Crocker Middle School Student Handbookcontent.hcsd.k12.ca.us/2015handbook.pdf · All 6th graders...

CROCKER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Student Handbook 2015-2016

ACADEMIC PROGRAM AND ORGANIZATION

6th Grade Program

All 6th graders will start school with 1st period. Each 6th h grader will benefit from an executive functioning skills class taught during the elective portion of the schedule. The curriculum will focus on the skills that develop sound habits of organization and short and long term planning. All 6th graders will take English, math, and social studies daily. Science, P.E., Spanish or Mandarin, and the students’ elective choice will all alternate on a blue and gold day rotation.

7th and 8th Grade Program

All 7th and 8th graders have the option of taking an A period, a class that meets every other day before 1st period. In taking advantage of an A period offering, students can have one more elective in their schedule. 7th and 8th graders will also take English, math, and social studies every day. Science, P.E., Spanish or Mandarin, and the students’ elective choice(s) will all alternate on a blue and gold day rotation.

Daily Schedule and Time Allotment

Each day, a student will attend five periods. A student’s 1st period class, or homeroom, will be 70 minutes. Each period thereafter will be 65 minutes. Recess each day will be for 15 minutes, and the lunch period is 35 minutes. On assembly days each period will be 55 minutes. Periods are 40 minutes on minimum days. The homeroom class period will be five minutes longer on those special schedule days.

Grades and Report Card Codes

Crocker uses a conventional A, B, C, D, and F grading system. The letters can be interpreted as follows:

A = Outstanding achievement B = Above average achievement C = Average achievement: Student is working to the limit of his/her ability.

D = Below average achievement: Student is showing reasonable effort but is achieving below the average of other Crocker students.

F = Well below average achievement: Student is making little or no effort. NM = No mark: Attendance is insufficient for grading. I = Incomplete: Assigned work not completed/make-up work is not turned in. Crocker also scores students in two affective characteristic categories: Personal Conduct and Work Habits. In each category, students are given a score from four to one. The numbers are to be interpreted as follows:

4= Consistently 2= Sometimes 3= Frequently 1= Rarely Honors At the end of each year, students who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.71, which is 70 points, for all three trimesters, will be recognized with “Honors.” Grading Period, Progress Checks, Report Cards, and Homework

During the school year, students and parents have the opportunity to view all classes through Power School. Students and parents are given a log-in name and password to access student information. Assignments and grades will be posted and updated in all classes as frequently as possible. There will be progress checks throughout the year when grades and comments will be up-to-date, and the information will reflect the most recent progress. Parents and students will be notified in advance of those checks. Paper progress reports may be sent out on an as-needed basis for students who display deficiencies. Examples include, but are not limited to, missing or incomplete work or academic performance at the D or F level. Report cards are issued three times per year, at the end of each trimester. There are designated conference days on the school calendar, but conferences can be requested by the teacher or parent/guardian at any time throughout the year. Homework is an integral part of the school program in the Hillsborough City School District. It can serve the following purposes: 1. Provide essential practice in needed skills 2. Afford the opportunity for increasing self-direction 3. Enrich and extend school experience 4. Provide an experience for developing good study habits The time to be spent on assigned homework is determined by the following factors: 1. Ability of a learner 2. Maturity of a learner 3. Effectiveness of study time use 4. Nature of subject matter In 6th grade daily assignments should require approximately one to one-and-a-half hours of homework. 7th and 8th graders should experience approximately one-and-a-half to two hours of daily homework. Projects and required reading may extend this

time. Regular weekend assignments should be minimal. Weekend time may be used by students in completing long range assignments such as papers, reports, and supplementary reading. Students should be encouraged to follow up on their own initiative. Homework assignments may be requested by students and parents on the second day of an illness. If a student is going to be out two or more days for a planned absence, he or she must make arrangements to obtain a Homework Request form from the office one week in advance of the absence. Passing Required Courses/ Incompletes In order to be promoted, Crocker students are expected to complete required assignments and receive passing grades each academic year in the following courses: English, mathematics, social studies, science, Spanish or Mandarin, and physical education. Determining whether a student passes a given course is a result of averaging the trimester grades received during an academic year. Students who receive an incomplete in a given course are expected to make up the necessary assignments by the end of the first progress report of the following trimester. Otherwise, they will receive a failing grade for the incomplete trimester. An incomplete mark received in June must be made up either prior to graduation if the student is in 8th grade. 6th and 7th graders must make up the incomplete mark prior to placement in the succeeding grade level of the subject for which the incomplete has been issued. Students may be given incompletes due to factors such as illness, other excused absence, or learning handicaps. Grade Changes

