MBFS NEWS FROM SCHOOL UPDATE Spring Break Edition

Regular school operations for both middle and elementary school on Monday, March 24, elementary students will return to campus and all grade levels of students will have the opportunity to return to Madeira Beach Fundamental’s regular 2024-2025 schedules.

Bell Schedules: Both middle and elementary school students will return to traditional hours.

Before and After School Care: Our before and after school care programs will also return to their normal schedules.

Elementary School: 7:45P - 1:55P

Middle School: 7:45A - 2:15P

We are pleased to inform you that before and aftercare services will resume for those who were enrolled in the St. Pete YMCA program prior to the hurricanes. Please note that this program will no longer be free.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming our students back to school after Spring Break.

END OF THE YEAR EVENT CALENDAR

CAR LINE EFFECTIVE 3.24.25

In order to minimize your time in car line, keep the lines flowing and out of the intersection we are asking families to please adhere to the following.

• ALL vehicles should have a nametag (carpool name) displayed on dash for faster pickup. If you pick up more than 1 child, use 1 name for all children to listen for. We have them printed if you need one.

• Earliest drop off in the morning is at 7:15am. We will utilize the large car loop around the portables in the morning for middle school and sibling drop off. Elementary student drop off will be through the elementary lane loop as before.

• Elementary student pick up will begin at 1:55pm through the elementary lane and should last about 15 minutes.

• Middle school and sibling pick up, PLEASE DO NOT line up until 2:05pm at the earliest. This will allow for the elementary line to clear the way and for the back gate to get opened as soon as the students vacate the portable area and for cars to enter the large loop. Middle/Sibling pick up will begin at 2:15pm.

Congratulations to these students and their teacher for having their artwork selected for display.

March is Youth Art Month. Mr. Schuster, teacher, and students Raleigh M., and River E. were recognized at the State of the Digital Arts K-8 Exhibition.

ALL COUNTY BAND

Some of our jazz students auditioned for the All County Jazz Band. With over a hundred students auditioning for less than 25 spots in the band, we are so proud of our 6 earned spots in the band! Congratulations Kameron R, Kaitlyn L, Noah D, Emma A, Daniel R, and Quentin D!

Pinellas County Elementary Honors Chorus

The following 5th grade students performed with the Pinellas County Elementary Honors Chorus at the Mahaffey Theater on February 22. Thank you Jessica Rogers. (Freddie K., Breena K., Quinn R., Alina W.)

CITIZENS OF THE MONTH IN FEBRUARY

Elementary C2C

• Jax N.
• Colin N.
• Ryker K.
• Rae V.
• Coco V.
• Adaline W.
• Felipe R.
• Arabella K.
• Natalia M.
• Troy C.
• Elliette H.
• Violet G.
• Aden H.
• Quinn K.
• Owen I.
• Charlotte B.
• Tori G.
• Jack B.
• Karlie H.
• Lyla K.
• Remington W.
• Breena K.
• Alanna H.
• Evelyn R.

Middle School C2C

• Riley
• Gabe G.
• Nora B.
• Maya R.
• Milo P.
• Gabby L.
• Aislyn D.
• Daniel R.
• Eliot K.
• Nora D.
• John F.
• Aleigh C.
• Madison D.
• Kaiden T.
• James K.
• Thomas C.
• Amelia K.
• Kylie K.
• Destiny N.
• Toby P.
• Lili A.
• Rhys C.
• Madison C.
• Arslan K
• Jade C.
• Yelaina R.
• Jeremiah D
• Parker S.

GENERAL MEETING PARENT CREDIT OPTIONS IN MARCH

• 3/25: SAC meeting, 530P, Location MBFS cafeteria
• 3.31: Community Partner Night
• Chipotle Seminole 11241 Park Blvd, Seminole
• 🍔 Culver’s Seminole 10425 Park Blvd, Seminole
• 🍧 Jeremiah’s Largo 13100 Seminole Blvd Suite 103, Largo
• 🧋 Boba Mochi Donut Plus Largo Mall 10500 Ulmerton Rd, Suite 366, Largo
• 🍝 CD Roma Restaurant & Brewpub 1462 66th St N, St. Pete
• 🐓 Raising Canes 4835 East Bay Dr, Clearwater

Prohibited Articles Cell Phones and Other Electronic devices

Parents are advised that the best way to get in touch with their child during the school day is by calling the child’s school office.

Students may possess an electronic device, which is defined as a device designed to receive and send an electronic signal, so long as they do so in strict compliance with this policy and any rules that individual schools may impose. Any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy forfeits any right or privilege to possess any electronic device described in this policy. Pinellas County Schools recognizes the ever-increasing importance of technology in students’ lives and the beneficial role it can play for student education and communication when used responsibly. The possession and use of such devices should not interfere with academic instruction, student safety or a positive school climate.

