School Manual
2013-2014
General Information
Schedules
Monday-Friday: 8:00a.m.-2:00p.m.
Early Drop Off at 7:00a.m.
After-School Program
Monday-Friday: 2:00p.m.-5:30p.m.
School Address
Palermo Private School
Union Church
2310 Calle Laurel
Punta Las Marias, P.R. 00913
Phone Numbers
Tina’s Phone- 787-461-4144
School Phone- 787-268-1860
Church Office- 787-726-0208
E-mail
palermoprivateschool@gmail.com
Website
www.palermoprivateschool.com
Overview
Palermo Private School is an independent English language school
for students in grades PK through Sixth Grade. Our school was founded in
2008 as Tina's Learning Clubhouse with only a kindergarten. We have
added elementary grades as the years went by due to parent demand. This
year we changed the name to Palermo Private School with grades until 6th
and we will continue to add grades throughout the years. Tina's Learning
Clubhouse will remain as our Pre-School for students from 1-3 years old.
You can log onto http://www.tinaslearningclubhouse.com/ for more
information. Our classrooms consist of small groups with a maximum of 10
students. We have aligned our curriculum with the Common Core State
Standards and provide enriched lesson plans to achieve an all around
educational atmosphere for our students.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a diverse learning experience in an English
based atmosphere providing students with an enriched curriculum in small
groups and creating a solid educational base where our students are
prepared to achieve all their goals.
Our Vision
Our goal is to encourage student's strengths and help them with their
weaknesses. We believe proper intervention produces satisfaction and
achievement instead of frustration and failure. We want to maximize their
potential to succeed in school.
Accreditations
We are accredited by the “Consejo de Educación de Puerto Rico” and the
“Departamento de la Familia”. Accreditations by Middle State Association,
Association of Private Schools and “Asociación de Educación Privada de
Puerto Rico” are in process.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is based on the Common Core Standards. The
Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding
of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what
they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and
relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young
people need for success in college and careers. In addition to the English
language curriculum, all students are required to study Spanish from
kindergarten through all grade levels. Our Social Studies curriculum
includes the History of Puerto Rico, America and World History depending
on the grade level. Our curriculum integrates physical education classes
combined with Tae Kwon Do. We also offer other extra-curricular activities
such as Language Classes, Roller Skating Classes and Kinder Dance.
(Some Extra-Curricular Classes may have an additional cost).
General Requirements















A completed application contains the following:
Application Form
General Medical Examination Form
Parents' Questionnaire Form
Emergency Form
Official Transcript from previous school (sealed)
Letter of reference from previous school´s accounting department
Letter of reference from previous school’s director
Letter of reference from previous school’s English and Math teacher
A copy of Parental identification - Current driver´s license or passport
A copy of birth certificate
Immunization Record (P-VAC-3 form) - provided by a local
pediatrician
Two recently taken photographs of the student (2x2 preferred)
Psychometric Evaluation is required for children in 1st through 6th
Grade (new students)
School’s Admission Test
In order to properly assess the student´s needs, all diagnosis and/or
progress reports from any specialist working with the child must be
included.
Age-Entry Requirements
Pre-Kinder: Students must be 4 years old by August 30 of the school year
they enter in order to enroll in the Pre-k Program.
Kindergarten: Students must be 5 years old by August 30 of the school
year they enter in order to enroll in the Kindergarten Program.
First Grade: Students must be 6 years old by August 30 of the school year
they enter in order to enroll in the First Grade Program.
Second Grade: Students must be 7 years old by August 30 of the school
year they enter in order to enroll in the Second Grade Program.
Third Grade: Students must be 8 years old by August 30 of the school year
they enter in order to enroll in the Third Grade Program.
Fourth Grade: Students must be 9 years old by August 30 of the school
year they enter in order to enroll in the Fourth Grade Program.
Fifth Grade: Students must be 10 years old by August 30 of the school year
they enter in order to enroll in the Fifth Grade Program.
Sixth Grade: Students must be 11 years old by August 30 of the school
year they enter in order to enroll in the Sixth Grade Program.
SPECIALISTS
Palermo Private School offers its students access to independent
specialists and/or therapists who can provide their services on campus.
Therapists include speech and language, occupational and educational.
