1 STUDENT/PARENT UPPER SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2015

Transcription

STUDENT/PARENT UPPER SCHOOL HANDBOOK
2015 - 2016
Please read this handbook carefully; it describes the School practices and policies and contains information
regarding student health and safety. Please review this information with any caregiver who will share
responsibility for your child.
The School must be able to contact you in case of illness or emergency occurring during the school day. Please
be sure to keep the School Office personnel informed of any changes of work or home address or telephone
number.
601 Northeast 107 Street
Miami, Florida 33161
Main phone (305) 759-2843
Upper School phone (305) 779-7245
Upper School fax (305) 759-0684
www.miamicountryday.org
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MIAMI COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
STUDENT / PARENT AGREEMENT
We have read and discussed the contents of this Student / Parent Handbook and understand the obligations of
students and parents at Miami Country Day School, Inc. (The “School”). We agree to comply with each of the
policies and procedures set forth in the handbook. We understand that this handbook represents the current
policies, procedures, and regulations, and that except for the Arbitration Agreement, none of the other policies
and procedures contained in this handbook create contracted rights, and the School reserves the right to
interpret, change, delete, or modify any policy, procedure or condition at any time with or without prior notice.
Students who reach 18 years of age while enrolled in the School are bound by all student and parent obligations
in this Handbook. Student’s continued enrollment after reaching 18 years of age evidences the student’s
agreement with this requirement. In addition, even after the student turns 18 the School will continue to share
all health/medical, disciplinary, grades, progress reports, and other information with the student’s parents/legal
guardians throughout student’s enrollment at the School. Should a student have a concern about particular
information being shared with his/her parents/legal guardians, the student should consult with Division
Director.
We also understand that the School has a system of alternative dispute resolution which involves binding
arbitration to resolve all disputes which may arise out of my relationship or association with the School as a
student or parent. Because of the mutual benefits (such as reduced expense and increased efficiency) which
private binding arbitration can provide both the School and myself, I agree that any legally cognizable claim,
dispute, and/or controversy (including, but not limited to, any contract claims, any statutory claims, including
claims of discrimination and harassment under Florida or federal law, any claims under local, state, or federal
ordinances, law, or regulations, and any common law claims or equitable claims) which would otherwise
require or allow resort to any court or other governmental dispute resolution forum between myself and the
School (or its owners, trustees, directors, officers, managers, employees, agents, and parties affiliated with it)
shall be submitted to and determined exclusively by binding arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act. The
School's Rules and Regulations governing the arbitration process are available through the Business Office. I
UNDERSTAND THAT THIS BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISION REQUIRES THAT BOTH THE
SCHOOL AND I GIVE UP OUR RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY.
MY SIGNATURE BELOW ATTESTS TO THE FACT THAT I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND, AND
AGREE TO BE LEGALLY BOUND TO ALL OF THE ABOVE TERMS. DO NOT SIGN UNTIL YOU
HAVE READ THE ABOVE ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AGREEMENT.
Date____________________
Parents/Guardians Names:
________________________
________________________
Student Name:
________________________
Print
Grade_________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
sign
THIS FORM MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO THE DEAN OF STUDENTS BEFORE THE
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.
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July, 2015
Dear Miami Country Day School Parents and Students:
Miami Country Day School is more than just a school; it is a community of learners. Each of us makes a
unique contribution to that community. Our school represents an incredible collection of talents and abilities
from a diversity of backgrounds.
Our Mission Statement recognizes that the School believes in the education of the whole person. To this end
the Miami Country Day School community acknowledges that every individual is endowed with six potentials:
the intellectual, spiritual, social, aesthetic, physical, and emotional.
One of the dynamics of living in a community is that rarely do we act in isolation. Invariably, our actions affect
others. And so it is important that we foster in one another a sense of mutual respect. To this end we ask
students and adults alike to be tolerant, disciplined, honest, and to abide by the common-sense rules which this
handbook provides.
The faculty and administration asks that students and parents take the time to read through this handbook
together. If you have any questions or concerns about its contents, please feel free to contact the appropriate
division personnel, or call me. I look forward to working with each of you to make this an excellent school
year.
Sincerely,
John Davies
Head of School
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2015 - 2016 CALENDAR OF MAJOR EVENTS AND HOLIDAYS
Aug 20 ’15 (Thurs)
Aug 21 (Fri)
Aug 24 (Mon)
10:00am
10:00am
9:30am
8:00am
9:00am
1:00pm
6:30pm
Aug 25 (Tues)
1:00pm
Aug 27 (Thurs)
Aug 31 (Mon)
Sept 3 (Thurs)
Sept 7 (Mon)
Sept 9 (Wed)
Sept 14 (Mon)
Sept 16 (Wed)
Sept 17 (Thurs)
Sept 23 (Wed)
Sept 29 (Tues)
Sept 30 (Wed)
Oct 1 (Thurs)
Oct 2 (Fri)
Oct 14 (Wed)
Oct 17 (Sat)
Oct 18 (Sun)
Oct 26 (Mon)
Oct 30 (Fri)
Nov 3 (Tues)
Nov 5 (Thurs)
6:30pm
8:30am
6:00pm
5:45pm
6:30pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
1 s t S e m e s te r
Orientation new 7th & 8th grade students
Orientation new Upper School students
Orientation new Lower School students
First Day of School: grades 1-5 dismiss 12:30; grades 7-8 full day
No PK3/JK4/SK5, 6th, 10th or 11th grade
Orientation for 9th grade students
12th grade: College Counseling Boot Camp
Lower School Parents Bright Beginning Conferences grades 1-5
Senior Convocation & Reception, MSPC
Grades 1-5 dismiss 12:30
No PK3/JK4/SK5
Lower School Parents Bright Beginning Conferences grades 1-5
Orientation for 6th grade (no school for 7th or 8th grade)
Grades 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th in school
PK3/JK4/SK5 start school, dismiss 12:30 all week
Upper School International Parent Reception, Whitman Library
Parents’ Association Meeting, Smurfit Hall
Middle School Open House (adults only)
Labor Day Holiday – NO SCHOOL
Upper School New Parent & 9th grade Parent Reception
Upper School Open House (adults only)
Rosh Hashanah – NO SCHOOL
Senior Class Parent Evening with College Guidance, Whitman Library
Lower School Open House (adults only)
Yom Kippur - NO SCHOOL
NO SCHOOL
8:00am
8:30am
12:00pm
8:00am
8:00am
2:00pm
12:30pm
2:00pm
8:30am
7:00pm
Nov 10 (Tues)
Nov 11 (Wed)
Nov 13 (Fri)
7:00pm
Nov 17-20
Nov 19-20 (Thurs-Fri)
Nov 23 (Mon)
Nov 24 (Tues)
Nov 25 (Wed)
7:00pm
7:00pm
9:00am
Lower School Faculty Workday
MS/US Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences 12:00-3:00pm & 4:00-7:00pm
9th Grade Parent and Student Drug Prevention Breakfast, Rose Athletic Center
Lower School Buoyancy Cup, Aquatic Center
PSAT for 8, 9, 10, & 11th grades
Cancer Walk
Family BBQ
College Fair
Faculty Workday – NO SCHOOL
Lower School Halloween Parade
LS Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences (no Lower School students in school)
8th Grade Parent Transition to Upper School Program, Whitman Library
Holiday Bazaar, Rose Athletic Center
Upper School Service Day
Young People of Distinction (YPOD) & SEED (Seeking Educational Equity &
Diversity) Thanksgiving Dinner, Garner Center
Theater For Social Change production, Garner Center
No School for PK3/JK4/SK5
Lower School Music Extravaganza, Amphitheater
Fall Music Concert, Amphitheater
Grandparents’ Day
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Nov 26-27
Dec 3 (Thurs)
Dec 9 (Wed)
Dec 10 (Thurs)
Dec 11 (Fri)
Dec 14-18
Dec 17-18 (Thurs-Fri)
Dec 18 (Fri)
Dec 21-Jan 1 ‘16
8:30am
9:15am
7:00pm
7:00pm
Jan 4 ’16 (Mon)
Jan 7 (Thurs)
Jan 7-14
Jan 15 (Fri)
8:30am
Jan 18 (Mon)
Jan 19-22
Jan 22 (Fri)
Jan 25 (Mon)
Feb 2 (Tues)
Feb 4 (Thurs)
Feb 5 (Fri)
Feb 5-6 (Fri-Sat)
Feb 15-16
Feb 16 (Tues)
Feb 23 (Tues)
8:15am
8:30am
Thanksgiving Holiday – NO SCHOOL
All School Sing-along, Rose Athletic Center
Yule Log Ceremony, Franco Center
Activity Day and Admission Testing for Siblings
Lower School Week of Possibilities
Lower School Musical Production of “Peter Pan”, Garner Center
LS Dismissal 12:30pm, MS/US Dismissal 1:00pm
Holiday Break – NO SCHOOL
2 n d S e m e s te r
Middle/Upper School Students return to school
Lower School Faculty Workday – No Lower School students in school
Upper School Semester Exams
PK3/JK4/SK5 students – NO SCHOOL
Early Childhood Testing Activity Day and Admission Testing
Upper School Faculty Workday – No Upper School students in school
Martin Luther King Day – NO SCHOOL
Middle School Semester Exams
Upper School Minimester
Reenrollment contracts available online
Middle School Faculty Workday - No Middle School students in school
Helping Your Child Find the Best Fit College and the US Curriculum, Smurfit Hall
Reenrollment contracts due with deposit
Thespian One Act Festival
Presidents’ Day Holiday – NO SCHOOL
Community Learning Partnership (CLP) Faculty Professional Development Workday
NO SCHOOL
Mar 3 (Thurs)
Mar 3-5 (Thurs-Sat)
Mar 9 (Wed)
Mar 15 (Tues)
9:00am
10:50am
8:30am
7:30pm
6:30pm
8:30am
Lower School Faculty Workday
MS/US Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences 12:00-3:00pm & 4:00-7:00pm
Middle School Mid-Year Academic Awards, Rose Athletic Center
Upper School Mid-Year Academic Awards, Rose Athletic Center
US Music Extravaganza, Amphitheater
7th Grade Parents & Students Drug Awareness Meeting, Garner Center
All School Parent Coffee: “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall”, Smurfit Hall
Mar 22 (Tues)
Mar 23 (Wed)
7:00pm
10:50am
Evening of the Arts
US Showcase of the Arts & Arts Awards, Garner Center
Feb 24 (Wed)
Mar 25-Apr 4
Apr 7 (Thurs)
Apr 12 (Tues)
Apr 15 (Fri)
Apr 21 (Thurs)
Apr 25-29 (Mon-Fri)
Apr 27 (Wed)
Apr 29-30 (Fri-Sat)
May 2-6 (Mon-Fri)
May 2-13
May 3 (Tues)
May 5 (Thurs)
8:30am
7:00pm
7:00pm
10:50am
7:00pm
9:40am
8:30am
Spring Break – NO SCHOOL
(overlaps with Good Friday/Easter/Easter Monday Mar 25-28
Faculty Workday Apr 4)
LS Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences (no Lower School students in school)
Evening of Dance, Garner Center
US Spring Music Concert, Amphitheater
ERB Practice & WrAP (Grades 2-5)
US Publications Awards, Rose Athletic Center
US Spring Musical Production, Garner Center
ERB (Grades 2-5)
AP Exams
9th Grade Mother’s Day Breakfast, Student Activities Center
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May 11 (Wed)
May 12 (Thurs)
May 18 (Wed)
May 25 (Wed)
May 30 (Mon)
June 1 (Wed)
June 1-3 (Wed-Fri)
June 2 (Thurs)
June 3 (Fri)
June 4 (Sat)
9:00am
6:30pm
9:00am
9:00am
10:45am
9:00am
7:00pm
11:15am
2:00pm
Middle School Awards, Rose Athletic Center
Upper School Academic Awards, MSPC
Middle School Service Awards, Garner Center
Middle School Awards, Rose Athletic Center
US Community & Leadership Awards, Rose Athletic Center
Memorial Day Holiday – NO SCHOOL
Senior Project Presentations, Rose Athletic Center
Middle School ERB’s
5th Grade Stepping Up Ceremony, Garner Center
8th Grade Reflections Ceremony, Rose Athletic Center
Last Day of School: LS dismissal 12:30pm / MS & US dismiss 1:00pm
Baccalaureate, MSPC
Senior Reception, Franco Center
Graduation, Adrienne Arsht Center Concert Hall
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2015-2016
MIAMI COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
Upper School Schedule
Monday
EBO
7:30-8:10
Tuesday
EBO
7:30-8:10
Advisory
8:00-8:10
Track1
8:15-9:05
Track 2
9:10-10:00
Advisory
8:00-8:10
Track 1
8:15-9:40
Multipurpose
Block
9:40-10:20
Break
10:00-10:15
Track 7
10:20-11:10
Track 4
11:15-12:05
Track 5
12:10-1:00
Lunch
1:00-1:40
Track 6
1:45-2:35
Track 3
2:40-3:30
Study Center
3:40-5:00
Track 2
10:25-11:50
Track 3
11:55-1:20
Lunch
1:20-2:00
Track 4
2:05-3:30
Study Center
3:40-5:00
Wednesday
Faculty
Planning /
EBO
7:40-8:45
Advisory
8:45-8:55
Track 5
9:00-10:25
Break
10:25-10:50
Assembly
10:55-11:50
Track 6
11:55-1:20
Lunch
1:20-2:00
Track 7
2:05-3:30
Study Center
3:40-5:00
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Thursday
EBO
7:30-8:10
Friday
EBO
7:30-8:10
Advisory
8:00-8:10
Track 7
8:15-9:05
Track 6
9:10-10:00
Advisory
8:00-8:10
Track 4
8:15-9:00
Track 3
9:05-9:50
Break
10:00-10:15
Track 4
10:20-11:10
Track 3
11:15-12:05
Track 5
12:10-1:00
Lunch
1:00-1:40
Track 2
1:45-2:35
Track 1
2:40-3:30
Study Center
3:40-5:00
Break
9:50-10:10
Track 2
10:15-11:00
Track 1
11:05-11:50
Track 5
11:55-12:40
Lunch
12:40-1:20
Track 7
1:25-2:10
Track 6
2:15-3:00
Table of Content
Admission to Miami Country Day School .
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Mission Statement
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Upper School Mission Statement
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Philosophy .
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Core Values .
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Honor Code .
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Academics
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Communication
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Academic Difficulty .
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Honesty
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Cheating & Plagiarism
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Homework. .
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Tests .
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Semester Exams
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Incomplete Grade
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Textbooks
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Academic/Extra-Curricular Probation
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Community Service and Privileges .
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Grades and Transcripts
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Directors and Headmaster's Lists
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Standardized Tests .
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PSAT Exam .
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Valedictorian - Salutatorian Calculation
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The Learning Resources Program. .
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Extended Time Eligibility on Classroom Tests through LR Office .
Extended Time Eligibility on Standardized Tests through LR Office
Senior Project .
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Personal Laptop Policy
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Dropping/Adding Courses and Course Withdrawals .
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Summer Remediation Policy .
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Online Courses Policy.
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Advance Placement Online Courses Policy .
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Independent Study .
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Course Placements .
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Honor Societies
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Advisor/Advisee System
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Discipline Philosophy and Expectations
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Major School Rules .
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Explanation of Disciplinary Sanctions
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Discipline System
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Honor Council.
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Dispute Resolution - Arbitration
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Daily Operations/Procedures .
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Attendance Policy
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Chonic Illness or Disabilities .
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Call-in Procedures
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Signing in/Signning out Procedures .
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Bicycles
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11
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12
12
12-21
12
13
13
13
13
14
14
14
14
14-15
15
15-16
16
16
16
16-17
17-18
17
17-18
18
18
18-19
19
20
20
20
20-21
21-22
22-23
23-24
24-25
26-27
27-29
29-30
31
31-34
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31-32
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32-33
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Homerooms .
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Food on Campus/Lunch
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After School .
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Change of Address - Telephone Number
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Emergency Cancellation of School .
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Senior and Second Semester Junior Lunch Privileges
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Senior Late Sign In Privileges
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Parking for Students .
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Dress Code .
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Community Life
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Community Service .
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Guidance
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Student Service Team .
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Classroom
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Student Visitors
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Fundraising Policy .
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Lost & Found .
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Gym .
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Aquatic Center
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The Franco Center for Learning Resources .
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Cellular Phones and other Electronic Devices
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Tobacco Products
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Gambling/Campus Sales
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Fire Alarm System .
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Student ID
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Gum .
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Statement/Guidelines Concerning Alcohol and Mood Changing Substances
Drug Free Policy
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Security
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No Bullying/Harassment Policy
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Hazing .
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Student Disability Accommodations .
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Health Policy .
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Medical Entrance Requirements
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Communicable Disease Policy
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Fractures/Sprains
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Concussions .
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Head Lice
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Fever/Vomiting/Diarrhea
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Breakfast
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Health Information Sharing .
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Magnum Health Electronic Health Records .
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Special Medical Conditions .
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Procedures for Ill/Injured Students .
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School-Related Injuries
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Medication Policy
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Field Trip Medication Policy .
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Technology Code of Conduct .
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Acceptable Use Policy
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Internet Access
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33-34
34
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34-36
36-40
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36-37
37
38
38
38
38
38
38
38-39
39
39
39
40
40
40
40-41
41-42
42-43
43-44
44
45
45-49
45-46
46
46
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46-47
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47-48
48
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48-49
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4949-50
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Internet Safety .
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Online Presence
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Network Access
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School’s Right to Inspect
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Email .
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Viruses
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Pirated Software
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Laptops and other Devices .
