Principal Ms. Ana Alonzo, Program Specialist & ESOL Coordinator
Ms. Jaimmie Diaz, Lead Teacher Ms. Susanne Morales, Guidance Counselor
School Website
Mater Preparatory Academy administration invites parents and students to visit our Mater Marlin’s school website at
http://www.materprepacademy.com
The website includes faculty and staff websites, as well as up-to-date information on school and classroom events,
emails, school forms, and much more. Parents or guardians may receive email notifications and school newsletters by
signing up on our “Email List”. Visit our website home page and click on the “Join Our Email List” icon to sign up.
Updated 7/7/202112 Updated 7/7/2021
13
Student Enrollment/Lottery
Students will be admitted to Mater Preparatory Academy regardless of race, gender religion or ethnic origin and our
admission and dismissal procedures will be equitable for all students. All Mater Academy, INC. schools will implement
the following enrollment/lottery policy:
1. Effective immediately, Mater Preparatory Academy will set and advertise a registration / lottery date.
2. The following groups of students will not have to participate in the lottery and will gain automatic admission/re-
admission assuming they complete the “Intent to Return” form prior to the lottery date.
i. Current students enrolled at Mater Preparatory Academy
ii. Siblings of enrolled or accepted students at Mater Preparatory Academy
iii. Children of teachers at Mater Preparatory Academy
iv. Children of governing board members, however, for Federal Grant Recipient Schools, preference will
only be given to children of founding board members of the grant recipient school, Mater
Preparatory Academy, while the school is in the grant period. Any governing board members which
are nominated and/or elected to the governing board after the founding of the school shall not be
eligible for any enrollment preference while the school is in the grant period.
v. Children of an active duty member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces. (Not applicable
to Federal Grant Recipient Schools)
For Federal Grant Recipient Schools, sibling and children of teacher exemptions only apply to children of the grant
recipient school. An exemption cannot be granted if the child does not have a sibling in the Federal Grant Recipient
School and/or the teacher is not employed at the Federal Grant Recipient School.
3. If the number of applicants is less than or equal to the number of available slots each qualified applicant will be
accepted and enrolled.
4. If the number of applicants meeting the established criteria of the charter exceeds the stated capacity of the
school, or individual classroom or program, each child will be placed in a random lottery (the “Lottery”).
5. Each application will be given a number, and all numbers for each classroom/program will be placed in a
database. Numbers will be drawn on a random basis and all slots available per grade will be filled based on the
rank order of their drawing. The remaining numbers will be used to create the waiting list (the list will be
developed based on the rank order in which the remaining assigned lottery numbers are randomly drawn).
6. There will be at least one school administrator plus a member of the board and/or a representative from an
independent auditing firm present at the Lottery.
Updated 7/7/202114
7. After the Lottery is completed, students will be contacted in the rank order in which names were randomly
drawn and established on the waiting list.
8. As openings arise throughout the year, the next child on the waiting list for that particular classroom will be
offered the “space”. If the school accepts applications during the school year and already has a waiting list from
a previous lottery, the school may either re-draw all names to date (less those accepted/withdrawn/removed by
request) or conduct periodic subsequent lotteries and add the names in the rank order drawn to the initial list
created via a random lottery.
9. The parent has 48 hours to accept/refuse the space and complete all required documentation for admission into
program. If the parent is not able to do so, the space will go to the next child on the waiting list. Applicant
names for parents who do not respond within 48 hours or who do not accept the available space will be
removed from the list and requested to reapply in the future if they would like to be considered at a later date.
10. If there are more spaces than applications, the school may accept all students after the registration period has
ended. If the school continues to accept applications after the initial registration period, the school will:
A) Conduct subsequent registration periods with advertised due dates and determine whether a lottery is
necessary at the end of that period; or,
B) Conduct a “rolling” registration weekly. At the end of each week, determine whether or not a lottery is
necessary.
1. If the school receives more applications that week than the available seats, the school will:
a) Conduct a lottery;
b) Notify families that received available spaces, and
c) Put remaining applications on a waiting list in the rank order their numbers are randomly drawn OR let
families know they will be included in the next lottery when spaces become available.
2. If no lottery is necessary at the end of the week because the school has more space than applications
received, all applicants may be accepted.
3. Repeat steps a and b above at the end of each week or as long as the school continues to accept
applications for each school year.
11. The school may choose the option of maintaining a waiting list application pool rather than a rank ordered waiting
list. When the school chooses this option, it will conduct the lottery from all available applications received to date
and stop when all available spaces have been filled. Each time the school has available space, it will conduct a new
lottery.
