2024 - 2025
Campus Parent/Student Guidebook
WELCOME TO SAGEMONT PREP
Sagemont Preparatory School embodies a transformative approach to private school education through a focus on intellectual exploration, innovation and entrepreneurship, which inspires both academic excellence and a connection to real-world applications for each student. The Sagemont Prep curriculum fosters an appreciation for and cultivation of intellectual curiosity and creativity; adeptness at analytical thinking; a balance of self-directed, independent exploration and collaboration; the pursuit of educational endeavors with responsible risk taking and reflection; and a dedication to social responsibility. Student-powered innovation and a spirit of entrepreneurship at every age is ingrained in Sagemont Prep's educational philosophy.
- Mrs. Mellesia Nelson HEAD OF SCHOOL mnelson@sagemont.com
UPPER CAMPUS
Mrs. Felica Myers PRINCIPAL
fmyers@sagemont.com
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Mr. David Roe
droe@sagemont.com
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Mr. Shane Marcey
smarcey@sagemont.com
ksorokin@sagemont.com
FACILITIES/TRANSPORTATION MANAGER
Mr. Kenny Vega
Mrs. Kristin Sorokin kvega@sagemont.com
UPPER CAMPUS
Ms. Michelle Dunkley
COLLEGE COUNSELOR
SCHOOL COUNSELOR ssweeting@sagemont.com mdunkley@sagemont.com REGISTRAR
rrijos@sagemont.com
Natalia Rios nrios@sagemont.com
Ms. Shauntyra Sweeting
COORDINATOR Ms. Estefania Martinez emartinez@sagemont.com Ms. Yasmine Mohamed ymohamed@sagemont.com
spsu.pto@sagemontprep.com vvaldivieso@sagemont.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Sagemont Prep Mission Statement ...6
Parent/School Communication...16
Academic Support...32
Mandatory Forms and Policies...7
Parent Involvement/Volunteers...17
Course Credit...33-34
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures...8-10
Athletics & The Arts...18-19
Student Services...35-36
Emergencies...11
Student Programs/Activities...20
Health and Medicine...12-13
FERPA...21-23
Uniforms...14
Technology and Social Media...24
Student Expectations...37 Week Without Walls... 38
Lunch...15
Student Assessments...25-31
Sagemont Preparatory School inspires academic excellence through intellectual exploration, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Students are encouraged to take responsible risks and develop a deep understanding of social responsibility as active agents of change.
MANDATORY FORMS AND POLICIES
Each family has received an email containing a link to update your child's general information and acknowledge our school's policies and procedures. Please ensure the completion of these documents before your child’s first day of school.
Cell Phone Policy
The objective of the cell phone policy is to maintain the integrity of the learning environment and minimize disruptions. Cell phones, smart watches, and AirPods are not permitted to be used on campus. All teachers require students to check their cell phones at the beginning of every class. Cell phones, smart watches, and AirPods are also prohibited from being used between classes or during lunch. If parents need to reach their child at any point during the day, they must call the front office and we can call the student down to speak with them or relay the message.
Please note that if a teacher reports that a student is using a device inappropriately or not complying with this policy, they will be issued a warning and we will notify parents of this policy violation. The second offense will result in the child having to check in their device every morning for the school day for the remainder of the school year
This policy is to maintain the integrity of the academic environment and reduce distractions for students.
ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Arrival
The school hours are 8:00 a.m.-2:55 p.m. for all students. Parents who drive their children to school may drop their children off beginning at 7:30 a.m. Please do not drop students off anywhere other than the designated drop-off area. Be advised Sagemont Prep does not provide supervision of any student before 7:30 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. unless in a supervised Sagemont Prep activity. Students who arrive at school past 8:00 a.m. are late and must report to the office to receive a tardy pass. On-time arrival correlates with students’ success in school and excessive tardies will negatively impact students’ academic performance.
All high school students must be dropped off and picked up in the north parking lot (closest to I-75). Additionally, this parking lot serves as a student parking lot location. The Middle School carpool line is the loop in front of the Goldman Athletic Center. Parents MUST utilize the carpool line during arrival and dismissal for safety purposes. Parents cannot use the student parking lot as an additional drop-off or pick-up option, as this is a safety hazard. Students with parental approval may choose to walk or ride their bicycles to school. Students need to secure their bikes to the rack provided by the school. Students must supply their locks.
