THE ABC’S OF RAMPELLO DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP SCHOOL
Liz Uppercue, Principal
A
After School Program
Rampello Downtown Partnership School will provide before and after school care. Before school program will run from 7:00-7:15 A.M., and after school care will begin at 2:30 PM and end at 6:00 P.M.. For more information please contact Judy Fernandez at 233-2333 x257
Attendance
Contact the school on the day your child is absent by calling 233-2333, and listening for the menu options. Please leave the following information: student’s name, homeroom teacher, reason for absence, and a number where you can be reached during the day.
Accelerated Reader
After reading a book, students may check comprehension through a computerized quiz, and earn certification levels by accuracy and points earned.
Achieving goals as an Accelerated Reader can make put you in the
Reading Driver’s Seat.
Arrival Time
Students are to arrive no earlier than 7:00 A.M.
There is only one Drop off point designated to ensure student safety. Parents who drop off their child in other areas are placing their child in an unsafe situation.
Application
In order to be a student at Rampello you need to have an active application on file. Here is the link to get that application: http://rampello.mysdhc.org/forms/ You may also contact the school by calling 233-2333.
An application and letter of commitment can be found in the Appendix section.
B
Bellwork
Bellwork is the first assignment that a student is to do at the beginning of every class period. Students are to enter the classroom quietly and go to their assigned seat. Read the bellwork on the board/overhead and begin without talking or bothering others.
At the beginning of the school year each teacher will distribute a blanket permission slip to all students to bring home to their parents. This form will allow students to go on walking field trips in the downtown area. Make sure to sign this slip and return it to your homeroom teacher.
A blanket permission slip can be found in the appendix
Section.
Breakfast Procedures
Students are to go DIRECTLY to the cafeteria from the car rider drop-off area. Students are NOT to go to the homeroom to drop off backpacks.
Bullying
Bullying can be pushing, shoving, hitting, spitting, as well as name calling, picking on, making fun of, laughing at, and excluding someone. Bullying causes pain and stress to victims and is never justified or excusable as “kids being kids,” “just teasing” or any other rationalizations. The victim is never responsible for being a target of bullying. There is a zero tolerance policy for this at Rampello Downtown Partnership School.
C
Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol is offered as a Middle School Elective as a intra-curricular course. More information on this program can be found at: http://rampello.mysdhc.org/CAP/
Character Education
Character Education is an instrumental tool for helping teach character in the school. Each month a designated Character Education Trait will be developed. The students will be expected to learn about that trait, and work on developing the trait for themselves. Each month there will be a Character Education Assembly to discuss the month’s trait, and to recognize students that have been chosen by their homeroom teachers for demonstrating that trait.
Communication
Communication with the parents is a very important part to a student’s success. Parents may leave messages for our faculty and staff through our voice mail system or contact teachers through their email addresses. If you do not know the voice mail number for a certain teacher or staff member, use the “dial by name” option.
Conduct Grades
Conduct grades are given to students each quarter. These are based on citizenship, behavior and responsibility.
Conference Requests (Parents and Teachers)
Conferences are held by teacher or parent requests with advance notice. Teachers will be sending home conference requests at least two times during the school year. If a parent would like to request a conference, it is necessary to inquire ahead of time to suit both parties’ schedules.
Crime Watch (Middle School)
Rampello Downtown Partnership School students participate in the Crime Watch program. Students will report any incidents to the School Resource Officer or any adult. Information provided will be treated in a confidential manner. It is important to remember that there are occasions when we need to “break the code of silence”.
D
Dress for Success
Students must follow the dress code as prescribed by the School District of Hillsborough County. You may not wear:
§ Wallet chains
§ Clothing that exposes the entire shoulder, midriff-back or sides
§ Exposed underwear or pajamas
§ Short shorts, mini-skirts or dresses
§ Hats, bandanas, sweatbands, scarves, (as a head covering)
§ Thongs, flip-flops, shower shoes, bedroom slippers of any kind, shoes with skates embedded in them
§ Clothing/jewelry which displays sexual, vulgar, drug, gang, tobacco, or alcohol-related graphics or wording or that mat may cause disruption
§ Pants/shorts that are not secured at the waist, or has indecent tears
Dance Studio
Rampello Downtown Partnership School will have a working dance studio where students will have an opportunity have dance classes and will be able to practice for upcoming performances.
