“A National School to Watch”€¦ · Dave Shaffer, Principal Stephanie McLaughlin, Bookkeeper...

“A National School to Watch”

2015-2016

Student Agenda

Student and Parent Handbook

46240 Algonkian Parkway

Sterling, VA 20165

Tel – (571) 434-3220

Absentee Call-In Line – (571) 434-3222

www.lcps.org/rbms

** Cover designed by 8th grader Kasey Moseley. **

Property of:______________________________________ Grade:_________

Address:________________________________________________________

Phone #: _______________________________________________________

In case of an emergency, please notify:

Name:________________________________ Phone #:__________________

http://www.lcps.org/rbms

Table of Contents

Class Schedule Page 2

Contact Information & School Hours Page 3

Mission (RBM & LCPS) & PBIS Page 4

PBIS Matrix Page 5

School Calendar Page 6

Bell Schedule Page 7

Middle School Program Page 8

Instructional Information & Guidance Pages 9-10

General Information Page 10

Attendance Page 11

Health & Safety Page 12-13

Student Policies & Procedures Pages 13-14

Student Discipline & Consequences Pages 15-16

Helpful Hints & What If’s Page 16

Class Schedule

A Day Block Subject Teacher Room

1

2

3

4

B Day Block Subject Teacher Room

5

6

7

8

AM Bus Number: ______________ Locker Number: ______________

PM Bus Number: ______________ H/PE Locker: _________________

Main Line - (571) 434-3220

24/7 Absentee Call-In Line - (571) 434-3222

Clinic - (571) 434-3223

Administrative Team Main Office Staff

Dave Shaffer, Principal Stephanie McLaughlin, Bookkeeper

Eric Fritz, Assistant Principal Gwen Pride, Secretary

Mary Beth Woodford, Assistant Principal Sue Engelmann, Secretary

Melissa Dober, 6th Grade Dean Paula Bailey, Nurse

Brian Tompkins, 7th Grade Dean Kim Curl, Parent Liaison

Debbie Agunsday, 8th Grade Dean Sarah Conlin, Spec. Ed. Chair

6th Grade House - (571) 434-3226

Veronica Williams, Counselor

Robin Byrd, Secretary

7th Grade House - (571) 434-3227

Sherri Robinson, Counselor

Truus Foard, Secretary

8th Grade House - (571) 434-3228

Janae Gwizdala, Counselor

Julie Bahun, Secretary

School Hours

8:00 a.m. Building will open for students

8:30 a.m. – 3:18 p.m. Regular school hours

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Main office hours (Monday, Tuesday, Friday)

8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Main office hours (Wednesday, Thursday)

4:18 p.m. Activity bell

8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Non-school day hours (i.e., summer hours, teacher workdays)

** There will be activity buses on Wednesdays and Thursdays. **

RIVER BEND MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION AND VALUES STATEMENT

River Bend Middle School is a learner-centered environment designed to meet the needs of a diverse

student body. Individual differences are valued through the appreciation and acceptance of each person's

unique strengths. River Bend Middle School promotes high expectations in a challenging, safe, and

supportive environment. Staff members use best practices to promote and involve students as both

learners and teachers. Student and staff accomplishments are encouraged and celebrated. Students'

best interests are taken into account when making decisions. The River Bend school community is based

on core values that include responsibility, commitment, integrity, and accountability. These core values

are key components in guiding students to become active citizens in a global society. This is achieved by

ensuring an atmosphere in which risk-taking is encouraged in a way that is built on mutual respect,

teamwork, consensus, and open dialogue. River Bend Middle School strives to create a welcoming

atmosphere for students, staff, parents, and community members, which engenders a sense of belonging

and a joy of learning.