Any student who drives to school must purchase a parking space from the front office. Students will receive a parking decal which must be displayed on the front dashboard or rearview mirror. Student drivers will park in the north parking lot. To keep students, parents, and staff members safe, cell phone use is prohibited when driving in the carpool line to drop off or pick up students.
ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Dismissal
Parents picking up children at the conclusion of the school day are to use the same traffic pattern as in the morning. Parents are requested to stay in the carpool line until their children and/or carpool members get into the vehicle. In order to provide a safe dismissal, parent cell phone use is prohibited in the carpool line. Students must enter cars from the passenger side of the vehicle. Those students who have parental approval to walk or ride their bicycles to school will be dismissed with the other students. All students not participating in an afterschool activity will be asked to leave the building at 3:30 p.m., so please plan accordingly.
Students will not be dismissed during a thunderstorm. Students will remain in their classrooms if there is a thunderstorm or tornado watch in the area. At their discretion, parents may come into the school office and request that their children be released.
Athletics/Activities
If a student is absent on the day of an athletic event or activity, the student will not be eligible to participate. A student must be present in school for 50% of their scheduled class time on the day of an athletic event or activity to be eligible to participate.
Clubs and Honor Societies run from 3:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., although there are some clubs that do conclude at 4:00 p.m. There is no supervision on campus after 3:30 p.m. so all students must leave campus at that time.
ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Sign-Out Procedures
Should you wish to remove your child from school prior to dismissal, this needs to be done in person. Only those adults listed on the Health & Emergency Information or Student Information forms may pick up students. A picture I.D. is required. Ensuring the safety of your child is a priority at Sagemont Prep. Therefore, parents authorizing their children to leave school grounds during school hours will be required to fax or email a copy of their driver’s license.
Tardy Policy
The school day begins at 8:00 a.m. Students need to adjust their daily schedule so that they are present in their first class by this time. Students who arrive late to school disrupt the learning process. Students who arrive at school past the designated start time must report to the office to receive a tardy pass.
Again, missing a class due to lateness or early dismissal counts as an absence for that class and counts toward the 10 maximum allowable missed days (5 days per semester). Three tardies in a specific class will count as an unexcused absence from class and students will not be eligible to redo any summative assessments given on that day. Excessive tardies are disruptive to the learning environment.
EMERGENCIES
Parents are required to complete the Health & Emergency Information as part of the electronic mandatory forms that includes all of the student’s emergency phone numbers. In case of an accidental injury, every attempt will be made to reach a parent or alternate emergency contact. If necessary, an ambulance or paramedic will be called. Until the arrival of a parent or medical personnel, the administration will make the necessary decisions regarding the care of the child. You will be expected to assume responsibility for the resultant expense. It is imperative that you keep the school up to date on phone numbers, emergency numbers, and other pertinent information.
Hurricanes
Sagemont Preparatory School will follow the Broward County School Board's decision when a hurricane is approaching our area. If the county schools are closed for the day, we will also be closed. This information is available via television and radio reports. We will also generally follow the Broward County School Board's decision regarding the reopening of school unless you are notified otherwise by phone and/or email. Additionally, information will be posted on the school website. Tuition will not be refunded for school closures due to natural disasters, hazardous building conditions, or loss of building utilities beyond our control. Parents are required to pick up their children immediately should schools be closed while already in session. Please listen to the broadcast reports because we may not be able to reach you by telephone.
HEALTH & MEDICINE
Illness
A child who becomes ill during the day will be isolated in the front office. You will be contacted in the event your child needs to be picked up. Please refer to Emergencies on page 11 for more information.
Immunizations
Your child’s health and safety are of major importance to us. Upon enrollment, all students must provide the required Florida Certification of Immunization, Form 680, and the School Entry Health Exam, form DH 3040. Immunizations must be kept up-to-date. These forms must be submitted no later than the parent/student orientation day.
