Mill Creek Valley
Middle School & Jr. High School
STUDENT HANDBOOK
"A Commitment to Excellence"
Cleion Morton, Principal
cmorton@usd329.com
112 Elm Street 227 Emporia
P.O. Box 128 P.O. Box 130
Paxico, KS 66526 Paxico, KS 66526
Phone: (785)636-5353 Phone: (785)636-5343
Fax: (785)636-5116 Fax: (785)636-5276
District Website: www.usd329.com
2007-2008 STUDENT HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Board Members, Superintendent, Calendar 2
Faculty and Staff 3
Volleyball, Football, Girl's Basketball Schedules 4
Boys Basketball, Track Schedules 5
Mission Statement, Policies and Procedures 6
Harassment, Organizational Structure, School Hrs., Arrival/Depart. Times, Attendance 7
Tardies, Release During School Day, Dress Code, Behavior Code 8
Conduct & Discipline, Rules for Students 9
Playground Rules, Consequences for Breaking School Rules 10
Consequences, Lockers, Parent/Teacher Conferences/ Supervised Study Hall 11
After School Assistance Program, Report Cards, Summer School, Grading System 12
Honor Roll, Eligibility, 7th & 8th Grade Cheerleaders 13
Field Trips, Fire & Tornado Drills, School Parties, Lunchroom Rules 14
Lunch & Breakfast Policy 15
Free/Red. Lunch & Break., Lost & Found, Elect. & Cell Ph., Ph.,
Transf./Withdrawal, PE 16
Schl. Closing, Schl. Visit, Txtbk. and Schl. Prop., Concerns in Clsrm.,
Pediculosis, Illness 17
Student Transportation, Medications 18
Permission for Medication Form 19
Model Notification of Rights Under FERPA for Elementary & Secondary Institutions 20
Title I Home/School Compact 21
Acceptable Use Policy for USD 329 Information Retrieval Systems 22
Mill Creek Valley USD 329 Acceptable Use Policy 23
Internet and E-Mail, Board Policies-Health Assessments & Physicals, Drug Free Schools 24
Board Policies-Drug Free Schools Continued, Weapons 25
Board Policies-Weapons Continued 26
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Ron Yocum, President
Duane Hund, Vice President
David Breiner
Linda Craghead
Rodney Falk
Lisa McCue
Krisena Silva
SUPERINTENDENT
Dr. Phil Mahan
2007-2008 SCHOOL CALENDAR
August 16 Teacher Inservice
August 17 Teacher Work Day
August 18 JH/MS Open House 10:00 am-12:00 pm
August 20 First Day of School-1/2 Day
September 3 No School. Labor Day
September 21 No School-Inservice
October 12 End 1st Quarter-Full Day
October 15 No School-Inservice/Work Day
October 22 & 23 Parent/Teacher Conferences
October 26 No School-Comp Day
November 21-23 No School-Thanksgiving Vacation
December 20 End of 1st Semester
December 21 No School-Inservice/Work Day
December 22-31 No School. Winter Break
January 1-2 No School. Winter Break
January 3 School Resumes
January 21 No School-Inservice
February 18 No School-Inservice
March 13 End of 3rd Quarter
March 14 No School-Inservice/Workday
March 17-21 No School-Spring Break
April 14 No School
May 18 WHS Graduation
May 19 MCVJH Graduation
May 20 Last Day-Full Day
May 21 Inservice/Teacher Work Day
2007-2008 PERSONNEL
Cleion Morton JH/MS Principal 456-8178
Pam Bales 6th Reading, 6th English, 6th Social Studies 765-3633
Tracy Capoun 6th Science, 6th Math, 6th Social Studies 636-5264
Carol Cook 5th Language Arts, 5th Social Studies 617-0132
Galen Craghead JH/MS Social Worker 256-4262
Angie Davis MS Library Media Tech 636-7508
JoAnn DeVader JH Para Educator 535-2573
Julie Ewing JH/MS Counselor 256-4269
Benetta Foster JH/MS Speech 449-2375
Richard Fulmer JH/MS Special Services Driver 765-0130
Don Ginavan JH Science, AD 636-5358
Wayne Gros JH/MS School Psychologist 292-4807
Jamie Hafenstine JH Language Arts 765-3331
Carmen Hiegert JH Custodian 636-5419
