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Frank C. Martin International K-8 Center

Website: http://fcmartin.dadeschools.net

14250 Boggs Drive

Miami, Florida 33176

Phone: (305) 238-3688

Fax: (305) 232-4068

Felicia K. Joseph Head of School

Jacqueline A. Theriault Robert D. Hoel Elyse Waronker

Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Program Coordinator

Elementary School Hours:

Pre-K and Kindergarten: 8:20 A.M. – 1:50 P.M. Monday-Friday First through Fifth Grade: 8:35 A.M. - 3:05 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

8:35 A.M. – 1:50 P.M. Wednesday

This agenda book belongs to:

Name: _______________________________________

Homeroom Teacher: ____________________________

Room #: _____________________________________

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Frank C. Martin International K-8 Center 2016-2017

Florida’s First International Baccalaureate Organization Primary Years Programme

Mission Statement

All stakeholders are committed to the advancement of students’ academic, emotional, social and physical well

being within a supportive, creative, and flexible environment in which children learn to think globally and act

compassionately.

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome, Bienvenidos, Bienvenue. It is our pleasure to welcome you and your child to Frank C. Martin International

K-8 Center for the 2016-2017 school year! We are proud to announce that we were again recognized as a Magnet

School of Excellence by the Magnet Schools of America during the past school year, and also recognized as an A+ from

the Florida Department of Education, for the 15th consecutive year. Our accolades continue to grow because of the

efforts of our hardworking students, outstanding teachers and dedicated family members. We are honored to have you as

a member of the FCM K-8 family and are confident that we will continue on our path of excellence.

The constant commitment and enthusiasm of the administration and staff continue to sustain an environment where

incredible learning and understanding take place. We are pleased that you have chosen Frank C. Martin International K-

8 Center to be your child’s educational institution, where building the whole child is our goal. By working together, we

can continue to make Frank C. Martin International K-8 Center the extraordinary school that it has proven to be.

This student/parent handbook and daily planner has been given to you for information about the daily operation of our

school. This book is also referred to as the “Agenda Book”. All students in grades 1st through 5th are required to record

their home learning assignments in this book, and it is also used for communication between school and home. The

principal or teacher(s) may ask your child to present this book as evidence of progress, and it has been proven to be a

useful tool during school conferencing. It is through this Agenda Book that students are guided and encouraged to be

organized in their studies. Additional information will come to you at various times during the year. Please make sure

that you keep all school related information in a secure place for easy reference.

You are encouraged to stay abreast of the school events. Visit the school website at www.fcmartin.dadeschools.net

regularly; join us on our school’s Facebook page; follow us on Twitter and place your email on the PTSA email tree.

We would like to extend an invitation to you to attend all school programs, become an active participant in the PTSA

and its volunteer programs, and become involved in continuing to make Frank C. Martin International K-8 Center one of

the finest institutions in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Working together, we can make a difference!

Felicia K. Joseph, Head of School

Frank C. Martin International K-8 Center

Inspiring Brilliance in each child!

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Six Easy Steps for Using Your Student Agenda:

1. Copy home learning assignments neatly and clearly from the board in the space provided.

2. Read through your home learning assignments carefully. If there is something in an assignment you do

not understand, ask your teacher about it.

3. Have your home learning buddy check your agenda once you have read and written your assignment.

4. Check off your home learning once you have completed each job.

5. Ask your parents to sign your agenda once all of your assignments are finished.

6. Put your completed work in a folder in your backpack so you can hand in your assignments to your

teacher on time.

Emergency Contact Phone Numbers:

Study Buddies’ Telephone Numbers:

Other Important Numbers:

Primary Years Programme Contract

Your child has been accepted to the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme at Frank C. Martin

International K-8 Center for the 2015-2016 school year. Our program is rigorous and challenging with specific

criteria to be met. At Frank C. Martin International K-8 Center, all students are expected to maintain the

program requirements:

attend school daily. (Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 8:35 a.m. -3:05 p.m. & Wednesday 8:35 a.m. -1:50 p.m.)

arrive on time and stay until the school day ends.

depart on time, unless participating in supervised extracurricular activities.

maintain an academic grade of “C” or better in ALL subjects.

maintain a conduct grade of ”C” or better in ALL subjects.

complete and turn in all homework and class assignments in a timely manner.

adhere to the expectations of the Student Code of Conduct.

wear a school uniform, with the official logo properly affixed and neatly tucked, every day.

