PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK - Miami Children's Museum Charter School Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year!
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Miami Children’s Museum
Charter School
PARENT-STUDENT
HANDBOOK
Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year!
Revised 07/07/21
2
A Note from Mrs. Carmona
School Principal
Dear MCMCS Families,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to another great year at Miami Children’s Museum
Charter School. I am proud to be the leader of the only school in the country located
within a children’s museum! Through this partnership with the Miami Children’s Museum
and Miami-Dade County Public Schools, we are able to provide your child with a unique
educational experience.
I invite you to become an active participant in our school community through
volunteering, joining our PTO, and/or attending school sponsored events.
I truly believe that communication is the key to a successful educational journey.
Together, we will continue to improve the quality of our school community and provide
the best for the children of MCMCS.
My vision continues to be coming together as a community to continue to “Sail Into
Success.” As I've stated before, we are the "gem" in this area and we will continue to
strive and succeed. I encourage everyone to be involved and work collaboratively for
student achievement, as well as success and school spirit.
Wishing You Well,
Cristina M. Carmona
Principal
Revised 07/07/213
Charter School Information
Charter schools are non-profit, self-maganged entities which enroll Miami-Dade County Public
School students. They must be approved and monitored by the local school board, yet they are
run independently. Charter Schools are funded by state and local monies and are open to any
student residing in the Miami-Dade County School District who would otherwise qualify to attend
a regular elementary school in Miami-Dade County. Charter school students are Miami Dade
County Public School Students.
Adminstration Team Members
Cristina Carmona
Principal
ccarmona@mcmcharter.com
Nadine Ruiz Mariley Rodriguez
Lead Teacher Office Manager/ Parent Liaison
nruiz@mcmcharter.com mrodriuez@mcmcharter.com
Student Services
Nicole Scotto
School Counselor/ ESE Specialist
nscotto@mcmcharter.com
Office Staff
Massiel Moran Alyssa Mendoza
Treasurer/ Registrar Receptionist/ Lunch Manager
mmoran@mcmcharter.com amendoza@mcmcharter.com
Governing Board Members
Rene Ruiz, President/Chair Gary Reshevsky, Director/Secretary
Betty Nuñez, Member Christopher Corey, Director/Treasurer
Scott Leedes, Director Betty Nuñez, Director
Procedures for adding items to the board meeting agenda and filing complaints: For a current list
of Board of Directors Meeting Dates, please visit our school website, www.mcmcharter.com or contact the main
office, (305) 329-3758. For information on how to address our Board of Directors, please visit our school website
or contact the main office. Complaints may be filed by contacting Jeanette Nunez at (305) 669-2906 or
jnunez@academica.org.
Revised 07/07/214
SCHOOL INFORMATION
Mission Statement
Our mission is to inspire all students to reach their full potential by providing individualized
instruction to address student needs, provide a unique learning environment through the use of
museum exhibits, facilities, and resources, create a positive and nurturing learning environment
where students feel comfortable to explore their surroundings, ask questions, and discover, and
educate “the whole” child through real-world experiences.
Vision Statement
We will create an optimum learning environment to develop an internationally-minded community
of learners, where all students are provided with meaningful experiences and are given the
opportunity to explore, discover, and become proactive, responsible learners.
Core Values
Excellence: We will provide achievement and high performance for all children.
Caring: We will provide a safe, loving and motivating environment where all children may learn
and explore.
Equality: We will provide a quality education for all children.
Citizenship: We will work together with staff, families, and the community to ensure the
promotion of good citizenship and the educational success of all children.
Integrity: We will demonstrate honesty, respect, and compassion for all children, their families,
and staff to promote high self-esteem and a safe learning and working environment.
Revised 07/07/215 Revised 07/07/21
6
School Hours
Supervised Morning Drop-off : 8:05am – 8:25am
Grades K-5th school hours: 8:30am – 3:00pm*
• *Dismissal on every Friday is at 2:00pm
Registration Requirements
Students will be admitted to Miami Children’s Museum Charter School regardless of race, gender religion
or ethnic origin and our admission and dismissal procedures will be equitable for all students. All Miami
Children’s Museum Charter School Inc. schools will implement the following enrollment/lottery policy:
1. Effective immediately, Miami Children’s Museum Charter School 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 Miami Children’s Museum Charter School
ii. Siblings of enrolled or accepted students at Miami Children’s Museum Charter School
iii.Children of teachers at Miami Children’s Museum Charter School
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, Miami Children’s
Museum Charter School 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
Revised 07/07/217
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.
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.
Revised 07/07/218
Immunizations Requirements for School Entry
1. A complete Florida Certification of Immunization – Blue Card Form DH 680 - according to grade
level
2. State of Florida School Entry Health Exam – Yellow Form DH 3040 - no older than 12 months
3. Tuberculosis Clinical Screening, PPD or Chest X-ray
Health Screening Policy
Each student shall have proof of a tuberculosis clinical screening and appropriate follow-up prior to
initial enrollment in any grade in a Miami-Dade County Public School.
