MBFS NEWS FROM SCHOOL UPDATE HOLIDAY EDITION

Application Period for magnet, fundamental and career programs opens in January

Families can apply for PCS District Application Programs from Jan. 7 through 5 p.m. on Jan. 17. Want to learn more about the application process? Check out the "How to Apply for a District Application Program" Facebook and YouTube Live event at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 6. Learn more about District Application Programs at www.pcsb.org/dap.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR PTSA AND SAC IN JANUARY

Great news! With the return of our middle schoolers to the campus in December, we’re excited to announce that our regularly scheduled PTSA and SAC meetings will resume in January. Mark your calendars!

PTSA meetings will be held on Monday, January 13th, at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.,

SAC meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 14th, at 5:30 p.m.

We look forward to seeing everyone there as we continue to build a strong, supportive community for our students and staff!

Carline Procedures for Madeira Beach K5 Fundamental at Walsingham

DROP OFF

Families should access Walsingham Elementary from Walsingham Rd., off Starkey Rd. From Walsingham Rd, turn right/north into the Southern Oak Elementary Bus Circle.

• The earliest student drop-off for lunch is 915A
• The elementary school day begins at 945A
• IN CAR LINE All students should remain in their cars until drop off begins, and as always, parent should pull forward, use a dashboard sign, and close all gaps.
• TARDIES AND EARLY PICK UP MBFS K5 parents with students attending at Walsingham Elementary School should drop off and pick up their children from the Southern Oak car circle daily. HOWEVER, if you need to pick up your child early from school, come to the Walsingham Elementary School front office. This also includes families who are tardy arriving after the day has begun at 945A, and for pick up at 4P.

PICK UP

Families should access Walsingham Elementary from Walsingham Rd., off Starkey Rd. From Walsingham Rd, turn right/north into the Southern Oak Elementary Bus Circle.

• The elementary school day ends at 4P.
• The latest elementary student pick up is 430P
• If you have multiple children, you can pick them up in either carline.
• IN CAR LINE All students should remain in their cars until drop off begins, and as always, parent should pull forward, use a dashboard sign, and close all gaps.
• Inclement Weather: Parents can report to either dismissal lane.

Carline Procedures for Madeira Beach Middle Students at MBFS

DROP OFF

Families should access MBFS From Tom Stuart Causeway, or 113th Street.

• All Madeira Beach middle school students should be dropped off as early as 745A, but must be dropped off by 815A.
• Families with both elementary and middle school students, drop your middle grades student first at MBFS then proceed to Walsingham Elementary.
• Students will report to the middle school cafeteria each morning.
• IN CAR LINE All students should remain in their cars until drop off begins, and as always, parent should pull forward, use a dashboard sign, and close all gaps.

PICK UP

• The middle school day ends at 253P.
• The latest middle school pick up is 323P
• Students will be allowed to use their cell phones to communicate with parents as needed when their vehicle has arrived.
• IN CAR LINE All parents should remain in their cars and a should pull forward, use a dashboard sign, and close all gaps.

Use the same lot as the morning drop-off with same entry into lot.

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SCHOOL WIDE FAQ'S

PARENT MEETINGS

PTSA AND SAC MEETINGS return in January!

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.