Students will achieve a grade (or its equivalent) of “B-” or better for promotion. Summer school will be required to make up a lower grade or an NC (no credit), will be assigned.

Students will complete all homework and classwork at designated times.

Students will complete required assignments on designated “Home School Days.”

Students will read a minimum of 30 minutes per day.

Students will use proper language at all times.

Make-up work: 

• Individual student make-up work may be placed in a make-up folder on the student wall
• Individual student work should have the student’s name on the work, and then be placed in the folder on the student wall. 
• Students will know where the folder is, and will quietly go to where the folder is, find their work, retrieve it, complete their work at home, and return the next day
• Make-up work may also be found on PlusPortals.

If a student is expelled for poor grades, the following applies: “Academic Redemption” is implemented at the teacher's discretion.  To qualify for the “Academic Redemption” process, a student must demonstrate a minimum of four of the traits listed below consistently for nine weeks.  The first two traits are prerequisites that the student must meet in addition to at least two of the six other traits. A student who qualifies for “Academic Redemption” will:

• Express a desire to change
• Reflect on the need to change and set goals for a course of recovery
• Meet current deadlines
• Meet workplace standards.
• Manifest a cooperative attitude toward teachers and classmates.
• Involve parents in the process.
• Go to tutoring.
• Contribute to the school community. In addition to completing current work according to plan, the student must remedy past failure through appropriate work on a project agreed upon with the teacher.

Electronics may not be used for personal use anytime at school. 

The first time a student is caught with an electronic device, the device is taken away by the teacher/administrator. 

The device will be labeled with the student’s name and the date the device was taken. 

The device will then be given to the administration. 

 The device may be picked up by the student at the end of the day. 

The administration should keep a log of the names of the students who have their phones taken away. 

The second time the student is caught with an electronic device, the device is taken away by the teacher/administrator. 

The device will be labeled with the student’s name and the date the device was taken. 

The device will then be given to the administration. 

The device must be picked up by the parent at the end of the day. 

If a student decides to bring a laptop to school they do so at their own risk. The student alone is responsible for his or her personal laptop. The Foundation Academy is not liable for any personal property. 

Any other devices that are a potential danger or harm are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to drones, UAV’s, remote-controlled electronics, and any other device that may disrupt the educational environment.  

No secret video or audio recordings are allowed to be taken on the school’s premises, by any person, this includes but is not limited to, students, staff, volunteers etc. 

The school is NOT liable for any electronics. 

Click here to view our TFA Electronics Policy via .PDF

Click here to view a Letter on TFA Cell Phone Policy

Tardy: 

• Students will lose workplace standard points for being tardy. Teacher discretion determines when a student is tardy to class, however, the start of classes will be announced. In most cases, once a classroom door closes, the student will be considered tardy.  
• The tardy count will restart every 9 weeks. However, the lower workplace standard grade remains. 
• 3 Tardies equals an absence.
• Students must sign in to the office after 8:10 am to avoid being marked absent for the day.

Skipping: 

• Students will be given an absent mark.  
• Students will lose points on their workplace standards grade. 
• Attendance must be turned in on time by the classroom teacher. The office will handle skipping procedures after class attendance has been sent. 
• The length of time between a tardy and skipping is open to teacher discretion. 
• Once a teacher determines the student is skipping class, the teacher will write a referral for the student, email Independent Study, and send the student to Independent Study with his or her referral.  
• The parent is notified every time the student is skipping. 
• The parent must accompany the student to school for re-admittance. 

Absent from school: 

• Students must have a note, or a parent must call the office to explain the absence. 
• Students must report to their teacher(s) or check plus portals to get make-up assignments. 

Consequences for Unexcused Absences (Explained under “Skipping”) 

Absences:  

Excused: Dr. note is required to be considered an excused absence. All other absences must be approved by the principal and teacher.  

Unexcused:  After five unexcused absences in a marking period the school will report the student as truant to the state. 

Appointments/Need to leave class early: 

Students must provide to the office written documentation from the parent or appropriate adult on the morning of the appointment or upon returning from the appointment.