This screening is to be administered at the time of the Student Health Exam and within twelve (12)
months prior to initial enrollment in any grade in a Miami-Dade County Public School. If the screening
indicates that a follow-up skin test is needed, a student can be admitted but only with a health
provider's statement that the student is free of communicable tuberculosis and can attend school.
Arrival Procedures
School doors open at 8:05am each day. Students will be dropped off in the morning through the
designated drop-off lane. Students will be escorted by a school staff member to a designated
waiting area. Parents cannot park and drop-off students, unless the student is a child of a school
or museum employee. Morning drop-off is available from 8:05am to 8:25am. Students must be in
their seats by 8:30am. Students who arrive to school after 8:30am are considered late and
are asked to report to security. Parents cannot meet with a school employee during morning
drop-off unless a prior conferece has been scheduled and approved by the principal. Miami
Children’s Museum Charter School is not responsible for students who arrive prior to the start of
school. Students may not be dropped off of left unattended outside the school building or inside
the museum at any time
Traffic Policies
DROP-OFF LANE: Parents must make the car line and turn right into the drop-off lane. Parents
may not park or get down from their cars in the drop-off lane. We ask all parents to keep the drop
off lane in constant motion and vigilant of their surroundings. We ask to refrain from using cell
phones and other distracting devices. The school is not responsible for damages to cars due to
non-compliance.
DRIVE WITH CARE: Please do not drive over 15 mph and be sure to stop at all stop signs and
cross-walks.
HELPFUL TIPS:
1. Please make sure to arrive to the car line by 8:15am. Drop-off car line will be closed promptly
at 8:25 am.
2. The museum is a public place. No student should may be dropped off in the lane without a
school staff member present.
3. Student must be seated in the backseat, behind the passenger seat with all materials. Please
say your goodbyes prior to the staff member arriving to open your car door. Bookbags will not
be taken out from car trunk.
4. Please place your car in park once staff member is opening your door. Ensure staff member
has stepped away from the vehicle before driving away.
5. Please follow all traffice directives from school staff members, security, and assigned police
officers.
Revised 07/07/219
Dismissal Procedures
Dismissal is at 3:00 pm everyday, except Friday, which is at 2:00 pm. At dismissal time, parents
are required to park in the museum’s parking lot. For the safety of the students, we ask that one
designated adult (18 years of age and over) come and pick up the student. Parents will form an
organized line by child’s designated pick up area until gate is open. Parents will sign out their
child with their teacher. Only adults listed on the Emergency Contact can pick up the child
from school.
We ask parents to refrain from holding parent conferences and/or asking the teacher individual
questions about their child during dismissal as this does not allow the teacher to provide
adequate supervision to the students he/she is responsible for dismissing.
Parents are granted a 10 minute grace period for after school pick-up. At 3:10 pm, the students
will be brought upstairs. Please note: there is a $1.00 charge for every minute past 3:10 pm that
the child has not been picked up. Parents are required to fill out a form when picking up their child
in acknowledgement of late pickup. Fees for late pickup will be sent to the parent. Parents must
keep payments current and up to date. Late pick up fees must be paid before the end of each
month.
Only families with a museum membership will be permitted to remain on the premises after
school hours. If a parent chooses to remain on the premises after 3:15pm to utilize the
facilities of the museum, they must purchase a museum membership or purchase a daily
admission ticket for re-entry into the museum.
Rainy Day Arrival and Dismissal Policy
Arrival Procedures: On rainy days, students will be dropped off in the morning through the
designated drop-off lane. Students will be escorted by a school staff member with an umbrella to
a designated waiting area inside the museum. Parents cannot park and drop-off students, unless
the student is a child of a school or museum employee.
Dismissal Procedures: Parents are required to park and enter the museum. Parents must check-
in at museum security and show identification. For the safety of the student, any person picking
up a student must have a valid ID and be on the authorized pick up list…no exceptions!
After Care
Students enrolled in After Care will be picked up by their designated after care teachers. For
information regarding After Care, please contact Miami Children’s Musuem office at (305) 373-
5437.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Student attendance is a means of improving student performance and is critical in raising student
achievement. Together, the staff of Miami Children’s Museum Charter School, students, parents,
and the community must make every effort to lessen the loss of instructional time to students.
In accordance with School and M-DCPS Daily Attendance Policies, students must be physically
present in school for a minimum of 2 hours in order to be counted as present for attendance
purposes each day.
Revised 07/07/2110
Excused Absences:
Parents/ guardians are to contact the child’s teacher if their child is going to be absent from
school. On the day he or she returns from school, parents/guardians must send a handwritten
note explaining the reason for the child’s absence, or a note from the child’s physician.
