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Florida Law 1003.26(1)(b) provides that if a learner has at least five (5) unexcused absences, orabsences for which the reasons are unknown, within a calendar month or ten (10) unexcusedabsences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, within a 90 calendar day period, the schoolmust take action. The school may require documented medical and legal excuses for a pattern of nonattendance. Attendance shall be counted period by period A learner, whose parent or legal guardian is an active duty member of the armed forces and hasbeen called to duty, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from deployment, shall begranted additional excused absences, at the discretion of a school district’s superintendent ordesignee, to spend time with said learner’s parent/legal guardian, relative to such leave ordeployment. After three (3) unexcused absences the school shall contact the home (or workplace) of theparent/guardian to determine the reason for the absence.If the initial parent/guardian meeting/contact does not resolve the problem and the person responsiblefor all non-attendance determines that an early pattern of nonattendance is developing, interventionsthat best address the problem will be developed. The interventions may include but need not be limitedto: Attendance agreements. Referral to the school based intervention team and school principal, when applicable.When a learner enters the classroom late, or if a child is routinely dismissed early, it seriously affectsthe continuity of the learning environment and could impact your child's academic progress.If the attendance agreements and the referral to the school principal and/or school based interventionteam are not successful, then a referral to Pasco County Student Services personnel, including adistrict assigned school social worker, will be made. Once referred to the school social worker, alearner and/or parent may be referred to the Office of the State Attorney’s Truancy InterventionProgram (TIP), Youth and Family Alternatives (YFA), or a Children in Need of Services/Family in Needof Services (CINS/FINS) petition could be filed.These programs are a partnership between the District School Board and the State Attorney's Officeand Youth and Family Alternatives, that brings the involved adults together to achieve the child'simproved attendance.Consequences for Unexcused AbsencesFlorida statutes link regular school attendance to the Learnfare Program (Section 414.1251) and theDrivers License (Statute 322.091). The District School Board is mandated to report to the Departmentof Children and Families (DCF) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) any student whoaccumulates 15 unexcused absences in a 90 calendar day period. Therefore, as a result of nonattendance, your cash assistance (TANF) may be interrupted and/or the student's ability to receive ormaintain a driver's license may be interrupted.9

At the middle school level, attendance is marked per period. If a learner accumulates a per periodaggregate of fifteen (15) or more unexcused absences in five (5) days or five (5) unexcused absencesin any one course in a semester, the learner shall lose privileges as described below. May be excluded from attendance reward incentives as defined at the school level. Lose the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities. These include but are not limited todances, special events, club activities and athletics, until the end of the following gradingquarter. Absences accumulated in the fourth quarter will result in loss of privileges during saidquarter.Make-up WorkExcused absences guarantee learners the right to make up any and all assignments assigned on theday[s] of absence at full credit. The learner is responsible for asking the teacher(s) for assignments andmake-up tests within two (2) class meetings with the teacher. The teacher(s) shall specify a reasonableperiod of time for completion of make-up work. In no case shall the time be less than one full calendarday for each day missed. Work due to be turned in on the day of the absence will be turned in uponreturn and be given full credit. The principal or designee shall have the authority to modify theseconditions with a confirmed hardship. Learners who have been assigned out-of-school suspension(OSS) may make up all missed assignments and tests for full credit.Tardiness and Early Dismissal [Subject to change]Learners need to arrive on time and stay through dismissal so they can receive important directions,class instruction, and avoid disrupting other learners. Parents can set a good example by encouraginglearners to follow the school’s time schedule.All parents must sign in their learner at the front office when dropping off their learner late and mustsign out their learner at the front office when picking up their learner prior to the regular dismissal time. A learner is tardy if the learner is not seated in the assembly hall by 8:00 AM. Note there will be no early dismissals after 3:00 PM.Learner Consequences for Unexcused TardinessExcused tardiness may not impact a learner’s academic grade. Reasons for an excused tardy include: A learner illness. Medical or dental appointment (a note from the doctor or dentist is required for the tardy to beexcused). Death in the family. Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is mandated for all members of a faith thatthe holiday or service is observed. Previously approved school-sponsored event. A family emergency, however, must be approved by the principal.Unexcused tardiness includes any tardiness that does not fall into one of the categories listed above. Itis the responsibility of the parent/guardian to explain in writing any tardiness to school. Failure toprovide a written explanation will automatically be considered an unexcused tardiness.10

