WELCOME TO THE SARASOTA MILITARY ACADEMY SARASOTA MILITARY ACADEMY follows the School Board of Sarasota County Student Code of Conduct and School Rules. For further information and details, kindly visit our website: www.sarasotamilitaryacademy.com, or refer to the County s Student and Family Handbook, or log on to: www.sarasota.k12.fl.us. (941) 926-1700; 801 North Orange Avenue, Sarasota, Fl 34236 SMA MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Sarasota Military Academy is to provide high school students the highest quality education possible, incorporating the principles of leadership, discipline, patriotism and honor in a military environment. Our primary intent is to enable our cadets to become productive citizens and to help them shape their futures into satisfying and fulfilling lives. QUICK FACTS SMA is a Five-Star Academic and Fully Accredited High School Charter Public School ~ no tuition fees Cadets participate in Army JROTC classes daily Cadets are required to pass initial Drug Test and participate in random testing each year School Day begins at 7:15 sharp with mandatory attendance at morning formation; dismissal is at 1:40 PM Prospective Students must be in the 8 th grade to register Parents and prospective students must attend a Visitor s Orientation (Tuesdays at 7AM) in Room #22, no RSVP required US Army Class B Uniforms worn Monday through Thursday are provided by SMA Friday Polo Uniforms and PE Uniforms must be purchased from CHILDRENS WORLD; 4525 Bee Ridge Road, (941)955-6999 CADET ENROLLMENT CONTRACT As a cadet of the Sarasota Military Academy, I, promise to: Adhere to the Academy Honor Code Honoring Self, Family, Community and Nation; Wear the proper uniform correctly daily, in accordance with the uniform regulations as set forth by Cadet Command; Comply with the mandatory school Drug Testing Policy; Remain quiet, orderly and on task in the classroom; Be Responsible for completing and turning in class work assignments and homework; Care for textbooks, furniture, equipment and classrooms, leaving them unmarked and in good condition as they were found; Ensure the school grounds remain clean and presentable at all times; Move from one area of the school to another in a quiet and orderly manner; Refrain from being disrespectful of others rights and property; Not lie, cheat or steal and not tolerate that behavior in others; Demonstrate proper military courtesy to staff and faculty at all times; Obey the directives of the cadet leadership appointed over me; Speak courteously and display good manners at all times; Refrain from fighting and using profane language and/or gestures; Refrain from intimidating, harassing, or threatening others; Exhibit the principles of good sportsmanship; Be responsible for bringing notices from teachers or parents/guardians to or from SMA; Abide by school rules. My behavior at all locations off school premises reflects on the Academy. Accordingly, I will maintain the same standards of behavior expected of my while at school. Further, I understand that SMA requires self-discipline, integrity, endurance, determination, willingness to work hard, and strength of character of all cadets. I am entering SMA only because I want to and not because of pressure from parents, counselors, coaches or peers. I understand that my personal commitment is essential to my success. Failure to live up to the aforementioned promises violates my oath and I will be held in breach of contract and subject to possible return to district school.
UNIFORM POLICY Uniforms are a requirement for attendance at SMA. The US Army Class B uniform is the uniform of the day, Monday through Thursday. The Polo Uniform (Class C ) is an optional uniform of the day. SMA Activity polos may be worn on Fridays only. The School Administrator is the ONLY person who can grant an exception and issue written permission. Cadets have the responsibility to comply. Cadets with minor violations (missing accessories) will be marched to SUPPLY for correction. Repeated violations will result in disciplinary action. Cadets will be taught how to properly wear the uniforms and meet hair requirements during Back to School Orientation. ELECTRONIC DEVICES Unless the electronic device is provided by SMA, their use is strictly forbidden during school hours. All devices should be OFF and out of sight. Failure to comply will result in consequences as per DISCIPLINARY STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES. DRUG POLICY SMA vows to maintain a safe environment for its cadets and staff; therefore, the manufacture, distribution, possession and/or use of tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, artificial drugs serenity, K2, and such, and over the counter drugs will not be tolerated. Every cadet and staff member is required to participate in SMA s mandatory Drug Testing Program upon entry and at random throughout each school year. EXTRA CURRICULAR and INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES SMA maintains a wide variety of extracurricular activities which are detailed at Orientation and on the website. Cadets who participate in rigorous activities must purchase school insurance. Cadets wishing to participate in major sports may