DePaul School

Student Handbook


DePaul School Values

¨        I respect my abilities and myself.
¨        I have self-control and am responsible for my actions.
¨        I accept responsibility for my shortcomings and use them to learn how to do better.
¨        I respect other’s property as though it were my own.
¨        I always approach life with a positive attitude.
¨        I know I can learn and succeed.
¨        Most of all, I am proud of who I am.

Based on the values of respect, responsibility, self-control and positive attitude.

 Table of Contents

I. DePaul School’s Culture              
 A.        Mission and Philosophy
 B.         History
 C.         School Operations
 D.         DePaul School Parents
 E.         DePaul Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO)
 F.         Overview of Classes

II. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)     

III.        Attendance             
           A.        Absences
 
IV.        Communication              
 
V.        Homework           
  VI.        Appearance Code         
 
VII.        Code of Conduct   
  VIII.        Health and Safety     
 
IX.        Grading                    
 
X.        Activities                 
 
XI.        Miscellaneous          
 
I.        DePaul School’s Culture
  DePaul School is committed to understanding and educating students of average to above average intelligence with
specific learning differences.  These differences may include dyslexia, perceptual disorders, memory and attention
deficits.

Our emotionally supportive, structured full-time school remediates and prepares the majority of our students to transition
into a more traditional school environment.  DePaul School provides a setting for students to learn the fundamental skills
and basic values to be confident, productive citizens in our complex world.
DePaul School admits qualified students regardless of race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges,
programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies,
scholarship programs, other school-administered programs and employment practices.

  DePaul School of N.E. Florida was founded in August 1980, by a group of parents who realized there was a real need in
the community for specialized education for the learning disabled/dyslexic child.  This venture was under the direction of
The DePaul School in Louisville, Kentucky until 1990.

  DePaul School is a non-profit, private school governed by a Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors consists of
current and former parents along with community members dedicated to our mission.  The Board oversees the activities
of the Head of School, ensures all school activities are consistent with our mission, and monitors our financial stability.
The Head of School oversees the deans and the business operation of all locations. Each campus has a Dean who is in
charge of the daily interactions with students, parents, and teachers.

  As a DePaul School parent, you and your family are lifetime members of the DePaul School community. We encourage
all DePaul School students, alumni, and their families to remain actively involved in DePaul School and its mission.
Current DePaul School parents are entitled to vote at our Annual Meeting in the spring.  At this meeting, Board
members are elected and major issues are discussed and voted on if necessary.  
DePaul School parents are vital to the success of their children and the school.  Through volunteering opportunities,
parents demonstrate how important their children’s education is to them.  Volunteering helps to keep tuition affordable
and is a very rewarding experience.

Families are asked to support the school through volunteering and fundraising throughout the year.  The proceeds from
fundraising events go towards needed supplemental materials and extra-curricular activities that enrich your child’s
educational experiences while at DePaul School.

  The DePaul Parent/Teacher Organization was established to help parents be more actively involved in their children’s
experiences at DePaul School.  PTO activities vary from year to year. Parents are encouraged to contact your campus
dean to learn more about how to get involved.  

  Homerooms consist of students grouped by age, with multiple ages in each homeroom. Usually students within two to
three years of age are grouped together.

Academically, students are grouped by performance levels in small classes. A student’s grouping may change during
the year to reflect changes in performance. The school maintains a 10:1 student to faculty ratio school wide.  
Basic language and math skills are taught using multi-sensory, direct instruction and other special education
techniques.  A variety of enrichment opportunities in art, music, social values, science, social studies, and physical
education are also offered.

An intermediate program for middle-school-age students helps prepare them for high school.  An emphasis is placed on
developing effective study skills and test-taking strategies.

Each year teachers teach different levels of subjects based on the needs of our students.  If your child has the same
teacher as last year, it does not mean that your child is at the same level.  Please check with your child’s
teacher if you have concerns about placement.

II.        Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I know what’s coming up at school?
  Q. What do I need to know about visiting the school?
 
