Pensacola High School

FAQ

When will my child receive his or her schedule?

*Students can view their schedules in Focus in August

What is the policy regarding schedule changes?

*To ensure a smooth start to the school year, there is a no schedule change policy; therefore, each student received the classes they selected on their course request sheet or they were called if changes were made. Understandably, if there is a major problem with the schedule, please e-mail the IB Academic Advisor, Ms. Emma Powers-Crispell (epowers@ecsdfl.us) and we will resolve it the best way possible. Thank you for your cooperation and your assistance to ensure a smooth transition to the IB program!

When does school begin?

*School begins August 10^th at 8:25 am (late bell rings at 8:30 am) and ends at 3:10 pm.  A full school calendar can be found under the Calendar Tab. Please plan your vacations accordingly as missing school can be a determinant of your student’s success, especially with the rigor of the program at the high school level.

Is there a list of school supplies I need to get for my student?

There is no official school supplies list. We encourage students to have a planner, pens and pencils, notebooks, paper, and folders/binders for each of their classes. Students should develop an organizational system to be successful in the IB Program.

Is there a car drop-off procedure?

*You may drop your child off at the front of PHS on Maxwell Street.  Please note that students are deterred from entering the building prior to 8:25 Many of the IB students mingle at the tree directly in front of the school before the bell rings. 

What if my child needs to take a bus to school but lives out of the PHS district?

* There are multiple center-to-center bus routes where you can drop off your child to be bused to PHS.  Please visit the Escambia County Transportation Department to request transportation accommodations. For additional questions regarding transportation, please contact (850) 429-2949.

How many community service hours are required for IB students?  Can we start hours before school starts?

*During freshman and sophomore year, students are required to complete a total of 50 Service Hours.  The method of documentation and different ways to accumulate service hours will be discussed at the beginning of the school year. These hours will also be documented for students’ Bright Future Scholarship community service.  Students coming into the program should not start hours until further instruction is given at the beginning of the year.

*Aside from strongly preparing students for college, one of the goals of the IB program is to assist students in becoming more well-rounded.  CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is a step above community service. CAS is not meant to be another checklist item to complete, but rather an interesting variety of activities that the student finds worthwhile. These hours are earned during junior and senior year. The method of documentation and different ways to accumulate service hours will be discussed at the beginning of the school year.  and will also be documented for students’ Bright Future Scholarship community service.  Students coming into the program should not start hours until further instruction is given at the beginning of the year.  For more information on CAS to start thinking of ideas, please see below.   

How can my child be successful in the IB program?  Is there time for extracurricular activities?

* Time management is the key to being successful in the IB program. Procrastination will lead to being overwhelmed and a possible decline in grades. Our program is designed for students to be successful but students must keep on top of their work. Learning how to study effectively and organizing a weekly schedule is well worthwhile.  A majority of our IB students do participate in many extracurricular activities and this is manageable.  This year, the IB faculty will be meeting bi-weekly in order to evenly spread major assignments and tests throughout the week so students are not overloaded.  Communicate with your child about how they are doing and have your child talk to their teacher with concerns. 

How can I monitor my child’s grades?  

*All teachers use a gradebook system called FOCUS whereby you can track your child’s progress. Once the school year begins, you can create a parent user account on FOCUS by registering on their website: focus.escambia.k12.fl.us/focus/  and linking your child/children to you using their Social Security Number. You can also access the FOCUS link through the Parent Portal of the ECSD website.  Teachers’ grading policies will be noted in the class syllabus. 

What information is posted on the PHS IB website?

* Helpful information is available on the IB website such as an online calendar where tests and assignments are noted, CAS information regarding requirements, college information, faculty directory, tutoring information, study tips, and more. Please visit this website regularly to stay updated on upcoming events!

What is the process for parent-teacher conferences?

* The IB philosophy is for students to engage in self-efficacy by learning to communicate with their teachers directly before parents intervene on their behalf.  For individual student/parent conferences, you may e-mail teachers directly by finding their e-mails on the IB PHS website (Click IB Faculty Directory tab for a detailed listing of teachers). If students/parents want to meet with multiple teachers at once, please contact the IB Administrative Assistant at 850-806-8421.

What are the requirements to remain in the program?

*If a student falls below an unweighted GPA of 2.75, he or she will be placed on academic probation.  Probation letters are sent home at the end of each semester.  It is recommended that students take advantage of the after-school tutoring program if they are struggling.

Is there tutoring available?

*Tutoring is available before and after school through the National Honor Society. More information will be announced after school begins.

What is the attendance policy?

* Students are responsible for providing notification within three days of the student’s return to school, or the absence will result in an unexcused absence. There is an absence form that must be completed with an attached note from the guardian that must be submitted in the main lobby in a designated box.

What is the cheating policy?

 * The PHS IB Program offers a quality education that cultivates not only knowledge and service but also the virtue of honor.  The IB Honor Code prohibits violations of cheating, lying, stealing, plagiarizing or any action compromising the academic integrity of the program.  Students are to be committed to honorable behavior.   Violators will be subject to removal from the program.

What are other IB policies?

Visit the IB Policies Tab for more policies on behavioral expectations, academic probation, etc.

What are the student checkout procedures?

*When checking out a student, every person must show his or her picture ID at the main office.  A student check-out form will be sent home during the first week of school.  Individuals are only permitted to check out a student if their names are listed on the form.  After 2:50 pm, no student is permitted to be checked out per Escambia County District Policy.  Students are only allowed to check themselves out of school if a letter is signed by the parent and the main office staff calls to verify.  If a student becomes ill, he or she should report to the clinic.  The clinic will call home if necessary and make appropriate arrangements.    

Can my child bring a laptop or iPad to use at school?

*Students may use their own personal laptops during the school day for classroom instruction. Please be forewarned that PHS is not responsible for these items so please be mindful of the security of your personal items. There will also be the option for students to check out a Chromebook.  This may be required for some classes per teacher discretion.  

What about textbooks? And lockers?

*Textbooks will be issued within the first week of school. For some of our Grade 11 and Grade 12 classes, we will be using a digital textbook through Kognity (Kognity.com).  Physical textbooks will be collected at the end of the year or students will be fined for any books not turned in.   Because of the lack of use for numerous years, there are no student lockers. 

What about lunch?

*Students are not permitted to leave campus for lunch.  The majority of IB students do pack a lunch to avoid standing in line because lunchtime is limited to 30 minutes. You may transfer funds electronically to your student's lunch account by registering at MyPaymentsPlus or your child may bring lunch money.

What is the dress code policy?

*At orientation, the dress code policy will be reviewed. For a detailed description, please refer to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

When do students take the PSAT?

*Students take the PSAT in the fall of their freshman year, sophomore year, and junior year.  Selections for National Merit are based on junior-year results only.  For more information regarding this and other college prep information, please attend IB College Night which is held every fall.

Summer Reading List:

It is essential that you read the required books prior to the start of school to ensure a smooth transition. You can find the required reading and assignment lists under the Summer Reading Lists Tab.

~ We look forward to meeting you soon!