The information printed on this page is an overview of our school's policies and procedures.
Your strong support of our school's staff, PTA, School Advisory Council, ADDitions Volunteer Program, and school related activities is vital to our mission of being one of Florida's best schools.
Regular attendance is important and is required by state law. Students may be excused when the absence is due to personal illness, serious illness or death in the student's immediate family, and to observe recognized holidays of the student's religious faith.
It is the responsibility of the parent to furnish a written excuse explaining the cause of the absence. If the school does not receive a written excuse, your child's attendance record will automatically reflect an unexcused absence. After five unexcused absences, a certified letter is mailed to the parents. Teachers will document intervention methods to help improve student attendance. Ten unexcused absences are considered excessive and will be reported to the Orange County Social Services Department for investigation.
Family vacations that are taken when school is in session (i.e. outside holidays regularly scheduled on the school calendar) are considered unexcused absences. Teachers WILL NOT be expected to provide assignments to be used during the child's absence. Work missed will be outlined after the student returns.
Tardiness - It is important that your child be on time. While we realize that there may be occasions when your child may be late, continuing tardiness is a serious problem. Students who are tardy should report to the office for a tardy pass. Excessive tardies will be reported to the Orange County Social Services Department for investigation. Please let the school know the reason for the tardies. Parents will be contacted by the school officials if a student is consistently tardy without an excuse. Excessive tardies in sixth, seventh and eighth grade will result in after school detention.
Problems arise each year because students bring articles which are hazards to the safety of others or interfere with school procedure. Such items as pocket chains, toy guns, water pistols, knives, radios, tape recorders, electronic games, skateboards, cameras, virtual pets, etc. are undesirable items for the educational process and will be confiscated and returned to PARENTS at their request. These items not only disturb classes, but they may be stolen or lost. Parents are requested to help students understand the necessity for such regulations.
Pupils shall not carry or have in their possession electronic telephone pagers (beepers) or such paging devices while on school property or in attendance at a school function.
Articles that are prohibited at school are also prohibited at Extended Day. Parents are responsible for notifying the office and their child's teacher of any change in address or telephone numbers. Emergencies can occur at any time, and the school must be able to contact the parents at all times! If you fail to keep the school and your child's teacher informed of any changes, especially your telephone number, you may cause us to lose precious time in contacting you.
Change of Address and Phone Numbers
Parents are responsible for notifying the office and their child's teacher of any change in address or telephone numbers. Emergencies can occur at any time, and the school must be able to contact the parents at all times! If you fail to keep the school and your child's teacher informed of any changes, especially your telephone number, you may cause us to lose precious time in contacting you.
The school has responsibility for first aid only. In case of illness, the student will be cared for until the parent arrives or he/she returns to his/her classroom. In case of a minor injury, attention will be given, and the student will return to class. In case of major or other injuries, first aid will be given, the paramedics will be called and the parents will be immediately notified. Be sure you keep up-to-date telephone numbers on file in the office.
Under no circumstances will any medication be given to anyone without a physician's order and authorization for medication form completed by the parent. These authorization forms are available in the school office. Prescription medicine must be brought to school in the prescription bottle.
The dress code for the school is based on the following considerations: utility, appropriateness of indoor/outdoor activities, and modesty. Extremes in dress have no place at school. Students shall observe modes of dress and standards of personal grooming which are in conformity with the studious atmosphere and good personal hygiene necessary in schools.
It is the responsibility of the principal to see that the appearance of no pupil shall be extreme to the point of creating a disturbance to the educational atmosphere, or is hazardous to oneself, others, or school property. If a student is not sure about whether or not clothing will violate the Dress Code, he/she should check with the school administration BEFORE wearing such clothing to school. Students who violate the Dress Code will be subject to disciplinary action.
PANTS / SHORTS Jeans and pants should be worn above the hips and should be fitted. Shorts should be fitted and the length should be at or below mid-thigh area. Torn or ripped cut-off pants/jeans and biker pants are prohibited.