Updated 7/7/202115
Attendance
School Hours
Kindergarten & 1st Grade 8:15 a.m. - 1:50 p.m.
2nd – 5th Grade 8:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
*Please note: Students in Grades K-1 will be dismissed at 1:45 p.m. every Wednesday. Students in grades 3-5 will be dismissed at
2:00 p.m. every Wednesday.
Arrival
Arrival time for students is thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of school. Students must be in their seats 5 minutes prior
to the commencement of homeroom in the morning. Any student arriving after the commencement of homeroom will
receive a tardy pass. Please be advised: Mater Preparatory Academy is NOT responsible for students who arrive more
than thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of school, except for those who are enrolled in and pay fees to the before care
program. Traffic patterns for arrival must be strictly followed. Non-adherence to approved traffic patterns will be
documented.
Breakfast will be served at the Cafeteria Pavilion from 7:45 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. Students may report to the cafeteria
beginning at 7:45 a.m. if they wish to eat breakfast. Doors open for all students not enrolled in the before care program
at 7:45 a.m. Please note, there is no outdoor supervision before 7:45 a.m. At 8:10 a.m., the cafeteria will close and all
students will enter the building to begin class. Students who arrive after 8:15 am must report to the main office to
receive an electronic tardy pass.
Dismissal
Please be familiar with your child’s dismissal time. Students who are not picked up 15 minutes after the designated
dismissal time in each grade will be considered a late pick-up.
A daily flat charge of $15 will be incurred after the 15-minute dismissal period. This will include all aftercare services for
the day. A year-round aftercare program is available for all students. Please contact the school for more information.
Please note that all charges must be resolved in full by the last day of school or administrative action may be taken.
In order to ease pick-up procedures during dismissal, a color-coded decal has been assigned to each grade level. During
the first week of school, your child will be provided with the color-coded decal. The purpose of this decal is to distinguish
among the cars that will be coming to pick-up children at our school. Please hang the decal on your rearview mirror
before entering the designated “drop-off/pick-up” area. If you have more than one Mater Preparatory Academy student
to pick-up, please make sure that all decals are visibly placed on the car’s dashboard. Please refer to the chart below for
grade level decal color. Traffic patterns for dismissal must be strictly followed. Non-adherence to approved traffic
patterns will be documented.
Updated 7/7/202116
Grade Decal Color
K PURPLE
1st RED
2nd ORANGE
3rd YELLOW
4th GREEN
5th BLUE
Hazardous 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. The use of the telephone will not be necessary.
Rainy Day Dismissal: Parents will continue to use the drive thru and students will enter the car inside the parking garage.
Traffic Pattern
In order to ensure the safety of all students, parents and staff members during pick up and drop off, a traffic pattern has
been established and must be adhered to that includes the following procedures:
To arrive at our school site, parents must turn left onto NW 5th Street if they are coming northbound from NW
12th Avenue. If parents are coming Southbound from NW 12th Avenue, parents will make a right onto NW 5th
Street. Parents will take NW 5th street until arrived at NW 10th Avenue. On NW 10th Avenue, parents will make a
left until they arrive to NW 6th Street. On NW 6th Street, parents will make a left and our school will be located
on the right-hand side at 601 NW 12th Avenue Miami, Florida 33136.
Parents whose child has been enrolled in Mater Prep before care program will enter from the cafeteria pavilion
walk up gate located on NW 6th Street; they will drop off child at the indicated locations and exit via right-turn
only onto NW 12th Avenue. This entrance will only be accessible for before care drop off between the hours of
6:45 am – 7:45 am to parents who have a pink car decal.
Passenger vehicles will enter from the side black gate entrance on NW 6th Street and will exit via right-turn only
onto NW 12th Avenue. The garage door on NW 12th Avenue is an EXIT ONLY.
City Police will enforce turning movement from NW 6th Street onto NW 12th Avenue during arrival and dismissal
periods.
Student/parent walk-ups will enter and exit the building using the cafeteria pavilion side black gate.
All pedestrians shall cross at the designated crosswalk.
Please note that failure to adhere to the traffic pattern could result in administrative action.
Before and After School Care Program
Updated 7/7/202117
For grades K-5, the Mater Preparatory Academy Before and After school care program is provided directly by the school.
It is the parents’/guardians’ responsibility to contract and pay for such services. Mater Preparatory Academy Before and
After school also provides childcare services on teacher planning days and holiday breaks. Please contact the school
office at 786.648.4580 for detailed information on how to register for the before and after school care program.
