June 2015 - Van Buren Middle

Derrick Gaines, Principal
Van Buren Middle School
The Van Buren Voice
Erica Stanfield, Assistant Principal
8715 North 22nd Street Tampa, FL 33604
(813) 975-7652—http://vanburen.mysdhc.org/
Ovett Wilson, Assistant Principal
Dr. Lipi Datta-Reid, Assistant Principal
A Hillsborough County Public School
Mr. Derrick Gaines, Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As another school year comes to a close, I want to thank you, for helping to make this a successful
school year. To finish out the year, it is very important that we have your correct mailing address, and phone
number. Important document such as your child’s last report card and FSA results will be mailed to you.
Summer school will be offered here at Van Buren for the students who need to make up credits. The
programs will be offered during the dates listed below:
Credit Recover: June 22 - July 23
STEP: June 22 - July 30
Algebra EOC: June 22 - July 21
Students need to attend every day to successfully complete the above mentioned programs. The Boys
and Girls Club, and The Skill Center will also be on our campus. Their curriculum covers academics, athletics, and health and fitness.
We are looking forward to a great year in 2015-2016, and I encourage your involvement and welcome
your suggestions and comments to assist in making this happen. Parents are always welcome on our campus
at any time. However, please make sure you enter through the front main gate and sign in at the office. In the
2015-2016 school year I am starting a new Parent’s Council which will meet with me once a month to increase parent involvement and to gather ideas and concerns from a parents’ perspective on what we can do to
increase student success. If you are interested in being a member of our Parent’s Council next school year,
contact Mrs. Forward at 813-975-7652 ext. 266.
As always, I appreciate your continued support, and I wish you all a great summer.
Sincerely,
Derrick Gaines
***IMPORTANT NOTICE***
PLEASE NOTE: ALL students in the State of Florida MUST have the following shots in order
to attend the seventh, eighth, or ninth grade at any public school:
Florida state law requires specific immunizations for children to attend school. The law for students entering seventh grade is as follows:
1 dose Tdap
(tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
2 doses MMR
3 doses Hepatitis B
1 dose Varicella or date of disease
According to the school records, your child still needs to have the following immunizations documented in order to attend
seventh grade.
1 dose Tdap
1. ___________
2 doses MMr
1. ___________
2. ____________
3 doses Hepatitis B
1. ___________
2. ____________ 3. ____________
1 dose Varicella or date
of disease
1. __________
***If your child has had the chicken pox disease, documentation (the year the child had the disease) as verified by parent or physician,
should be given to the school.
The law provides for exclusion from school without proper health records. Your child will be excluded on the first day of school if the records are not complete at the school prior to that date. If you have any questions, please call the school nurse.
Four additional vaccines are not mandated, but parents are encouraged to discuss them with their child’s physician. These are: two doses of Varicella, the meningococcal meningitis vaccine, Hepatitis A vaccine and for females, the HPV vaccine.
For immunizations or physicals, you may contact your physician or the Hillsborough County Health Department for appointments or further
information. Immunizations are provided FREE at the Health Department.
Note: You must bring a copy of your child’s immunization records with you to the Health Department or immunizations will not be given.
School Nurse: Ms. Terri Copeland
Telephone: 813-975-7652 ext. 227 Fax: 813-631-4312
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT CLINICS
Main Health Department
4951-B. E. Adamo Dr. Suite 210
307-8077
Kelton Clinic
4704 Montgomery Ave.
307-8055
North Hillsborough
9827 Sheldon Road
307-8053
Sulphur Springs Clinic
8605 N. Mitchell Ave.
307-8054
Joyce Ely Clinic
Ruskin 205 14th Ave. SE, Ruskin
307-8056
Plant City Clinic
302 N. Michigan Ave. Plant City
307-8057
University Area
13601 N. 22nd Street
307-8058
YOUR CHILD'S PROMOTION, OR RETENTION,
WILL RESULT FROM GRADES EARNED ON THEIR REPORT CARDS AS FOLLOWS:
Sixth, seventh & eighth grade students must pass a total of 4 courses: Language Arts,
Math, Science, and Social Studies.