It is vital that parents, as well as students, comply with these requirements for the program to be successful. If a

student is unable to meet the above criteria, he or she will be placed on probation and a conference will be

scheduled. Continued failure to maintain the required criteria will result in the student being exited from the

program. All criteria must be met and maintained for students to remain in the program.

Student progress is reviewed a minimum of four times per academic school year. Parents will be given written

notification when student performance is deficient. While annual applications are not required for continued

enrollment, maintenance of the above criteria is reviewed to determine promotion within the program each year.

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ATTENDANCE POLICY – School Board Policy 5200

Student attendance is a means of improving student performance and critical in raising student achievement. Together, the

staff of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, students, parents and the community must make every effort to lessen the

loss of instructional time to students.

Excused School and Class Absences and Tardies

1. Student illness: Students missing 5 or more consecutive days of school due to illness or injury are required to provide

a written statement from a health care provider. The written statement must include all days the student has been

absent from school.

2. Medical appointment: If a student is absent from school due to a medical appointment, a written statement from a

health care provider indicating the date and time of the appointment, must be submitted.

3. Death of a family member.

4. Observance of a religious holiday or service.

5. School-sponsored event or educational enrichment activity that is not a school-sponsored event, as determined and

approved by the principal. The student must receive advance written permission from the principal.

6. Subpoena by law enforcement agency or mandatory court appearance.

7. Outdoor suspensions or Assignment to the Diversion Center

Unexcused School Absence

Any absence that does not fall into one of the above excused absence categories is to be considered unexcused. Any

student who has been absent from school will be marked unexcused until he/she submits required documentation as

specified above. Documentation must include the student’s first and last name, student I.D. number, homeroom teacher

name and dates of absence. Failure to provide required documentation within three school days upon the return to

school will result in an unexcused absence.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

1. Classes in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten begin at promptly at 8:20 a.m. First through fifth grade classes begin

promptly at 8:35 a.m. Parents/visitors are expected to exit the classrooms at the start of the school day, which is

indicated by the bell.

2. The supervision of students begins at 7:45 a.m. until 8:25 a.m. Arrival prior to 7:45 a.m. presents a safety risk to

the student and may jeopardize continued enrollment at FCM. Kindergarten through 2nd grade students are

supervised in the school cafetorium. Third through 5th grade students are supervised in International Plaza.

Students/Parents may not wait within the hallway or at the classroom door for the start of class in the morning.

3. Arrival to the classroom after the 8:35 a.m. bell means the student is tardy. Students who are tardy must be

accompanied to the office by a parent to pick up a late pass, and then walked to their class.

4. If a student is in the hallway during the opening exercises, the student should stop, stand at attention for the flag

ceremony and show respect as the National Anthem is played.

5. Teachers supervise students to assigned exits at dismissal time. Students are to follow instructions applicable to their

personal circumstance, e.g. after-school care, bus pick-up location, parent pick-up procedure. Parents, please refer to

the Traffic Safety Procedures included in this agenda book. Students will be directed by school personnel to their

assigned areas for pick-up.

6. Any change in your child’s normal dismissal arrangements must be made in writing or in person to the classroom

teacher or main office. Phone requests will not be approved to ensure the safety of our students. 7. All students who have not been picked up by 3:15 p.m. will be escorted to the After School Care Program. AN

ADULT MUST SIGN OUT THE STUDENT(S). Parents who find it difficult to pick their child up by dismissal

time, should consider enrolling their child in the After School Care program. Forms are available in the elementary

school office. Continued late pick-up of students will jeopardize their enrollment at FCM K-8.

8. Before and After-School Care is operated by Frank C. Martin International K-8 Center. The After School Care

Manager can be reached via the main office at (305) 238-3688. Hours of service are as follows:

Before-School– Daily 7:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Story Hour (Not Wed) 1:50 p.m. – 3:05 p.m.

After-School (Daily) 1:50 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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EARLY DISMISSAL

If a student must leave early, a parent or legal guardian, or their designee, must come to the office to sign the student out.

Proper identification (picture I.D.) must be presented before a student will be released. The student will not be released

from class until identification has been verified and the adult is present in the office.