Morning Care hours are from 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. After Care hours for grades K-1 are from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 pm. Mini-
Care services are also available for K-1 students from 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. For grades 2-5, after care hours are from
3:00 pm to 6:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 6:30pm on Wednesdays.
Attendance Policy – Board Policy 5200
Student attendance is a means of improving student performance and is critical in raising student achievement.
Together, the staff of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, students, parents and the community must make every effort
to lessen the loss of instructional time to students.
In accordance with School and District Daily Attendance policies, students must be present in school for a minimum of 2
hours in order to be counted as present for attendance purposes. Failure to be present for a minimum of 2 hours will
result in an absence for the entire school day.
Excused Absences
Parents/guardians are to contact the office if their child is going to be absent from school. On the day he or she returns
to school, parents/guardians must send a handwritten note explaining the reason for their child’s absence, or a note
from the child’s physician. Notes submitted more than 3 days (72 hours) after the child’s return to school will not be
accepted, and the absence(s) will be deemed unexcused. A maximum of 10 handwritten notes will be accepted per
school year. Once the maximum of 10 handwritten notes has been reached, a note from a physician will be required in
order to deem the absence as excused.
A student will be referred to student services after reaching the school’s maximum allowance of 10 handwritten notes,
and may result in the student’s report card reflecting insufficient attendance for receiving a grade. Receiving any three
behavior notifications in a school year may result in administration action. The following reasons are considered
excused:
● Student illness: Students missing 5 or more consecutive days of school due to illness or injury are required to
provide a written statement from a healthcare provider. The written statement must include all days the
student has been absent from school and a medical provider signature. If a student is continually sick and
repeatedly absent from school due to a specific medical condition, he or she must be under the supervision of a
healthcare provider in order to receive excused absences from school. Healthcare providers may be contacted
by attendance clerk to ensure written statements reflect accurate information.
● Medical appointment: If a student is absent from school due to a medical appointment, a written statement
from a health care provider indicating the date and time of the appointment, must be submitted to the teacher.
● Death in the immediate family.
● Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is mandated for all members of a faith that such a holiday or
service is observed.
Updated 7/7/202118
● School-sponsored event or educational enrichment activity that is not a school-sponsored event, as determined
and approved by the principal or principal’s designee. For non-school sponsored events, the student must
receive advance written permission from the principal or the principal’s designee. Examples of special events
include: public functions, conferences, and region, state and national competitions.
● Court appearance of the student, subpoena by law enforcement agency or mandatory court appearance.
● Outdoor suspensions.
● Other individual student absences beyond the control of the parent/guardian or student, as determined and
approved by the principal or the principal's designee. The principal shall require documentation related to the
condition.
If the absences are excused, all educational requirements for the course shall be met before a passing grade and/or
credit is assigned. The student shall have a reasonable amount of time, up to three (3) school days, to submit make-up
work for excused absences. Students will have the opportunity to submit assignments in a period of time equal to the
number of days absent.
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 with an unexcused absence until the required documentation
is received. Failure to provide the required documentation within three school days upon the return to school will result
in an unexcused absence. The following absences are considered unexcused:
● 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 illness of others.
● Absences due to non-compliance with immunization requirements (unless lawfully exempted).
Any student who fails to attend any regularly scheduled class and has no excuse for an absence should be referred to
the appropriate administrator. Disciplinary action should include notification to parent. Students may NOT make-up
work missed due to an unexcused absence and may receive a 0 in the gradebook.
For every three unexcused absences, the student will receive a behavior notification. Additionally, three or more
unexcused absences may result in truancy referral as specified on the section below. Receiving any three behavior
notifications in a school year may result in administrative action.
Truancy Referrals
In accordance with Florida Statue (F.S.) 984.03 (27) (a), “Habitually truant” means that the child has 15 unexcused
absences within 90 calendar days with or without knowledge or justifiable consent of the child’s parent or legal
guardian,” and is subject to compulsory school attendance under F.S.1003.21 (1) and (2)(a), and is not exempt under F.S.
1003.21(3), F.S.1003.24, or any other exemptions specified by law or the rules of the State Board of Education.
The primary goal of the truancy prevention program is to foster and promote long-term changes, consequences are
specifically designed to educate and reintegrate the child back into school with the support of family and school officials.
Updated 7/7/202119
Prior to submitting a truancy referral, when a student has reached a total of 10 absences (excused or unexcused)
prevention services are provided by the leadership team.
Truancy prevention services are provided and documented through the following:
• Daily Attendance Screenings: Instructional staff closely monitors student attendance, including tardy and
early sign-outs.