Q. How often will I receive information on my child’s progress?
 
Q. Who will call when my child is having trouble?
 
Q. What is the role of competitive sports at the school?
 
Q. How does my child get involved in extra-curricular activities?
 
Q. How prevalent are drugs and alcohol at this school?
 

III.        Attendance
It is essential that each student be in attendance every day that school is in session if they are in good health. If
students are not in class they are missing instruction. If students are picked up before dismissal, it will be reported on
the quarterly progress report. Students missing two or more hours of instruction in a day will be recorded as present for
a half day.

  Notification:  A parent or guardian should notify the school office by 9 a.m. on the day of a student’s absence.  The
school will call if a parent has not notified the office by 10 a.m.  
Please send a note to accompany your child when he/she returns to school after an absence.  A doctor’s note
may be requested for lengthy absences or to assure that a student is fit for school activities.
Students are responsible for any and all assignments missed during absences, including homework. They may get
assignments from their classmates.  A one-day grace period for each day absent is given for making-up work.
Punctuality in meeting deadlines is an important life skill. Grades for late work turned in after the grace period may be
penalized.  This will be noted in the student’s agenda and parents will be asked to sign the note.

  Students need to be on time every school day.  Tardiness on the part of a student not only causes loss of school time
for that person, but late arrivals also disrupt the entire class.
Students who arrive after the 8:15 bell are considered tardy.  Parents of tardy students are required to stop by the office
to sign them in. In the case of chronic tardiness, the student is required to wait until the beginning of the next class to be
admitted.

  When it is necessary for the parent to take a child out of class for a doctor’s appointment or other reason during the
day, please send a note to school at the beginning of the day so the teacher and student can be prepared.  Release of
the student must be made through the school secretary.  Parents are asked to sign out for early dismissal and back in if
the child returns the same day.
Parents are asked to keep early dismissals to a minimum. Please do not pick up your child 15 minutes prior to
dismissal time. This causes disruption in the classroom as well as confusion and backups in the dismissal pick up line.
Early sign outs will be recorded in the attendance records.

  DePaul School follows the Duval County Public School plan for cancellation of classes due to inclement weather or
emergencies. If DePaul School needs to deviate from Duval County’s plan, each family will be contacted by telephone or
email. Please notify the office of any changes in phone numbers and/or email addresses as they occur.

  If a family chooses to remove a child from school for vacation, that family needs to contact the office one week in
advance.  The student will be responsible for all work missed.  No advance work can be sent home with a student who
will be taking vacation since they will not have the necessary instruction to do the work without frustration. The student
will be responsible for completing all work missed after they return.

  Care is available starting at 6:45 a.m. in Arlington and 7:00 a.m. at the Gudal Campus. There is a $40. per month
charge for this service.  Drop-off care for a single day is $5 per day. Please be sure to complete the necessary
registration forms. Please note: Students are not monitored and should not be dropped off at the school
before these times.

  The school day begins at 8:15 a.m.  All students are expected to arrive between 7:55 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. Please see the
map at the back of the handbook for drop-off instructions.  All students are expected to follow the directions of the
Safety Patrol.  If you choose to park at the Arlington Campus, please park against the fence. Children left outside ARE
NOT monitored before 7:55 a.m.  If a student arrives after 8:15 a.m. he/she must report to the school secretary for a
tardy slip.
  School dismisses at 3:15 p.m..  Children are monitored until 3:30 p.m. They are then sent to extended day and a $10
charge will be due upon picking-up your child.  See the map at the back of the handbook for pick-up instructions.  
Please follow the directions of the Safety Patrol.  If you choose to park at the Arlington Campus, please park against the
fence.
  Care is available starting at 3:30 p.m. in Arlington and 3:15 p.m. at the Gudal Campus. Pick up MUST be before 5:30 p.
m. There is a $135 per month charge for this service.  Drop-off care for a single day is $10 per day.  Please be sure to
complete the necessary registration forms for this service.
Please be prompt in picking up your children. A Late Pick Up Fee of $10 per every 15 minutes will be assessed after 5:
30 p.m.