The immunization requirements are as follows:
Four or five doses of DTaP
Four or five doses of IPV
Two doses of MMR
Three doses of Hep B
One Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap)
Two doses of Varicella (kindergarten effective with 2008–2009 school year, then an additional grade is added each year thereafter). Varicella vaccine is not required if there is a history of varicella disease documented by the health care provider.
Sixth-grade students must be tested for Scoliosis. In addition to compliance with all other immunization requirements, children entering, attending, or transferring to the seventh grade in Florida schools must complete the following:
One Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap)
HEALTH & MEDICINE
Medicine Dispensing Procedures
1. Parents must fill out the Sagemont Prep Medication Form before the school administers prescription medication to the students. The form should indicate each day and time the medicine is to be given and the exact dosage.
2. All prescription medication must be in the original containers and must be dropped off in the main office by the parent/guardian. No medication will be accepted by students. The medication will be stored in the office, along with a log indicating when doses are provided.
3. All medicines and forms will be collected and released by an administrative designee.
4. All medication is dispensed in the office. Students are not to self-medicate.
5. If you would like your child to be given the recommended dosage of aspirin substitute, allergy medicine, or stomach antacid when needed, you must give written permission on the Health & Emergency Information form. No internal medication will be given to your child unless this form has been filled out, signed, and completed electronically to the office.
SCHOOL UNIFORMS
Dress Code
We feel uniforms project a positive image to the community. The purpose of Sagemont Prep's uniform is to provide a sense of unity and is a reminder of Sagemont’ Prep's values and Educational Pillars. All approved school uniforms must be purchased from the Lion's Den (the school's uniform store) on campus.
All Sagemont Prep students should:
Wear shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, and jackets with the current school logo.
Wear uniform shirts under all Sagemont Prep outerwear.
Purchase a Sagemont Prep collared shirt and a red uniform shirt, as this is needed for various events on and off campus throughout the year.
Wear pants and shorts at waist level, not be rolled at the waistband.
Wear shorts, skorts, and skirts that are minimal “fingertip length.”
Wear pants, shorts, skirts, and skorts in khaki or black purchased from the schools store, The Lion’s Den.
Wear sneakers or flat closed-toe shoes.
Come to school dressed without caps or bandanas.
On dress-down days, Sagemont Prep students should:
Refrain from wearing miniskirts or “soffe”-style shorts, or any other shorts other than Bermuda or athletic basketball shorts.
Refrain from wearing see-through tops, spaghetti straps, or camisoles.
Refrain from wearing inappropriate or offensive pictures, slogans, or language.
Refrain from wearing flip-flops, crocs, sandals, or slippers
The administration reserves the right to determine if the dress is appropriate for the school environment. The full dress code is in effect on campus daily from time of arrival to time of dismissal, until the last day of school. A student who wears inappropriate clothing in violation of the dress code will not be allowed to attend class until appropriate clothing can be acquired.
LUNCH
Wholesome Food Services
Your child can choose and customize selections from a varied menu sourced from our local neighborhood restaurants, such as La Rural, BurgerFi, and Caffe Gourmet. Register today by clicking and following the instructions here: School Lunch Program (wholesomefoodservices.com)
Students may also bring lunch from home and microwaves are available in The Mane Course dining hall. Students eat lunch in the dining room or in the designated courtyard. Due to health regulations, we are unable to accept lunches in the front office.
Please Note: Due to security reasons, food delivery services, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats are prohibited.
PARENT/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
In order for effective learning to take place, parents are urged and encouraged to be involved in their child’s education. Sagemont Prep uses a variety of methods to promote this interaction; the primary method is email. Please be sure you inform us when you change providers or addresses.
Computer and Phone Interaction
Each teacher and administrator has an email account. The address is the initial of the first name, last name, and @sagemont.com (i.e. David Roe would be droe@sagemont.com).
Each teacher and administrator has a voicemail. Teachers will return phone calls before school, after school, and during their planning periods.
The school also uses a texting service to send out school-wide and grade specific messages.
Meetings
Parent/teacher meetings can take place throughout the school year.
Either parents or teachers may initiate the request for a meeting. It is the responsibility of the teacher and parent to schedule the meeting.