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Equipment Care
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Reporting Requirements/Discipline .
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Social Media and Social Networking Policy .
Use Away from School Property
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Your Identity Online .
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Questions and Clarifications .
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Emergency Response Plan .
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Child Abuse .
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Student/Adult Interaction and Communications Policy
Inspection Policy .
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Parent/School Relationship .
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Family Cooperation .
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Payment Tuition and Fees
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Student Records and Information
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Child Safety from Sexual Offenders and Predators .
Visitors
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Pet Policy
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51-52
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52-53
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54-55
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ADMISSION TO MIAMI COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
The School admits students regardless of any race, color, disability, creed, sexual orientation, ethnic or national
origin who possess the motivation, ability, and character which would enable them to succeed in our school
community to the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at
the school and the school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, creed, sexual orientation,
ethic or national origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan
programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
MISSION STATEMENT
Miami Country Day School is a college preparatory learning community committed to educating the whole
child. Through the core values of honor, respect, wisdom and compassion, we prepare students to be lifelong
learners. We inspire our children to develop their intellectual, physical, aesthetic, social, emotional, and
spiritual potentials by valuing every student every day.
UPPER SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
The Upper School at Miami Country Day School strives to ignite a passion in each and every student. Through
thought-provoking, analytic, philanthropic, and student-centered experiences, we nurture our young adults as
they develop into confident, intellectual, and compassionate lifelong learners. We strive to make education
relevant and to give our students the foundation they need for success beyond life at Miami Country Day
School.
PHILOSOPHY
Miami Country Day School seeks to facilitate the maximum development of the following given potentials in
order to create a truly student-focused school community.
Spiritual - Teach the Judeo-Christian values of faith, hope, and love.
Aesthetic - Nurture an appreciation of and involvement in the fine and performing arts.
Intellectual - Provide a stimulating, challenging, enjoyable and rewarding environment for students of average
to superior ability. Encourage students to think creatively and critically. Provide students with the technological
skills necessary to learn in an age in which electronic media are reshaping our understanding of literacy. Prepare
students for admission to institutions of higher learning commensurate with their demonstrated talents and
intellectual abilities. Make students aware of the educational and career opportunities available to them.
Physical - Offer activities and athletic programs that will provide students the opportunities to explore and
develop their talents, abilities, and interests.
Social - Develop a sense of social responsibility and learn to make ethical decisions that will benefit the
community and society. Nurture a respect for others by fostering an appreciation, understanding, and tolerance
for individual differences; to experience the value of cultural pluralism in the Greater Miami area. Encourage
the development of personal integrity and self-discipline as requisites for a happy, productive life and to
acknowledge the fact that one’s mistakes can indeed be growth experiences.
Emotional - Provide an environment that will generate an abiding sense of self-respect, self-esteem, and selfawareness. Foster ethical and responsible citizenship. Encourage an appreciation for, and understanding of
man’s relationship with the natural environment.
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CORE VALUES
At Miami Country Day School, we prepare children for college and for life by embracing four core values;
honor, respect, compassion, and wisdom. Students, faculty, staff, and parents are encouraged to live by the
following set of core values and to act as models for action and behavior:
Honor - Integrity and truthfulness that lead to actions which are correct and trustworthy.
Respect - Considering and valuing the rights and opinions of others as well as acting with high regard for
others.
Compassion - Acting toward others with empathy, caring, acceptance and understanding.
Wisdom - Intelligence and knowledge that comes with experience and allows for good judgment and insight.
HONOR CODE
Miami Country Day School seeks to create a learning environment where good character is regarded as highly
as academic excellence. Miami Country Day School students are expected to be honest in all their words and
deeds, and to respect the rights, property, and reputation of every member of the School community.
HONOR PLEDGE
As a proud member of the Miami Country Day community, I pledge to be honest in all
words and deeds and never lie, cheat, or steal.
Students are expected to be truthful with the faculty and administration at all times. They are expected not to
mislead a teacher or administrator, nor to withhold information from them when it is requested. Students are
expected to come forward when they suspect other students are being dishonest.
ACADEMICS
Communication
Communication is an essential tool in achieving academic success. Every student is responsible for checking
their MCDS e-mail account on a daily basis as it’s the primary vehicle of communication for the school.
The vehicles for communications from teachers may include telephone calls, personal notes, progress reports,
and notes of commendation. Parents may also communicate with faculty and administrators by e-mail. The email address is the last name of the teacher and first initial, followed by the School e-mail address. For
example: [email protected]. Parental concerns and questions should be directed first to the
respective teacher. The student’s advisor should be contacted if parents do not receive a satisfactory response
from the teacher. The Academic Dean and Department Chair are also available as a resource for parents who
are having difficulty resolving an academic issue.
Parents and students have access to Miami Country Day School’s gradebook program through “On Campus”.
Parents and students may check individual course grades and quarter averages via this program. We encourage
parents to be active members and to consult these grades on a regular basis. Please keep in mind that faculty
needs adequate time to grade and update these records for your convenience.
Parent/Teacher/Student conferences are scheduled two times during the school year. They are used for sharing
your child’s progress, as well as to discuss the social and emotional growth of your child. We encourage parents
to attend with their child so that a meaningful discussion can be had by all involved parties.
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Academic Difficulty
Grades of D or F do not reflect mastery at Miami Country Day School, and it is the School’s hope that students
will be able to raise such a grade very soon after it is posted. Consequently, any student who receives a grade of
D or F in any subject and has below 2.0 GPA will be required to have a conference with either the Upper
School Director or the Academic Dean and will be placed on “Academic Probation” (refer to page 14 for
academic/Extracurricular probation). Specific recommendations for improvement will be developed for the
student in this plan with the expectation that the grade will improve by the next grading period in four weeks.
Recommendations may include, but are not limited to extra help, homework study hall, athletic and activity
practice restrictions, or study skill tutoring. It is important to note that all students must have and maintain a
core GPA of at least 2.0 to receive a re-enrollment contract.
Honesty
Honesty is expected in the preparation of homework assignments, papers, projects, and in written examinations.
Dishonesty is a serious offense that can lead to severe disciplinary action. Cases involving dishonesty will be
referred to the Dean of Students for adjudication (Honor Council hearing). Generally, the first incident of
dishonesty will result in a zero (0) on the work and specific probation for honesty (typically for a year).
Repeated infractions involving dishonesty may lead to dismissal.
Cheating and Plagiarism
Cheating - Incidents of student cheating or helping others to cheat must be referred to the Dean of Students for
adjudication. The School will consider the following actions (or other similar actions) as evidence of cheating
during a test or quiz: writing on hands, arms, clothing; having a cell phone out; or having a study guide or cheat
sheet. In addition, any kind of communication (whether involving eye contact, hand signals, verbal or written
communication) during a test, exam or quiz, may be considered as a form of cheating under this policy and may
lead to serious consequences.
Plagiarism - Plagiarism is another form of cheating in which an individual deliberately steals or passes off
another’s work or ideas as his/her own. Students may not copy ideas or quotes from books, electronic media
among others for a paper or a report without giving the source.
Miami Country Day School subscribes to an internet-based plagiarism checking service, which may be used to
check student papers for plagiarism. At the teacher's discretion, students may be required to maintain electronic
records of their papers, as well as turn in hard copies for evaluation.
Procedures and Consequences
Incidents of student cheating or plagiarism or helping others to cheat or plagiarize must be referred to the Dean
of Students for adjudication (Honor Council hearing). Generally, the first incident of cheating or plagiarism will
result in specific probation for honesty (typically for a year) and a zero (0) on the work. Repeated infractions or
infractions involving more serious situations (such as sending a plagiarized paper for publication) may lead to
dismissal.
Homework
Homework is due when designated. Failure to turn in homework when it’s due may result in no credit for the
work. Homework missed due to a one day absence may be due on the day of the student’s return. Homework
missed due to an extended illness or disability must be made up according to the individual teacher’s time
schedule. On Campus provides students with homework assignments in each class.
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Tests
No student will be assigned more than the following combination of tests, major assignments and quizzes on a
given day:
Two tests and one quiz
Two tests and a major project/assignment due
A test, a major project/assignment due and a quiz
Two major projects/assignments due and a quiz
All tests, quizzes, projects, and major assignments will appear on the test calendar in order to ensure that the
preceding limits are not exceeded.
A grade of 45% will be granted to any student who, in the opinion of the teacher, has made an effort to
complete the assignment in a manner that is consistent with the nature of the assignment. This does not apply to
assessments where no work has been turned in, where effort toward appropriate completion of the assessment is
not demonstrated, or first and second semester exams. In those cases where no effort has been demonstrated, the
teacher may give a zero or any numerical grade that accurately reflects the grade earned.
Semester Exams
As a college preparatory school, Miami Country Day School is responsible for facilitating the development of
exam and test taking skills. Since examinations are the culminating experiences of college courses, all students
need practice in organizing, reviewing, and synthesizing. The examination schedule is different from the regular
school schedule.
Incomplete Grade
A grade of incomplete may be given to a student who was absent and has not been able to complete the
necessary work. Students must make up the work that resulted in an incomplete in a course according to the
timetable agreed upon with the faculty member. If a student does not make up work in a course for which he or
she received an incomplete before the deadline, the student will receive a failing grade for the course (will not
receive credit for the course) and will have to repeat the course during the coming school year. This policy in no
way prevents teachers from exercising their judgment and replacing a student’s incomplete with an appropriate
grade prior to the preceding deadline.
Textbooks
Textbooks are purchased by the student via MBS Direct, an online textbook company. This site can be
accessed through the Miami Country Day School webpage. It is expected that students will purchase all books
for all classes prior to the commencement of the school year. Books must be kept with the students or in the
student’s locker. Students are encouraged not to leave books unattended. The school is not responsible for
books left unattended.
Academic/Extracurricular Probation
The Upper School strongly believes that a student’s principle job is to be a scholar. Therefore, in the absence of
a strong academic record, activities in athletics, extracurricular activities, and/or junior/senior privileges may be
taken away or restricted.
At the end of each quarter, the Academic Dean will review the grades for the five (or six) core academic classes
and any student who receives one F or two grades below C- or a combined core GPA below 2.0 will be placed
on Academic/Extracurricular Probation. The following consequences are then be put into place. The student
will:
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Be required to attend a quiet study hall from 3:40 pm to 5 pm Monday through Thursday in Room 220. The
only exception will be if the student is with a core classroom teacher getting extra help during that time or
approved tutoring previously outlined and documented. We are hopeful that is requirement will provide an
atmosphere and structure that will be conducive to completing daily assignments and longer term projects and
assignments and being well prepared for assessments.
Not be permitted to participate in athletic competitions for at least the first five weeks of the quarter. This aspect
of the Probation can potentially be released if all mid-term grades in core classes have improved above the D+
level.
Not be permitted to participate in activities that require an extended amount of commitment (thespian
productions, music trips, etc). This aspect of the Probation can potentially be released if all mid-term grades in
core classes have improved above the D+ level and has been approved by the Academic Dean.
Not be permitted to attend off-campus field trips if they require missing class in which there is academic
difficulty.
Not be granted senior or junior privileges, if applicable.
The Academic Dean will notify both the student and parents at the time this goes into effect and conferences
may be arranged with the family to help create an overall academic plan for success.
Community Service and Privileges
If a senior (or second semester junior) is not current with his/her community service requirements, he/she will
not be granted privileges until they have been properly documented.
The goal of Miami Country Day School’s eligibility policy is to foster solid academic performance on the part
of our student/athletes.
Grades and Transcripts
The grading system in the Upper School is as follows:
A+
= 97 or above
= 4.5 GPA points
A
= 90 or above
= 4.0 GPA points
B+
= 87-89
= 3.5 GPA points
B
= 80-86
= 3.0 GPA points
C+
= 77-79
= 2.5 GPA points
C
= 70-76
= 2.0 GPA points
D+
= 67-69
= 1.0 GPA points
D
= 60-66
= 1.0 GPA points
F
= 59 or less
= 0.0 GPA points
Grades are issued four times per year or about every ten weeks. Quarter reports will contain numeric grades,
but the final calculated grade for the year in a course will be converted to a letter grade according to the above
scale. Miami Country Day School final transcripts will contain only letter grades. Students are required to have
a core course GPA of at least 2.0 for the current academic year in order to be issued a re-enrollment contract for
the following school year. Generally, students below a 2.0 GPA should begin to explore other options for the
upcoming academic year.
Recognizing that 9th grade is a year of transition, there may be some leniency given to a 9th grader who has
fallen short of the minimum 2.0 GPA. If it is determined by the Administration, Faculty, and Student Services
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Team that such a student could find potential success during his/her sophomore year, a probationary contract
will be issued with the terms of such contract written by the Academic Dean.
Parents and students have access to Miami Country Day School’s gradebook program through On Campus.
Parents and students may check individual course grades and quarter averages via this program. We encourage
parents to be active members and to consult these grades on a regular basis. Please keep in mind that faculty
needs adequate time to grade and update these records for your convenience.
Honors courses receive an additional 0.5 GPA points and Advanced Placement courses receive an additional 1.0
GPA points. In order to graduate, students must take 24 credits in grades 9-12, 19 of which must be in core
courses.
Students are required to satisfactorily complete all requirements of academic courses taken at Miami Country
Day School in order to receive credit. Students who fail to complete an academic requirement will be assigned a
grade of incomplete in that course, and are expected to make up the work in a timely manner. If incomplete
grades are not made up by the specified deadline following the end of the school year, academic credit for the
course may be denied. Seniors who receive below 60 for any course during the fourth quarter or who fail the
second semester exam will not receive credit for that course and, therefore, will not graduate.
All students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses will be required to sit for the AP exam in May. There is
an exam fee set by the College Board, for which families will be billed during second semester. The exam(s)
must be paid for prior to the student taking the exams.
Director's and Headmaster's Lists
A student is recognized with the Director's List distinction by earning the grade of B or higher in all courses. To
be on the Headmaster's List, a student must receive the grade of A in all courses (one B+ is permitted in an
Honors course or B+’s in Advanced Placement course are permitted). The lists are prepared at the end of each
quarter.
Standardized Tests
Standardized tests are administered to students in grades 6-11 every year at Miami Country Day School. While
the results of these tests in any one year are not necessarily statistically meaningful, charting progress over
successive years provides valuable information about instructional techniques and student academic progress.
These exams are primarily used internally to enhance instruction and make course placements for the following
academic year. Parents may also review their child's performance on these exams by making an appointment
with the appropriate College Counselor, Academic Dean, or the Department Chair.
PSAT Exam
The PSAT exam is an opportunity for students in grades 9th - 11th to practice taking the type of standardized
exam which is required for entrance into college. All students in grades 9th - 11th take the PSAT exam in
October. 9th graders will take a special version of the PSAT geared toward that grade. In addition, the exam is
used to help determine placement in AP and Honors courses and in the 11th grade, the score will be used to
qualify students for National Merit Scholarship status.
Valedictorian/Salutatorian calculation
Miami Country Day School does not rank its students, but the school does recognize the valedictorian (highest
cumulative academic average) and salutatorian (second highest cumulative academic average) of the graduating
class.
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In order to encourage students to take as many academic courses as they choose without fear of negatively
impacting their chances for these distinctions, the GPA calculation for valedictorian and salutatorian only are
made as follows:
Core courses up to 24 credits count in the GPA. Honors courses earn an additional 0.5 quality point and AP
courses earn an additional 1.0 quality points. After core courses are counted, other courses are counted in which
the student received a grade of A, up to a total of 24 credits of core and non-core courses. All additional, noncore courses over 24 credits will not be counted. Therefore, each student's GPA for this purpose will be based
upon a total of 24 credits only.
The Learning Resource Program
The Learning Resource Program, serving students in grades 6 through 12 with documented learning differences
who have average to superior ability. The program embraces the fact that there are all kinds of minds and that
people all learn differently. It understands and believes in the promise and potential of all students by
recognizing and celebrating their multiple learning intelligences. The program provides a personalized
learning/teaching environment that is student-centered with innovative teaching approaches that translate brain
research into action through multi-sensory, project-based, and inquiry-based learning methods. Emphasis is
placed on cultivating learning skills designed to develop the executive function of the brain. Self-advocacy
training is an integral part of the curriculum to promote self-esteem and confidence. The program prepares
graduates for a college or university education that matches their needs and abilities. By ‘inspiring optimism in
the face of learning challenges, leveraging strengths and affinities, and empowering students’ (All Kinds of
Minds Model), students find success by cultivating their talents, interests, and passions.
Extended Time Eligibility on Classroom Tests through Learning Resources/ADA Office
Students who have been evaluated and meet ADA guidelines are eligible for extra time accommodation on
exams during the school year. This means he or she will receive up to 50% additional time to complete tests,
and 25% for classroom quizzes. Please read the following guidelines carefully and review them with your child.
In order to receive this accommodation, your child will need to plan to stay after school to complete exams from
time to time, or he/she and his/her teacher may opt to use free time at lunch or break. This is necessary in order
to avoid being late for the next class. In most cases the teacher will only distribute a portion of the exam to your
child in class and the remainder at the extra time session.
Your child’s teacher will assume he/she needs extra time on every exam. However, the teacher cannot force
your child to use the extra time. If he decides to complete the exam in the allotted time, the teachers will ask
that he/she writes “I do not need extra time on this exam” at the bottom of the test and sign it.
