STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK
academic program
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student expectations & Information parent expectations & information Page 5 Page 24
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Who Is Corbe Prep 3 Vision, Mission, and Goals 4 The M.O.R.E. Model & Academic Program IB Programme 5 The Curriculum: Subjects and Specials 6 Homework 7 Student Success Department 8 Communication of Student Progress 9 Standardized Testing 9 Textbooks, Workbooks, Online Resources, and Other Supplies 9 Extracurricular Programs After-School Activities (ASA) 10 Corbe Prep Community Schools 10 Corbe Prep Athletics Program 11 Developmental Sports 11 School Routine School Arrival and Dismissal Times 12 Afternoon Extended Day 13 A endance 13 Sick Policy 14 Planned Absences 14 All-School Meetings and Assemblies 15 Lunch and Snack 15 Field Trips 15 Messages During the School Day 16 Student Health: Medication, Illness, Accidents 16 Emergency Procedures 17 Parent Expectations and Information Communication Within Our School Community 17 Parent Portal 18 Parent Involvement and the Parent-Faculty Association (PFA) 18 Parent Code of Conduct, Communication Guidelines and Expectations 18 Important Contact Information 21 Parent Participation Opportunities 22 Student Expectations and Information Student Behavior and Discipline 24 Behavior Code 24 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont.) Social Media and Social Networking Policies 25 Dress Code 26 What Students Need 27 Candy and Gum 27 Electronics 28 Student Health Records and Insurance 28 Counseling, Referrals, and Testing 28 Birthdays, Special Student Days, and Holiday Parties 29 Lost and Found 29 School Directory 29 Fundraising at Corbe Preparatory School Annual Giving Campaign 30 Fundraising Events 30 Summary Appendix I: 48-Hour Rule: Problem-Solving Worksheet 31 Appendix II: Academic Honesty Agreement Overview 32 Appendix III: Technology Agreement 34 Appendix IV: Transportation Permission Form 36 2
WHO IS CORBETT PREP?
“Corbe Preparatory School was founded on and remains devoted to the ideal that a happy child— one who is given respect as a unique human being and allowed to fulfill his/her needs to play, to investigate, and to be him/herself— is more open to learning than a child who is unhappy, tense, and fearful. We consider it our responsibility to foster each child’s capacity for learning, to help him/her grow morally, spiritually, and emotionally, as well as physically and intellectually. Recognizing the many differences in learning rates and styles, we believe in individualizing each child’s school experience to whatever extent is possible for the fullest development of his/her potential. It is our belief that school should be interesting and even exciting; that each child’s work and behavior should be evaluated in terms of his/her own inherent capacity rather than through comparison with others; and that cooperation is more valuable than competition. Our goal is to provide a relaxed but stimulating atmosphere wherein each child feels acceptance and encouragement in the achievement of success through the exercise of responsible choice.”
Founders: Marilyn Gatlin and Be y Anderson, 1968
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VISION:
Corbe Prep strives to accelerate learning by creating a brain-friendly learning environment that is joyful and challenging, stimulating and productive, nurturing with high standards and high expectations, encouraging a strong work ethic and ethical conduct with dignity and respect for all.
MISSION:
Number 1: To put our children first!
Number 2: To have a positive impact on the greater community!
Number 3: To develop globally-minded students who are culturally aware and respectful of diversity in gender, race, religion, ethnic background, and country of origin.
GOALS:
Our objectives are many, yet they spring from a limited number of broad goals:
A Ge ing Students Off to a Good Start: Helping young people to develop the foundation of self-esteem, skills, knowledge, and mindset they will need to prosper in higher education and later life.
B. Encouraging Active Involvement and Assertiveness: Providing a dynamic learning experience that encourages students to assume an active role in their own growth and life.
C. Teaching the Whole Child: Providing a holistic learning experience that helps students to become fine scholars and worthy, well-rounded human beings who have developed intellectual, creative, and physical abilities along with strength of character and sound values.
D. Nurturing the Individual: Providing instruction that is demanding yet supportive and responsive to the unique strengths and needs of each individual student.
E. Creating a Healthy and Diverse Community: Providing a caring and friendly atmosphere in which all members of the school family - students, faculty, staff, and parents - respect, enjoy, and seek to help and be supportive of one another.
F Developing Cultural Awareness: We help students to understand and appreciate their own cultural heritage, the heritage of other world cultures, current and future issues with which they, as citizens of the world, will have to contend… all leading to embracing an understanding of the critical nature of international-mindedness for a 21st century education.
G. Preparing for Tomorrow… Today: Exposing students to environmental, technological, social, emotional, and other global changes that will shape the world they will inherit as adults.
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THE M.O.R.E. MODEL
Research shows that the classroom teacher is the most influential variable in the student learning process. At Corbe Prep, that starts with M.O.R.E. (Multiple Options for Results in Education). The Corbe Prep M.O.R.E. Model reinforces brain-based learning and research-based practices that seek to accelerate the learning process.
We invest significant time, energy, and funds in staff development that provides the teacher with training to stay knowledgeable and on the cu ing edge of learning opportunities. In the Olympic tradition, the best keep ge ing be er the more they train, rehearse, and investigate powerful tools for self-development and instruction. A healthy, confident teacher with a toolkit filled to the brim with options is more likely to be equipped to handle the uniqueness of each child within the diversity of the school learning community.