• Truancy Child Study Team Committee Meeting and Report: Once a total of ten (10) absences are
accumulated a written notification of conference is sent to parents. Parents are invited to participate in a
conference with the truancy team committee to further discuss and find solutions to improve student
attendance.
• Attendance Agreement: At the time of Team Committee Meeting all stakeholders discuss and agree on
possible solutions to attendance issues.
• Truancy Home Visit: Truancy Team Committee Members may request a home visit should the
parent/guardian may not be located through written notification.
Late Arrival
All tardies will be considered unexcused. We understand that emergencies may arise. In such cases, we will need a letter
signed by the parent or guardian explaining the reason for being tardy. Please note that parents will NOT be allowed to
walk their children to class or speak to the teachers once school has started. If your child arrives after the
commencement of homeroom, please send them to the front office to receive a tardy pass. After ten (10) unexcused
tardies, the student will be issued a referral notification form that will be placed in the student’s permanent record.
Early Sign Outs
The early release of students causes disruption to the academic performance of all students and may create safety and
security concerns. No students shall be released within the final 30 minutes of the school day without previous written
notice. There are NO EXCEPTIONS!
For a student to be dismissed early, parents must report to the front office. Students who wish to be dismissed early (on
a regular school day) are required to provide proof of a medical/dental appointment within 48 hours of such
appointment. Notes submitted more than 48 hours after an early dismissal will not be accepted, and the early dismissal
will be deemed unexcused. After five (5) unexcused early dismissals, the student will be issued a behavior notification
that will be placed in the student’s permanent record.
Updated 7/7/202120
Academics
Academic Grades
Academic grades are to reflect the student’s academic progress based on the competencies/benchmarks for the grade
level/course in which the student is enrolled. The academic grade must not be based upon the student’s effort and/or
conduct.
KINDERGARTEN NUMERICAL VERBAL INTERPRETATION GRADE
GRADES VALUE POINT VALUE
E 90-100% Outstanding progress 4
G 80-89% Above average progress 3
S 70-79% Average progress 2
M 60-69% Lowest acceptable progress 1
U 0-59% Failure 0
GRADES 1-5 NUMERICAL VERBAL INTERPRETATION GRADE
VALUE POINT VALUE
A 90-100% Outstanding progress 4
B 80-89% Above average progress 3
C 70-79% Average progress 2
D 60-69% Lowest acceptable progress 1
F 0-59% Failure 0
I 0 Incomplete 0
Effort
Effort grades are used to communicate with both students and their parents/guardian the teacher’s evaluation of the
student’s effort related to the instruction. When assigning effort grades, the teacher considers the student’s potential,
study habits and attitude. Kindergarten does not receive effort grades. Three numerical values are used to represent
effort in grades 1-5:
Updated 7/7/202121
Effort Grade Verbal Interpretation
1 Outstanding effort - The student works to the best of his/her ability by
participating, completing assigned tasks, and often exerts maximum
effort on all tasks.
2 Satisfactory effort - The student demonstrates an acceptable degree
of seriousness by often participating, completing tasks and usually
works at an acceptable level of his/her ability.
3 Insufficient effort - The students demonstrates little attention to
participating, completing tasks well and/or on time and works at an
unacceptable level in accordance with the student’s ability.
Conduct
Conduct grades are to be used to communicate to both students and their parents/guardians the teacher’s evaluation of
a student’s behavior and citizenship development. These grades are independent of academic and effort grades.
Conduct Grade Verbal Interpretation
A Outstanding
B Above average
C Average
D Improvement needed
F Unacceptable
Grade Point Average
When calculating the grade for a semester or an annual course, the following grade point averages are to be used:
A = 3.50 and above
B = 2.50 – 3.49
C = 1.50 – 2.49
D = 1.00 – 1.49
F= 0.99 and below
Honor Roll
The following qualifications are necessary to achieve honor roll status at Mater Preparatory Academy.
Principal’s Honor Roll: Honor Roll:
Academic Grades- all As Academic Grades- As and
Bs
Effort- all 1s Effort- 1s and 2s
Updated 7/7/202122
Conduct Grades- all As Conduct- As and Bs
Student Performance Standards and Performance Levels Grades K-5
Reading Grade K ● Reading Grade K Stanford Achievement Test, 10th Edition (SESAT 2) Sentence Reading
percentile score at or above the 25th percentile
Reading Grades 1-2 ● Stanford Achievement Test 10th Edition (SAT-10) Reading Comprehension percentile
score at or above the 25th percentile
Reading Grade 3 ● Grade 3 statewide standardized assessment Reading achievement level 2 or higher; or
● Mastery of benchmarks on the Grade 3 Reading Student Portfolio (mastery consists of
3 acceptable demonstrations on each standard as demonstrated by a grade of seventy
percent or above on each example)
● i Ready Reading Diagnostic (Decision Trees)
● Passing score on a Florida Board of Education approved alternative assessment: ITBS
(at or above the 50th percentile) or SAT-10 (at or above the 45th percentile).
