1. SOMERSET ACADEMY SOUTH HOMESTEAD
HURRICANES

2. ADMINISTRATION ALINA R. LOPEZ, PRINCIPAL GIL LORA, VICE-PRINCIPAL
JESSICA MESA, LEAD TEACHER

3. SUPPORT STAFF CARIDAD MONTERO, ESE/ESOL COORDINATOR
RAUL ALFONSO, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
PRISCILLA CHAVEZ, ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR & REGISTRAR
ADRIANA VALDEZ, BUSINESS MANAGER & PERSONNEL
SUZY IORI, PARENT LIASON & ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISSTANT
ANNE HICKS, CAFETERIA MANAGER
TONY CALO, HEAD SECURITY

4. BELL SCHEDULE
7:00 am Doors open 7:30 am Students must be in class 7:45 am – 8:45 pm Period 1 (1st Class) 8:50 am – 10:30 am Period 2 or 3 (2nd Class) 10:35 am – 1:00 pm Period 4 or 5 (3rd Class & lunches) 1:05 pm – 2:45 pm Period 6 or 7 (4th Class) The school runs the entire year on an alternate A / B block schedule and (5) minutes between class changes. “A” days are periods 1, 3, 5, & 7 “B” days are periods 1, 2, 4, & 6

5. TRAFFIC PROCEDURES
Traffic rules must be abided by at all times. Homestead police officers will be issuing tickets for all violations (i.e., drop off, illegal parking, U-turns, etc.)
There will be visitor parking available inside the school during school hours. It is important not to park in just any spot.
Failure to comply with any traffic procedures will result in disciplinary for the student.

6. ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

7. SCHEDULE INFORMATION
If you have any concerns with your schedule please inform Ms. Mesa by filling out a “Schedule Change Request Form”
Forms will be available in the main office of building
Counselor and Administration will be meeting with all students requesting a schedule change
Schedule changes may take up to two weeks as of the first day of school
The LAST day students may submit their schedule change request form to the main office is Friday, August 28, 2015

8. FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
All students will be reporting to 1st period on the first day of school.
In the hallways and in the cafeteria you will see signs indicating your assigned classroom.
In 1st period, you will receive a copy of your schedule.
Students will also receive a lunch application, school insurance form, parent contract, an emergency contact card and additional documents which must be returned signed by the parent within the first week of school.

9. LUNCH INFORMATION
The National School Lunch Program provides free and reduced priced meals for students unable to pay the full price.
Lunch costs $3.50 / student.
Students will have lunch during their 4th / 5th period of the day.
Students will receive a pin number within the first week of school.
Applications will be provided on the first day of school.
Lunch menu is available on our school website.
Letters will be sent home with student regarding the lunch status once the application has been submitted.
Meal benefits begin on the day the application is approved and continue throughout the school year, the summer, and approximately the first twenty days of the next school year.
If the student had free or reduced lunch last year, it will automatically rollover until September 24, In order to continue receiving free or reduced lunch for this school year, the parent must fill out a NEW application.

10. LUNCH INFORMATION CONT.
If the student is approved to participate in this program the price of lunch will be $ 0.40 for reduced and $ 0.00 for free.
Students have the choice of purchasing breakfast in the morning, but this is not part of the free or reduced lunch program.
Students or parents may add money to student’s lunch account by check, money order or cash.
Cafeteria office hours in the are:
Monday – Friday from 8:00 – 3:00 (August 17-August 21)
Monday – Friday from 7:00 – 2:00 starting August 24th
If a student’s account is low, he/she will be notified by the cashier or a parent is welcomed to contact the Cafeteria Manage, Anne Hicks.
Student’s may not have a negative balance of $6.50 or more.

11. SCHOOL WEBSITE www.somersetacademysh.com
Parents and students will be able to:
connect to their portals from this site
send s directly to teachers/staff members
get their homework/classroom assignments
view the Student/Parent Handbook and Curriculum Bulletin
view School Calendar
AND SO MUCH MORE

12. HURRICANES SOCIAL MEDIA
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13. PARENT/STUDENT PORTAL
Parents/guardians have access to the parent portal, which allows you to see and update personal information and your child’s information (i.e. schedule, grades, attendance, etc.)
In order to access the portal, you must first establish a parent user account. You will need your child’s student ID number, six digit parent pin number, zip code, child’s date of birth and state of birth.
If you forget your password, you may select “Forgot Password” on the parent portal site.
Students have a separate account and they only need their student ID number and their birth date. If students cannot open their account, they may go to Ms. Mesa for assistance.

14. PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE
All parent/teacher conferences will take place before school at 7:15am or after school at 2:45 pm.
Parents need to call the main office in building (305) , to schedule an appointment with teachers.
Parents do have the option to send an to the teacher through school website.
If you are not able to attend, please contact the school to reschedule.
Parents must report to the main office for scheduled Parent/Teacher Conference.

15. PARENT VOLUNTEER HOURS
Parents are expected to complete 30 volunteer hours each academic school year
Parents can attend P.T.S.I. meetings, EESAC meetings, Open House and other school sponsored events (i.e. dances, field trips, etc.)
Donating a service requested by a school official (i.e. D.J. services, use of a banquet hall, flowers, expert guest speaker, videographer, etc.)
Donating gift cards
Donating supplies needed by the school
May contact Ms. Iori for additional volunteer opportunities

16. EESAC AND PTSI Educational Excellence School Advisory Councils
The EESAC has the responsibility of monitoring, evaluating and revising the vision, mission and implementation plans of the school. Members obtain feedback from their constituents and express them at meetings and conferences. Within the EESAC are members of the Staff, School's Administration, Student Body, PTSI and Dade Partners, all of whom work collaboratively to support the school with resources that are available. Equipment, supplies and materials are purchased to support the schools strategic and action plans with expenditures focused on identified key performance areas.
PTSI Mission
To promote the involvement of parents, teachers, students and the Homestead business community in the support of Somerset Academy South Homestead in its efforts to provide our children with superior education.

17. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
SUBJECT SELECTION STANDARD HIGH SCHOOL 24 CREDIT PROGRAM
English 4 credits (major concentration in composition & literature and reading for
information)
Mathematics 4 credits (Algebra I, Geometry, & 2 courses at the Algebra 2 level or higher)
Science 4 credits (Physical Science, Biology & Chemistry)
Social Science 4 credits (World History, American History, American Government and Economics)
Foreign Language 2 credits (not required for graduation, but is required for admission to state universities and for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships)
Fine Arts 1.0 credit (Performing/Fine Arts, Speech and Debate or Practical Arts)
Physical Education 1 credit (0.5 credit in Personal Fitness & 0.5 credit in Physical Education elective)
Electives 8 credits
TOTAL 24 CREDITS
State Assessment Requirement Must earn a passing score on the Grade 10 FCAT 2.0 Reading or FSA ELA and applicable EOC test(s)
Grade Point Average (GPA) Earn a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
Community Service Project Need to complete the packet and fulfill 25 hours (please refer to the packet online)
Digital Learning Within the 24 credits, at least one online course is required

18. Middle School Credits
Students taking high school courses during middle school
All high school courses will be transferred automatically to the student’s high school transcript and be calculated within their grade point average (GPA).
Students will not be able to retake the high school course, unless they received a final grade of “C” or lower.
Example: If a student took Algebra I in 8th grade and received an “A” then he/she will be placed in Geometry for 9th grade. If a student took Algebra I in 8th grade and received a “C” or “D” then he/she can take the course again in 9th grade and replace the grade.
Middle school students may take up to 6 high school credits in middle school

19. ACADEMICS AND CURRICULUM
INTENSIVE COURSES
REGULAR COURSES
ADVANCED OR HONORS COURSES
PRE-AP AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES
DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES
VIRTUAL COURSES
RECOVERY COURSES

20. GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)
Grade point averages are calculated for the following reasons:
High school graduation
Eligibility to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities
Awards and recognition programs
Placement on the honor roll and/or membership in honor societies
College admissions and scholarships
Three types of GPAs:
Unweighted
Must have a 2.0 UNWEIGHTED GPA for GRADUATION
Weighted
Extra points for honors or advanced placement courses
Florida Bright Futures Scholarships
Calculation is ONLY based on academic courses

21. COLLEGE ENTERANCE EXAMS
PSAT (Preliminary SAT)
All 10th graders take this exam in October
All 11th graders are encouraged to take this exam at their own expense ($14.00 and payment will be received by Ms. Mesa)
11th graders have the opportunity to qualify for the National Merit
SAT & ACT
(SAT) (ACT)
Taken at the end of 11th grade and at the beginning of 12th grade
PERT
College placement test for Miami Dade College

22. COMMUNITY SERVICE
Students must complete 25 hours by the end of 12th grade. (Hours completed during middle school years are not accepted). Students are encouraged to do additional hours for scholarships.
Students must do their community hours within South Florida.
Students must complete their hours at the pre-approved locations found in the Community Service Project packet.
Students do not have to wait until 12th grade to submit their Community Service Project, they can give their counselor for approval.