Documentation submitted more than 3 days (72 hours) after the student’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
administrative action.
Miami Children’s Museum Charter School will abide by the following M-DCPS Student
Attendance Reporting Procedures. Board Policy 5200- Attendance defines Excused School
Absence as:
• Personal illness of the student (medical evidence may be required by the principal or designee for
absences exceeding five consecutive days): The written statement must include all days the student has
been absent from school. If a student is continually sick and repeatedly absent from school due to a
specific medical condition, the student must be under the supervision of a health care provider in order to
receive excused absences from school.
• 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 principal.
• Death in immediate family.
• An approved school activity (absences recorded but not reported).
• Other absences with prior approval of the Principal.
• Attendance at a center under Department of Children and Families supervision.
• Significant community events with prior permission of the principal. When more than one school is
involved, the Region Superintendent will determine the status of the absence.
• 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. The religious holiday listed on the district’s approved list of religious
holidays (Exhibit #2, Page 46) is to be marked with an “X” (this attendance code may not disqualify
students from Perfect Attendance recognitions/awards).
• Military Connected Students: M-DCPS is committed to assist students from military families and will
continue efforts to facilitate the development and implementation of policies that directly impact children
of military personnel. In an effort to ease the burden of our students who have parents that may be
deployed or on “Block Leave”, schools will allow up to a total of five days of excused absences each
academic year to allow families time together.
o The absences are to be pre-approved by the school principal.
o Students shall have a reasonable amount of time to complete make-up work.
o Attendance Correction Form (FM-5556) will be sent to the Federal and State Compliance Office
for processing via Ivanti Service Manager (ISM).
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 withing three (3) school days upon the return to school will result in an unexcused
absence.
Revised 07/07/2111
Unexcused absences include:
• Vacations
• Personal Services
• Local non-school event, program or sporting activity
• Illness of others
• Absences due to non-compliance with immunization requirements (unless lawfully exempted)
Students with 10 or more unexcused absences will be referred to the administration/Attendance
Review Committee. A Student Case Management Referral Form will be issued to document
actions taken to prevent continued absences.
Absence Procedures
Student Action Parent Action Consequence
Absent for 1 to 2 Sends acceptable written note à Records will indicate 1 to 2
consecutive days excusing absence within three excused absence(s)
(3) days after child returns
Written notification not sent or à Records will indicate 1 to 2
sent after 3 days from date of unexcused absence(s)
return
Absent for 3 or Sends written documentation à Records will indicate 3 or
more from a licensed/certified health more excused absences
consecutive days care practitioner
No documentation from a à Record will indicate 3 or
licensed/ certified health care more unexcused absences
practitioner
Multiple Absence Policy
5 unexcused absences à Student will be issued a referral.
10 excused or unexcused absences à Student will be issued a referral.
Course Make-Up:
Students with an excused absence have the right to make up all course work within three (3)
school days upon the return to school. After successful completion of all make-up assignments,
the student cannot be penalized for that absence. Failure to makeup all assignments will result in
lower assessment of the student’s academic and/or effort grade. Unexcused absences do not
require the teacher to provide makeup work for the student. However, the attendance review
committee may assign educational related activities to mitigate the loss of instructional time. If a
student misses a test, they have 48 hours upon return to complete the test. For every three (3)
unexcused absences, the student will receive a behavior notification. Additionally, three or more
unexcused absences may result in a truancy referral as specified in the section below.
Truancy Referrals
In accordance with Florida Statute (F.S.) 984.03 (27) (a), “Habitiually 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 cumpulsory 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.
Revised 07/07/2112
The primary goal of the truancy prevention program is to foster and promote long-term changes
and consequences are specifically designed to educate and reintegrate the child back into school
with the support of family and school officials.
Prior to submitting a truancy referral, when a student has reached a total of 10 absences
(excused or unexcused) prevention services are provided by administration.
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 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 Arrivals
All tardies will be considered unexcused. We understand that emergencies arise. Please note
that parents WILL NOT be allowed to walk their children to class or speak to the teachers once
school has started. If the child arrives after the commencement of homeroom, please escort them
to security to wait. A school staff member will come and escort the student to his/her class. After
10 unexcused tardies, the student will be issued a referral notification form that will be placed in
the student’s permanent record. Students that are tardy are not eligible for perfect
attendance certificates.
Multiple Tardy Policy
Tardy 5 times (per year) à Student will be issued a first notice of excessive tardies.
Tardy 10 times (per year) à Student will be issued a referral.
Tardy 15 times (per year) à Student will be issued a second notice of excessive tardies.
Tardy 20 times (per year) à Student will be issued a second referral.
à Parent will be called to an administrative meeting to discuss
a plan to improve punctuality.
Tardy 25 times (per year) à Student will be issued a third notice of excessive tardies.