SCHOOL BOARD MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Loudoun County Public Schools is to work closely with students, families, and the

community to provide a superior education, safe schools, and a climate for success. The educational

programs of Loudoun County Public Schools will strive to meet or exceed federal, state, and local

requirements for assessment of achievement and to promote intellectual growth, individual initiative,

mutual respect, and personal responsibility for productive citizenship.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support

River Bend Middle School is dedicated to creating a positive climate with a research-based

approach to discipline called Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support. PBIS is an

approach for teaching adolescent children appropriate behavior and providing the supports

necessary to sustain that behavior. The goal of PBIS is to reduce challenging student behavior

through a proactive, positive, and consistent manner across all school settings and to improve

academic achievement and social competence. Our three core character traits in our PBIS

framework are “Ravens are Respectful, Responsible, and Ready.” Common practices and

language are used school-wide to maintain consistency and sustainability. Throughout the year,

all students will be able to earn “Ravens” to spend at the Raven Store and attend the quarterly

Raven Rally.

RIVER BEND MIDDLE SCHOOL PBIS TEACHING MATRIX

“Ravens – Respectful, Ready, & Responsible”

Definition

Cafeteria Locker Bay Hallway Bus

EX

PE

CT

AT

ION

S

Respectful

Treat others

as you want

to be

treated.

- Walk to

and from

cafeteria

quietly

- Use

appropriate

language

and volume

- Use

appropriate

language and

volume

- Keep hands,

feet, and

objects to self

- Hands and

feet to self

- Quiet,

appropriate

language

- Keep

hands, feet

and objects

to self

- Use

appropriate

language

and volume

Ready

Always be

on time and

ready to

learn.

- Use

assigned

route to the

cafeteria

- Be ready to

re-focus

when

returning to

classroom

- Get

materials

quickly to be

on time

- Keep

moving, be

on time

- Walk, keep

moving

Responsible

Make good

decisions

and care for

others.

- Raise hand

to get out of

seat

- Clean up

after

yourself

- Keep area

clean

- Walk

- All

electronics

are off and

put away

- Go directly

to bus after

dismissal

2015-2016 SCHOOL CALENDAR

August 31 First Day of School September 7 Holiday (Labor Day) October 12 Holiday (Columbus Day) October 30 End of the Grading Period November 2-3 Student Holidays (Planning/Records/Conference Days) November 25-27 Holiday (Thanksgiving) December 21-January 1 Winter Break (Classes Resume January 4) January 18 Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) January 28 End of Grading Period January 29 Moveable Student Holiday* February 15 Holiday (Presidents’ Day) March 21-25 Holiday (Spring Break) April 14 End of Grading Period April 15 Student Holiday (Planning/Records/Conference Day) May 30 Holiday (Memorial Day) June 14 Last Day of School/End of Grading Period

*NOTE: Parents with childcare or other weekday scheduling concerns – The date of this MOVEABLE

Planning/Records/Conference Day between first and second semesters may change, if the school

calendar changes due to school closings for inclement weather or other emergencies. Parents with

childcare or other scheduling concerns should be prepared.

Please refer to the River Bend Website (www.lcps.org/rbms) for a comprehensive list of all

school events throughout the year.

http://www.lcps.org/rbms

Regular Bell Schedule 8:18 Warning Bell – students dismissed to their lockers 8:30 – 10:03 1A / 5B Block 9:15 Resource Change

10:08 – 11:37 2A / 6B Block 10:51 Resource Change



4:18 Activity Bell

Lunch Schedule 11:44 – 12:14 Lunch A 12:27 – 12:57 Lunch B 1:10 – 1:40 Lunch C

EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL

It is necessary to close schools occasionally because of snow, ice, or emergency conditions. When

conditions require schools to be closed for the day or to open late, announcements will be made over

local radio, TV stations, disseminated through a LCPS automated phone announcement (Connect ED)

calling system, and posted on LCPS’s web site at www.lcps.org. When conditions require students to be

dismissed early, announcements will be made over local stations and posted on the web site to notify

parents in advance of the time students will be released.