Melissa Huff MS Resource Room 313-4993
Jerry Hund JH/MS Bus Driver 636-5475
Anita Hurla Para Educator 636-5359
Kim Johnson JH Para Educator 765-3747
David Kerwood JH Vocal/Band, 6th Vocal, MS Band (316)737-0454
Tina Lannan Assistant Cook 765-3760
Cheryl Lewis JH Cheerleading Sponsor 765-2368
Jeanette Loughary JH Library Media Tech 636-5241
Carrie Magette JH Math 636-5170
Claudia McKinsey JH/MS Art 765-3803
Kathy Meinhardt Assistant Cook 636-5598
Carol Michaelis JH/MS Bus Driver 636-5313
Charmin Miller JH Para Educator 765-3997
Bobbi Murray 5th Math, 5th Science, 5th Social Studies 765-2545
Carol Purcell JH/MS Head Cook 256-6473
Ramona Roth Assistant Cook 636-5442
Marc Stratton JH Extended Learning 456-2772
Lynette Stuewe MS Custodian 765-2311
Deb Thierer JH Resource Room 765-2395
Abbey Thornton Para Educator 741-2947
Amy Wilson JH/MS PE 643-6643
Dustin Wilson JH Social Studies 643-6643
Sue Yocum 5th Vocal 765-3909
Cheryl Zeller JH/MS Head Secretary 636-5456
MILL CREEK VALLEY JR. HIGH
2007-2008
VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE
AUGUST 30 SEPTEMBER 20
St. Marys @ MCV - 4:15 pm Carbondale @ MCV-4:15 pm
SEPTEMBER 6 SEPTEMBER 27
MCV @ Riley County - 4:45 pm MCV @ Rossville-4:45 pm
SEPTEMBER 13 OCTOBER 4
Rock Creek @ MCV – 4:15 pm Silver Lake @ MCV-4:15 pm
SEPTEMBER 15 OCTOBER 6
MCV Tournament @ WHS 9:00 am League Tourn. - @ Rock Creek
Time TBA
MILL CREEK VALLEY JR. HIGH
2007-2008
FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
AUGUST 30 SEPTEMBER 27
St. Marys @ MCV - 7:00 pm MCV @ Rossville - 7:00 pm
SEPTEMBER 6 OCTOBER 4
MCV @ Riley County - 7:00 pm Silver Lake @ MCV -7:00 pm
SEPTEMBER 13 OCTOBER 11
Rock Creek @ MCV-7:00 pm TBA - 7:00
SEPTEMBER 20
Carbondale @ MCV-7:00 pm
MILL CREEK VALLEY JR. HIGH
2007-2008
GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
NOVEMBER 1 NOVEMBER 27
MCV @ St. Marys - 4:30 pm Rossville @ MCV - 4:30 pm
NOVEMBER 6 NOVEMBER 29
Carbondale @ MCV - 4:30 pm MCV @ Silver Lake - 4:30 pm
NOVEMBER 8 DECEMBER 3
Riley County @ MCV - 4:30 pm Rock Creek @ MCV - 4:30 pm
NOVEMBER 13 DECEMBER 6
St. Marys @ MCV - 4:30 pm MCV @ Carbondale - 4:30 pm
NOVEMBER 15 DECEMBER 8, 11, 13
MCV @ Rock Creek – 4:30 pm League Tourn.@Rock Creek - TBA
NOVEMBER 20
MCV @ Overbrook - 4:30 pm
MILL CREEK VALLEY JR. HIGH
2007-2008
BOYS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
JANUARY 7 JANUARY 31
St. Marys @ MCV - 4:30 pm MCV @ Rossville - 4:30 pm
JANUARY 10 FEBRUARY 4
MCV @ Riley County - 4:30 pm Carbondale @ MCV - 4:30 pm
JANUARY 14 FEBRUARY 7
MCV @ Overbrook - 4:30 pm Silver Lake @ MCV - 4:30 pm
JANUARY 17 FEBRUARY 11
Rock Creek @ MCV - 4:30 pm Riley County @ MCV - 4:30 pm
JANUARY 21 FEBRUARY 16, 19, 21
MCV @ St. Marys - 4:30 pm League Tourn. @Silver Lake TBA
JANUARY 24
Overbrook @ MCV - 4:30 pm
MILL CREEK VALLEY JR. HIGH
2007-2008
TRACK SCHEDULE
APRIL 4
MCV @ Silver Lake - 3:00 pm
APRIL 10
MCV @ St. Marys - 2:00 pm
APRIL 15
MCV @ Prairie Heights - 10:00 am
APRIL 24
MCV @ Riley County - 10:00 am
MAY 2
MCV – 10:00 am
MAY 6
League @ Silver Lake - 1:00 pm
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Mill Creek Valley Junior High School and Mill Creek Valley Middle School is to ensure an equitable teaching and learning environment which sets optimum expectations and enables all students to reach their maximum potential. Through a joint community-wide commitment, facilitated by committed educators, our students will be encouraged to become responsible citizens who are literate, positive thinking and self motivated.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
