CLASS OF 2025 STAPLES

Welcome Back!

Mission: Vision:
“Douglas Anderson School of the Arts will be the leading “Were arts and academics meet in excellence.”
public arts high school in the nation.”
 Mr. Feagins – Welcome

Mrs. Anderson and Ms. Koffler – School

Counseling Information

Mr. Franklin - Expectations

You only have a week and a half left of
summer break

You only have a week and a half left to

finish (or start) your summer reading

You only have a week and a half to

enjoy those summer outfits.
 SCHOOL
COUNSELORS
Kathy Anderson Last Names: A-J Mortensenk@
Kristine Koffler Last Names: K-Z Kofflerk@

@ daschoolcounseling Code: 26hjgz4

 BEST WAYS TO COMMUNICATE
• TEAMS (student account) - new to DA? Join our team with code 26hjgz4
• Instagram – follow us @daschoolcounseling
• DA-arts.org -DA website
• School Counseling website & Counselor’s Corner blog
• Email
• 904-394-5620 x4
• Please NOTE: Counselors often are unable to answer calls but more often than
not, have access to their emails. Please attempt to find the information you
need through the sources provided above. Students receive updates on
EVERYTHING SCHOOL COUNSELING through the TEAMS channel DA School
Counseling.
 GRADUATION
REQUIREMENTS
• 2.0 unweighted cumulative GPA

• Reading Testing Requirement:

FAST Grade 10 ELA Reading or
Concordant Score on SAT, ACT​ or
CLT

• Math Testing Requirement: FSA

Algebra 1 EOC/B.E.S.T. Algebra 1
or Concordant Score on FSA or
B.E.S.T. Geometry EOC, PSAT,
SAT, ACT or CLT

BRIGHT FUTURES ELIGIBILITY is the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian.

Counselors will do their best to advise appropriately for the options you choose. Counselors will
provide eligibility evaluation reports during Junior & Senior years (and upon request). Final
determination is made in the summer after graduation through
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/
 HOW CAN SCHOOL
COUNSELORS
HELP?
• Academic Development
• Personal, Social & Emotional
Development
• College & Career Readiness
 ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT:

Develop & Strengthen Student Advocacy

Skills
Address Academic Barriers

Goal setting

Graduation Requirements & Credit Checks

Curriculum Planning

Executive Functioning Skills (notetaking,

study skills, organization, time management)
Individual Student Meetings

Classroom lessons
ACADEMIC PROBATION
 SENIOR TO DO’S

• Check TEAMS and EMAIL DAILY!

• Use free time wisely. Plan for College Applications, Essays,
Deadlines, Portfolio Projects, Performances, Rehearsals, etc..
• SENIORITIS is real. Preparation is the KEY.
• Communication is IMPORTANT! Use your support system
regularly.
• DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!
• SCHEDULE regular visits with your counselor.
• You MUST communicate YOUR needs.
 PERSONAL,
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL
DEVELOPMENT:
• Navigating through issues that
may hinder a student’s ability to
thrive, such as bullying, mental
health, conflicts with
friends/family, the pandemic

• Develop & Maintain Emotional

Wellness

• Build Resiliency Skills

• Self-Awareness & Social

Awareness

• Referrals for full-service

counseling
 COLLEGE
CAREER
READINESS:
• Help students identify and
nurture specific strengths and
interests.
• Collaborate with students to
identify their interests,
abilities, specific career
clusters and postsecondary
plans

• Advise students on multiple

postsecondary pathways
• Provide learning and
experiential opportunities for
students to acquire behaviors
and skills for career
readiness
Any student who does not
finish the orientation process
today will be called by
grade level and last name to
complete the process.