Extended time Eligibility on Standardized Tests through Learning Resources/ADA Office
Students who qualify for extended time on standardized tests, such as the ERBs and PSAT are required to use
the extended time. They will be assigned to a separate room while taking the test as mandated by the College
Board. If a student who qualifies for extended time wishes to waive that right, the student must give Mrs. Paule
Ebrahimi, Director of The Learning Resources Program, a letter signed by his/her parent(s) stating that he/she
does not wish to use extended time. The letter must be in Mrs. Ebrahimi’s hands no later than three days before
the day the test will be administered. Once a student waives the right to extended time they cannot request to
have the extended time reinstated for that test. A separate letter must be submitted for each test. It is important
that parents who waive this right know that they may be compromising their child’s opportunity for future
extended time options on other standardized tests, such as the SAT and the ACT.
The PSAT/SAT application is submitted by the ADA Office by the end of 9th grade for the PSAT given in 10TH
& 11TH grades. The SAT is generally taken in the spring of 11th grade and again in the fall of 12th grade. The
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ACT application and test date registration form are submitted together in the fall of 11th grade for spring testing.
Some students will take the ACT again at the beginning of 12th grade. Depending on the disability and the
accommodations approved by the College Board or ACT, school-based testing may be permitted at MCDS if
the approved accommodations cannot be met in a National Test Center. To better a student’s likelihood of
receiving approval from the College Board or ACT, it is necessary to show a history of documented need and
implementation of accommodations in the classroom.
Please contact The Learning Resources Program Office for additional information.
Senior Project
Miami Country Day school requires all students to complete a Senior Project. The program helps bridge the
gap between high school and college or the work place by giving students hands-on experience in a field they
are interested in.
The mission of the Senior Project is to engage students in an experience which will crown their high school
career by providing them with experiences which inspire students to develop fully their individual gifts as well
as to foster the growth of the six potentials.
The goal of the Senior Project is to provide students with the opportunity to expand their learning experiences
outside the classroom by exploring an area of interest not normally within the scope of the School's curriculum.
This enables the students to look ahead to career or life work. The Senior Project timeline is from December
through May during their senior year.
Seniors must pass the Senior Project. Failure to do so will result in not graduating.
Personal Laptop Policy
Miami Country Day students (grades 5th through 12th) are required to bring their own laptop computers to class.
The classroom teacher has the right to require that computers be turned off at any point. When not in use,
students must store their laptops in their assigned locker. Miami Country Day School will not be responsible for
any losses due to broken or lost equipment. Students are responsible for addressing any mechanical breakdowns
or other problems with their equipment. Students must adhere to the School’s computer use guidelines
(including the School’s Technology Code of Conduct and the School’s electronic device guidelines) when using
their own computers on campus or school-related activities. Student computers are subject to inspection by the
teachers, administrators and IT at any time. In such case, students must provide all passwords upon request.
Dropping/Adding Courses and Course Withdrawals
Students in grades 9, 10, 11 may drop and add elective courses during the first two weeks of the semester with
parental approval and approval of the Academic Dean. Seniors must get the approval of the Academic Dean to
add or drop any course in order to ensure that graduation requirements will be met.
Seniors must finalize their schedule by September 4th for both semester 1 and 2. No changes will be permitted
for seniors after September 18th. All students must get the approval of the Academic Dean and Department
Head when adding or dropping a core course or changing a placement in a core course. Core courses include
English, Math, Science, History, Foreign Language, or any Advanced Placement course.
By September 18th, it is expected that all placements will have been adjusted, if necessary. Students with an
average below C in an Advanced Placement or honors course will receive a warning at this point and the
placement will be re-evaluated by the Department Chair. When a student is transferred from an Advanced
Placement to an honors or college preparatory class at the completion of the first quarter, the numeric grade
which transfers to the lower level class will be adjusted accordingly (i.e., a 68 will be entered into the quarter 1
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grade column as a 73). For a student to earn this grade adjustment, he/she must have initially met the criteria
for the AP/Honors course in which he/she was originally enrolled, and the transfer must have been initiated by
the student’s teacher and/or Department Chair. If a student petitioned for a higher course despite departmental
recommendation otherwise, this grade adjustment will not be made. With the permission of the Academic Dean
and Department Chair, a student may be permitted to withdraw from a course that has no lower level
counterpart, such as an Advanced Placement science course, after the two week drop and add period. If a course
is dropped after the second week drop/add period, a grade of “WF” if failing, or “WP” if passing, will be noted
on the transcript.
Summer Remediation Policy
Miami Country Day School reserves the right to require any student to attend summer school or complete
summer remediation, repeat a course, or repeat a grade, if in the sole judgment of the administration such
repetition is necessary because the student has failed to meet the school’s minimally accepted standards for
academics, as set forth below.
Students who earn a grade of F for the year in any class are required to re-take the course or do tutoring
through a school approved remediation program (see next paragraph). Students who earn a D for the year in
any class will be strongly counselled to enroll in summer remediation for the purpose of one’s own
improvement, as well as presenting a stronger college transcript, but are not required to do so. If the
student/family elects for the D grade to stand with no remediation, it is their prerogative.
Students who are required to take summer remediation can take the credited course if it is offered through
Miami Country Day School’s summer school. If it is not offered by Miami Country Day School summer
program (either on campus or online), then the student must work with either the Academic Dean or the Upper
School Director to schedule an alternative course. This alternative may be a FLVS course, a HLC course, or an
approved college preparatory course offered by another accredited independent school. If an alternative course
is taken, the student must receive permission to take the course from one of the two preceding administrators
prior to enrolling in the course in order to receive credit for the course. Another approved remediation
alternative is for the student to be tutored for a minimum of 30 hours in the specified course by a Miami
Country Day School teacher through the Student Success Network.
The general policy concerning summer remediation and student transcript is as follows:
The grades earned in Miami Country Day School summer credited courses, approved off-campus summer
credited courses, or Student Success Network tutoring will both be listed on the transcript as a separate
course. In the end, both courses will factor into the overall GPA.
All summer remediation courses not taken at Miami Country Day School must be approved by the Upper
School Director and/or the Academic Dean in consultation with the Department Chair.
At the end of the third quarter, the Academic Dean will review the academic performance of all Upper School
students. Any student whose academic performance in a course does not meet the school’s minimal standards
will be notified that they could be required attend summer remediation(for year-end grades of F) or encouraged
to take remediation (for year-end grades of D).
At the end of the fourth quarter, the Academic Dean will make the final determination as to who must take the
remediation or who is encouraged. In the unfortunate case that a student no longer meets Miami Country Day
School’s minimum standard of a 2.0 GPA, a notification will be sent regarding a canceled re-enrollment
contract.
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Upper School Policy for Online Courses in general
An online course may not be taken as a 6th AP course.
An online course will be weighted in the Miami Country Day School GPA if it is taken as a remedial and/or for
acceleration. These courses must be approved by the appropriate Department Chair ahead of time.
The online course will appear on the Miami Country Day School transcript. It will be denoted by “FLVS” (in
the case of Florida Virtual School) after the course title. Other courses will generally be denoted by
“SUMMER” after the course title.
During the fall and spring semesters of the academic year, online courses may be taken through the Hybrid
Learning Consortium (HLC) with special permission granted by the Upper School Administration and College
Guidance Staff.
Taking an online course will not affect Miami Country Day School tuition.
The Academic Dean will receive transcripts of completed summer/online courses and make the appropriate
changes to the Miami Country Day School transcript.
Miami Country Day School Advanced Placement online courses in the summer
Students taking a Miami Country Day School Advanced Placement course online must take the AP exam at the
end of the regular academic year.
Students will not be permitted to sign up for an online AP course until proper verification of original
recommendation has been performed by the Academic Dean.
Rising seniors taking online courses in the summer are expected to adhere to the five core course minimum
requirement for their senior year. This will be verified by the Academic Dean prior to the final billing for the
course.
As with any other course during the school year, a percentage of the course must be completed half way through
the program in order to remain in the course and to receive credit. Deadlines and content to cover will vary per
course and per teacher but will fall within the allotted time for the MCDS Summer Programs.
Independent Study Policy
Independent Study courses are available to students to enrich their educational experience. Independent Study
classes are offered only under the following circumstances:
To enable students who need a credit in an area in order to graduate when the only way for them to get that
credit is through an Independent Study.
To enable student to take courses that are not offered in the regular curriculum.
To enable a student to take a course that is unavailable due to a scheduling conflict and is a course which the
student would probably be unable to take in subsequent academic years.
The process for signing up for an Independent Study must always begin with the Academic Dean. No student
may take more than one Independent Study per semester and must meet a minimum of 3 times a week.
Semester exams must be administered for all full-year Independent Study courses (copies must be given to the
appropriate Department Chair). Independent Study courses will not be approved if a similar course is already in
the regular curriculum and fits a student schedule. Students whose work in regular courses is not satisfactory
may be required to drop their Independent Study. The teacher who sponsors an Independent Study must oversee
all aspects of the course.
Course Placements
Placements in Honors and AP courses are carefully determined by the teacher and Department Heads. Any
changes in placement to a higher level must be approved by the Department Head and the Academic Dean. Any
changes in placement must be approved by the appropriate Department Chair and the Academic Dean.
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Students who are accelerating at least one year ahead of grade level in math are expected to attain final grades
of at least 85% in this course. Students may have to repeat the class if this level of competency is not achieved.
HONOR SOCIETIES
National Honor Society
Membership in the Kenneth L. Harris Chapter of the National Honor Society at Miami Country Day School is
restricted to students in the tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades who demonstrate outstanding qualities in the
areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character. To qualify for membership in the National Honor
Society at Miami Country Day School a student must have a cumulative average of 3.5 or higher. In addition,
the student must demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in the areas of leadership and service and must
display exemplary character.
Selection for membership is conducted according to the guidelines set forth in the constitution of the National
Honor Society. Each year, the faculty sponsor of the National Honor Society determines which students are
academically eligible for membership. Each eligible student is notified and may then obtain the necessary
forms. Students do not apply for membership in the National Honor Society: instead, they provide information
to be used by the selection committee to support their candidacy for membership. The activity form provides
each eligible student with the opportunity to describe his or her demonstrated leadership achievements and
significant service accomplishments. The student essay allows each student the opportunity to explain in a
typed, one to two pages essay how he or she demonstrates the qualities of leadership, service, and character as
described by the governing body of the National Honor Society. A faculty committee of at least five members
reviews each student's activity form and essay. The full faculty has an opportunity to participate in the process
by completing faculty information sheets on students that they may know well or have taught. Membership is
awarded if a student receives a majority vote of the faculty committee following full consideration of all the
information listed above.
English Honor Society
The English Honor Society exists to celebrate and safeguard the English Language, and to honor students who
have excelled in their Upper School English courses. For induction, the students must have completed two years
in the Miami Country Day Upper School, and must have earned an A in all Upper School English classes, one
of which must be an Honors or AP course. Members of the society will likely participate in one or more
projects related to writing and the English language.
French Honor Society - La Société Honoraire de Français
The goal of the French Honor Society is to stimulate interest in the study of French, to promote high standards
of scholarship, to reward scholastic achievements, and to create enthusiasm for and an understanding of
francophone culture and civilization.
Membership is based on scholarship in French, and leadership and interest in French. Candidates must be
actively engaged in the study of French in the Upper School. They must be in the first semester of French 3 or
higher in order to be eligible, and must have maintained an A average in French and a B average in all other
subjects for at least two semesters. Selection of candidates may take place at any time during the academic
year. The French Honor Society sponsor may revoke a student’s membership for reasons of failure to maintain
a high scholastic average, or of behavior inappropriate to an honor society.
Some of the activities these students are engaged in are: sponsoring of a school in Haiti, offering extra-help to
Middle School students, and attending cultural events.
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Mathematics Honor Society - Mu Alpha Theta
Mu Alpha Theta is a national organization dedicated to inspiring keen interest in mathematics, developing
strong scholarship in the subject, and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics in high school and two-year
college students. In order to gain induction into the Miami Country Day School chapter, a student must have
completed Algebra II/Trigonometry Honors, Pre-calculus Honors, or AP Calculus AB (as a junior) with an A
average for the year. Exceptions may be made for students of promise not meeting the above requirements at
the discretion of the sponsor and the faculty of the mathematics department.
They will retain membership if the same grade average requirements are met throughout the remaining
mathematics classes. Members must perform 6 hours of community service done through non-paid tutoring of
students in mathematics, participation in sanctioned mathematics competitions, and/or assistance to Upper
School faculty of the mathematics department.
Science Honor Society – Excalibur
This is a nationally recognized honor society that recognizes excellence in Science. To become a member a
student must have obtained an A in a Science (B+ in Honors) class in grade nine. Once admitted, the student
remains eligible as long as they obtain A's in regular level science classes, B+ in Honors and B in an AP level
class. The student must take a minimum of four science classes by the time they are a senior. They must also
complete 10 hours of community service per year in a science related activity. This can be included with other
community service projects and does not have to be in addition to regular community service.
John C. DuBois History Honor Society
This is an honor society for the recognition of achievement and excellence in the discipline of history at the
high school level. This society is open for juniors and seniors who meet the entrance criteria. Besides
demonstrating an aptitude and love for history, students must be good citizens and willing to serve their
community through a group organized service project.
Criteria
Juniors must have earned 2.5 credits in history; seniors must have earned 3 credits in history.
Two of the courses must be at the Honors and/or AP level. A student is also eligible if taking AP US History.
The student's weighted History GPA must be 3.8 or above. For juniors to maintain their membership, they must
take Honors and/or AP level history courses in their senior year and maintain at least a 3.5 (weighted) in those
courses.
Spanish Honor Society - Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica
The purpose of the “Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica” is to recognize high achievement in Spanish by students of
secondary schools and to promote a continuity of interest in Hispanic Studies.
Criteria
Students must be enrolled in a Spanish class and maintain an “A” for three consecutive semesters in a regular
Spanish class or a B+ in the Honors/Advanced Placement level class. The student must also demonstrate the
kind of moral character and leadership that are required when receiving this honor.
ADVISOR/ADVISEE SYSTEM
Each student will be assigned an advisor who will also be that student's homeroom teacher. That
advisor/homeroom teacher will generaly remain with his/her group of advisees throughout the four years of
high school. In addition to taking attendance and disseminating information on a daily basis, the homeroom
teacher/advisor will aid students in the course selection process, monitor academic progress and advise students
in academic and disciplinary matters. Over the course of four years it is hoped that a strong bond will form
between the advisor and his/her advisees. Daily contact with each advisee and continuity of contact over four
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years will help advisors establish a solid understanding of each advisee's progress during his/her time in the
Upper School.
DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY/EXPECTATIONS
Philosophy
The School views discipline as a means to an end rather than an end in itself. Disciplinary action is intended to
help students learn to accept responsibility for their own actions and behavior. The ability to accept such
responsibility is one of the marks of a mature person.
However, there may be occasions when students make poor choices or find themselves in a difficult situation.
In these instances, students should first contact their advisor for guidance. In addition to the advisor, students
may contact other faculty members or any member of the administration for assistance. In situations involving
a major honesty infraction, a student may be required to appear before the Honor Council. In these
appearances, the student's advisor may accompany the student.
In addition to following the major school rules, students should be familiar with the following procedures in
order to avoid disciplinary action.
Expectations
Miami Country Day School is committed to exposing its students to excellence in as many areas as possible. It
is the School’s goal to provide students with an environment in which they can develop a healthy value system
and reach maximum potential as a person. Students have responsibilities in helping to create an optimum
learning environment and a school community of which everyone can be proud. The policies and standards
apply any time a student is enrolled in the School – any time a student is on campus, any time a student is
participating in or attending a School-sponsored event on or off campus; any time a student is officially
representing the School; any time a student is traveling on behalf of the School; and school breaks, including
without limitation, summer break. In addition, the School regards any behavior prejudicial to the best interests
of the School, whether at School or elsewhere, as sufficient grounds for a disciplinary response.
Students are expected to cooperate in investigations
Students are expected to be honest, but honesty is not necessarily a mitigating factor and students’ own
statements may be used against them. Failure to cooperate with an investigation may be cause for disciplinary
action. If a student refuses to participate or cooperate at any stage of an investigation, or is unable to do so for
whatever reason, including without limitation, pending criminal charges, the school reserves the right to take
action, including proceeding without a statement from the student, or to require the student to withdraw from
school.
A student engaging in conduct that is defined under law as a serious misdemeanor or felony (whether charged
by law enforcement or not) is grounds for expulsion.
Violations of law that occur off-campus during the school day will be subject to review under school rules.
Violations of law that occur after the school day may also be subject to review under school rules. In the case
of offenses that occur at the end of the school year, the school may require punishments to be served during the
summer. Transcripts and other reports pertaining to the student’s academic standing will be withheld until the
completion of the assigned punishment. All decisions involving suspension or expulsion are subject to the final
approval of the Head of School and the division head.
Listed below are major school rules, which all students are expected to follow in order to achieve an
environment conducive to learning and positive growth. Failure to adhere to the School’s rules and expectations
will result in disciplinary action. Such action may include, but is not limited to: verbal warning, detention, loss
of privileges, suspension, probation or dismissal. Listed in this section are typical discipline violations and
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sanctions. Each case will be looked at individually and sanctions will depend on the severity of the incident and
relevant information regarding past incidents. The Dean of Students may increase or decrease the level of
sanction based on all the information presented.
MAJOR SCHOOL RULES
A breach of any of the following major school rules is considered a serious offense at Miami Country Day
School. Each situation will be considered individually, and some may be referred to the Honor Council. The
consequences for breaking any of these major school rules may include suspension and/or probation, as well as
possible dismissal from the School.
Students are expected to respect themselves and every other member of the community
The school community subscribes to “A LANGUAGE OF RESPECT” which understands the power of words
and the impact words have on establishing a safe learning environment. Students are expected to treat fellow
students, faculty, staff and visitors with honor, respect, compassion and wisdom. Vulgarity, indecent exposure,
foul language, swearing, gestures, and comments, including those of an ethnic, religious, or sexual nature, have
no place in the community.