This handbook is for your information. We ask that each parent and student read this handbook. In order to run the school in an orderly, efficient, and legal fashion, some policies and guidelines are necessary.
If you do not understand a policy or procedure or your child is having a problem, please call the school and we will help you. If you have some ideas or suggestions of ways of improving the school, please come in and visit about them; this is your school. The most effective way to deal with issues or concerns is to use the suggested chain of command: 1st, teacher; 2nd principal; 3rd superintendent, and then the board of education. Please remember that these policies and guidelines are subject to change throughout the year.
Addendums to the handbook after approval by the Board of Education shall be enforced as part of the student handbook. Copies of these special guidelines shall be distributed to all students involved in these special activities.
With everyone’s cooperation, consideration, and positive attitudes during the year, you should have a pleasant and rewarding educational experience.
USD #329 Mill Creek Valley does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race color, national origin, handicap, or age in admission to, access to, or treatment or employment in its programs or activities. Any questions regarding the district’s compliance with Title VI, Title IX, ADA including information about the existence and location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to and usable by the disabled, or Section 504 may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator, the Superintendent of Schools, who can be reached at (785) 765-3394, Box 157, Alma, Kansas 66401, or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education.
HARASSMENT
The board of education is committed to providing a positive and productive working and learning environment, free from discrimination on the basis of sex or race. Sexual and racial harassment will not be tolerated in the school district. Sexual or racial harassment of employees or students of the district by board members, administrators, certified and support personnel, students, vendors, and any others having business or other contact with the school district is strictly prohibited.
A complaint procedure has been established in the district, governed by board policy KN. If a complaint cannot be resolved via an informal manner through the building principal, the complainant should follow the formal procedure outlined in board policy KN. A copy of the policy can be obtained from the USD 329 Mill Creek Valley District Office, 910 Ohio, Alma, KS 66401.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Mill Creek Valley Middle School is a 5th-6th educational facility designed for the sequential process of learning.
Mill Creek Valley Jr. High School is a 7th-8th educational facility, which is departmentalized to provide positive transitional experiences from the elementary to the high school. Students will move from class to class and will be taught by numerous teachers. Activities are planned throughout the year to enhance positive growth in social, emotional, and physical well being of students.
SCHOOL HOURS
Middle School Junior High School
Breakfast 7:50 am-8:15 am 8:05 am-8:15 am
School Day 8:15 am-3:17 pm 8:15 am-3:20 pm
Parents of children not riding busses are asked not to allow them to arrive at school before 8:00 am, with the exception of town students eating breakfast who may arrive no sooner than 7:45 am. The doors will be opened at 8:00 am and the students will go to their assigned areas.