Grades for annual middle school courses will be calculated and finalized by semesters.
To pass an annual course, students must earn at least two quality points per semester.
Students who do not earn the minimum quality points must make up the corresponding
semester of the course.
Quality points are based on the following nine-week grading scale.
Grading Scale
Letter Grade
Achievement Level
Quality Points
90% - 100%
A
Outstanding
4
80% - 89%
B
Above Average
3
70% - 79%
C
Average
2
60% - 69%
D
Lowest Acceptable Progress
1
0% - 59%
F
Failing
0
Academic Opportunities
Pace Center for Girls
Now Accepting referrals for the Summer and the 2015-2016 School Year

Pursue a traditional High School

Make up Missed Credits

Promote to Next grade Level

Intakes are from May 15th—July 14th
Contact: Brittany Knowles 813-739-0410 x. 5611
MALE ATHLETES
Norris Mertus - B
Michael Sholtz - S,F
Murrad Berrian - B,F
Master Williamson - T,S
Giovanni Foster - S
Eric Kennedy Jr. - B,T,S,F
Robert Marshall - T,F
Jeffrey Alcues - S
Michael Sholtz - B,S,F
Randy Gifford - T,S
Pedro Patistan-Diaz - S
Emillio Quinones - B
Edward Williams - S,F
Sayon Estera - S,F
Christian Robinson - B,F
Bruce Davis - S,F
Vincet Rios - S
Keshawn Phillips - B
Jaydon Evans - S
Zaid El Yazmai - S,F
Kameron Worthy - B
Froylan Ramirez - S
Franco Lovett - F
Brayan Villafuerte-Diaz - B
James Betties - S,F
Johnnie Brown - F
Sanders Louis-Charles - B
Jeramiah Blue - S,F
Patrick Teel - F
Major Williams - B
Yadiel Cerda-Rivera - S
Sammie Lee - F
Aaron Kirkland - B
Curtis Doyle - S
FEMALE ATHLETES
Deshawnda Hall Lewis - T
Cierra Williams - S,V
Laqueshia Worthy - B,T,S
Destiny Gilbert - T,V
Anali Verdejo - V
Susana Aquino-Dejesus - B,S
Adaisha Roberts - S
Destiny Pagan - V
Anyisa White - B,T,V
Christina Smith - S,V
Emmanda Thomas– V
Carlississa Richbow - B
Crystal Smith - S,V
Markesia Brown - V
Emonnie Clemmons - B
Emily Santiago - S
Samantha Rivera - V
Dynasty Thomas - T,S,V
Katieann Basden - S,V
Kia Maxwell - T,S
Na’razha Barton - S,V
COACHING STAFF
S– SOCCER
Mr. Roland Williams -Boys Basketball
B-BASKETBALL
GirlsBasketball Ms. Blondine Narcisse
Assistant Coach - Ms. Lori Henry
Boys Track - Mr. Darius Garland
Girls Track - Ms. Vicki-Perry-Aice
V-VOLLEYBALL
Boys Soccer - Mr. David Wishnow
F-FOOTBALL
Girls Soccer - Mr. Terrance Marshall
Volleyball - Mrs. Caleathiea Cornelius
Football - Mr. Terrance Marshall
T– TRACK & FIELD
Top left: Mr. Nolen Padgett Sr., Mr. Dereck Smith, Athletic Director, Mr. Nolen Padgett Jr. Guest Speaker
Below: Parents enjoy the banquet with their children
The Radiant Jewels and guest at Kennedy Space Center
Mr. Ciati, Science Teacher, and Science Club Sponsor, rapped up the Beautiful Beasties Project at
Lowry Park Zoo where student’s work was on display in the Manatee’s tunnel.
