Adams Middle School 2008-2009 Student Handbook
by Todd Rhodes
July 29, 2008
ADAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL
STUDENT HANDBOOK
We believe that Success Starts Here! Teachers, students, and parents will work together as a team for the academic and social success of Adams Middle School students.
All students and parents together must read the policies and information contained in this handbook. This handbook will help our adolescents to be successful students.
Adams Middle School
1200 South McDonald Road
North Platte, NE 69101
Office Phone 535-7112
Attendance Line 535-5309
Counselors 535-7114
Principal Mr. Todd Rhodes
Dean of Students Mrs. Brandy Buscher
Arrival Time
The doors at Adams will open at 7:35 a.m. for breakfast. The entry bell will ring at 7:53 a.m. for the rest of the students. Students will go to their lockers, and then report directly to class. Students should arrive on campus not more than a few minutes before the doors open. Students who need extra help are asked to make arrangements in advance with the teacher and request a pass. Students reporting early for special rehearsals will use the south main entrance only. During times of inclement weather students may enter the building and remain in the lobby. All sixth-grade students will use the west doors. All seventh- and eighth- grade students are to be dropped off and picked up on the south side of the building. The seventh and eighth graders will enter the building through their assigned doors.
ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES
When a student is absent parents should call the school between 7:15 - 9:00 a.m. to notify the office of the reason for the absence. Parents may also choose to use the attendance line at 535-5309. This line is available 24 hours a day.
Absentee Guidelines:
Regular and punctual attendance is mandatory for school success. When a student is in non-attendance, regardless of reason, it reduces the chance of academic success. Therefore, our practice is to notify parents according to the guidelines that follow.
* Any student who has 5 days or more absences, excused or unexcused, anytime within any term of school may receive a letter from the child�s school and may also be contacted or investigated by the school truancy/attendance official.
* Any student who continues to be absent, or becomes habitually absent, may be contacted and/or investigated by the school district's truancy/attendance official and may also receive a letter from the County Attorney's Office. Such student may be served a written notice and/or the parent may be cited in violation of the Nebraska Compulsory Education Laws.
* Nebraska Compulsory Education Laws, section 79-201, state that any child who misses five (5) days of school per term or 20 days per year may be cited to appear in county court at the discretion of the County Attorney.
* Any student with five (5) or more tardies to class per term may receive a letter from the child�s school. Excessive and/or habitual tardies will be handled at the discretion of the school principal and/or school counselor.
Anticipated Absences:
Students who know that they must miss school should report to the office as far in advance as possible so that make-up work can be completed before the absence. This includes medical and dental appointments, trips, and special events. The student must have a written permission note signed by the parent/guardian or the parent/guardian may call the office. The office will give the student an excuse to be signed by each teacher and returned to the office the day prior to the absence. The student is responsible for all make-up work. Students who are absent are granted the number of days absent, plus one, to complete missed work. A student who is absent from school except for medical or dental appointments will not be permitted to attend any school activity that day.
Truancy:
Any student who is absent from school without the knowledge and approval of the parent or guardian is truant. Any student who leaves school without approval of a principal is also considered truant. Make-up work will be required. Any student who has an excessive number of truancies will be referred to the county Attorney. Students under the age of 16 may have charges for violation of Nebraska Statute 779-201 filed with the County Attorney.
CHECKING STUDENTS OUT OF SCHOOL
A student must remain on campus during the school day unless specific permission to leave the school grounds has been granted by the parent, guardian, or designee, and the main office has received notification. Parents, guardians, or other designees (with written permission from the parent or guardian), must stop into the office and sign the checkout sheet.
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL HELP
Students are encouraged to meet before and after school with their teachers when they need extra help. Teachers are available until 3:40 p.m. and special arrangements may be made to meet with teachers at 7:40 a.m. During these times teachers will provide assistance that students may need to be successful.