Middle School-Before 7:45 am-No supervision-No playing on the playground allowed!
7:45 am Doors open-supervision in the library
7:45 am-7:55 am Busses arrive
7:50 am-8:15 am Breakfast at School
8:15 am Dismissed to their classroom
There is no playground supervision after 3:25 pm.
ATTENDANCE
It shall be the policy of the school to encourage regular attendance by all students. Regular attendance contributes not only to the probability of scholastic success, but also to the development of attitudes of consistent performance, which will carry over into adult life.
It is requested that parents call the school between 8:15 and 8:45 am notifying the office that their child will not be in school that day. In the event parents do not call the school, the office reserves the right to call the home to verify if the parents are aware of the absence, and the probable day of return.
TARDIES
Any student arriving at school after 8:15 will report first to the office for a tardy slip. Any student who is consistently tardy will be required to make up that time after school or at lunchtime.
RELEASE OF A STUDENT DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
In recognition of the responsibility of the school to parents for the health, welfare, and safety of students, the principal will not release a student during the school day. Students will be released to a lawful custodian whose identification is verified to the satisfaction of the principal or upon written or verbal request of a lawful custodian, which request shall be verified to the satisfaction of the principal. Parents will be expected to sign an Attendance Log when a student arrives late or is leaving early.
DRESS CODE
One goal of students is to maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance. The administration believes a close relationship exists between student dress and student attitudes. The administration, faculty, and students working together may make yearly changes in the dress code to conform with the times.
The following regulations will limit student dress: any wearing apparel that is, or can be construed to be, obscene, objectionable, or disruptive should not be worn, i.e., swim wear, short shorts, track wear, beach wear, etc. No T-shirts or sweatshirts with the slogans that the principal deems disruptive will be permitted. The parents will be notified, students will be asked to change into appropriate clothing, or the students will be sent home, if necessary. Groups and organizations representing the school may have more stringent requirements. Hats will not be worn in the building unless required for protection or safety of the student.
BEHAVIOR CODE
The principal is authorized and directed to develop such rules and regulations consistent with policies, rules and regulations of the board which may be necessary to govern the conduct of the students under his/her supervision.
A student shall not use violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance or any other conduct intentionally to cause the substantial and material disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process or function of the school. Neither shall s/he urge other student to engage in such conduct.
A student shall not intentionally cause or attempt to cause damage to school property or steal or attempt to steal school property, either on the school grounds or during a school activity, function, or event off school grounds.
A student shall not intentionally cause or attempt to cause physical injury or behave verbally in such a way that could reasonably injure another person.
A student shall not knowingly possess, handle or transmit any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon, firearm, or destructive device on the school grounds or at any school activity. Possession, handling or use of any such weapon shall result in suspension or expulsion from school for a period of one year (180 school days), as per Board policy.
A student shall not knowingly possess, sell, use, transmit or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind.
Smoking and/or the possession of any tobacco product is prohibited in any attendance center, at school-sponsored events or on the school grounds.
Violation of any provision of this behavior code may result in suspension and/or expulsion.
CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
Self-discipline is a sign of maturing. It is achieved only through constant practice. To help strengthen the student’s character and to develop self-discipline, students are requested and expected to observe the rules and regulations of the school and of common courtesy. Mill Creek Valley Jr. High School and Mill Creek Valley Middle School students are expected to take responsibility for their actions.
Students shall be expected to assume their share of responsibility in maintaining an atmosphere conducive to effective teaching-learning situations in all classes and activities in which they participate in the sponsorship of the school.
In order to guarantee all the students at Mill Creek Valley Junior High School and Mill Creek Valley Middle School an excellent climate for learning, the staff will use the following guidelines for student conduct:
RULES FOR STUDENTS
Parents and students should familiarize themselves with classroom rules.
Classroom- The teacher is in complete charge and makes rules to be followed in the room.