Late Afternoon Pickup: 

• Students may not be signed out in the 30 minutes before dismissal. If you arrive in that window we will ask you to join the pickup line and wait for dismissal.
• Parents are required to come into the school to sign a student out. 
• Parents are not permitted to park their cars and get out during dismissal time in the car rider pick-up line. You must park in the parking lot to get out and come in.
• Parents are expected to pick up their student(s) promptly at the completion of the school day. Any pick-ups occurring after an established grace period are subject to applicable late fees. 
• If there is an emergency, parents must advise the school as soon as possible so alternate arrangements can be made. 

All instructional personnel, educational support employees and administrators are required as a condition of employment to complete training on these standards of ethical conduct. 

Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators

All employees and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators, which affect the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors. Reports of misconduct of administrators should be made to Nadia Hionides at nhionides@foundationacademy.com.  Reports of misconduct of employees can be reported to Team Leaders and/or Valarie Love at vlove@foundationacademy.com and/or Nadia Hionides. 

Legally sufficient allegations of misconduct by Florida certified educators will be reported to the FDOE office of Professional Practices.

Policies and procedures for reporting misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators which affect the health, safety, or welfare of a student are posted in the office of The Foundation Academy and on our website at https://www.foundationacademy.com.

Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment or Neglect 

All employees, educational support employees and administrators and agents have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Call 1-800-96-ABUSE or report online at https://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/ or https://myflfamilies.com 

Signs of Physical Abuse 

The child may have unexplained bruises, welts, burns, other injuries, or broken bones. A child experiencing physical abuse may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home, may run away, shy away from physical contact, be aggressive, or wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries. 

Signs of Sexual Abuse 

The child may have torn, stained or bloody underwear, trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in the genital area, or a sexually transmitted disease. A child experiencing sexual abuse may have mutual knowledge of sex or act seductively, fear a particular person, seem withdrawn or depressed, gain or lose weight suddenly, shy away from physical contact, or run away from home. 

Signs of Neglect 

The child may have unattended medical needs, little or no supervision at home, poor hygiene, or appear underweight. A child experiencing neglect may be frequently tired or hungry, steal food, or appear overly needy for adult attention.

Patterns of Abuse 

Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not by significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported. 

Liability Protections 

Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by law, or reporting in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment or neglect to the department of any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise result by reason of such action. (F.S.39.203) 

An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer of the former or current employee upon request of the prospective employer or of the former or current employee is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed by the former or current employer was knowingly false or violated any civil right of the former or current employee protected under F.S. Chapter 760. (F.S.768.O95) 

HB 7055 Additional Accountability Measures for 

Private Schools Participating in State Scholarship Programs 

•     Require each owner or operator of the private school to undergo a level 2 background screening as provided under chapter 435. Additional disqualifying offenses (attached). 
•     Publish on the school’s website, or in a written format, information for parents regarding the school, including, but not limited to, programs, services, and the qualifications of classroom teachers. 
•     At a minimum, provide the parent of each scholarship student with a written explanation of the student’s progress on a quarterly basis. 
•     Require that a private school must notify the parent of each scholarship student at least 30 calendar days before a transfer of ownership of a private school. 
•     An owner or operator of a private school that has been deemed ineligible to participate in a scholarship program pursuant to this chapter may not transfer ownership or management authority of the school to a relative in order to participate in the scholarship program as the same school or a new school. (Term “relative” means father, mother, son, daughter, grandfather, grandmother, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, cousin, nephew, niece, husband, wife, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, or half-sister). 
•     If the private school received more than $250,000 in funds from scholarships awarded under this chapter in a state fiscal year, the private school must submit the report (Agreed Upon Procedures or AUP) by September 15 to the scholarship funding organization that awarded the majority of the school’s scholarship funds. A school that received more than $250,000 in scholarship funds only through the McKay Scholarship must submit the annual report to the Department of Education.

TFA SEVERE CLAUSE POLICY 

The following will result in immediate consequences:   

• Acts of violence against teachers or students, including fighting or ANY unsolicited physical contact.
• Verbal abuse and/or threats against teachers or students.
• Theft
• Vandalism - includes school property, teacher, and student personal property. 
• Unexcused absence from class 
• Leaving campus without permission - includes lunchtime, break, field trips, and any class or school activity that has not been cleared with the teacher(s) by parent and/or school administration.
• Use of drugs or alcohol on or off campus.
• Sexual Harassment/sexual talk.
• Cyberbullying/bullying 

Consequences: 

• The student will be immediately suspended for a period, or immediate expulsion will be applied, as determined by the administration.  
• The parent will be notified and required to attend a meeting before the student is admitted back to school.