Under California Education Code law, only a student’s teacher can change a grade. School administrators do not have authority to change a grade. An appeal to change a grade must go through the teacher. GRADING POLICIES Grade Distribution All classes will use the following grade scale:

94-100% = A 73-76% = C 90-93% = A- 70-72% = C- 87-89% = B+ 67-69% = D+ 83-86% = B 63-66% = D 80-82% = B- 60-62% = D- 77-79% = C+ 59% and

below = F

Please note: Student grades will not be rounded. For example, if a student has an 89.6%, the grade will be a B+. Absentee Work To ensure the desired outcomes of a lesson’s objective, absentee work needs to be submitted in a timely manner. Due dates for missed work will extend out the same number of class periods the student is absent. For example, if a student misses two consecutive math periods, that student has two math class periods to make up the work after the last absence. The work is due on the third class period from the last absence. If a student misses two consecutive class periods of science or any other class that meets every other day, the student still has two class periods from that last absence for that class to complete the outstanding assignment. The work is due the third class period from the last absence. Exceptional circumstances may warrant extensions at the teacher’s discretion. Shadowing Absentee Work (8th Graders only) When a student shadows at a high school, the student’s work is due immediately upon return, which includes all assignments and assessments. Zero as a Place Holder When a student has not submitted an assignment or taken an assessment on the scheduled date, the teacher will place a zero in the grade book for that assignment or assessment until the work is completed and scored. Weighting Grades Each department has set the following weights for each grade level:

English 6th Grade 7th Grade - Writing 30% - Writing 40% - Reading 20% - Reading 40%

- Vocabulary 15% - Vocab/Grammar/Spelling 20% - Grammar 15% - Spelling 10% 8th Grade - Listening/Speaking 5% - Writing/ Projects 50% - Homework 5% - Reading Quizzes 30% - Vocabulary/Grammar 20%

Mathematics 6th, 7th, and 8th Grades - Assessments 70% - Homework, Notebooks, Classwork, Projects, and Problem Solving 30% Physical Education 6th, 7th, and 8th Grades - Fitness and Health Assessment Skills 35% - Psychological and Sociological Concepts 30% - Motor Skills and Movement Patterns 20% - Fitness and Health Concepts/Strategies 15% Science 6th and 7th Grades 8th Grade - Assessments 50% - Assessments 40% - Projects and Labs 30% - Projects and Labs 40% - Homework 20% - Homework 20% Social Studies 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade - Assessments 50% - Assessments 60% - Assessments 70% - Coursework 50% - Coursework 40% - Coursework 30%

Spanish 6th, 7th, and 8th Grades Advanced Spanish - Tests 30% - Tests and Quizzes 45% - Quizzes 30% - Projects 45% - Projects 20% - Homework 10% - Classwork/Homework 20%

Retakes and Revisions

English 6th Grade: Revisions: Revisions on writing assignments may raise the original grade up to 75%. Retakes: Retakes up to 75% are allowed on certain assessments.

7th Grade:

Revisions: Revisions on writing assignments, with teacher conference, may raise the original grade up to 75%. Revisions on assessments are not allowed.

Retakes: Retakes on assessments are not allowed. 8th Grade:

Revisions: Revisions on writing assignments will count for a separate project grade. Revisions on assessments are not allowed.

Retakes: Retakes on assessments are not allowed.

Mathematics

Revisions: Revisions are required on assessments and scored out of 5 points as a separate assignment. Retakes: In 6th grade only, retake opportunities are allowed. A retake is available for a student when he or she receives lower than 75% on the original test. The one-time retake test opportunity will be a different, but comparable test. The student may earn up to 75% on the retake test. Only students who have completed acceptable revisions are eligible for retakes.