IV.        Communication
  Since the agenda is a VITAL communication tool between parents and teachers, the agenda must be read and signed
daily. Please do not sign the agenda in advance. If the agenda/binder is lost or damaged, there is an $8 charge for a
replacement.
  Newsletters are sent home every Wednesday. This helps to keep everyone apprised of current and future events at
DePaul School. All effort is made to foster frequent and productive communication between teachers and parents for the
benefit of the student. Parents may schedule meetings with teachers if the need arises by calling the school office.
Parents may e-mail teachers through Power School or through links from www.depaulschool.com (Teacher Page).
  The purpose of the parent-teacher conference is to have a formal time for discussion between parents and teachers
regarding the student’s academic and social progress. This type of conference aids the home and school in working
together. Conferences also help discern areas that need reinforcement and extra attention in order to help the student
grow to his/her full potential. Scheduled conferences are held twice a year.

  Please do not telephone with the intent to speak to your child during school hours. Messages left with office staff will be
delivered to your child. Students are not permitted to use the school phone except in case of emergency. Cell phones
are not allowed at school and will remain in the office until parent pick up.

  All visitors and parents are required to show an ID before they are allowed in the school. They will receive a pass which
must be worn at all times.  Please be sure to wear proper attire and enter rooms quietly when visiting.


V.        Homework
  One goal of homework is to help students learn to make their school work a top priority. Assignments are intended to
reinforce concepts learned and to practice skills independently.
Incomplete and/or missed homework assignments are given a one-day grace period to complete. Grades may be
penalized because of late work.
If excessive parent involvement is necessary to complete homework, please notify the school so this can be addressed
with the staff. It is not the school’s intention to overwhelm the student with homework.

  Many families find that a teacher-monitored academic assistance period is very useful. A teacher is available for 30
minutes after school Monday through Thursday to assist with homework in small groups. There is no Home Work
Assistance on the day before a holiday break, or on the last day of a school week.
This optional 7th period is open to students from 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Those students who stay for assistance should
be picked up by 3:50 p.m. Students not picked up by the designated time are sent to extended day, and parents are
charged $10 for after school care.  
A registration form is required for the Optional 7th Period Study Hall. The cost is $125 per quarter. Students are
expected to attend daily. Students who do not have an assignment to complete will be encouraged to spend the time
reading independently. Roll is taken.


VI.        Appearance Code
Please help your children start the day in a positive manner by being well groomed and appropriately dressed for school.
Since education is serious business at the DePaul School, students are to dress with pride in a business-like fashion.
Students who enter school improperly dressed may not attend classes until the infraction is corrected. Parents may
need to be contacted.

Top – DePaul School insignia embroidered on white, light blue or navy polo/golf shirt or sweatshirt. Shirts must be
tucked in at belt lines.       
                                                                      
Bottom - Navy or Tan (Khaki)
·        Pants, long walking shorts, skirts or jumpers are acceptable.  

·        Shorts and skirts must be knee length or longer.

·        Pants must have no outside or sewn-on pockets. Pants must be of an appropriate size and worn at waist level.
  ·        Pants that are baggy, denim, or casual in style are not permitted. Stretch pants are not allowed.

·        Plain belts are to be worn if there are belt loops.  

Solid color sweaters or sweatshirts in white, light blue or navy may be worn over the regular dress code shirt. No
hoods or zippers.
·        
Other sweaters, jackets or sweatshirts cannot be worn during classes and must be removed before school starts.

Solid colored socks or tights are to be worn at all times and need to be visible above the shoes.
·        
Shoes should be clean and in good shape. Shoes must have closed heels and toes for safety. Tennis shoes,
 
Hairstyles for boys and girls should be generally conservative. Hair should be clean, well groomed, and away
         from the face. Boy’s hair should be cut around the ears and trimmed above the  eyebrows and above the collar.    
         Natural hair color is required. Girl’s hair should be away from the eyes.
·        
Any items that are distracting to the student or others may be taken away or the child may be asked not to wear it
  ·        
Fad clothing, haircuts, and decorations are not acceptable because they distract from learning.
·        
Distracting make-up is not appropriate at school. Finger nails must be trimmed moderately short and kept clean.

