John A. Ferguson Senior High School€¦ · 18/08/2016  · 2016-2017 John A. Ferguson Senior High School “No Goal’s Too High Where Falcons Fly!” Rafael A. Villalobos Principal

2016-2017

John A. Ferguson

Senior High School

“No Goal’s Too High Where Falcons Fly!”

Rafael A. Villalobos Principal

Administrative Staff

Ms. Mindy Acosta-Leon Assistant Principal Mr. Ideal Garcia

Assistant Principal

Ms. Kathy Guerra Assistant Principal

Mr. Stanley Thompkins Assistant Principal

Ms. Tanya Rae-Schulze Activities Director

Mr. Kelvin Justice Athletic Director

15900 S.W. 56 Street Miami. FL 33185

Tel. (305) 408-2700 Fax: (305) 408-6487

http://www.fergusonhs.org

School Colors Black, Silver and White

School Mascot Falcon

School Motto “No Goal’s Too High, Where Falcons Fly!”

Ferguson Alma Mater

Hail to thee, our Alma Mater, Ever loyal, brave and true;

Lead us on in truth and honor In the paths that we pursue.

Rising up to every challenge,

May we keep our goals so high.

Forever we will honor thee: Hail to Ferguson High

Purpose

John A. Ferguson Senior High School’s purpose is to promote a culture of academic excellence by providing equitable, effective, appropriate, and engaging instructional strategies and by using data to drive instruction. Ferguson supports students in their quest to reach their highest potential. The school expects that graduates will be prepared to successfully enter college, career training, or the workforce and will become productive citizens and lifelong learners.

Beliefs

All Ferguson students can learn and succeed. Learning should be meaningful. Students need challenging, engaging academic instructional practices and strategies based

on current research and grade level standards, with developmentally appropriate materials, current technology, and learning experiences delivered by highly qualified professionals.

Collaborative and continuous data-driven decision making, goal setting, and instructional adjustment, based on formal and informal assessment results, is necessary for optimum student achievement.

Personal growth and learning in the areas of physical/mental/social/emotional health and the arts are necessary parts of student development.

All stakeholders share the responsibility for students’ academic progress and contribute to students’ desire to be lifelong learners.

Students will be prepared for the world of work through achieving industry certifications and prepared for college through rigorous academic curriculum.

Visionary leadership at all levels is critical in order to continually improve performance and engage all stakehoders.

DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON

Business ................................................................................................................... Lynda Pangtay

ELL ........................................................................................................................... .Mary Parsons

Foreign Language ...................................................................................................... Leidy Romero

Gifted ............................................................................................................................... Luis Diaz

Language Arts/Reading ............................................................................................. Sandra Rainelli

Mathematics .......................................................................................................... Jeanette Alvarez

Media Specialist ....................................................................................................... Lissette Alvarez

Performing Arts ......................................................................................................... Lowell Thomas

Physical Education ...................................................................................................... Nelson Pardo

Science ........................................................................................................................ Edda Rivera

Social Studies ........................................................................................................... Emily De Leon

SPED ..................................................................................................................... Rachel Sturgeon

Student Services ........................................................................................................... Alice Veloso

Technical Arts .............................................................................................................. Nicole Slater

Visual Arts ................................................................................................................ Derrick Wilson

Office Personnel

Magnet Secretary……….. ................................................................................................. Egna Rivas

Student Services Secretary ........................................................................... .Rosa Moreno De Ayala

Registrar ..................................................................................................................Carmen Urbina

SPED/Gifted/Secretary ................................................................................................... Julie Andion

Principal’s Secretary ................................................................................................. Magda Serrano

Part Time Assistant/Treasurer ...................................................................................... Blanca Flores

Attendance Secretary ...................................................................................................... Lupe Diaz

Attendance Secretary .................................................................................................... Maria Areas

Treasurer ............................................................................................................... Petra Rodzewicz

Switchboard .............................................................................................................. Hilda Martinez

Part Time Switchboard .................................................................................................... Hilda Vega

Assistant Principal’s Secretary/ESOL .............................................................................. Maria Molina