Reading Grade 4-5 ● Statewide standardized assessment Reading achievement level 3 or higher, or
● iReady Reading Diagnostic (Decision Trees) for students scoring at Levels 1 and 2
Mathematics Grade ● Stanford Achievement Test, 10th Edition (SESAT 2) Mathematics percentile score at or
K above the 25th percentile
Mathematics ● Stanford Achievement Test, -10th Edition (SAT-10) Mathematics Problem Solving
Grades 1-5 percentile score at or above the 25th percentile (grades 1, 2) or
● Statewide standardized assessment Mathematics achievement level 3 or higher
(grades 3-5 only).
Science Grade 5 ● Statewide standardized assessment Science achievement level 3 or higher (grade 5
only)
Interim Progress Reports
Interim progress reports are disseminated to all students midway through each nine-week grading period. Performance
is considered unsatisfactory when the student is receiving a D average or lower in academics, a “3” in effort, or is
demonstrating poor conduct.
Homework / Make-up Assignments
Teachers are required to provide students with make-up assignments once an absence has been excused; however, it is
the responsibility of the student to request the assignments from the teacher(s). Students are required to request make
up work upon their return to class, within 3 days. It should be noted that all classwork, due to the nature of instruction,
is not readily subject to make-up work. Students shall complete the make-up assignments for classes missed within the
equivalent number of days absent. Failure to make up all assignments will result in a lower assessment of the student’s
academic and/or effort grade. Students with unexcused absences will not be allowed to make-up work or assessments
missed during the unexcused absence period.
Updated 7/7/202123
Academic Recovery
If the school identifies your student as requiring additional instruction and/or remediation including but not limited to
mandatory tutoring, summer school, etc., attendance at and successful completion of, shall be required. Where a lack of
attendance at such causes a loss of academic proficiency, it may result in administrative action.
In addition, Mater Preparatory Academy Elementary complies with State and District Comprehensive Research Based
Reading Plans (CRRP) in regard to immediate intensive intervention for struggling students. As stated in the 2019 – 2020
CRRP District Plan, “Students in need of additional intervention will be scheduled to attend small group immediate
intensive intervention for a minimum of 30 minutes daily in addition to the 90-minute reading block during the regular
school day.”
The intervention program, Wonder Works, is designed to meet the specific diagnosed needs of each individual student.
Teachers will group students according to need and place students appropriately within the program/levels. Highly
qualified teachers and/or formally trained paraprofessionals will administer the intervention program with fidelity.
Continual progress monitoring data, using the computer program I-Ready, and Wonder Works ongoing progress
monitoring assessments, will be utilized to adjust the intervention schedules, rosters and strategies as well as monitor
fidelity of implementation.
RTI Process
Students experiencing difficulties academically, socially, or emotionally shall be referred to the academic intervention
through the Response to Intervention (RTI) process (Tier 2) and a Request for Assistance. The RTI process will offer
additional supplemental instruction and classroom strategies as recommended for further assistance. A minimum of 18
weeks of academic interventions (Tier 3), along with proper documentation of progress monitoring are required prior to
referring a student to be evaluated.
Special Education
The School Board of Miami-Dade County ensures that all students suspected of having a disability are identified,
evaluated, and provided with appropriate, specially designed instruction and related services, if it is determined that the
student meets the state's eligibility criteria and the parent consents to initial placement. Prior to referral for evaluation,
the student must have been referred to the school's intervention team.
Students with disabilities who are eligible and require special education will have an Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
The IEP describes the student's strengths and weaknesses and documents the services and supports the student needs
in order to access a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
The IEP is a working plan that must be developed by the IEP team at least once every 12 months and reviewed, when
appropriate, to revise and address any lack of expected progress toward annual goals, or to consider any new
information that has been provided through re-evaluation or by the parent/guardian.
Parent involvement in the special education process is very important. Parents will be asked to participate in the IEP
process each year and to consider the need for their child's re-evaluation at least once every three years. The
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that parents of a child with a disability have certain procedural
Updated 7/7/202124
safeguards. The Summary of Procedural Safeguards for Parents of Students with Disabilities documents all the
information about the rights of parents/guardians. This notice of procedural safeguards is made available to the parent.