Registration and Tuition Fees
Registration Fee: $495.00
(Includes School Insurance and School Materials)
Tuition Fee: $375.00 monthly
(Includes Physical Education/Tae Kwon Do and Language Classes)
After School Fee: $175.00 monthly
$20.00 daily
(Siblings receive a 10% Discount on above fees)
After-School Extra Curricular Activities:
Roller Skating Classes (additional cost)
Kinder Dance. (additional cost)
One-on-One Tutoring: $30.00-$35.00 an hour
Graduation Fee: Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten $65.00 per child
(This fee includes toga, sash and graduation hat)
Elementary Grades $40.00
(Payments are non-refundable)
Other Fees:
Late Payment Fee: $20.00 per month
Returned Checks: $20.00
Late Pick up Fees: $10.00 for every 15 minutes late.
Health and Safety Policy:
Immunizations: No child will be allowed in the school for any amount of
time without his/her registration forms on file, which includes an annual
health examination.
Medical Treatment: Children will be taken to the closest medical
emergency facility only if an injury or illness is severe enough to warrant
immediate attention. Every effort will be made, when possible, to contact
parents before emergency treatment is sought.
Medication Policy: Our staff shall not administer any type of medication,
except Tylenol with prior parental approval. Parents or guardians are
permitted to come to the school and administer the medication to their own
child when necessary. Medication will not be stored in the classroom.
Sickness Policy: No child will be accepted if she/he has a contagious
disease. A child will be sent home at the first sign of illness (green runny
nose, fever over 100F, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, etc.). It is required that a
parent or other authorized person arrive at the school within one hour of
being notified that their child is ill. The child cannot return to school unless
he/she is symptom free for 24 hours. If the child has allergies it must noted
on his/her medical form.
Lice Checks: All children’s hair will be checked for lice at the beginning of
the school year and periodically throughout the year. Please check your
child for lice on a weekly basis and inform the school’s director if your child
has lice in order to control the situation at school. A student found with will
not be able to attend school until they are lice free.
School Policies and Rules
Arrival: Children must arrive at school at 8:00 a.m. since the first period will
be dedicated to organizing their books and checking homework. It also
allows the child time to integrate and socialize before beginning the daily
programmed activities. Our school will be open at 7:00a.m.for early drop
off. Gates will be locked at 8:30a.m.Please inform your child’s teacher or
school director if arriving late.
Pick-Up Time: All children should be picked up promptly at 2:00p.m.
Students will be picked up downstairs. Students that are consistently
picked up late will receive three warning. If parents continue to be late, they
will be charged $10.00 for every 15 minutes they are late. We also offer an
After-School program until 5:30p.m.
Child Release: Children will only be released to authorized parents or
guardians. If you plan on having someone else pick up your child, please
inform the teacher in writing.
Snacks and Lunch: Please send snacks and lunches that provide your
children with nutrition and energy. Children’s lunches will be warmed up for
them. Our school also offers lunch services at an additional cost.
School Uniform: Students should wear their complete uniforms at all times.
Uniforms must be purchased at Uniform Outlets in Puerta de Tierra. Boys
will wear navy blue polo shirts with school logo and beige shorts or/and
pants. Girls in all grades will wear navy blue polo dresses with school logo.
Girls in elementary grades (first-sixth) can also wear the navy blue polo
shirt with school logo with beige skorts. All students must wear navy blue or
black shoes and white socks. (no colored socks)
Gym Uniforms: Gym Uniforms will be worn on Thursdays (day subject to
change). Gym uniforms must be purchased in Uniform Outlets. Boys will
wear a light blue T-Shirt with school logo with navy blue shorts will school
logo. Girls will wear a light blue T-Shirt with School logo with a navy blue
skort with school logo.
Playground: The playground is reserved for use during Park Time and the
After-School Program. Students using the playground outside of school
hours do so at their own risk. The school assumes no liability for such
times.
Toys: Students are not allowed to bring toys, I pods, tablets, video game
devices or any other item that will distract them from their classes.
Birthday Party Policy: If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday at
school, please talk to the teacher in advance so we can plan appropriately.
Lunch Time will provide an appropriate time to celebrate. No Hard Candies
or confetti permitted. Parents will be responsible for clean up.
Field Trip Policy: We will be scheduling Field Trips throughout the year.
Children learn best through hands on experiences and we really want to
encourage “real-life” learning.
Vacation Policy: Monthly payments are obligated to save your child’s place.
There will be no discounts if you are planning a vacation during the school
year.
