Welcome to Student Life

The Administration Office of Greater Miami Adventist Academy will invites you to look around our newStudent Life section. Please visit regularly to get the scoop on new programs and activites. 

For more information, call 305-220-5955

STUDENT LIFE

Your School Day at GMAA

Classes begin promptly at 7:50 a.m. At no time during the school day may a student leave campus without permission from (their parents and the office). Students should not be in the hallways during classes. If it becomes absolutely necessary for a student to leave class, they must have a hall pass. Classes end at 3:30 p.m., except on Fridays when they end at 2:30 p.m. Parent/Guardian should make arrangements to pick up their children as soon as possible at the end of the school day.

Community Service

For every year enrolled at GMAA a student must work 50 volunteer hours in any pre-approved area of community service. The Bible Teacher/Chaplain of GMAA supervises this. The number of hours served will be recorded on the student's transcript. Students that have transferred from another high school must have satisfied the community service hours from that high school.

Hall Pass/Skipping Class

No student should be in the hallways during classes. Bathroom needs and other necessities should be taken care of between classes. If an unforeseen emergency arises, a hall pass must be obtained from the teacher. No Student May Be In The Hallways Without A Hall Pass. Students without a hall pass will be considered as though they are skipping class. Skipping class will subject the student to detention.

Student Association

The Student Association of GMAA is an intregal part of School Affairs. Association officers are chosen from the student body. The student association under faculty sponsorship organizes many activities. To run for the office of SA president, a student must have and maintain a GPA of 3.0. For all other SA offices, the student must have and maintain a GPA of 2.5. Students who become involved in a major discipline problem will automatically forfeit their office.

Class Officers

Each class, 8-11, is organized during the first semester under the leadership of a faculty sponsor. To qualify for  class office a student must have completed the credits needed to be a class member. ( See "Class Standing" ) Seniors will hold class elections during May of the junior year. No student who receives a GPA below 2.5 will be elegible to hold office in any student organization. If a student becomes involved in a major discipline problem ,he/she will forfeit his/her office in any student organization.

Yearbook

GMAA sponsors a yearbook. The yearbook sponsor selects the yearbook editor. Each student enrolled at GMAA will receive a copy of the yearbook.

Lunches

As a matter of health, the Seventh Day Adventist Church encourages its members to follow a vegetarian diet. In support of this standard, no meat will be served in the GMAA campus. Parents are encouraged to send lunches that will promote the best health for their children. A vegetarian hot lunch is available at modest prices in our school cafeteria. ( See financial page for prices.)

Sponsors

Sponsors are appointed by the principal. All activities must be planned and supervised in connection with a faculty sponsor.

Activity Approval

All newly planned activities or changes in the calendar must be submitted to the GMAA Administrative Council for final approval. Date changes, student participants, transportation, drivers, permission slips, cost , sponsors and teacher subtitutes are all details that should be included in the final request approval. All requests should be submitted to the principal no later than two weeks before the event to give time for approval and staff notification.

Right to Search

According to Florida statute 232.26 (1)(b), the administration reserves the right to search any student locker or other space, upon reasonable suspicion, for prohibited or illegally possessed substances or objects.

Visitors

Visitors must register with the receptionist before entering the hallways, gym or classrooms and obtain a visitors pass. Students are not allowed to bring visitors

Attendance

Teachers will record attendance at the beginning of each class period. Excessive tardies and absences will result in disciplinary action.

Excuse Procedure

Students who are absent or tardy must present to the receptionist a written explanation from their parent or guardian upon arriving to school.

Escused Absences

The only absences or tardies that are recognized as excusables are:

1. Sickness. If excesive, a doctor's written note will be required.

2. Death in the immediate family.

3. Court or legal appointments.

4. Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, etc.

5. Any absences or tardies that have been previously arranged with the administration.

6. Other specific situations that may be deemed excusable by the administration.

Loss of Credit Due to Absences

Students who have missed 15% of any classes per semester ( 14 absences for a 40 minute class or 7 absences for 80 minute class), excused or unexcused, will receive no credit for the course.

School Trips and Absences

Students attending authorized school trips such as field trips or promotional trips planned by GMAA are not considered absent. It is the faculty sponsor's responsability to make sure every student has proper clearance and all classes excused.

Make - Up Work

All make - up work for EXCUSED absences is the responsability of the student. After students return to class they will be allowed two days to make up the missing work.

Library

The library contains valuable books and periodicals for both academic and personal enrichment purposes. Books may be checked out for two weeks. Most books may be renewed once. Reference books, magazines, and other special materials may not be removed from the library without special permission from the library media specialist. A student having overdue books or fines may be denied the privilege of checking out books. A fine of 10 cents per school day is charged for overdue books. Lost or badly damaged books must be paid at the rate of $25.00 per book.

STUDENT CONDUCT

General Principles

Every family has to have rules so that the rights of each member are protected and the image of what that particular family stands for is accurately portrayed.GMAA is a large family, and we realize that some of the rules we have are necessary just because there are so many of us. Good rules are based upon respecting oneself, school authorities, the rights and property of others, state laws, insurance regulations, and church standards.