One Hour Delay Two Hour Delay Raven Rally

9:18 Warning Bell 10:18 Warning Bell 8:18 Warning Bell

9:30-10:47 1A/5B Block 10:30-11:25 1A/5B Block 8:30-9:47 1A/5B Block




4:18 Activity Bell 4:18 Activity Bell 2:23-3:18 Raven Rally

4:18 Activity Bell

Lunch Schedule Lunch Schedule Lunch Schedule

12:16-12:46 Lunch A 12:32-1:02 Lunch A 11:12-11:42 Lunch A

12:52-1:22 Lunch B 1:09-1:39 Lunch B 11:50-12:20 Lunch B

1:28-1:58 Lunch C 1:46-2:16 Lunch C 12:28-12:58 Lunch C

THE MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Association of Middle Level Education (AMLE) defines the “purpose and functions of the exemplary

middle schools” as those which “center on the intellectual, social, emotional, moral, and physical

developmental needs of young adolescents.” The River Bend Middle School staff seeks to provide a safe

and superior learning environment for its 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.

The building is designed so that there are three sub-schools called “houses.” Each grade level is

assigned to an academic house where the students attend the bulk of their academic classes. Other

educational areas in the school include: unified arts (technology education, family & consumer science

and art), music (choral or instrumental), and health & physical education.

The organization of the day is designed in blocks of time. The block schedule offers tremendous flexibility.

Students receive eight ninety-minute blocks of instruction within a two-day rotation (four per day). A

resource period is provided as an accommodation for pullout programs and remediation.

6th Grade Course Selection

1. English 6 (meets every day) 2. Mathematics: Mathematics 6 or Accelerated Mathematics 6/7 3. Science 4. U.S. History to 1865 5. Health and Physical Education 6 6. Resource 6 or Spectrum 6 and Music Elective – Music Lab, Chorus, Band, Strings (45 minute

classes) 7. Keyboarding 6 and Art 6 (semester classes)


1. English 7 2. Mathematics 7 or Algebra I 3. Life Science 4. U.S. History 1865 to the Present 5. Health and Physical Education 7 6. Resource 7 or Spectrum 7 and Fine Arts Elective – Art, Chorus, Band, Strings, Guitar (45 minute

classes) 7. World Languages and Cultures – French I, German I, Latin I, Spanish I, Spanish for Fluent

Speakers I, Communication Studies, or Accelerating Literacy 8. Technology Education 7 and Family and Consumer Science 7 (semester classes)


1. English 8 2. Mathematics 8, Algebra I, or Geometry 3. Physical Science 4. Civics and Economics 5. Health and Physical Education 8 6. Resource 8 (elective of Spectrum 8 for qualified students – 45 minutes) 7. Two Elective Courses: Art 8, Teen Living 8, Manufacturing 8, World Languages and Cultures –

French I or II, German I or II, Latin I or II, Spanish I or II, Spanish for Fluent Speakers I or II, Chorus, Band, Strings, Guitar II

Please refer to the Program of Studies for specific requirements and curriculum offerings. It can

be found on the Loudoun County Public School website (www.lcps.org).

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONAL INFORMATION

LEVEL OF CLASSES – Students in 7th and 8th grade may select a combination of academic and/or honors classes in language arts/English, science, and social science. All sixth graders will be enrolled in honors classes in language arts, science, and social science. All students will select a math class based on student readiness. Both academic and honors classes build on skills and knowledge taught previously and require independent, academic efforts outside school. SPECIAL EDUCATION – In compliance with state and federal regulations, special education services are available for all students identified with a qualifying disability. SPECTRUM – The SPECTRUM program is designed to meet the needs of middle school students who have been formally identified as generally intellectually gifted. SPECTRUM is offered as an elective for identified students. ELL – The English Language Learners (ELL) program is designed to introduce the English language and culture of the English speaking world to non or limited English-speaking students. The objectives of the program are to help each student attain proficiency in the English language with an emphasis on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The ultimate goal is to enable students to succeed in the mainstream classroom.