Corbe Prep has become a model school for implementing multiple brain-friendly strategies derived from the most cu ing-edge research available. Our focus on cooperative learning strategies, learning styles, multiple intelligences, processing styles, positive communication, selected music, and so much more reflects our continuous effort to capitalize on scientific findings. We apply this knowledge to increase student engagement and accelerate learning in an emotionally healthy environment that is joyful and challenging, encouraging and expanding, creative and productive.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
International Baccalaureate Programme
Corbe Preparatory School of IDS is an authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). Their requirements are easily embedded within the Corbe Prep M.O.R.E. Model (Multiple Options for Results in Education) and expand our focus with an inquiry approach and critical thinking that promotes successful learners, holistic instruction, and internationally minded thinkers.
The aim of all International Baccalaureate Programmes is to develop internationally-minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a be er and more peaceful world.
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The IB Primary Years Programmes, for students in grades PreK3 through fifth grade, focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. Students in the 21st century are faced with the challenge of learning about an interconnected world where knowledge is constantly developing. The Primary Years Programme encourages a positive a itude to learning by engaging students in inquiries and developing their awareness of the process of learning so that they become lifelong learners.
The IB Middle Years Programme, in grades sixth through eighth grade, provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world and to become critical and reflective thinkers. Life in the 21st century places many changing demands on students making the transition through adolescence. They are in a crucial period of personal, social, physical and intellectual development, of uncertainty and of questioning. The Middle Years Programme is designed to help them find a sense of belonging in the ever-changing and increasingly interrelated world around them and to foster a positive a itude to learning. For further information on the PYP and MYP Programmes, go to www.ibo.org.
The Curriculum: Subjects and Specials
For academic and developmental purposes, Corbe Prep is organized into two campuses:
● The East Side Campus (the east side of Orange Grove Drive) is split into four divisions and is led by Associate Head of School and East Side Principal, Michael Johnson.
● Early Primary Division (PreK3 - Kindergarten)
● Upper Primary Division (Grade 1 - Grade 2)
● Intermediate Division (Grade 3 - Grade 4)
● Specials Division (PreK3 - Grade 8)
● The West Side Campus (the west side of Orange Grove Drive) is made up of two divisions and is led by Middle School Principal, Jennifer Jagdmann.
● Middle School Division (Grade 5 - Grade 8)
● Specials Division (PreK3 - Grade 8)
In all grade levels, the core subjects are Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science. Spanish and Design are also core subjects in Middle School.
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In addition, all students receive instruction in Specials – physical education, music, art, drama, dance, Spanish, and the Tomlin Family Application Lab program, which includes the STEAM subjects of science, technology, engineering, the art of design, and mathematics.
The amount of time spent in each subject varies according to division and grade level. Faculty members work with academic leadership to coordinate and finalize curriculum decisions.
Students are involved in activities and lessons within their grade level, across grade levels, and in some cases, across divisions. All learning is designed to combine the societal needs for:
1) achieving academic excellence with a strong work ethic,
2) mastering test-taking skills,
3) making connections between school, work, and real life.
The daily challenge is to accomplish those three fundamental lessons within a nurturing, sensitive environment that promotes self-confidence and a ends to each child as both an individual and a member of a dynamic learning community.
Homework
1. Homework is an integral part of a child’s education at Corbe Prep and acts as an extension of the learning that takes place in the classroom. Purposes for assigning homework:
● To develop students’ organizational skills (e.g., recording assignments, collecting and bringing home all needed books and materials, and returning with completed assignments).
● To encourage students to reinforce their grasp of concepts and skills learned in class and to prepare for active classroom participation.
● To encourage the students’ independent completion of assignments.
● To allow the teacher to assess individual student progress or challenges.
2. Homework should be completed by the student. If more than limited parental involvement is required, it is critical to communicate with the teacher and/or administration to intervene with support and possible adjustments.
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3. As parents, you can play an important role in establishing a consistent homework routine, with a regular time and place for study without interruption. You can help ensure that telephone, television, computer, or other distractions are eliminated. Your role in facilitating your child’s nightly completion of assignments gives a clear and very important message about how you value homework as part of the learning process.
4 First through eighth graders who remain after dismissal for Extended Day will be provided with dedicated time to work on homework and projects with supervision, which is included in the Extended Day cost.
Good communication between teachers and parents is key to ensuring timely and appropriate intervention especially when students need to be challenged more or remediated. Parent observations at home will help us work even be er with your child at school. Please communicate often and openly. At Back-to-School Night, we will explain the role of our Learning Management Systems (LMS) for all grades. Parents are encouraged to use the Parent App to ensure timely completion of assignments and projects. (Please refer to corbe prep.com/parent for more information about our LMS and apps.)
Student Success Department
All Corbe Prep educators are commi ed to honoring the uniqueness of each learner. At times this may be introducing deeper levels of inquiry, and it may also include providing more academic support for understanding. The Student Success Department, a formalized team of experienced Corbe Prep educators that works closely with classroom teachers, was created to support the uniqueness of all learners at Corbe Prep.
As the school day is packed full, extension and extra help sessions are usually held from 3:15-4:00 p.m. Middle School also offers help sessions on some mornings at 7:30 a.m., with special arrangements made with faculty members. Please always stay in close contact with your child’s teacher(s) in order to work together on a consistent basis. Please contact our Director of Student Success, Mrs. Ashley Davis as needed for PreK3 - 4th grade at adavis@corbe prep.com, or Ms. Cristina Ferrone for 5th - 8th grade at cferrone@corbe prep.com. You may also contact the entire team by emailing studentsuccess@corbe prep.com.