District policy requires that a student MUST be present for at least two (2) hours per day to be considered in

attendance. Sign-out prior to 10:35 a.m. will result in a marked absence for the day. Kindergarten students will

NOT be released after 1:20 p.m. Students in Grades 1-5 will NOT be released after 2:35 p.m. (or after 1:20 pm on

Wednesdays). All early dismissals will be documented in the school’s attendance system, and excessive releases

may affect academic grades and/or continued enrollment.

RAINY DAY DISMISSAL

Before leaving for school in the morning, your child should be aware of arrangements for getting back home in case of

inclement weather. Only emergency telephone calls to parents will be permitted.

BULLYING/HARRASSMENT

In compliance with Florida Legislature House Bill 669, Miami Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is

committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students. To this end, M-DCPS is dedicated to

eradicating bullying and harassment in its schools by providing awareness, prevention and education in

promoting a school atmosphere in which bullying, harassment, and intimidation will not be tolerated by students, school

board employees, visitors, or volunteers. It is the policy of the Miami-Dade County Public School District that all of its

students and school employees have an educational setting that is safe, secure and free from harassment and bullying of

any kind. The district will not tolerate bullying and harassment.

Bullying is defined as systematically and chronically, inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more

students or school employees. It is further defined as a pattern of unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or physical

behavior, including any threatening, insulting, dehumanizing gesture by an adult or student, that is severe or pervasive

enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliations; or

unreasonably interfere with the individual’s school performance or participation that includes a noted power differential.

CAFETORIUM

1. Breakfast is FREE for all Miami-Dade County students. Lunch may be purchased for $2.25. (subject to change)

2. Free/Reduced rate lunch applications are available in the PYP main office for your convenience. Applications must be

completed at the start of each school year and is available at https://freeandreducedmealapp.dadeschools.net/

3. For those bringing lunch, milk may be purchased for 50 cents, juice for 25 cents or a juice bar for 50 cents.

4. Children allergic to milk may substitute the drink for juice when buying lunch, provided a doctor’s written permission

is on file with the cafetorium.

5. Prepaid Lunches: Lunch may be prepaid on the first day of each week or via the paypams online system. The food

service manager will collect monies in the cafetorium. The prepaid lunch plan minimizes problems of lost money.

Online payments may be made by visiting www.paypams.com.

Students are asked to observe the following cafetorium rules so that order may be maintained:

Sit at your assigned table.

Demonstrate good table manners, including quiet conversation only.

Leave the floor and table clean for the next group of students.

Show respect to all adults who are there to assist students.

Do not share or play with food.

CELL PHONES AND OTHER WIRELESS DEVICES IN SCHOOL:

Students may possess, display and use wireless communication/technology devices before or after school hours.

Students are permitted use of technology devices during authorized instructional activities as deemed appropriate

by the classroom teacher.

Students must ensure that electronic devices are turned off and put away during the instructional day.

The school is not responsible if a student’s wireless communication/technology device is lost, damaged or stolen.

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CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT - School Board Policy 5500)

Parents should know the disciplinary code or policy of the school. The most effective rules are those decided upon by

everyone – students, teachers, administrators and parents, and enforced by all.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is committed to providing a safe teaching and learning environment for

students, staff, and members of the community. The School Board approved a newly revised Code of Student Conduct

(COSC) in 2015. The revised COSC identifies, recognizes, and rewards model student behavior within a framework of

clearly established and enforceable rules and policies. It advocates a holistic approach to promoting and maintaining a

safe learning environment and requires active participation from students, parents/guardians, and school staff. Students

and parents/guardians can access the English, Haitian/Creole, and Spanish versions of the document on the M-DCPS

Website located at: http://ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/90/index.htm or you may request a copy from your child’s

school. CONFERENCES – PARENT/TEACHER

When students are having problems in class, whether academically, emotionally or behaviorally, parents are

encouraged to contact the teacher for a conference.

A telephone conference may solve the problem. Parents can leave a message for their child’s teacher by

calling the office at (305) 238-3688 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A message will be

taken and the teacher will return the call within 48 hours.

Parents who want to meet with the teacher can call, e-mail or send a note in the student agenda

requesting an appointment at a time convenient to both the parent and teacher. Teachers will not be

called from class for an unscheduled conference.

When arriving at school for a conference, parents should first come to the office to receive a visitor’s

pass.

Please do not expect to have a conference while a teacher is responsible for supervising students. Please

do not expect the teacher to have a conference at the classroom door while students are in the classroom.