Tardy 30 times (per year) à Student will be issued a third referral.
Early Dismissal Policy
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!
Students who are dismissed early (on a regular school day) must be signed out by a parent or
guardian in the main office. Students will not be released to persons whose names do not appear
on the emergency contact card kept on file in the main office. A photo ID must be shown in order
to release a student from the premises. It is the parent’s responsibility to come to the main office
and add that person to the emergency contact card for subsequent days
Revised 07/07/2113
School Uniforms
Miami Children’s Museum Charter School has a school uniform that must be worn during regular
school days. Miami Children’s Museum Charter School reserves the right to interpret guidelines
and/or make changes during the school year. Students are expected to follow these guidelines
with support from their parents/guardians. School uniforms may be purchased at:
Ibiley Uniforms, 2924 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33135.
Students are expected to come to school with proper attention having been given to personal
cleanliness, grooming, and neatness of dress. Students whose personal attire or grooming
distracts the attention of other students or teachers from their school work shall be required to
make the necessary alterations to such attire or grooming before entering the classroom or be
sent home by the principal to be properly prepared for school. Students who fail to meet the
minimum acceptable standards of cleanliness and neatness as determined by the principal and
as specified in this policy may be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures.
Uniforms must be worn daily. The appearance of the member of the Miami Children’s Museum
Charter School is of paramount importance to us as we believe that pride in our appearance is
fundamental to good character development and success. Our uniform policy and dress code
guidelines indicate appropriate school attire for normal school days. Students are expected to
follow these guidelines with support from their parents/guardians. Students who arrive to school
without proper uniform may be sent home , and a warning documenting violation of this policy will
be issued. After three (3) violations of this policy, the student will be issued a referral that will be
placed in the student’s permanent record.
• All students are required to wear khaki or navy straight cut, pants or bermuda shorts.
Shorts and pants may not have any extra pockets than those on the hips or rear. Cargo
shorts, basketball shorts, leggings, sweatpants, and short shorts are not permitted.
• Skirts, skorts, or bermuda shorts (MCMCS plaid, navy, or khaki) must have a hem that
falls no more than 1 inch above the top of the child’s knee. Short shorts are not permitted.
• On designated Jean Spirit Days (Fridays), students may wear denim colored jeans and
the current year’s (2021-2022) Spirit t-shirt (Nautical theme). Jeans may not be torn or
ripped or have holes.
• During cooler weather, the MCMCS navy and white letterman jacket must be worn.
Jackets may be purchased at the uniform store, Ibiley Uniforms (Little Havana location).
• Footwear must be closed toe sneakers. Shoes must be conducive to physical education
activities with rubber bottoms. No boots, flip flops, Crocs, clogs, or ballerina shoes will be
permitted. Kindergarten and 1st grade students must wear velcro sneakers.
• Hair must not be dyed with unnatural colors, worn unusually, or maintained in
unacceptable condition. Non-permitted hairstyles include but are not limited to mohawks,
fauxhawks, or fade designs of any kind. The administration will send students home if hair
condition is unacceptable.
• All headgear (hats, bandanas, scarves) may not be worn during school hours.
• Student hair accessories may include bows, ribbons, or headbands with attachments that
are no more than 1/2 inch above the headband. Students wearing headbands that are
large and distracting to the view of others in the classroom will be asked to remove them.
Revised 07/07/2114
• Only stud earrings are permitted. Students may not wear distracting or dangerous jewelry
such as large hoops, large necklaces with charms. Make-up tattoos, colored nail
polish/acrylic nails, or glitter will not be permitted.
• Students should have enough unifrom tops and bottoms that laundry issues should not
interfere with unifrom policy. Any students not wearing a complete school uniform, or in
violation any of the above-mentioned infractions, will be issued a unifrom violation notice.
Uniform Piece Embroidery
Tops Miami Children’s Red Dri Fit Polo
Museum Charter Red Cotton Polo
School Navy and White Long Sleeve Rugby
Bottoms Plain (No logos or Khaki Bermuda shorts (May only fall 1 inch above
Embroidery) the tip of the knee)
Navy Bermuda shorts (May fall only 1 inch above
the top of the knee)
Plaid skirt (MCMCS Plaid must be issued by the
uniform store)
Navy Skirt or Skort (Hem must fall 1 inch above the
top of the knee)
Khaki Skirt/ or Skort (Hem must fall 1 inch above
the top of the knee)
Navy pants (No leggings)
Khaki Pants (No leggings)
Shoes Closed toe sneakers
K-1 must wear velcro sneakers
Jacket MCMCS embroidery Navy and white letterman jacket (purchased at
with child’s last name the uniform store)
Plain white long sleeve undershirt
White tights or navy leggings may only be worn
Cold Weather No embroidery underneath the skort
School Sweatshirts (purchased from school)
Spirit Days MCMCS Spirit Shirt 2021-2022 Spirit T-Shirt
Uniform Bermuda Shorts
Long Jeans
Sneakers
School ID/ Lanyard Policy
In accordance with Miami Dade County Public Schools policy, all students of Miami Children’s Museum
Charter School must have an official school identification badge on school property and at any off-
campus function in order to assist in ensuring student safety. The school ID is a required component of
the Miami Children’s Museum Charter School Dress Code for the safety of our students and staff.