Teacher Respect
Students must always show respect for their teachers. Disrespectful behavior, including talking back, foul
language, and/or swearing (among others), will not be tolerated. Offenders will be seriously disciplined.
Respecting Fellow Students
Students must always show respect for their fellow students. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and
offenders will be seriously disciplined.
Fighting
Fighting is not an acceptable method to settle disputes. The use of physical force or threats of violence is
inappropriate in every circumstance and will not be tolerated. Any student involved in physical confrontation
will be referred to the Dean of students and will most likely result in up to a 3-day suspension and/or Specific
Probation. Students may also be referred to the Guidance/Peer Counseling Program.
Public Display
Public display of affection is not appropriate at school. Such behavior is embarrassing to others, unacceptable in
the school environment, and subject to disciplinary actions. Please limit your affection to holding hands. Any
other type of public display of affection (excesive hugging, kissing, touching, showing body parts, touching in
private areas, entering the restroom of the opposing sex, etc.), even if consensual, is inappropriate at school or at
school-related events. Consequences may include, but are not limited to, warning the students, parent(s)
conference, referral to therapeutic resources for evaluation/remediation, suspension, probation or expulsion.
Any such behavior that a student is subjected to that the student finds offensive must immediately be reported to
the Administration in accordance with the No Bullying/Harassment Policy.
Pornography
The possession, viewing, or distribution of pornography on campus, in either electronic or hard copy form, is a
violation of school rules. Students who violate this rule will appear before the Honor Council. The school
reserves the right to determine what material is pornographic.
Any such behavior that a student is subjected to and that is unwanted or the student finds offensive must
immediately be reported to the Administration in accordance with the No Bullying/Harassment Policy.
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Students are to respect the School property and personal property of others
We work hard to keep our school attractive. By damaging school property or someone else’s property, you are
strongly stating that you do not wish to be here. Therefore, damage and/or destruction of property offence could
result in serious consequences, including expulsion.
Damage, destruction, or vandalism of personal property, property belonging to any other member of the school
community, or property belonging to the School will not be tolerated. All such acts will be dealt with severely,
including possible dismissal from school. Students will be required to pay for the cost of replacing or repairing
any damaged property. Students involved in theft are typically asked to leave the school. All kinds of pranks
(including senior pranks) are strictly prohibited.
Students are to be honest at all times
This obligation includes being honest and forthright with all school personnel and administration when
questioned about the student’s own behavior or the behavior of others. In addition, honesty includes the
obligation to turn in one’s own work. Individual departments will cover in detail what constitutes honest and
dishonest academic work at the beginning of the year. The Honor Code will apply to all honesty cases.
Students are to refrain from all use and possession of drugs, alcohol, and Tobacco
The typical response to situations involving the using, selling, purchasing, or dispensing of drugs or alcohol on
campus or at a school sponsored events is expulsion. Please refer to the Drug Free Policy in this handbook for
more details. The possession or use of tobacco products will lead to suspension.
Weapons or dangerous instruments of any kind are prohibited on school property, including the parking
areas and at all school-sponsored events
The School takes a zero tolerance position on threats and weapons, even when students make comments in jest,
on email, or away from School toward or about another student, employee, or the School. Dangerous
instruments include, but are not limited to, all kinds of guns (including paint and/or bb guns), explosive devices
(including fireworks), and all kinds of knives (including pocket knives and box cutters), spiked jewelry, or any
implement which could harm a fellow member of the community. Any such item may be confiscated and, if
appropriate, turned over to law enforcement.
Further, the possession of any weapon (including toys that look like real weapons) or dangerous objects will
lead to serious consequences including dismissal from school. Items such as bullets, matches, lighters, stink
bombs, noise makers, water guns, firecrackers, etc. should be left at home. Any pictorial depictions of weapons
or verbal or written comments that the administration determines in its discretion appear to be threatening in
nature will result in disciplinary consequences.
Students must be responsible and meet all school commitments and obligations
All students are expected to attend their classes, assemblies, extracurricular and athletics commitments, as well
as all required meetings regularly and promptly. The inability to meet school commitments and obligations may
lead to suspension and/or probation in addition to the student being prohibited from attending class activities
and/or field trips. Repeated unwillingness or inability to do so may lead, ultimately, to dismissal.
All students must understand that they represent Miami Country Day School at all times when enrolled
in School, including vacations, breaks, and weekends. Any off-campus behavior which, in the opinion of
the Administration and faculty is detrimental to the good name of the school or which has a negative
impact on any member of our community will jeopardize the student's position at the school and may
subject the student to disciplinary action. We expect students to avoid all types of behaviors that may be
harmful to themselves or others. As examples, off campus internet activity, criminal activity, sexual
activity, use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco, any misrepresentation online of the school, its name, or its
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constituents, may result in a student receiving disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from
school.
EXPLANATION OF DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS
Miami Country Day School reserves the right to suspend, place on probation, or dismiss at any time a student
whose conduct or academic standing is regarded as undesirable or unacceptable. The following sanctions are
used for serious disciplinary offenses. Any disciplinary obligation takes precedence over athletic practices,
games, or other extracurricular activities.
Suspension
Suspension from school requires a student to leave school and go home for a specific period of time. When the
student returns to school, he or she may be on probation and must show a marked improvement or face possible
dismissal. Suspension will be a part of the student's disciplinary record. Suspension will normally be on the
day of the incident or the following day. Students may not attend or participate in any school activity or event
while on suspension. In the Upper School, in-house suspension may be appropriate in certain cases.
Probation
Probation is one step short of dismissal. Once on probation, the student bears the burden of showing the School
that he/she wants to remain in the Miami Country Day School community. Probation is always given a
specified duration, typically for a full academic year, and it may include a loss of some or all privileges.
Probation will be part of a student’s disciplinary record.
Specific probation
Typically, a student may be placed on specific probation for breaking one of the major school rules. Another
violation of that major school rule may result in the student being placed on general probation or in dismissal
from the School, depending on the circumstances. Being placed on specific probation may result in one day
suspension from the school.
Disciplinary probation is a type of specific probation that is issued when a student’s classroom conduct is
detrimental to the learning environment in the classroom. Any student who is placed on disciplinary probation
is expected to show a marked improvement in the classroom conduct. If the student completes the probationary
period and improves his/her conduct grade, the probation will be terminated. Conduct grade is taken by class.
Any student who receives two grades of unsatisfactory or four grades of needs improvement in conduct for two
consecutive quarters is automatically placed on disciplinary probation. Any student who receives three or more
grades of unsatisfactory or five grades of needs improvement in any quarter is automatically placed on
disciplinary probation. Students on disciplinary probation will only be removed from probation when they
receive no grades of unsatisfactory or no more than one grade of needs improvement in the succeeding quarter.
Any student who continues to receive grades of unsatisfactory or multiple grades of needs improvement while
on disciplinary probation may be suspended and/or placed on general probation which is the highest
consequence given before dismissal from school. Students on disciplinary probation risk the chance to
participate on class trips and other non-curricular day trips. Any student who remains on disciplinary probation
at the end of the 4th quarter will continue being on disciplinary probation for the first quarter of the subsequent
academic year. On every quarter report card, all Upper School students will receive one of the following ratings
for conduct per class; Excellent (1), Good (2), Needs improvement (3), or Unsatisfactory (4).
General probation
General Probation is the most serious form of discipline before dismissal from school. Once on general
probation, violation of any one of the six Major School Rules may result in dismissal from the School,
depending on the circumstances.
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A student may be placed on General Probation when:
A student who is already on Specific Probation breaks the same major school rule again, violating the terms of
his/her probation.
A student breaks any major school rule while already on Specific Probation for a prior violation of a major
school rule. This includes being placed on Disciplinary Probation for unacceptable classroom conduct.
A student violates more than one Major School Rule at the same time.
A student commits an act that, in the opinion of the Upper School Administrative team, is so egregious that the
student is placed immediately on General Probation.
Being placed on general probation may result in a two day suspension from the school.
Dismissal
Dismissal is the ultimate punishment and it is recorded as part of the permanent school transcript. Once
dismissed, a student must leave campus immediately, unless an extension has been granted by the Head of
School because of unusual circumstances. All School property must be returned to the appropriate parties. A
dismissed student may not return to campus without a specific appointment with a member of the School’s
faculty or administration or attend any school-sponsored events without written consent from the Head of
School.
In cases where a senior has been dismissed, the School will send a letter notifying the colleges and universities
to which the student has applied and/or gained acceptance of the student’s changed circumstances.
DISCIPLINE SYSTEM
A student who is in violation of any of the School’s major rules will be disciplined accordingly and/or may be
referred to the Honor Council for proper adjudication. Accumulating a total of four detentions of any kind will
result in suspension and a parent conference will be held.
Late to school
Students are expected to be in school on time. Traffic is not an excuse! A “Tardy” will be assigned when a
student arrives late to homeroom/EBO without an excused pass from the office.
Per quarter (unexcused)
3 tardies - Student and parents notified. Student will serve one early arrival study hall.
5 tardies - Student and parents notified. Student will serve a Saturday School.
Subsequent tardies may result in suspension and probation for not meeting school obligations and a parent
conference will be called.
Late to class
Students are expected to arrive on time to each class. A “Tardy” will be assigned when a student arrives late to
class without an excused pass from a teacher/administrator.
Per quarter (unexcused)
3 tardies - Student and parents notified. Student will serve one early arrival study hall.
5 tardies - Student and parents notified. Student will serve a Saturday School.
Subsequent tardies may result in one point deduction of overall quarter grade for the class, suspension, and/or
probation for not meeting school obligations. A parent conference will be called.
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Missing an early arrival study hall without a valid excuse will result in 2 early arrival study halls. Missing an
early arrival study hall for a second time will result in Saturday School. Missing a Saturday School without a
valid excuse will result in suspension.
Dress Code
All students must wear school uniform purchased from Sunshine Uniforms. All school uniforms must fit and be
worn properly, and must be in good repair.
First incident - A parent will be notified, the student will be given a written warning, and the student will be
allowed to return to class for the rest of the day with a pass from the Dean of Students.
Subsequent incident - When a student is reported out of dress code for a second time, a parent will be notified
and the student will be required to remain in the office until proper attire is brought to school or, with parental
permission, the student will drive home for proper attire. The student will be responsible for all class work
missed while waiting in the office or while driving home for proper attire.
Campus littering
A student who is guilty of littering or leaving trash behind may be assigned cafeteria clean up, campus clean up
or early arrival study hall by the Dean of Students.
Dismissal from class
If a student is dismissed from class by a teacher or substitute teacher and sent to the Upper School office for
class disruption or actions other than violations of major school rules, the Dean of Students will follow these
procedures:
First Incident - Student may stay in the Dean’s office for the rest of the period, may be marked as absent and
may not get credit for any work missed. A warning letter to parents and an early arrival study hall will be
issued.
Second Incident - Student will remain in the Dean’s office for the rest of the period, will be marked as absent
and will get no credit for any work missed. Student will serve a Satuday School.
Third Incident - Student will be suspended for the rest of the day and placed on probation for not meeting
school obligations. Also, the student will receive zeroes on all class work and homework assignments missed
that day.
Further incidents may result in serious consequences including possible dismissal from school. Failure to report
to the office when asked to leave the classroom will result in suspension.
Cutting class
First Incident - Parent(s) notified/Saturday School/Zero for class work
Second Incident - Parent(s) notified. Suspension/Zero for day’s work/one point deducted from the overall
quarter grade
Further incidents may result in serious consequences including but not limited to the student being placed on
probation or possible dismissal from the School.
Improper sign-in, sign-out procedures
First Incident -Parent’s notified/early arrival study hall
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Second Incident -Parent(s) notified/Saturday School
Third Incident -Suspension and probation for not meeting school obligations
general probation or possible dismissal from the School.
Leaving campus unauthorized
First Incident - Parent(s) notified/suspension/zero for class work missed
Second Incident - Parent(s) notified/2 days’ suspension/zero for days’ work/one point deducted from overall
quarter grade
Library misconduct
First Incident - Conference with student to discuss possible consequences due to nature of misconduct
Second Incident - Parent(s) notified/one week suspension of library privileges
Third Incident - Parent(s) notified/one quarter suspension of library privileges
probation or possible dismissal from the School.
Parking/driving violations
First Incident - Parent(s) notified/early arrival study hall
Second Incident - Parent(s) notified, Saturday School, loss of parking privileges for the quarter
Third Incident - Parent(s) notified, suspension, loss of parking privileges for the semester
Students parking on 107th or the North Lot without authorization risk having their car towed and losing future
parking privileges.
HONOR COUNCIL
The Miami Country Day School community is deeply committed to the ideals expressed in the Honor Code as
well as the values that underlie the Major School Rules as presented in the Student Handbook. However, there
are times when the community will encounter situations where students have violated rules and the spirit that
lies behind them. The Honor Council has been initiated by the students and faculty of Miami Country Day
School to assist in the disciplinary process. It is the primary goal of the Honor Council to help a student take
responsibility for and to accept the consequences of his/her motives and actions, and come to a greater
understanding of his/her responsibility to the Miami Country Day School community. The Honor Council
makes recommendations to the appropriate Division Director as to the disciplinary actions to be taken in a
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particular situation. The members of the Honor Council understand the solemn and serious nature of the
responsibility and duty that the community has entrusted to them.
The Honor Council consists of Upper School Faculty members as well as students of Miami Country Day High
School students on excellent academic and social standing that wish to apply for a position. The Honor Council
meets as necessary when convened by the Dean of Students. Four faculty members and five Upper School
students (one from each grade level plus a senior member) will convene during a hearing.
Responsibilities for Faculty and Student Members of the Honor Council are:
Must attend all meetings of the Honor Council when requested.
Must keep an open mind in every situation that is presented.
Must keep all Honor Council matters in strictest confidence.
All students who participate in the Honor Council process, whether as a member or witness, are protected from
retaliation in any way. If a student who participated in the Honor Council process believes that he/she has been
retaliated against for participating in this important process, he/she should immediately advise a teacher,
administrator, or advisor.
The Honor Council is convened only after the Dean of Students has conducted a complete investigation into the
situation. It is the responsibility of the Dean of Students to be objective when preparing the facts that will be
presented to the Honor Council.
The investigation may consist of interviews with the student(s) involved, as well as any faculty or other students
who can contribute to a better understanding of the student or situation under review. At the meeting of the
Honor Council, it is the responsibility of the Dean of Students to present the facts that have been obtained in a
clear manner. If a student has been disciplined previously by the Dean of Students or the Honor Council for
similar behavior or is presently on probation for similar behavior, this information shall be presented to the
Honor Council.
The student who is brought before the Honor Council has the right to know before the Honor Council meeting
what information will be presented to the Honor Council by the Dean of Students. The student has the right to
be present during the presentation of the facts of the situation under review to the Honor Council by the Dean of
Students. The student has the right and is encouraged to invite to the Honor Council meeting his/her advisor or
a faculty member who the student feels knows him/her well. The student has the right to present facts that
support his/her position in the situation under review.
During the meeting, the Honor Council has the right to interview the student who is under review. The Honor
Council may also interview any other faculty members or students who might contribute to a better
understanding of the student or the situation under review.
The Honor Council has the serious duty to consider all of the facts presented. After the presentation of the facts
and the necessary interviews, the Honor Council members will undertake further discussion on the student and
situation under review. The Honor Council will then present their recommendations for disciplinary action(s) to
the appropriate Division Director in written format. The members of the Honor Council are bound not to discuss
or repeat any aspect or part of the meeting outside of the meeting itself.
The Division Director will consider seriously the recommendations of the Honor Council and any prior
disciplinary actions of the student, and will inform the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) either personally or
through the Office of the Dean of Students within three (3) business days of any and all disciplinary action(s).
If necessary, the Director may consult with the Head of School before making any final decision.
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DISPUTE RESOLUTION/ARBITRATION
In the event that a student and/or parent has a dispute with any policy, procedure, resolution, act, contract, or
determination by the School or any of its teachers, administrators, or employees, the student and parent must
present the matter in writing to the person or office charged with the responsibility for application or
implementation of the policy, procedure, etc. The School will make every attempt to resolve the dispute at this
level. If the student and/or parent are dissatisfied with the result, the student and/or parent must present the
matter in writing to the Head of School. The Head of School, by himself or through such person or persons
designated for such purposes, will provide an opportunity for both sides to present their position and will
resolve the dispute. If the student and/or parent are not satisfied with the resolution, the parties agree that any
legally cognizable dispute will then be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the School’s rules and
regulations governing arbitration set forth in the acknowledgment to this handbook. The decision of the
arbitrator will be final and binding, subject to appropriate appeal, set forth in the arbitration procedures. As
explained more fully in the rules and regulations governing arbitration, the arbitration procedure covers all types
of legally cognizable disputes, including contract claims, federal civil right claims, state civil rights claims,
statutory claims, and common law claims.
DAILY OPERATIONS/PROCEDURES
Attendance Policy:
It is imperative that all Miami Country Day School students be in attendance every day. The direct correlation
between what occurs on a daily basis, the engagement between students and teacher, and a student’s ability to
succeed cannot be underestimated. As an institution, Miami Country Day School does not support removing
students from school during the day.
Absences requested for the purpose of family convenience, outside social activities or extended vacations are
not permitted. Parents must plan for these times during scheduled school holidays or summer vacations. Miami
Country Day School strongly encourages parents/guardians to schedule any kind of appointments outside
school hours. Parents must use “On Campus” to keep track of their child’s absences and contact the Upper
School office if they have any questions.
