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By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 29, 2000
Pinellas County has two fundamental middle schools, Southside Fundamental in St. Petersburg and Coachman Fundamental in Clearwater.
Both programs offer a back-to-basics academic program coupled with strict behavioral rules. Southside also offers a school-wide music program.
The middle school fundamental school program continues the elementary program's emphasis on discipline, a positive attitude toward learning, homework, student responsibility and mandatory parental involvement and support.
The structured environment provides students with an atmosphere conducive to learning and promotes parent involvement in their children's education.
Students must observe a strict dress code and code of conduct. Parents are required to attend all parent meetings and parent-teacher conferences. Parents must also review and sign all their children's homework.
Space in middle school fundamental programs is limited but is open to all students and parents who are willing to commit to the program's strict standards. Parents must transport their children to and from school.