Tuesday and Wednesday

Thursday

Beginning Thursday
•Any student who is missing a picture for
their ID will take them during lunch.
•TRAFFIC WILL BE INSANE FOR THE FIRST
THREE WEEKS! Please be patient!
 IDs are required to be worn around your neck
starting DAY ONE at all times! (This is now a District
Wide Policy)
› Replacement IDs are $5.
› All student debts must be paid in order to attend events
like prom, homecoming, talent tank, grad bash, etc.
 What if you don’t have an ID?
› Report to the dean or security upon arrival.
 First Week and Beyond
› Dress code is outlined by the Student Code of
Conduct. Student/Parents are responsible for
reading and adhering to DCPS Dress Code
guidelines. Administration has final authority on
interpreting the Dress Code.
 What if I am out of Dress Code
› When a student is out of dress code for the first time, the
student will be allowed to correct the issue (if possible)
and returned to class. Each infraction after that will result
in a referral and parent contacted to address the issue in
alignment with the Student Code of Conduct.
 Policies (high frequency infractions)
› All tops must have a strap over each shoulder and must cover
the midriff area completely. (sweaters do not help cover midriff
area).
› If the midriff is exposed when walking but not when standing still,
that student is considered out of code.
› ID must be always worn around neck.
› If you choose to wear leggings, they must not be sheer enough
to expose under garments.
› Shoes must be always worn. Students without shoes on will
receive a referral.
› At DA, head coverings are allowed on Fridays only. Students with
hair wraps/hats/dew rags/shower caps are not permitted except
Friday’s. Please plan out your hair appointments accordingly.
Hair not being perfect will not excuse these expectations.
› Skirts and shorts must be mid thigh
› Short running shorts are not permitted.
› Any sheer or workout clothes that are form fitting must be
Policies
› Students missing 15 or more school days in a 90-day
period, or 5 days in a calendar month, will have their
driver’s license suspended by the State of Florida. (This
happens automatically)

› Students must be present for the ENTIRE day in order to

participate in after school rehearsal, events,
performances, field trips, and any other DA sponsored
program including PROM/GRADBASH. If the event is over
the weekend, Friday attendance is required. Doctor and
parent notes will not excuse this policy.

› Please do not schedule appointments on days where you

are performing or have an event to attend.
 For 2024-2025 all Senior Fees and debts
owed to DA must be paid in full before
being allowed to purchase any tickets to
extracurricular activities or amenities:
› Senior Parking Pass
› Homecoming Tickets
› Grab Bash Tickets
› Prom Tickets
› Etc.
If your teacher has NOT authorized use of electronic
devices for instructional purposes…
› First Occurrence: Teacher/Student Conference,
Confiscation and Parent Contact (Returned at the end of
the period)
› Second Occurrence: Confiscation and Parent Conference
(Returned at the End of the Day)
1. Additional Occurrences will result in a parent being
required to come to DA for a sit-down review of our
policies and expectations.
2. Parents, please remember that if you need speak with
your student you need to call the front office so they can
be removed from class and minimize the interruption to
instruction.
 ID’s – They must always be worn around the neck.
 Gates will not open until 7:50am. All students must
report to the cafeteria/amphitheater until 8:15.
 No check outs during Lunch and Learn.
 No check outs after 2:45pm.
 No student drop off or pick-up on White Avenue
from 7:30am to 4pm (Please use parent loop off
San Diego Rd)
 Only 1 Early Release Day per month!
 An hour each school day dedicated for students to:
 Consult with teachers
 Attend remediation/tutoring
 Attend club meetings
 Create a study group
 Catch up on missed work
 Eat lunch
 Office Hours
› Each teacher has their Lunch and Learn hours posted in their classrooms
 Lunch and Learn, when used as intended helps students:
› Builds initiative
› Self-advocate
› Practice time management