Dress Code:

The dress code of The Foundation Academy is based upon teaching modesty and appropriateness in an educational or work environment. It is the intention of the dress code to enable students to learn in an acceptable academic environment. Teacher discretion will define what constitutes disruptive or distracting clothing. If a student violates the dress code, the student will be asked to change. If they are unable to provide different, appropriate clothing at that time, appropriate clothing will be loaned to them from the TFA community clothing collection. 

1.  The bottom of the shorts/skirt must be no more than three inches above the knee.
2.  No cleavage 
3.  No midriff 
4.  No tank tops 
5.  No drug related material on clothing or accessories.
6.  No curse words/offensive content on clothing or accessories.
7.  No visible undergarments or lack thereof.
8.  No sunglasses indoors.
9.  No shoes with wheels.
10.  No slides 
11.  No sharp objects on clothing or accessories.
12.  No nudity of any degree/no inappropriately placed holes.
13.  Inappropriate body art must be covered up.
14.  No gang flags (bandanas)/no gang related content.
15.  No wearing hoods.
16.  No pajamas 
17.  No bonnets 
18.  No blankets

All of these rules are subject to teacher discretion.

If a student violates the dress code, that student will be provided a cover-up and/or will remain in the office for the remainder of the day.

Entering the classroom at the beginning of the period:

1. Enter class only if the teacher is present
2. Walk quietly into the classroom and place books, bags, and belongings in the designated area.
3. Sharpen pencils if needed
4. Take assigned seats, take out homework, and composition book.
5. Write the day’s assignments/information/homework in your composition book as posted by your teacher and begin the warm-up work on the board.

Restroom:

For everyone’s convenience students are expected to use the restroom before or after class. If a student needs to use the restroom during class:

1. Student Raises Hand in “R” form
2. The teacher nods their head “yes”, or shakes head “no”. The student then knows that he/she can go – or that they need to wait for the next person to come back (to keep an eye on the door)
3. Clip Board for sign-in/out sheet
4. Bathroom Pass – The student must have the pass to leave to go to the restroom. If they do not have the pass on campus, the student will be sent to the office. The teacher will be notified.

Getting Student Attention: HIGH FIVE

1. The teacher or facilitator raises a hand
2. All verbal and non-verbal activity ceases
3. Students raise their hands, all eyes on the speaker

Pencil Sharpening:

1. Teachers will have nubbies in a cup ready for students who need pencils or have broken their tips. The students will get up quietly to get their nubbies to use for the class period. Students do not need to ask to get a nubby or explain how a pencil broke (or a lack of a pencil or pen).

Paper Heading:

1. All students need to include a proper heading on the top right-hand side of their paper.
2. An Example Heading:

Student Name

Subject

Assignment

Date

Teacher Name

All medication that is expired or left at the school at the end of the school year will be properly disposed of. 

Prescription Medication:  

• Prescription medication must be brought to school in the original bottle with the student’s name and dosage legible on the bottle.  
• TFA will not be responsible for reminding students to take prescription medication, however, students can come to the office at the appropriate time for their medication and the front office will distribute it per the dosage on the prescription bottle.  

Over-the-Counter Medication:  

• Over-the-counter medication that is brought to school in the original bottle with a note from the parent can be stored in the office for the student to take following the parent's wishes.
• TFA will not allow a student to take more than the acceptable dosage as directed on the bottle unless there is written authorization from a doctor.   

DRUG TESTING POLICY 

Why is it Important to Drug Test in Schools? 

1. While some may see it as an invasion of privacy and loss of trust, drug testing is a precautionary measure to ensure that a school is a safe place for students to be in. The school’s role is not merely being an anchor towards education, but also a second home that will protect students from harm and provide them with a safe and drug-free learning environment. 
2. Random drug testing can be a means of opening doors to provide help to those who might already be involved in drug use. Early intervention of drug use would mean providing treatment early on. 

It is a known fact that so many young students have become drug users. Some of the main causes of drug use in students include the following: 

• Curiosity
• Peer pressure
• Escape from problem
• Psychological trauma
• Exposure to parents with a history of drug addiction.
• Severe trauma or injury
• Mental condition 

The Foundation Academy has a responsibility to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of students, faculty, and staff. TFA believes that drug and alcohol abuse in the school presents a substantive threat to safety, health, and 

well-being, as well as jeopardizes the quality and efficiency of our educational programs. TFA will implement a Random Student Drug Testing Policy along with reasonable suspicion guidelines with the goal of providing a healthy, safe, and secure drug-free learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff. 