GRADING AND GUIDANCE

REPORTING PUPIL PROGRESS – At the end of each quarter, a report card is issued. Reporting symbols and their numerical values are: A+ 98-100 C+ 77-79 A 93-97 C 73-76 A- 90-92 C- 70-72 B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69 B 83-86 D 63-66 B- 80-82 D- 60-62 F 50-59

The alphabetical designation is used on the report card. The quarter grades are a composite of all evaluations and assessments made during the grading period. Semester examinations are given to any student enrolled in a high school credit class (Algebra 1, Geometry, or any foreign language course). The examination counts as one-fifth of the semester grade. Semester grades are given to any student enrolled in a high school credit class. The semester grades are determined by combining the two nine-week grades and the semester examination. Final grades are given to all students. For high school credit classes, it is determined by averaging the two semester grades. For all other classes, it is determined by averaging the quarter grades. WITHDRAWAL OR TRANSFER – In the event it is necessary to withdraw or transfer a student, the parent/guardian must contact the guidance counselor. Parents/guardians must notify the school in writing and must also complete the necessary withdrawal forms. EARLY SEMESTER/FINAL EXAMS AND EXAM MAKE-UPS – Early or late semester/final exams will not be approved except in the case of a bona fide emergency. Please refer to the Loudoun County Public Schools calendar when planning family trips or vacations to minimize student absences. COUNSELORS – Guidance counselors are available to help, advise, and encourage students with educational and maturational issues. Guidance counselors assist in the educational development of students through academic planning, which begins in middle school and includes course selection,

transition to high school, and design of a program of studies for high school. The counselors monitor student academic progress throughout the school year and assist students with personal/social issues. Classroom guidance is conducted throughout the year by the guidance counselors. Topics include bullying prevention, study skills, conflict mediation, peer relations, and career planning. CONFERENCES – Your child’s teacher should always be the first point of contact concerning academic matters. To obtain information or schedule a conference with an individual teacher, please contact the teacher directly. Conferences with multiple teachers or teams should be scheduled through the guidance counselor. Conferences will be scheduled from 7:30 a.m., during the teacher’s planning, or afterschool. Conferences will not be scheduled between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. PROMOTION GUIDELINES – A student must pass a minimum of three of the four basic academic courses (language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science) to be promoted from grade six to seven and from grade seven to eight. To be promoted from grade eight to nine, a student must pass the equivalent of four two-semester courses. Three of the courses must be from the required academic courses: English, mathematics, science, and social studies. One of the courses must be health and physical education, any year-long elective course, or two semesters of elective courses.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ACTIVITY BUSES – Activity buses will be available on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Activity level bus service is a regional service only and is not intended to be the equivalent of regular school to home service. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to familiarize themselves with their child's activity bus stop location. FOOD SERVICES – River Bend currently offers school breakfast for $2.10 daily. A la carte breakfast items are also offered, prices vary. Breakfast is served daily from 8:00-8:20 am. Students are not allowed to purchase items for other students. The price of the school lunch is established annually by the School Board and is currently $3.10. Students are strongly encouraged to establish a lunch account. Money may be deposited in this account before school each morning in the cafeteria or online at www.pay4lunch.com. Students are not allowed to charge meals if there is no money in their accounts. Milk is provided with the plate lunch. A la carte items will be available to students, offering a selection of hot and cold sandwiches, yogurt, fruit and desserts – prices vary. If a student brings lunch from home, he/she may purchase milk. Free meals are available to those students who qualify. Applications are available in the main office.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA) – River Bend Middle School’s PTA holds regular meetings and seeks membership from parents and teachers. Parental involvement in the school is vital to its success. Further information is available on the school website.

SCHOOL PICTURES – Generally in the fall and spring, individual student pictures are taken and made available to parents for purchase. This is a school fund-raising activity and a service to parents. YEARBOOK – Although the yearbook is published in the spring, copies are ordered and reserved in the fall.