All make-up and personal care items should be left at home. Fragrances should be kept to a minimum. Many students
are allergic to fragrances.
·        
Jewelry should be minimal and not distracting. Boys may not wear earrings at school.
·        
Tattoos and body piercing may not be visible.

 Administration reserves the right to interpret and ensure compliance with the rules stated above.



 VI. Code of Conduct
         
         A.        Procedural Infractions
Students who miss homework assignments, fail to get parent signature (agenda) or fail to adhere to the Appearance
Code, will be sent to the office at break. Parents will be contacted in order to help students take responsibility for
meeting school requirements.

  DePaul School has a Zero-Tolerance Policy for drugs and alcohol.
DePaul School believes our school should be a safe place for our students and staff; therefore, all threats and bullying
will be taken seriously. Immediate action will be taken by administration up to and including expulsion.

  Appropriate conduct on school grounds and at school events is expected. Conduct expectations are as follows:
  The consequences for breaking conduct expectations or disrupting class are as follows:
  The consequences below apply to all disciplinary referrals. Disciplinary referrals are cumulative throughout the year.

  Administrative action will typically consist of removal from class for the afternoon portion of the day. Students will be required to do
academic work during this time.

At the teacher’s discretion, a student may be sent immediately to the office with a referral for fighting,
insubordination, or in some way preventing the entire class from functioning. Our goal is to assure a safe and
orderly learning environment for our students. The Administration reserves the right to immediately use any of the
following consequences if the severity of the behavior deems it necessary:

  The Administration seeks to have a positive and productive relationship with our families. In the event that school and
family values are in direct conflict and differences are unable to be resolved, students may be administratively withdrawn
from our school. Sincere efforts will be made to resolve differences and avert this action.

  Tobacco, alcohol, drugs, knives, weapons, matches, lighters, etc., are not allowed on school grounds. Any such article
found will be confiscated. Parents and law enforcement may be contacted. This action can result in immediate
suspension or expulsion from school.

Cell phones, beepers, laser pointers, toys or trading cards are not allowed.
Radios, Walkmans, Gameboys, CD or tape players, games, toys and magazines are not permitted. Calculators are not
permitted without the expressed consent of Administration.

Administration reserves the right to check lockers, pockets, backpacks and handbags without notice.
Chewing gum on school grounds is not allowed and the offending student will be referred for administrative action.
Candy and soft drinks are not allowed at school. We encourage nutritious food to support learning.

  Students are required to report to the office any loss of, accident, or damage to school property.  This includes books
and all other educational materials. An amount covering repair or replacement will be charged when a student is guilty of
careless or improper use of materials and equipment. Writing, scratching, or defacement of desks, tables, walls or any
other school property is strictly forbidden and will result in disciplinary action.


VIII.        Health and Safety
  Two choices are available.
 
  All medication must be brought to the office by the parents (not in the student’s lunch box) with written
instructions for the administration of the medication. The original container must be clearly labeled with the
student’s name. Prescription medication must have the pharmacy label intact. No over-the-counter medication will be
given to the students without written permission from the parents. A note will be attached in the agenda when medicine
has been administered.

  Documentation of the following immunizations is required of all students: Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Polio, Measles-
Mumps-Rubella, Hepatitis B.
Seventh graders must also have Hepatitis B (3 shot series), 2nd shot of Measles-Mumps-Rubella, Tetanus-Diphtheria
booster. These guidelines are established by the Health Department.

  Monthly fire drills are held. At the sound of the alarm, each student must leave his/her room and walk, single file, along
the designated route as outlined by the plan for that room. Silence must prevail during the entire procedure. Students
stay outside together with their class and teacher until signaled that it is safe to return.

  At the announcement of a tornado drill, all students must silently follow their teacher to the interior designated hall and
sit quietly so that directions can be heard and followed.


IX.        Grading
    
       A.        Grading Scale:
  DePaul School deems a grade of Good or B and above as mastery.

  The purpose of our reporting system is to track academic progress. Parents are urged to ask for conferences at any
time there is concern. The teachers and deans welcome such opportunities. Your child’s success is our goal.

  Students who achieve academic and behavioral excellence are recognized quarterly.