Elementary students will begin dismissal starting at 2:15 pm and middle school students will begin at 2:30pm.
E
Earth Force
Earth Force engages young people as active citizens who improve their communities and environment now, and in the future. Earth Force fosters the skills and knowledge young people need to improve their communities and create workable solutions to environmental issues. Earth Force engages young people in authentic civic experiences that lead to lasting change. Earth Force advances youth-led inquiry and investigates learning in education. Earth force works to create collaborative communities that promote youth engagement.
Electives (Middle School)
The following electives will be available at Rampello Downtown Partnership School:
§ Employability Skills (Student Assistants)
§ Crime Watch
Emergency Cards
Students are issued emergency cards at the beginning of the year for parents to complete and update. Parents should include the names of all individuals, who have authorization to pick up their child, on the card. Students will only be released to adults, whose names are on the emergency cards, and they must present a photo ID. If any information changes during the year, (address, phone number, emergency contact numbers), please notify the assistant principal’s secretary immediately. {Information of the emergency card is used by IRIS}
Evacuation Procedures
Evacuation procedures for each classroom and public area are posted. Students are reminded that in case of a fire they are to leave the building quietly and quickly in a single file line. They are not to talk. In case of a bomb threat, they are to take their belongings with them and proceed to the designated area with their class. Students are to stay with their class and teacher at all times.
Extended Learning Program (ELP) (Middle School)
Students who are struggling or are not meeting grade level expectations in their classes during the first semester will be given an opportunity to make up quality points in the extended learning program. This program is offered in the second semester. There is no summer program available.
Extended Learning Program (Elementary)
Students are selected based on current classroom performance, prior year’s information, and standardized test scores. The program will be offered to assist students in the areas of reading, writing and math.
Extramurals (Middle School)
Rampello Downtown Partnership School participates in the extramural program. Sports included are: boys and girls basketball, track and soccer, flag football (boys), volleyball (girls). Students must get a physical and complete an application packet. Students also must pay $15 for insurance. They will receive a uniform. If items are lost they cost $5. In order to participate, students must have weekly grades no lower than a “C” in academics or conduct.
FACT Sheet
FACT sheets can be found in the main office. These sheets have basic information about our school.
Fax Number
The school fax number is 813-233-2337
FCAT Explorer
The FCAT Explorer is a set of free web-based practice programs. The content is built from the Sunshine State Standards benchmarks that are tested on the FCAT. Kids can practice by themselves, because the programs give them corrective feedback and learning guidance, plus, lots of additional features designed to help them succeed. http://www.fcatexplorer.com
Field Trips
School rules and the dress code apply to all field trips. “No Students Left Behind” is our theme for field trips. However teams and groups may establish academic and conduct criteria for attendance. If a student needs financial assistance to attend a field trip, parents or the students should contact the teacher in charge or a member of administration.
First Day Packet
Your child’s first day packet can be downloaded off of the school’s web page. Complete the forms and return them at at the Meet The Teacher Day which will be held on Friday, August 17th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. You may also turn in all forms on August 21st, the second day of school to your child’s classroom teacher.
Free or Reduced Lunch
Applications will be mailed to all families. Those that wish to apply for free and reduced lunch are asked to return the applications to the lunchroom manager.
G
Grading Scale
The county has established the following grading scale:
Middle School |
Elementary 3-5 |
K-2 |
100-90 . . . A |
A |
E |
89-80 . . .B |
B |
S |
79-70 . . . C |
C |
S |
69-60 . . . D |
N |
N |
59-Below . . . F |
U |
U |
H
Half Day Dismissal
There are 2 early release days planned for the 2007-2008 school year. One at the end of the third grading period (March 11) and one on the last day of school (June 4).
Hallway Procedures
Students are to walk in the halls at all times. They should walk on the right side of the hallway. They are to use the time between classes to go to their lockers, use the restrooms, or get a drink of water. Students will not have enough time to stand around and talk. (See lockers section for further explanation)
History Alive Program
History Alive is a new program in the school system that teaches the students about American history and government through an interactive approach. The students use an interactive student notebook to document, log, and/or record important facts and activities that lead them into the study of American history. The students also get to live in the past by wearing colonial attire, making a quilt, and participating in other various activities.