Consequences for repeated tardiness to class will be carried out by administration and can include thefollowing: parent/guardian meeting with admin, lunch detention, the learner’s ability to participate inextracurricular activities, including, but not limited to, school productions, school dances, and LearnerCouncil.BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS - SEE DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOREXPECTATIONSBUS RIDERS – SEE TRANSPORTATIONCAR LOOP AND DISMISSAL [Subject to change]Arrival/Dismissal/Car Loop ProceduresLearners may NOT arrive on campus before 7:30 AM. Please follow the car loop map that was included in your learner’s orientation packet.Dismissal time is 3:16 PM.Prior to PM car loop, cars are to form a line off property along the grass area on the west side ofPalm Avenue. Please pull far enough off the road to allow through traffic to flow uninhibited.Entrance to car loop from the east side of Palm Avenue from Embassy is strictly prohibited;please access Palm Avenue from Fox Hollow Drive. Your PikMyKid app must be activated uponarrival and shown on your phone to the Dayspring staff to ensure prompt delivery of your learnerto your car.Only individuals listed on the learner’s emergency card or the PikMyKid app have permission topick up learners; they will be required to present a photo ID before we can release your learnerto the individual. We WILL NOT release your learner to anyone not listed. The only exceptionwill be emergency situations, which will require authorization from the principal. If the driverdoes not have the PikMyKid app on their phone, place the PikMyKid car tag on the frontdashboard and a staff member will “announce” for the driver. If no delegation has been madevia the learner’s parent/guardian, the driver will be directed to park their vehicle and proceed tothe office for dismissal of their learner.If you have a change in transportation, you must login to the PikMyKid app and submit thechange by 3:00 PM.Learners will not be dismissed through the campus front office between 3 PM – 3:35 PM.There is NO SMOKING, VAPING, or CELL PHONE USE allowed during car loop for the safetyof our learners (with the exception of “announcing” your learner in your PikMyKid app).If your learner is riding or walking home with another family, a parent/guardian MUST indicatethe change in PikMyKid no later than 3:00 PM. For the safety of our learners, we cannot acceptphone calls. The only exception will be emergency situations (illness, car trouble, etc), which willrequire authorization from the principal.Learners need to be picked up in a timely manner on a daily basis. Learners who remain in theoffice after car loop has finished, who are not attending after school help, will be asked to calltheir parents and will be sent to study hall until 4 PM.11