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance in school is necessary to obtain the benefits of a free, public education. The General Assembly of Virginia has recognized the importance of regular attendance by enacting a compulsory school attendance law for persons of school age. It also provides penalties for students who are truant, for guardians who do not compel their children to attend school, and for those who employ or harbor absent students. Students have a responsibility to attend all scheduled classes and other assigned activities unless excused by the principal. Appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken against students who skip class or school. ABSENCES – Absence from school for any period of time adversely impacts learning. Students who are absent are required to make up work missed regardless of the reason for the absence. Parents are requested to call the school’s 24-hour absentee line at (571) 434-3222 and indicate that their child will be absent for the day. In the event that telephone contact has not been made, a student must report to the house office upon return with a note signed by the parent or guardian containing the students’ full name, reason for absence, date of absence, and the signature of a parent or guardian. In the event of an extended absence (more than two days), arrangements to pick-up missed work can be made with the house office secretary. EXCUSED ABSENCES – There are circumstances that may prevent a student’s attendance in school. Such absences, when justifiable, are classified as excused absences for which there is no penalty. Examples of excused absences include: (1) personal illness, (2) death in the family, (3) medical or dental appointments, (4) court appearances, and (5) religious holidays The principal or assistant principal may excuse students who are absent for any of the following areas: (1) illness in the immediate family which requires the student to be absent, (2) emergencies, and (3) trips or activities which enhance or extend education. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES – All other absences may be classified as unexcused and may result in disciplinary action. WORK MISSED DUE TO ABSENCE – Whenever a student is absent, regardless of the reason, a reasonable amount of time consistent with the length of the absence, will be given to make up work missed. Upon return from an absence, the student must take the initiative to make-up the work. Teachers will provide assignments and tests that must be made up and work with the student to develop a completion timeline. LATE ARRIVAL – A student who arrives at school after the official start of the day (8:30 a.m.) must report to the main office. A parent or guardian must accompany his/her child to the main office for official check in. After leaving the main office, students are required to sign in at the house office.

TARDIES – Students are expected to arrive for class on time. Students will receive disciplinary consequences for excessive unexcused tardiness. EARLY DISMISSALS – Students are never to leave the school building or grounds without official written permission. Students may be officially released to their parents during the school day for one of the reasons given for excused absences. A parent or guardian must sign their child out in the main office. Early dismissals after 3:00 p.m. will only be allowed in the case of an emergency.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

CLINIC AND SCHOOL NURSE – The school has a registered nurse on duty each day from 8:00 a.m. -3:18 p.m. She is available for administering first aid and prescribed medication. If a student becomes ill, he/she should request permission from the classroom teacher to see the nurse. If it appears that a student is unable to return to class, parents will be notified and the student sent home. MEDICATION – The parents of students who require oral medication are requested to administer such medication at home, if possible. If students must take medication while at school, parents should supply the medication and written instructions from the attending physician stating dosage, type of medication, and how it is to be administered. Parents must personally present the medication to the school. This includes over the counter medications including cough drops. All medication must be kept in the clinic. The nurse will administer the medication according to the directions of the physician. Students may not transport medication to school. EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS – The proper procedures to be followed in the event the building must be evacuated are thoroughly discussed by teachers during the first week of school. An emergency evacuation drill for the building is held each month during the school year. Bus drivers review the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency. Evacuation drills for school buses are held twice a year. A tornado drill is held once a year. In the event of an emergency necessitating the evacuation of River Bend Middle School for an extended period of time, school buses will be brought to the site for shelter. Students will be assembled at a designated spot and released to parents. EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL – In Loudoun County, it is occasionally necessary to close schools because of inclement weather. When conditions require schools to be closed for the entire day, open late, or close early, announcements are made over local radio, TV stations, and via ConnectED. Please do not call the school. It is essential that the telephone line be kept available for emergency calls. VISITORS – All visitors must show identification and report to the main office to sign in and receive a Visitor’s Pass to wear. All persons except registered and enrolled students and employees of River Bend Middle School are classified as visitors. Students may not bring friends from other schools to attend classes. STUDENT TELEPHONE CALLS – Students are not called from class to answer a telephone call unless an emergency exists. The main office phones are for official business only. Students wishing to make a phone call must obtain permission from their house secretary and use a phone in the house office. CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBERS – It is critical that the main office be notified if a student’s address or phone number changes during the school year. USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CURRICULUM – The Internet and digital devices are used as an instructional tool. An acceptable use policy/agreement is published and distributed to students and parents. Before a student is granted access, he/she must sign and return the Acceptable Use Agreement. TRANSPORTATION – The privilege of transportation to and from school is extended to most students of River Bend Middle School. While on the school bus, students are under the direct supervision of the bus driver. During the first week of school, proper procedures to be followed when riding on the bus are reviewed. Essentially, students are expected to remain seated, keep head and hands inside the bus, and conduct themselves in a manner that does not disturb the driver or endanger the safety of others. Inappropriate behavior may result in the loss of transportation privileges. Students are not permitted to ride a different bus without permission from the office. Permission will only be granted following a written request from the parent or guardian. A bus pass will be issued by the house secretary.