Attendance: Students leaving prior to the completion of the academic
school year (or semester) will receive transcripts and/or report cards
showing grades last submitted. The word “Withdrawn” and the exit date will
be affixed to the document. Neither a final mark nor a grade will be given if
a student leaves the school prior to the end of a grading period. A 60 day
notice must be given to avoid a penalty charge as stated in the school
contract.
Communication: Communication is most important at our school. There are
many communication opportunities including: Parent/Teacher Meetings
(October & March), Notes from both in agendas, emails and website.
Events Planned for the School Year: Palermo Private School is also your
school, so… we welcome any ideas you may have for holiday activities,
field trips, field day and other activities. Please let us know if you are
interested in organizing any special school events. We look forward to
working with you.
Hurricane Season: The months of June through November are most likely
months for a hurricane and are considered to be the hurricane season.
School is to be cancelled during a particular hurricane condition.
Videos & Photos: Many of our activities are videotaped or photographed
and may appear in our publications or website. Children are delighted to
see themselves in print or on video. However, if you do not want your child
to be included, please indicate in writing to the administration.
Behavior Management
Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten
When students need to be corrected we believe talking to the child or
children involved and assisting them to resolve their problems as much as
possible is the best approach. A child’s feelings will be acknowledged, the
problem will be stated and we will attempt to assist them to come to a
solution. If needed children may be given a “time-out “for a few minutes. If
problems persist, we will work with the parents to find appropriate solutions
and ways to modify a student’s behavior.
Elementary Grades
Students and parents will receive a Student handbook with school
rules and regulations that they must obey. The student will receive a
demerit slip for each rule or policy that has been broken. Parents will be
informed of each situation and sign the demerit slip to ensure their child will
comply with the school’s rules and regulations. Some rules and regulations
that are not followed may incur in suspension.
Bullying
According to the law # 37 of April 10, 2008, our institution established
the following procedures. The student who commits harassment or
intimidation to other students will be verbally admonished and will receive a
written demerit to their file. On a second occasion that the same thing
happens, the student will be suspended from our institution and will require
a psychological evaluation to reintegrate after week suspension. If it
happens a third time, the student will be expelled from our institution and
reported to relatives and state authorities of Puerto Rico. Students affected
by harassment and intimidation will be offered counseling to be integrated
in the best way in our institution. Palermo Private School will not tolerate
any behavior that incurs "bullying".
Academic Policies
•If a student misses any test and/or quiz due to illness or death in the
immediate family, the parents must contact the school’s director to arrange
for makeup testing. The student must make-up the test(s) and/or quizzes)
within one week of his/her return to school, unless other arrangements are
authorized by the homeroom teacher.
• Students with excused absences who have missed tests and/or quizzes
will receive an incomplete grade until the tests and/or quizzes have been
taken.
• Students must take the authorized makeup test or quiz the day they return
to school unless the teacher makes other arrangements.
• If a student misses any test and/or quiz because he/she cuts a class, has
an unexcused absence from school a zero will be recorded.
• At the Elementary level, students may not have more than two tests
and/or quizzes per testing day.
• Absence from a review day is not considered a valid reason for requesting
a make-up test or quiz.
• All tests must be announced and formally scheduled at least two days
before being administered.
• Students who fail to finish work by the end of the semester because of an
excused absence will receive an incomplete. All incompletes become a
zero if not made up within one week following the return to school, unless
an extension is granted by the homeroom teacher.
• Student’s accounts and fees must be paid to date in order to receive
diplomas, report cards and/or transcripts.
• Cheating and Plagiarism – We require that all students have a personal
standard of honesty that will prevent anyone from cheating or plagiarizing.
Any student caught cheating/plagiarizing will receive zero on the
assignment. Students who are guilty of being involved in such infractions
including aiding and abetting, expose themselves to possible suspension or
expulsion. Repeated offenses will not be tolerated and may result in
expulsion.
Absences and Excuses
• Parents are requested to call the school to report a student’s absence.
Otherwise, the school will call the student’s home during the day of
absence.
• All absences must be explained by a note from home. The note is due on
the first day the student returns to school. The note must contain the date,
student’s full name, grade, the signature of the student’s parent, reason for
the absence and the date(s) of absence.
• When planning family vacations, and/or business trips, parents must
consult the school calendar. In order to guarantee the student’s academic
progress, parents must avoid unscheduled vacations and/or extending
official holidays. In the event that such a situation cannot be avoided,
parents must present a written petition, at least two (2) weeks in advance to
the Administration, who will determine whether make-up work will be
authorized.
• Appointments with doctors, dentists, and/or other professionals should be
made after school hours or during a reasonable portion of the day.
• Excused absences do not excuse students from homework assigned
during the absence or from learning the material covered. In general,
students who are absent due to illness are allowed the same number of
days absent to make up missed work. Failure to follow this policy may
result in the posting of a zero for any work not submitted.
Grading Policies
Pre-Kinder students will be evaluated 4 times a year in order to
observe their academic progress. They will not be graded but will receive a
report card with their progress. Kindergarten students will be graded in
Math, Reading and Spelling using a combination of tests and homework.
They will be graded in Spanish and Science with projects and homework.
Elementary Students’ grades will be calculated using a combination
of homework, tests, quizzes, projects and reports that are assigned during
the quarter. All student work will be assessed based on a raw score, rubric
or other method to used assign points. Students will be given information
regarding the point distribution prior to the due date of any project or report.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that he or she understands how
points are earned. Note: There are no specific numbers of assignments
that must be assigned during a quarter. Therefore, students must take each
and every assignment seriously, understanding that it may have a large
impact on the final grade.
• Homework is an important part of the learning process. You can expect
the following amount of homework per grade level per night.
• Pre-Kinder – Every Tuesday and Thursday (15 minutes)
• Kindergarten –Monday through Thursday (30 minutes)
• First through sixth grade– Monday through Thursday (1 hour) and 10
minutes of independent reading. More time may be required when studying
for a test.
•Report cards will be issued four times per year, at intervals of
approximately eight weeks. Report cards may be withheld for nonpayment
of tuition or other debts to the School.
Graduation Requirements
• Students must obtain a year end average of at least a 70% (C-) in all
major subjects (English, Spanish, Math, Science, Social Studies) and an
overall GPA of 2.0.
• Elementary students who do not pass all major subjects will be required to
attend summer sessions and obtain a passing grade in the subject(s). If a
passing grade is not obtained in 2 or more major subjects, the student may
have to repeat the grade.
Palermo Private School will determine whether the student is prepared for
to pass to the next grade. We have high expectations of our students and
will assure academic preparation. Pre-Kinder, Kindergarten and sixth grade
with graduate while all other grades will participate in our Award Ceremony.
Our Graduation Ceremony will take place the last day of classes.
Protocols
Law 186: Use of Social Security
On September 1, 2008, the Puerto Rico Legislature passed a law to
ban the use of social security numbers as identification routine in public
and private educational institutions from elementary to graduate level and
establish rules on the use of this information. This action by the Legislature
responds to the urgent need to combat the incidence of identity theft.
Palermo Private School has developed procedures, in accordance with
Law 186. The following procedure contains information specific to the
measures taken to ensure full compliance with this legislation.
In accordance with Law 186 our institution will not ask for social security
numbers to any parent or guardian. Our institution ensures that every
parent has foreknowledge of this new law.
Law 37: Bullying
Aggressive behavior manifested among some students internationally
known as "bullying" is a form of intentional conduct and disruptive. The
Legislature of Puerto Rico, Law # 37 of April 10, 2008, makes it a
requirement for private and public schools to implement evidence that has
defined policies and protocols, specific and enforceable against the
harassment and intimidation "bullying" between students.
According to the law # 37 of April 10, 2008, our institution established
the following procedures. The student who commits harassment or
intimidation to other students will be verbally admonished and will receive a
written demerit to their file. On a second occasion that the same thing
happens, the student will be suspended from our institution and will require
a psychological evaluation to reintegrate after week suspension. If it
happens a third time, the student will be expelled from our institution and
reported to relatives and state authorities of Puerto Rico. Students affected
by harassment and intimidation will be offered counseling to be integrated
in the best way in our institution. Palermo Private School will not tolerate
any behavior that incurs "bullying".
Law 56: Students with asthma
The Congress of the United States passed in 2004 a law known as
"Asmatic School Children's Treatment and Health Management Act of
2004" to promote the adoption of legislation to allow students to administer
self-medication for the treatment of any condition related to asthma. In
2006, the Legislature of Puerto Rico approved Law # 56 for this purpose.
Palermo Private School has established a procedure to meet the provisions
of the Law # 56. Students with asthma will be allowed to self-medication in
case of an attack of asthma or need it for prevention. This will be done
under supervision of homeroom teacher or the director.