Some Things not to Bring

Radios, televisions, CD players. CD's, beepers, tape players, tapes, PSP's, MP3's,  I- Pods,etc., should not be brought to school. This includes all school-sponsored trips and activities. These items will be taken and kept until the end of the school year. This rule applies to all campus functions.

Cell Phones

Calls on cell phones will only be permitted before school, at lunch time, and after school. During all other times, cell phones must be turned off.Cells phones, I-phones, atc., should not be used to listen to music on campus. Use at other times for any other reason such as calculators, pictures, etc., will result in their confiscation. A confiscated cell phone may only be recovered by a parent, in person.

Transportation

GMAA does not provide trasnportation for your child to and from school. However, there are a number of companies that are available for that purpose. Please refer to the financial page of this handbook for names and telephone numbers of these companies. All arrangements for transportation including finance and discipline while on the bus must be arranged with the individuals companies.

Telephones

Students will not be called to any phone during school hours except in case of emergency. Administrative office phones are for school business only. The school will give its full cooperation in delivering necessary messages as promptly as possible.

Student Accident Insurance

GMAA carries an accident insurance policy with Christian Educators Insurance Trust / Life Insurance Company of North America. 1-800-866-2896.

Skateboards/Rollerblades/Roller-Skates/Bicycles

Due to insurance regulations, students must not bring any of the above mentioned articles.

Weapons, Fireworks, Etc.

Under no circumstances should any student bring any of the following items to school or to school functions: Guns, Firearms, Explosives, Matches, Knives of any kind, Martial arts weapons, or any other item that could be used for the purpose of inflicting bodily harm. Any student bringing to school or possessing any of these items (wether they belong to the student or not; wether they are real or a toy) is subject to dismissal. The police may also be contacted.

Automobiles

The following regulations apply to all motor vehicles used by students during school hours or during school activities.

1. Students driving automobiles and motorcycles to school are required to register them with the business office at the beginning of the school year. Proof of valid driver's license must be presented at the time. A parking sticker and space will be assigned for a fee of $25.00.

2. Vehicles are to be parked in the parking areas assigned by the school and should be locked. The school does not assume responsability for damage or loss.

3. Vehicles are not to be used or taken off campus during school hours, except by permission of the administration.

4. No student should be in the parking lot unless he/she is entering or leaving tha campus. There is to be no loitering by students in or near the cars. The student must have a car pass from the office to retrieve anything forgotten there.

5. Students are to drive carefully at all times and are held responsible for the manner in which they represent the school by their driving habits and the use they make of their vehicles. Special care should be exercised to observe all laws and speed limits while driving on campus. Campus speed limit is 5 mph.

6. Speeding, tire squealing, or other unsafe practice are unacceptable. A $20.00 fine will be accessed for the first driving offense, $40.00 the second time, and automobile privileges will be revoked.

7. Any staff member has the authority to question the driver with regard to speeding, safety, or misuse of the vehicle and to recommend that campus-parking privileges be discontinued.

8. Proof of vehicle insurance is required before authorization  can be granted for vehicles to transport students to or from school.

9. The school's student insurance does not cover an accident in a vehicle not owned by the school.

10. Car radios and CD/Tapes, I- Pods and/ or MP-3'S are not to be played while driving on campus.

11. Any infraction of these rules may necessitate the student being deprived of his/her driving privilege for school purposes and/or fines for violation.

Public Display of Affection

Students should refrain from any public display of affection such as sitting on laps or between legs,  hand holding, kissing, hugging or any other inappropiate physical contact at any time within the campus. To do so will result in being placed on disciplinary action such as social probation.

Marriage and Pregnancy

Students who get married or pregnant during the school year will be required to withdraw from GMAA.

Vandalism

Each student is expected to respect the property rights of the school and every member of the school at all times. Acts of vandalism such as defacing of school or personal property, including the throwing of liquids, creams, food, etc., will necessitate immediate disciplinary action. Such action may include a fine of  $100.00, payment of damages for clean up and repair, suspension or dismissal.

Other Serious Offenses

Disobedience to the laws of life and our physical existence always causes pain. It is the role of discipline to teach this lesson  as kindly as possible before habits are formed that would be destructive to the students and to others.

A. The following activities may result in a 1-day suspension and a parental conference.

     1.Failure to complete a discipline assignment.

     2.Using profanity.

     3.Leaving campus without permission.

     4.Gambling.

     5.Skipping class.

B. The following activities may result in a 3-day suspension and a parental conference.

     1.Any repeated violation of section A above.

     2.Smoking.

     3.Cheating.

     4.Defying Authority.

     5.Bringing or possessing obscene material

     6.Fighting, pushing, shoving

     7.Sexual Misconduct (please see the Sexual Harassment policy below)

C. The following activities may result in a suspension of up to 5 days and a parental conference or dismissal.

     1.Any repeated violation of section B above

     2.Vandalism

     3.Theft

     4.Breaking and entering or trespassing

D. The following activities may result in immediate expulsion.

     1.Any repeated violation of section C above.