Learners must be picked up from after school help by 4 PM (unless otherwise scheduled). If thelearner is picked up late more than 3 times, he/she may lose the after school help privilege.CELL PHONESCell phones, iPods, smart watches, beepers, pagers, and other electronic devices, with the exception ofelectronic devices issued to learners, are not permitted during school hours due to the interruption tothe learning environment that these devices may present. Learners may use electronic devices onlywhen instructed by their teacher that electronic devices will be used during a class activity. If a learneris found using a cell phone or other electronic device (excluding electronic devices used in class), or ifthese devices disrupt instruction during school hours, the following consequences will be implemented:1st Offense . Device is taken and will be held until signed out by a parent. The learnerwill receive a behavior infraction.2nd Offense Device is taken and will need to be checked in and out daily at the frontoffice for one week. The learner will receive a behavior infraction.3rd Offense . Device is taken and will need to be checked in and out daily at the frontoffice for two weeks. The learner will receive a behavior infraction.CHEATING AND PLAGIARISMIf a learner is caught cheating or plagiarizing, the following consequences will be enforced:All offenses . Zero on assignment; teacher will initiate conference with parent/guardian;assignment must still be completed; behavior infraction will be written.CLUBS AFTER SCHOOLLearners will have access to several extra-curricular club options after school Monday throughThursday from 3:16-4:00 PM. The purpose of these clubs is to provide enrichment activities, serviceopportunities, and to give learners additional exploratory experiences not offered during the day.Learners must be signed up for the club so that instructors can plan accordingly. Learners will have theopportunity to sign up for these clubs during the first two weeks of school. Prompt pickup at 4:00 PM isrequired. If a learner is picked up late more than three times during the school year, he/she will not beeligible to attend the club for the remainder of the year. Please note: Some clubs may require additionalfees to cover costs of supplies. If a financial hardship is a barrier to your child participating in an afterschool activity, please contact the principal or assistant principal.COMMUNICATIONSIn order to protect our learners’ learning time, we must limit messages delivered to learners foremergencies ONLY. Forgotten homework, projects, school issued electronic devices, etc. cannot bedelivered to any classroom. We strive to encourage personal responsibility. Please remind yourlearner(s) to bring everything they need at the start of each day. If a learner is expecting something tobe dropped off in the front office, they will need to use a passing period or their lunch period to checkwith the front office. Learners may not contact parents during school hours on personal or schoolelectronic devices (iPads, chromebooks, cell phones, smart watches, etc.) Learners may contact thefront office in case of emergency.12

All communication that is sent to learners and/or parents needs prior approval from teachers oradministration. This includes all communication to parents and/or learners using written, social media,or electronic means.No learner information will be permitted on outside social media without approval from administration.All social media communications and postings about Dayspring learners, as well as anycommunications and social media directly affecting Dayspring learners or teachers/staff, must haveadministration approval in advance.CONTACT INFORMATION FOR LEARNERSDayspring Academy requires that each learner has current emergency contact information on file inmyStudent. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to keep the school informed of any changesto their learner’s emergency contact information, as well as changes to their address, phone numbers,and email addresses. In the event of an emergency, your learner’s welfare will depend on thisinformation. We must have a minimum of two emergency phone numbers whereby someone can bereached in case of illness or injury to your child. Please review myStudent to ensure the informationDayspring has on record for your learner(s) is accurate. If you have any changes or questions, pleasecontact your learner’s campus office at 727-847-9003.DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONSDayspring’s discipline policy is a school-wide process for ensuring a safe, serious learning environmentis in place for our learners. The main concept of this policy is to deal with behaviors that disrupt theclassroom, thereby allowing the classroom to stay as it should be - a place to learn. Please readthrough and discuss the Pasco County Student Code of Conduct with your child. This guide is veryimportant and will affect him/her throughout the year. We are confident that, with your support, ourlearners will enjoy a learning environment where increased academic achievement can take place.When you review and reinforce these concepts at home, you are doing your part to assist us inensuring your child’s success in school.Each learner at Dayspring Academy is expected to display excellent character and to adhere to all therules. The behavior of each learner is solely his or her responsibility and so they will be held to highstandards in this area.RespectAll Dayspring Academy learners have the right to be treated with respect and with self-worth and totreat others with respect as well. Learners will show proper respect to all classmates. Learners will follow directions the first time when given by an adult. Learners will show proper respect to all faculty and staff, including body language and verbalresponses. Learners will conduct themselves quietly and courteously in the hallways, restrooms, and duringclass. Defiance toward adults will not be tolerated.13