Students must not change, alter, or deface their badges, nor should the badge be in possession of any
other person other than whose name and face appear on the badge.
The first badge will be issued early in the school year at no charge. A replacement ID may be
purchased through the company’s website https://vando.imagequix.com/g1000737253#login for a
replacement charge.
Revised 07/07/2115
Lost and Found
A lost and found area will be designated in the Main Office. To minimize the quantity of lost and
found articles, we ask that you please write your child’s name on everything he/she brings to school.
School Lunch
Lunch can either be brought from home or ordered from “Greater Miami Caterers Inc.” Students
eat lunch outside at the picnic tables (weather permitting). Please note that the school cannot
heat lunches or keep them refrigerated. The cost of “Greater Miami Catering” lunch is $ 5.00 per
day and must be ordered with the Lunch Order Form. School lunch must be paid via School
Wallet by the 15th of each month. Parents are responsible for choosing meals that their child is
not allergic to. Completed Lunch Order forms must be turned in to the classroom teacher by the
15th of the month.
We participate in the National School Lunch Program. Parents may apply for Free or Reduced
Lunch. The cost is $ 0.40 for students that qualiify for Reduced Meal benefit. All lunches follow
the nutritional guidelines set in place by the NSLP. Lunch applications will be sent home the first
week of school. Forms must be completed each year.
Authorization for Medication
Miami-Dade County School Board policy “prohibits school personnel from administering any
prescribed medication without parental consent and a medication authorization form signed by the
child’s physician and parent(s).” In order for medication to be administered to your child, we must
have an AFM (Authorization for Medication Form 2702E Authorization for Medication.pdf ). This
form is available in the office and must be kept on record. This form must be completed by a
pediatrician or a family doctor. Medication must be in its original container labeled with the following
information: The child’s name, dosage, name of the drug, physician’s name and the name and
phone number of the pharmacy that filled the prescription. Rigid guidelines are followed in
administering medication. For example, office personnel designated to dispense medication are
required to count the number of pills the student brings to school and document it in the student
medication log.
Financial Obligations
All late charges, fees and/or monies owed to the school or any school sponsored program, must
be paid by the last day of the school year. Financial obligation notices will be sent as reminders
throughout the school year. Fees must be paid by the end of each month.
Textbooks
Students will be issued textbooks at the beginning of each school year. Students must immediately
inform teachers about any LOST or DAMAGED books so that they can be replaced. Parents will be
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responsible for the cost of the replacement book(s). The same rule applies for LOST LIBRARY
BOOKS.
Emergency Contact Cards
Emergency Student Data Forms are distributed during the first week of school. Students are expected
to bring the forms home and present them to their parents/guardians. The form must be carefully
completed and returned. The information provided on the Emergency Student Data Forms will enable
school staff to contact the parent/guardian immediately in the case of an emergency.
Parent/Guardian(s) that provide a cell phone number will receive text messages should an emergency
arise. Students may only be released from school to the persons listed on the form after presenting a
picture identification. No persons, other than school staff, will have access to the information submitted.
Any divorced or separated parent contesting the information in the Emergency Student Data Form may
seek assistance from the court governing their divorce, separation, or custody matters to compel the
enrolling parent to revise the information.
In the case of divorced or separated parents, the enrolling parent shall indicate on the Emergency
Student Data Form the individual(s) to whom the student may be released during the school day.
School Curriculum
Miami Children’s Museum Charter School follows the standards and objectives stated in the
Florida Standards and Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards. It
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encompasses the core subject areas of Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and
Social Studies. In addition, we are a Cognia STEM Certified school. Miami Children’s Museum
Charter School also offer classes in Spanish, Art, Music and Physical Education. Our learning is
enhanced through museum-based lessons, project based learning and novel based learning. We
offer a Gifted Pull-Out Program focusing on Science and Language Arts with a heavy focus on
engineering. Students that have qualified for the program based on the requirements of MDCPS
are pulled out for an hour a day to receive cross-curricular instruction and participate in the
Engineering is Elementary program. Students in grades K–5 are considered for this program.
Please contact the office for more information on qualifying for the program.
ACADEMICS
A student’s academic grade reflects the teacher’s most objective assessment of the student’s academic
achievement for the grade level in which the student is enrolled. The academic grade must not be
based upon the student’s effort and/or conduct grade.