Conferences may be held during the school day, depending upon the teacher’s schedule.

DRESS CODE AND UNIFORM POLICY

Frank C. Martin K-8 Center is a mandatory uniform school. We will enforce a strict dress code. Students are required to

wear our school uniform each day they are in school. To be in compliance students must have the school logo properly

affixed to all tops, and shirts must be tucked in neatly at all times. A student who wears items of clothing or accessories

which distract the attention from instruction shall be required to change clothing or remove the accessory to eliminate the

distraction. Other clothing issues such as size and/or fit will be considered on an individual basis and acceptability will be

determined at the discretion of administration. Uniform requirements are as follows:

TOPS BOTTOMS

COLORS White or Maroon Khaki, Navy, Maroon/Gray Plaid

FORMS Blouse or Polo

(School T-Shirt may be worn Wednesday)

Pants, Shorts, Skorts, Sweatpants (Navy Only)

Jackets/Sweaters/Sweatshirts may be worn at any time providing that they comply with the uniform policy. Outer wear

MUST be plain NAVY BLUE or GRAY. ABSOLUTELY NO MARKINGS, DESIGNS OR INSIGNIAS may be

printed on outer wear. Approved hooded sweatshirts are available for purchase through our approved vendor.

Appropriate shoes are required. No metal cleats, clogs, thongs, sandals, Heelys, or other shoes without back straps will be

permitted. Hats worn for religious purposes are permissible.

Articles of clothing which are prohibited include, but are not limited to, shirts with inappropriate images/messages,

spaghetti straps, tube tops, spandex leggings, hats/visors and bandanas.

Required uniforms may be purchased from our preferred vendor:

IBILEY Uniforms & More

11530 SW 120 Street Miami, Fl 33176

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Uniforms may also be purchased through the FCM K-8 PTSA School Store.

Failure to comply with the mandatory uniform policy will result in:

1. Parent Notification for a change of clothing

2. Administrative Detention

3. Exclusion from extracurricular activities

4. Possible exit from the PYP Programme

DRUGS/WEAPONS

Under no circumstances are students to bring drugs, cigarettes, mood modifying substances, etc. to school. Weapons,

including – but not limited to – knives, guns (real or toy), or any device that could inflict injury or harm to others are not

permitted. Violation of these rules will result in an automatic 10-day suspension and possible expulsion from school.

FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-380) grants parents complete access to their

children’s records, the right to inspect and review the contents of their records and the right to partially control the release

of information from the records. Upon receiving a written request from the parent or guardian, the administration has a

period of forty-five (45) days within which to schedule the conference. Only school administrators can schedule this

conference. The administrative procedures established by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools have been revised to

comply with the law.

FIELD TRIPS

Students must have permission from their parents, in writing, on the original approved form before they will be

permitted to attend any trip sponsored by the school. All chaperones must be approved school volunteers. No underage

children or other siblings may attend a school field trip. Permission forms and fees are to be submitted by the designated

deadline. No forms or fees will be accepted after the deadline set by the trip sponsors. Cash is the only accepted form of

payment for field trip fees. Teachers and administration reserves the right to exclude students from participation based on

conduct and/or academic progress.

FIRE DRILLS AND EVACUATION OF THE BUILDING

The purpose of a fire drill is to train students to evacuate the school efficiently so that in a real emergency, students will

react automatically without wasting time in panic or confusion. For this purpose, drills are scheduled each month. Treat

fire drills seriously and be prepared.

HOME LEARNING

Home learning is an integral factor in fostering the academic achievement of students. Regular home learning provides

the opportunity for developmental practice, drill, the application of skills already learned the development of independent

study skills, enrichment activities, and self-discipline. Home learning should provide reinforcement and extension of

class instruction and should serve as a basis for further study and preparation for future class assignments. Failure to

complete home learning assignments will affect the student’s effort grade.

Students will be responsible for:

1. copying assignments in the agenda daily;

2. reviewing the agenda prior to the start of the assignment;

3. completing assigned home learning as directed;

4. returning home learning assignments which reflect quality work to the teacher by the designated time;

5. obtaining parent’s initials next to the written assignment in this agenda book when requested.