A.P. Ms. Stanfield, Mr. Garland,
and Ms. Wright, Coordinator
Ms. Daymond, Mr. Garland
and Ms. Wright, committee
Mr. Wilson, A.P., Zamaria Larry, Queen, Mr. Gaines,
Principal, Albert Sherod, King, Dr. Reed, A.P.
Mr. Wishnow, Mr. Ciati, Ms. Dunger
Miss Van Buren M. S. 2015-2016 Maya West, and Miss Van Buren, Maya
West and Dad
her court, L-Sha’Leand Grimes, R-Kaillyn Duenas
8th Grade King & Queen Zamaria Larry, & Albert Sherrod
Samantha Rivera, &
Ms. Ochs
Ms. Portales, & Dantony
Vargas
Dr. K. Mitchell, Arkeyla Thompson, Mr.
Garland
Ms. Narcisse,
& Ms. James
Ms. Torres, & Jamal William
Van Buren Middle School is committed to providing a safe and caring environment for all students and employees.
Bullying and harassment are not permitted on our campus. If you or anyone you know are experiencing such acts,
the procedures for reporting are listed below.
Procedure for Reporting
Any student or student's parent/guardian who believes s/he has been or is the victim of bullying or harassment should
immediately report the situation to the school principal.. The student may also report concerns to teachers and other
school staff who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator.
Complaints against the principal should be filed with the Superintendent. Complaints against the Superintendent
should be filed with the Board Chair.
All school employees are required to report alleged violations of this policy to the principal or as described above. All
other members of the school community, including students, parents, volunteers, and visitors, are encouraged to report any act that may be a violation of this policy to the principal or as described above.
Written and oral reports shall be considered official reports. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action may not be based solely on the basis of an anonymous report.
The principal shall establish and prominently publicize to students, staff, volunteers, and parents the procedure for reporting bullying and how such a report will be acted upon. A victim of bullying and/or harassment, anyone who witnessed the act, and anyone who has credible information that an act of bullying and/or harassment has taken place
may file a report.
Procedimiento para Reportar una Queja
En cada escuela, el director o su designado, es responsable de recibir las quejas en las que se alega la violación de estas políticas. Todos los empleados de las escuelas tienen la obligación de reporter presuntas
violaciones a estas políticas, al director o a su designado. A todos los otros miembros de la comunidad escolar, incluyendo los estudiantes, padres/encargados legales, voluntarios y visitantes, se les anima a que reporten cualquier acto que pueda ser una violación a esta política, de manera anónima o en persona, al director de la escuela o a su designado. El director o el administrador de cada escuela o establecimiento en el
distrito escolar, deberá establecer, publicar y anunciar prominentemente (p. ej. afiches, manual del estudiante, sitio de internet de la escuela o del distrito) a los estudiantes, personal, voluntarios, y padres/
encargado o representantes legales, la manera como se puede presentar un reporte de intimidación o acoso,
en persona o anónimamente, y cómo se formalizará este reporte. La víctima de intimidación o de acoso, o
cualquier persona que haya sido testigo de un acto de intimidación o de acoso, o que tenga información confiable de que un acto de intimidación o de acoso tuvo lugar, puede presentar un reporte del mismo. Un
empleado del distrito, un voluntario de las escuelas, un estudiante, un padre/encargado o representante legal, u otras personas, que de manera rápida y de buena fe reportan un acto de intimidación o de acoso a los
funcionarios escolares apropiados, y que lo hacen en cumplimiento con los procedimientos establecidos en
las políticas del distrito escolar, quedan protegidas de una acción judicial en su contra, por daños que surjan
como resultado de dicho reporte o de cualquier incumplimiento en remediar el incidente reportado. La persona que presenta una queja o hace un reporte de intimidación o de acoso, en buena fe, no resultará afectada,
como tampoco el futuro de su empleo, sus calificaciones, su aprendizaje, su ambiente laboral o sus tareas en
el trabajo. Cualquier reporte verbal o escrito de un acto de intimidación o de acoso, será considerado un medio oficial para reportar tal(es) acto(s). Los reports pueden ser hechos de manera anónima, pero una acción
disciplinaria formal no se fundamentará únicamente en base a un reporte anónimo.