ResponsibilityAll Dayspring Academy learners have a right to learn. Teachers have a right to teach. Both have theright to do a job well-done. Learners will arrive to class on time, will come prepared with materials needed for class, and willbe willing to participate. Learners may not bring the following to school: candy, gum, toys, smoke bombs, firecrackers,electronic toys, or any objects which may cause physical harm or interfere with learning. Learners will wear Dayspring Academy uniforms and will abide by the proper dress code. Learners will complete all class homework on their own; cheating will not be tolerated. Learners will use appropriate language at all times. Learners must have a pass to be in the hallways during class time. Learners arriving late to the campus are required to sign in at the front office and receive a passfor class entrance.Recognizing the Rights and Property of OthersAll Dayspring Academy learners have the responsibility to respect adults, other learners, and self. Thiswill be modeled by the following procedures: Bullying and harassing others because of their disability, ethnicity, socio-economic, or physicalappearance will not be tolerated. Learners will respect the property of Dayspring Academy, Dayspring learners, and our teachers. Learners will not be permitted to fight, play rough, or touch another learner with harmful intent. Learners and their families will assume financial responsibility for property damage caused bythe learner.Disrespect and lack of responsibility will not be tolerated. Consequences WILL BE GIVEN, if thesediscipline guidelines are not followed.ConsequencesConsequences for not demonstrating respect, responsibility, and recognizing the rights of othersinclude but are not limited to: Infraction log ISS (in school suspension) or OSS (outside school suspension) Parent conference (via phone or in person) Not allowed to participate in extracurricular activities Lunch/recess detention Community service Referral in learner’s file Parent shadowingInfractions and Consequences Equivalency 1 ISS or OSS may result in loss of privilege to attend the next school activity.Once an OSS has been assigned, the learner will be placed on a Behavior Contract and parentsand learner will conference with the principal. At the next infraction similar to or greater than14

what warranted the contract according to the Pasco County Schools Code of Conduct, thelearner will receive OSS for additional days up to 10 days.After 10 OSS days have been assigned, the learner may be recommended to the DayspringAcademy Board for expulsion from Dayspring Academy. If the Dayspring Academy Boardrecommends expulsion, the Dayspring Academy Board will then recommend expulsion to thePasco County School Board.DISMISSAL – SEE CAR LOOP & DISMISSALDRESS CODEIn order to promote a safe and supportive learning environment and to enhance school safety, maintainorder, and promote a positive discipline atmosphere, Dayspring Academy has adopted the followinguniform policy for grades 6-8. This policy has been in effect since August 1, 2000 and has subsequentlybeen reauthorized annually.Refer to Dress Code for Dress Down Days for approved dress down day attire.Parents may choose to opt-out of the dress code only for religious purposes or by reason of a learner'sdisability.Approved Uniform AttireAll learners grades 6-8 are required to wear a school uniform every day except on designated dressdown days.PLEASE NOTE: Learners wearing clothing that does not follow the dress code policy will be required tochange into uniform clothing provided by the front office. After the first offense, the learner'sparent/guardian will be required to bring a change of clothing to the school.Bottoms: Only navy blue or khaki pants, capris, skirts, shorts, skorts, or jumpers. Shorts, skirts, skorts,and jumpers must be knee length; knee length is not shorter than 2 inches above the knee. Bottoms must be uniform style. No logos or emblems of any kind are permitted. No jeggings or leggings are allowed.Tops: Short or long sleeve polo shirts MUST be white, light blue, red, or navy only. No logos or emblems of any kind are permitted, with the exception of the Dayspring Academylogo. Only white, or navy or red long or short sleeve undershirts may be worn under the polo shirt. Tops must cover the midriff area and must extend beyond the belt loop area; low cut tops arenot allowed. Jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts must be solid navy, light blue, red, or white; no logos oremblems are permitted, with the exception of the Dayspring Academy logo.15

Friday Only: Any Dayspring event shirts or jackets (i.e., dance team jackets, OM sweatshirts,production t-shirts) can be worn with a uniform bottom.Other Items: Closed toe and closed heel shoes and sneakers only; no flip-flops or sandals allowed. Girls may wear only solid uniform color tights (navy, light

Religious holiday of the learner's faith (including Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Epiphany, etc.). Religious instruction (including Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Confirmation, etc.). Religious institutes, conferences, or workshops, provided that the principal or designee approves the absence in advance.