do so at their districted schools. Participation in these activities, as well as school field trips is a privilege. Criteria for participation include parents and teachers permission and a minimum GPA of C in addition to acceptable behavior in each class during the grading period. Failure to establish and maintain the aforementioned standards shall render the cadet ineligible to participate. Cadets must be in school all day the day of said activity, even if the activity is held after school. PARKING ON CAMPUS Parking on campus is limited; therefore, only Juniors and Seniors will have the privilege of parking on school grounds. Cadets must purchase a parking permit. Cadets must have a valid driver s license, proof of insurance and registration. Cadets are not to visit vehicles during school hours. All necessary school materials should be taken out of the vehicle prior to morning formation. Citations will be issued and disciplinary action taken for illegal parking parking in unauthorized spots or parking without a permit. Privileges may be suspended for behavior issues, poor grades, non-payment violations and visiting vehicles for any reason during school hours. SMA is not responsible for any damage caused to a vehicle or missing items. INTERNET USE Access to the internet is available to SMA Cadets for the completion of homework assignments and projects to enhance academics. It is intended for educational purposes only. Cadets who use the internet inappropriately will be subject to disciplinary action to possibly include expulsion from school. Parents and cadets must sign the Internet Use Agreement prior to receiving computer privileges at SMA. SMA CLASSROOM PROCEDURES Be on time for class Bring necessary materials to class Upon entering, stow backpacks in the designated area Bring necessary materials from backpack to seat; there is no going back Raise hand to speak and wait to be addressed When acknowledged, stand to speak Address teachers as M am, Sir or according to their rank Use restrooms before class No food or drinks in classroom (except bottled water) Do not leave classroom without teacher s permission and hall pass Approach teacher s desk only on request
DISCIPLINARY POLICY Self discipline is our goal. If all of us will discipline ourselves to make good choices, we will all be better people. Bob Rogers The ultimate purpose of education is to assist each cadet in the exploration and development of his/her capabilities and become an effective citizen. Developing and accepting responsibilities and meeting obligations are vital components of this purpose. To this end, discipline shall be administered when necessary to protect cadets, school employees or property, and to maintain essential order. Cadets with academic, behavioral or attendance issues shall be treated fairly and in an equitable manner. Consequences will be administered after a careful assessment of the circumstances of each case. Factors to consider shall include: Seriousness of the offense Cadet s age/attitude Frequency of misconduct Disabilities and individual behavior plans Effect of the misconduct on the school environment There will be conferences between teacher and cadet, parent notifications and/or referrals to Grade Level Administrators. Consequences may include but are not limited to: a reduction of employability grade, In-School Suspension (ISS), mentoring, tutoring, probation or a recommendation to the Headmaster for reassignment to cadet s district school. COMMUNITY SERVICE Each cadet is required to complete 75 hours of Community Service while enrolled at SMA; half a credit (.5) will be awarded CAMPUS VISITORS All Visitors must sign in at the administrative reception desk and receive a VISITOR S PASS. Visitors will not allowed on campus during the school day unless they have official business; including lunch time. EMERGENCY CONTACT and CLINIC PROCEDURES It is imperative that families complete an emergency contact card at the start of each school year and maintain the contact information up to date. Should a cadet become ill during the school day, said cadet will be referred to the clinic by an adult. The School Nurse or Aide will determine the degree of illness and make the ultimate decision as to whether the cadet should be sent home. Parents and/or guardians will be notified by the Nurse or Aide. First aid and/or CPR will be administered if appropriate. Cadets may NOT keep medicine of any sort on their person. All meds must be in their original container and labeled with the cadet s name for storage in the clinic. SCHOOL INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED AT A MINIMAL COST. MORE QUICK FACTS All School events must adhere to school rules and regulations. Dances, plays and special programs are considered school events. When doors close, everyone is to remain in the building until the event is over. Once one leaves, one cannot re-enter the event. Late arriving or early departing cadets must sign in/out at the administrative reception desk. Hall passes are required when cadets are not in class. All volunteers must be approved through the Sarasota County PALS Program -- contact SMA Parent Volunteer Coordinator. Parents are encouraged to visit at any time.