BICYCLES – Students are encouraged to take the bus to school. However, for those who choose to ride a bicycle, there are a few guidelines to observe. Protective equipment such as a helmet must be worn, and each student is responsible for his or her own security. Racks are conveniently located on the side of the building, but locks are not provided. Additionally, in order to avoid contact with automobiles, bicycles must remain on the path at all times. Failure to abide by these safety regulations may result in the denial of bicycle privileges. SKATEBOARDS – Students are not permitted to ride skateboards on school property. Students who violate this rule may be subject to disciplinary action. DISMISSAL PROCEDURE – All students will be dismissed at 3:18. Students remaining for afterschool activities are to report directly to their extracurricular activity. PARKING AND PARENT LOADING/UNLOADING OF STUDENTS – Adjacent to the parking lot is a lane to be used by parents loading and unloading students. Please follow the ravens painted on the pavement. To insure student safety, you may not drop students off in the parking lot. The driveway in front of the building is reserved for school buses and must remain free of automobile traffic. A few parking spaces located near the front of the building are designed for short-time visitors such as parents picking up students for early dismissal and the handicapped. All other visitors should use the main parking lot.

STUDENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

BACKPACKS – Backpacks of any size or description must remain in the lockers during the school day. CAFETERIA – Although this is a social time, students are expected to remain seated during lunch and conduct themselves in an acceptable manner. When traveling to and from lunch, students are expected to remain respectful of other classes that are in session. Teachers escorting their classes and those who are on duty assignment will monitor and enforce this expectation. While in the cafeteria, students should raise their hands in order to receive permission to leave their seats and wait to be dismissed by a staff member. All food and drinks must be consumed in the cafeteria. Students are responsible for disposing of their own trash and for the cleanliness of their seating area. CHEWING GUM/CANDY – Gum and candy are either permitted or prohibited at the teacher’s discretion. At no time should gum or candy be a disruption to the educational environment. Due to the numerous food allergies at each school, LCPS guidelines suggest that food not be used as rewards in the classroom. DISTRIBUTION OF NON-SCHOOL RELATED MATERIALS – All non-teacher issued materials (leaflets, flyers, newspapers, magazines, and posters) must be approved for distribution or display by the administration. DRESS CODE – Pursuant to School Board Policy §8-33, “All students are expected to dress appropriately for a K-12 educational environment. Any clothing that interferes with or disrupts the educational environment is unacceptable. Clothing with language or images that are vulgar, lewd, discriminatory, or obscene, or clothing that promotes illegal or violent conduct, the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia, or clothing that contains threats is prohibited. Clothing should fit, be neat and clean, and conform to standards of safety, good taste, and decency. Clothing that exposes cleavage, private parts, the midriff, or undergarments, or that is otherwise sexually provocative is prohibited. Examples of prohibited clothing include, but are not limited to: shorts that do not extend beyond the thumb-line (approximately a 4 inch inseam), tights, leggings, yoga pants, sagging or low-cut pants, low-cut necklines that show cleavage, tube tops, halter tops, backless blouses or blouses