STATEMENT Of PURPOSE 

The primary purpose of the Random Student Drug Testing Policy is to educate our students and is not intended to be disciplinary or punitive in nature. This testing program is intended as an integral component of the overall TFA education process in an effort to direct students away from drug and alcohol abuse and toward a healthy, safe, and drug-free life. Its purpose is intended as a diagnostic aid in discovering possible drug and alcohol-related problems and as an extension of our education programs. A student who has consumed alcohol or drugs is 

considered to present a REAL and SUBSTANTIAL THREAT to his/her health and safety, and to the safety of others, especially within the educational environment of our schools and school activities. 

The Goals of the Random Student Drug Testing Policy are to: 

• Identify a student with alcohol or drugs present in his/her body. 
• Provide notification to the custodial parent/guardian.
• Educate, assist, and direct students away from drug and alcohol use and toward healthy, safe, and drug-free participation in activities leading toward a healthy lifestyle. 

PARTICIPANTS 

• Every student in grades 6-12 must consent to participate in the Random Student Drug Testing Policy when registering for school. 
• Parents who refuse to allow their students to participate in the Random Student Drug Testing at TFA will not be accepted to attend TFA.  

TEST RESULTS 

• A record of all testing will be kept in a file separate from each student’s school records. This file will be destroyed after graduation. 
• The TFA administration will send home a letter to the parent/guardian when their student has been tested.  
• The TFA administration will contact the parent/ guardian if the test results are positive. 
• No individual shall be expelled or suspended from school as a result of a positive test from the Random Student Drug Testing Policy. No policy enforcement shall occur until the administration has had a conference with the parents/guardians of the student. 
• Every student is an individual and all consequences, actions, or required programs will be determined by the principal based on the student, number of incidences, and other information the principal is privy to.  
• Students who transfer to another school district while under the exclusionary period and then return to TFA MUST fulfill any remaining requirements of that exclusionary period.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 

• Under this policy, TFA will pay for all random drug tests. Any “follow-up” drug test due to a positive result will be paid for by the student or his/her parent/guardian. 
•  On appeal of a “positive” urine specimen, further testing is the financial responsibility of the student or his/her parent/guardian. 
•  Counseling and subsequent treatment by non-school agencies is the financial responsibility of the student or his/her parent/guardian. 

CONFIDENTIALITY 

Under this drug testing program, any staff, coach, or sponsor of TFA, who may have knowledge of the results of a drug test, will not divulge to anyone the results of the test or the disposition of the student involved, other than in the case of a legal subpoena being made upon that person in the course of a legal investigation. This will underscore the TFA commitment to confidentiality with regard to the program. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

• How will the drug test be administered? The test is administered in a timely fashion, immediately after the student is notified that he or she has been randomly selected that day.  
• Where will the test be administered? Students have private access to a private restroom for the purpose of the urine test. 
• When will my child be tested? Children will be tested during a reasonable and acceptable time.  For example: not during scholastic examinations.
• Who will know the results of the drug test? The school will keep the results of drug tests confidential However, it is common for students to tell others about their test results.
• Will I know what day my child will be tested?  No. Random drug testing programs are effective deterrents because no one knows when he or she may be tested.
• How will I be notified of the results? A note that the student was tested that day will be sent home with the student.  The school will contact the parent if said student tests positive.
• Who will administer the drug test? A trained administrator will be responsible for drug tests.  All tests are read by 2 trained individuals to ensure accuracy.  
• Will positive results be confirmed? Parents have the right to request a free urinalysis to be taken at the school with the parent, student, and principal present.  
• What will happen to my child's record when he/she leaves school? Records for random student drug testing should be kept in confidential files separate from all other school records.  When the student graduates or leaves the school, these records should be destroyed.  
• Will student drug testing results affect future educational and professional opportunities?  Results from random student drug tests are strictly confidential and are protected by federal law for public schools (See FERPA and PPRA). Colleges will not ask for drug test results, nor can results be released to them.  Records are maintained separately from other records and should be destroyed after the student leaves the school.