Parent’s Responsibilities Include: 1. providing continued interest and concern to encourage and support the child in his/her performance;

2. indicating an interest in assignments and assisting if possible, when requested by the child, but not to include

performing the work for the child;

3. supporting the school with regard to assigned homework;

4. requesting assignments for students when short term absences are involved;

5. signing or initialing the daily assignment in this agenda book if requested by the teacher.

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Individual classroom policies are established by Grade Level Teams. Parents are informed through written notices of the

expected student requirements.

HONOR ROLL QUALIFICATIONS (District Determined)

Principal’s Honor Roll Academic and Conduct average of 4.0. Effort grades all 1’s

Superior Honor Roll Academic and Conduct average of 3.6. Effort grades 1’s/2’s

No grades below “B” in academics or conduct

Regular Honor Roll Academic average of 3.5. Conduct average of 3.0. Effort grades of 1’s/2’s.

No grades below “B” in academics or conduct

Grades Scale Point Verbal Interpretation

A 90-100 3.50-4.00 Outstanding progress

B 80-89 2.50-3.49 Above average progress

C 70-79 1.50-2.49 Average progress

D 60-69 1.00-1.49 Lowest acceptable progress

F 0-59 0.00-0.99 Failure

Z 0 0 No effort has been made to complete assignment

ILLNESS OR ACCIDENT

Children with minor illnesses, such as headaches or stomachaches, are allowed to rest in the office for fifteen minutes and

then must return to class. If a student is too ill to return to class, or has been involved in an accident, parents will be

notified and asked to pick up their child. In the event a parent/guardian cannot be reached or depending on the severity of

illness/injury emergency medical personnel will be alerted.

Note: Students who must take medication daily while at school must have a form, available in the school office,

completed by their doctor and on file in the school office. Medication must be kept and administered in the office. No

liquid medicine or cold/flu medicines will be administered.

IMPORTANT: For your child’s safety, if there are any changes in your emergency contact information, you must submit

corrections in writing or come to the office to make the corrections.

LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES

In the event of an emergency, the primary responsibility of all school personnel is to provide for the safety of all students.

In the event a school administrator announces a possible threat to students and staff safety exists within the community

(Code Yellow), or an imminent threat to students and staff safety exists within the school (Code Red) students, faculty and

staff will comply with all the procedures outlined in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Critical Incident Response

Plan and remain on lockdown until a school administrator makes an “All Clear” announcement.

LOST AND FOUND

Students should take any found items to the school office. If you lose something, please check in the main office to claim

your possession. Mark all personal items brought to school with the student’s name for easy identification. Unclaimed

articles are donated to needy organizations at the end of each grading period.

NON-SUFFICIENT FUNDS POLICY (NSF)

Upon receipt of the NSF advice from the bank, immediate payment by money order plus a 2nd money order for $6.50 bank

fee (subject to change) must be paid. Once the school has received notification of an issued NSF check only payments in

the form of MONEY ORDER will be accepted from the issuer for all areas of the school from that day forward.

PARTIES

Miami-Dade County Public Schools are authorized to hold two (2) parties during the school year. They are the

winter holiday party and the end-of-the-year party. Parties are planned and coordinated by the classroom teacher

with the help of parent volunteers. Individual student parties are not permitted in the classroom.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All second through fifth grade students are required to participate in physical education unless a doctor’s note is on

file in the school office. Students are asked to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for these activities.

TELEPHONE USAGE

Telephones in the school office are for school business only. Students and parents should make any necessary

arrangements before leaving home each day so that phone calls will not be necessary during the school day. Phone

messages may be left for your child’s teacher. Calls will not be transferred into the classroom during instructional hours.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Student and employee safety is a primary concern of the Miami-Dade County Public School (M-DCPS) System. The

Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) was created to provide school personnel with the necessary leadership skills and

knowledge needed to respond to critical incidents or other related emergencies that may occur in our schools /community.

Some of the protective action procedures include the evacuation of students/staff from the building(s) and if necessary the

relocation of students/staff from the school campus, lockdown procedures and holding/dismissing students during school

and community emergencies. Some important tips for parent/guardians to remember during a Critical Incident are as

follows:

Remain calm;

Monitor media outlets for updates and official messages from M-DCPS;

Do not flood the school with telephone calls; and

If the school is on lockdown, wait until the lockdown is lifted before going to the school.

All school administrators, Region Center Superintendents/Directors and all M-DCPS Police officers have been adequately

trained in the school EOP and are prepared to respond immediately during a critical incident or emergency to provide

safety for all children.