Parents and students may access Homework Central through the school website. Teachers will post weekly homework assignments, long term projects, and any special information in their folder. Parents and students can also access this for assignments if a student is absent.
I
Intent to Return
Each year parents are asked to complete an Intent to Return form. When completing this form, parents are notifying the school of their intent to return for the next school year. This information also allows us to determine the number of students that can be offered positions off of the waiting list for the next school year. The Intent to Return form will be sent home in November, 2007.
Interim Reports
Students are given interim reports for academic and conduct grades halfway through each quarter. Parents should review the report with their child and return the signed portion to their homeroom teacher. If parents want to schedule a conference with their child’s teachers, they should contact the teacher for an appointment.
IRIS now Parent Link
IRIS is the Immediate Response Information System
Rampello like all HCPS school will use the PARENT LINK system to communicate with our parents about important and emergency matters.
L
Lockers (Middle School/Grades 5-8)
Lockers are issued by homeroom teachers within the first few weeks of school. Students are to go to their lockers between classes. They are not to share a locker with another student. If they have a problem with their locker, they should report it to their homeroom teacher who contact the appropriate administrator.
Lunchroom Procedures
Students are to proceed to the lunchroom in a quiet and mannerly fashion. Students are to line up in a single file line in either the lunch or snack lines. There is to be no cutting in line. Students are to talk quietly and remain at their table during lunch. Once they are dismissed, they are to deposit their trash in the appropriate containers and walk quietly to their next class. NO FOOD is to be taken out of the cafeteria. Outdoor seating is limited and is available on a first come, first serve basis. Elementary students will be delivered and picked up by their teacher.
M
Make-up Work
It is the students’ responsibility to see their teacher for any work missed during an absence (including school business). Students have 3 days in which to contact the teacher for missed work. The teacher then sets the due date for the assignments. If the students have a long or short term assignment due on the day of their absence, they must turn it in on the day of their return.
Media Center
The Media Center is available for students to check out books, do research, and use the computers. Students must have a pass to use the media center.
Medical/Clinical Needs
Students requiring medication to be dispensed during school hours must have their parents complete the appropriate forms. These forms are available from the health assistant. At no time are students to have any medication with them. If a student becomes ill during the day, the teacher will complete a clinic pass and send the student to the clinic. Parents will be contacted. Students can only rest in the clinic for a 10 minute period, and then they will be sent back to class.
A medication form can be found in the appendix section of Handbook.
Meet The Teacher Day
Parents will have the opportunity to come to school prior to the first day of instruction to meet our teachers and staff. Specific information about this event will be included in our school’s web page.
Museum School
The Rampello Downtown School will engage students in discovery of the varied museums in their own community with an eye toward simulating that environment in both the common areas and individual classrooms of its own facility. Utilizing museums and exhibition as a focus, students become aware of the process of research and discovery as well as the importance of excellence and the relevance in the outcome and product of design and implementation of their own museum environments. All classrooms are a museum in itself.
N
No Child Left Behind
The NCLB Act, which reauthorizes the ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act), incorporates the principles and strategies proposed by President Bush. These include increased accountability for States, school districts, and schools; greater choice for parents and students, particularly those attending low-performing schools; more flexibility for States and local educational agencies (LEAs) in the use of Federal education dollars; and a stronger emphasis on reading, especially for our youngest children.
O
Open House
At the beginning of the year there will be an open house for all parents. The dates for our open house will be posted in our school’s web site. Parents will be informed of the Open House date by their child’s teacher and other various announcements from the school administrators.
P
Partnerships
Rampello Downtown Partnership School will interact with the many businesses and agencies in the downtown area. Some of our partners are:
· Tampa Downtown Business Partnership
· Tampa History Museum
· Tampa Museum of Art
· Tampa Theatre
· Tampa Public Library
· The Florida Aquarium
· The University of Tampa
· Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
· American Victory Ship
· Law Offices
If the company that you work with would like to be a partner of ours, please have them make contact with Shawn Marinello, our school’s magnet lead teacher.
Passes
Students will find passes in the back of their planner. Students should have a pass signed by a teacher any time they leave the classroom. No passes are given the first five minutes of class.