Bell Schedule 2016 - 2017 Time Period

7:20 – 8:56 Block 1

Period 1 / 2 - Homeroom

9:03 - 10:33 Block 2

Period 3 / 4 10:40 - 12:43

Block 3

Period 5 / 6

10:38 - 11:08

Lunch 1 Rooms 412- 808

Aud. 1001 – 1060 1201 - 1260

12:10 - 12:43 Lunch 2

Rooms 50 – 75 101 – 368

12:50 - 2:20 Block 4

Period 7 / 8

Attendance Policy

In accordance with Florida state law, school is in session a minimum of 180 days. Students are expected to be present and on time for all school days and classes throughout the year. The student, parent, and school agree that the student’s education is based on regular attendance at school. Therefore, the school agrees to provide an educational environment if the student agrees to be in attendance.

Absence from School

After an absence from school, the student must present a note, written by the parent or guardian, to the Attendance window between 6:50 a.m. and 7:15 a.m., or during lunch or after school.

Students must have official documentation with the signed note if the absence is due to an appointment or court date. Excused admits must be submitted to each teacher for absence clarification. Keep admit/s in your student planner. The student will have three school days to obtain an excused admit. Any note received after three days is unexcused. Notes must be written in ink and include the following information:

1. Date(s) of absence 2. Reason for absence 3. Student’s full name and I.D.# 4. Contact phone number 5. Signature of parent or guardian

Unexcused Absences

All work missed due to unexcused absences will be given a zero and the work cannot be made up.

Any student who accumulates more than 10 (equivalent to 5 missed classes) unexcused absences for an annual course or 5 (equivalent to 3 missed classes) unexcused absences for a semester course will receive an NC (No Credit) in that course. Grade is withheld. Students who miss more than the allotted number of days may have grades withheld pending an administrative review and completion of intervention strategies.

Once a student accumulates a total of 10 absences, excused or unexcused, a parent is required to submit a doctor’s note or provide official documentation for future absences in order for them to be excused.

Tardy Policy

Students requiring an excused tardy admit and all students arriving after the first 10 minutes, must report to the Attendance Office to secure an admit. Once a student accumulates 10 tardies, a doctor’s note or official documentation is required. Additionally, excessive tardies may result in loss of privileges and/or detentions/suspensions according to the progressive discipline plan. Student tardy records can be obtained using the online grade book through either the student/parent portal. Excused tardies include doctor’s appointments.

Early Dismissal from School

A student who wishes to leave school early must report to the Attendance Office for a Permit to Leave School form and have someone who is listed on the student’s emergency contact card “sign” him/her out. Students who are 18 years of age may not sign themselves out without prior parent authorization. No students will be signed out after 1:50 P.M.

Visitor Policy

No person, minor or adult, may visit any part of a public school without first reporting to the main office to secure a Visitor’s Pass and approval. Visitors who wish to see teachers should prearrange a meeting time with the teacher(s).

Code of Student Conduct

A copy of the Code of Student Conduct is available at ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/90/index.htm. Students are responsible to adhere to it at all times. Uniforms

John A. Ferguson Senior High is a uniform school. Visit the school website for specifics.

Dress Code

1. No clogs, sandals, slippers, or other shoes without back straps. No metal cleats on school grounds.

2. No shorts, skirts, yoga pants or Capri pants. No cargo, sweat, yoga or fleece pants. All pants must be hemmed or cuffed.

3. Blue or black jeans or denim pants will be permitted only on designated days.

4. No hats, bandanas, or any type of headgear will be permitted.

Testing Programs

Required Tests

Test Audience

Algebra 1/ Algebra 2 Biology Geometry US History Students Enrolled

FSA Writing Grade 9 and 10

Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test - Retakes Grades 11, and 12, as needed

FSA Reading Grades 9th and 10th Reading

Florida’s Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) Grade 11 Grade 12 (Recommended)

PSAT Grade 10 (Required) Grades 9 and 11 (Recomm. for National Merit Scholarship)

Advanced Placement (AP) Students enrolled in AP courses

International Baccalaureate Program (IB) Students enrolled in IB Courses/Program

Elective Tests

Test Date ACT September 10, 2016

October 22, 2016

December 10, 2016 February 11, 2017

April 6, 2017

June 10, 2017

SAT October 1, 2016

November 5 2016

December 3, 2016 January 21, 2017

March 11, 2017

May 6, 2017 June 3, 2017

Student Services

Students may make appointments to see their counselors by going to the Student Services Office before school, during lunch, or after school. Students will be issued a counselor’s pass to the Guidance Office for the date and time of their appointment.