Law 267: Law for the Protection of Children and Youth in the Use
and Management of the Internet.
To require the installation and use of technological devices that identify and
restrict access to and use of obscene or pornographic material to children
under 18 and schools in preschool, elementary, intermediate and
secondary public education system and private, school and community
libraries and other public or private institution that provides services
through computers that access the Internet; declare public policy, defining
terms, establishing the obligation to introduce technology to limit the access
of children to Internet network, empowered by the General Council of
Education to adopt regulations necessary to enforce the provisions of this
Act, establish conditions for the licensing of public and private schools that
have the services of the Internet; impose penalties; establish civil remedies
and for other related purposes.
According to Law 267, Law for the protection of children and youth in the
use and management of the Internet, our institution complies with the
procedures required by law because our computers have internet filter
which does not allow our students to have any access to any social
network or adult sites.
Suspected Child/Minor Abuse Policy
Definitions:
•Child/minor refers to any student.
• Abuse - The Child and Family Services Act, 1985, consider that a child
suffers “abuse” in any of the following circumstances:
-The child has suffered physical harm, inflicted by the person having
charge of the child or by another person, caused by that person's failure to
care or provide for or supervise and protect the child adequately;
-The child has been sexually molested or sexually exploited by the person
having charge of the child or by another person where the person having
charge of the child knows or should know of the possibility of sexual
molestation or sexual exploitation and fails to protect the child;
-The child requires medical treatment to cure, prevent or alleviate physical
or emotional harm or suffering and the child's parent or the person having
charge of the child does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable
to consent to the treatment;
-The child suffers from a mental, emotional, or developmental condition
that, if not remedied, could seriously impair the child's development and the
child's parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide, or
refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, treatment to remedy or
alleviate the condition.
Process:
-It is our policy that every employee who, in the course of his/her
professional or official duties, "has reasonable grounds to suspect that a
child is, or may be suffering or may have suffered abuse (physical,
emotional, sexual, neglect) shall forthwith report the suspicion and the
information on which it is based in writing to the director of the school.
-The Director will immediately conduct an investigation. Such investigation
will include observations and interviews with the student in question, as
well as all professionals and classmates related to the student.
Furthermore, valuable resources outside the school system, such as
relatives and neighbors may also be interviewed. The results of such
investigation will be reported in writing.
-Upon review, the director will determine subsequent steps to be taken,
which may include but are not be limited to:
-Conduct further investigation and/or interviews.
-Report suspected child abuse to the corresponding agencies.
-Recommendations to parent/guardian regarding psychological services,
counseling and/or effective parenting training.
-Refer case to a private agency dedicated to supporting families in crisis.
-The school does not assume any responsibility for its bona fide
determination about the application in any case of this policy and its
procedure. The effected party will accept all the procedures,
recommendations, as well as actions taken, if any, considered necessary to
put them into execution and exonerates the School of all Burden,
responsibility, or duty resulting of it.
Harassment Policy
Harassment occurs when any member of the Palermo Private School
Community is subjected to unwelcome verbal or physical conduct because
of race, religious beliefs, color, and place of origin, gender, mental or
physical disability, ancestry, marital status, family status or source of
income. Puerto Rican human rights laws prohibit harassment in the
workplace on these grounds. Examples of harassment which will not be
tolerated in Palermo Private School are: verbal or physical abuse, threats,
derogatory remarks, jokes, innuendo or taunts about any person’s
appearance, religious beliefs, color, place of origin, mental or physical
disabilities, ancestry, marital status, family status, source of income or
gender. We also will not tolerate the display of pornographic, racist or
offensive signs or images; practical jokes that result in awkwardness or
embarrassment; unwelcome invitations or requests, whether indirect or
explicit.
Cell Phone and Electronic Device Usage
Policy: The use of any form of electronic device on campus (such as cell
phones, laptops and iPods) will not be allowed. Please note: We are not
responsible for the loss of these items. No phones, i-pods, Walkman, MP3
players or other electronic devices may be in use or in sight during the
school day, including during lunchtime and breaks. Students who need to
make calls should get permission to use office phones. Parents who need
to contact their child/children can call the office phone.
Violations of this rule will result in confiscation of the device. At the first
infraction, the item will be returned the following school day. If a student
has a device confiscated a second time, the confiscation period will be for
the remainder of the semester.