Pirate Pennies (Elementary)
Incentive coins called “Pirate Pennies” will be given to students for demonstrating the positive character traits highlighted in the character education program. The only person who cannot give a student a Pirate Penny is that student’s homeroom teacher. At the end of the semester the class with the most Pirate Pennies will receive an appreciation party.
Pirate Positive Referrals
Students may receive a positive referral from a faculty or staff member for conduct above and beyond that which is expected. They may also receive one for improved academic performance. Students will be called to the office where they will receive a positive consequence.
Planner (Grades 3-8)
Students at Rampello Downtown Partnership are required to have a planner. Planners are used as passes, to record homework assignments, class information, and communication between teachers and parents. Parents should check their student’s planner on a nightly basis. If a child loses their planner, they may buy another one from the assistant principal’s secretary. Students are to have their planners with them at all times.
PTSA
PTSA is run by a committee comprised of parents and teachers. PTSA meetings are held once a month on the third Tuesday at 5:15.
“Pirate Pause”
“Pirate Pause” is Rampello’s signal for students to get quiet. Once the signal is given, students are to raise their right hands and be silent. Talking is to stop immediately and students are to listen to the directions or information being given.
Q
Quality
The teachers and administration at Rampello ensure that each student will receive the highest quality education.
R
Reading
Elementary
Reading is an essential portion of our curriculum. Every day there will be a designated DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) time for Elementary students. Each student is encouraged to participate in AR. If students need help finding a certain book to read, they will ask the Media Specialist for assistance.
Middle School
Reading is an essential component of our curriculum. Students at all levels will experience reading across all subject areas. Key to successful reading is through exposing students to a variety of literary genre. It is expected for all students to read at home nightly for 15-30 minutes.
Restrooms
Elementary
Restrooms for the elementary school are available in their classrooms
Middle School
Students are to use restrooms between classes or during lunch. Students should make sure trash is deposited in the appropriate container and help to keep the restrooms clean. Students should report any vandalism to their teachers or an administrator.
S
Sam Rampello
Mr. Sam Rampello
July 13, 1940 – April 30, 2005
Mr. Sam Rampello began his teaching career in 1961 at H. B. Plant High School. Through his career, Mr. Rampello also taught at Leto High School before becoming the Dean of Boys. This position led him to the Assistant Principal position at Jefferson High School in 1971.
His love and devotion to the art of education was evident as he also began to teach at Hillsborough Community College (HCC). He soon took on leadership roles at HCC as he moved into the roles of Collegium Director, Assistant Campus Director, Director of Instruction, Director of Instruction, Director of Curriculum and Dean of Academics. These leadership roles then brought him back to the Hillsborough County Public School system.
In 1976, Mr. Rampello began his 18-year commitment to Hillsborough County Schools as an active member of the Hillsborough County School Board. During this time, Mr. Rampello served as Vice Chairman three times and Chairman four times. In 1993, he was designated as Master Board Member by the Florida School Board Association.
Mr. Rampello did not end his career with the School District of Hillsborough County after vacating his position with the School Board. In 1995 he took on the role of Supervisor of Federal Finance. This position lasted for four years before he was promoted to Director of Federal Finance. Mr. Rampello retired in 2003 from the School District of Hillsborough County after 42 years of dedication to learning.
During these 42 years, Mr. Rampello has received much recognition in the community. These include but are not limited to:
· Commendation from Phi Delta Kappa of USF for educational contributions to the community.
· Received University medal from University of Tampa for contributions to the community in the area of education.
· Received the Tiger Award from the Classroom Teacher’s Association for leadership in the area of salary negotiations.
· Received acknowledgement from the Special Olympics Committee for contributions in helping handicapped children.
· Appointed by Speaker of the Florida House of Representative Lee Moffitt and Governor to the Florida Quality Incentives Council.
The Sam Rampello Downtown Partnership School was named after Mr. Sam Rampello in November of 2003 in recognition of his outstanding contributions and commitment to the field of education. Mr. Rampello passed away April 30th, 2005
School Colors and Mascot
The school colors are Red, Black, and Pewter. Our mascot is the Rampello Pirate.
School Counselors
School Counselors are available to provide students, parents, and staff assistance in academic and personal development. Students should see the assistant principal’s secretary or a teacher to request a conference with the guidance counselor.
School Rules
The philosophy behind our rules is that a classroom should be a place where teachers can teach and students can learn.
