I have made a personal decision to enroll my child at the Horizon Charter School of Tampa in order to provide my child with a unique educational opportunity. My desire and decision to enroll my child at HCST is based upon my desire to become an active partner in the education of my child. I recognize that HCST is a public charter school of Choice, not an entitlement; NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing.
1. As a parent of a student at the Horizon Charter School of Tampa, my commitment is to read the Student Handbook and abide by the rules and regulations adopted by the Governing Board. Including, but not limited to:
A. To recognize and embrace my role as having primary responsibility for the education of my child.
B. To consult the Handbook prior to making any decision that might impact my child at school in areas that include, but are not limited to: Attendance, academics, dress code, health, safety, communication, Before Care, or After Care.
C. To support the school by following all recommendations relating to academic practices and performance, health habits, environmental modifications, social responsibility, behavior modification, Action Plans and recreational activities. To attend any and all conferences requested by a member of the Horizon Charter School of Tampa staff, cooperatively, and in a timely fashion.
D. To participate as a Parent Volunteer by spending 36 hours per year working with my own child at home to ensure academic success. If my child falls behind, I agree to implement help strategies suggested by the school with a goal that my child will show skills at, or above, grade level. I further understand that all Volunteers at school events will be screened by the current approval process and that the results of this screening could impact my ability to volunteer.
E. To be responsible for my child’s attendance. If I am late picking up my child, I understand that I will be charged for after-school care at whatever rate is in existence at that time. If my child is continually tardy or absent, I understand that, for the benefit of my child’s education, he/she may be remanded back to the home school which would be more accessible for my child.
F. To purchase uniforms for my child that conform to the dress code of HCST. I understand that it is my responsibility to ensure that my child abides by the Dress Code of HCST.
G. To supply a lunch each school day for my child.
H. To be responsible for timely payment of any fees that I choose to accrue at Horizon Charter School of Tampa. I also agree to pay the annual Activity/Science fee at the current rate (2023 rate $45).
I. To comply with whatever Horizon Charter Electronics and Internet policies are currently in effect.
J. To read and abide by, and insist that my child abide by, Horizon School’s Code of Conduct and Student Handbook.
K. To accept that HCST expects civility from ALL who engage in school activities, are present on campus, and utilize any form of written or verbal communication that is addressed to the school or any staff member. This includes both students and adults. Mutual respect and common courtesy are essential to promote an educational environment that is free from disruptions, harassment, bullying and all aggressive actions. Prohibited behaviors include but are not limited to: loud or offensive language, profanity, intimidating, harassing, bullying, inappropriate displays of temper, aggressive or combative communications, threatening verbal messages, threatening physical harm, or abusive, threatening or obscene written or electronic communications. I understand that the school administration will have the final determination of which behaviors are out of compliance.
L. To maintain up-to-date home, work, cell and emergency contact information, such that I am easily reachable in case of an emergency and to cheerfully present photo identification upon request. I understand that I must respond to communications from the school in a prompt fashion. I agree, should it ever be necessary for the school to communicate with me concerning discipline issues, up to and including suspension, that such will be given to me in writing by the most expeditious means available at the time of the event.
M. To participate by attending (at least one parent) a mandatory Orientation with my child (Kindergarten). I understand that failure to attend will result in the seat in HCST being withdrawn.
N. To accept the Horizon Charter Pupil Progression Plan as the plan to determine my child’s matriculation. In the event that my child must be retained in grade, I understand that every effort will be made to offer my child a retention seat at Horizon Charter for the next school term. However, if students matriculating on schedule fill every available seat, I accept that my child must be waitlisted. Should no student matriculating on schedule choose to leave, I understand that my child would not have a seat for the upcoming school term. This situation would not constitute a dismissal, but rather the inability of the school to offer a seat due to the requirement that Horizon Charter obey Florida statutes governing class size.
O. To participate as requested in the current process to timely notify the school of my intentions for my child for the upcoming year or face forfeiture of the child’s seat.
2.In order to enhance my child’s academic growth, I agree to do the following:
A. To read and use information sent home by the school to keep parents informed of the academic topics to be introduced and studied in the classroom.
B. To provide a suitable time and place within the home for homework. To assist my child in thirty minutes of reading or more daily.
C. To ensure that my child attends school regularly and is prepared for school with adequate rest, nutrition, and materials.
D. To check for teacher communication nightly. Areas where HCST might send communication include, but are not limited to, phone, text, email, written notes, and electronic platforms. To encourage my child to show his or her best effort towards academic progress.
E. I agree to have my child here on time each and every day. I agree to pick my child up each and every day on time. I understand that it is my responsibility to provide transportation to and from school every day and agree to drop off and pick up my child on time every day.
F. I understand that I have given permission for my child’s image to be used by Horizon Charter in the school yearbook, class slideshows, classroom productions, and other products as the school deems fit. I understand that it is my responsibility to communicate with the school, in writing, prior to the start of the school term if there are any areas where I am requesting a restriction.
G. I understand that by choosing Horizon Charter School that I have chosen a specially designed program whereby my child is enrolled in another course offered by HCST and waiving the PE requirement. Physical Education is addressed through 30 minutes or more of daily outdoor activities and not through an assigned class. (Grades 6-8).
I understand that by not fulfilling my contractual obligations to the school and to my child, this will result in my child being suspended or withdrawn and referred to a regular Public School or a private school of the parent’s choice.