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EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS
While we seek to provide our students with a challenging academic program, we know that success in high school, college, and adult life hinges on more than academic preparation alone. At Corbe Prep, we encourage participation in athletic teams, service teams, dramatic and musical projects, student government, Corbe Prep Ambassadors, and a variety of local, national, and international competitions, events, and excursions. We believe that such involvement will help our students develop personal skills and values, awareness and curiosity, a healthy self-confidence, and a positive outlook toward life. Involvement in school life outside the classroom increases personal investment in the school, enriches learning, expands learning opportunities, and helps to develop critical skills for their future as adults.
After-School Activities (ASA)
Incredible afternoon enrichment activities taught by Corbe Prep teachers and other outside vendors are available for an additional fee following regular school hours. Each trimester, class options available are posted in the Parent Portal and/or through the Thursday Folders. Example enrichment classes include chess, STEAM, arts and crafts, fishing and canoeing, gardening, and many other great activities that the students love.
Corbe Prep Community Schools
We welcome our Corbe Prep students and families to participate in a number of stellar options that go above and beyond the daily joys of a balanced Corbe Prep education. Specific information for each program is sent home in Thursday Folders, communicated through our weekly Heads’ Le ers, and available when registering for classes in the Parent Portal.
The Community School of the Arts (CSA) provides opportunities for creative growth to children, students, and adults. We bring the arts to life through lessons, performance opportunities, and exposure to professional performances. We provide the highest quality instruction available. The CSA offers specialized art, piano, dance, musical theatre, and instrumental private or group lessons.
The Community School for Sports (CSS) provides another alternative to our school-sponsored athletic program and developmental sports options in After-School Activities. The program provides student-athletes a variety of opportunities to learn skills in a positive, goal-oriented environment.
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The Community School of Languages (CSL) offers a variety of classes for children and adults to expand their understanding of and appreciation for other cultures and languages. In today’s interconnected and interdependent world, proficiency in other languages is a crucial skill that allows us to engage with the world in a more meaningful and immediate way while be er preparing us to compete and succeed in the global landscape.
Corbe Prep Athletics Program
Athletics at Corbe Prep is an extensive year-round program that balances teamwork with competition. Corbe Prep has long been commi ed to the belief that every student who goes out for a team and makes a conscientious effort should regularly participate in the team’s games, regardless of skill level. All of our teams compete in the Florida West Coast League (FWCL). All eligible students are encouraged to participate in the program, and teams include many intermediate students as well as the majority of middle schoolers. In the Middle School, a great majority of our students choose to play on one or more athletic teams over the course of the year. Throughout the year our teams may include soccer, cross country, volleyball, track, basketball, cheerleading, wrestling, baseball, softball, flag football, tennis, and others as interest grows. Please contact Athletic Director, Rob Heller, for more information at rheller@corbe prep.com.
Developmental Sports
Available after school for elementary students in grades 3-5 as part of our After-School Activities program, developmental sports focuses on skill development and building camaraderie. Students of all ages can also sign up for youth sports programs through Corbe Prep's Community School for Sports.
Within the school day, physical education plays an important part of every child’s learning. Corbe Prep’s program combines age-appropriate physical education experiences with a variety of developmental, intramural, and competitive sports that meet the needs of all students.
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SCHOOL ROUTINE
School Arrival and Dismissal Times
School Arrival
The academic school day begins at 8:10 a.m. Students should arrive between 7:30 a.m. and 8:05 a.m. Please ensure your child arrives at school on time to respect the learning environment for all students. Academic lessons begin promptly at 8:10 a.m.
Drop Off Locations
● PreK3, PreK4, and Kindergarten: Farish Center back circle
● Grades 1 through 4: Gatlin Hall
● Grades 5 through 8: Middle School
Early Drop-Off
If you arrive before 7:30 a.m., please wait with your child until the teachers arrive on duty before leaving them. Early drop-offs can create significant safety issues whenever students are left unsupervised on campus before 7:30 a.m. Under no circumstances should any child be left una ended before 7:30 a.m.
Late Drop-Off
Students arriving after 8:10 a.m. must be signed in at the office (East or West Side) by their parents and students will receive a tardy pass to class. As a reminder, late drop offs are disruptive to the learning environment and should be avoided.
Dismissal/Pick-Up Information
The East Side (PreK3 - 4th) dismissal period is from 2:50-3:15 p.m. each day. West Side (5th - 8th) dismissal is from 3:05-3:20 p.m. Please be prompt in picking up your child or carpool riders at the designated departure location.
● After 3:15 p.m., PreK3 - 4th grade students waiting to be picked up will be sent to Extended Day where parents will need to go for pick up.
● After 3:20 p.m., 5th - 8th grade students waiting to be picked up will be sent to Extended Day where parents will need to go for pick up.
While most parents are able to comply with the school’s arrival and dismissal guidelines, a limited number of parents find these pick-up times a hardship due to their work commitments. We try to meet parents’ needs through our Extended Day program. If a student is sent to Extended Day due to a tardy pickup, they will be charged the same after school Extended Day rate as a full afternoon.
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Afternoon Extended Day
Extended Day is available on an annual, weekly, and daily basis. Parents who need to use this as a daily option should let the office know in the morning that they plan to have their child in Extended Day.
Paid supervision through our Extended Day program will be available from 3:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. To use Extended Day services, payment arrangements need to be made prior to use of this service in order to ensure that we have ample supervision. Sign up for Extended Day is available in the Parent Portal.