Restrooms
1. Help keep them clean.
2. Use the trash cans for trash.
3. Do not sit on sinks.
4. Turn off water when finished.
5. Report any fixtures not working to the office or maintenance engineer.
Halls
1. Keep to the right.
2. No running or pushing.
3. Do not make noise that interferes with other students.
4. Do not disturb art materials hanging in the halls.
5. Help keep hallways clean, both floors and walls.
Library
1. Keep quiet.
2. Check out books properly and return them on time.
3. Help keep the books from damage and in proper arrangement.
Kitchen- No students allowed in the kitchen. The kitchen employees will not microwave or heat food from a sack lunch.
Music and Band Areas- The equipment and instruments are to be left alone. Any use of these materials must be approved by the music or band teacher.
Office
1. Students are permitted in office for business matters only.
2. Students are not to operate machines or take supplies out of office except with permission.
3. Ask permission to use the telephone.
4. Do not congregate in the office; do your business and leave.
Custodian’s Room- No students allowed in the custodian’s room.
Gym
1. Do not play on gym floor without proper shoes.
2. Respect the property of other students in locker room.
3. Use equipment properly.
4. Go to and from the gym quickly and in an orderly fashion.
1. Do not enter building unless you have permission of teachers on duty.
2. No one to stay in rooms unless teacher is present, or if teacher takes responsibility.
1. No throwing of anything but balls or Frisbees.
2. Do not interfere with others.
3. No punching, shoving, or name calling.
4. No ball throwing near building.
5. Enter building as quickly and quietly as possible.
6. No snowballs.
7. If a ball goes across the street, you must get permission from the teacher on duty to go after it.
8. No jumping off playground equipment.
1. Everyone is responsible for whatever equipment they take outside. If you leave it lay, you may lose it.
2. Swings: No Jumping out of the swings.
No swinging sideways.
One person at a time.
No running in front of or behind when people are swinging.
No climbing up the poles near swings.
No standing in the swings.
3. No baseballs (hard balls) on the slab.
4. Slide: No walking up.
Go down on your bottom with legs first.
Don’t stand at the top.
Go down one person at a time.
Don’t throw sand on the slide.
5. Monkey bars:
Don’t stand on top.
Don’t leap and swing from a bar far away; reach from bar to bar.
CONSEQUENCES FOR BREAKING SCHOOL RULES
Each teacher will follow his or her own classroom management plan that is posted in the classroom. A copy will be given to parents in written form.
If a student is sent to the office for disciplinary purposes, parents may be notified by a discipline referral form and/or a call. The student may be required to do such things as write about the inappropriate action, develop an improvement plan for the behavior and call their parent/guardian to inform them of the incident. The principal always reserves the right to remove a student from a classroom and/or activity and imply the following consequences when he deems necessary.
CONSEQUENCES
Minor Infractions-(offered as examples only and not intended as an all-inclusive list)-Running or disruptive in the hallway, swearing, obscene gestures, unexcused tardy, pushing, shoving, etc.
After School Detention- (Study Hall 3:30-4:30)
(Transportation arrangements become the responsibility of the parents)
If detention is not served, in-school suspension may be applied
during the next school day. 1/2 day in-school-suspension
Community/school service
Loss of lunch or recess privileges
Severe Infractions (offered as examples only and not intended as an all-inclusive list) Fighting, disrespectful to school staff, blatant defiance of authority, stealing, unacceptable showing of affection, destruction of property, lying, repeated or severe examples of minor infractions) Weapons violations will follow board policy.
All Day In-School Suspension
Short-term Out Of School Suspension - 1-5 days
Long-term Out Of School Suspension-greater than 5 days (pending
hearing) Recommendation for expulsion from school (pending hearing)
LOCKERS
Locks will be provided for the hallway lockers upon request. Students are not to share lockers or the combination to their lock with other students. The school administrator, or designee, shall have the right of inspection or of access to all school lockers, desks, etc., should probable cause exist for such inspection.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Communication is the key between school and home. Conferences are a valuable means of communication. Parents are encouraged to write down questions and concerns so that the short conference time can be fully utilized.