TOPS / SHIRTS / DRESSES Sleeveless shirts and dresses must fit up to underarms. Revealing tank tops, tube tops, halter tops, see-through clothing, low-cut necklines, bare midriffs (when arms are raised) and bare-backed clothing are prohibited. Shirts tucked in are preferred. Appropriate undergarments are required but should not be visible. Strapless or spaghetti straps may not be worn unless an appropriate shirt is worn underneath. Limit on length of dress should not allow leg showing above mid-thigh when arms are raised.
FOOTWEAR Shoes must be worn at all times. Closed shoes are preferred. High heels, "Flip-Flops" or bedroom slippers are not permitted.
HATS, HEAD COVERINGS, ETC. Hats or head coverings of any kind are not to be worn at school. Shades, visors, sunglasses (except prescription) shall not be worn inside any building.
OTHER No clothing or accessories can have advertising materials which may disrupt the educa-tional process (i.e. alcohol, tobacco, obscenities, satanism, weapons or use of the same, or sexual references).
Our discipline policy is to work with all children in a positive way. We believe that all children should have positive experiences that encourage academic achievement as well as emotional and social development. Children who are not responsive to teachers when requested, and those who consistently cause disruptions in class or any place on the school grounds are referred to the principal. All disciplinary action taken by the principal or his designee is intended to help the child accept his/her responsibility for being a student in the school. Parents will be informed by phone, written note, or by formal disciplinary form.
A copy of the Orange County Code of Student Conduct is given to each student. Please read and discuss this with your child. This Code of Student Conduct tells you about the rights of a student in the school and also tells you about the rules which must be followed by students. It informs you what will happen if the rules are not followed.
Parents are welcome to review any materials that are used in the classrooms at Arbor Ridge School. Due to the cost of materials, we cannot send these items home. You may request a conference to review materials or inquire in the Media Center for copies that may be checked out. All items used in the classrooms are not always available in the Media Center. However, the school will provide you with the necessary information to obtain your own copies.
Parents having sole custody of a child with any specialized court orders that restrain a natural parent from coming into contact with the child need to notify the office of the circumstances. Legal documents of this type need to be included in the child's records.
Please come to the school office to complete our sign-out roster if it is necessary for a student to leave early during the school day. Do not go to the classroom. The student must be signed out in the office when he/she is dismissed during the school day. Students may not leave the school during the school hours unless they are picked up, from the office, by their parent(s) or guardian. If someone other than parent/guardian picks up a student, that person's name must appear on the Emergency Form. For student safety, a driver's license or other identification may be requested by school personnel. Parents are asked NOT to make it a habit of signing their children out early from school.
Before and after-school care is offered for students. Registration is required for the program. A weekly fee and a one-time insurance fee will be required for each child. If a payment is late, the child(ren) will be removed from the program.
Educational field trips are part of the school program. Students need written permission slips from the parent/guardian to attend all field trips. Children without written permission will remain at school. Students who are tardy for field trips may be left behind. Parents volunteering to chaperone school trips may not bring their other children on the trip. Parent chaperones must be registered ADDition volunteers.
No parent may drive a student on a field trip unless he/she has approval from the principal. Proof of automobile insurance must be provided, and a copy will be kept on file in the office. This approval must be renewed prior to each trip.
Parents may be required to accompany their children on a field trip when their child has demonstrated that he/she does not obey the classroom teacher during any school experiences.
The following health screening programs will be made available to certain grade levels within the school: vision, hearing, dental, growth and development, and scoliosis. This is done as part of the Student Services Program and in cooperation with the Orange County Health Department, local medical and dental societies, and other health agencies.
The school will inform parents or guardians in writing that their children will receive specified health services as provided in the district's health services plan. Any student shall be exempt from any of these services if his or her parent or guardian requests such exemption in writing.
Florida Statutes: Chapter 232.0233, Chapter 232.033119, Chapter 4033.32.