Kindergarten
Grades Numerical Value Verbal Interpretation Grade 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
Grades Numerical Value Verbal Interpretation Grade 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:
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.
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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 student demonstrates little attention to
participating, completing tasks well and/or on time and works at
an unacceptable level in accordance to 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
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.
Report Cards
Report Cards are issued quarterly (approximately every nine weeks) according to the dates identified
on the official Miami-Dade County School Calendar. These reports are to be retained by parents and
not returned to school. Parents and students may access report cards on the
student/parent portal. Parents who have opted out of receiving printed report cards may retrieve
electronic report cards via the school district's online Parent Portal.
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
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Honor Roll
The following qualifications are necessary to achieve honor roll status at Miami Children’s Museum
Charter School:
Principal’s Honor Roll:
Academic Grades- all As
Effort- all 1s
Conduct Grades- all As
Honor Roll:
Academic Grades- As and Bs
Effort- 1s and 2s
Conduct- As and Bs
Home Learning Assignments
In lieu of home learning assignments, this school year it is mandatory that every student read for
30 minutes nightly. In addition, Miami Children’s Museum Charter School strongly encourages
families to complete periodic family assignments sent by the school. Parents will be required to
attend Parent Enrichment Series (minimum of 4 per year).
Classroom Placement
Our administrative staff reviews each student’s scores and performance evaluations to provide students
with the best possible learning environment. The administrative staff also utilizes the specific grade
level guidelines of the Student Progression Plan to place students in the best learning environment. To
view the plan, go to http://ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/93.pdf.
We also consider a student’s individual personality, development and character in our final
decisions. We are not in any way obligated to honor any special requests for classroom
placements. In addition, students will receive classroom assignments with consideration given to
their academic needs and progress.
Communication with School
Parent/ Teacher Lead Teacher Principal Board Appointed Conflict Resolution
Guardian
For concerns regarding your child, contact your teacher via email or call the school at (305) 329-
3758. If you have already addressed the issue with your teacher and feel that the outcome has
not been what you anticipated, you may contact the school to schedule an appointment with the
Lead Teacher. Following that meeting if the issue still has not been resolved, you may contact
the school to schedule an appointment with the principal. Please note that all meetings with the
principal must be scheduled with the school office.
Revised 07/07/2120
Parent to School Communication
A prime factor in our operation is the importance we place upon communication between home
and school. The lines of communication must be kept open always so that we may be properly
tuned into your child’s needs. Please notify us immediately if:
1. Your child has developed a communicable disease.
2. Your address, email or telephone number (home or work) has changed.
3. You wish to change or add to the emergency contact numbers we are to use.
4. IF THERE IS ANY CHANGE IN TRANSPORTATION. We will not allow a child to deviate from
their regular departure routine without written or verbal verification. If there is a change in the
person who is to pick up your child, we require the name of that person in writing.
Parent to Teacher Communication
Conferences with individual teachers must be arranged by contacting the teacher. Please make
appointments for conferences before or after school hours. Teachers may also be available
during their planning time; however, you must make an appointment during this time. PLEASE
DO NOT ENGAGE IN PARENT CONFERENCES DURING ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL OF
STUDENTS, IN THE HALLWAYS OR DURING CLASSROOM TIME.
Always attempt to resolve issues/conflicts with your child’s teacher first. If you are unable to
resolve issues or conflicts with your child’s teacher, you may contact the main office to schedule
an appointment with the grade level lead teacher and/or administration.
PARENT EXPECTATIONS
Parent who have chosen to enroll at Miami Children’s Museum Charter School are expected to uphold
the same values as the school. Parents are expected to:
1. Pursue the highest standards in academic achievement and organizational performance.
2. Build positive relationships through honesty, respect and compassion, which enhance
the self-esteem, safety, and well-being of our students, families and staff.
3. Foster an environment that serves all students and aspires to eliminate the achievement gap.
4. Honor the diversity of our community by working as a team to ensure
the educational success of all of our students and recognize that our obligations go
beyond our professional responsibilities to promote democratic principles.
5. Bring in your child on time and ready to learn.
6. Maintain proper grooming of your child and adhere to uniform guidelines (including Jackets and
sweaters).
7. Communicate respectfully when speaking to staff members or communicating through email.
8. Follow the proper chain of command set forth by the school when communicating concerns with the
school. Concerns begin with the teacher and then move forward if issues cannot be resolved.
9. Make an appointment in writing to speak to your child’s teacher or administration. Staff is unable to
meet with parents when visits are unannounced.
10. Provide a nurturing environment at home to foster optimum learning at school.
11. Obtain the proper clearance to attend school events and field trips.
12. Read all communication that comes from the school.
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13. Stay up to date on school and classroom events via social media and specific classroom
communication tools (Class Tag).
14. Please refrain from creating separate What’s App Chats to discuss individual concerns and make
negative remarks about staff, other parents, or other students at the school.