BICYCLES/SKATEBOARDS/SCOOTERS
Bicycles and scooters must be locked in the racks provided. Students must walk their bikes, skateboards, or scooters while on the campus. Students must follow all safety rules. The student is responsible for his/her property at all times.
DRESS CODE
Students are encouraged to dress for success! Dress and grooming must not distract from the school setting. Students who wear inappropriate clothing with words or pictures that are offensive to others will be asked to change. The inappropriate clothing may be held in the office for parent pickup prior to July 1.
Guidelines for Restricted Clothing:
1. Clothing with words, pictures, or designs that advertise or promote alcohol or drugs, carries an inappropriate or offensive message, profanity, sexual innuendo, portrays violence or gang affiliation is strictly prohibited.
2. Any clothing that does not properly cover the body or undergarments such as tank tops, tube tops, halter tops, skirts, or shorts, may be addressed by the staff.
3. No 'headwear' such as caps or bandannas is to be worn in the building.
4. Students must wear shoes at all times.
5. Jackets, coats, backpacks, or purses are not permitted in the classrooms. They are to remain in the student's locker.
6. School must be safe from the threat of any group that advocates drugs or violence. The presence of apparel, accessories, notebooks, or clothing which promotes such a group is prohibited. Refer to 3.1 of the Student Conduct and Behavior for consequences.
The final determination on whether the clothing is appropriate for the school setting rests with the building administration.
EVALUATION OF STUDENTS
Teachers evaluate student progress and achievement in school. We report to parents as follows:
Progress reports are mailed midway through each quarter. Progress reports offer parents a good opportunity to discuss school success with students. When students are having difficulty with a particular subject specific recommendations for improvement are listed on the progress report. Parents are encouraged to schedule a conference with a teacher to discuss ways to help the student succeed.
Report cards indicate teacher grading of student achievement. Report cards are provided to parents at Parent/Teacher Conferences and end-of-the-year report cards will be mailed. The letter grades are as follows and earned in all classes:
93-100 A - Superior
86-92 B - Above Average
78-85 C - Average
70-77 D - Below Average
0-69 F - Failing
Retention
Academic success is the goal for all students at Adams Middle School. The Adams staff makes every effort to provide the opportunity for student success. The Adams staff is confident that students who apply their best effort will be academically successful. On rare occasions, when retention is considered, the following guidelines may be used:
Whole Grade Retention
When a student fails four or more academic semesters the student may be recommended for whole grade retention.
HONOR ROLL
Students with a 3.5 grade point average or above will receive honor roll recognition for the given quarter. Students receiving a D or F in any class will not be eligible for the honor roll.
ILLNESS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
If a student becomes ill during the school day he/she should report directly to the office with a pass from his/her teacher. If the nurse or designee finds that the student should not continue in school the parent will be contacted. No student will be sent home unless the parent or other responsible adult has been contacted.
LOCKERS
A school locker will be assigned to each student for the entire year. Students must bring a combination lock and report the combination to the school office. Laser locks are not permitted. Students are prohibited from sharing lockers. Lockers must be locked at all times. Detention may be assigned to those students whose lockers are without locks. The school cannot be responsible for books and other lost or stolen articles. Lockers are the property of the school and are under the supervision and jurisdiction of school officials. The school reserves the right to inspect lockers at any time.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and found items will be kept in the office. Items not picked up will be donated quarterly.
LUNCH PERIOD
Hot lunches are served each day in the cafeteria. All students are to remain on campus during the lunch period. Students are expected to cooperate and conduct themselves in the Adams cafeteria just as they would in any restaurant. Students are encouraged to use proper table manners. Students will have periodical assigned seating in the lunchroom throughout the year to promote positive peer relationships.
Students who choose to cause a disturbance in the cafeteria may lose the privilege of eating in the cafeteria.
Sodexho-Marriott Food Services encourages parents to prepay for lunches by the week or month. Payments may be deposited in the box in the main office until 10:30 a.m. or taken to the cafeteria.