ATTENDANCE There is a strong relationship between attendance and academic performance. Cadets are expected to attend school each day; however, it is understandable that excused absences will occur. Florida Statute 1003.24 states that the parents/legal guardian of a child of compulsory age is responsible for the child s daily school attendance. School staff, parents, cadets and appropriate state agencies are expected to work together to ensure that all applicable school attendance laws are obeyed, including but not limited to, referral to the state designated agency for possible court action for truancy. Over (9) nine excused absences per semester for illness or (18) eighteen during an entire school year is considered excessive. A statement must be on file at the school detailing such absences or tardiness. Any cadet who accumulates (15) fifteen unexcused absences, excluding suspensions, within a 90 day period is considered a habitual truant. All absences and tardiness are considered unexcused until the school receives written explanation from the parent/guardian within (3) three days of the occurrence. The Headmaster or designee has the authority to determine whether or not an absence is excused. Cadets have a RIGHT to: Information defining rules for absences, tardiness, withdrawal, and makeup assignments. Appeal a decision about an absence. Make up all work missed during an out of school suspension or an unexcused absence, including tests and quizzes Cadets have a RESPONSIBILITY to: Attend classes daily and be on time. Provide notification from parent or guardian when absent. Request make-up assignments from teachers upon their return to school from absence and complete this work within a reasonable length to be no less than one full calendar day for each day missed. In the case of unexcused absences only, other than for out of school suspension, a teacher may deduct up to 30% from the earned grade for work made up. Reporting Absences: Absences may be reported by telephone and must be followed by a written note. The report must come from a parent/guardian and give the date(s) for the absence and the reason for it. A parent MUST report these absences in writing within three (3) days following the absences, although school principals may make exceptions in cases of need. School staff has a legal right to ask for a written medical excuse when excused absences for illness are excessive. Cadets will be afforded the opportunity to make up work for an absence. It is the cadet s responsibility to request make-up assignments from teachers upon their return to school and complete this work within a reasonable length of time which in no case shall be less than one full calendar day for each day missed. Excused absences include: (Written note MUST be provided.) Cadet illness: documented by the parent/guardian or medical doctor. Observance of a religious holiday or service that is recognized as such by members of the faith. Medical/Dental appointment with documentation. Death in the family. Subpoena by law enforcement agency or mandatory court appearance. Other absences beyond the control of the parent or cadet, as determined and approved by the headmaster or headmaster s designee. Unexcused Absences: All absences which have not been specifically identified (see above) as excused are unexcused. Cadets have the right to make up any missed work, however, a teacher may deduct up to 30% from the earned grade for work made up. All work will be completed within a reasonable length of time which in no case shall be less than one full calendar day for each day missed. Cadets are responsible for requesting make up work. Family vacations are NOT excused absences. They must be prearranged through the principal and may not necessarily count as an excused absence.
SMA ABSENCE PROCEDURES Excuse Notes: Cadets are responsible for having all absence notes signed by teachers for all missed classes or periods. Parents/guardians are responsible for prearranging planned out of school absences with the teachers and with permission from the Headmaster. The attendance office must be notified of these planned absences. Late Arrival/Early Departure: Cadets who arrive late to school must sign in the log book and must provide a written note from a parent/guardian as to the reason for the late arrival. Cadets who need to leave school early must bring a note from a parent/guardian giving permission for the early departure. The cadet must sign out in the log book. Cadets may NOT sign themselves out of school without parental permission regardless of reaching the age of 18. If the parent/guardian is present, they must sign the cadet in or out. Cadets who leave school early due to illness must be cleared through the clinic. A written excuse must be provided by the parent/guardian excusing the early departure and any subsequent missed days. At NO time does verbal permission from a parent/guardian excuse a cadet from missed classes. Verbal permission only allows the cadet to leave the school grounds early. All subsequent time missed in classes will be considered UNEXCUSED until receipt of a written note from the parent/guardian. DRIVER S LICENSE LAW Cadets between the ages of 14 to 18 years of age who drop out of school or who have excessive unexcused absences (15 class periods in a 90 day period) will be reported to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Attendance will be monitored by period. Cadets who hold a Florida driver s license will have their license suspended. Cadets who have not yet received their driver s license or permit will find they are unable to obtain a one when they apply. Quality Assurance Review Team School Accreditation School Accreditation A national protocol for schools committed to systemic, systematic, and sustainable improvement Builds the capacity of the school to increase and sustain student learning Stimulates and supports improvement and effectiveness throughout the school Ensures all people, processes, and departments in the school work in concert Strengthens efforts to meet accountability requirements Encourages growth beyond compliance to achieve excellence Promotes continuous not episodic improvement Commendations The Quality Assurance Review Team commends Sarasota Military Academy for: Far exceeding the school vision Committing to a safe and orderly learning environment Providing a variety of extracurricular activities Recognizing and implementing gender equity in all activities Participating in student competitive activities High number of faculty volunteers High level of parental involvement Active community service- color guard, CERT, senior citizen breakfast, Mail to the Military, Adopt a Family Enhanced classroom technology ~ Active Boards, student to computer ratio, science labs and virtual lab Challenging curriculum with high expectations US Army Honor Unit with Distinction Award Five Star High School six consecutive years 84% graduation rate 93% accepted in college The high percentage of faculty with advanced degrees The inspirational leadership by the Headmaster