Rights that are presented in the procedural safeguard document include, but are not limited to, the right of prior written
notice; informed consent; participation in meetings; records, independent educational evaluation, mediation, state
complaint; local education agency complaint; due process hearings; resolution meetings; due process; attorney fees;
discipline; and private school placement.
As the parent/guardian of a child with disabilities, you are a very important member of the team that plans your child's
education. Be informed and get involved. If you have any questions, please contact your child's school. Staff from the
special education department and your child's student service provider will help to answer your questions. Additional
information may also be found at http://ese.dadeschools.net/.
Retention Policy
The Mater Preparatory Academy has implemented a strict policy regarding retention. Students who have not received
required intervention strategies will not be retained. Early identification, timely intervention, and recording of services
are a must. It is extremely important that each classroom teacher meet with the requirements concerning any student
who is experiencing academic difficulties. Students will be retained with the implementation of documented strategies
in accordance with Mater Preparatory Academy Elementary Charter School requirements. The following activities must
occur prior to retention:
1. Teacher – Student conference
2. Principal – Teacher conference
3. Individual counseling
4. Developmental Group Counseling
5. Parent Conference – Contact parents concerning possible retention
6. RTI Team/Cooperative Consultation
Final decisions regarding promotion and retention are the responsibility of the principal.
Comprehensive Reading Plan
Elementary students are required to read at least five books or their equivalent during each nine-week grading period,
including in-class independent reading and at-home reading. Students must also read for 30 minutes at home as part of
their daily homework assignment. The length of the books and the complexity of the content may be considered when
satisfying this requirement.
Updated 7/7/202125
Student Progression Plan
Subject Area Instructional Time
Language Arts/ Reading Grades K-5th: 90 minutes of consecutive, uninterrupted daily instruction in Language
Arts/ Reading following the Comprehensive Reading Researched-Based Plan (CRRP)
2 grades per week per Response to Intervention
subject Tier 1 Core Reading Wonders Reading Curriculum: All Students.
Reading and Language Arts - 90 minute block Reading Wonders
1 writing skill grade required Tier 2 Interventions: (At Risk Students, SAT 40% or below, FCAT Levels
per week 1 -2). Reading- 90 minute block plus an additional 30 minute
intervention daily; Total of 120 minutes reading instruction
Tier 3 Additional Intervention: (At Risk Students , SAT 40% or below,
and FSA Levels 1 -2 NOT progressing towards meeting standards) An
additional 15 minutes of intensive intervention is provided with
fidelity in addition to reading instruction; (150 minutes total)
th
Writing Grades K-5 : 30-minute daily instruction (including typing skills)
Mathematics Grades K-5th: 60 minutes of consecutive, uninterrupted daily instruction
2 grade per week Response to Intervention
Tier 1 Go Math! Curriculum: All Students. 60 minute block Go Math!
Tier 2 Interventions: (At Risk Students, SAT 40% or below, FCAT Levels
1 -2). Math - 60 minute block plus an additional 30 minute
intervention;
Tier 3/Additional Intervention: (At Risk Students , SAT 40% or below,
and FCAT Levels 1 -2 NOT progressing towards meeting standards) An
additional 15 minutes of I Ready intensive intervention is provided
with fidelity in addition to math instruction; (150 minutes total)
Science Grades K-1: 60 minutes per week; including a minimum of 1 science lab per week
1 grade per week Grades 2-5: 150 minutes per week; including a minimum of 1 science lab per week
Homework Reading & Language Arts: 1 reading comprehension passage and spelling &
Participation Grade vocabulary lists per week
Spelling/Vocabulary Words may be assigned on alternate dates and/or spread out
throughout the week (i.e. Monday – Define words #1-5; Tuesday – Define words #6-
10)
Mathematics: 1 handout daily with
Content Areas: 1 reading comprehension passage
Projects (Content or Special Areas): 1 project assigned at a time
Technology i-Ready Reading & Math: Completed from Monday through Sunday.
Participation Grade Core Curriculum – Minimum of 60 minutes per week per subject area to be
completed at school and at home; Total of 120 minutes.
