Attendance:

Although these programs offer more flexibility than those of a formal school, regular attendance is still important to student success. Student is expected to arrive on time (by 8:00am) so all instructional time can be utilized. Regular classes are over at 2:20pm.

School Hours:

The regular school hours are from 8:00am until 2:20pm. Early drop-off is available at 7:30am. There is no after school care.

Office Hours:

The MCA office is open daily from 7:30am until 4:00pm. Message may be left on the answering machine at any time. Late Arrival and Absence: Parents are required to call MCA by 8:30am if the child is going to be late or absent, unless previously done. If no notification by 9:00am, MCA will contact the parents. Student who is absent for doctor or other appointment must bring a note from the parent.

Dismissal:

The parent must notify MCA before they arrive and sign the student out. The student will be picked up at the office and will not be waiting outside. If you bring the child back to MCA that same day, bring him/her to the office and sign the child back in. Parent should not arrive longer than 10 minutes before dismissal time. Student dismissal will be supervised by the teachers. For security reasons, if the student is not to be picked up by the parent/guardian or other person named in the contract for that purpose, a note from the parent must be given to MCA before or on that same day. As well, a note from the person picking up the student is required. The student will not be allowed to leave MCA if permission from both parties is not given.

Dress Code:

There is no dress code for the student. However, student is expected to be neat and clean, and wear clothing that is not distracting to oneself or others.

Drugs, Tobacco and Alcohol:

We maintain a Smoke Free environment. Smoking by anyone is prohibited at all times. During study hours or special events, use or possession by students of tobacco, illegal drugs, alcohol, or any other mood-altering substances may result in immediate expulsion. In such event, the parent or guardian will be contacted immediately.

Internet:

During school hours, the students are using the computer under the supervision of the teachers. After dismissal, students are not supervised anymore and MCA is not responsible for the consequences that could occur from using the Internet.  

Change of Address:

Parent must notify MCA of any change of address, telephone and email made during the year.

Lost and Found:

MCA is not responsible for the student’s personal property. It is the student responsibility to take care of his/her materials and belongings. It is recommended to have the lunch boxes, school bags, etc… tagged.

Telephones:

Cellular phones and beepers have to be turned off during study hours. All important calls must be then made through the MCA office. 

Lunches:

Student will bring daily a mid-morning recess snack and a lunch. Please note that excess of sugar/sweets will prevent him/her from concentrating. Lunch boxes are to be taken home on a daily basis.

Immunization:

It is required that the student be immunized before he/she is allowed to attend MCA. Every student must have a Florida HRS Form #680 Part A on file according to the vaccination schedule for Miami-Dade County before or on the first day of school.

Non-prescription medication (for example Tylenol or aspirin):

These medication will not be given to your child unless we have your specific written permission. Student is not allowed to possess medication of any kind or to take medication on his/her own.

Illness:

Please list the type of allergy and possible reactions. Illness: Please do not send your child to MCA when he or she is ill. We cannot provide for children who are sick. If your child becomes ill while at MCA, we will contact you and ask you or a responsible adult designated by you to pick up your child and sign him/her out. Your child must be “fever free” for a full 24 hour period without the use of fever-reducing medications before returning to MCA. Please contact MCA if your child contracts any contagious disease, i.e. chicken pox, measles, scarlet fever, conjunctivitis, etc., or head lice, so that we may alert the other parents. If the child has been prescribed medication, he/she must have been taking the medication before returning to MCA. If medication is to be given at MCA, please advice the Office and bring a note from the physician as well as a permission medical note from you. The original medication container is required.

Reports of Student Progress:

These reports are an evaluation of the child’s progress. It gives each teacher’s comments about the work in which the child is engaged and how the child is performing in relationship to what has been set as that child’s particular goals. It will be issued three times during the academic year. A parent conference can be scheduled at any time.

Awards Ceremony:

Held at the end of the school year, the ceremony will recognize every child for his/her unique achievements.

Emergency Procedures:

Should it be necessary to close MCA because of weather or some other emergency, MCA will follow the decisions of the Dade County Public Schools and a message will be placed on the answering machine. If a Hurricane Warning is issued (meaning that a hurricane will strike within 24 hours), MCA will be closed in order to prepare for the storm.