 It will not begin until after labor day and we will

have a reset each nine weeks.
 All students will pass through evolv system in
the morning.
 All students are subject to searches at any
time during the school year.
 Administration/security conducts classroom
searches each week on a random basis.
 Bags, purses, pockets, and cars are all
subject to being searched at any time
› Prohibited items listed in the Student
Code of Conduct also applies to student
cars.
 Parents, please be aware that minors vaping is a national
problem.
 If any student is caught vaping or in the possession of
nicotine, they will be assigned an online education course to
be completed within 7days of infraction
 If any student is caught vaping or in the possession of THC
products, they will be assigned to the Nighttime Substance
Abuse Class. This class is 6 weeks and meets twice a week
from 6:30-8:30 and requires a parent to be present. Students
are not permitted to participate in any school activities
including performances and rehearsals until the course is
completed.
 At this time, DCPS has not identified a cost-effective way to
identify the liquid contained in vape products. All students
found in possession will be charge with drug paraphernalia.
 Parking spots for students are located in the Senior Lot by the
Theatre.
 Only students who have purchased a decal may park in their
designated numbered space.
 Parking decals must be clearly displayed on the drivers' side
of the windshield.
 Parking off campus is at your own risk. DA does not monitor
parking off campus.
 Senior Lot gate is closed at 8:45am and is only opened for
late students with a Doctor’s note or if checking out at an
approved time. (Gates will not be opened during L&L)
 All student vehicles are subject to search at any time.
 Whomever the vehicle is registered to is ultimately
responsible.
 Car riders must only be dropped off/picked up by the
Cafeteria in the Parent Drop off/pick up lane.
 Gates for drop-off will not be opened until 7:50am daily.
 Please do not park in the loop to finish breakfast, make-up,
etc. in the mornings. We need to keep this line moving.
 Gates for pick-up will open at 3pm (not earlier).
 All students must be picked up by 4pm. There is no
supervision on campus after 4pm.
 At no time will a student be allowed to enter campus from
White Avenue except via bus or with approved parking pass.
 It is an extremely unsafe practice for students to be dropped
off any place other than in front of the cafeteria. Drop off in
front of the cafeteria only takes a few minutes and is well
worth the additional safety this procedure provides. Students
dropped off anywhere else will have to walk to the cafeteria
to enter.
 Notes to check-in must be turned in to the front
office upon arrival.
 If you are checking a student out early, it expedites
the process to send a note in the morning.
 Students cannot be checked out during Lunch and
Learn. Please plan to check out prior to 11:26am
or after 12:26pm.
 Checking out after 2:45pm is not permitted.
 Students will only be checked out to adults that are
listed in their FOCUS account. The adult picking up
the student must have a government issued ID with
picture.
 Pay school debt (Cash, check, or money
order)
 Get your schedule if you do not have
access to focus (Click print to see room)
 Get your picture taken
 Get your laptop (Optional)
 Sign-up for Yearbook and PTSA
 Request Schedule Correction
 Receive Parking decal (Paid online)
 Always wear your ID
 Stay on Campus
 While at school your cell phone is an educational
tool and should never be used for personal calls or
social media.
 Be at school ON TIME, EVERYDAY!
 Follow the Dress Code
 Learn to be ProActive instead of ReActive
 Always be polite to all people at all times.
 Keep our campus safe, report anything that you feel
is out of place
 Keep our campus clean by doing your part to throw
away trash and even pick up trash when you see it.
 Be proactive with your grades. Don’t be afraid to ask
a teacher, counselor, art director, or administrator for
help.
 Be mindful how you respond to people directly, on
social media, emails, and body language.
 Do your part to leave DA a better place than you
found it.
Social Media continues to be a growing concern in education and of
our parents. A few items for consideration….
 Administration has limited authority when it comes to Social Media
posting. If a post is directed at the school or a student of DA we can
assist. All other concerns should be reported to the police.
 DO NOT RESPOND TO POSTS if you feel they are about you or
indirectly about you. Once you respond, no matter the context, the
issue becomes mutual.
 Videos taken on campus that violate the Student Code of Conduct
can be acted upon by administration.
 People have the right to post whatever they want on Social Media.
If you disagree with what has been posted or it offends you,
unfriend/unfollow that person so you are not exposed to those posts.
Do not take it upon yourself to be a champion for a cause and
address the post directly.
 PARENTS – take the time to investigate your student's social media
accounts. Most parents that we engage with in a disciplinary
capacity are heartbroken by what they see their children engaging
in. They are still children.
 Classroom Level General Questions or
Concerns School Policy Concerns
Contact Teacher Directly Contact Main Office to be directed to the
correct person at 904.346.5620

If resolution is not reached , contact School

Counselor Office to Schedule a Parent/Teacher
conference
If a resolution is not reached, contact an
Assistant Principal
If a satisfactory resolution is not reached,
contact an Assistant Principal

If a satisfactory resolution is not reached,

If a resolution is not reached with an AP, contact the Principal
contact Principal
 Mr. Feagins, Principal – feaginst@@duvalschools.org
 Mrs. Rowan, Assistant Principal –
[email protected] oversees curriculum,
scheduling, and attendance.
 Mr. Franklin, Assistant Principal –
[email protected] oversees facilities,
computers, transportation, security, and emergencies.
 Ms. Standifer, Dean and Testing Coordinator –
[email protected]
› Oversees testing, discipline, parking, and IDs
 Kathy Anderson, Counselor A – J,
[email protected]
 Kristine Koffler, Counselor K – Z,
[email protected]
 Please register for Focus after the Q&A
session.
› We can approve you at the front desk!
› This allows DA to share important information
with you through your email!
FULL-SERVICE SCHOOLS
THERAPY SERVICES

• Individual Counseling
• Small Group Counseling
• Community Referrals
• Classroom Education
• Parent/Teacher Consultation

PROVIDER: Geneva
Thompson, MSW
 All volunteers must complete the DCPS
volunteer clearance on the DCPS
website.
 All adults visiting DA must sign in at the
front desk. There are no expectations to
this policy. Even those of you we see
every day.
 If you need to drop off equipment or
pick up equipment, please arrange a
time that is outside of morning drop off
and afternoon pick up. Before 7:30am
and after 4pm is preferred.
@ daschoolcounseling

www.da-arts.org

@DouglasAndersonSOTA
 Mr. Feagins, Principal
 Mr. Franklin, Assistant Principal