1. Middle School Orientation 2019-20
Somerset Academy
Middle School Orientation

2. Charter Schools What is a charter school?
Independent public schools of choice created on the basis of an agreement between a group of school organizers (Academica) and a sponsoring body (Broward County Public Schools). They are among the fastest growing educational choice options for students in Florida since the first five charter schools were opened in Charter schools have grown from 5 to over 654 schools with a total enrollment over 283,000 students.

3. Staff Dr. Bernardo Montero, Principal
Dr. Walkiria Soberon, Vice Principal
Karina Iber, Vice Principal
Christie Cardoso, Assistant Principal
Lisa Acevedo, Lead Teacher
Jessica Wright, 6th – 8th Grades (A-L)
Melissa Villalona, 6th – 8th Grades (M-Z)

4. Middle School Curriculum
8 period Block Schedule:
A Days: 1,2,3,4 /B Days: 5,6,7,8
High School Courses:
World Languages courses
Math courses
Science courses
Somerset Arts Conservatory (HS Option)
Remedial, on-grade level and advanced curriculum
Summer Reading

5. New Programs at Somerset Academy!

6. Project Lead The Way provides transformative learning experiences for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S. by creating an engaging, hands-on classroom environment that empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills they need to thrive.
Flight & Space
Automation & Robotics
Computer Science
App Creators
Design & Modeling
Biomedical
Human Body Systems

7. The Cambridge advanced level courses are equivalent to those of Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB). AICE not only prepares students to get into a university with up to 45 hours of college credit, but it also provides them with the skills required to be successful once there. The AICE Diploma is an award for the completion of a specific number and type of classes that are recognized at many universities throughout the US. Students who reside in Florida and earn an AICE Diploma (and complete the required number of community service hours) are eligible for the Bright Futures Scholarship, regardless of GPA and SAT/ACT scores.

8. Somerset Academy Charter High School is one of approximately 1,800 schools worldwide to implement the AP Capstone™ Diploma program―an innovative program that allows students to develop the skills that matter most for college success, such as research, collaboration, and communication. The program consists of two courses taken in sequence: AP® Seminar and AP Research. Students who score a 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing earn the AP Capstone Diploma™. This signifies outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. Students who score a 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research (but not on four additional AP Exams) earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™.

9. HUMANITIES, COMMUNICATION & DESIGN
​​​​​​​Digital Design: ADOBE Illustrator, ADOBE Photoshop, ADOBE InDesign,MOS Bundle,
CAPE College Credits
TV Production Technology
•ADOBE Premiere
•ADOBE Flash CAPE College Credits
•MOS Bundle CAPE College Credits
Business Management & Analysis
•MOS Bundle CAPE College Credits
•Intuit Quickbooks  CAPE College Credits
Health and Wellness
•MOS CAPE College Credits
Early Childhood Education  
•MOS Bundle CAPE College Credits •Child Development Associate CAPE College Credits  
Emergency Medical Response
•EMR Certified
•MOS Bundle CAPE College Credits  

10. Main Office
The office in Building A is the Main Office for the entire campus. Students that arrive late or leave early must have their parent sign them in/out in this office Parents/visitors must sign-in in the Main Office and present a valid identification before entering the campus. The guard gate on Somerset Way will check-in visitors and direct them where to go.

11. Monitoring Academic Progress
Progress/Interim Reports are issued at the halfway mark of the grading period.
Report Cards are issued at the end of each grading period.
Parents can check website for access to the grade book in order to monitor daily progress.
Tutoring is provided by our Honor Societies on selected days.

12. Staff Communication All teachers have an email and a webpage
Please contact teacher/or counselor to discuss specific course concerns
Please do not approach teachers during instruction
Check school website in order to keep current with daily school activities and information about your child’s classes

13. FSA: Florida Standards Assessments
Writing: Grades 5-11th
Reading: Grades 5-11th
Math: Grades 5-8th
Science: Grade 8 (FCAT 2.0)
Dates:
Writing: April 1 -14, 2020
Reading, Math, Science: May 1 -29, 2020
After School, Pull-Out, and FSA Boot Camp Programs Available
*Dates are subject to change

14. Promotion Requirements
Must pass 4 out of 7 classes with a “D” average or better
Must pass 4 core classes
Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
7th grade students will take an End of Course exam for Civics
8th grade students must complete a PAC plan (Personal Academic Career Plan) in US History class

15. Attendance Compulsory Attendance
F.S The School Attendance Review Committee will target 5 excused or unexcused absences and excessive absences.
Ages 6-16

16. Broward County Attendance Policies
A pattern of non-attendance is established when the student has missed 5 days (excused or unexcused).
May be accumulated by tardiness, early sign- outs, or daily absences
Once a pattern of non-attendance has been established, a statement must be provided to the school to explain the pattern. F.S

17. Please note the school requires proper documentation!
Excused Absences
Illness of student;
Illness of immediate family member;
Death in the family;
Religious holidays of the student’s own faith;
Required court appearance/subpoena;
Scheduled medical/dental appointment.
Please try your best to schedule medical appointments outside of instructional time.
Please note the school requires proper documentation!