15. Read 30 minutes with your child daily.
16. Monitor your child’s grades on the parent portal a weekly basis.
17. When on campus, please conduct yourselves politely and respectfully. Refrain from using
inappropriate language while on campus. Parents are examples to all students.
18. Follow the policies and procedures set forth by the school and its staff to support student’s physical
safety.
19. Maintain a positive balance on financial obligations to the school.
20. Ensure your child has all of the supplies listed from the school or teacher for academic success.
Replenish individual supplies when contacted by the teacher.
21. Answer phone calls from the school for emergency situations and make arrangements for pick up
when student is ill.
22. Notify the school when there is a change in pick up situations.
Parent Volunteers- Get Involved!
The Miami Children's Museum Charter School, Inc. requests parents to provide 30 hours of
volunteer time/parental involvement each school year. It is the parents responsibility to
communicate with their child’s teacher to complete the hours. You can share your time by helping
while you are at home or at the school. Here are some suggestions for the 30 hours.
• Field Trip chaperone
• Guest speaker
• Attend Parent Teacher Organization meetings
• Assist with school school events
• Classroom teacher assistance
• Decorate classroom or classroom door
• Guest Storyteller
Parent Volunteer Clearance Process
As mandated by Miami Dade County Public Schools, all parents wishing to volunteer must
participate in the Volunteer Registration Program, Concierge Pad, and must be cleared in the
main office before permission to volunteer is granted. Volunteers will be charged $5.00 for Level
1 Clearance which includes clearance for volunteers participating in school events such as field
trips, book fairs, fundraising activities, and assemblies.
PTO
MCMCS Family PTO is a volunteer organization, working collaboratively with our students,
parents, and staff. Studies show that a child learns best when the parents are involved with
the school. Any family or community member who believes that children are our future is
welcome to become part of this organization. If you would like to be a part of MCMCS Family
PTO please feel free to contact the Miami Children’s Museum Charter School parent liaison,
Mariley Rodriguez, via email at mrodriguez@mcmcharter.com.
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For a current list of MCMCS Family PTO meeting dates, please visit our school website or
contact the main office.
EESAC Information
The Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC) is the sole body responsible for final
decision making at the school relating to the implementation of the components of the School
Performance Excellence Plan. The EESAC's function is to bring together all stakeholders and involve
them in an authentic role in decisions which affect instruction and the delivery of programs
For a current list of EESAC meeting dates, please visit our school website or contact the main
office.
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.
Field Trips
All trips planned by the school are for specific educational purposes. Participation in fieldtrips
requires the student to present a field trip form signed by the parent/guardian to his/her teacher in
advance. Students going on a field trip must assume the responsibility for any necessary fee.
Please keep in mind that once the field trip has been paid, the school will not issue a refund. If a
hardship exists where a student cannot afford the cost of the field trip, please notify the teacher.
Field trip chaperones will be selected by classroom teachers, preference will be given to parents
who have not attended previous trips. Parent chaperones may not bring siblings on field trips as
they are not covered by insurance. All parents attending field trips must be cleared through the
Volunteer Registration Program, Concierge Pad.
In addition, parent chaperones must provide their own transportation to and from field trip sites.
Students will not be released to anyone during a field trip for any reason. Authorized persons who
wish to have a student released early must report to the main office to sign out the child and wait
for the child to return with their class from the field trip.
All students must purchase aqua MCMCS Field Trip shirts at the beginning of the year through our
online school store. Please adhere to the deadlines for purchase of the shirts. Additionally, parents
who choose to chaperone field trips must also purchase a shirt at the beginning of the year. Parents
and students who do not wear the shirt on the day of the field trip will not be able to attend. No
refunds will be given. NO EXCEPTIONS.
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STUDENTS
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Please note: All students enrolled in Miami Children’s Museum Charter School are students of
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, subject to applicable policies.
Clubs/ Activities
Miami Children’s Museum Charter School students may choose to participate in a wide variety of
activities, including student council, subject-area clubs, honor societies, service clubs, school
publications and class activities. School-sponsored clubs may be curriculum- related or non-curriculum-
related. Some of the clubs we offer are: National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS), Patrols, and
Student Council.
Curriculum-related clubs are student groups whose goals are an extension of the activities and
objectives in a particular subject area within the school's curriculum. Conversely, non-curriculum-
related clubs are student groups whose goals are special interest oriented and not directly related to
the curriculum. Meetings of non-curriculum-related clubs may be scheduled only at times when
instruction is not taking place. Students must maintain a quarterly grade point average of 2.0, as well as
exhibit good student conduct and behavior, in order to continue participating in extra-curricular activities
and clubs.
