PARENTS' BILL OF RIGHTS
HB 241 – Parents’ Bill of Rights, which created Section 1014 – Parents’ Bill of Rights, Florida Statutes, to establish specific parental rights relating to a minor child’s education, upbringing, and health care. The new law took effect July 1, 2021. Parents and community members may access related School District resources at the link below.
View the Parental Rights Page
The Florida State Board of Education formally adopted a rule to establish a special magistrate for parents to address unresolved disputes involving the student’s health, welfare, or safety, as described in s. 1001.42(8)(c), F.S. and Rule 6A-6.0791. As per this rule, Charter Schools must fully cooperate in the district’s resolution procedures and comply with district’s decision for resolution of complaint. The resolution procedures can be obtained through the Parental Rights Page linked above.
SPECIAL MAGISTRATE
The Florida State Board of Education formally adopted a rule to establish a special magistrate for parents to address unresolved disputes involving the student’s health, welfare, or safety, as described in s. 1001.42(8)(c), F.S. and Rule 6A-6.0791. As per this rule, Charter Schools must fully cooperate in the district’s resolution procedures and comply with district’s decision for resolution of complaint. The resolution procedures can be obtained through the district Parental Rights Page.
STATE-MANDATED MOMENT OF SILENCE
B529, which amended Section 1003.45, Florida Statutes, requires a moment of silence to be set aside for public school students during each school day. The new law requires the principal to require teachers in first-period classrooms in all grades to set aside at least one (1) minute, but not more than two (2) minutes, for a moment of silence daily, during which students may not interfere with other students’ participation. The new law prohibits teachers from making suggestions as to the nature of any reflection that a student may engage in during the moment of silence. Instead, teachers must encourage parents/guardians to discuss the moment of silence with their children and to make suggestions as to the best use of this time. The new law took effect July 1, 2021.
DISTRICT HEALTH CARE SERVICES
HB 1557 requires that “parents be notified of all health care services offered at their child’s school and given the opportunity to consent or decline each service.” A list of health care services which are available to our students can be accessed via both the Skyward Parent Portal and PowerSchool Enrollment/ReEnrollment Form.
INTERNET SAFETY POLICY
Orlando Science School recognizes the value of electronic devices and the internet to improve student learning and enhance school administration and operations. However, the internet is an unregulated vehicle for communication, and information and interactions on the internet can pose certain risks to students and staff members. Therefore, the Governing Board adopts this policy governing the use of school networks to comply with Florida law and State Board of Education rules, and to provide rules for students and employees accessing such networks
SCHOOL BATHROOMS, LOCKER ROOMS, AND DRESSING ROOMS
In accordance with Rule 6A-10.086 of the Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 1014, Florida Statutes, and other relevant laws, it is the policy of the School that all students, faculty, personnel, and guests of the School will use bathrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms that correspond with the individual’s biological sex at birth. This means individuals whose designated sex at birth was male will be required to use those bathrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms designated for men, and individuals whose designated sex at birth was female will be required to use those bathrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms designated for women. Individuals may also use single occupancy bathrooms that are gender neutral. Students are not permitted to utilize bathrooms that are designated exclusively for the school faculty. In enforcing this policy, school personnel may reasonably rely upon representations made or documentation provided by the parent or guardian at initial enrollment, or such other records available to the administration. In the event of any inconsistency in the student’s records, the administration reserves the right to request additional documentation from the parent or guardian to verify the student’s biological sex at birth. This policy shall at all times be construed in accordance with state and federal law.