Social Studies 1 grade per Grades K-1st: 60 minutes per week
week Grades 2-5th: 120 minutes per week
Art 1 grade per week Grades K-1st: Integrated throughout core subject areas (Mathematics, Language
Arts, Science, & Social Studies) by the classroom teacher
Grades 2-5th: 60 minutes per week of art instruction by the Art Teacher
Updated 7/7/202126
Grades K-1st: Integrated throughout core subject areas (Mathematics, Language
Music 1 grade per week Arts, Science, & Social Studies) by the classroom teacher
Grades 2-5th: 60 minutes per week of art instruction by the Music Teacher
Physical Education 1 grade Grades K-1st: 150 minutes per week by a Teacher
per week Grades 2-5th: 150 minutes per week by P.E. Teacher
World Languages - Spanish Grades K-5th: 150 minutes per week
1 grade per week
Recess 20 minutes twice per week or 15 minutes three times per week of recess
SCHEDULE TIME REQUIREMENTS GRADES K – 5
SUBJECT AREA TIME REQUIREMENTS
th
English Language Arts Grades K-5 : 90 minutes of consecutive, uninterrupted, daily instruction in
language arts/reading
Writing Grades K-5th: 150 minutes of weekly writing instruction with a minimum of 30-
minute instructional blocks
RTI Interventions Grades K-5th: Tier 2 – 30 minutes of daily instruction
Tier 3 – 15 additional minutes of instruction (may be completed during DI), 3 – 5
times per week
Mathematics Grades K-5th: 60 minutes of consecutive, and uninterrupted, daily instruction in
mathematics
Science Grades K-1st: 60 minutes per week of science instruction. This instruction is to
include a block of scientific investigations using the inquiry approach (science
lab) once a week.
Grades 2-5th: 150 minutes per week of science instruction. This instruction is to
include a block of scientific investigations using the inquiry approach (science
lab) once a week.
Social Science Grades K-1st: 60 minutes per week of social science instruction
Grades 2-5th: 120 minutes per week of social science instruction
Art Grades K-1st: Integrated throughout core subject areas (Mathematics, Language
Arts, Science, & Social Studies) by the classroom teacher
Grades 2-5th: 60 minutes a week of art instruction provided by the art education
teacher
Music Grades K-1st: Integrated throughout core subject areas (Mathematics, Language
Arts, Science, & Social Studies) by the classroom teacher
Grades 2-5th: 60 minutes of music instruction provided by the music education
teacher every week
Recess 20 minutes twice per week or 15 minutes three times per week of recess
Spanish 150 minutes weekly of World Languages - Spanish instruction
*Based on RtI/MTSS, time requirements for these students, including students with disabilities, may be modified in art, music and social science. A
minimum of 30 minutes of instruction each for art and music and 60 minutes for social science per week must be provided. For physical
education, per statutory language, time requirements may be modified for students requiring intervention in Tiers 2 and 3 with a minimum of 60
minutes of instruction required per week.
Updated 7/7/202127
Cafeteria
Food Cost
Breakfast is free to all students, but the cost of student meals is subject to change each school year. Lunch payments will
be handled by the main office. Please have your child turn in cash payment to the main office inside an envelope with
the following information written on the outside of the envelope:
Student’s First Name and Last Name
Teacher’s Name
Cash Amount
Lunch
Students $3.00
Reduced Price $0.40
Students
Free/Reduced Lunch Program
The National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs as administered by Miami-Dade County Public Schools
provide free and reduced priced meals for children unable to pay the full price. Applications must be filled out every
school year; forms are sent to all homes with a letter to parents or guardians during the first week of school. Meal
benefits begin on the day the application is approved and continue throughout the school year in which the application
is approved, the summer, and approximately the first twenty days of the next school year.
Cafeteria Rules
• Stand quietly in line
• Keep your hands and feet to yourself
• Use soft voices when talking in the cafeteria
• Raise your hand for help
• Stay in your seat until an adult tells you to get up
• No sharing of any food item
Student Information & Safety
Confidential Information
Parents, guardians and students are protected by The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Florida Statutes
from individuals’ access to information in students’ educational records and are provided the right to challenge the
accuracy of these records. These laws provide that without the prior consent of the parent, guardian or eligible student,
a student's records may not be released, except in accordance with the provisions listed in the above-cited laws. The
laws provide certain exceptions to the prior consent requirement to the release of student records, which include, but
are not limited to, school officials with a legitimate educational interest and lawfully issued subpoenas and court orders
Updated 7/7/202128
Use of Student Photograph or Videotape
Photographs or video of classroom activities will be taken throughout the year and may be published on our school
website, in public newspapers, and in any advertising the school may use. Since the Internet and newspaper are public
forums accessible by all, parental permission is required. A consent form is sent home at the beginning of the school
year to obtain authorization from each student’s parent/guardian to photograph or videotape students. If a
parent/guardian objects to this, it is important that the consent form is filled out and returned to the child’s teacher.
