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Some like discipline of fundamental schools
By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 29, 2000
In 1976 the first fundamental school program opened in Pinellas. Today five public schools offer elementary fundamental programs: Bay Vista, Lakeview and Pasadena in St. Petersburg, Curtis in Clearwater and Tarpon Springs Fundamental.
Fundamental schools are just that -- a return to the educational "basics" of discipline, homework and active parent involvement. Children are required to adhere to a strict dress code and must sign a contract governing their behavior and study habits.
Parents are also required to sign a contract requiring them to attend PTA meetings, participate in parent-teacher conferences, ensure that their children spend adequate time on their homework, and transport their children to and from school.
The curriculum is the same as in regular schools, but letter grading (A, B, C, D and F) begins in the first grade. Letter grading does not begin until the third grade in the regular school program.
Children enrolled in fundamental schools are expected to set goals, use self-discipline and take responsibility for themselves and their parents' commitment to the program. Some fundamental students have been sent back to their zoned schools because their parents missed too many PTA meetings or failed to comply with other school rules.
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