Students who are absent an excessive amount of time can jeopardize their grade or even credit in any given
class. The school considers more than 5 absences per quarter to be excessive. When a student exceeds that
number in a class during a quarter, a final quarter grade reduction of 2 points will generally occur. Subsequent
absences may result in loss of credit for the class.
All absences from school other than school-related will count toward the allowed absences. School-related
absences are defined as all absences occasioned by school sanctioned events such as official college visits,
sports, fine arts performances, school trips, etc. Any exception to the attendance policy, such as extended illness
requiring hospitalization or out of the country visa related issues, must have the approval of the Division
Director.
Chronic Illness or Disabilities
Any student whose absences are caused by chronic illness or disability must follow the procedures set forth in
the Accommodations and Disabilities Policy to request an accommodation. The student must provide medical
documentation satisfactory to the School substantiating the chronic illness or disability, the restrictions caused
by the illness or disability, and the accommodations that are medically necessary for the chronic illness or
disability. Parents/guardians must contact the ADA Coordinator for the documentation procedures. The School
will not excuse any absence due to chronic illness or disability until this procedure has been followed. Once the
documentation is in place and the accommodation has been granted, all ADA related absences or lateness to
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school must be substantiated either with a note or with a phone call from the parents/guardians in order to be
excused.
A request for an accommodation may be granted provided it does not interfere with the fundamental nature of
the School’s program. Failure to provide the necessary documentation to establish the need (or the continued
need) for an accommodation will result in the student's absences being considered unexcused with appropriate
disciplinary action and academic consequences to follow. Documentation requesting an accommodation
must be renewed every year. Parents should note that serious, protracted illness or disability qualifies students
for a home-bound teacher through the Miami-Dade County Public School.
Even with accommodation, more than 5 absences per quarter may mean that the student may not be able to meet
the basic standards of the school’s program and therefore may not be qualified to attend Miami Country Day
School.
Call-In Procedure and Impact of Absences on School-Sponsored Activities
Parents are requested to call the School at (305) 779-7245, no later than 9:00 a.m. if a student is absent from
school. Missing 50% or more of any class will be recorded as an absence for the class. Any student absent from
school on a given day is not eligible to participate in an athletic contest, practice, rehearsal, performance or
other school-sponsored activities that day.
In addition, students must be in school by the beginning of first period in order to participate in an athletic
contest, practice, rehearsal, performance or other school-sponsored activities that day. An exception is made for
seniors who have permission to sign into school late when they have a free period the first period of the day. In
this case, the senior must be in school before the second period starts. Another exception may be made for a
medical appointment if a note from the physician is presented prior to the end of the school day. Student
absences due to school-sponsored activities are considered excused. Students are responsible for any work
missed. Students must contact the teacher(s) if they will miss class due to school-sponsored activities.
Students who miss school-sponsored events/activities such as the Off Campus Service Day or Awards
Ceremonies will not be allowed to sign in later that day to go to class. The only exception is a medical
appointment if a note from the physician is presented before signing in.
Signing in/signing out procedures
Students who arrive on campus after homeroom or leave campus before dismissal must sign the appropriate
form in the Upper School office. The Upper School does not condone a student signing out early other than
with proper medical documentation and/or junior/senior privileges. If a student is going to sign out early,
he/she must follow the procedure below:
Proper documentation submitted prior to first period to the Upper School office. The note/email must be dated,
must include the specific reason for leaving, and must include a contact number.
Parents/guardians will be contacted by phone before the students can sign out. The student will not be
permitted to leave until successful contact has been made.
If documentation is not submitted prior to first period, a parent/guardian must come in person to the Upper
School office to sign the student out.
Signing out early will preclude a student from participating in any afterschool extracurricular activity or sport.
The sign out list will be cross-referenced with participation rosters and, should a student break this rule, he/she
will be disciplined accordingly, up to and including permanent removal from that activity.
Once a student has left campus, he/she cannot come back on campus to participate in activities unless a note
from a physician is presented which can be verified by the Upper School office. No student will be permitted to
sign back in without the required note.
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Bicycles
Due to heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic, students/parents must walk their bicycles while on campus. All
bicycles should be locked up in designated areas on campus. All other means of transportation including
skateboards, motorcycles and scooters are prohibited.
Homerooms
All students must report daily to their assigned homerooms by 8:00 a.m. Failure to do so will result in a tardy.
During homeroom period, faculty will take official attendance, read the daily announcements, and check dress
and grooming. Students arriving after homeroom must sign-in at the Upper School Office. Early Bird
Orchestra students will remain in Music Room for homeroom.
When Early Bird Orchestra is canceled, students are to report to their homeroom teachers by 8:00 a.m.
When students miss Early Bird Orchestra, they must sign in at the Upper School Office.
Food on Campus/Lunch
In order to maintain a clean campus, please note the following rules related to the consumption of food on
campus for the Upper School. For the safety of our students, no food delivery will be permitted on campus.
Students must bring food from home or consume the food provided through the cafeteria or other authorized
vendors on campus.
During break and lunch, students may consume food in the following areas: the Upper School complex, in a
classroom chaperoned by a teacher, the senior circle/picnic tables, the Plaza de Colombia, the Student Activities
Center, green tables in front of the gym, or the terraces on the west side of the library. Students must remember
that they must respect their school property and clean up after themselves. All tables and floors are to be kept
clean and all trays removed from the cafeteria must be returned.
No food or drink is permitted inside the Whitman Library. A relaxing atmosphere without loud talking or
rowdiness is expected. Failure to abide by any of these rules will result in cafeteria duty or campus cleanup.
After School
The official academic day ends after the last class. For security and safety purposes, students should not remain
on campus after that time unless they are participating in a school-sponsored activity, extra help, or are using
the Library.
Change of Address/Telephone Number/Email
It is important that contact information be current at all times. Parents are required to update their
MiamiCountryDay site within (10) school days of any change in contact information.
Emergency Cancellation of School
In case of an emergency cancellation of school, Miami Country Day School will follow closures announced by
the Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Families should listen to the news media for further information and
instructions.
Senior and Second Semester Junior Lunch Privileges
To be eligible to walk off campus for lunch, seniors and second semester juniors must have no grade lower than
C, have no incompletes, and have completed all service hours from previous years. Before a student exercises
the sign-out lunch privilege, he/she must submit the proper parental permission form to the Upper School office.
Because of the school’s concern for the students’ personal safety and liability issues, any student who
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leaves campus at lunch without authorization will serve a one day suspension. No student is permitted to
drive off campus for lunch. The second violation may result in dismissal from school.
Seniors and second semester Juniors with lunch privileges are exempt from any free period adjacent to lunch,
provided the student has submitted a parental permission form, has no grade lower than a C, has no incomplete,
and has completed all service hours from previous years.
Senior Late Sign In Privileges
All Seniors who have a free period after homeroom, have no grade lower than a C, have no incompletes, have
completed their community service requirements from the prior year, and have submitted a parental permission
form may sign in by the end of the free period. If a student has two (2) free periods after homeroom he/she
must be on campus before the start of the second free period. Abuse of this privilege or failure to follow proper
sign-in, sign-out procedure will result in serious consequences including suspension or loss of this privilege.
Parking for Students
All seniors will be guaranteed a parking space provided the parking form is completed and submitted before the
deadline. Remaining spaces will be distributed to juniors at the beginning of the school year. Sophomores may
be issued a parking space second semester provided there are spaces available. Freshmen may not park on
campus.
All students who register their car to park on campus will be given a numbered parking permit which allows
them to park in the North Lot. For security reasons this permit must be visible in the car at all times when the
car is on campus.
If a problem arises and a student drives to school in a different vehicle, he/she may obtain a temporary parking
permit from the Dean of Students.
Parking Regulations
For the safety of all, the campus SPEED LIMIT is 10 miles per hour.
Careless operation of a motor vehicle on or near campus may result in revocation of campus driving privileges.
Students are not permitted in the parking areas or adjacent wooded lots during the school day unless properly
excused and signed out.
Students may not drive in the turn around areas or park on 107 Street until after 4 p.m. (3:30 pm on Friday)
Students parking on campus without authorization risk having their car towed and losing future parking
privileges.
DRESS CODE
The Faculty and Administration wish to maintain standards of dress and appearance appropriate to the
seriousness of academic pursuits. Members of the community are expected to dress conservatively in a manner
which does not detract from the learning environment. Students are expected to follow the dress code while on
campus during the day, Monday through Friday. The Dean of Students reserves the right to determine if a
student is dressed or groomed appropriately. Students who, in the judgment of the Dean of Students, do not
meet the daily dress code or grooming guidelines will be disciplined accordingly. Repeat offenders risk serious
disciplinary consequences including dismissal.
All school uniforms must be purchased from the SUNSHINE UNIFORM COMPANY:
Biscayne Commons
14661 Biscayne Blvd.
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North Miami Beach, FL. 33181
1-800-354-7724
www.sunshineuniforms.com
Polo Shirts/Sweatshirts (Male/Female)
Students must wear red, white or navy Sunshine Uniform polo shirt with the school logo on it. Club and
Athletic polo shirts may be worn any day as long as they have been approved by the Dean of Students.
Polo shirts must be solid, have MCDS logo, and have a collar. Students must wear Miami Country Day School
sweatshirt, jacket, and/or sweater as outerwear and MCDS polo shirts are expected to be worn underneath at all
times. In addition to what is stated above, seniors and second semester juniors may wear college/university
sweatshirts of any color.
Shorts/Pants/Skorts (Male/Female)
Only Sunshine Uniform bermudas, skorts, or long pants are permissible. Bermuda shorts and/or skorts must
be in good condition, must fit at the waist, cannot be too form-fitting, must not be altered or modified to
raise the hemline, must have “MCDS” embroidered at the bottom left. The hemline for bermudas cannot
be shorter than 4 inches above the knee cap; the hemline for the skorts cannot be shorter than midthigh.
Shorts, skorts, and Pants must be secured around the waist at all times, underwear must not be visible.
Footwear (Male/Female)
Tennis shoes, leather shoes, or ankle high boots are acceptable footwear. Footwear higher than ankle high is not
acceptable. Backless shoes, flip-flops, crocs, platform shoes, high boots (above ankle) or shoes with
excessively high heels (more than one inch) are not permitted. Sandals for female students must be closed-toe
and closed-heel and cover at least 60% of the front and the back of the foot.
Hats
During the school day, students are not permitted to wear hats on campus with the exception of outdoor
Physical Education activities. Hats are never appropriate inside of buildings.
P.E. Uniforms
In the Upper School, the PE uniform is required during class setting.
Inclemet weather
Sweatpants are not normally permitted as part of the regular school uniform. However, on extremely cold days
the Upper School Administration will notify students and parents through email and social media that
sweatpants will be permitted. Sweatpants with MCDS logo must be purchased from the Sunshine Uniforms
store. Raincoats and rain-boots are allowed only on rainy days.
The following items are not acceptable:
Clothing that is scribbled, torn, worn out, frayed, cut-off, modified, offensive, has reference to drugs, alcohol
and/or sex, mini skirts, short shorts, tank tops, spaghetti straps, bare backs, low cut blouses, clothing that is too
form-fitting or too baggy. Bottoms must be in good condition, must fit at the waist and must not drag on the
ground. Polo shirts must be in good condition, fit properly, and long enough to cover midriff completely.
Dress Up
The following attire is acceptable for female students; dresses or skirts, knee cap length or longer, slacks and
blouses. The following attire is acceptable for male students; dress pants and buttoned shirts. Ties and jackets
are optional.
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Athletic Game Day Dress (Male/Female)
Jerseys and team uniform tops that have sleeves will be allowed on game days only. If the team jersey does not
have sleeves, then both male and female athletes may follow the “Dress Up” guidelines, wear the shirt provided
by the athletic department, or wear a plain white t-shirt underneath the sleeveless team jersey. On special event
days (i.e. Districts), the attire will be decided by the Athletic Director and the Dean of Students.
Grooming
Self-respect as well as respect for others is one of our core values. Students must take pride in their overall
appearance and attention to personal hygiene is essential. Therefore, all students are expected to be clean and
neat in personal appearance with hair clean, neatly combed, and of appropriate length. Hair colors and
reasonable styles, consistent with the spirit of the school uniform and the values of the school, are acceptable.
Mohawk hair style is never acceptable. Body piercing ornamentation other than understated earrings must be
left at home. No visible tattoos or body art and/or drawing on visible parts of the body are allowed. Male
students are to be clean shaven at all times (including school sponsored events) and all students who wear
jewelry are expected to use common sense and discretion consistent with the spirit of the uniform and the values
of the school.
COMMUNITY LIFE
Community Service
At Miami Country Day School, we believe that it is our obligation to serve others and give back to the
communities in which we live. In the Upper School, 25 hours of community service per school year are
required for graduation, with a minimum of 15 hours per year in the student’s chosen area of concentration.
After April 30th, 2015, if a student’s has not meet his or her community service hours requirement, the student
and parent’s access will be blocked to On Campus and re-enrollment contracts for the upcoming year will be in
jeopardy. In addition, Students who have not meet their community service hours requirement are not eligible
for certain awards such as, Honor Society membership, second semester junior privileges, Student Government
office, Class Council office, Honor Council, and so on; seniors will not graduate. Service learning is an
expectation of our students and is a requirement needed to complete each school year and to graduate.
Athletic involvement, music/drama practice and on-campus productions will not count towards community
service hours. When a music or drama production is held off campus for the purpose of entertaining the public,
service hours will be awarded.
Hours awarded should correspond exactly to the time spent on the community service activity. All community
hours must be from a non-profit agency. No inflated or bonus hours will be accepted. Community Service
hours do not rollover to the following year.
When documenting service hours, all letters require appropriate letterhead. Letters signed by parents or other
family members are not acceptable. A file will be kept for each student to track the number of service hours.
Letterhead documentation from other schools and organizations and a service resume' for each student's
Community Service experience will be kept in file.
Please refer to the community service guide for more detailed information about this topic.
Guidance
The Guidance Counselor in the Upper School serves as a resource to students, parents, teachers and
administrators for a wide variety of student academic and non-academic concerns. By signing the
Student/Parent Handbook Agreement, students, parents and/or legal guardians:
Give permission for the Guidance Counselor to speak with a student as deemed appropriate based on the
referral issue.
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Understand that the Guidance Counselor provides only brief counseling for a subset of situations, and will
provide referrals to outside community professionals if deemed appropriate.
Understand that the Guidance Counselor keeps information shared by students confidential unless disclosure is
required to prevent clear and imminent danger to the student or others or when legal requirements demand that
confidential information be revealed. The Guidance Counselor will consult with appropriate professionals when
in doubt as to the validity of an exception. The policy is based on the American School Counselor Association
Ethical Standards of School Counselors.
Understand that if the Guidance Counselor determines that confidentiality must be broken, the Counselor may
choose to inform the student of the actions to be taken, may involve the student in speaking with the parents
about the situation, and may allow the student to have input as to how and to whom the breach will be made.
Understand that the Guidance Counselor is a member of the Student services Team and may share information
as needed with the members of this Administrative Team and/or other faculty members in order to assist the
student with the referral issue.
Student Service Team
The purpose of the Student Services Team is to monitor the academic, emotional, social and physical well-being
of all Upper School students and to intervene as necessary to improve the overall functioning of the students.
The members of the Student Services Team include the Upper School Director, Academic Dean, Dean of
Students, Guidance Counselor, Learning Resources Director, Athletic Director, 9th Grade Steward, and School
Nurse. The Team meets weekly all year to discuss students of concern, develop a plan, and decide which
member or members are most appropriate to intervene. Typical interventions include meeting with parents,
meeting with the student, sending letters home, convening a teacher meeting, making health/medical referrals,
making referrals for psycho-educational evaluations, and disciplinary actions as needed.
The purpose of the Grade Level teacher meetings held monthly with teachers and advisors is to raise concerns
with students to be communicated back to the Student Services Team. For each grade level, the Class Sponsor
and/or one member of the Student Services Team will be present to record the observations and guide the
discussion. It is the responsibility of the Student Services Team to make intervention plans based on the
discussions and to report back to the teachers what has been decided when relevant and appropriate.
In the case that members of the student Service Team determine that a student meets any of the following
conditions:
Student who is at risk to him/herself or others.
Having the student on campus poses a safety risk to the school community.
Student is detrimental to the learning environment or greater school community.
Student requires an undue amount of resources from the school to maintain in the learning environment.
Student is not meeting the basic participatory requirements of being a learner in the classroom.
The following actions may be taken:
The parents may be called to pick up the child.
The parents may be required to attend a meeting with the Administrative Team.
The parents may be required to fulfill certain conditions before the student may return to school (i.e. counseling,
written documentation, signed release of information to outside professional).
The contract for the following year may be jeopardized.
The student may be asked to leave the school.
With older students in the Upper School, when a student self-refers to the Guidance Counselor and requests that
the Counselor not share information with his/her parents, the counselor may need to honor that request to the
extent permitted by law.
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Classroom
Classroom atmosphere must be supportive of the learning environment. Students are expected to behave in a
manner that reflects their appreciation for learning. It is the student’s responsibility to meet the expectations of
the teacher. Directions are to be respectfully followed. The student may be disciplined accordingly if he/she
fails to comply with the teacher’s requirements. It is strictly prohibited for any student to use any kind of
electronic device to record or tape a class lecture without prior permission from the teacher, Department Head,
or Division Head. Doing so may result in serious consequences that may include dismissal from school. All
cellular phones must be turned off and must not be visible in any classroom setting, unless given permission by
the teacher. The teacher has the right to ask a student to leave his/her cell phone in the classroom when
permission to go to outside the classroom is asked. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in disciplinary
sanctions.