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be scheduled by each building before November 1st.
NOTE: Should you desire additional conferences, please contact the teacher for an appointment and it will be provided. Likewise, should we feel the need for additional conferences, we will contact you.
Upon recommendation from the teacher, a student may be placed in a supervised study hall during any recess or lunch. Reasons for placement include, but are not limited to, behavior and poor study habits. Students are responsible for bringing study material with them. If students are consistently in such a study hall, parents will be notified in writing.
Students choosing to act inappropriately or observed as showing a marked lack of responsibility for attempting to meet their academic requirements in school will not be allowed to deprive their peers and classmates of their opportunity to be provided a quality educational program. This disruptive behavior forces teachers, the principal, psychologist and classroom aides to redirect their efforts away from the vast majority of students appropriately involved in learning, to address these unnecessary disruptive behaviors. Nor should staff be constantly tied up trying to wrangle the least effort and simplest responsibility from otherwise capable kids.
A monitored study area has been established Monday through Thursday for students who have just been described. When their behavior and/or academic irresponsibility has become excessive, they will be required to stay after school in this monitored study area from 3:30 pm until 4:30 pm. Satisfactory completion of assigned work and appropriate conduct are required or the student returns the next night. We will continue to use our present system of behavior management for lesser concerns.
The student’s parents will be notified when the child needs to stay after school and 24 hours notice will be given unless the parents choose to use the service when notified that day. However, the student will stay as scheduled once the parent has been notified and parents will be expected to pick up their child promptly at 4:30 pm at the East entrance at the Middle School, West entrance at the Junior High, or they may walk home if appropriate.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are distributed either at Parent-Teacher Conferences, or on the Wednesday following the end of each grading period. Grade periods for the 2007-2008 school year are as follows:
August 20-October 12
October 16-December 20
January 3-March 13
March 24-May 20
SUMMER SCHOOL
Any student who scores below the “Meets Standard” level in Reading or Mathematics on the Kansas Assessments will be encouraged to attend summer school.
GRADING SYSTEM
Grade cards will be issued on Wednesday following the close of a nine weeks period and on Friday during the last week of the school year.
To help establish a correlation between percentage grades, the following system will be followed by all elementary faculty members in grades 3-8:
A 100-90 Superior Achievement
B 89-80 Very Satisfactory, Definitely Above Average
C 79-70 Represents Competent, Average Achievement
D 69-60 Poor Achievement, But Is Passing On A Marginal Basis
F 59% and Below Definitely Unsatisfactory and Failing
INC Incomplete Work -A Grade Will Be Given When Work
Is Completed According To Building Policy
S, N, & U will be used in Art, Vocal Music, PE, Handwriting, and Band for students in grades 3-6.
HONOR ROLL
To be placed on the “A” Honor Roll, students must receive all A’s and S’s on their 9 weeks report card. To be placed on the “A Average” Honor Roll, students must receive all A’s and B’s, with no more than 2 B’s, and no C, D, F, N, or U Grades. To be placed on the “B” Honor Roll, students must have no grade below a B, no U’s, and no more than 1 N.
At the end of the year, students who have been on the “A”, “A Average”, or “B” Honor Rolls will receive a special honor from the principal.
ELIGIBILITY
Seventh and eighth grade students may participate on school teams in volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, track, and football.
Eligibility for athletic activities will be figured on a nine-week basis, beginning the second week of each 9-week period.
Eligibility requirements are:
1. Students’ cumulative grades will be turned in to the office each Thursday. Any student having more than one “D” or “N”, or any student having an F or a U will be ruled ineligible and may not participate in activities the following week. (Student may practice but not compete.) Eligibility will run from Monday through Saturday of each week.
2. Students must be in class for four hours prior to an event in order to participate unless prior approval has been obtained from the principal.
3. Students must have a yearly physical exam signed by a physician and parent on file in the office prior to participation in a practice session, game, or contest.
4. Students must demonstrate respect toward school and faculty members, and demonstrate appropriate conduct in and out of school.