From time to time some of our students experience the problem of pediculosis (head lice and nits [eggs]). If a student has been diagnosed as having head lice, the parent will be contacted at once. In addition, it will be necessary for the student to be isolated from the other students. Any student with lice OR nits must be effectively treated before returning to school. Effectively treated means having shampooed with an over-the-counter or prescription shampoo that is made specifically for treatment of lice and nits. All nits need to be completely combed out of the hair after shampooing.
Upon return to school, your child must be free of ALL lice and nits and present proof of treatment such as shampoo box top and/or a note from you stating the shampoo used and that it was used as directed.
Your child will be rescreened. If the treatment was not satisfactory, i.e., removal of all lice and nits, he/she will not be admitted to class and you will be notified again or asked to pick up your child.
If there is a case of lice discovered in a classroom, all parents of students in that room are notified. It is important that you notify the school at once if you find that your child has contracted head lice. When we know, we are then able to check the entire class. This is the best measure we know to prevent lice from spreading.
Homework is assigned on the basis of need. An instructional program that stresses individual differences in children means that homework, when assigned, may vary from child to child. Students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade will stay after school to finish incomplete homework assignments. Detention will be given to sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students if they fail to comply with the homework policy.
Insurance may be purchased through a school-sponsored insurance program. Please read the insurance form carefully. It may be of great benefit to you to participate in one of the plans offered. Please notice the checks for school insurance should be filled out and mailed directly to the insurance company. The school will provide you with a claim form in case of injury.
Padres o guardianes que tengan la necesidad de interpretes para resolver asuntos escolares, pueden pedir ayuda. Empleados bilingues estan disponibles con este proposito. Interpretacion psicologica puede ser obtenida mediante el Departmento de Escuelas Publicas del Condado de Orange.
A well-balanced breakfast and lunch is served daily. The price includes chocolate, whole or low fat white milk. A lunch menu is sent home with each parent newsletter. A written statement from a doctor is required if a student needs to receive a milk substitute (juice). If a child brings his/her lunch, he/she may purchase milk separately. Children may bring a thermos of milk, water, or juice. Absolutely no soft drinks or carbonated beverages are to be brought. Smaller size drink containers such as Gatorade are preferred. Refrain from sending junk food in bag lunches. Look for items low in added sugar, salt, and excess chemicals.
Students are encouraged to make advanced payment for lunches on Monday morning. Up to one month's payment is accepted. Send the money in a sealed envelope, clearly marked on the outside with the following information:
*Child's Name
*Teacher's Name
*$ Amount Sent
Students will not be allowed to charge breakfast or lunch. If they do not have money for a meal, a sandwich and milk will be provided.
The Media Center strives to maintain a current collection of print and non-print materials that enhance the development of each student. The Media Center operates on an open/flexible schedule. Prekindergarten through eighth grades come to the Media Center using the buddy system or in small groups with passes from the classroom. Materials are checked out for a 14-day period. It is the student's responsibility to care for and return materials. Teachers will receive weekly printouts/notices of students with overdue materials. After a third notice, the student will be expected to pay for the lost or damaged item or to work out a method of payment. A student who habitually has overdue materials or does not take care of materials will be disciplined in accordance with Arbor Ridge's discipline plan. Please feel free to contact the Media Center if a problem arises. Materials are also available for parent check-out.
Please encourage your child to be responsible for the materials needed for school. Delivery of messages and forgotten materials to a classroom during the day causes a disruption for all children in a class. For this reason, messages CANNOT be delivered to children unless there is a REAL emergency. Therefore, it is important that children organize lunch money, homework, books and other materials BEFORE LEAVING HOME in the morning. They should know how they are to get home and have a note if it is different than usual.
The school office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The patrols are fifth graders who have been trained to help direct student movement safely on school grounds. Patrols help direct the flow of car traffic during the morning and afternoon student pick-ups. They assist children at the bicycle racks and on the bus loading ramp. Children need to walk in the halls. Patrols help us spread this important message throughout the school. Please encourage your child, for his own safety, to listen to and obey the directions of the school patrols.