Student Visitors
Any Miami Country Day School student who wishes to bring a student visitor to campus must complete the
visitors form and obtain approval from the Dean of Students at least two days in advance of the visit. The
visitor must be from out of townOn the day of the visit, the student and student guest must obtain a pass from
the Dean of Students before going to homeroom. Only students from outside the Miami area or students seeking
admission to Miami Country Day School may visit our campus.
Fundraising Policy
All major fund raising, internal & external, must first be approved by the Division Director and the
Development Office.
Lost & Found
Lost and found for Upper School students is located in the Dean of Students’ Office and in the Gym.
Unclaimed articles are given to charitable organizations at the end of each quarter.
Gym
In the J. Calvin Rose Athletic Center/Gym, no students are allowed in the building unless supervised properly
by an adult. Students are responsible for placing towels in the bin, putting clothes away, and locking lockers.
Hard soled, leather soled, or black soled shoes should not be worn on the gym floor. Upstairs is closed during
gym functions. Due to insurance regulations, no students will be allowed in the weight room without proper
adult supervision. Anyone using the facility must obey the rules posted by the entrance.
Aquatic Center
Due to insurance regulations, no students will be allowed in the pool without supervision by a school official.
Anyone using this facility must obey the rules posted in the Aquatic Center.
The Franco Center for Learning Resources
The Franco Center for Learning Resources is an integral part of Miami Country Day School. The building
contains the Whitman Library, the Student Activity Center, computer labs, a broadcast studio, distance learning
classroom, the upper and lower back decks, the Lower School Media Center as well as staff offices, the Alumni
Boardroom and Faculty Lounge. The Whitman Library is designed for use by Upper and Middle school
students. It is a place where faculty and students pursue research, quiet study and leisure reading. Internet
access and technology resources are available to students in furtherance of assigned, educational research. Use
of this technology for personal business is not permitted. Any breach of the spirit of this access constitutes a
violation of a Major School Rule and will result in the revocation of access privileges and possible disciplinary
action. All guidelines regarding the Miami Country Day School Technology Code of Conduct pertain to the
Whitman Library and all media labs in the Franco Center.
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In addition to providing open use of the Whitman Library’s spacious study area and print materials, student and
faculty have use of all labs, study rooms and classrooms on a first-come-first-served basis. Reservations are
accepted in the Whitman Library via email or in person at the main desk near the entrance.
The Whitman Library is open 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 am to 4:00 pm on
Fridays. Media Specialists provide reference/research services, support of all online subscription research
databases, and resources and daily support for homework assignments. ID’s are required to check out all Media
equipment and print materials. Students are expected to return Library materials by the date they are due. If a
student has overdue materials, no other materials may be checked out until the overdue items are returned.
When an item is lost or overdue more than two months, the student's account will be billed for $25 through the
business office. If the item is later found, the account will be credited.
In respect of other students and the facility itself, neither food nor beverages are allowed in the Whitman
Library, technology labs or classrooms. Students may use the Franco Center upper and lower decks
overlooking the athletic fields and the Student Activity Center for eating during breaks and lunch periods.
Cellular Phones and Other Electronic Devices
To the extent that a student brings any electronic device to school, that student does so at his/her own risk. The
school will not be responsible for the theft, damage, or loss of such devices. Students who choose to bring such
devices to school must comply with all rules and regulations regarding same. All cell phones must be turned off
and may not be visible in any classrooms and/or classroom setting, unless the teacher has specifically
authorized the use of the device during that particular class for education purposes. If the device is being used
for education purposes, student must comply with the guidelines relating to such use.
Further, whenever use of electronic devices is permitted, student may not use electronic devices in any way that
is harassing or disruptive to the educational environment, including making threats, using camera phones to take
inappropriate pictures or to videotape classes, to send text messages to other student in class, or in ways that
would otherwise violate a school rules.
Any student found to have an electronic device in their possession and turned on during a test,
examination, or quiz will be presumed to have used the device to cheat and will receive a zero for the
test/examination/quiz, unless such use was authorized by the teacher. Offenders will be charged with
academic dishonesty and will be disciplined accordingly. Failure to follow these rules may result in disciplinary
actions including but not limited to verbal warning, detention, suspension, probation, or even dismissal from
school. The electronic devices in question may be confiscated and returned at the end of the day. Confiscated
cellular phones may be inspected by the School, including text messages, images, and other information
contained therein. Students must provide any passwords to inspect the device upon request by a school
administrator.
Tobacco Products
The use of tobacco products will not be allowed by students at any time, either on or off campus during the day,
or at any school event. Possession of tobacco products at school is considered a violation of the no smoking
rule. Offenders will be suspended.
Gambling/Campus Sales
There will be no gambling in any form at any time on campus or at off-campus school functions. Students are
not to engage in any private monetary or commercial transactions on campus. Offenders may be disciplined.
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Fire Alarm System
For the protection of all, the school has a sensitive fire alarm system. Devices to activate this system are located
in various stations on campus. Since the activation of the system is reserved for drills and actual fire
emergencies, it is imperative that all members of the School family refrain from touching the activators. A
breach of this regulation is a violation of federal and local laws and will also be considered a violation of Major
School Rule #2 and result in serious disciplinary actions. This could include dismissal from the School.
Student ID
All Upper School students are required to have a current Miami Country Day School ID whenever they are on
school property. All students must be able to produce the school’s ID when asked during school hours.
Gum
Students may not chew gum while on campus.
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND GUIDELINES CONCERNING ALCOHOL AND
OTHER MOOD CHANGING SUBSTANCES
It is illegal for adults to serve alcoholic beverages to a minor, and serious legal liability issues arise where this
fact is ignored. By signing the Student/Parent Agreement form, the parents/guardians acknowledge and agree to
comply with the laws of Florida regulating the use and consumption of alcohol and drugs by any person under
21 years of age. The following circumstances are of particular concern, and appropriate responsibility should be
assumed:
Parents may be held liable for the illegal consumption of alcoholic beverages at a party in their home even if the
alcohol is brought to the party by others and consumed on their premises.
Parents may be held liable for accidents caused by their children while under the influence of alcohol.
Parents may be held responsible for actions which occur at parties held in their home whether or not they are
present.
Parents may be sued if there is an automobile accident in which minors are injured after leaving a party where
minors have been served alcohol in the parents’ home.
Parents and adults concerned with the well-being of students are responsible for providing models of conduct
and setting examples, but are also responsible for their own conduct regarding use of mood-changing
substances.
Because of the significant communication gap between parents and students on this subject, open discussion of
the issues among all concerned is encouraged. Parents must be awake or expected to be awakened when a
teenager comes in at night. This is an opportunity for open communication.
Parents have a responsibility to be aware of the actions of their children. Parents with questions about parties
their teenager is attending must feel free to make pre-party calls and must welcome calls from other parents
with questions about parties they are hosting.
Parties must be carefully planned between students and parents and must be held when parents are at home.
Parents must not permit an “open party” (an unstructured party with no guest list and no time limit) in their
home.
It is the responsibility of the parent and student to handle any off-campus incidents regarding substance
misuse/abuse; however, if such use occurs at school or if the student reports to campus with drugs/alcohol in
his/her system, or if the misuse occurs at any school related function, the school will take appropriate action.
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Parents should be aware that if the School receives information that a parent supplied or was aware of a student
using drugs or alcohol off campus, the School may be under the obligation to report such information to law
enforcement.
Any failure on the parent/guardian’s part to comply with said responsibilities may terminate the
student’s right to attend the school.
DRUG/ALCOHOL FREE POLICY
Miami Country Day School is committed to the mental, physical, and spiritual education and welfare of each
student. Miami Country Day School is a drug free zone. Alcohol and drug use are serious health issues that
detract from the holistic development of each child. Miami Country Day students will not use, consume,
deliver, purchase, sell, have in their possession, or have in their system, any alcoholic beverages or other mindaltering substances (including synthetic salts or other substances), have drug related paraphernalia, or abuse
prescription or over the counter drugs while on school property or while participating in any school-related
activity whether on or off campus at any time whether before, after, or during the school year. Any student in a
school-related activity or event, on or off campus, who chooses to remain in the company of another person
who is clearly using, consuming, delivering, selling, or possessing alcohol or other mind-altering substances, or
abusing prescribed medication, may also be considered in violation of the policy, unless he/she is clearly
intervening to prevent a problem, to assist the person in difficulty, or to get adult assistance. Miami Country
Day School reserves the right to require any student to submit to a drug or alcohol screening test. Such testing
must be performed in accordance with the school’s testing center. Samples will be taken confidentially by the
school nurse in the nurse’s station and samples then sent to Lab Corp for testing. The results will be
communicated to the school, who will subsequently communicate the results to the parents/guardian.
This policy does not prohibit the proper use of medication under the direction of a physician. However,
the misuse or abuse of such drugs is prohibited. Students who are taking prescription or nonprescription
drugs must notify an administrator in the School Office of this fact when they report to School.
There are both educational as well as disciplinary issues related to situations involving drug and alcohol abuse.
It is the School’s desire to offer avenues through which students can obtain help with a substance abuse problem
before finding themselves involved in a situation requiring disciplinary action because of possessing,
dispensing, selling, or purchasing drugs or alcohol, or having any mood-altering substances in their body on
campus or at school-sponsored events. The School’s responses to issues involving substance abuse are listed
below.
Students who are not possessing, dispensing, selling, or purchasing drugs at School and who do not have any
mood-altering substances in their body, but who wish to seek help with a substance abuse problem are
encouraged to contact any adult on campus with whom they feel they can talk. That adult will then help the
student get in contact with the Guidance Department. Every effort will be made to get the student the assistance
needed in conjunction with the Guidance Department, the parents and appropriate outside resources.
Conversations with student guidance counselors may be privileged from disclosure. A student should ask the
guidance counselor about the confidentiality at the beginning of any conversation before a student makes a
disclosure. He/she should understand, however, that the guidance counselor may have an obligation under law
to divulge even confidential information if it poses an immediate probability of physical harm to the student or
others.
If a student exhibits the symptoms, is suspected of substance use or abuse, is suspected to be in possession of or
having present in his/her system alcohol or mind-altering substances while on campus or at any schoolsponsored event, he/she will be escorted to the School Nurse, Dean of Students, Administrator or faculty
member in charge for evaluation. During the period of evaluation, parents will be notified that the School will
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require that the student undergo immediate substance abuse testing and the student may be asked to serve a
suspension. During the suspension or leave of absence, the student is responsible for all school work missed. If
the drug and alcohol screening test results are positive, the parents or guardian will be responsible for any fees
related to drug testing. The School, as well as the parents or guardian, will receive a copy of the drug or alcohol
test. If the results of the investigation and/or test reveal violation of this Drug Free Policy, the School will take
appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. Refusal by any student, parent, or guardian to
undergo testing or to cooperate fully in any drug or alcohol related evaluation or testing (including signing
consent forms) most likely will result in expulsion.
The School may, in its discretion, allows a student who has tested positive on the drug/alcohol test to remain at
Miami Country Day School, the student and parents must agree to the terms of a Last Chance Agreement,
which will be drafted by the School and will contain terms and conditions deemed appropriate by the Head of
School. The Last Chance Agreement will state that the student is on General Probation for at least the
remainder of that academic year (and possibly longer) and will require the parents/guardian and student to meet
with the Head of School to discuss the conditions for returning to class. The School may require, as part of the
Last Chance Agreement, that the student be evaluated by a health care professional who practices in the area of
substance abuse (with recommendations given by the school), that the student/parents consent to the health care
professional communicating with the School’s guidance counselor regarding the results and recommendations,
and that the student/parents commit to completion of a substance abuse program and/or counseling. The student
and parent must agree that any violation of the terms of the Last Chance Agreement will result in immediate
expulsion.
If the School determines that a student has used, sold, dispensed, possessed or purchased drugs or alcohol on
campus or at a School-sponsored event the parents of the student will be notified immediately. The typical
response to situations involving the use, selling, purchasing, or dispensing of drugs or alcohol on campus or at a
School-sponsored event is expulsion.
Miami Country Day School uses a canine prevention service to detect the presence of drugs and certain types of
weapons on campus. Dogs may search any area (including but not limited to purses, book bags, pockets, lunch
boxes, backpacks, lockers, and vehicles). In the event that a dog search reflects the possibility of drugs or
weapons, the School reserves the right to inspect such place or personal property and to require students to
empty their pockets. Miami Country Day School is not liable for any property damage caused by the dogs
during a search. Drug violations will be dealt with in accordance with Paragraph D of this policy. Weapons
violations will be dealt with as a violation of a major school rule.
SECURITY
Upper School Students will be issued Student Identification cards which must be readily available while on
campus or at any school related event. Classrooms will be locked at the end of the academic day. Students
should remember to remove their books and other personal belongings from the room as they leave. Students
are responsible for keeping materials and clothing in assigned lockers with school locks.
School authorities reserve the right to search any area on school property and any personal belongings
such as book bags and backpacks, lunch boxes, lockers, computers, automobiles, which are on campus or
brought to school-related functions. Student must provide any passwords or other access required to inspect
such possession upon request by a school administrator. Situations may arise where School authorities find it
imperative to search these areas to ensure safety and security of students, teachers, and others. Random
searches, without cause, may also be conducted. In addition, all students may be required to empty their
pockets, when requested by School personnel. The School has closed circuit cameras in some public areas to
monitor for safety reasons as well as to monitor for evidence of theft and violation of school rules.
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Further, the School has the right to seize and permanently retain property disclosed by an inspection or search
which is considered potentially harmful, dangerous, illegal, or inappropriate, the possession of which is a
violation of the School’s rules, community standards, and/or local and state law. The School is not responsible
for any lost or stolen items. Students are requested to leave valuables at home and under no circumstances
should they leave them unattended.
NO BULLYING/NO HARASSMENT POLICY
It is our expectation that students will interact on and off campus in a respectful, honorable, and compassionate
way. Negative interactions often take the form of bullying and harassment. Miami Country Day School
prohibits both forms of negative interaction.
Bullying is any hurtful, negative behavior that is done deliberately and is repeated especially after the victim has
asked that it stop. Bullying can also be defined as one or more students exposing another student to negative
actions/behavior on a one time or repeated basis. This includes cyber bullying.
If an incident occurs off campus at a time when the student is not at school or at a school sponsored event, it is
our expectation that the parent of the offended student will make every effort to contact the other student’s or
students’ parents to resolve the issue before contacting the school.
Harassment is defined as engaging in unacceptable or inappropriate behavior toward another student on the
basis of sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, body type, or other protected categories. For
example, sexual harassment involves sexually-orientated or themed behavior that is unwelcome or offensive to
its recipient. If the recipient of bullying or harassment feels comfortable doing so, she/he should immediately
tell the offending individual(s) to stop the behavior. If the unwelcome or offending behavior continues or if the
student feels too intimidated or embarrassed to inform the individual(s) to stop, then the student should
immediately report the instance in accordance with the Reporting Procedure set forth below.
Forms of Bullying/Harassment
Direct - Negative actions carried out by words, threatening, taunting, teasing, name calling, and aggressive
physical contact.
Indirect - Spreading rumors, laughing, sneering, excluding, and isolating someone from a peer group.
The School will promptly investigate all complaints, either verbal or written, and take appropriate action against
any student, teacher, or administrator who is found to have violated this policy.
Reporting Procedures
It is each student's responsibility to try to make the School community comfortable and enjoyable for all fellow
students. Any person who believes he/she has been the victim of bullying/harassment should report the matter
to the Dean of Students, Division Director, Guidance Counselor, or a faculty member. In addition, anyone who
witnesses what he or she believes to be bullying or harassing behavior should also report the concern. This can
be done directly or anonymously.
Investigation
Upon receipt of a report of bullying/harassment, the Division Director and Dean of Students will undertake an
investigation. This may include personal interviews with the complainant, the individuals against whom the
complaint is alleged, and others who may have knowledge of the alleged incidents or circumstances. A
determination of whether an action constitutes a violation will be made based on the facts obtained during the
investigation
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Action Plan
Upon a determination of bullying/harassment, one or more of the following actions may be taken: warning the
students, a parent conference, referral to mediation for resolution of a conflict, referral to therapeutic resources
in the community for evaluation, and/or remediation, suspension, or expulsion.
Reprisal
Discipline will be provided for any Miami Country Day School member who retaliates against any person who
reports alleged incidents of bullying/harassment or violence. Retaliation includes any form of intimidation,
reprisal or harassment.
False Reports
If the School determines that a student has made a false report of bullying or harassment, the student will be
disciplined accordingly.
No Bullying/No Harassment Statement
In the School's commitment to the well being of the whole child, Miami Country Day School has established
the following no bullying/no harassment statement. This will be placed in all classrooms in an attempt to be
proactive in addressing these issues and preventing negative interactions in the School community.
If I am in a situation where I feel bullied or harassed, I will report it to a trusted adult either directly or
anonymously.
I will not bully or harass other people.
I will try to help others who are being bullied or harassed by reporting it to a trusted adult directly or
anonymously.
I will make a point to include students who are easily left out.
HAZING
Although we encourage students to participate in school-related activities, clubs, associations, organizations and
other groups, the School prohibits all forms of hazing. Hazing refers to any activity expected of a student in
order to join or to continue membership or participation in any group where the activity produces or could be
expected to produce mental, emotional, or physical discomfort, humiliation, embarrassment, harassment or
ridicule to the student, regardless of the student’s willingness to participate. Hazing activities include, but are
not limited to, acts of personal servitude (i.e. forced labor or service), required sleep deprivation, restrictions on
personal hygiene, yelling, swearing, insulting or demeaning verbal abuse, being forced to wear embarrassing or
humiliating attire, consumption of vile or other non-food substances, brandings, writing or marking on one’s
skin or clothes, physical beatings, paddling or other physical abuse, performing sexual simulation or sexual acts,
stunts or dares that could result in physical injury or harm to a person’s mental, emotional or social well-being,
any act in violation of the law or school policy, and any other activity that could fall within the definition of
hazing. If you think a particular activity could be hazing, then it probably is. If you are not sure, then you need
to contact the Upper School Dean of Students and ask.