5. Students must have passed at least five subjects (math, science, social studies, English, and literature) the previous semester or in the last semester of his or her attendance.
6. Board of Education policy states that the school faculty has been instructed to bar from extra-curricular activities, which includes district dances, any student who is disrespectful of school and faculty; whose conduct in and out of school would bring reproach to the school and community; who does not follow all rules set by the staff; and who is not in attendance four periods on the day of the activity.
7th & 8th GRADE CHEERLEADERS
Cheerleaders for the next year will be elected at the end of the current year. Eligibility requirements for try-outs include financial clearance from the office, the purchase of uniforms and shoes, and good academic and behavior recommendations from the school staff. Athletic eligibility criteria described in the previous section apply to cheerleaders.
FIELD TRIPS
On occasion a class may take a field trip. Sometimes the trip is just for a short time and at other times the trip may last all day. Trips start after school begins, and conclude before busses depart for home. Parents will be notified of an upcoming field trip. If you do not wish your child to go, please send a note to your child’s teacher indicating such and why. A field trip is an extension of the classroom. If bus space is available, parents will be allowed to go along. All field trips will be included in the monthly calendar after approval by the building principal or the superintendent.
For those parents who wish to go as sponsors, we must ask that you not bring along any of your small, pre-school children. The reasons for this are 3-fold:
1. Some of our tours have group size limitations.
2. You, as a parent sponsor, are asked to help maintain an orderly structure within our group for safety reasons and for good public relations for our school. To do this, you will need to devote your full attention to the students who will be in your group.
3. This is a very special day for your child. The day needs to be reserved for you and your child, free form distraction of younger siblings.
FIRE AND TORNADO DRILLS
State law requires that we have one fire drill per month and three tornado drills per year. Students are to follow the teacher’s directions. Students are to go the designated area quietly and quickly.
Students will be held in their designated “Tornado” shelter during a Tornado Warning, until an “All Clear” is sounded and bus routes can be run safely, if the warning coincides with dismissal at the end of the day. Parents can pick up their children at school during a Tornado Warning (at their discretion) and (only after having a signed them out in the office).
SCHOOL PARTIES
Normally, at the Middle School, each class has four classroom parties during the school year: Halloween, Christmas, Valentine, and Spring. Parents are asked by the teachers to help at one of these parties, if possible. Parents are welcome to attend any party.
Birthday parties may be observed on the day of the child’s birthday or near, as is convenient for the parent and teacher. Arrangements should be made with the teacher. Children with summer birthdays may celebrate their “Happy un-birthday”. Birthday treats for the children are permissible but are not mandatory. Normally treats will be served at the end of the day. Arrangements should be made with the classroom teacher.
Junior High class parties held at school will be properly supervised by certified personnel and also parents may be asked to help supervise. Dances are open to 7th & 8th grade students and the rules are as follows:
1. Once students enter they are to remain inside until the dance is over. If parents wish their child to leave early, they need to come inside and tell sponsors when they pick them up.
2. The school will provide transportation to and from the towns.
LUNCHROOM RULES
When the student’s meal is completed, they are to clean their trays, eating area and then return to their seats. They should then wait quietly until the supervising teacher has completed his/her meal. The supervising teacher then may dismiss the students.
LUNCH & BREAKFAST POLICY
Lunch and breakfast money is due before the student eats lunch. Any amount of money may be put in a student’s account. Parents will be notified when their child has a balance of 2 lunches or less. You will receive a reminder every day until the balance is raised higher than the two lunch minimum. Each student will receive a ticket with their account number on it, which will be kept by the school office. If the student loses or damages this ticket there will be a $2.00 charge to replace it.
We recommend that students DO NOT charge their lunch, but in the case of an unavoidable instance, where a child forgets their sack lunch or no lunch is available at home, they may eat a school lunch and/or breakfast. In this situation the meal should be paid for on that day or the following day. Any student with a balance of less than 0 will be asked to take the responsibility of phoning their parent reminding them that they need lunch money.