Physical Education

Revisions: Revisions are not offered for out-of-class assignments in order to improve student grades. However, if a student is not satisfied with his/her grade on any fitness activity, he/she will have the opportunity to re-attempt the activity to achieve better marks. Retakes: Retakes are not offered for cognitive exams in order to improve student grades. However, each student is encouraged to make the effort to learn missed content as material builds on prior knowledge.

Science

Revisions: All students in all grades will complete revisions on their quizzes. These will be checked over by the teacher; however, no additional points will be given for the revisions. All students in all grades will complete revisions on their tests. These will be checked over by a teacher, and scored as a homework assignment. Retakes: In 6th grade only, retake opportunities are allowed. A retake is available for a student when he or she receives lower than 75% on the original test. The one-time retake test opportunity will be a different, but comparable test. The retake will be provided once a student has completed his or her test revisions and had the revisions checked by his or her teacher. The retake will be offered on a specific day and time. The student may earn up to 75% on the retake test.

Social Studies

Revisions: Students receiving 75% or lower on a test will be required to make revisions. Revisions will not change a student's test grade. Retakes- In 6th grade only, retake opportunities are allowed. A retake is available for a student when he or she receives lower than 75% on the original test. The one time retake opportunity will be a different, but comparable test, except when the test requires a writing component (for example, a paragraph or essay question), in which case the student may be required to respond to the same question. The student may earn up to 75% on the retake test.

Spanish

Revisions: At each teacher’s discretion, students may be allowed to revise certain projects. Revisions on tests will count as a separate grade.

Retakes: There are no retake opportunities in Spanish class. Extra Credit and Bonus Opportunities Extra Credit Extra credit is defined as a teacher assigned, independent assignment that extends a student’s learning. Extra credit may be offered in 8th grade English and 6th through 8th grade science only.

In 8th grade English, extra credit may be offered to the entire grade at the discretion of the department. Extra credit will not be offered at the request of the student. In 6th through 8th grade science, there is an opportunity for one extra credit assignment per trimester up to 3 points for each task. The assignment must be pre-approved. A due date will be assigned each trimester. Credit will be applied to a student’s project/lab grade. Bonus Opportunities Bonus opportunities are defined as tasks that deepen a student’s thinking and widen application of the course content. Earned points are attached to a particular test, assignment, or project. Bonus opportunities are offered at the discretion of the teacher. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Student Council Officers Student Council officers include a president (8th grader), vice president (8th grader), secretary, and treasurer. Candidates for these offices must submit a candidacy form which includes faculty approval. Following campaigning, approved candidates deliver a speech outlining their platform for the forthcoming year. Speeches are approved by the Crocker leadership teacher and are delivered before the entire student body at an election assembly. Voting occurs after the assembly. Absentee votes are included in the vote count. A simple majority will determine the winners. Other leadership positions include: commissioners, advisory representatives, and community service representatives. Eligibility Requirements Students who wish to run for Student Council must meet the following requirements: 1. Complete the candidacy forms and obtain the required approval signatures 2. Receive no grade below a C in any subject during the last trimester

3. Receive no more than three detentions or one suspension during the current school year 4. Receive no grade below a C or no more than three detentions or a suspension while in office

Responsibilities of Officers President: 1. Leads Student Council meetings 2. Relays information to the principal 3. Works with the parent group

4. Organizes Student Council activities Vice President: 1. Leads Student Council meeting when president is absent 2. Writes minutes when secretary is absent 3. Confers with the president and the principal 4. Assumes leadership of committees when directed by the president Secretary: 1. Writes minutes 2. Takes roll call 3. Confers with the president and the principal/assistant principal Treasurer: 1. Keeps an updated record on the financial condition of Student Council 2. Authorizes Student Council expenditures 3. Confers with the president and the principal/assistant principal Athletic Commissioner: 1. Assists in after-school sports programs 2. Confers with the president and the principal/assistant principal

Green Commissioner: 1. Promotes campus clean-up, recycling, and composting 2. Confers with the president and the principal/assistant principal Spirit Commissioner:

1. Plans, organizes, carries-out, and evaluates school-wide events that enhance the spirit of the student body 2. Forms a committee at the beginning of the school year to help plan spirit activities

Student Activities Commissioner:

1. Assists the assistant principal in developing an assemblies program for the school year 2. Announces at all assemblies and serves as the master/mistress of ceremonies for the annual talent show 3. Assists the school counselor and assistant principal in planning and coordinating extracurricular student activities.