A endance
We take ma ers of a endance seriously because we care about the safety and wellbeing of your children. A endance is taken in homerooms at 8:10 a.m., and tardies and absences are reported to the office. To be accurate in monitoring a endance, we need your help in the following areas:
1. All students arriving after 8:10 a.m. must sign in with a parent at the school office on the East Side or West Side before proceeding to class. Students will receive a tardy pass to class. Excessive tardies or absences will require a family conference with the teacher and administration.
2. Parents need to call or email the school by 8:30 a.m. if your child(ren) will be absent. Please leave a voicemail if calling before office staff arrives.
3. Parents may request homework only if a student is absent for two (2) or more days. Only after a request will homework be placed in the office by the end of the second day for parents to collect. Third through eighth grade students are encouraged to check the Learning Management System for assignments or email their teachers.
4. Parents also need to send in notes or emails to the homeroom teacher (or make prior contact with office staff) if your child will need to leave school early, if there is to be a change in afternoon pick-up arrangements, or if you know in advance of an upcoming absence.
5. All students departing before the end of the school day are required to have a parent sign them out at the East or West Side office before leaving campus. Parents should respect the school’s need to know the whereabouts of all students at all times. Only those named on the “Transportation Permission Form” (Appendix IV) are authorized to sign students out for early release along with a notification from parents.
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6. In order to ensure the safety of all students, parents must give WRITTEN permission for your child to walk, ride a bike, or carpool home from school (see Appendix IV). You can obtain a form from the office to give your permission.
7. Students who miss the school day may not practice or represent the school that day or evening in athletics, drama productions, or other activities without permission of the appropriate principal.
NOTE: It is important for the continuity of a child’s education that classes be missed ONLY when absolutely necessary. Noon dismissal days are also academically focused days of instruction. A endance is expected for all students.
Sick Policy
All families must commit to supporting Corbe Prep’s health, wellness, and safety protocols and must agree to keep children home when they are feeling unwell. We understand this can be a burden on families but is a necessity to keep everyone healthy at Corbe Prep. All students must be fever, vomiting, and diarrhea free without medication for 24 hours before returning to campus. This rule is non-negotiable. Please communicate with our school nurse for all serious illnesses by emailing nurse@corbe prep.com.
Planned Absences
If it is necessary for a student to be absent from school for an extended period of time, a le er or an e-mail from the parent or guardian stating the reason for the absence and the dates should be sent to the classroom teachers at least one week prior to the absence. Please schedule family trips and vacations during holiday periods ONLY. Absences from school break the continuity of learning and may have an impact on a student’s academic performance.
Students are responsible for keeping up with academic work missed during planned absences. Parents should be sure that their children have received specific lesson information prior to departure unless other arrangements have been made with the teachers.
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All-School Meetings and Assemblies
We hold all-school meetings throughout the year in Gatlin Hall. These opportunities to gather together as a school community feature announcements, recognitions, and short presentations. Students on both East and West Sides need to be at school by 8:10 a.m. to be counted for these informative and dynamic assemblies.
All-school meetings are conducted in a spirit of fun and sharing, and we explore ways of actively involving students of all levels. Additional special assemblies are scheduled periodically throughout the year, both for the entire school and for certain grade groups. Parents are welcome and encouraged to a end all-school meetings and special assemblies.
Lunch and Snack
All students in PreK3 through 8th grade have a mid-morning break and snack time, and all students bring their snacks from home.
The school offers a daily lunch program, and all lunches should be prepaid in advance. To order lunch, please visit the Parent Portal.
Corbe Prep parents need to provide lunch daily for their children unless they choose the option of a Corbe Prep lunch. Students should only bring lunch items able to be safely consumed without refrigeration or heating.
Field Trips
Field trips serve to extend classroom instruction and deepen the experiential component of learning at Corbe Prep. Though some may have class bonding as their primary goal, field trips are designed with a clear educational purpose. Students are REQUIRED to wear a green Corbe Prep field trip polo or t-shirt with black, khaki, or navy pants, skirts, or shorts on field trip days. This will help teachers and chaperones with supervision by providing easy recognition of our students. Students arriving at school who needed to remember to wear a green polo or field trip t-shirt on the day of the trip will automatically be billed for a new one.
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Students are expected to be well-behaved while on field trips and to follow teachers’ and chaperones’ instructions promptly. Parent chaperones can help to ensure that children have an enjoyable experience on field trips. As the school looks to the faculty for the safety and well-being of the children during the excursion, we must ask parent chaperones to always follow the teacher's lead and instructions to ensure a safe and happy experience for all. Parents who chaperone are required to sign a chaperone guideline form.
Messages During the School Day
Messages to the school from parents should be sent in writing or delivered personally by phone or email to the office staff. Messages for students other than those of an emergency nature will be conveyed by office staff as time permits. Please call in changes in pick-up arrangements before noon in the school day so that we will be able to reach your child’s teacher in time to avoid confusion at dismissal time. Teachers are engaged with students during the day, so direct interruptions to class instruction through texting and emails need to be kept to a minimum.
Student Health: Medication, Illness, and Accidents
All medication, whether temporary or permanent, is to be kept with the school nurse in the nurse’s office or middle school office. Any departure from this policy, such as the use of an inhaler, should be discussed in advance with the school nurse. Please send all medication to the office in the original container, clearly labeled with both the child’s name and the dosage directions. This includes over-the-counter medications, which must also be provided by the parent with wri en permission for them to be dispensed. The necessary forms can be found in the Parent Portal. Please update forms as needed throughout the year.