Chairperson, Design and Architecture (M-Z)................................................................... Alice Veloso

Design and Architecture (A-L) .................................................................................... Maria Martinez

International Baccalaureate ................................................................................... Carmen Enriquez

Information Technology ............................................................................................. .Rut Perdomo

Business and Finance (A-L) ............................................................................................. Jose Cortez

Business and Finance ...................................................................................................... Susan Kirk

Medical and Biomedical (A-L) ...................................................................................... Danielle Denis

Medical and Biomedical (M-Z) ...................................................................................... Tracy Pezoldt

CAP ........................................................................................................................ Nerys Torralbas

Grading System

*Grade Value % Gr. Pt. Val.

A 3.50-4.00 90%-100% 4

B 2.50-3.49 80%-89% 3

C 1.50-2.49 70%-79% 2

D 1.00-1.49 60%-69% 1

F .99-below 59%-1% 0

NC No Credit 0

*Honor points may be awarded for predetermined courses.

Report of Student Progress

Interim progress reports will be given midway through each nine week grading period. Parents are asked to review the reports with the student and consult with the teacher when necessary.

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.

Requirements for Graduation

Every student must pass the FCAT 2.0 or FSA reading and required End of Course exams, be “computer competent”, and complete his/her Service Learning requirement. In addition, students must have a minimum 2.0 unweighted cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) to graduate. Failure to maintain a 2.00 GPA will result in the loss of Senior Activities (Senior Breakfast, Grad Bash, Prom, Athletic participation, etc.).

Academic Graduation Requirements for the Classes of 2016-2017

Subject No. of credits English 4.0

Mathematics (Algebra I min.)

4.0

Science 3.0 World History 1.0

American History 1.0 Economics 0.5

American Government 0.5 Fine Arts 1.0

Personal Fitness/Physical Education

1.0

Electives 8.0 Total number 24.0

Community Service Learning

To complete the Community Service Learning graduation requirement for the State of Florida, students must complete a Service Learning project between 9th and 12th grades. All forms are found on our school website. Community Service Learning hours must be submitted to your Academy Lead Teacher prior to winter break. Failure to meet the Community Service Learning deadline will result in the loss of senior activities which include SENIOR BREAKFAST, GRAD BASH AND PROM!

Closed Campus

Students are required to remain on campus during the lunch period. There is a varied menu available in our cafeteria and at lunch stations located throughout the school and patio. Students may not order or have food delivered from outside vendors or family members. Any unauthorized food, including candy, will be confiscated. Unauthorized Food and Candy Sales No unauthorized food and candy sales will be allowed. All food and candy sales must have region approval and the proper paperwork filed with the Activities Director and Treasurer’s Offices. Cafeteria

Food is provided daily in the cafeteria and sites in the patio and covered dining pavilion as well as other designated areas as needed. Breakfast will be served daily by the cafeteria at no charge beginning at 6:45 a.m. to 7:10 a.m. For smooth functioning of this service, certain practices need to be followed by all students:

1. Maintain a single file line. 2. Make only one trip through the food line. 3. Always be courteous to the cafeteria staff. 4. Do not enter the line in front of another student. 5. Do not enter the lunch line unless you are purchasing lunch. 6. Discard trash appropriately. Once you dispose of your tray and papers, you are required to leave the

cafeteria. 7. Any student eating breakfast/lunch in the cafeteria is responsible for discarding all trash whether it is

theirs or not.

Hallways

At the conclusion of the tardy bell all students are to be in their classes. With a large student body moving in such a limited time, it is imperative that each person move quickly, in an orderly manner, and observe normal traffic flow. Please do not run, push, or loiter in the halls.

Clinic

To go to the clinic, the student must do the following: 1. Obtain a pass from the classroom teacher to go to the clinic. Personnel in the Clinic/Attendance Office

will determine the appropriate action – to go home or to stay in the clinic. A student assigned to the clinic may stay only a brief time. In accordance with state law, no medication may be dispensed.