Arbor Ridge School: 407-672-3110
Education Leadership Center: 407-317-3200
Transportation: 407-317-3800
Please make plans and let your children know IN ADVANCE what they are to do in case of rain. Notify the teacher in writing if you plan to pick them up when it rains.
Age Requirements - Florida law states that a child must be six years old on or before September 1 in order to enter first grade, and the child must have attended a kindergarten program. The age requirement is five years old by September 1 for kindergarten entry. A birth certificate is required of all pupils new to Orange County.
Health Records - Immunization certificates (HRS 680 or 3040) are also required of all students entering Florida schools for the first time. A physical examination within the last year is also required.
Proof of Residence - Proof of residence may be provided in the form of a current homestead exemption certificate, a lease agreement, notarized manifestation of domicile, or a notarized statement of residence.
Evaluation of student progress is an important form of communication between home and school. It provides parents with information to understand the needs of the child. It provides teachers with a base of knowledge to provide individual and group instruction.
Report cards and parent conferences are an integral part of your child's assessment at Arbor Ridge. The school year is divided into four learning periods. The following procedures are followed when reporting student progress to parents:
In kindergarten and first grade, a report card will be sent home at the end of each learning period. Students will be assessed as Satisfactory (S), Working on skill (W) or Needs Improvement (N). Conferences will be scheduled as needed to discuss student progress. A mid-term progress report will be sent home in the middle of each learning period.
In second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, a report card will be sent home at the end of each learning period. Grades will be assigned to each academic area. Teacher comments will reflect the areas in which the student needs to improve as well as areas of high achievement. Conferences will be held when a parent or teacher feels personal contact between home and school is important. There will be a progress report sent home in the middle of each learning period.
Parents and teachers are encouraged to have conferences concerning a child's progress and/or behavior throughout the school year. Please arrange for conferences ahead of time. This serves two purposes: 1) it ensures that the teacher will be able to meet with you when you come, and 2) it gives the teacher the time to gather necessary information or materials needed for the conference. If you cannot keep your conference appointment, please call the school and cancel the visit.
8:45 - 3:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
8:45 - 2:00 on Wednesday
Orange County School Board Policy states: "Anyone wishing to contact teachers or pupils during the school day must receive permission from the principal or his representative." All visitors must stop by the office to sign in and obtain a visitor's pass before entering a classroom or other school area. Please do not make unscheduled visits to the classroom. All interruptions hinder student learning.
Restrictions - Extracurricular Activities
Middle year students who receive three or more unsatisfactory conduct grades (2's and/or 3's) or , two or more "F"s on their report card for any nine-week grading period will not be allowed to attend any after school special classes or electives, dances, night programs, or meetings until report cards are issued for the following nine week grading period.
After School Programs: Parents will be responsible for providing transportation when a student remains at school for any extracurricular activities.
Bicycles: Students may park their bikes at the bike racks. However, the school does not assume any responsibility for any bikes parked in the bike racks. Students who ride bikes must follow these rules:
1. Students must have a bike lock.
2. Only one lock and chain per bike. No double locking with younger siblings or friends. This causes confusion at dismissal time.
3. Do not leave the bike overnight at school.
4. Do not ride the bike on school campus.
5. Walk the bike across the street at the crosswalks.
6. Use a backpack or basket to carry belongings.
7. Wear a bike helmet.
Students who repeatedly break the bicycle rules may lose their bicycle privileges on campus.
Bus Riders: Bus riders are dismissed just prior to the car riders and load in the bus loading area at the south driveway next to the primary wing. No automobiles are allowed in the bus loading area during arrival/dismissal.