SCHOOL RULES (GENERAL):

Parents should support the school rules. Just as at home, classrooms and schools must have established rules of conduct.

Students should know that their parents expect them to follow school rules. If your child’s teacher reports a discipline

problem, talk with your child and the teacher, and then work on a solution together.

1. Students show respect for themselves, for others and their possessions, for our school and everything in it.

2. Students keep hands, feet and other objects to themselves.

3. Students use acceptable language.

4. Students follow directions.

5. Students do not prevent the teacher from teaching or other students from learning.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND BEHAVIOR

When students show that they are proud of their school, they are showing pride in themselves.

It is the students’ responsibility:

1. to take proper care of books, materials, equipment, desks and the school building;

2. to protect grass and plants by using walkways;

3. to help keep the grounds clean;

4. to always walk in the building to prevent accidents;

5. to get a pass from the teacher if it is necessary to be in the halls unsupervised;

6. to show respect for all adults and children at F. C. Martin International K-8 Center;

7. to bring all necessary supplies, assignments etc., designated by teachers;

8. to bring only appropriate sums of money to school to buy lunch or cover field trip expenses;

9. to leave electronics, toys, candy, chewing gum, weapons or other unnecessary items at home;

10. to exercise self-discipline and self control at all times.

Students who violate school rules or are repeated discipline problems may be subject to the following actions:

1. If a teacher is unable to gain a student’s cooperation, parents will be contacted.

2. A teacher may assign a detention. Parents will be given 24 hours notice.

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3. Students who continue to present discipline problems will be sent to the Principal or Assistant Principal.

4. Administration will refer to the Code of Student Conduct to determine disciplinary action.

5. Students who still continue to violate rules and are repeated discipline problems may be exited from the

program.

TRAFFIC-SAFETY PROCEDURE Due to our concern for the safety of all Frank C. Martin International K-8 Center students, the PTSA and school staff have

developed a traffic-safety procedure, which will be utilized for all students. This procedure is the same every day, rain or

shine. The cooperation of all drivers is needed to ensure we provide a safe environment for our students, so please take a

moment to read the information below.

Parent Pick-Up locations: Front of PYP Building Grades K – 3 (4th-8th grade students with primary grade siblings)

Front of MYP Building Grades 4 – 8

1. NO parking in loading zones or bus zones.

2. Parents arriving early for pick-up are permitted to wait in their stopped vehicle until the dismissal bell rings.

3. Absolutely no drop off, pick-up or parking in any of the faculty parking lots. Parking and/or walking across

the faculty parking lot is PROHIBITED.

4. All cars must form a line and move around the circular driveway in front of the school. No left turns are allowed

into or out of the driveway at dismissal.

5. Parent volunteers and teachers will call for the students when their car arrives.

6. The car will immediately move forward and enter the driving lane.

7. Students must wait in the designated, supervised areas only and may enter cars when they have come to a full stop

in the passenger-loading zone.

8. If a student is not immediately available, the driver must move the car forward to wait while remaining in the car.

9. Once students begin entering vehicles, unloaded cars will be expected to drive forward and reenter the lane at the

end of the line to allow for traffic to move smoothly.

10. On rainy days, students will wait in the corridor until they are called to come to their cars. Please provide your

children with a raincoat / poncho that can be kept in their book bag.

11. Double parking is against the law. Do not park in private driveways. Obey the posted “No Parking” signs.

12. All students who have not been picked up by 2:10 or 3:25 will be taken to the front office to wait for parents. An

adult must sign out the student(s). The office closes at 4:00 p.m. Parents who find it difficult to pick their child up

by dismissal time should consider enrolling their students in the After School Care program. Forms are available in

the office.

13. When students arrive in the morning, they are to go to the designated wait area to be supervised and wait for their

homeroom teacher to pick them up. Students who wish to eat breakfast may proceed to the cafetorium to be served

breakfast (7:30-8:15 am daily). Supervision begins at 7:45. Kindergarten through second grade students are to wait

in the cafetorium. Third through fifth grade students are to wait in International Plaza. All students must wait in

their designated areas and are not permitted to roam the hallways before the school day begins.

BUS INFORMATION

Transportation availability is limited and may not be available to all students.