2. Parents will be notified should a student need to go home. Students are cautioned that a permit to leave

school is mandatory for any student leaving school other than the regular dismissal time or for a school sponsored field trips.

Bus Transported Students

Students may be transported to and from school in district buses provided by the Miami-Dade County Public School district if they live two miles or more from the school. Transportation is not 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.

Student Parking

Student parking is a privilege and made available on a first come, first serve basis to seniors only, space permitting. Students must procure parking decals in order to park on school grounds. All vehicles may be subject to search upon request by school or law enforcement personnel. Parking privileges may be revoked for improper vehicle operation or other violations in the Code of Student Conduct by the principal or his/her designee. Excessive tardies will result in loss of parking privileges. Students who do not park on school property such as Publix, are subject to tickets and towing at their own expense.

Information Center

Students are encouraged to use the Information Center for school related needs and to pursue personal interests. The Media Specialist and student aides are available to assist students. The Information Center is open every day from 6:45 AM until 2:30 PM.

1. The Information Center is for quiet independent study and research. 2. Passes are required from 7:20 AM to 2:2 0 PM, during class time and lunch periods. 3. Food, drink, and gum are not permitted in the Information Center. 4. Internet access is available for research. 5. Students may check out up to five books for a two-week period. 6. All items checked out must be returned on a timely basis so that others may have access to the

resources as well.

Information/Media Center Circulation

A student picture ID is required to check out books. Books from the general collection are circulated for a two-week period. A five-cent fine is charged per book per school day for any overdue materials. Students are responsible for paying for lost or damaged materials. Activities Programs

Student activities at John A. Ferguson Senior High School provide a wide range of opportunities for all students to broaden their life experiences.

To view all of the available clubs and events visit the activities website at http://www.fergusonhs.org or http://ferguson.dadeschools.net/Students/Activities/index.html Eligibility for Participation

To compete or participate in inter-scholastic activities, students must maintain a minimum 2.0, unweighted, cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) and adhere to the attendance policy. This requirement applies to both athletics and student activities.

Participation in Sports

Participation in organized sports helps build discipline and teamwork and promotes self-esteem and physical well-being. To compete in inter-scholastic sports, students must pass a physical exam, obtain insurance, and maintain a minimum 2.0 unweighted cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) and adhere to the attendance policy. 2016 - 2017 FHSAA SPORTS

Fall Sports Winter Sports Spring Sports Cross Country Girls Basketball Baseball Football Boys Basketball Boys Volleyball Swimming Wrestling Softball Girls Volleyball Boys Soccer Track and Field Bowling Girls Soccer Tennis Golf Badminton Girls Flag Football

Internet Resources

The Miami-Dade County Public School System has purchased online databases for school and home use. Please see a Media Specialist for details. The Information Center’s Internet website can be accessed from the school’s homepage at http://www.fergusonhs.org

Internet Policy

Students using computers must comply with Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Acceptable Use Policy. Each student will be required to log in with their student ID number and log off at the completion of their computer session. . The Acceptable Use Policy can be accessed at http://www.dadeschools.net/technology/acceptable_use_policy.htm Students also need to have a BYOD Permission Form signed and on file at the school. The form can be accessed at http://www.fergusonhs.org/ourpages/auto/2012/7/3/44239459/BYOD%20Acceptance%20of%20Responsibility.pdf

Reverend John A. Ferguson

Reverend John Alphonso Ferguson was born on July 23, 1923 in Miami, Florida. He graduated from Carver Senior High in 1941 and served with the U.S. Navy for 21 years. Reverend Ferguson was a graduate of Union Theological Seminary and Virginia Union University. He and his wife, Anita, had five children. For 31 years, Reverend Ferguson dedicated himself to the Second Baptist Church in Richmond Heights, which he founded in 1964. He worked to unite the multi-cultural population and helped keep the peace during the Liberty City riots of the 1980s. He also served on the School Desegregation Committee and assisted with the desegregation of all local public schools.

On August 23, 2000, the Miami-Dade County Public School Board voted to name the new high school John A. Ferguson Senior High School in Reverend Ferguson’s honor. John A. Ferguson Senior High School was officially dedicated on April 22, 2004. Reverend Ferguson passed away on July 26, 2012.