TFA CAR RIDER PROCEDURES

CAR HANG TAGS:

• Each parent will be provided with a car hanger the first week of school.  
• Your child’s first and last name should be printed on the car hanger in large block letters with a permanent black marker.  
• Parents with more than one child should list all students on their tag, attaching a second tag if necessary.  
• The car hanger, with the child’s name, should be placed on the rear-view mirror of the vehicle when picking a student up after school. 
• Cars without hangers will have to show valid IDs and wait for ID verification.  You will be asked to park while you wait. Please be patient.  
• Replacement car hangers may be purchased for $1.  
• As cars approach the student pick-up area, an assigned adult or safety patrol student will call for students to come to the Car Rider Zone.  The student will then proceed to the designated boarding area.   

EARLY DISMISSAL: 

• Students cannot be released during the last hour of school unless it is an emergency, or you have contacted the office in advance.  

CAR RIDER TIPS FOR A SAFE DROP OFF & PICK UP EXPERIENCE:

• Be patient & wait in line.
• Follow traffic instructions.
• Please do not park in the car rider zone.
• Do not pick up students outside the designated pick-up zone, or in the parking lot.
• Please give your child lunch money, breakfast, fix their hair, etc. at home – not in the car drop-off area.  
• No cars should be left unattended. If you need to get out of your car, please park in the available lot.   
• Please do not block the crosswalks. Notice the lines on the pavement.  
• Do not allow your child to exit the car until you have reached the designated drop-off zones.  
• Please pull up as far as you can prior to allowing your child to exit the car, following the directions from the staff member on duty.  

***Are you available to assist in the mornings?  We would love to have some extra hands to greet our students each morning.***

The TFA Senior Expectations – as a senior in high school at TFA we expect the following of you: 

Literacy 

• Able to interpret information 
• Able to use multimedia for research and writing 
• Able to write effectively 
• Displays reading comprehension
• Exhibits good oral and written communication skills 
• Develops an interest and love for other cultures and languages 
• Produces an exhibition that displays academic and creative proficiency 
• Displays scientific thinking 
• Capable of public speaking 
• Use previous knowledge to build new knowledge 
• Microsoft Office proficiency 

Ethics/Values/Morals 

• Exhibits solid work ethic
• Displays leadership skills 
• Functions effectively in a team environment 
• Shows respect for self and others 
• Indicates spiritual understanding 
• Makes morally and ethically sound choices 
• Able to accept constructive criticism 
• Evidence social and environmental conscious 
• Indicates with self-confidence 
• Takes responsibility/ownership 
• Recognizes the importance of connecting to global situations 

Personal Proficiency 

• Exercises basic life skills 
• Exhibits proper hygiene and dresses for success 
• Displays proficiency in essential skills 
• Able to accept and create short-term and long-term goals with a resulting action
• Sets realistic expectations 
• Has the capacity to be a self-starter 
• Is self-disciplined 
• Able to think critically 
• Understand a budget for their survival 
• Understand choices for college & career 

15 Essential Skills and Definitions – these are used daily in every classroom at TFA 

Habits of the Mind 

Comparing 

• To examine for likeness and differences

Abstracting

•  To break up a whole/create a whole from pieces 
• Summarize - To break down to a skeletal level 
• Use Venn diagrams 
• Use Webbing 

Analyzing Perspective

• Examine the elements and parts of something in its relationship to the way you view it or someone else views it          

Philosophizing  

• To reason 
• To bring into conformity with a philosophical point of view 
• A search for general understanding of values and reality by chiefly speculative rather than observational means 
• A philosopher is a “lover of wisdom” 

Discriminating  

• Insight and perception to see what is not evident 
• Stress the power to distinguish and select what is true, appropriate or excellent  

Evaluating  

• Measurement/ to determine the significance or worth by careful appraising or study 

Organizing  

• To form something into a clear structure so that it can be systematically followed 

Analyzing  

• Converting complex to simple 
• Break down a complex whole to its parts 

 Communication Skills 

Paraphrasing -  A restatement giving the meaning in another form 

Sequencing -  A continuous and connected series united by a theme 

Arguing - Showing proof 

Listening - To pay attention in order to hear and understand  

Questioning - To subject to analysis 

Clarifying - To be free of confusion, to make understandable 

Storytelling - Narrating or giving an account of what happened