· Students should be quiet while the teacher or others are talking
· Students should come to class prepared and on time
· Students should sit in their assigned seat and not get out of their seat without permission
· Students should not have gum, candy, or any other food in the classrooms. However, they may carry bottled water.
· Students are to respect teachers, staff, and their peers. “Put downs” are not tolerated.
THE CONSEQUENCES FOR FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
First time: Warning
Second time: Conduct Cut
Third Time: Other mediation (to include team meeting with student; parent contact; team meeting with parent; referral to guidance or the student intervention specialist; team
detention; after school detention; peer mediation)
Fourth Time: Administrative Referral
Sign-In/Sign-Out
Please refer to the School District of Hillsborough County handbook for the policy regarding excused tardies and sign-in.
When signing out a student, only authorized persons, (those listed on the emergency card), will be able to sign a student out. They must present a photo ID. If a parent is taking another student home, a note from that parent must be presented.
In the front office there will be a computerized system that will be available for signing students in and out of school.
T
Tampa Downtown Business Partnership
Tampa Downtown Partnership is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization focusing on the revitalization of Tampa's center city area. Formed in 1986, it has a broad constituency and strong relationship with local government and community organizations.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership is a private, member-funded organization which serves as a liaison between the business community and city government while working to revitalize Tampa's city center area. The Partnership administers and manages the Special Services District which is funded through an assessment fee on properties in the downtown area. Funds generated through the Special Services District go towards business development, marketing and beautification of Downtown. The SSD also operates Tampa's Downtown Guides and Clean Team which help to make Downtown Tampa safe, clean and inviting. Finally, the Partnership manages the Transportation Management Organization which is funded through federal, state and local grants. TMO activities include maintaining a parking inventory and map,
promoting commute options and advocating for various transportation issues through a committee process.
Tardies (Middle School)
A student is counted tardy when the tardy bell rings and they are not in their assigned seat. Rampello provides a five minute passing period with a one minute warning bell. Students who are tardy receive 2 conduct cuts. After 3 unexcused tardies, students will serve an after school detention. Additional tardies will result in an administrative referral for willful disobedience.
Textbooks
Teachers issue textbooks at the beginning of the year. All textbooks must be covered. At the end of the each quarter teachers will have a textbook checklist. Students are responsible for lost or damaged textbooks and the school must be reimbursed for them. A lost textbook is not an excuse for not doing class assignments.
Transportation
There is no school bus transportation provided for our students who attend Rampello. All parents will be required to complete a transportation letter of intent. Your child’s teacher must know if your child will be a car-rider or will be enrolled in the after school program at Rampello or at another after school program off site.
U
Unique
The Sam Rampello Downtown Partnership School is a unique school in Hillsborough County. Not only are we located in the middle of our city, we also have a unique student body. All of our students are children of parents that work in the downtown business district or applied through the magnet office. This school was built on the fundamental concept to create a school that would allow parents that work downtown to bring their children to a school that is close to work.
V
Visitors
All visitors to the school must check in at the front office. Visitor must have a State Issued ID and sign in using our School Sign-in System before being issued a visitor’s pass. All visitors must wear the visitor pass at all times when on campus.
W
Waiting Lists
The Sam Rampello Downtown Partnership School strives to maintain lower class sizes as mandated by state law in the Class Size Reduction Act. A waiting list is created for each grade level when class sizes have reached their maximum capacity. Students are placed on the waiting list based on the date that the application is received. Priority status is given to students on the waiting list who have siblings enrolled in the school.
Website
World Wide Web
Students at Rampello will be engaged in technology in all functions of learning. The internet will be used as a foundation for exploratory research.
The technology form can be found in the Appendix section of this handbook.
X
X-tra
Teachers, support personnel, and administration at Rampello Downtown Partnership School go the extra mile to make your child’s education informative, challenging and fun.
Y
Y come to our school?
It says it takes a village to raise a child. The Sam Rampello Downtown Partnership Museum Magnet School lives by this adage. Because of our ideal location, we can call on the resources of diverse cultural institutions, government agencies, community organizations and businesses in downtown Tampa to participate in educating our children. This type of education can be done through field trips, special programs, independent studies and more.
Z
Zero Tolerance Policy
There is a zero tolerance policy towards violence at all Hillsborough County Schools.
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