Van Buren Middle School
Uniform Policy
2014-2015
TOPS
1. Shirts are solid color polo tops (with collar and buttons): maroon (burgundy), gold, hunter green
or white tops only.
2. Approved color polo shirts must be worn everyday. (Monday – Friday)
a. School logo may be displayed on the tops.
b. No tops should be altered by student (tied in the back, cut, etc.)
c. Shirts (short / long sleeve) are prohibited over the polo shirt.
3. Spirit shirts (band, FBLA, AVID, grade level, PTSA, etc.) can be worn on Fridays.
4. College awareness days will be on Thursdays. Students are allowed to wear college/university
shirts/jerseys.
5. Tops must be clean in appearance.
BOTTOMS
6. Pants, skirts, shorts, etc. are to be denim (jean- blue, black or gray) or khaki (tan, black or dark
blue).
a. Bottoms must meet the School District of Hillsborough County’s requirement in length.
b. A belt must be worn with pants if pants are worn baggy, no exceptions.
Incentives:
Everyone should be in uniform by the first day of school.
Honor Roll: If a student earns honor roll (combination of A’s and B’s in both conduct and aca
demics; students will earn a non uniform day).
Principal Honor: If a student earns principal roll (all A’s in both conduct and academics; students
will earn a non uniform week).
When not in Van Buren Middle School’s uniform dress code, students are expected to follow the
school district’s dress code policy.
7. Students who are in physical education will also have a uniform. This will be determined by the
physical education department. A P.E. uniform is not considered a school uniform.
8. At the end of the school year, if you are leaving Van Buren or you are purchasing new uniforms,
please consider donating to the “clothes closet.”
The
The Van
Van Buren
Buren Voice
Voice is
is aa publication
publication of
of Van
Van Buren
Buren Middle
Middle School,
School, its
its faculty,
faculty, students,
students, parents,
parents, and
and
community
members.
If
you
have
any
information
or
concerns
about
the
Voice,
please
call
community members. If you have any information or concerns about the Voice, please call 975-7652.
975-7652.
We
We thank
thank you
you for
for reading
reading our
our publication.
publication.
Pictured L-R: Mrs. C. Cornelius, Coordinator of event, Mrs. E. Stanfield, Assistant Principal, Mr. D.
Gaines, Principal, Mr. O. Wilson presented over 200 students with Academic Excellence Awards.
Tampa Chapter of
Links, Inc.
Walgreens
BiB n Tux
Hillsborough Education
Foundation
Steinbrenner High
School Culinary Dept. &
Sub woofer Club
Horace Mann Insurance
McDonald Casper
The Wildes Family
The Florida Sentinel
OASIS of Tampa Palms
JP Morgan Chase
Men of Vision Inc.
Ladies from the Tampa Chapter of Links, Inc. are presented with Thank you cards and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Radiant Jewels; On the left, Mrs. E. Stanfield , Assistant Principal
presents the certificate.
School Board
The School District of Hillsborough County and Van Buren Middle School do not discriminate against any
person on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, age or religion.
Susan L. Valdes, Chair
Doretha W. Edgecomb,
Vice Chair
Sally A. Harris
Cindy Stuart
Melissa Snivey
April Griffin
Carol W. Kurdell
Superintendent of Schools
The School Board complies fully with the Americans Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The ADA makes it Jeff Eakins
unlawful to discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability who can perform the essential
functions of his or her job with reasonable accommodations.
Non-Profit Organization
Van Buren Middle School
8715 N. 22nd Street
Tampa, FL 33604
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Tampa, FL
Permit No. 1009
School Board
Susan L. Valdes, Chair
Doretha W. Edgecomb,Vice
Chair
Sally A. Harris
Cindy Stuart
Melissa Snivey
April Griffin
Carol W. Kurdell
Superintendent of Schools
Jeff Eakins