A student violates this policy whenever he or she engages, assists, or attempts to engage or assist in the
planning or committing of any hazing activity, whether on or off School property. Each student is also
responsible for immediately reporting any hazing activity or plans for any hazing activity to the Upper School
Dean of Students. The failure to make such a report is also in violation of this policy.
When the school administration becomes aware of any actual or planned hazing activity, the situation will be
promptly investigated. Any student found to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action,
including dismissal from the School. No adverse action will be taken against any person who makes a good
faith report of hazing activity.
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STUDENT DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
We understand that there may be circumstances when a parent may request that the School provide an
adjustment or accommodation for a student’s medical needs or physical, mental, or learning disability. As the
range of requests have grown over the years, the School believes that it is appropriate at this time to outline the
School’s policy and general guidelines for addressing such requests.
General Policy: In general, it is our School’s policy to provide accommodations or adjustments for a student’s
minor needs in circumstances in which the administration determines, in its sole discretion, that doing so is
within the reasonable ability of the School and/or its staff and will not result in an unacceptable impairment to
the rights of other students (or employees) or a fundamental change to our educational environment or mission.
We also ask parents to realize that, given the size of our school and our available resources, we may not be able
to provide all requested accommodations. To the extent we agree to provide accommodations, we may require
a sharing of responsibility for the accommodation.
Request and Documentation: For any type of accommodation (including administration of medication at
school), the parent must contact the ADA Coordinator of the need. The ADA Coordinator will then advise the
parent of the type of medical documentation needed, which generally will state the student’s diagnosis, how the
condition limits the student, the recommended accommodations, and the length of time that the
accommodation(s) will be needed.
Release for Communications with Physician: Sometimes, the documentation received from the physician
may raise questions or be unclear as to the recommendations. For that reason, the parent(s) must sign a Release
of Information form, permitting the School to contact the medical professional, when necessary. In addition, if
there is any cost associated with the physician’s cooperation (i.e., to answer a set of questions submitted, etc.);
the parent must agree to bear the cost of such process.
Assessment of Request: Once the parent’s request and medical documentation has been received by the
School, appropriate persons within the administration will meet with the parents to clarify information and to
discuss whether the School will be able to implement the accommodation requested. In some cases, the parent
may be asked to provide (at the parent’s cost) any special equipment needed, training for the school’s staff, or
other associated matters. In addition, the School may advise the parent that the School will allow a particular
accommodation, but the full responsibility for doing so will rest with the parent. For example, if the student
needs to be tested or have certain types of medicines administered during the day that the School or ADA
Coordinator believe are beyond the scope of the School’s responsibility, the School may allow the parent to
make arrangements to visit the campus for the purpose of testing and administering.
Limitations on Requests: Please understand that the School is not a medical facility and does not have the
personnel, training, or equipment to handle certain types of medical procedures best left to the student, parent,
or physician. Examples of accommodations made for students include appropriate classroom locations,
extended time on tests, use of computers, and/or dispensing with medication through the Clinic.
HEALTH ROOM POLICY
Medical Entrance Requirements:
No later than August 1 of each school year, original school entry Florida health form 3040 and a Florida
certificate of immunization form 680 or a certificate of waiver must be submitted to the School through the
Magnus Health portal found on the School website.
If full immunization has not been completed prior to entry into a certain grade level, the physician will place an
expiration date on the HRS form 680. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the immunizations are given
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when due and the form updated and submitted to the School prior to the form’s expiration date. Failure to do
so, will result in the child being sent home from school until proper immunization(s) have been completed (this
is the case without exception).
No student will be allowed to attend school without current health forms 3040 and 680 or a certificate of
waiver on file.
The Health Room is located on the first floor of the Middle and Upper School Administration office complex.
A Registered Nurse is available to students daily. The Health Room hours are 7:45 AM - 6 PM.
Communicable Disease Policy:
Students who are suspected of having a communicable disease must be removed from the classroom according
to school policy. It is the responsibility of the parents to report any communicable disease that their student
may have so that appropriate measures may be taken.
Students with any type of infectious illness or suspected communicable disease or infections of the skin or eyes
must receive proper treatment from a physician and be checked by the School Nurse prior to returning to class.
All students should remain at home for at least 24 hours symptom free after they have had any illness
accompanied by vomiting diarrhea or fever. Should there be an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease at
Miami Country Day, those students with vaccine exemptions would be required to stay home for 14-21 days to
prevent contracting the disease.
In the case of surgery, fractures, or prolonged illnesses, a note from the physician should be presented to the
School Nurse if any limitation of activities or special considerations are required.
Fractures/Sprains:
Any student showing signs of a severe sprain/possible fracture will be required to be picked up from school so
that proper physician care can be sought. Because it is difficult to determine fractures/cracks in bones without
an XRAY, any injury suspected as a possible fracture will be treated as a fracture by the School Nurse. Any
student wearing a cast/splint may not participate in physical activities in PE or play on school playing fields. A
note from a physician is required stating when the student may resume normal physical activity.
Concussions:
Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Symptoms include, without limitation, headache,
blurred vision, sensitivity to light and noise, memory or concentration problems, and not being able to recall
events prior to or after being hit. If we suspect a concussion, we will ask you to have your child evaluated by a
physician. Only a physician can determine if any accommodations need to be made such as absence from school
and when to return to sports.
Head Lice:
For the protection of all Miami Country Day School students, there is a “NO NIT” policy in effect at the
School. This means that if a child is sent home with lice and returns with even one nit on his/her hair, he/she
will be sent home again. Lice are spread by close physical contact. Parents should check their child’s hair
weekly, using a fine comb and bright light. Please notify the school nurse if you discover lice in your child’s
hair. This will allow the nurse to check close friends to see if they might also have lice. Once a student is found
to have lice, he/she will stay in the Health Room until picked up by a parent/alternate. The student’s classmates
shall be checked for head lice as well as any siblings in attendance at the School.
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Individuals picking up students from the Health Room with head lice will receive verbal and written
information on how to rid the student and the household of head lice. There are also local companies that
provide lice treatment service.
Lice%Cleanique%305/387/0051%
Louse%Calls%561/376/1066%www.lousecalls.com+
Lice%Troopers%1/800/403/5423%www.licetroopers.com%%
No student will be allowed back in school after being sent home with head lice without first being
rechecked by the school nurse.
Children should be reminded that head lice have nothing to do with personal hygiene or social/economic status
and should not tease other students that may have been sent home with head lice.
Fever/Vomiting/Diarrhea:
Any student with a fever over 100.0 degrees will be sent home from school and asked not to return until free of
fever for a full 24 hours without the use of Tylenol/Advil/Motrin. Any student exhibiting signs of vomiting or
repetitive diarrhea episodes, with or without fever, will be sent home from school and asked not to return until
24 hours after episodes have stopped. For the health of your own child and fellow students, please do not treat a
fever with Tylenol, etc. and send your child to school. The fever may subside, but the underlying cause,
bacterial or viral, remains and can worsen in your child and be caught by other children.
Breakfast:
Many mid-morning complaints of headache and nausea can be attributed to a lack of breakfast. There are an
alarming number of students who come to school without any food or drink for breakfast. Please insure that
you have snacks (i.e. raisins, nutrigrain bars, etc.) in your child’s backpack for those mornings when they may
miss breakfast. Failure to eat breakfast not only affects their physical well-being, but affects their ability to
concentrate in school.
Health Information Sharing:
Parents and student agree, as a condition of continued enrollment, to consent to the release of any of the
student’s health related information, including information relating to drug treatment, testing, medical and
mental health records, to employees or agents of the school, as determined by the Headmaster or his or her
designee, to meet the medical or safety needs of the student and the community or the legal responsibilities of
the school.
The school will maintain appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security of
all health-related information within its care or custody. While it is the obligation of the school to safeguard
student medical information, we must also balance matters of privacy and confidentiality with safeguarding the
interests and well-being of our students and our community. Thus, parents/guardians and students consent to
allow employees and agents of the school who have a need to know medical and/or psychological information
necessary to serve the best interests of the student and/or community. In the event of a disclosure required by
law, every effort will be made to notify the student and/or parents/guardians in advance.
Magnus Health Electronic Health Records:
Miami Country Day is now using a paperless electronic health record. All required health forms are completed
on line. The Magnus link may be found on the Miami Country Day website. Click on My Country Day, log in
with your parent username and password, click on parent and look for the orange Magnus link. Complete each
section and when prompted, print out the Physician Authorization for OTC medication. Take this form to your
physician for signature, and upload to Magnus when signed. These forms need to be completed by August 1 and
updated yearly. Your student will be sent home if these forms are not completed. Should there be any changes
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of address or phone number of parents or emergency contacts, please go to the Miami Country Day website to
update the information. In the event that a parent plans to be out of town and someone else will be responsible
for the child, the School Nurse must have this information in writing in advance of the parent leaving the area.
Special Medical Conditions:
Parents of students having medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, allergies, etc. which may necessitate
special attention during school hours should SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE SCHOOL NURSE, as well as the
ADA Coordinator in accordance with the School’s Student Disability Accommodations policy. Failure to do so
may result in delayed treatment for your child.
Procedures for Ill/Injured Students:
If a student is not feeling well, he/she should inform his/her teacher and asked to be excused to go to the Health
Room. The School Nurse will assess the child, provide treatment, and either send the student back to class or
inform the parent that the child needs to be picked up from the Health Room.
School regulations prohibit any student from leaving campus during school hours without first being signed out
through the School Nurse or their Divisional Office.
School-related Injuries:
Should your child be injured at school or during a school related event (field trip/sporting event) an accident
report detailing the time/date/circumstances surrounding the injury will be completed. You will be given an
accident claim form and directions on how to compete. Should you incur medical bills not covered by your
insurance plan, the School’s accident insurance plan may pick up some or all of the difference. Whether any
claim will be covered by the School’s accident insurance is governed by the insurance contract itself.
Medication Policy:
A. In situations where your child is under treatment for a long or short term injury or illness, it may be
necessary to administer prescription medication to your child during school hours. The School Nurse may
administer prescription medication if the medication is brought to her in a pharmacist labeled bottle stating the
proper dosage and full name of the medication. Additionally, a prescription medication form must be filled out
by the physician, listing the times/amounts of dosages to be given and any possible side effects. This form must
also be signed by the parent granting permission for the School Nurse to administer the child’s medication as
prescribed by the physician. This form is available under the Magnus Link on the school website. This policy
also applies for medications held in the Health Room for emergency usage (i.e. epipens).
B. If parents wish to have over the counter medication (such as Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, Midol, Tums, Benadryl,
throat lozenges, or cough drops) administered to their child during school hours on a regular or as needed basis,
they must complete the Physician Authorization for OTC medication form. This form is also found under the
Magnus Link in the Miami Country Day website. This form must also be signed by the physician. All over the
counter medications will be administered in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation for age
appropriate dosages, unless otherwise specified by the physician.
C. Any required treatment may be delayed for your child if the Medical Authorization form is not fully
completed.
D. All health forms must be renewed each school year. This can be done online during the re enrollment
process. Just log in to Magnus on the school website.
E. Other than during a field trip, teachers may not administer medications; students must see the School Nurse.
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F. No student is allowed to carry prescription or over the counter medications around campus or to store them in
lockers or backpacks unless the student's physician has specifically advised the School in writing that such a
procedure is necessary due to the need for the student to self-administer medication on an emergency basis.
Field Trip Medication Policy:
A. The medication policy during field trips is a simple extension of the on-campus medication policies. No
student is allowed to carry either on their person or in their luggage any over the counter or prescription
medications (this includes tylenol and cough medicine). This is for the protection of your child and other
students on the trip.
B. Parents should give any medications deemed necessary during a field trip to the chaperone in charge of the
field trip with a medication authorization form. If the medication is one that the student has in the Health
Room, a new authorization form is not necessary and the parent should refer the chaperone to the School Nurse
for a copy of the form.
TECHNOLOGY CODE OF CONDUCT
Miami Country Day School (MCDS) core values (honor, respect, wisdom and compassion) should direct all
student technology activities online (Internet) and off-line (local on the computer/device or school network).
Use of technology is an integral strategy in MCDS teaching and learning mission and a developmental skill for
lifelong learners. ). Student access to the school network, Internet and school owned and/or sponsored
hardware, software, and online portals is a privilege and a responsibility. Rules for acceptable use, attitudes and
behaviors are the same for personally owned (1:1 laptops and devices) and/or a school owned equipment
Acceptable Use Policy
All persons using the MCDS network/system and computers or personal computers/devices on school property
are required to abide by the following rules. This policy also applies to the use of any personal electronic
devices (computers, tablets, cameras, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, smart phones, etc.) on school property or at
a school related event. Failure to abide by these rules will result in appropriate disciplinary action determined
by the School administration.
All electronic devices should be used in a responsible, ethical and legal manner. Violations of the following
guidelines may result in the revocation of access privileges and possible disciplinary responses, including
dismissal for serious offenses.
Internet access is free to users, but it is a privilege not a right. All student work, complete web access history,
and emails are routinely monitored and may be inspected by School Administration.
Users should NOT
• Access personal communication during class time, unless assigned by a teacher.
• Use profanity, obscenities, or abusive language.
• Install any software onto school owned devices without the permission of the Network Administrator. This
includes, but is not limited to point-to-point, file sharing, instant messaging or any third party e-mail clients.
• Download, install or play games, on any school owned device unless academic in nature, and without the
specific permission from a faculty member.
• Access pornography, hate sites or any other material with illegal or harmful content.
• Access or change computer files belonging to or created by another user (unless permission to review or edit is
given).
• Customize or change system settings on any school owned device.
• Send or receive copyrighted material or any intellectual property without permission.
• Copy commercial software in violation of copyright laws.
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• Use the network for financial gain or commercial activity.
• Use the Internet for any illegal purpose.
• Knowingly attempt to transmit a virus or harmful code.
• Disrupt or attempt to disrupt operations of the MCDS network, software or hardware.
• Alter, hack, crack, reverse, engineer or manipulate any network resource and/or setting.
• Give passwords to other users. Sharing user accounts may result in the revocation of network privileges. In
addition, a student who failed to protect the integrity of his/her password will be held responsible for acts
carried out under that student’s password.
• Give out home phone numbers, addresses or credit card numbers using the school network or equipment.
Users SHOULD
• Change passwords regularly and immediately if there is any suspicion that they have been compromised.
• Be aware that other users may misrepresent themselves or their intentions.
• Securely store and back up personal files.
• Always log off properly from any device after use.
• Be a Cyber safety Champion (need a better catchy phrase)
Internet Access
MCDS community members (students, faculty, parents and administrators) access the Internet on campus
through the Lightspeed content filter. Settings on the filter are established by the Division Director through
consultation with the Technology Division.
Using any proxy or proxy software to bypass MCDS Internet filter is considered a direct violation to this policy.
Any student who undertakes any measure to circumnavigate the School’s network security will have all
privileges removed and will be reported to the appropriate Dean for disciplinary action.
Due to the dynamic and every changing nature of the Internet, MCDS cannot entirely restrict all of the content
of information available and obtained by students via the Internet. Accessing material that is explicitly labeled
as not intended for minors will be considered a violation of school rules. Furthermore, making public or
passing on any material that is pornographic, violent in nature, or otherwise harassing is totally unacceptable
and will be dealt with immediately by the appropriate administrator.
MCDS uses filtering software, however, no filtering system is foolproof and there may be inappropriate,
sexually-orientated or other potentially offensive sites that students are able to access. Students are expected to
act responsibly in their searches, to immediately disengage from any materials that are inappropriate, and to
notify a teacher or administrator of what has occurred. Failure to advise the inadvertent accessing of potentially
harmful, pornographic and/or inappropriate sites could result in disciplinary action.
US students have access to YouTube. Other social media sites may be opened for specific extracurricular or
curricular activities based upon a teacher’s request and administrative approval. Student participation on such a
site will be for a limited time frame and under teacher supervision.
Internet Safety
Students are continually reminded about Internet safety techniques and participate in age-appropriate
sessions/lessons about being safe on the Internet. The content for these sessions and conversations follow
guidelines set forth by the Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Youth. Students are constantly
advised that it is unsafe to give out his/her personal information (address, e-mail address, instant messenger
address, pictures, telephone number, etc.) over the Internet. Internet safety is the responsibility of the individual
user. The School is not liable in any way for irresponsible acts on the part of the student.
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Online Presence
It is the responsibility of the student to uphold the School’s reputation on and off campus, including online
websites and online video streaming like YouTube etc.
For this reason, students are prohibited from using the School’s name expressly, directly or indirectly, or
posting any pictures of the school or any of its employees in any manner that could, in the administration’s
view, cause harm to the School’s reputation or otherwise portray the School or its employees in a false,
derogatory, negative or inappropriate way. The prohibition extends to articles, news stories, internet posting, emails, or any other methods of communication.
Students must not include personal pictures or text that directly associates the MCDS name or logo in any
online publication in a manner that is inappropriate or that may otherwise represent the school in a poor manner.
Students should not permit the school name to be involved with online video streaming such as “YouTube”, etc.
unless approved in advance by the Administration.