School bus transportation is a privilege provided to eligible students. The school is responsible for the student at all times while on the bus. Any student misconduct will be reported to the principal. Continued misbehavior on the bus will be cause for suspension of the student's bus riding privilege. In this case, it is the responsibility of the parent to see that the student is transported to/from school. It is important that the student adhere to the following rules:
1. Stand off the roadway while awaiting the bus.
2. Stay in your seat at all times while the bus is in motion.
3. Keep arms and head inside the windows.
4. Refrain from talking to the bus driver while the bus is in motion.
5. Outside of ordinary conversation, classroom conduct is to be observed.
6. The driver is in full charge of the bus and pupils. Pupils must obey the driver.
7. The driver has the right to assign seating to promote order on the bus.
8. No eating or drinking allowed on the bus.
9. Pupils must be on time; the bus cannot wait for those who are tardy.
10. Children are required to ride the bus to which they have been assigned.
11. Children who are not bus riders are not eligible to ride the school bus.
The bus driver is required to drop students off only at a student's assigned stop. If, for some reason, you want your child to get off at a different stop, write a note to the school (include a telephone number where you can be reached to verify) explaining the reason and exact stop. The principal must approve all exceptions each time they occur.
Car Riders: Parents are to load and unload students at the drop-off spots in front of the school at the primary and intermediate wings. No automobiles are allowed in the bus loading area during arrival/dismissal. Older students will meet younger brothers and sisters at the primary pick-up area. Students waiting for pick-up are to remain calm, quiet, and sit on the blue safety line painted on the sidewalk. Do not park in the parking lot or in front of the school and walk to get your child at the pick-up points. This causes children and adults to walk back across traffic to get to the parking lot. It also tempts children to cross traffic to get to parents. This is extremely dangerous. A child or adult could easily be hit by the oncoming traffic.
Transportation Changes: It will be necessary to send the teacher a written note or fax the office if you change your child's method of transportation. The teacher will not allow the student to alter their normal routine without this note. There are not transportation changes taken over the telephone.
Messages may be left for all staff members in their voice mail box during the school day. You may leave messages by calling the school at 407-672-3110 and then dialing the voicemail number for the person you wish to reach. Voicemail numbers are listed on the staff information page.
Parents should call or notify the office in writing prior to the student's last day of school. The note should include the last day of attendance. Please see that your child turns in all textbooks and library books. A student transfer card will be sent home with the student. This transfer card will be all that is needed for your child to enter another school.
The Orange County Public Schools maintain educational records in accordance with state and federal laws. Copies of Orange County Public Schools Student Records Policy 5127 are available for public use during school hours at each school or at the Educational Leadership Center, 445 W. Amelia Street, Orlando, Florida, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday trough Friday.
Parents, legal guardians or eligible students have the right to review records on their child, the right to a copy of the record (at a cost of 15 cents per page), the right to challenge information contained in the record, the right to a hearing if the school disagrees to change or destroy information when challenged, and the right to waive access to letters or statements of recommendations or evaluations. A parent who wishes to review, to challenge or to get a copy of the record should make an appointment with the principal or school counselor. All such request will be honored by school officials as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days after the request is made.
Natural parents have access to student records regardless of whether or not they have legal custody of the child. The school will release record information to natural parents upon written request, signed by the natural parent, unless the school has a copy of a court order to the contrary on file.
The Orange County Public Schools reserve the right to release the following directory information without prior permission of the parent unless the parent has notified the principal in writing within ten (10) calendar days of the beginning of the school that directory information is not to be released. Lists of students will not be released without School Board action.
Directory Information: Student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in school sponsored activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, graduation date and award received.
Personal identifiable information can be disclosed, transferred or released without prior consent of the parent of a student or the eligible student in connection with enrollment in another school, application for financial aid, research, a state statue, and an accrediting organization. Personally identifiable information will be released without parent consent to appropriate officials in emergency situations, to comply with a lawfully issued subpoena and in cases involving compulsory school attendance and child abuse.
*Copies of this notice are available in language other than English upon request to the Guidance Department
The School Board of Orange County, Florida does not discriminate in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, handicap or any other reason prohibited by law. The equal employment supervisor responsible for compliance can be contacted at (407) 317-3214.