with only ties in the back, hats, studded belts, chain belts, clothing constructed of see-through materials, and head coverings unless required for religious or medical purposes. Parents or guardians of students requiring accommodation for religious beliefs, disabilities, or other good causes should contact the principal. Students not complying with this code will be asked to cover the non-complying clothing, or change clothes. Repeated infractions will result in disciplinary action.” HALL PASSES – Any student excused from a class must have a hall pass or agenda signed by a staff member. LOCKERS – Gym and house area lockers are provided as a convenience to the student, but they remain the exclusive property of the school. They are provided for the express purpose of storing books, clothes, lunches, and other materials during the school day. Defacing the locker (inside or outside) by writing, scratching, or the pasting of stickers/pictures may result in a loss of locker privileges. Lockers should be closed and secured at all times. The principal may enter any student locker when reasonable suspicion exists that illegal contraband is hidden inside. Locker problems should be reported to the counselor or physical education teacher. Locker combinations are not to be shared with friends. LOST AND FOUND – Found items should be given to a secretary, teacher, or other staff member. Lost items may be located in each house area, house office, cafeteria, and gym office. Label all personal items with the name of the owner to increase the chance of lost items being returned. PHYSICAL EDUCATION – Students are expected to have a change of clothing and participate in physical education. Appropriate PE attire includes shorts or sweatpants, t-shirt, socks, and sneakers. As a service to our school community, LCPS purchases shorts and t-shirts with the LCPS logo that may be purchased through the PE department. The cost for the total PE uniform is $8.75 ($2.75 – shirt and $6.00 – shorts). PREPARATION FOR CLASS – Students must be prepared for each class. Although some classes have special requirements, generally students are required to have textbooks, binder/folder, agenda, paper, pencil, pen, and/or homework. REMAINING AFTER SCHOOL FOR AN ACTIVITY – Students are to leave the school grounds immediately after school is dismissed. House areas close promptly at 3:25 p.m. except for students who are in school-sanctioned activities or accompanied by a school staff member/adult. Students will not be permitted to re-enter the building without parental supervision. Students who are absent from school are not eligible to participate in any “after-hours” activity that day. RESTROOMS – Students should try to use the restroom during the change of classes. If students need to go to the restroom during a class period, they must obtain a pass from the teacher. Students are expected to return to class promptly. It is important that students help maintain clean restrooms and properly dispose of personal items and trash. TEXTBOOKS – Textbooks are issued to each student without charge. Each student is responsible for the care and maintenance of those books. At the end of the year, books will be checked and students will be charged accordingly for excessive damage or lost books. Students are encouraged to use book covers and required to write their name on the inside cover of each textbook. Covers with adhesive backing may not be used on textbooks.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE ALCOHOL/DRUGS – Students shall not possess, distribute, use, or be under the influence of alcohol/drugs on school property, on school buses, or during any school-sponsored activity at any time. AUTHORITY OF TEACHERS – The authority of teachers over students shall exist throughout the school day and during sanctioned activities held on or off school grounds. Each teacher enforces school rules and establishes rules and procedures specific to his/her classroom. They are consistent with the procedures outlined in this publication and are thoroughly discussed during the first week of school. Students are expected to abide by them throughout the year. BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS – As representatives of River Bend Middle School and their families, students are to behave politely, courteously, and safely at all times during the school day and at functions before or after regular school hours. BULLYING – Actions or comments belittling any other person based on race, religion, sexual orientation, physical appearance, abilities, or any other personal trait are not tolerated. DISHONESTY IN ASSIGNED WORK – Students are expected to do their own work on all assessments, papers, projects, and other work assigned. Violations of this policy will result in the student receiving a zero as well as disciplinary action. DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION – Holding hands, hugging, kissing, etc. are inappropriate in a school setting. DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR – Any physical or verbal disturbance, which interferes with instruction or with the orderly conduct of school activities, is prohibited. ELECTRONIC DEVICES – Electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, iPods, etc. may only be used during the school day for instructional purposes at the discretion of each classroom teacher. The use of electronic devices in the cafeteria, locker area, hallways, and restrooms is prohibited during the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 3:18 p.m. Laser pens are not permitted in school at any time. The school is not responsible for any devices that are lost or stolen. FIGHTING – Students who provoke or participate in a fight, whether verbal or physical, are subject to disciplinary action not to exclude suspension from school. Students are expected to seek the support of an adult (dean, counselor, administrator, teacher, etc.) rather than retaliate if provoked. GANG-TYPE ACTIVITIES – Any gang-type activity, such as harassing or intimidating is prohibited. HALL BEHAVIOR – Students are expected to walk in an orderly fashion in the hall. Shoving, running, disorderly, or any other unsafe or disrespectful conduct is not appropriate. TOBACCO – Possession or use of tobacco products is a violation of school board policy and will result in disciplinary action that may include suspension from school. VANDALISM – Any student who is found defacing or destroying school and/or other’s property may be subject to disciplinary action and liable for damages. WEAPONS – The use or possession of any weapon or explosive device on school property constitutes grounds for suspension, which may include long-term suspension or expulsion.