18. Consequences
Schools are required to collaborate with local and state agencies that are involved in truancy prevention, intervention, and judicial action.
No grade for course

19. Returning to School Students have two days to make up assignments.
Students who are externally suspended cannot make up assignments unless student participates in an alternative suspension program.
Students should bring a note to school to excuse the absence. This note is to be handed to the attendance clerk in the main office.

20. Tardiness/Early Sign-out
Tardiness/early sign-out is disruptive to the learning environment and can have a negative impact on student achievement.
No students shall be released within the final 60 minutes of school.
Traffic Issues

21. After School Supervision
According to Florida state law, the school is responsible for students only 30 minutes prior to and 30 minutes after a school activity. Due to these supervision restrictions, we urge all students to ARRIVE ON SCHOOL CAMPUS AFTER 7:30am AND TO BE OFF CAMPUS BY 3:30pm (1:45pm during early release days), unless the student is attending a school-sponsored activity. Students who stay after school must be under the strict supervision of a faculty or staff member and must remain in their designated areas for tutoring, make-up work, practices, and/or rehearsals.
To ensure the safety of our students during after school hours, at 4:00pm (regular school days)/ 2:00pm (early release days), any high school student that is not under the direct supervision of a faculty member must vacate the campus. Any elementary or middle school student that is not under the direct supervision of a faculty member will be placed in LEAP. Students will be charged $20 per day if taken to LEAP. Parents will assume responsibility for all fees that are accrued. All students placed in LEAP must be pick-up by 6:00pm. All gates will be closed by 6:00pm.

22. Food Service Must show a Somerset Academy ID to purchase meals
Our campus is equipped with two cafeterias. Le Cafe and the Panther Zone provide the students with a well balanced lunch aligned to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) standards.
Prices: Breakfast- $2.50 Lunch- $3.50
Free and reduced lunches are available for qualified individuals for purchases made in the Panther Zone and Le Cafe.
Lunch accounts can be set-up with the Cafeteria Managers or online payments. The cafeterias are the only places on campus that accept checks (made out to: Somerset Academy)
Breakfast is only served in Panther Zone
Lunches are served in both Le Café and Panther Zone
Must show a Somerset Academy ID to purchase meals

23. Lunch Application
Families are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to complete a Lunch Application Form by September 27th (ONLY 1 FORM PER FAMILY)
Part 1: List family members that live in the home
Part 2: Complete if you receive State/Government Benefits. Must include case number and beneficiary’s name
Part 3: ONLY include name of family member with income
Part 3: Select Income Type and include Income Frequency
Part 4: Complete personal date section, including Primary Income Provider’s Signature and last 4-digits of social security number
Part 5: Choose Ethnicity & Race
ONLY COMPLETE FRONT PAGE OF APPLICATION

24. Transportation
Several private companies provide transportation to our school. We highly encourage you contract transportation services from Broward County approved vendors. Contact school office for more information.
A list of bus vendors will be available in the Panther Zone.
Traffic Safety – please comply with staff directions and traffic safety while in Transportation Queue
Maintain the Speed Limit
No Cell Phone Use

25. Registration Deadline: August 13th
Morning Bus Shuttle
Somerset Academy will provide FREE daily morning shuttle bus service for students from the South Campus to the North Campus. Shuttle Bus riders must complete the online registration form in order to be transported to the North Campus.
Registration Deadline: August 13th
Shuttle bus riders must be at the designated area at the South Campus at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure time:
7:15am pick/up at South for M/H students only to transport to North
7:30am pick up at North for K-3rd grade students only to transport to South
7:45am Final pickup at South for 4-5th grade students only to transport to North

26. Traffic Pattern Somerset Academy Elementary-
Parents will turn onto Somerset Way to drop off ALL students (4th – 5th grade) including morning care and Cub Academy.
Drivers should follow the security monitors and posted signs to the rear of campus then turn right and follow signs.
Students in grades 4th through 5th will be dropped off at the turnabout closest to the front of the elementary (Building A)where staff will meet them for arrival between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m.
Drivers will then be directed to return to Somerset Way to leave campus.
The front entrance to Building A/ Elementary School will become a BUS ONLY LANE!

27. Traffic Pattern
Somerset Academy Middle/High and Arts Conservatory
Parents will turn onto Somerset Way to drop off ALL students (6th-12th grade).
Drivers should follow the security monitors and posted signs to the rear of campus then turn right and follow signs.
Students in grades 6-12 may be dropped off in the turnabout closest to the bleachers (Building B) between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m.
Drivers will then be directed to return to Somerset Way to leave campus.

29. Traffic Pattern
"NO PARKING" signs will be enforced and drivers may be cited for parking in spaces that are designated NO PARKING.
Parents are NOT allowed to park on the grassy areas near the school, warehouses, Rose Price Park nor in neighboring communities.

