5429 BEAUMONT CENTER BOULEVARD, SUITE 800, TAMPA, FL 33634 | TEL: 813-887-3800 | FAX 813-885-9626

| EMAIL: INFO@TAMPACHARTERSCHOOL.COM

GENERAL FAQS ABOUT CHARTER SCHOOLS

PANTHER FAQS

What is a charter school?

A charter school is a public school that is run by a private entity.

How long have we had charter schools in Florida?

Charter schools were first created in Florida in 1996.

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How early can I drop off my child in the morning? Parents can drop off students as early as 7:45 each morning.

What is the latest time that I can pick up my child in the afternoon? Pickup time begins at 2:30 and ends at 2:45. We ask that all students be collected by that time.

What is pick up time on days when we have an early dismissal? Pick up for early dismissal beings at 11:30 and ends at 11:45.

How can I communicate with my child’s teacher? There are many great ways to communicate with your child’s teacher. One of the most effective is email, because it allows the teacher to respond to your questions when she is able to best concentrate on your information. You may also request a phone conference with your child’s teacher or you may call the school secretary to schedule an appointment. Please do not rely on your child to deliver a verbal request, we ask that you communicate with us directly in some form.

Is it acceptable for me to “drop in” to ask my child’s teacher a question? Student safety is a priority at TCS. Between the hours of 7:45am to 3:00pm you child’s teacher is actively engaged in monitoring students. Student security and safety depends on the teacher’s attention to her class. These times are not appropriate times for a discussion. We ask that you utilize the forms of communication previously mentioned. If the need is urgent, you may direct your request to our office staff and they will be happy to work with you to meet your needs.

May I eat lunch with my child? Of course! We would be happy for you to eat lunch with your child whenever you find the opportunity. It is not necessary to call ahead, but it is advisable that you make sure of the time your child’s lunch is scheduled.

What should I do if I feel that my child has a learning disability? The Tampa Charter School staff tries diligently to monitor students for any learning problems, but occasionally parents come to us from other educational settings with concerns. Speak to your child’s teacher about the situation and drop a note for your child’s file. She will begin the process for you.

Does Tampa Charter School have a parent involvement group? Tampa Charter School has an awesome group of parents! They are in the process of formalizing what has been, to this point, and informal group. Those wishing to join this group may obtain contact numbers by call in the front office staff at 813-887-3800 and asking for the current contact information.

Who can pick up my child? Any person that is listed on your child’s emergency card is authorized to pick up your child from school. Additionally, if you have an emergency situation and need to have someone that is not listed pick up your child, you may call the school and give us the name of that person. That person should arrive, with picture identification, and can then take the child with them.

May my child have a cell phone at Tampa Charter School? Yes, we recognize that a cell phone is a valuable safety devise. Our policy for cell phones is that the phone should be turned off and given to the homeroom teacher at the start of the school day. The phone will remain locked in a secure location until the student is preparing to leave for the day. No student should have a cell phone on his/her person during the school day.

May my child bring a backpack to Tampa Charter School? TCS works with students to make the most of each instructional day, so that homework is kept to a minimum. As a result of this, we ask that the child carry only: 1) a take-home folder, 2) an independent reading book of his/her choice and 3) a lunch box (if applicable). If your child seems to carry home more than this, please contact the classroom teacher for a discussion.

How will I know if it is a non-uniform day at Tampa Charter School? Non-Uniform days will be announced by a hand-out during pickup time. If you will check the “Important Dates” section of our monthly “Panther News”, you will usually find these dates pre-identified.

What should I do if I know in advance that I need to take my child out of town? We realize that situations do arise a student must be absent for unavoidable reasons other than poor health. If you find yourself in this situation, we ask that you contact your child’s teacher before you leave to arrange a “pre-excused” absence. This will allow you and your child’s teacher to work together to minimize the impact to your child’s academic situation and to provide work for the missed time period.

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