Pop and energy drinks are not allowed in school, including the cafeteria. Lunches brought from fast-food restaurants must either be in a lunch box or an unmarked plastic or paper bag. Students may choose to bring sack lunches from home. All food is to be eaten in the cafeteria only.
Students are responsible for making sure that they have money in their lunch account.
Free lunches are provided for students who work in the cafeteria. Students who would like to work should give their name to the cafeteria manager.
MEDICINE
Medicine must be taken at home whenever possible. Prescription medicine and non-prescription medicine that must be given during school hours requires a signed parent authorization form. The office must receive the medicine from a parent or guardian in the original container with the authorized prescription clearly visible. All medicines must be stored and given in the office.
NONDISCRIMINATION IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
1. It is the policy of the North Platte Public Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, creed, age, marital status, sex, or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Titles VI and VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Act.
2. Any person who believes she or he has been discriminated against, denied a benefit, or been excluded from participation in any district education program or activity on the basis of sex, race, or handicap in violation of this policy may grieve such matters using the adopted grievance procedures of the district. Such procedures shall provide for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging acts of discrimination.
3. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, The Nebraska Equal Opportunity in Education Act, Section 504, or Title VI may be directed to: Dan Twarling, Associate Superintendent, 301 West F St., 308-535-7100, or in the case of Title IX and the Rehabilitation Act, to the Director of the Region VII Office of Civil Rights, 1022 North Executive Hills Blvd., 8th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64153, 816-891-8026.
NUISANCE ITEMS
Students are prohibited from bringing gum, candy, pop, sunflower seeds, etc. to school. Students must not bring lighters, rubber bands, yo-yos, toys, or any other nuisance item to school. These items will be disposed of after July 1 if not picked up.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones, MP3 players, iPods, and any other electronic device that is not necessary for school purpose shall be turned off and kept in the student�s locker during school hours. Any device that is not kept in a student�s locker and turned off will be taken to the office. The first time a device is taken a parent will be asked to pick up the device after school and the student will serve a
30-minute detention. The third time the device is taken a parent will be asked to pick it up after school and the student will be assigned to the S.O.S. room for two (2) days.
POSTERS AND ADVERTISING
Only posters promoting our school activities or those approved by the Superintendent�s office may be posted. All posters must have principal approval.
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES/INTRAMURALS
A variety of activities are offered at the middle school to provide additional positive experiences for the students. Newspaper Staff, Hunter Safety, Art Club, Spanish Club, Fiddle Club, Jazz Band, Swing Choir, Student Council, and Intramural Sports are some examples. Students are encouraged to be involved in the activities offered at school.
Participation in Extracurricular Activities - Students may, at the discretion of the building administration, be temporarily excluded from participation in or attendance at school-sponsored extracurricular activities or functions. Any student who is failing one or more classes may not participate in school activities until his/her grade(s) are brought up.
SCHOOL COUNSELORS
Two school counselors are available to help students be successful. Students are encouraged to stop by the counselors' office to schedule an appointment whenever they have a concern.
STUDENT GUESTS
Student guests are permitted for half-day visits upon approval of the administration. Requests for guests should be made one (1) day prior to the requested visit. Guests are limited to students who have not previously attended Adams Middle School.
TECHNOLOGY USE AGREEMENT
The use of computers at school is a privilege, not a right. Parent permission is required for student computer use. Students are expected to follow all computer rules. Students and parents will read and sign the User Agreement and Parental Permission Form to ensure that students use computers appropriately at school.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Phones are available in the office for emergency use. A teacher's pass or administrator approval is needed to use these phones. A payphone is available in the lobby during the day for student use. Plans for rides home should be made in advance.
TEXTBOOKS/EQUIPMENT FINES
All textbooks are furnished by the School District and numerically assigned to students. Students are responsible for all school property checked out to them including textbooks, supplementary material, athletic equipment, etc. Students must pay for lost or damaged books and equipment. Students must pay their fines before participating in school activities.
VISITORS
All visitors to our campus must enter through the south doors and report to the office, sign our guest book, and receive a visitor's badge.
STUDENT CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR
Students are expected to respect self, others, and property. Students who choose to break rules will have appropriate consequences.
OFFENSES AND PENALTIES:
Student safety and fairness are important in the discipline process. All possible offenses may not be included. The administration will use discretion to ensure fairness. Possible disciplinary actions follow:
1. Disciplinary Conferences - May include some or all of the following participants: parent, teacher, administrator, counselor, and student.
2. After-School Detention - Detention will be assigned from 3:30-4:15. Students must bring assignments to work on during detention.
3. Suspension from Class - Students will be excluded from attending a class for a period of one (1) to five (5) days.
4. Students Opting for Success Room - Students will be assigned by an administrator to the S.O.S. room. Students who choose to behave inappropriately while in the S.O.S. room may be referred to an administrator for further disciplinary action. Students will be expected to complete all assigned homework. All assignments are due the first day the student returns to class.
5. Suspension from School � Students will be excluded from attending school for a period of one (1) to nineteen (19) days. Students will be expected to complete all assigned homework during this time. All assignments are due the first day the student returns to class. Students who are suspended may not be on school grounds nor attend school activities unless under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.
6. Recommendation for Expulsion from School � Students who do not respond positively to the above consequences may be recommended for expulsion to the Board of Education.
1.0 Group One Offenses
1.1 Unexcused or excessive tardies
1.2 Being in an unauthorized area without
permission
1.3 Violation of dress code
1.4 Use of nuisance items
Penalty for Group One Offenses:
First Offense: After school detention and notification of parents.
Second Offense: Detention or in-school suspension and notification of parents.
Succeeding Offenses: Possible parent conference and/or possible referral to Group three, 3.5 penalties for repeated violations.
2.0 Group Two Offenses:
2.1 Improper care, deliberate defacing, damages to or unauthorized use of school/personal property
2.2 Not reporting for detention periods after school
2.3 Leaving authorized areas without permission
2.4 Causing a disturbance in class, cafeteria, hallway, assembly, or school function
2.5 Pushing, shoving, or tripping another student in a non-violent manner
2.6 Unauthorized use of school notices or reports
2.7 Defiance of staff personnel
2.8 Use of inappropriate language, comments, gesture, or drawing
2.9 Throwing snow
Penalty for Group Two Offenses:
First Offense: After-school detention or in-school suspension, notification of parents � financial restitution may be required.
Succeeding Offenses: Possible parent conference and/or possible reference to Group three, 3.5 penalties for repeated violations.
3.0 Group Three Offenses:
3.1 Fighting, physical aggression, violence, use of force, coercion, harassment, threat, substantial interference with school purposes (Throwing food in the cafeteria is a substantial interference with school purposes.)
3.2 Truancy or not reporting to class without permission
3.3 Damage to property (private or school) of substantial value
3.4 Threat to obtain money or anything of value, extortion, theft, or attempted theft
3.5 Use of inappropriate language, comments, or gestures directed at school personnel
3.6 Repeated violation of rules and regulations of Groups One and Two of the Middle School Student Code of Conduct and Behavior
Penalty for Group Three Offenses:
First Offense: Notification of parents and immediate short-term suspension (up to five days), notification of police department if in violation of laws � financial restitution may be required. Throwing food in the cafeteria will result in out-of-school suspension for a minimum of three (3) days and restriction from the cafeteria for up to nine (9) weeks. If this violation occurs during the fourth quarter of school, this suspension from the cafeteria may carry over to the first quarter of the following school year, whether the student attends Middle School or High School. During this restriction from the cafeteria the student will have the option of:
(1) Eating in the cafeteria with daily parent supervision or
(2) Purchasing a sack lunch from the cafeteria or
(3) Bringing a sack lunch from home
Sack lunch will be consumed in an assigned area.
4.0 Group Four Offenses
4.1 Consuming, distributing, or possessing any drug, drug paraphernalia, inhalant, narcotic, alcohol, tobacco, or �look-alike� drugs at school, school-sponsored events, or prior to attending school or school events
Penalty for Group Four Offenses:
First Offense: Out-of-school suspension of up to 19 days, notification of parents, notification of law enforcement personnel, completion of drug/alcohol assessment or tobacco cessation program at the expense of the student and his/her parents, possible recommendation of attendance in class on chemical use or possible recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion
Options:
Ten-day Suspension: A suspension of up to ten (10) days is made when a student has been proven to have been in violation of the NPPS drug, alcohol, and tobacco rules but who refuses to complete a drug/alcohol assessment or tobacco cessation program.
Nineteen-day Suspension: A suspension of up to nineteen (19) days may be given when the severity of the infraction or extenuating circumstances dictates.
Second Offense: Out-of-school suspension up to nineteen (19) days, notification of law enforcement personnel, and possible recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion.
5.0 Group Five Offenses:
5.1 Threatening school personnel
5.2 Possessing/handling a weapon including a knife or weapon �look-alike�
5.3 Engaging in any activity forbidden by law which interferes with school purposes (i.e. starting fires, bomb threat, indecent exposure, setting off fire alarms, etc.)
5.4 Assault/Battery on school personnel
Penalty for Group Five Offenses:
First Offense: immediate out-of-school suspension of up to nineteen (19) days, notification of parents/appropriate law enforcement authorities, and possible recommendation for expulsion to the Board of Education.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS REGARDING SUSPENSION
AND EXPULSION*
North Platte Middle Schools have the right to make reasonable rules and clarify responsibilities necessary for the control of student conduct. Any disciplinary action taken against a student will comply with existing state and school board policies and shall afford the student due process.
Student's Responsibilities in Disciplinary Cases
First, the student has the responsibility to follow school rules. Secondly, if the student�s conduct is dangerous to others or threatens to disrupt school the student may be excluded immediately. Thirdly, in presenting the student�s version of the incident the student has the responsibility to follow the correct procedures set by law and by Board policy and regulations.
Student�s Rights in Case of Emergency Exclusion or Short-Term Suspension
All students have the right in case of emergency exclusion or short-term suspension to procedural due process. Before you may be excluded or suspended from school for five days or less a principal must:
1. Tell you what rule you have broken or why you are being excluded.
2. Explain to you why he/she believes you have broken the rule.
3. Give you the opportunity to tell your version of what happened.
4. Notify your parents within 24 hours to inform them of the reasons and the duration of the exclusion or suspension.
Student Rights in Case of Long-Term Suspension, Expulsion, or Mandatory Reassignment
All students have the right in cases of long-term suspension, expulsion, or mandatory reassignment to procedural due process. Before you may be suspended for six days or more, expelled, or involuntarily reassigned, you must be:
1. Notified in writing by certified or registered mail within two days after the superintendent receives the principal's charges. Notice must go to you and to your parents or guardian. (Personal delivery is not allowed.) The notice must tell what rules(s) you allegedly violated, a summary of the evidence, what punishment is proposed, and it must inform you that you have a right to a hearing and how you can request one.
2. Given a hearing if requested: At the hearing, you have the right to be represented by a lawyer at your own expense, the right to examine your academic and disciplinary records, the right to question the person who recommended that you be punished, the right to present and question witnesses, and the right to make a statement on your behalf.
Any statement, recommendation, or decision connected with your case will be effective when delivered personally or upon actual receipt (by you, your parent/guardian) by certified mail.
The notice of final action by the Board must be delivered personally or by certified mail to you and your parents or guardian *refer to Nebraska School law, Chapter 79, Sections 4, 170-4, 205)