DISCIPLINE CONSEQUENCES

LUNCH DETENTION – For infractions of school rules, a student may be assigned to lunch detention. The student will eat quietly in an assigned and monitored room. Failure to report for assigned detention or failure to follow detention guidelines may result in further disciplinary action.

AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION – For infractions of school rules, a student may be detained beyond the regular school hours as a means of discipline. The principal or his designee will make those assignments. Parents will be notified in advance of the reason for detention and of their responsibility to provide necessary transportation. Detention meets from 3:25 p.m. to 4:18 p.m. Failure to report for assigned detention or failure to follow detention guidelines will result in further disciplinary action. HALLWAY RESTRICTION – For infractions of school rules, a student may be assigned to hallway restriction. The student will remain in the house office during class changes and then will be escorted to his/her next block class. Failure to report or failure to follow hallway restriction guidelines may result in further disciplinary action. TEMPORARY REMOVAL FROM CLASS – For infractions of school rules, a student may be temporarily removed from a specific class. The student will be given work to complete provided by his/her teacher. Failure to report or failure to follow guidelines may result in further disciplinary action. IN-SCHOOL RESTRICTION – In-School Restriction is one of the most serious sanctions available to school authorities. It is the temporary assignment of a student to a special room within the school for disciplinary purposes and is predicated on the notion of peer separation. Initially, students may be asked to complete remedial work. Then they will be expected to complete regular assignments provided by the student’s teachers. A teacher assistant supervises the program and reports directly to the principal or his designee. Failure to meet any of the requirements of In-School Restriction may result in an extension of confinement or suspension from school. FRIDAY SCHOOL – For infractions of school rules, a student may be detained beyond the regular school hours as a means of discipline. The principal or his designee will make those assignments. Parents will be notified in advance of the reason for Friday School and of their responsibility to provide necessary transportation. Friday School meets from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Failure to report or failure to follow guidelines may result in further disciplinary action. SUSPENSION – Suspension from school is recognized to be a serious form of punishment that may have grave consequences for the student. School administrators must maintain a school environment that protects the rights and safety of all students and school personnel. A student may be suspended by the principal or his designee for behavior which interferes with the education of others, prevents the orderly operation of the school, threatens any individual’s physical well-being, or knowingly violates a rule for which the penalty is suspension. Prior to a student returning to school from a suspension, a parent meeting will be required with members from the administrative team.

HELPFUL HINTS AND WHAT IF’S

You discover you have inadvertently brought an illegal item to school – do not show anyone and see

a member of the administrative team immediately to avoid serious disciplinary action. (Safe Harbor)

You are unable to participate in PE – present a medical excuse to the nurse before school begins

A teacher keeps you after class and it causes you to be late to the next class – ask the teacher for a pass and present it to the teacher of your next class.

You have difficulty with friends or peers – see your guidance counselor or other staff member

You observe damaged equipment or destruction of school property – report the damage to your house secretary.

You want to ride another bus to a friend’s house – obtain a bus pass by presenting a note from your parents to the house secretary before school begins. Students are not permitted to write another bus without a signed bus pass from the school.

You are absent or forget a homework assignment – go to your teacher’s webpage on the River Bend Middle School’s website.

You can keep track of your grade progress by periodically logging onto the Phoenix gradebook.

You have a strong disagreement/difficulty during class – follow the teacher’s direction but arrange to speak with him/her privately after class.

“A National School to Watch”€¦ · Dave Shaffer, Principal Stephanie McLaughlin, Bookkeeper...

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Transcript of “A National School to Watch”€¦ · Dave Shaffer, Principal Stephanie McLaughlin, Bookkeeper...