MCDS students may not utilize the internet for the purpose of bullying, defaming, slandering or threatening any
other person or group. In addition, MCDS students may not utilize online services (such as “Google”,
“Instagram”, “Facebook”, “Tumblr, “Snapchat”, etc.) and claim that inappropriate actions are acceptable
because their page is “private”, “locked” or “for friends only”. There will not be any exceptions to this rule.
All students must understand that they represent the School at all times, including vacations and weekends. Any
off campus behavior that is detrimental to the School’s community will be dealt with on an individual basis and
may subject the student to disciplinary action.
Network Access
Accessing the accounts and files of others is prohibited. Obtaining another’s password or rights to another’s
directory or e-mail on the network is a violation of School rules as well as a form of theft. Taking advantage of
a MCDS community member who inadvertently leaves a computer without logging out is not appropriate.
Using someone else’s password to access files or posting a message using another’s login name is a form of
dishonesty, just as is plagiarism or lying, sometimes is a criminal act, and will be treated accordingly.
Disrupting and/or attempting to impair the network is prohibited. Activating mobile hotspots/ devices and/or
enabling these features on your phone while on campus is prohibited because it interferes with the School’s
wireless signals and communication network.
School’s Right To Inspect
It is important to note that the MCDS system, including all programs, files, mail, homework and MCDS
affiliated Internet sites are school property. MCDS reserves the right to track all electronic data including
network use and review, to inspect user directories for inappropriate files, and/or access student files and emails at any time without the student’s knowledge or consent. The School further reserves the right to remove
inappropriate data, information, etc. and to take other appropriate action if deemed necessary, including
notification of parents. The School also reserves the right to inspect any personal electronic devices brought
onto campus. In such case, students must provide any passwords needed to inspect the device upon request by a
school administrator. Do not assume that any messages or materials on your personally owned computer/device
or the School’s systems are private.
E-mail
Electronic communication such as email, posting, tweeting or texting may not be used to bully/harass or
threaten others. Miami Country Day School reserves the right to randomly check e-mail or text messages. E51
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mail messages must not include personal attacks and should follow the normal rules of appropriate public
language. Since such messages are, by their nature, public, they should not contain any language or content
which the author would not be willing to share from the podium at a school meeting. Students should be aware
that deleted e-mail can be undeleted.
Any person who believes that they have been harassed or threatened by an electronic communication should
immediately report the concern in accordance with the School’s No Harassment/No Bullying policy.
Students must not send numerous or mass unsolicited e-mails or network text messages including pop messages
to other networks, mail users, Google or 0365 members, or to any other email address off campus. Students are
not permitted to use MCDS distribution lists (faculty, everybody etc.)
Viruses
Every effort is made by the School to keep MCDS owned equipment virus and malware free. (Even with the
best techniques, however, computer viruses can be transmitted to and from any computer, including those in the
computer labs.) MCDS is not responsible for the transmission of any virus or harmful code or for damage
suffered from these electronic forms of vandalism.
Pirated Software
The term “Pirated software” refers to the use and transfer of stolen software. Commercial software is
copyrighted, and each purchaser must abide by the licensing agreement published with the software. There is
no justification for the use of illegally obtained software.
Laptops and Other Devices
Devices with built in cameras may not be used to take pictures, video, or record sound while on campus and
transmit off campus for any reason unless consented to by all those being recorded. Music or video
downloading (I-tunes, YouTube, etc.) through MCDS network is not permitted on any computer or devices
whether MCDS or personal property, unless instructed by a member of the faculty or administration for a class
or extracurricular activity.
All electronic devices, used on school grounds, whether school or personal property, are bound by this
Technology Code of Conduct. In addition, Miami Country Day School will not accept any responsibility for
damage, loss, repair, or content stored in personal laptops, media, or electronic devices. These personal devices,
when used in violation of this policy, will be confiscated and held until claimed by a parent or legal guardian.
Equipment Care
MCDS community members will not abuse, tamper with, or willfully damage any computer equipment, use the
computer/device for other than appropriate work, or bring food or drink into any a Computer lab or learning
center. Community members will help keep any technology designated work area clean by disposing of trash
and recycling paper and other resources and abide by the MCDS Technology Code of Conduct and the Honor
Code at all times. Any vandalism of technological equipment will be investigated and cost of repair be charged
the student account.
MCDS will not be responsible for a student’s own software brought to school for personal use.
When using school owned devices or personal devices, files may be stored through cloud storage services such
as Google Drive or to exterior drives such as a USB flash drive. Files should not be saved on the local hard
drives of school owned devices. Storing files and file back-up is the responsibility of the user not MCDS
technology departments.
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It is important to note that the computer system, including all programs, files, mail, and homework are School
property. You should not assume that messages and communications are confidential. The School, as your
service provider, reserves the right to track all electronic data including network use and review and/or access
student and employee files and e-mails at any time without the student’s or employee’s knowledge or consent
when deemed necessary in the discretion of the Head of School or Division Head. If necessary, the School may
also examine any other computer files or contents in the presence of the Headmaster and student or employee.
Inspection of electronic data includes review of emails, texts, images, and other information on the School’s
system, including such information from your personal Yahoo, AOL, and other accounts.
Reporting Requirements/Discipline
Any student who accesses inappropriate material on the Internet, receives harassing, threatening, or
inappropriate materials via e-mail or on the Internet, must immediately report the concern to the teacher who is
supervising the activity or to the Dean of Students so that the situation can be investigated and addressed
appropriately. Students who violate any aspect of this Technology Code of Conduct will be subject to
appropriate discipline and loss of computer or Internet privileges.
Social Media and Social Networking Policy
Social Media encompasses a broad array of online activity including social networks such as Facebook, Twitter,
Pinterest, Vine and Instagram, and other similar online communications.
The school’s network, including access to the Internet, is designed to provide students and faculty the necessary
tools for academic success. Middle School students are NOT permitted to access any social media and/or social
networking sites while on school property or at a school related event. All such sites are blocked to middle
school students. Any unauthorized access to such sites by a middle school student will be considered a
violation of the technology code of conduct and will be referred to the Dean of Students for possible
disciplinary action.
Students may not “follow” or “friend” any faculty or other staff members of Miami Country Day School
Use Away from School Property
It is not our goal to regulate a student’s personal online activities when not on School property or at a Schoolrelated event. Please understand, however, that certain activities might impact a student’s relationships with
other students or school employees or School’s rights that we do reserve the right to regulate. All students
should ensure that they are familiar with School’s conduct policies to avoid any online communications that
might violate those policies.
Your Identity Online
You are responsible for any of your online activity with a School email address, and/or which can be traced
back to the School’s domain, and/or which uses School assets.
What you publish on such personal online sites should never be attributed to the School and should not appear
to be endorsed by or originated from the School. For example, you should ensure that your online activities do
not violate a School policy regarding bullying or harassment, or other similar policies pertaining to how
students interact with each other. If you post or say something online that makes another student feel
uncomfortable, your activity may result in an investigation and possible discipline.
Students should also be aware that teachers and administrators periodically check such sites and may determine
that off campus behavior violates the School conduct code by making disparaging or negative comments about
the School, administration, or faculty members in a manner that is disruptive to the School’s educational
mission or activities.
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Students should not be “friends” with any faculty member or other adult member of our community (other than
the Student’s parent) on any of these social networking sites. Any violation of this prohibition must be reported
to the Administration immediately.
In addition, postings on social networking or other Internet sites of students engaging in inappropriate behavior
(such as drinking, smoking, sexual actions, etc.) is prohibited. Students are expected to cooperate in
investigations by providing access to such sites.
Students are not permitted to use the School’s name, logo, trademark, or service mark in online activities.
Students are not permitted to post photographs of the School, its locations, activities, students, parents, or
employee-related activities on line. Students are not permitted to create websites or social networking profiles
to rate teachers, discusses aspects of the School, or otherwise discloses information online that the School
would find offensive or inappropriate if posted in the School’s newspaper. Finally, students are not permitted to
disclose any confidential information of the School, employees, students, parents, or activities online.
Questions and Clarification
If you have questions or need further clarification of any aspect of this policy, please contact the Director of
Educational Technology.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
The Miami Country Day School’s Emergency Response Plan is predicated on a realistic approach to problems
that may be encountered on our campus during an emergency or disaster. The Miami Country Day Emergency
Response Plan Flip Book, which includes information on evacuation procedures, lockdowns, strangers on
campus, suspicious packages, bomb threats, and weather emergencies among others, is distributed to all faculty
members at the beginning of each school year.
Faculty, staff and student are expected to review and follow safety protocols and to ask for clarification as
needed. In doing so, we will heighten our individual and collective awareness of safety issues and promotes a
safer community. Parents can access the Miami Country Day School Emergency Response Plan online on our
school website. Please be advised that a weather emergency requires for everyone to remain behind doors,
regardless of time, and it may affect morning traffic flow, afternoon traffic flow, break, and/or lunch.
CHILD ABUSE (COOPERATION WITH GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES)
We take our responsibilities to report suspected child abuse, neglect, and abandonment seriously and will
cooperate with governmental authorities in connection with their investigation. If you have any questions
regarding the School’s mandatory reporting obligations, please consult with the Head of School.
STUDENT/ADULT INTERACTION AND COMMUNICATIONS POLICY
Our students and adults (teachers, administrators, staff members, parents, and visitors) are expected to interact
with each other in a professional and respectful manner. Although our adults can and should be friendly with
the students, becoming too friendly with each other sometimes results in confusion and anxiety.
If a student or the student’s parents become aware of any adult’s communications or actions toward one or more
students that seems unusual, overly friendly, or otherwise inappropriate, such information should immediately
be reported to the guidance counselor or administrator of the division.
Some examples of behaviors that should not occur and which should be reported include school employees:
Calling students at home for a non-school matter; Touching students or their clothing in non-professional ways
or inappropriate places, or touching a student with aggression or in frustration; Making comments that are too
personal (about a student’s clothing, hair, personal habits, etc.); Sending e-mails, texts, or writing notes to
students of a personal nature; Flirting or asking a student on a date; Visiting students to “hang out” in their hotel
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rooms when on field trips or sporting events or when the student’s parents are not at home; Asking students to
sit on a teacher’s lap; Telling secrets or telling the student not to tell something that’s a secret; Swearing,
making inappropriate sexual, racial/or ethnic comments; Inviting students to visit the adult’s social networking
profile or become a “friend” on a social network; Telling off-color jokes; and Dating or engaging in consensual
relationships with students.
Similarly, we expect that our parents will not take it upon themselves to address a situation with a student
relating to a disagreement with the student or the student’s parents. Loud, angry, or aggressive language or
actions will not be tolerated. Any such interaction should be reported under this policy.
INSPECTION POLICY
The School reserves the right to inspect and conduct a search of any place or item on School campus or at a
School-related event including, but not limited to, a student’s locker, book bag, backpack, vehicle, computer, or
personal electronic devices. Inspections and searches may be conducted on a routine or random basis or as
deemed necessary. Students must provide any passwords or other access required to inspect such places or
items upon request by a school administrator. Inspection of electronic devices includes laptops, phones,
cameras, and any other electronics, including the contents of same (texts, emails, photos, images, address books,
etc. whether such message or information was sent over the school’s system or any personal account such as
Yahoo, AOL, Gmail, etc.). Further, the School has the right to seize and permanently retain property disclosed
by an inspection or search which is considered potentially harmful, dangerous, illegal, or inappropriate, the
possession of which is a violation of the School’s rules, community standards, and/or local and state law.
PRINCIPLES AND EXPECTATIONS RELATING TO THE PARENT/SCHOOL RELATIONSHIP
We have ten expectations that we believe will help us to have a positive and cooperative relationship throughout
the entire school year:
(1) As a part of our joint role to help students grow and mature, parents are expected to encourage their student
to address perceived inequities appropriately and independently, including reporting if necessary.
(2) Parents must cut the constant phone ties from their students. Your child should be able to make decisions
on his/her own without the constant need for parental reinforcement. Sometimes they will make a decision that
is different from the one you would have encouraged. That’s fine too.
(3) Students must learn to seek assistance from an adult on campus for academic, athletic, or other assistance.
We have resources for your student for this purpose, including the student’s advisor, mentor, or other person
installed on campus.
(4) When parents contact the school without the student’s knowledge (“John doesn’t know I’m calling, but . .
.”), the school will need to address the issue directly with the student. We cannot promise you that we will
maintain confidentiality over your phone call. Refer to expectation number one.
(5) The school will typically investigate issues and question students without the parent’s presence. This helps
us move quickly to resolve issues.
(6) Although your student’s issue is important, concerns take time to address. Please be patient and do not call
repeatedly for an update.
(7) Please do not ask us to tell you about discipline imposed on other students. We would not disclose
discipline of your student to others and expect that you understand the same principle applies to other students.
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(8) The school will not communicate everything that occurs in the student’s daily life to a parent. We have a
lot of students under our care (including your student) that we need to ensure are safe, secure, and happy. We
expect that you would like our attention to be focused there.
(9) Neither the teachers nor the school will provide a daily email, text, or call regarding the student’s progress
or difficulties. We will communicate with you through appropriate school channels if we believe there is a
concern that you should address with your student.
(10) All communications between the parents and any person at the school must be professional, cooperative,
and appropriate. If we cannot have this type of relationship, this may not be the right school for your child.
FAMILY COOPERATION POLICY
The School believes that a positive and constructive working relationship between the School and a student’s
parents/guardians is essential to the fulfillment of the School’s educational purpose and responsibilities to its
students. If the parent’s or other family member’s behavior, communications, or interaction on or off campus
(including during School-sponsored events) is disruptive, intimidating, or overly aggressive, or reflects a loss of
confidence or serious disagreement with the School’s policies, methods of instruction, or discipline, or
otherwise seriously interferes with the School’s safety procedures, responsibilities, or accomplishment of its
educational purpose or program, the School reserves the right to dismiss the family from the community. In
addition, the School reserves the right to place restrictions on parents’ or other family members’ involvement or
activity at School, on School property, or at School-related events if the parent or other family member engages
in behavior or has a status (such as a criminal conviction) that would reasonably suggest that such restrictions
may be appropriate for the community.
PAYMENT OF TUITION AND FEES
The School strives to provide the highest quality education while maintaining affordable fees. We depend on
the timely payment of tuition and registration fees to cover our obligations. Enrolling your child requires a
financial commitment much like any other major purchase. Please make School tuition a budget priority.
Failure to make tuition/fee payments by the contractual dates may result in a child being removed from School
or not being allowed to take examinations. Transcripts and student records cannot be forwarded to another
School if there is an outstanding balance in his/her account, or if there are other outstanding debts.
STUDENT RECORDS AND INFORMATION
Requests for student records and transcripts must be directed in writing to the School Office. The School
reserves the right to withhold student transcripts and records for non-payment of tuition or fees. The School
will also require the parent to sign a consent form before a student’s transcript or other records/information will
be released.
The School makes reasonable efforts to ensure that both natural parents (or legal guardians) receive
substantially the same information (transcripts, records, appointments, etc.). The School must rely upon the
correctness and completeness of parental information when the student is enrolled. In situations of divorced or
separated parents, if one parent believes that the other parent is not entitled to receive certain information, the
parent wishing to restrict information provided by the School must provide the School with a court order that is
still in effect that specifically restricts the other parent from receiving such information.
CHILD SAFETY FROM SEXUAL OFFENDERS AND PREDATORS
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), sexual perpetrators are
commonly people the parents/guardians or children know, and these people may be in a position of trust or
responsibility to a child and family.
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Because of our concern for student safety, all employees, and those parents who volunteer for School activities
with unsupervised access to our students, are screened through the School’s criminal background process.
Although the School performs such screenings, the School cannot attest to the background of the various
parents whom their child may associate with away from School.
To keep their children safer, parents should talk openly to their children about safety issues. Parents should
know their children’s friends and be clear with their children about the places and homes that their children
visit. Children should be taught that they have the right to say no to any unwelcome, uncomfortable, or
confusing touching or actions by others and to get out of those situations as quickly as possible.
Parents should regularly visit the public registry to check out individuals for prior criminal records and sex
offenses. Information concerning registered sex offenders and predators in Florida may be obtained by
visitinghttp://www.fdle.state.fl.us, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Sexual Offenders database.
Information may also be obtained by contacting the FDLE’s toll free telephone number: 1-888-FL-PREDATOR
(1-888-357-7332). To view a map of registered sex offenders living within a five mile radius of any given
address, parents should visithttp://www.familywatchdog.us. To learn about additional child safety tips and links
to child and internet safety sites and searches, parents should visit the Florida Attorney General website
athttp://myfloridalegal.com.
VISITORS
Parents or guardians who need to visit campus during School hours are asked to follow these guidelines:
Make an Appointment: If you are coming to see an administrator or a faculty member, please call to make an
appointment in advance.
Check-in in the main office: When you arrive on campus, please report directly to the main office for
authorization. If you need to proceed from there to any other part of the campus you will be issued a visitor
badge.
I.D. Check: If you are asking to see your son or daughter, please do not be offended if you are asked to show
identification. This is a safety measure intended to protect your children.
Please Note: For the safety and security of our students, anyone seen on campus during School hours without a
visitor badge will be reminded to obtain one or asked to leave campus.
PET POLICY
Due to concerns about the health, safety, and welfare of people in the School community, no animals are
allowed on School property. This means that animals may not be brought onto School property for any reason
including School parking, parties, games, and activities, and may not be brought to School-related events on or
off campus.
This policy is in no way intended to restrict access to the campus to service dogs, other animals specifically
trained to aid individuals with disabilities, or to act as therapeutic/educational elements on campus. However,
proper documentation will be required at the gate in order to allow access onto our campus.
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1 STUDENT/PARENT UPPER SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2015

Transcription

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