30. Guidance Social, academic and emotional concerns.
Individual, small, and large group counseling.
Character Education
Virtual Counselor
High school and post secondary planning
Anti-Bullying policy

31. TEXT TIPS
What is it?
It is an anonymous, fast, and safe way to let school officials know if your child hears or sees something school officials should know about. It helps keep your child and our school safe.
Examples:
Bullying
Suicidal talk
Guns on campus
Drugs on campus
Etc.

32. TEXT TIPS: How to use it? Simple!
Just use your cell phone and send a normal text message to:
Your phone number will be blocked and remain anonymous.
If you would like school officials to contact you, be sure to include your name and phone number in the text message.

34. Code of Student Conduct Student/Parent Handbook
Code of Excellence
Progressive Disciplinary Plan
Verbal Warning-parent contact
Detentions
Suspensions- indoor, outdoor, expelled, Academic Behavior and Attendance contract, dismissed by the governing board of Somerset Academy.
Electronic Devices
Will be available on-line (main page on website)
Signed paperwork needs to be returned to the 1st period teacher by August 23rd

35. Dress Code Uniforms can be purchased at All Uniform Wear
Westfork Plaza (Pines Blvd/Dykes Rd)
Uniforms are MANDATORY: Monday – Thursday
Friday Spirit Day: School Polo, club/honor societies, class shirts, athletic shirts, dry-fit spirit shirts with blue or black jeans (Jeans with NO holes nor shredding/tearing. NO SHORTS/LEGGINGS/CAPRIS.)
Somerset Sweatpants are only to used on cold days in PE
IDs are required daily!
Only Somerset Hoodies or Somerset Club/Sport Hoodies allowed
When the weather is 59 degrees or lower by 6:00 am on the school day morning, students will be allowed to wear a uniform polo and blue or black jeans (no holes, no shredding, no leggings, no sweatpants). Seniors may wear a uniform polo and their current year senior sweatpants. Only Somerset Academy jackets/hoodies/sweaters are to be worn.

36. Schedules/Supply Lists
Schedule Distribution Locations will be posted on our web-site on Monday evening, August 12th (Grouped by Grade/Last Name)
Report to Schedule Distribution Location on Wednesday, August 14th at 8:00am. Then follow an “A” Day Schedule.
Although the use of planners are strongly encouraged, we will not sell planners at school.
School supply lists will depend on the individual teacher. Each course syllabus will indicate what is required for the class.

37. Bell Schedule
Somerset Academy Middle/High/Arts Conservatory Daily Schedule
"A" Days Period 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th "B" Days Period 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
Start Time
End Time
Length
Doors Open
7:30 AM
7:55 AM
25 min
1st Block: Period 1 or 5
8:00 AM
9:30 AM
90 min
2nd Block: Period 2 or 6
9:35 AM
11:05 AM
3rd Block: Period 3 or 7 (READ 1st 15 minutes of class and Lunch)
11:10 AM
1:25 PM
135 min
4th Block: Period 4 or 8
1:30 PM
3:00 PM
Student Dismissal

38. First Week Schedule
August 14th : Report to Schedule Distribution Location and then follow an “A” Day Schedule (1,2,3,4)
August 15th: Report to 5th period,
B Day (5,6,7,8)
Schedule Change forms are due: August 20th
Forms can be found online at 3:15pm on Aug. 14th
Forms are to be returned to 1st Period Teacher

39. Personalization Period
Each 6th – 12th grade student will be assigned a Personalization Period (study hall). This is a non-credit earning course. Students will not be exempted from this course. The purpose of the course is for students to get organized, study and work on assignments during the school day (online courses, homework, etc.). Teachers are to take attendance and maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to self-learning. Teachers are not mandated to keep lesson plans for this period nor to enter grades in Pinnacle for this course.
Students may use personal electronic devices only for instructional purposes to complete assignments (phones, computers, lap-tops, tablets, etc.). However, Somerset Academy is not responsible for any theft, loss or damage to personal electronic devices brought to school. Students that use electronic devices for non-instructional purposes will have their electronic devices confiscated.
Additionally, Personalization Periods may be used for guidance presentations, IEP/EP meetings, pull-outs/push-in interventions, therapies, etc.
Students are expected to study and complete assignments during this period in a quiet and respectful manner. Those that do not follow instructions or cause a disruption, will receive behavioral consequences as delineated in the Somerset Academy Progressive Discipline Plan and Broward County Public Schools Administrative Discipline Matrix.

40. School Activities Public Calendar Online Clubs/Organizations Athletics
School Functions and Activities
Clubs/Organizations
48 Clubs/Honor Societies
Athletics
14 Sports, Athletic Fees Apply, Physical Required to Participate
Parent Volunteer Hours
30 hours

41. 8th Grade Panther Package
TOTAL: $280
Deposit: $100
Monthly Payments: Sept. – Dec. $45
Includes: Yearbook, 8th Grade Class Shirt, 8th Grade Class Hoodie, Prom Ticket, Busch Gardens Trip
8th Graders must meet 8th Grade Panther Package Criteria to participate in events

42. Additional Info… Panther Zone: PE Uniform Sale ($10 Shirt/$10 Shorts)
Campus Tours led by Student Leaders

43. See you Wednesday, August 14th!
Any questions?