At no point should an electronic device be used in a manner which infringes on the privacy rights of any other person; disrupts the educational process, school programs or activities; or violates Board Policy or federal/state law including but not limited to cyberbullying, sexual harassment, threats or cheating on tests or assignments. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of the cell phone or electronic device. If the cell phone or electronic device is confiscated, it will be released/returned to a parent unless an alternative arrangement is agreed to by the principal (or designee).

A student may possess a cell phone and other electronic devices in school, on school property, at school-related functions, provided these items are powered off and concealed from view while school is in session.

At the discretion and upon approval of the school administrator, students may use electronic devices on school property, on school buses, or at school-sponsored events according to the following guidelines:

1. At Madeira Beach Fundamental, cellular telephones and other electronic devices may be used before 7:25A, unless you are participating in breakfast or a before school activity.
2. During class for instructional activities, with permission from the teacher.
3. After school at the end of school day.

During official school hours the following rules apply:

1. Students MAY NOT use electronic devices at school or school-sponsored activities to take pictures or record audio or video of students or school staff (including teachers, administrators or staff) without the prior consent of the student or staff member.
2. Students may not use cell phones or other electronic devices on school property or at a school-sponsored activity to access and/or view Internet web sites that are otherwise blocked to students at school.
3. The use of cell phones and other electronic devices is prohibited in locker rooms, bathrooms, and/or swimming areas.
4. The student who brings a cell phone or other electronic device to school does so at their own risk. The student who possesses a cell phone or other electronic device is responsible for its care.
5. Any cell phone or other electronic device left behind on a district school bus will be retained at the respective bus compounds until retrieved either by the student or parent possessing proper identification.
6. School Board staff are not responsible for preventing theft, loss, damage, or vandalism to cell phones or other electronic devices brought onto its property, or left on school buses, including any electronic device confiscated due to inappropriate use.

PROGRESSIVE STEPS FOR VIOLATION OF GUIDELINES

1. First offense – confiscation, parent/guardian notification, (K5 warning notice/ MS report notice)
2. Second offense – confiscation/ student pick up at end of day, detention
3. Progressive discipline steps

STUDENT SAFETY IS IMPORTANT TO US

The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. We are so proud of the students who bravely step forward to let us know when they have seen someone in trouble or think that someone is in danger by telling a trusted adult, or using the anonymous See Something Say Something App.

WHAT IS THE SEE SOMETHING APP?

Developed after the tragic loss of life experienced at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the See Something, Say Something Anonymous Reporting System was created to allow students and adults to securely submit anonymous safety concerns anytime, from anywhere to help identify at-risk students and intervene upon behaviors or actions that may cause harm to the student themselves or others. While playing a critical role in preventing unfortunate acts from taking place on our campus, the reporting system is like calling 911 due to a threat to self, a loved one or others. While the application adds a significant layer of safety to our campus, its use, or misuse also carries a significant responsibility and should not be used for non-threatening events or matters easily brought to the attention of a parent, teacher, trusted adult or school administrator. While we do not want to discourage the appropriate use of this preventative tool, it is the intentional abuse, much like the misuse of calling 911, that may result in disciplinary action. False or minor reports and intentional pranks or jokes consume multiple personnel and resources that are needed elsewhere and lessen the effectiveness of the system.

In the past school, staff received reports from the student body, copies of text messages and/or screen shots, and reviewed several tips that were all thankfully unfounded threats to the school, or in some instances made as false reports. Every report made will be investigated thoroughly and taken seriously. Please remind your student that making a threat and/or making a false report of a threat, even if intended as a joke, will result in serious consequences, including arrest and felony charges in many instances.

From the student code of conduct: any student who makes a threat or false report as defined by F.S. 790.162, 790.163, and 836.10, involving school or school personnel’s property, school transportation, or a school sponsored activity, will be suspended for no more than three (3) consecutive days for one offense and recommended for reassignment/expulsion. Threats may include but are not limited to: bomb threats; threats to use firearms in a violent manner; threats to kill or do bodily injury; and/or threats to conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism. In addition, if a student makes a statement or posts statements on social media alluding to the student bringing a firearm or other weapon to school, on school transportation, or to a school-sponsored event, even if the student does not actually bring the firearm or weapon, the student will be presumed to cause a disruptive environment which will lead to disciplinary action. Criminal penalties may be imposed as determined by law enforcement agencies.

We want to thank our parents, and students for continuing to keep Madeira Beach Fundamental School a safe and enjoyable place for our students, staff, and community. Your support by having these conversations at home will make a big difference, and will allow us to continue these conversations at school.