     2.Arson, tampering with fire extinguishers or fire alarms.

     3.Extortion-obtaining anything from another by coercion or intimidation.

     4.Possession or use of drugs or alcohol

     5.Battery-to cause bodily harm to another person.

     6.Robbery-taking the personal property of another by means of force or threat of force.

     7.Possession of any type of firearm.(See weapons policy section in this handbook).

     8.Threats to kill or do bodily harm to another person.

Note: Greater Miami Adventist Academy reserves the right to administer any additional or alternate discipline it determines necessary, such as restitution, missing privileges, or legal action. Also, new rules may be issued as needed.

GMAA Sexual Harassment Policy

It is important that GMAA maintain a Christ-centered school environment characterized by human dignity, Christian courtesy, and individual respect. Sexual harassment should never be a part of that environment. It should also be noted that sexual harassment constitutes illegal educational discrimination under Federal and State Statute, the 14th Amendment of the U,S. Constitution, and the Title IX of the Education Reform Act Amendment of 1972. 

DEFINITION: Sexual Harassment constitutes unwelcome sexual advances, sexual comments of any kind, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, for example:

1.Making threats of sexual nature.

2. Touching in a sexual manner.

3. Sexual advances, gestures, contact comments or jokes.

4. Display sexual picture, photographs.

5. Comments about a person's anatomy.

REPORTING:

Persons who believe they are being sexually harassed should:

1. Tell the harasser to stop in clear language.

2. Report the incident(s) to a teacher or the Principal.

3. Report additional incidents, if they occur.

The Student/Parent Appeal Process

The Student:

A. Request in writing an appointment to speak with the teacher to discuss the matter privately.

B. If not satisfied, the student may request in writing a conference with the Principal or the Vice-Principal.

C. If still not satisfied, the students should get their parents involved.

The Parents:

Parents should follow steps A&B above.

Classroom Rules

There will be various classroom rules and regulations outlined by each teacher. Violating classroom rules will result in the teacher administering disciplinary action.

Corporal Punishment

The use of corporal punishment (spanking or physically striking a child) is prohibited at GMAA by the Florida Conference of SDA Educational Department.

General Dress Code

The dress code of GMAA is based on three simple principles. Every student should be clean, neat and modest. to maintain this appearance in a way that is economical to parents and easy to administrate, GMAA has adopted a school uniform. There are no excuses for not wearing the uniform. Students will not be allowed to attend class without it. Additional uniforms should be purchased to insure the student always has a clean uniform to wear. Not bringing proper uniform will result in the following:

1. Student will report to detention,

2. No student will be allowed to participate in ant extracurricular activity for the rest of the day.

3. Student will need to purchase a uniform from the business office or have a parent bring their uniform.

All uniforms must be purchased at the GMAA Campus Store. Clothes not Purchased at GMAA  will not be permitted. Uniforms must not be defaced in any way, e.g. written on.

The uniform consits as follows:

Grades K4-5th          Hunter green polo shirt, navy blue pants, shorts, or skort.

Grades 6th-8th          Burgundy polo shirt, navy blue pants,(no shorts) black belt.

Grades 9th-12th        Navy blue polo shirt (tucked in or out) khaki pants ( no shorts ). When polo shirt is tucked in 

                                    a  black belt must be worn.

All students must bring black or brown shoes or athletics shoes, provided they are enclosed. Pants must be worn at waist level at all times. Shoes and socks must be worn at all times. Not following any of the above rules will constitute a violation of the dress code and student will be considered out of uniform,

Winter Attire

The only winter attire permissible is a blue long sleeves cardigan sweater or windbreaker with "GMAA" in the front top left side. No long sleeve shirts can be worn under the uniform polo shirt.

Hair

Hairstyles should be clean and neat. There should be no outlandish styling such as unnatural hair dyes, designs, beads in hair, hairlaines cut into the hair, dreadlocks, ponytails, etc. Boys should not have hairstyles that extend below the collar. No head gear of any type is permitted. This includes bandanas, headbands, durags, etc. GMAA reserves the right to impose a haircut an any student anytime it feels necessary. If student is asked to received a haircut they will have three days to conform to do so.

PE Uniform

All students are required to wear the official school PE uniform only during the time the class is given. Students must change back to their regular uniform once the PE class has finished. This may be purchased through the GMAA campus store.

Jewerly and Cosmetics

Jewerly of any kind including dog tags, wrist bands of any kind, or any neck gear, is not permitted at school functions including weekend functions. Cosmetics, including nail polish, should have a natural appearance. Jewerly will be confiscated and will not be returned.

Picnic Dress Code

Students should wear blue jeans or modest shorts ( no biker shorts are allowed) and official class or GMAA T-shirt (no tank tops or midriffs). Ladies swimwear should be modest and one piece.

Field Trips

For single day field trips all students must wear their uniforms at all times during the field trip. Field Trips that last more than one day, uniform will not be required. However, the school dress code will be enforced.