National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS)
The National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) was established in 2008 by the National Association of
Secondary School Principals (NASSP) in cooperation with the National Association of Elementary
School Principals (NAESP) to recognize elementary students in both public and non-public elementary
schools for their outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated personal responsibility, to
provide meaningful service to the school and community, and to develop essential leadership skills in
the students of elementary schools. For additional information please visit the NEHS website at
http://www.nehs.org/AboutNEHS.aspx.
Birthday Parties in School
Monthly birthday parties may be celebrated only during the 30 minutes provided for lunch on the day
decided and agreed upon between the school. This will usually occur on one designated Friday per
month. Teacher and school will notify parents of designated day for each month.
Student Behavior Policy
Code of Student Conduct
Miami Children’s Museum Charter School will follow Miami Dade County Public Schools Code of
Student Conduct. M-DCPS is committed to providing a safe teaching and learning environment
for students, staff, and members of the community. On March 12, 2008, 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 environment and requires active participation from students, parents/guardians, and school
staff. Please sign and return the acknowledgement receipt and review the following details at:
http://ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/90/.
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Conduct Expectations
Continuous unwanted behaviors will be treated with the following corrective
strategy process:
Classroom Corrective Strategies
1st Strategy- Verbal notice
2nd Strategy- Teacher/Student meeting
3rd Strategy- Student reflection journal entry
4th Strategy- Parent contacted/ Conscious Discipline Behavioral Contract recorded
5th Strategy- Student reflection session (7:45 am - 8:15 am)
Failure to attend session will result in a referral documented in the students’ permanent record
Administrative Corrective Strategies
6th Strategy- Student is sent to the principal, parents are called and the student will be placed on
a behavioral modification chart and/or issued a referral.
7th Strategy- In school suspension (ISS) and/or referral documented in the students’ permanent
record.
Referrals
Students may be issued referrals for frequent tardiness, absences and/or severe disruptive
behavior. Referrals remain in a student’s permanent school record.
Severe Clause:
Fighting, excessive disruptive behavior, possession of drugs and/or weapons will result in
immediate suspension from school (OSS). Parents will be called to pick up the student
from school.
Internet and Media Policy
Miami Children’s Museum Charter School may photograph and video tape school events which may
include student images. These images may be projected on the school website and/or other media. If
any parent wishes to exclude use of their child’s image or likeness, please contact the administration.
No recording, either photographic or audio/visual in nature may be made on school property without the
express permission of the administration. No document or media that exists or is produced in reference
to the school, its staff or students including photographs, letters, yearbooks and other material may be
published where it is accessible to the public without the express permission of the administration.
Furthermore, the unauthorized use of the Miami Children’s Museum Charter School name or any of its
logos is expressly prohibited. For purposes of this section, the term “public forum or media” includes but
shall not be limited to publicly accessible websites and web forums, newspapers, print, social media,
and other media sources.
Access and use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and its use must support the educational
objectives of the District. Students must always get permission from their teachers prior to using the
internet. In addition, the District prohibits the transmission of materials such as copyrighted material,
threatening or obscene material or material protected by trade secret, which violate local, state, and
federal law or regulation, as well as the use of the Internet for product advertisement, commercial
Revised 07/07/2125
activities, political campaigning or solicitation. Violation of this policy could result in the issuance of a
referral and/or other administrative action.
“Zero Tolerance Policy”
Miami Children’s Museum Charter School enforces “Zero Tolerance Policy” towards lewdness, indecent
exposure and *Cyberbullying/Stalking in compliance with the MDCPS Student Code of Student
Conduct. As an approach to reducing school violence, the intent of this policy is to provide a safe
school climate that protects students’ health, safety, and civil rights. Miami Children’s Museum Charter
School will take use of the following corrective strategies for such behaviors.
Behaviors Corrective Strategies
• Texting or calling on school grounds • Parent/guardian contact
during school hours • Reprimand
• Taking pictures or video and/or posting • Student, parents/guardians,/staff
on media/internet conference
• Cyberbullying/Cyberstalking towards • Confiscation of electronic devices and
peers, faculty and/or school staff cell phones
• Sending or forwarding lewd materials to • Indoor/Outdoor suspension from school
peers,faculty and/or staff for 1 to 5 days
• Suspension from school-wide and/or
classroom events and activities
• Suspension from school extra- curricular
activities/clubs
• Participation in counseling session
related to the infraction
• Recommendation for expulsion
SPECIAL NOTES
• School-wide or classroom events and activities will be reinstated at the discretion of school
administration.
• Violation of this policy could result in the issuance of a behavior notification and/or other
administrative action. Please be advised: Receiving any three behavior notification in a school
year, may result in administrative action.
Miami Children’s Museum Charter School’s administration strongly encourages parents/guardians to
talk to their child about social networking and the consequences it may bring. Administration strongly
urges you to access and review the information your child has posted on social networking sites
regularly. We must protect our children from making mistakes that may negatively affect their futures.
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