If your child has allergic reactions to bee stings, certain kinds of foods, various non-prescription medicines, etc., be sure to notify the school office in writing of this fact before the first day of school.
It is very important for parents to keep their emergency data card updated through the Parent Portal. If there is any question about the possible seriousness of an injury occurring during the course of the school day, parents will be called immediately. If the injury is clearly serious, an accident report will be promptly filed in the school office. If parents cannot be reached, medical records and the emergency data card instructions will be consulted, and the student will be taken to the hospital designated as the parents’ choice.
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Emergency Procedures
When Hillsborough County schools close for reasons relating to weather, Corbe Prep will consider closing only after investigating every option to remain open. We will email and text every family as well as post a pop-up alert on www.corbe prep.com. Our goal is to always stay open as long as it is safe for our students and staff
Fire Drills, Lockdown Drills, and Tornado Drills
Fire drills are conducted periodically throughout the year in accordance with state law. Maps explaining fire drill procedures, escape routes, and designated gathering areas are posted in every classroom. When the fire alarm sounds, students are expected to quietly exit the classroom according to the teacher’s instructions and go straight to the gathering point. Lockdown drills are also conducted periodically throughout the year. In accordance with Hillsborough County Emergency Planning Operations, tornado procedures are in place for each classroom.
PARENT EXPECTATIONS AND INFORMATION Communication Within Our School Community
At Corbe Prep, we place great emphasis on good communication between school and home. We count on parents a ending such events as New Parents’ Night Orientation, Back-To-School Night, Parent/Teacher Conferences, and PFA special meetings. These gatherings provide opportunities to keep informed, share perspectives, and work together on behalf of the students at Corbe Prep. Corbe Prep teachers and administrators are pleased to have the opportunity to talk with parents about their children, their classroom, and/or other issues that may arise. Although messages may be left throughout the day, teachers will be with students and will endeavor to return your calls after 3:30 p.m.
Each teacher has a phone extension and email address to allow easy access between teacher and parent. Remember, interruptions during school hours take away precious time with students. Please make arrangements to meet with teachers either before or after school unless otherwise scheduled.
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The Parent Portal
The Parent Portal, accessed through our website, is your one-stop shop for all sign ups, information, and program registration. Although our portal is without an app available on the app store, it is very easy to create an app link on the home screen of your phone.
For Apple iPhones and iPads: Open Safari > Go to corbe prep.com/parents > Click on Parent Portal > Log-in to the portal > Click on the share bu on > Click "Add to Home Screen" > Click "Add"
For Android phones: Open “Chrome” app > Go to corbe prep.com/parents > click on Parent Portal > Tap the menu icon > click "Add to Home Screen"
Parent Involvement and the Parent-Faculty Association (PFA)
You are already involved in Corbe Prep simply by having made the financial and emotional commitment to our school; we encourage you to also become involved in the day-to-day life of the school as well. Through this involvement, you will come to know the school more deeply, meet your child’s classmates, and become acquainted with more teachers and parents.
The Parent-Faculty Association (PFA) is a wonderful place to begin your involvement at Corbe Prep. The PFA helps strengthen school/home communications, provides a way for parents to get to know one another, and organizes a variety of support efforts on behalf of the school. The PFA holds monthly meetings, and all parents are encouraged to a end. These are important opportunities for us to come together as a school community, and all parents are strongly encouraged to a end. Please join the Corbe Prep PFA Facebook page to stay current with all of the exciting activities.
Parent Code of Conduct, Communication Guidelines, and Expectations
In an effort to encourage openness and promote productive communication within the Corbe Prep family, the faculty and administration endorse an open-door policy. Corbe Prep parents are encouraged and expected to have all of their questions and concerns addressed by contacting whomever the parent feels is best suited to the particular situation (i.e. the teacher, division leader, principals, and/or the Head of School).
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All questions and concerns are important and deserve a response. We seek to provide answers and solutions that are for the be erment of the Corbe Prep community as a whole, as well as each individual child. By working together and showing dignity and respect for one another in terms of our own behavior, we can accomplish this goal and model the behavior we want our children to exhibit.
Parents should be considerate and show respect toward other students, faculty, administrators, all guests and visitors. Parents, whether as participants or spectators, are required to show courtesy at all school related events, on and off campus. Any person showing discourteous behavior may be asked to leave the event and may not be allowed to a end future events.
Corbe Prep is dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes kindness, acceptance, and embraces differences among individuals. Corbe Prep does not condone any type of harassment (including repeated unkindness, meanness, or inappropriate behavior) towards others, including any conduct that is upse ing to someone else or makes it uncomfortable for them to be at school, including mean comments, jokes, teasing, and other unkind conduct relating to a person’s race, color, age, religion, sex, country of origin, handicap, or disability. We expect parents to acknowledge and follow basic guidelines and behavior in an effort to keep positive lines of communication open.
As a parent of a Corbe Prep student you commit to the following Code of Conduct:
1. Always speak for yourself —use "I" statements.
2. Be a positive advocate for your child! Your natural parent instinct about a question, concern, or desire to know more about an issue relating to your child should always be your guide. If the issues are relating to the school, we encourage you to follow the “48-Hour Rule” or “30-Day Rule” (See Appendix I) by contacting the administration or your teachers for consultation, clarification, or guidance. These methods are in place to allow for processing time when seeking solutions to problems. Parking lot discussions, sharing on social media, birthday party cha er, or phone chaining often delay positive action to find positive solutions. By living the parent advocacy role in a timely manner in partnership with the school, you model constructive communication skills on behalf of your children. We at Corbe Prep look forward to developing a healthy partnership with each and every parent.
3. Lead by example: We will model cooperative and kind behavior in our interactions with students, staff, and other parents/guardians. We understand that our actions and words have a profound impact on the school community.
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4. Promote a positive learning environment: We will support and encourage an inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning environment both inside and outside the school. We will refrain from engaging in any behavior that undermines this atmosphere. Always look for positive solutions and develop a win-win a itude.
5. Respect and value diversity: We will embrace and celebrate the diversity of our school community, including differences in backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and perspectives. We will teach our children to appreciate and respect these differences as well.
6. Communicate openly and respectfully: We will maintain open lines of communication with teachers, staff, and administrators, sharing our concerns, ideas, and feedback in a constructive and respectful manner. Avoid any type of gossip, rumors, and innuendo. Such action is contrary to our goals. We will actively seek to resolve conflicts or issues through appropriate channels.
7. Support school policies and guidelines: We will familiarize ourselves with the school's policies and guidelines and ensure that our children adhere to them. We understand that these policies are in place to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.
8. Encourage cooperative and kind behavior: We will encourage our children to actively engage in cooperative activities, promote teamwork, and display kindness towards their peers, teachers, and staff. We will reinforce the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding.
9. Respect confidentiality: We will respect the confidentiality of sensitive information concerning students, staff, and other parents/guardians that we may come across in our involvement with the school. We will maintain the privacy of others and refrain from gossip or spreading rumors.
10.A end school events and meetings: We will actively participate in school events, parent-teacher conferences, and other meetings such as Edu Talks and Coffee Talks throughout the school year. We will read school emails and messages in the Thursday Folder to be informed about what’s happening at Corbe Prep. We understand the importance of staying informed about our children's progress and actively engaging in their educational journey.
11.Volunteer and contribute: We will offer our time, skills, and resources to support school initiatives, events, and activities whenever possible. We recognize that our involvement enriches the school community and strengthens our children's educational experience.
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12.Resolve differences constructively: In the event of disagreements or conflicts, we will work collaboratively with the school administration and relevant parties to find constructive solutions that benefit all involved. We will prioritize the best interests of the students and the school community.
By adhering to this Parental Code of Conduct, we commit to creating a positive, cooperative, and kind environment for our children and the entire school community.
Failure to adhere to this code of conduct may result in removal from the school. Together, we can help shape a nurturing educational experience that fosters growth, empathy, and lifelong values.
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
Please note: Our teachers are active throughout the school day engaging students in learning. All teachers endeavor to respond to emails and phone calls as soon as possible. However, we cannot guarantee a message, email, or phone call will be read or listened to during the school day. The only way to ensure a message is delivered quickly to your child or teacher is by calling the front office.
Day-to-day classroom questions:
East Side Campus (PreK3 - 4th): Contact your classroom teacher team via email or phone (813) 9613087.
West Side Campus (5th - 8th): Contact the subject area teacher via email or phone (813) 961- 3087.
Office needs/questions: East Side: Contact Dawn Bronson at dbronson@corbe prep.com or (813) 961- 3087.
West Side: Contact Jen Haas at jhaas@corbe prep.com or (813) 961-3087.
Technology challenges: Contact help@corbe prep.com or call (813) 961-3087.
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Academic student classroom question:
Contact your child’s teachers via email or phone. If your question spans grade levels or has a wider focus, please contact Linda Wenzel at lwenzel@corbe prep.com for elementary questions or Cris Ferrone at cferrone@corbe prep.com for middle school questions.
School nurse questions: Contact Susan Leyshon, RN, at nurse@corbe prep.com.
Drop-Off/Pick-Up
Contact Dawn Bronson at dbronson@corbe prep.com or (813) 961-3087.
Charitable giving questions: Contact Mark Nouss at mnouss@corbe prep.com or (813) 961-3087.
Lunch questions
Extended Day questions
Financial/ bus questions
Contact Chris Tarr at ctarr@corbe prep.com.
Contact Blythe Sobel at bsobel@corbe prep.com.
Contact Donna Harvey at dharvey@corbe prep.com.
Parent Participation Opportunities
I. Parent as Child Advocate - For the parent-teacher-school-child partnership to be effective, we need your help. To join in as your child’s advocate, we want to know on a regular basis how your child reacts to school when on the home front, when issues arise, and how well we are meeting the needs of your child. Systems have been established for the purpose of maintaining open lines of communication, building a healthy school family partnership, and developing a learning community that begins to truly live our commitment to dignity and respect for all.
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II. Parent-Teacher Conferences – Official parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year with an optional third conference, as needed. It is necessary to sign up for a specific time slot with your child’s teacher(s) through the parent portal in the weeks leading up to each conference session. Of course, you are always welcome to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher at any point in the school year.
III. Community Surveys – From time to time, we will send a short survey to each family to assess how parents gauge their child’s progress and to be aware, in a timely fashion, of any questions or issues that may arise. From your comments, we hope to assess our effectiveness in meeting individual and group needs on a regular basis.
IV. 48-Hour Rule – There are times that incidents occur at school or at home relating to areas such as interaction with other students, homework issues, and/or classroom routines. Intuitively, parents know when it is time to check out a situation or clarify a question about something that just seems to feel out of alignment with what you feel is right. More than likely, you are right. What happens is that we parents sometimes ignore that parent's intuition and let “it” go… at that time. Instead, we offer you the 48-Hour Rule Problem-Solving Worksheet (see Appendix I) as your guide in sustaining the child advocate role. Please feel free to call teachers or the administration within 48 hours to alleviate any concerns or to clarify questions. 30-Day Rule – If the issue still presents itself in 30 days, please contact someone who can help. There are solutions or options to every situation.
V Building a Well-Educated Learning Community – Scheduled events are designed specifically to establish a well-informed parent body as part of a school environment that promotes life-long learning. The events include:
A. Coffee Talks and Edu-Talks
● Coffee Talks allows parents to set the agenda on items needing clarification ranging from traffic to class size.
● An Edu-Talk focuses strictly on education at Corbe Prep. Conversations are lively, fun, and informative. Examples of topics include:
● Discussions of educational buzzwords
● Educational books that serve as helpful resources
● Tours of classrooms in action
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B. Parent Education Nights
● This learning event is theme-driven. Each event will have a different or continuing theme devoted entirely to that session. For example, a major “math night” might focus on the Eureka curriculum and its scope and sequence through the grade levels.
C. Back-to-School Night
● This exciting and informative evening allows families to know what your teachers expect and how we will all work together on behalf of your child. Each year, we aim for 100% a endance.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS AND INFORMATION
Student Behavior and Discipline
The overwhelming majority of Corbe Prep students are respectful, well-behaved, and eager to learn. Timely intervention by school staff when problems arise keeps students thinking about issues of appropriateness, citizenship, and safety. We seek to turn episodes of misconduct into opportunities for growth.
Responsibility for classroom behavior management lies with the teacher and is supported by the administration. We also need parents’ understanding and cooperation as we work to help their children. Our responsibility as educators is to ensure that, at Corbe Prep, there are limits and higher expectations that are clearly understood and honored.
Behavior Code - Our behavior code is simple and straightforward:
We value self-control, respect for others, and cheerful cooperation as essential ingredients for an environment conducive to effective learning and teaching. We expect students to be thoughtful, helpful, responsible, and well-mannered to avoid behavior that detracts from the experience of other members of the school community. The goal is to develop self-discipline and reinforce good character traits. Our partnerships with Yale University Center for Emotional Intelligence’s R.U.L.E.R. program and also the Four Pillars of Wellbeing curriculum from The Contentment Foundation have added new dimensions that are woven into our curriculum that supports mindfulness, well-being, and social/emotional health practices.
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In keeping with the philosophy of Corbe Prep, we involve students in establishing norms of behavior for the classroom and other situations, and even in identifying consequences for violating these norms. Each division develops an age-appropriate behavior plan, which is developed with and supported by the administration.
Certain kinds of behavior are simply incompatible with the nature and goals of our community. Behaviors in the categories below will receive a prompt and vigorous response from the school with consequences ranging from reflection, restitution, suspension, probation, and/or dismissal. Among the possible violations:
● Plagiarism
● Fighting and violent or uncontrollable behavior
● Harassment or bullying including unwanted comments, gestures, touching, or in any wri en form
● Persistent disruptiveness and rude language
● A pa ern of refusing to comply with teachers’ instructions
● Vandalism, theft, or destruction of property
● Possession of any type of weapons or fireworks
● Possession or consumption of alcohol, inhalants, or other controlled substances
● The need to comply with the Academic Honesty Agreement (See Appendix II)
● The need to comply with the Honor Code for Technology Expectations (See Appendix III)
Social Media and Social Networking Policies
Social media encompasses a broad array of online activity including social networks/media such as Twi er, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, Facebook, and other similar online platforms. Because this form of communication is vast and growing, we feel it is important to communicate the school’s position regarding a student’s use of social media or networking.
I. Use at School or School-Related Events: We do not permit students to access or post on social media and/or social networking sites while on school property, unless such use is on a school social media platform or a school-sanctioned site, and the use is for school-related work.
II. Use Away from School Property: It is not our goal to regulate a student’s personal online activities when not on school property or at a school-related event. Please understand that certain activities may impact a student’s relationship with other students and school employees. All students should ensure that they are familiar with school’s conduct policies to avoid any online
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communication that might violate those policies. We reserve a right to regulate these conduct policies away from school when actions result negatively on our learning community. Please be aware of the following guidelines:
A. Students should ensure that their online activities do not include any unwanted comments or images that may make another student uncomfortable, including mean comments, jokes, teasing, and other unkind conduct relating to a person’s race, color, age, religion, disability, or gender.
B. This activity may result in an investigation and possible discipline.
C. Students should be aware that teachers and administrators periodically check such sites and may determine that off-campus behavior violates the school conduct code by making disparaging or negative remarks about the school, administration, students, or faculty members in a manner that is disruptive to the school’s educational program and environment.
III. Use of Corbe Prep Name and Logo: Students are not permi ed to use the school’s name, logo, trademark, or service mark in online activities without prior wri en authorization.
Dress Code
Adhering to appropriate dress expectations prepares students for real-life work expectations. The Corbe Prep dress code is designed to promote a positive self-image for students, offer individual options, and maintain proper decorum for our learning environment. All items should be clean and in good repair, present a neat appearance and be appropriate for a school se ing.
In Middle School, students will have “professional dress” days throughout the year. On these designated days, students are required to dress in more formal or business-like a ire, mimicking the dress code observed in professional workplaces. These dress days aim to teach students about appropriate a ire for formal se ings and introduce a sense of professionalism to prepare them for future endeavors. Students are required to wear dress pants, skirts, or dresses that reach an appropriate length (e.g., knee-length or longer). Dress shirts, blouses, or collared shirts, and clean and presentable shoes are required.
Our dress code supports choices within boundaries in unique ways through color, style, and fabric. Dress code-appropriate clothing is available to order through our online Spirit Store on our website.
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What Students Need
Corbe Prep daily shirts: Students are required to wear a Corbe Prep or Warriors shirt Mondays through Thursdays. Sweatshirts and hoodies also must have the Corbe Prep school or athletic logo. Parents can shop online from our Spirit Store and B&B Sportswear through the Parent Portal. TIP: It can take 4-6 weeks to process and fulfill orders. Please order ahead of time to ensure you have what you need! B&B will send your order to school.
Corbe Prep green polo: You will need a minimum of one green polo for field trips, special events, and performances. Order these through our website.
Bo oms: Shorts, pants, skorts, and skirts must be a solid color, in good condition and school appropriate. Pants with rips, holes, or tears are non-examples. Skirts and shorts must come within five inches of the top of the knee. They can be purchased where you like to shop. TIP: Any solid color is fine for school, but students typically are asked to wear black or khaki pants or skirts with the green polo. Please make sure your child always has a pair of black or khaki pants or a skirt readily available for special events and field trips.
Shoes: Shoes must be closed-toed with a back for safety at play and healthy outdoor activities. Athletic shoes are preferred and are required for PE and intramural classes. Crocs must stay at home.
Fridays: Friday remains a free-dress day for students to wear a school-appropriate shirt of their choice.
Students needing a dress-code shirt will be charged for their choice of a Corbe Prep polo style or crew neck shirt with a Corbe Prep logo to be worn for the day. Students needing appropriate shorts or pants will be charged for Corbe Prep athletic shorts.
Candy and Gum
We discourage parents from providing their children with candy for snacks and lunches as the sugar content may interfere with learning. Students must understand that chewing gum on campus is unacceptable.
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Electronics
Personal electronics, such as gaming devices, cameras, and laser pointers are to remain at home. These may be destructive to our learning environment and need permission before use in school. Parents, please help us to enforce this rule. Such items will be turned in to the office if found at school. All cell phones, wearable phones, cellular watches, or locators must remain in lockers or backpacks. Any cell phones or cellular enabled wearable technology found in a student’s possession will be confiscated and can only be retrieved by parents in the East Side and West Side main offices. This includes times during school and the Extended Day program. Students may contact family members by using the school phone.
Student Health Records and Insurance
1. Students entering PreK3, PreK4 or Kindergarten or transferring to Corbe Prep from another state must have a School Entry Health Form DH 3040 and a Florida Certificate of Immunization of Form DH 680, available from your child’s pediatrician. They must be completed and uploaded through the Parent Portal on or before the first day of school
2. Students entering, a ending, or transferring to grade 7 are required to have completed the hepatitis B vaccination series, a second measles vaccination (preferably MMR), and a tetanus-diphtheria booster.
3. Students of all grade levels are required by law to have up-to-date proof of immunization on file in the school office at the start of every school year.
4. All students are required to have a copy of their birth certificate on file as a school record by the first day of school.
All students are covered by student accident insurance while on the school premises, participating on a field trip, commuting directly to and from home in a school vehicle with an approved driver, and while participating in a school-sponsored activity.
Counseling, Referrals, and Testing
Our Student Success Department, classroom teachers, and principals are available to advise students experiencing academic, social, or other personal problems. Middle School teachers also serve as faculty advisors and are responsible for monitoring student progress and helping to resolve problems when they arise. Students are encouraged to contact any teachers and/or administrators with whom they feel
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comfortable when they feel the need for a sympathetic listener who can offer thoughtful suggestions or tangible assistance in resolving a school-related ma er. The school offers choices for referrals as needed for different specialists and situations.
Birthdays, Special Student Days, and Holiday Parties
It is school policy that parties outside of school at all grade levels must include ALL members of a PreK3 through 8th grade class if invitations are to be given out at school. Please check the Student Directory for a class list. Please consider that excluding a few children will always affect the cohesiveness of a classroom climate from Monday to Friday. It is very important to respect this policy!
Children whose birthdays fall within the school year receive special recognition within their classroom. Arrangements are to be made through your classroom teachers.
Special occasions, such as Halloween, will be celebrated during the school day. PFA Classroom Ambassadors are included in organizing such holiday parties in partnership with classroom teachers and/or divisions.
Lost and Found: Hints for Immediate Return
1. All lunch boxes, articles of clothing, backpacks, etc., should be clearly labeled with the student’s name for all grade levels from PreK3 through 8th grade.
2. Calculators must be labeled with the student’s name.
3. Valuable or important items such as jewelry and money should stay at home unless special events require student purchases.
4. There are lost-and-found-item locations on the East Side and the West Side. Unclaimed items are donated to local charities on a monthly basis.
School Directory
Each year a school directory is published for the convenience of Corbe Prep students and parents. Please recognize that it is intended only to facilitate communications within our school community. Use of the School Directory to solicit Corbe Prep families for any purpose, whether commercial or charitable, is prohibited. Information contained in the school directory is only to be shared within our school community.
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