Academic Honor Roll: Students must have earned academic grades of A/E or B/G in each subject area - Language
Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Elective and Social Skills.

Exemplary Behavior: Students must have earned a behavior grade of A/E in Homeroom and demonstrate cooperation,
organization skills, positive attitude and good citizenship. Students must have NO referrals for the grading period.

  Achievement Tests are administered in the spring.  These scores provide one assessment of a child’s academic
standing. Results must be interpreted in light of the characteristics of the individual’s learning differences.
One of the characteristics of a student with learning differences is erratic performance on a written assessment. Parents
should remember that scores indicate one day’s performance in a certain set of circumstances. Some scores will be
encouraging while others may be disappointing. This fluctuation of scores simply means that the remediation
process is incomplete and more work needs to be done. Tests are administered in timed, standard format unless
otherwise noted.
  In order to be promoted to the next grade level, the student must achieve a D grade (or its equivalent). If subjects are
not fully mastered yet the teacher thinks the student may be able to move to the next grade with additional work, the
school will consult with the parents about necessary requirements.

X.        Activities
  Occasionally classes take educational field trips as part of the instructional program. Parents will be notified beforehand.
Fees may be charged to cover expenses. Fees are non-refundable.
Field trips are privileges. Students must demonstrate good behavior in order to earn the right to participate in off-
campus activities.
  Notices will be sent home for class parties that may be held during holidays. Homeroom parents may contact you for
assistance in planning the parties.
Birthday parties for individual students are allowed at the end of the  6th period only. Please notify the teacher ahead of
time so they may plan accordingly and bring only cake, cup cakes, cookies or snack items to your child’s class.

  Pictures are taken for the yearbook in the fall. A retake session is always scheduled.

  The DePaul School Yearbook is edited by the middle school publications staff under the sponsorship of a teacher.
Yearbooks may be purchased by all students and are distributed in the spring.

  Students at least 10 years old and older and show average maturity level may participate in the Safety Patrols. Students
must have good citizenship, average grades and good attendance.


XI.        Miscellaneous
  Items on the school supply list are required by DePaul School. Please be sure your child has adequate supplies all year
long.
No pens, gel pens, pencil sharpeners or mechanical pencils are to be brought to school.

  All articles left in the classrooms, halls or grounds are placed in a central location. Unclaimed articles are given to needy
families at the end of each school year.

  The DePaul School assumes no responsibility for providing transportation to or from school for any students. We will
assist parents in establishing carpools at orientation. Private bus service is available in some areas. There is a fee for
this service. For more information call the Main Office at 904-724-0102


                                                   FACT SHEET
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 (FERPA)
FERPA is a Federal law designed to protect the privacy of a student's education records. The law applies to all schools
that receive funds under an applicable program from the U.S. Department of Education.
FERPA gives certain rights to parents regarding their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student
or former student who has reached the age of 18 or is attending any school beyond the high school level. Students and
former students to whom the rights have transferred are called eligible students.
·        Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review all of the student's education records maintained
by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of materials in education records unless, for reasons such as
great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to inspect the records personally. The school may charge
a fee for copies eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records believed to be inaccurate or
misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal
hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right
to place a statement with the record commenting on the contested information in the record.
·        Generally, the school must have written permission from the parent or eligible student before releasing any
information from a student's records. However, the law allows schools to disclose records, without consent, to the
following parties:
  Schools may also disclose, without consent, "directory" type information such as a student's name, address, telephone
number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, the school must tell parents
and students of the information that is designated as directory information and provide a reasonable amount of time to
allow the parent or eligible student to request the school not to disclose that information about them.
Schools must notify parents and eligible students of their rights under this law. The actual means of notification (special
letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to each school. Schools must adopt a
written policy about complying with FERPA. Schools must give the parent or eligible student a copy of the policy on
request.  If you wish to see your child's education records, or if you are over 18 or are attending college and would like
to see your records, you should contact the school for the procedure to follow. If you have any questions about FERPA,
or if you have problems in securing your rights under the Act, you may call (202) 260-3887 or TDD (202) 260-8956 or
write to: