South Sioux City
Middle School Parent & Student Handbook 0405
TABLE OF CONTENTS Revised 2004
Intent of Handbook
Mission Statement
School Goals
Time Schedule
Arrival and Departure
Messages
Telephone
Visitors
Persons Coming for Children
Absence/Tardy Times
Report Cards/Conferences
Closing of School/Late
Start
Field Trips
Lockers
Lost and Found
Fire Drills
Breakfast/Lunch Program
Withdrawals
Child Custody
Volunteers
Bicycles, Skateboards,
Scooters & Roller Blades
Health Policies
Insurance
Protective Clothing for Bad
Weather
Dress Code
Search and Seizure
Bus Payments
Bus Rules and Regulations
Damages to School Property
School Rules
Expectations
Drug Free School
Registration
Special Education
Gun Free School
Threats of Violence
Police Interview
Student Support Policy
Nebraska Department of
Education Complaint Procedure
Waiver Policy
State and Federal
Requirements
Supplements
Asbestos Notification
Assessment
Computer Use Policy
School Fees
INTENT
OF HANDBOOK
This handbook is intended to be used by students, parents and staff as a
guide to the rules, regulations, and general information about the South Sioux
City Middle School. Each student is
responsible for becoming familiar with the handbook and knowing the information
contained in it. Parents are encouraged
to use this handbook as a resource and to assist their child in following the
rules contained in this handbook.
Although the information found in this handbook is detailed and specific on many topics, the handbook is not intended to be all encompassing so as to cover every situation and circumstance that may arise during any school day, or school year. This handbook does not create a “contract.” The administration reserves the right to make decisions and make rule revisions at any time to implement the educational program and to assure the well being of all students. The administration will be responsible for interpreting the rules contained in the handbook. Should a situation or circumstance arise that is not specifically covered in this handbook, the administration will make a decision based upon all applicable school district policies, and state and federal statutes and regulations.
MISSION
STATEMENT
Getting the right results by doing the right things for all students. It is the mission of the South Sioux City Community School District to provide all students with a safe educational environment that recognizes their ability to learn, encourages personal growth, is judged by its outcomes, and is a cooperative venture between home, school and community.
SCHOOL GOALS
1. To foster and
develop self-esteem, confidence and responsibility in each child.
2. To develop
effective, positive communication and cooperation throughout the school
community and use the community as a
learning resource.
3. To provide quality learning opportunities
for each child across the curriculum.
4. To provide a safe, caring environment for
all.
successfully and productively in our
community.
TIME SCHEDULE
Convene Dismiss
Grades 6-7-8 8:20A.M. 3:15 P.M.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Children should be sent to school so that they arrive as close to
entrance time as possible. For children
participating in the Breakfast Program, breakfast is served at 7:45 A.M. If children do not participate in the
Breakfast Program, they should not be on the school grounds before 8:00 A.M. No supervision will be provided until that time.
All children are expected
to start home immediately after school is dismissed unless asked by a teacher
to stay. They may not wait for other
children who are detained in the school.
MESSAGES
Parents are urged to call if there is a problem or a matter of urgency
in which the school staff may be of assistance. However, it will be appreciated if routine matters are taken care
of before your child comes to school.
If it is necessary to talk to your child’s teacher, please call during
the 30 minutes before or after school.
During school hours teachers are responsible for classrooms and are
seldom available for calls except during “Team Plan”.
8th Grade – Apollo – 9:50-10:31
7th Grade – Challenger – 9:05-9:46
Endeavour – 12:50-1:31
6th Grade – Gemini – 10:30-11:16
Atlantis – 8:20-9:01
The telephone in
the office is for business and emergency calls only. Students are expected to use the telephone provided in the
northeast hallway only after school.
Phone calls are 35 cents. Plans
for rides home from special activities should be made in advance to avoid
unnecessary phone calls.
VISITORS
Adult visitors are
welcome at school. All visitors should
enter through the front doors and report to the office. For your child’s safety, other doors may be
locked.
PERSONS COMING
FOR CHILDREN
We require that the school be notified if anyone other than parents or legal guardians pick up a child during school hours. Parents should impress upon their children the need for caution in offers of help, rides, etc. coming from strangers.
Tardy – a student who enters the building after the start of his/her regular
school day is to report to the office before going to class. Tardies between classes will be handled by
the individual teacher. Tardies may
result in an appropriate intervention as per the student Support Policy.
Attendance – School attendance is important in order to allow children to learn. Merely making up homework does not adequately compensate for what has been missed during the class presentation. The give and take between teacher and student, as well as student discussion, are essential parts of the class. Therefore, student attendance will be reviewed periodically and students whose attendance appears to be causing them academic problems may be subject to intervention as outlined in the Student Support Policy. Please avoid unnecessary appointments during the school hours. In the event that an appointment is scheduled during the day, please inform the office as to the time you will be picking up your child and an approximate time when the child will be returning. Please pick your child up at the office. Do not ask to have your child wait at the door or to walk home.
When a students is absent, the school is to informed
by 9:30 a.m. If the school has not been informed by the
parent within three days of the absence, the student will be assigned to Friday
Night School. Students who know in
advance that they are going to be absent should have their parents call the
school or send written notification at least two (2) days in advance for a
pre-excused make-up slip. Regular
attendance is valued and will be rewarded.
Rewards will be determined and communicated to students at the beginning
of the school year.
Make-up Work – Students will make up class work missed due
to absences according to the following procedures:
1.
Pre-excused
absences – when possible assigned work shall be completed and submitted to the
appropriate teacher(s) or arrangements made for its completion prior to the
impending absences.
2.
Regular
absences (not prearranged) – unless special arrangements are made with the
teacher(s), students will have one day for make-up work for each day absent
plus one additional day (e.g. two days absent-three school days for make-up
work).
3.
Unexcused absences (truancy or
suspension)-students will be required to complete make-up work for unexcused
absences. Credit will be awarded at
teacher’s discretion.
TRUANCY -
Truancy is defined as a student’s absence for two or more periods
without justifiable cause as determined by school officials. Any student who leaves the building without
permission from the office will be considered truant and will be assigned to a
Friday Night School. Repeated truancy
will result in an appropriate intervention as indicated by the Student Support
Policy.
REPORT CARDS - PARENT/TEACHER
CONFERENCES
Report cards for
Grades 6-8 are issued at the end of each six weeks. Parent/Teacher Conferences are held at the end of the first and
fourth six week periods of school. Parents
are invited to come to school for a conference with their child's
teachers. Academic progress, social
adjustment and general well-being will be discussed.
In general, grades
are determined by the students ability to do the work, by the amount of work
done, by the quality of the work, its neatness, completeness, promptness and by
class participation. The grading system
is as follows;
A – 94-100
B – 86-93
C – 78-85
D – 70-77
F – Below
70
INC –
Incomplete
If you feel your child is having a problem with schoolwork at any time,
please arrange a meeting with the teacher or teachers by calling during their
“Team Plan” time.
CLOSING OF SCHOOL OR LATE
START
Occasionally, it
may be necessary to close school or have a late start because of weather, for
furnace or water problems, etc. In this
event it would be well for you to plan with your child what to do in an
emergency of this type.
As soon as a
decision is made to cancel school or have a late start due to weather
condition, it will be announced on the Sioux City radio and/or television
stations.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are part of the child's learning experience and are part of
the school curriculum. They are planned
and supervised by the classroom teachers.
A permission slip must be signed by the parent at the beginning the year
or at registration to allow the child to participate. Students may be required to bring money or food for field trip
lunches and similar activities. Field
trips are an extension of the school program and all school rules apply.
Lockers
Upon receiving
their lockers, students need to immediately check their lockers for damage and
report any damage to the office.
Students will be financially responsible for damage to their lockers. Please follow the regulations given below:
1.
OPENING
THEM: Turn “dial” more than 2
revolutions to the right and stop at the 1st number. Turn the “dial” to the left going passed the
2nd number and than stop on the 2nd number. Turn the “dial” to the right just until you
reach the 3rd number. Stop
and open your locker door.
Work the combination slowly and carefully. You must stop exactly on the correct numbers. Wiggling the “dial” backward or forward
cancels out the numbers you’ve already stopped at and you will have to start
all over.
2.
Use only the
locker assigned to you.
3. Never go in another student’s locker.
4.
Keep your
locker neat and orderly.
5.
Always close
your locker door and keep it locked.
6.
Keep valuables
with you, not in the locker.
7.
Do not write
on the inside or outside of your locker.
8.
Memorize your
combination. Do not share this
information with anyone.
Lost and Found
Lost and found
items are to be turned into the office.
Items not claimed by June 1st will be given to welfare
agencies.
FIRE
DRILLS
During the course
of the fire drill, students are to follow the directions of staff members and
evacuate the building in a quiet and orderly manner. Appropriate evacuation routes are posted in every classroom. In the event of a severe weather alert, you
will need to follow the directions that are given to you by the classroom
teacher. The alert will be announced
over the public address system.
BREAKFAST/LUNCH PROGRAM
Breakfast is
offered at our Middle School. Breakfast
tickets for 5 or 20 days may be purchased.
Hot lunches are
served at our Middle School. Lunch tickets for 5 or 20 meals may be
purchased. Payments should be paid to
the cashier on Mondays. Extra milk may
also be purchased.
Some parents may
qualify to receive free or reduced price breakfast/lunch tickets for their
children. If you believe you are
eligible for this assistance, please complete and return the application
form. A free/reduced breakfast/lunch
application form will be sent home with every child on the first day of school.
In accordance with
Federal law and U.W. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is
prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, age or disability.
To file a complaint
of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W,
Whitten Building,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964
(voice and TDD). USDA is an equal
opportunity provider and employer.
Children who bring
lunches must eat in the area provided at school. Students may not leave the school grounds at noon without
permission from the office.
Students are also
responsible for the cost of food, beverages, and personal or consumable items
which the students purchase from the District or at school, whether from a
“school store,” a vending machine, a booster club or parent group sale, a book
order club, or the like.
WITHDRAWALS
The school should
be notified by the parent in advance of withdrawal stating where the parents
are moving and the address of the new school, if possible.
Your child's
records and report card will be sent to the new school upon request from that
Principal's office. A Withdrawal Form indicating a general statement about the
child's classroom performance will be sent with the records. Please return all books and school materials
prior to moving.
CHILD CUSTODY
In most cases, when parents are divorced, both parents retain parental
rights.
If you have a Court
Order that limits the rights of one parent in matters such as custody or
visitation, please bring a copy to the office.
Unless your Court Order is on file with us, we must provide the rights
that the law allows to parents concerning records, visitation and information
about the child.
VOLUNTEERS
We encourage and
welcome parent volunteers to help in the classroom, library and office. Some of the ways you can help would be to
listen to children read, duplicate papers, shelve library books, hold flash
card drills, and help with typing. If
you are interested in helping on a volunteer basis, please notify the school
office.
BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS,
SCOOTERS & ROLLERBLADES
Children riding bicycles to school must park them immediately upon
arrival at school in the bike racks provided on the school grounds.
Skateboards, scooters, and roller blades are not permitted at school due to
safety concerns and a lack of storage space.
HEALTH POLICIES
MEDICINE AT
SCHOOL
To assist us in
providing the best care for your child, the following is our policy on
administering medications at school:
The term
"medication" includes any substance for use in the diagnosis, cure,
treatment or prevention of human disease which includes aspirin, vitamins,
cough drops, and any other non-prescription drugs.
1. All
medications will only be administered upon a SIGNED REQUEST OF THE PARENT OR
GUARDIAN stating the student's name. the dates to be
administered, and the amount of each dosage. Parents must fill out and sign a medication form allowing the
school to dispense the medication to their child. A medication form has to be filled out each time a child brings
new medication to school.
2. All
medication must be in the original containers.
Do not send medication in a baggy or envelope.
3. Any
medication which can be taken at home and still get in the required number of
doses per day should not be sent to school.
4. All
medications should be brought to the school office immediately upon arrival.
5. Medication
is kept only in the office and is dispensed only there.
MINOR ILLNESSES
In the event a child becomes ill at school, he/she will be monitored
until the parent can be contacted. No
child is ever sent home alone when
ill unless a parent is contacted.
In case of a
serious accident or medical emergency, it is the policy of the South Sioux City
Schools to have the school administer any necessary first aid. Every possible effort is made to contact the
parents to find out what their wishes are in this matter. If a parent cannot be contacted, the school
assumes the right to call 911 to administer emergency treatment. The school does not assume financial
obligations.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
The State of
Nebraska Law requires a physical examination by a qualified physician within
six months prior to the entrance of a child into the seventh grade or in the
case of a transfer from out-of-state to any other grade of the local
school. However, any parent who does
not want their child to have a physical examination may sign a statement
refusing a physical examination for their child. EITHER A DOCTOR'S REPORT OR A
PARENT SIGNED WAIVER MUST BE PROVIDED TO THE SCHOOL BEFORE THE CHILD CAN
ENROLL.
INSURANCE
A
school insurance policy is again available for your child this year. Student Assurance Services Incorporated is
the company that will be providing the insurance for students. Information will be sent home early the
first week of school. If you wish to
enroll your child, please detach and keep the policy, enclose the premium in
the envelope and return it to school.
These must be returned by the specified due date. Please make checks payable to the insurance
company.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
FOR BAD WEATHER
Children are
expected to stay outdoors before and after school when the weather is
favorable. Therefore, we suggest warm
caps, jackets, and mittens as well as some type of protective footwear for the
following reasons:
1. A
child can be very uncomfortable in the classroom sitting with wet or damp
shoes.
2. Tennis
shoes do not afford enough protection in cold, snowy or wet weather.
3. A child is more apt to catch cold and runs a
greater chance for illness when the feet are cold or damp for a long period of
time.
DRESS CODE
Clothing judged by
school personnel to be inappropriate is not allowed. Students are asked to be clean, neat and dressed in good
taste. Students are prohibited from
wearing clothing advertising or promoting items illegal for use by minors
including, but not limited to alcohol and tobacco. Students will not be allowed to wear clothing that displays
obscenity, profanity, vulgarity, double-meanings, racial or sexual slurs,
derogatory remarks and clothing specific to gang involvement or any references
to prohibited conduct.
Examples of
inappropriate clothing would be halter tops, tank tops, bare midriff tops,
pants that don’t fit around the waist and items of underwear worn as
outerwear. Shorts should be of
reasonable length. No cut-offs, hems
need to be sewed or cuffed. No bike or
boxer shorts. Only one pair of shorts
at a time. Bandannas are not
permitted. Coats or jackets cannot be
worn without permission. Clothes with
holes, slashes or cuts cannot be worn.
The school has the legal
right and obligation to search student property and person when there is
reasonable cause to believe a student is in possession of an object or substance
in violation of school policy. Such
material will be seized.
BUS PAYMENTS
Bus service is a
contracted service. Monthly, semester
or yearly payments may be made. Please
contact your child's school for further information.
SCHOOL BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. The
driver is in charge of the pupils and the bus.
Pupils must obey the driver promptly and cheerfully.
2. Pupils must be on time.
The bus cannot wait beyond its regular schedule for those who are tardy.
3. Pupils should never stand in the roadway
while waiting for the bus.
4. No smoking or eating on the bus at any time.
5. Unnecessary conversation with the driver is
prohibited.
6. Classroom conduct is to be observed by pupils while riding in the
bus, except for ordinary conversation.
No "horseplay" permitted.
7. Pupils must not at any time extend arms or
head out of bus windows.
8. Pupils must not try to get off the bus, or
move about within the bus while it is in motion.
9. Pupils must observe instructions from driver
when leaving bus.
10. Any damage to a bus by a
student must be paid for by the student responsible for the damage.
11. The driver will not
discharge riders at places other than the regular bus stop near the home, or at
school, unless by proper authorization from parent, the superintendent or
principal of the school.
NOTE: Failure to follow these regulations may result
in suspension from school bus transportation.
DAMAGES
TO SCHOOL PROPERTY
Students and their
parents or guardian will be held responsible for damages to school property
caused or aided by the student and will also be held responsible for the
reasonable replacement cost of school property which is placed in the care of
and lost by the student.
SCHOOL RULES
The staff, children and parents believe that children need to learn and
grow in a safe, just and cooperative environment. They believe that living within society’s behavioral framework is
an important life experience, which will influence their development toward
becoming responsible citizens. Children
must learn to take responsibility for their actions, and parents in our school
are important co-teachers of this. To
assist children's development, the South Sioux City Community Schools expect
each child to:
1. Behave
responsibly and safely.
2. Respect
one's own and others property.
3. Listen,
obey, and respect all school staff members.
(Insubordination – is defined
as a refusal to obey a school rule, regulation or request of a teacher or
school official. The situation will
dictate the degree of action as outlined by the Student Support Policy).
4. Tell
the truth.
5. Care
for others as well as oneself.
6. Only
use appropriate and acceptable language.
If children choose not to obey these rules, then the school will
impose consequences according to the seriousness of the problem, in order to
help the child learn to take responsibility.
A. Teacher will stop the
child and counsel him/her.
B. If the action is repeated, then the
teacher will further counsel and impose an appropriate penalty.
C. If a further problem occurs, the Principal involved, will
contact the parents and impose further
sanctions.
If the teacher judges there is a serious problem, the Principal and/or
the parents will be immediately contacted.
STUDENT
CONDUCT
The primary purpose
of discipline in the educational environment must be education and not
punishment. Each person administering
discipline must make discipline a part of the educational process. Good discipline originates in the home
because the parent is the first teacher of the child, and it is the parents’
obligation, by teaching and by example, to develop in their children good
habits of behavior as well as proper attitudes toward school. The home and school must work together
toward the ultimate goal of educating a child to become a mature person capable
of self-control. The South Sioux city
Community School District expects parents and guardians of students to
recognize their responsibilities and to cooperate with the school in
implementing effective discipline.
Areas where Discipline Control is to be exercised:
1.
While on school
property.
2.
While on or in school
owned, leased or chartered vehicles.
3.
While engaged in or
attending a school related, sponsored or approved activity.
4.
While away from the
school grounds if the conduct of pupils directly affects the good order,
efficiency, management or welfare of the school.
Drug free
school
Alcohol and Drugs
Students who are
disciplined under this policy and are involved in extracurricular activities
will have additional penalties under the extracurricular policy.
I. Students who sell or distribute alcohol,
counterfeit drugs, controlled substances or other illegal drugs on school
property, including school buildings, grounds, athletic fields, school
transportation vehicles, or at an school activity, home or away, shall be
subject to disciplinary action as follows:
First offense and all subsequent offenses:
A.
Student shall be
reported to the local police authorities.
B. Student shall receive a chemical use assessment by an
approved agency.
C.
Student shall be
excluded and referred to the Hearing Panel for review and disciplinary
action. Disciplinary action shall
include a recommendation for expulsion or, if a need is identified, completion
of a treatment program as a condition of reinstatement.
II.
Students who use or
have possession of alcohol, counterfeit drugs, controlled substances or other
illegal drugs, or students who show evidence of having consumed alcohol,
controlled substances or other illegal drugs prior to school or a school
activity or on school property, including school buildings, grounds, athletic
fields, school transportation vehicles, or at any school activity, home or
away, shall be subject to disciplinary action as follows: First
offense:
A. The school administrator will notify by telephone
and/or in written form the following persons:
1.
Parents/guardians
2.
Police Liaison Officer
3.
Superintendent of
Schools
B. There must be a conference between the student, a
parent/guardian, and a school administrator before the student is readmitted to
classes.
C. The student shall be suspended (in-school or
out-of-school as determined by school officials) for five days.
D. The student must successfully complete a school
insight class. Failure to complete the
insight class will result in the student being referred to the Hearing Panel
for review and disciplinary action.
Second
Offense:
A.
The school
administrator will notify by telephone and/or in written form the same people
as stated in the First Offense.
B. There will be conference between the student,
parent/guardian, and a school administrator.
C. The student will be informed that he/she is required
to receive a chemical use assessment by an approved agency within five school
days and, upon receipt of a report of assessment, that he/she will be referred
to a hearing panel for determination of discipline.
D. If the assessment indicates no need for treatment,
the student will be assigned a minimum of five days suspension (in-school or
out-of-school as determined by school officials) and complete 20 hours of
school/community service within a specified time (as determined by school
officials). If the assessment indicates
a need for treatment, the student will be assigned a minimum of five days
suspension (in-school or out-of-school as determined by school officials),
along with the condition that he/she must be enrolled and regularly attend a
treatment program at the discretion of the hearing panel.
E. Failure to comply with any of the above provisions
will result in a recommendation for expulsion.
Third
Offense;
A. The school administrator will notify by telephone
and/or in written form the same people as in the previous settings.
B. Expulsion will be recommended. Any recommendation for expulsion will be
handled by the policy for expulsion, including all due process provisions.
TOBACCO
Smoking or
possession of tobacco on school property, including school buildings, grounds
and athletic fields, on school transportation vehicles, or at any school
activity, home or away, is subject to appropriate action as outlined in the
Student Support Policy. The situation
will determine the degree of action taken.
GANG AND/OR GANG ACTIVITY OR DRESS
No person shall be
involved with gang activity including but not limited to the following:
1. Dress as
identified by the South Sioux City Community Schools as gang-related apparel is
not
allowed.
2. Writing gang graffiti, possessing items
containing gang graffiti, possessing pagers, beepers or
display of gang hand signs are an
indication of gang involvement and are not allowed.
Any violation of
these rules will result in an appropriate intervention as indicated by the
Student Support Policy.
REGISTRATION
The registration
forms should be filled out in detail prior to the child attending classes and,
in particular, parents should give PHONE NUMBERS or places of employment of
parents or persons the school may call if parents cannot be reached by phone. If during the year the parent changes
employment, address or phone number, the school office should be informed.
The South Sioux
City School District offers a comprehensive spectrum of special programs. Students receive services in a least restrictive
environment, as determined by the IEP team.
If you have any questions regarding special education, please call the
Special Services Office.
GUN FREE
SCHOOLS
Federal, state and
local law requires that a student be expelled for a period of one calendar year
for possession of a gun on school property subject only to due process and any
other existing law.
THREATS OF
VIOLENCE
Any student who
fights or makes threats of violence toward another student, group of students,
or the school in general will be subject to severe disciplinary action. In the case of physical assault, legal
actions may be taken.
Students are not to
bring items that could potentially be perceived as threatening to another
individual. Possessing a weapon,
dangerous instrument , or imitation there of, will result in an intervention at
the most serious level of the Student Support Policy.
Law enforcement or
juvenile officers will not be allowed to interview students at school during
the school day without first receiving authorization from parents. The building principal may grant exceptions
to the above to school police liaison officer investigating a situation,
probation officers who desire to meet with students who are already on
probation and/or representatives of Social Services.
STUDENT SUPPORT POLICY
It is the intend of
the South Sioux City Schools to provide all students with the necessary
instructional and/or behavioral support to successfully complete their
educational goals. For the educational
process to function as efficiently as possible and for individual students to
achieve their maximum potential, students must be in class regularly and should
contribute to a positive classroom environment. Students are expected to attend school everyday that school is in
session unless ill or specific arrangements have been made with the principal
in advance. Students are also expected
to abide by school rules and regulations and not create disturbances which will
detract from the learning environment or overall school climate, in the
classroom, building or at school sponsored activities.
Building principals
and assistant principals will be charged with the responsibility of determining
appropriate interventions for students not meeting the expectations of the school
in terms of attendance, academic performance and/or behavior. Students must understand that the
consequence for behavior will be based on their previous disciplinary
record. Students demonstrating poor
academic performance (below ability level), excessive school absences, or
involvement in minor behavioral incidents beyond those that can be handled or
corrected by the classroom teacher, will be assigned a
Level 1
intervention.
Level 1 Intervention will be selected from the following (may be
more than one or combination thereof):
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