Should a parent wish to speak to more than one teacher at a time, that request must be initiated with the school counselor.
Parents are encouraged to use email to contact teachers.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT/VOLUNTEERS
Parents are welcome at Sagemont Prep at all times. There are a variety of ways parents can become involved in the education of their children. Parents, grandparents, and community members are encouraged to volunteer at our school and to attend calendar events. Anyone interested in being a school volunteer should contact the PTO or Booster Club. Volunteers may chaperone field trips and assist at pizza lunches, with Clubs, as classroom speakers, or in the Lion’s Den. Volunteers on campus more than once a week or chaperoning an overnight field trip must complete a mandatory background check.
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
Membership in the PTO is encouraged for all Sagemont Prep families. It is the mission of the PTO to:
Promote closer understanding and cooperation among parents, teachers, students, and the administration. Plan fundraising activities to assist the school in obtaining educational, recreational and facility enhancements to benefit all of our students.
Organize various school celebrations in conjunction with the curriculum and the needs of the school.
Booster Club
Promote school spirit and support the endeavors of the Athletic Department to enhance the student athlete experience.
ATHLETICS & THE ARTS
Sagemont Prep establishes a tradition of excellence in athletics and the arts, as well as academics. The entire Sagemont Prep staff is prepared to assist the student in academic, artistic, and athletic endeavors. Our desire is that the students experience a healthy combination of personal growth, academic achievement, and success during their years at Sagemont.
Sagemont Prep exists to create and disseminate knowledge for the betterment of students. Consistent with this goal, the primary aim for the student should be to use all talents. While time commitments are demanding during an athletic season, the student-athlete must never lose sight of the goal of completing the requirements for a diploma.
Appearance
Any student representing Sagemont Prep through participation in athletics or outside artistic endeavors is expected to maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance at all times. The coach and teacher establish expectations for the dress. All clothing must be schoolappropriate attire.
School Discipline
Any student that is assigned an in-school or out-of-school suspension is not eligible to participate in any practice, contest, or performance during the days of suspension.
ATHLETICS & THE FHSAA
Athletic Expectations
It is the duty of all student-athletes, coaches, officials, performers, and spectators concerned with interscholastic athletics to:
Remember that a contest or performance is just that, not a matter of life or death.
Emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play.
Stress the values derived from playing and participating fairly.
Establish a cordial relationship between visitor and host.
Respect the integrity and judgment of the officials.
Achieve a thorough understanding and acceptance of the rules of the game and the standards of eligibility.
Encourage leadership, use of initiative, and good judgment by all students on the team, troupe, band, or ensemble.
Recognize that the purpose of co-curricular is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well-being of the individual student.
Participation in all co-curricular activities is by mutual consent and no initiation is required or allowed.
Spectator Expectations
All spectators at co-curricular contests involving Sagemont Prep students are expected to: Demonstrate sportsmanship. Respect the property of the school and the authority of school officials. Show respect and courtesy to opposing student-athletes, coaching staff, and fans. Respect the integrity and judgment of the officials. Do not applaud the opponent's error or penalty. Do not boo, jeer, or distract the participants. Respect student participants’ spaces versus spectator spaces.
Note: For all FHSAA eligibility questions, please contact Mr. Shane Marcey at smarcey@sagemont.com.
STUDENT PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES
Co-Curricular
Students will be provided with an array of clubs and co-curricular activities. Sagemont Prep will also provide students the opportunity to begin clubs of interest. Examples of clubs are Student Government, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Culinary Club, SCUBA Club, Rock Band, and Interact Club.
For a complete list of student-powered clubs and honor societies please attend the annual club fair during the second week of school. The club schedule is solidified after the first two club meetings are held to ensure clubs meet the minimum student count.
Note: Honor societies and service clubs may have a higher community service requirement than what is required of the school for graduation.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students."
Note: Please see next page for full details
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.
Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
School officials with legitimate educational interests;
Other schools to which a student is transferring;
Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
Accrediting organizations;
To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Continued...
Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors, and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA.
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-5901
TECHNOLOGY & SOCIAL MEDIA
Sagemont Prep is a 1-to-1 innovation school. The use of technology is used in the classroom setting.
Social Media Guidelines
As a Sagemont Prep student, you should be respectful of others. Our Educational Pillars call for Sagemont Prep students to demonstrate kind, respectful, and collaborative communication. Posting statements that are maliciously false, misleading, obscene, defamatory, threatening, offensive, discriminatory, or violate the confidentiality or privacy of others is not acceptable.
Photography/ Video Recording
Photography and/or video recording are restricted to educational use as directed by a teacher.
STUDENT ASSESSMENTS
Standardized Tests
All students take the HMH Growth Measure Diagnostic three times annually to measure growth in ELA and mathematics. In addition, middle school students take the Comprehensive Placement Test (CTP) during the 2nd semester. Standardized testing allows the school to make data-driven instructional decisions to ensure our students are making annual gains and progressing in accordance with national norms.
All 9th through 11th-grade students take the PSAT offered in the fall and the PreACT in the Spring. All Sagemont Prep juniors are encouraged to take the SAT and ACT at least once before the end of their junior year.
Student Cumulative Folders
Official documents related to a student’s academic performance are kept by the registrar of the school. These documents include transcripts, report cards, standardized test scores, and psychological testing information. This information is available to staff members working with students and their legal guardians. Staff and/or parents may check their student’s/child’s cumulative folder out with the registrar present. Additionally, they must present the cumulative folder back to the registrar who verifies that it was returned.
STUDENT ASSESSMENTS
Standards-Based Report Cards
Standards-based grading practices provide specific clear learning goals for students, parents, teachers, and administrators for what a student must know and be able to do to master the content of a course. This grading practice allows teachers to be consistent with common best practices based on educational research. Most importantly, Standards-based report cards provide clarity for students and families as to what the grading criteria and expectations are between and amongst teachers, courses, and Sagemont Preparatory School.
Assessments of Learning
Formative assessments are designed to provide direction for improvement. Formative assignments are reviewed for accuracy and used only to provide descriptive feedback. The goal of the formative assessment is to collect detailed information that can be used to improve instruction and student learning and is integrated into the teaching and learning process.
Summative assessments are major end-of-learning unit tests, projects, presentations or writing pieces. Summative assignments are assessments of learning that provide measurable evidence of learning. Summative
Assessments are graded to determine the semester outcome for each subject area. The final grade will be determined by the standard grades from each summative assessment.
STUDENT ASSESSMENTS
Standards
The standards listed on your child’s report card will indicate the material we expect students to master in each content area. Not every standard is introduced and practiced each term; however, all standards should be mastered by each student by the end of the school year. The following terms indicate where students are in their learning of the standards:
(E) Exceeding
The student has mastered the grade level expectations for this standard and is exploring greater breadth and depth of learning. Student consistently explores learning independently.
(M) Meeting
The student is meeting grade-level expectations of mastery for this Standard.
(Ap) Approaching
Although the student is working below grade level expectations for this standard, they are making adequate progress. Additional learning is required to master this standard at grade level.
(CN) Concern
The student is performing significantly below grade-level expectations and not making adequate progress toward meeting content standards.
STUDENT ASSESSMENTS
Grading Scale
A-90-100
B-80-89
C-70-79
D-60-69
F-0-59 (No credit will be issued for the course and the student will be placed on academic probation.)
Academic Probation
When a student obtains a 59% or below in a course:
1. Students are required to retake the course to receive credit.
2. Students and parents must meet with the school counselor and teacher to develop a plan of action for success.
3. Students must attend tutoring every Wednesday with the National Honor Society or obtain an outside tutor and provide monthly documentation to our school counselor.
STUDENT ASSESSMENTS
Sagemont Preparatory School inspires academic excellence through intellectual exploration, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Students are encouraged to take responsible risks and develop a deep understanding of social responsibility as active agents of change.
Intellectual Curiosity & Creativity
Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
Eagerly connecting existing knowledge to unique ideas absorbed from beyond the classroom leads to the exploration of imaginative solutions through critical thinking, and the development of resilience.
Collaboration
Responsible Risk-Taking
Reflection
Building the ability to cut through noise to assess issues, and efficiently and effectively tackle complex problems, making informed decisions and finding innovative solutions.
Supporting and sharing ideas, wisdom, and approaches of others to jointly discover solutions or uncover untapped opportunities.
Breaking traditional grades-driven approaches by exploring ideas, partnerships or leadership roles, exposing individuals to vulnerability, and leading to student-powered confidence, new skills, knowledge, and success.
Challenging oneself by thoughtfully examining results and experiences, and striving for continual improvement, developing confidence, and self-awareness.
STUDENT ASSESSMENTS
Educational Pillars
The content in each subject area is delivered through our Educational Pillars. Students are given the opportunity to practice and improve in each of these pillars as they learn the Content Standards. A student’s report card will include their grade on Content Standard, as well as feedback on our Educational Pillars. The following descriptors indicate student performance in each Educational Pillar:
Novice (Nv): Student is just beginning to explore some attributes of this Educational Pillar.
Apprentice (Apt): Student demonstrates competency in the Educational Pillar in limited situations, but still requires guided assistance.
Practitioner (Prc): Student demonstrates this Educational Pillar consistently across all learning situations.
Expert (Exp): Student demonstration of this Educational Pillar, across all learning situations, serves as an exemplar for others.
STUDENT ASSESSMENTS
Re-Take Policy
The focus of Sagemont Prep is on learning; therefore, students have the opportunity to retake their summative assessments to gain a greater understanding to learn and grow. Note: All re-take assessments are eligible for a score of up to 70%.
What qualifies for a retake?
Summative Assessments with a score of below 70%.
1 Attempt (additional attempts at teacher discretion)
Timeline – Retakes must be completed no later than two weeks after the teacher returns the summative assessment.
Criteria for Retakes:
Completion of all required formative assessments.
Completion of all re-teaching/relearning activities as determined by the teacher.
Completion within the predetermined timeline.
Students are not allowed to retake an assessment when suspended.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Learner Profiles
Students must provide the school with a copy of an IEP, 504 plan, or psychological evaluation to receive accommodations at Sagemont Prep. Students with these documents will work with the school counselor to create any necessary accommodations or modifications that will allow them to best demonstrate their learning in the classroom. Sagemont Prep is not able to guarantee that all documented accommodations can be provided, nor can accommodate students with severe emotional/behavioral issues.
As children grow and progress, their functioning fluctuates; therefore, getting a new evaluation every 3 years is imperative to ensure the accommodations they receive best fit their needs. If your child is a high school student, please note that in order to have accommodations approved through College Board for the SAT and/or ACT, an evaluation dated within the last 3 years is required.
Accommodations alter the environment, format, or equipment (not the curriculum) that allows an individual with learning difficulties to gain access to content and/or complete assigned tasks. They allow students with learning difficulties to pursue a regular course of study.
Modifications change the curriculum and are made for students with learning difficulties who are unable to comprehend all of the content or skills being taught. Students are unable to pursue a regular course of study and require a curriculum tailored to their individual needs. These students would be unable to meet current graduation requirements.
STUDENT PERFORMANCE & COURSE CREDIT
Evaluating Student Performance
Florida compulsory school attendance law requires students to be in attendance for a minimum of 170 school days, regardless of excused absences, and receive a minimum of 900 hours of instruction (FL Administrative Code 6A-1.09512). The Sagemont Prep student shall not be absent more than 10 days in the school year to be awarded course credit as shown below:
Minimum 136 hours of course instruction – annual credit
Minimum 68 hours of course instruction – semester credit
Note: Students who do not meet these minimum requirements will not receive credit for the courses taken and will have to retake the classes online.
COURSE CREDIT
Guidelines for Enrolling in Online High School Courses & Earning Credit
Students may enroll in online courses approved by Sagemont Prep, to fulfill graduation requirements and/or broaden their educational portfolio through elective choices. The online learning experience is designed for highly motivated, self-starters. AP, Honors, and regular courses are available. Please Note: If students are awarded Florida School of Choice scholarships, Florida Virtual School will not be funded through the Florida Department of Education for students who successfully complete their course(s). Thus, payment responsibility for Florida Virtual School course(s) lies with parents directly.
Please adhere to the following guidelines when choosing an online course:
Sagemont Prep students enrolling in online courses must receive prior approval from an administrator. The virtual facilitator will help the student enroll in the online course. A virtual school designee will contact you to complete the online process. Students enrolled in an online course are responsible for completing the course and working with their Florida Virtual teacher. All communication regarding coursework will come directly from Florida Virtual High School, not Sagemont Prep. Sagemont Prep does not monitor or communicate with parents regarding the progress of the virtual courses.
All academic requirements for online courses must be completed in accordance with Sagemont Prep deadlines as stated on the Virtual Course Student Contract.
STUDENT SERVICES
School Counselor
Our school counselor works with students, parents, and teachers. The role is proactive, spending a large portion of his/her time working with students on self-esteem and character education in order to assist students in reaching their potential. The counselor also meets with students to discuss career awareness and student issues.
Community Service
Sagemont Prep students complete a required number of community service hours each year. This is critical to assist students to develop interpersonal skills of empathy and kindness, respectful and collaborative communication, global citizenship, and a commitment to service. A service program helps build a sense of community and common purpose within the school. Sagemont Prep students have traditionally been recognized as community leaders in this area. Middle school students are required to complete 15 hours each year of enrollment while high school students are required to complete 25 hours each year of enrollment. Additionally, honor societies and service clubs have a higher community service requirement.
STUDENT SERVICES
College Counselor
The Sagemont Prep College Counseling Program provides personalized college counseling that focuses on the passions, talents, and goals of each student. We encourage all students to explore a myriad of options and to develop a college list that reflects their individual objectives. Our students gain admission to more than 100 different colleges annually. We believe that finding the right college requires thoughtful self-analysis, careful research, and continual support from the college counselor, teachers, and parents.
Our student-centered college counseling program will introduce students as appropriate for their grade level and will cover:
Career exploration inventories and activities
Multiple intelligence learning style assessment
Personality assessment
Co-curricular advising
Essay writing Interview skills
Visits from over 100 colleges annually
Multiple intelligence learning style assessment
Gallup Strengths Finder Assessment
Academic advising support
Test preparation and planning
Scholarship and financial aid information
With both individual and small group meetings and evening programs by grade level, students and parents are provided with all the information and tools they need to successfully navigate the college process. Our families appreciate the breadth and depth of our communication.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
We encourage all students to embrace a spirit of innovation, collaboration, curiosity, and entrepreneurship. A Sagemont Prep student is a respectful communicator, a global citizen, a critical thinker, and an agent for positive change. Students are encouraged to pursue their passions and ensure that their academic and intellectual pursuits never infringe on the rights of others or portray the school in a negative light.
School Discipline
Any student that is assigned an in-school or out-of-school suspension is not eligible:
To participate in any practice, contest, or performance during the days of suspension.
To participate in any student co-curricular activity or trip during the suspension.
For redo of any summative assessment during the suspension.
Any student that is assigned an in-school or out-of-school suspension is eligible:
To turn in formative assessments during the time of the assigned suspension.
Take any summative assessments for the first time upon returning from suspension.
WEEK WITHOUT WALLS
Week Without Walls is a Sagemont Prep Signature Program and takes students outside the walls of the school building, where they are engaged in community service and exploration. This annual program for all students includes learning experiences such as growing in an aquaponics system, interning at a software company, learning to fly a plane, exploring horticulture at local farms, behind-the-scenes experience at the Miami F.B.I Headquarters, and so much more. Travel opportunities are a core component of our Week Without Walls program and include travel as near as our US National Parks and Hawaii, and as far as the Galapagos Islands and the glaciers of Patagonia.
Week Without Walls is a core component of educational programming and is part of the required academic school year calendar for attendance.
To participate in distance programming, students must be in good academic standing and have no disciplinary issues.
Cost:
Distance field trip costs vary from $3,500-$6,500 depending on the program.
Local programming for the week is also available at a cost of approximately $200.
Financial hardships can be addressed with administration on a case-by-case basis in order to participate in local programming.