The school system provides transportation to and from school for pupils in our transportation zone. If you are eligible for

transportation, you will receive a bus pass with the bus route, location and time of pick up and drop off. Make sure you

write this information on a separate piece of paper. This card must be presented to the bus driver when entering the bus.

Pupils are expected to remain in their seats, keep arms and heads inside the bus and conduct themselves in an orderly

manner. If a child does not comply with the rules, he/she will be suspended from the bus for a period of time. Riding the

bus is a privilege and requires certain responsibilities on the part of the students.

If you have recently moved, make sure you have a change of address on file with the school for transportation purposes.

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IB programs promote the education of the whole person, emphasizing intellectual, personal, emotional and

social growth through all domains of knowledge.

The IB Primary Years Programme, for students aged 3 to 12, focuses on the development of the whole child as

an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It is a framework guided by six transdisciplinary

themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subject areas, as well as

transdisciplinary skills, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning.

The attributes of the learner profile express the values inherent to the IB continuum of international education.

These values are infused into all three IB programmes, and are the connecting thread of all IB World Schools.

The Six Transdisciplinary Themes of the Primary Years Programme:

Who We Are – An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, social and

spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and

responsibilities; what it means to be human.

Where We Are in Place and Time – An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories;

homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships

between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.

How We Express Ourselves – An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas,

feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our

creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

How the World Works – An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the

natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of

scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and the environment.

How We Organize Ourselves – An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and

communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities

and their impact on humankind and the environment.

Sharing the Planet – An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources

with other people and other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them;

access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

Frank C. Martin International K-8 Center is the proud home of Florida’s first authorized

International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

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The Learner Profile

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their

common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet help to create a better and more peaceful world.

IB learners strive to be:

Inquirers They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct

inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of

learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In

so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding

across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

Thinkers They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to

recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in

more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly

in collaboration with others.

Principled They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and

respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own

actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Open-minded They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are

open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed

to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

Caring They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of

others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of

others and to the environment.

Courageous They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and

have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in

defending their beliefs.

Balanced They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to

achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

Reflective They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are

able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal

development.

The IB learner profile © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

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The Primary Years Programme Curriculum Model:

What do we want to learn? The PYP strives for a balance between the search for understanding, the acquisition of essential knowledge and

skills, the development of positive attitudes and the opportunity for positive action. In terms of achieving this

balance, the PYP emphasizes five components of the written curriculum. These are referred to as the essential

elements.

The Essential Elements of the PYP Written Curriculum:

Concepts

Powerful ideas that have relevance within and across the disciplines and which students must explore and

re-explore in order to develop understanding.

Knowledge

Significant, relevant, subject matter we wish the students to explore and know about.

Skills

Those things the students need to be able to do in order to succeed in our changing and challenging world.

Attitudes

Dispositions, which are expressions of fundamental values, beliefs and feelings about learning, the

environment, and people.

Action

Demonstrations of deeper understanding in responsible behavior through positive action and service, a

manifestation in practice of the other essential elements.

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Attitudes in the Primary Years Programme

While recognizing the importance of knowledge, concepts and skills, these alone do not make an

internationally minded person. Therefore, we focus on the development of personal attitudes towards

people, towards the environment and towards learning, attitudes that contribute to the well-being of the

person and of the group.

We encourage our PYP students to demonstrate:

Appreciation Appreciating the wonder and beauty of the world and its people.

Commitment Being committed to their own learning, persevering and showing self-discipline and

responsibility.

Confidence Feeling confident in their ability as learners, having the courage to take risks,

applying what they have learned and making appropriate choices and decisions.

Cooperation Cooperating, collaborating, and leading or following as the situation demands.

Creativity Being creative and imaginative in their thinking and in their approach to problems

and dilemmas.

Curiosity Being curious about the nature of learning, about the world, its people and cultures.

Empathy Imagining themselves in another’s situation in order to understand his or her

reasoning and emotions, so as to be open-minded and reflective about the

perspectives of others.

Enthusiasm Enjoying learning and willingly putting the effort into the process.

Independence Thinking and acting independently, making their own judgements based on

reasoned argument, and being able to defend their judgements.

Integrity Being honest and demonstrating a sense of fairness.

Respect Respecting themselves, others and the world around them.

Tolerance Being sensitive about differences and diversity in the world and being responsive to

the needs of others.

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