23. ATTENDANCE POLICY
A letter must be submitted within 72 hours of an absence to the office.
The following are excused absences:
Student illness
Medical appointment with a doctor’s note
Death in the family
Observance of a religious holiday
School sponsored event
Students cannot be signed out after 2:00 pm (no exceptions)
Students arriving to school after 7:45 a.m. will not be allowed to attend their 1st period until the next period. Please note their 1st period class will be counted as an unexcused absence.
Parents must escort all tardy students to the office.

24. Tips for Good Attendance
To do well in school, you must have GOOD attendance
If you must be absent from school, remember that YOU are responsible for finding out what you have missed and for getting all of the work made up.
YOU are responsible for arranging to make up any quizzes or tests that YOU have missed.
If your teacher is not available to talk during class time to discuss make up work, go before or after school. Once you find out what you need to do, get everything made up as soon as possible.
If you know what you are going to miss, tell your teachers ahead of time.

25. UNIFORM POLICY
All students are required to wear straight cut, full length khaki pants that are hemmed. Pants must be worn at waist level. Loose or low pants will not be tolerated. All pants must be purchased at an All Uniform store.
All pants MUST be embroidered.
Belts must be worn at all times
Shirts must be grey or green for Middle School and black or orange for High School bearing the Somerset Academy Logo.
Non school sweaters can only be solid orange, green, black or grey without lettering or a hood may be worn with the school uniform.
Shoes must be closed and solid black
School approved spirit/club sponsored gear may only be worn on approved Fridays.
Jeans are limited to pre-designated Friday’s only. Check the online school calendar for dates.
PE and Dance require the use of specific uniforms that are a requirement for class. PE uniforms are available for purchase at the beginning of each semester.
Refer to the Student/Parent Handbook for further details regarding the Uniform Policy

26. OFFICIAL UNIFORM STORE
The Official All Uniform Wear Location is:
27495 S Dixie Highway, Naranja, FL 33032
Phone: (786)

27. SCHOOL POLICY
Reception will not deliver or accept any items belonging to students as to not interrupt classroom instruction. (i.e. dropping off homework assignments, food, money, etc.)
Students are not allowed to use electronic devices during school hours. If a student is using an electronic device it WILL BE confiscated by staff members. There will be a 24 hour holding period before parents are allowed to pick up the electronic device.
Rolling book bags are not permitted
Please refer to the Parent/Student Handbook for further information regarding school policy

28. SOCIAL MEDIA Be aware of what you post online.
Social media venues including blogs, photo and video sharing sites such as Facebook and Twitter are public.
What you contribute leaves a digital footprint for all to see.
Do not post anything you wouldn't want friends, enemies, parents, or teachers to see.
Remember, what is inappropriate in the classroom is inappropriate online and offensive comments or materials posted can result in disciplinary actions at school.

29. ATHLETICS
Somerset Academy offers middle school, junior varsity, and varsity level sports.
Sports offered are divided by seasons (Fall, Winter, and Spring).
In the Fall we offer Cross-Country and Girls Volleyball.
In the Winter we offer Boys/Girls Basketball, Boys/Girls Soccer, Wrestling, and Cheerleading.
In the Spring we offer Baseball, Softball, Tennis, and Track & Field.

30. ATHLETIC REQUIREMENTS
Physicals:
In order to participate in sports at Somerset Academy South Homestead, every athlete must have a physical exam
Insurance:
In order to participate in sports at Somerset Academy every athlete must purchase school insurance. The price for all sports is $20. This insurance only needs to purchased one time and is good for the entire school year.
Eligibility:
The minimum requirements to play sports is a gpa in both academics and conduct.
Participating in athletics is a privilege not a right.
Student-athletes must earn their spots on a team.
Student-athletes that cannot control their behavior in or out of the classroom or that do not complete their work will be removed from participation on their team.
Athletes represent their school everywhere they go and we expect all of our Firebird athletes to represent us well!

31. AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
Our After-School Care program offers you the piece of mind that your child comes first. We will attend to their needs. Our qualified activity leaders provide students with the appropriate help and supervision that all of our students require.
We will provide your child a snack, access to technology and a facility that will encourage them to do their best. Our computers are equipped with the latest technology in order to assist your child in the completion of their classroom assignments. Besides receiving assistance with their homework, our program offers your child the time to intermingle with other students to develop their social skills and make new acquaintances.
Contact Information: Ms. Vianna Hoffman (305)

32. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
National Honor Society
National Jr. Honor Society
Math Honor Society
Silver Knights
Thespian Honor Society
Robotics/STEM Club
Art Club
Dance Team
Key Club
Book Club
TV Production Club
Multicultural Club
Student Government
Student Council
GLEE Club

33. THANK YOU