Welcome to Ferguson

2. Welcome to Ferguson Dr. Lisa Robertson Principal Assistant Principals Ms. Mindy Acosta-Leon Mr. Ideal Garcia Ms. Kathy Guerra Mr. Stanley Thompkins Activities Director Ms. Tanya Rae-Schulze Athletic Director Mr. Kelvin Justice

3. Requirements for Graduation Every student: Must pass the FCAT 2.0 and End of Course exams in Algebra I, Geometry and Biology. Demonstrate computer literacy. Complete his/her Service Learning requirement. Have a minimum 2.0 unweighted cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) to graduate. Accumulate 24 credits including English, math, social studies, science and electives.

4. Promotion Promotion to Grade 10: A minimum cumulative total of 4 credits (Must include one credit of English or Math) Promotion to Grade 11: A minimum cumulative total of 10 credits (Must include two credits in English and Math) Promotion to Grade 12: A minimum cumulative total of 16 credits, (Must include three credits in English and Math)

5. Academy Completion Each student is registered in one of the six academies. Students must complete a minimum of four academy courses to be eligible for an academy completion certificate. Students must complete a minimum of 75 hours of community service. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher.

6. Transportation Students may be transported to and from school if they live two miles or more from the school within school boundaries. Transportation may not be provided for all magnet students who are out of school boundaries. No student is allowed to ride a school bus other than the one to which he/she is assigned. The school bus driver has absolute jurisdiction over all students on their school bus. Private busses may be hired to transport students to and from school. Afternoon pick-up is on the driver’s ed range for all private busses.

7. Student Drop-Off/ Parking ONLY SENIORS and selected Juniors are authorized to park on campus. Students may be dropped off in the parent loop on the west side of the school. Parents should avoid dropping students off in areas of heavy traffic. Parents may not use the Faculty Parking Lot or bus loop to drop-off or pick up students. Parents should attempt to drop-off students prior to 7:00 a.m. due to the volume of students at Ferguson. It is suggested that parents and students have a pre-arranged location for pick-up. Carpooling is appreciated! Make sure to have rainy day plans.

8. AthleticsAthletic Director, Kelvin Justice will be in the cafeteria to answer questions regarding Ferguson’s Athletic Program. Athletes must: Maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Have a current Athletic Eligibility Pack. Purchase school insurance for $30, (Football requires $76). Complete a physical. Have less than 10 absences and 20 tardies to school.

9. ActivitiesActivities Director, Tanya Rae-Schulze will be in the cafeteria to answer questions. Inter-scholastic activities: Students must maintain a minimum 2.0, unweighted, cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) Adhere to the attendance policy. Service Clubs/ Interest Clubs Must be active in the school. Must maintain positive behavior. Honor Societies Based on outstanding grades in specific subject areas or high overall academic and conduct grades. Student Government/ Class Boards Elected organizations which represent each individual as the student body and each grade level.

10. Introducing • Santiago Brenlla, Discipline Coordinator • Marcel Moreno, Attendance Coordinator

11. Attendance Policy Students are expected to be in attendance every day. Excused absences include: Illness of self. Medical appointment. Death in the immediate family. Religious observance. Immigration or court appearance. When a student is absent he/she must present a note to the attendance office within three days. Notes should include: Student’s name, ID number, date of absence, reason, and parent’s signature. Notes then must be submitted to all teachers for documentation. If an admit is not obtained within the three days, the absence will remain unexcused and the student will not be permitted to make up work missed. The student should retain all admit notes for their records in their agenda book.

12. Tardy Policy Students are tardy after 7:20 a.m. Between 7:20 a.m. and 7:45 a.m., students must report to the PLASCO location (the ticket window outside the auditorium) to secure an admit to class. Continuous tardies will result in disciplinary action and loss of activity privileges. After 7:45, students need to report to the attendance office to secure an admit. The first nine tardies may be excused with a parent escort or valid excuse note (doctor’s note, court papers, appointment notes). Once a student accumulates ten (10) tardies, notes or parent escorts are no longer accepted, and the tardies will remain unexcused. Make-up work may not be accepted for time missed because of tardiness.

13. Attendance Office Located in Room 20 Hours are from 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Admits can be obtained before school, during lunch and after school. Sign-outs are not allowed after 1:50 p.m.

14. Code of Student Conduct A copy of the Code of Student Conduct is available at: http://ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/9/index.htm Students are responsible to adhere to all policies at all times.

15. Discipline Policy Continued defiance of school authority and policies and/or serious violations of The Code of Student Conduct may result in disciplinary action. Ferguson employs a progressive discipline policy in accordance with district policy which includes warnings, parent conferences, work detail, detentions, Saturday school, indoor suspension (SCSI) and outdoor suspension. Disciplinary action is assigned on an individual case by case basis based on the infraction and student history. An overview of Ferguson’s progressive discipline plan can be found at: http://ferguson.dadeschools.net/Students/index.html

16. Electronic Device Policy All electronic devices must be turned off and out of sight between 7:20 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. Any visible electronic devices are subject to confiscation. Electronic devices that have been confiscated may be picked up between 7:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the main office by a parent only. Ferguson is not responsible for any lost, broken or stolen electronic devices.

17. Dress Code All students are expected to be in uniform everyday unless otherwise notified (special activities). Proper uniforms include: solid color gray, black, or white polo or oxford shirts. black, gray, or khaki pants such as Dockers, chinos, or Dickies. Dark Blue jeansmay ONLY be worn on Friday along with a uniform shirt or a school sanctioned spirit shirt. (Each “quarter,” this will be revisited).

18. Dress Code The following items are not permitted to be worn at any time, and will call for immediate disciplinary action: Tube tops, spaghetti straps, see-through blouses, shirts revealing the lower back or midriff, or sleeveless shirts. Shorts, skirts, leggings, tights, yoga pants. Clogs, sandals, flip flops, or any shoe without back straps. Hats, bandanas, or any other headgear, including hoodies. No written messages or symbols deemed inappropriate for school.

19. Information Available No Goal's too High Where Falcons Fly! Falcon Bazaar and Information Fair Cafeteria Activity and Athletic Information, Clubs, Uniform Samples, Yearbook, PTSA, and School Fund Raisers. Lunch available for purchase from Falcon Cheerleaders. Parent Center Media Center Parent Information and Portal, Volunteer Information, PIN Numbers. Find out how to get students’ balance from STOP. School Tours Covered Patio Student led tours leave every half-hour. In the Courtyard * Note : Classes listed on student Portal are student requests. Please report to homeroom listed on post card for accurate schedule information.