Emergency Contact Information
Student Data/Emergency Contact Cards are distributed during the first week of school. Students are expected to bring
the cards home and present them to their parents or guardians. The card must be carefully completed and then
returned. The information provided on the Student Data/Emergency Contact Card will enable school staff to contact the
parent/guardian immediately in the case of an emergency. Students may only be released from school to the persons
listed on the emergency contact card after presenting a picture identification. No persons, other than school staff, will
have access to the information submitted. It is critical that the school office be notified of any change of address and/or
telephone number immediately.
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 on the emergency contact cards will be contacted. 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
onto 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.
Visitors
For the safety of all our students, all visitors must report to the main office to obtain a visitor’s pass. In order to receive
a visitor's pass, a valid driver’s license must be presented. Family members and children who are not currently enrolled
at Mater Preparatory Academy, 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 to avoid
unnecessary interruptions.
Withdrawals/Transfers
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. When transferring to a Miami- Dade county public school, the parent or guardian must first
obtain a transfer form from the accepting school. The parent/guardian must then come into the Mater Preparatory
Academy school office and complete the necessary paperwork to process the 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.
Updated 7/7/202129
Parent Portal
Parents/Guardians of all Miami-Dade County Public Schools students, including employees, have access to the Parent
Portal. In order to access the information in the portal, you must first establish a parent user account. This will allow you
to update personal information, see your child’s information - including grades, attendance, and bus route information,
and have access to the Parent Resource link, which takes you to sites such as Parent Academy, School of Choice, etc.
Permanent Records
Miami-Dade County Public Schools maintains the records of students in PK-12 and adult/vocational students enrolled in
high school completion programs or vocational programs of 450 hours or more. Permanent records consist of the
following student information:
a) Pupil’s or student’s full legal name
b) Authenticated birth date, place of birth, race, and sex
c) Last known address of pupil or student
d) Names of pupil’s or student’s parent(s) or guardian(s)
e) Name and location of last school attended
f) Number of days present and absent, date enrolled, date withdrawn
g) Courses taken and record of achievement, such as grades, credits, or certification of competence
h) Date of graduation or date of program completion, including a statement of diploma,
standard, special, certificate of completion, or General Equivalency Diploma
i) State and/or District standardized assessment/achievement test results, if required for graduation
j) Written records of access to the student’s record
k) Home Language Survey
Lost and Found
Students are responsible for their items. A Lost and Found area box is designated in the school’s main office, where
students may search for lost items. Students may visit the lost and found to search for their items prior to the
commencement of the school day or after school. To minimize items lost, it is recommended that you write your child’s
name on everything he/she brings to school. All items will be reviewed at the end of each quarter and any items that are
not claimed will be donated to a consignment store to reduce the number of items being stored.
Communication
Parent/School Communication
Keeping the lines of communication open between home and school allows everyone to be properly informed of your
child’s needs. We ask that you contact the school immediately if:
1. The information in your emergency contact card has changed (contact phone numbers, person(s) authorized or
not authorized to pick up student, important student health data, address change)
2. Any change in school transportation
3. If your child will be out of school for an excess amount of days due to a serious medical circumstance.
4. If your child will be out of town for a number of school days.
Updated 7/7/202130
Parent/Teacher Communication
One of the key factors to student success lies on the communication between parents and teachers. It is important that
you schedule a conference with your child’s teacher to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your child’s
learning. Conferences may be scheduled before or after school hours. Your child’s teacher may also agree to schedule a
conference during his/her break. When contacting a teacher, please expect a response within 24 hours. Teacher
websites are also available with up-to-date information on classroom events in our school website under the “Staff
Directory” tab.
Chain of Command for Addressing Concerns
For issues involving an individual teacher or class, parents address their concerns to the following individuals in the
diagram below. All requests will be answered within 24 hours. Please note that whenever possible, parents should
direct their concerns to the classroom teacher before requesting a conference with an administrator. In addition, the
chain of communication outlined in the diagram below will be used when scheduling conferences. Please do not engage
in parent conferences during arrival/ dismissal of students, in the hallways or during classroom time.
Teacher --> School Counselor/SPED Specialist --> Lead Teacher --> Principal
Student Behavior Policy
Code of Student Conduct
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is committed to providing a safe teaching and learning environment for
students, staff, and members of the community. On November 11, 2018, the School Board approved a newly revised
Code of Student Conduct (COSC). The revised COSC identifies, recognizes, and rewards model student behavior within a
framework of clearly established and enforceable rules and policies. It advocates a holistic approach to promoting and
maintaining a safe learning environment and requires active participation from students, parents/guardians, and school
staff. Please see the acknowledgement of receipt and review below.
Updated 7/7/2021You can also read