Election of Class Officers Class officers will be elected by the end of the third week of school. Candidates for class offices must submit a candidacy application which includes faculty approval. Eligibility requirements are the same as for the student body offices. Each class will hold an assembly for speeches. At the end of the assembly, the students will vote for their candidates, as supervised by the class advisors. A simple majority will determine the winners. Class presidents will also serve as representatives to the School Site Council. Student Council Representatives Each advisory elects a representative and an alternate to the Student Council. BEHAVIOR STANDARDS Crocker students and teachers agree that the following general rules will be present in all classes and in all activities:

1. No put-downs will be tolerated. 2. Confidentiality will be respected. 3. Students will attentively listen to one another.

4. A student’s “right to pass” is respected, but students are expected to participate in class discussions.

Crocker's General School Rules 1. Students will follow directions. 2. Students will keep the campus clean.

3. Students will not call each other names, use vulgar language or gestures, and/or fight.

4. Students will not damage the school or another person's property. 5. Students will be punctual and prepared. A period and 1st period tardies must report to the office.

6. Students will wear school-appropriate clothes (See Dress Code). 7. Students will not chew gum or spit.

8. Students will respect each other and adults. 9. Put-downs are unacceptable. 10. Cheating in any manner is not acceptable. (See Cheating Policy).

11. Cellular phones or other communication devices must be turned off and put away. (See cell phone policy)

Cafeteria/Eating Rules

1. Students will clean up after themselves and put all trash into proper garbage, recycling, or compost bins.

2. Students will not take other people’s lunches. 3. Students will finish lunch in designated areas and stay there until the lunch recess bell rings.

4. Students will not throw food and/or garbage. 5. Students may eat lunches or snacks in the cafeteria, in the picnic table area, or courtyard. Students may not eat on the blacktop, on the grassy field behind the gym, or in the upper corridors.

6. Students are not permitted to leave the school property for lunch. 7. Students are not to congregate in front of the MPR.

8. Students may not meet parents in the parking lot or elsewhere on campus to retrieve belongings or food.

Hallway Rules

1. Students will walk, not run, in halls and on stairways. 2. Students may congregate in all corridors before school, except in front of the office.

3. Students may not congregate in the MPR before school. 4. Students may congregate in front of and inside the MPR during morning recess and in the classroom corridors where seating is available.

5. Students will not play on the stairways or in the corridors. Yard Rules 1. Students will keep hands and feet to themselves.

2. Students will play and stay on the blacktop, courtyard area, and lower corridor. Students may not congregate in the upper corridors, parking lots, driveways, or areas in front of and behind the gym.

3. Students will respect the playing area of others. 4. Students will check out and return equipment. 5. All games will be open. 6. Students should report concerns to one of the adults on duty. 7. Contact sports are not allowed. 8. Wall ball is not permitted against the building. Bullying Crocker recognizes the harmful effects of bullying on student learning and school attendance and desires to provide safe school environments that protect students from

physical and emotional harm. Crocker employees shall establish student safety as a high priority and shall not tolerate bullying of any student. No student or group of students shall, through physical, written, verbal, or other means, harass, sexually harass, threaten, intimidate, cyberbully, cause bodily injury to, or commit hate violence against any other student or school personnel. Cyberbullying includes the transmission of harassing communications, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, or images on the Internet, social media, or other technologies using a telephone, computer, or any wireless communication device. Cyberbullying also includes breaking into another person's electronic account and assuming that person's identity in order to damage that person's reputation. Complaints and Investigation Students may submit to a teacher or administrator a verbal or written complaint of conduct they consider to be bullying. When the circumstances involve cyberbullying, individuals with information about the activity shall be encouraged to save and print any electronic or digital messages sent to them that they feel constitute cyberbullying and to notify a teacher, the principal, or other employee so that the matter may be investigated. Consequences Any student who engages in bullying on school premises or off campus in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, a substantial disruption of a school activity or school attendance, shall be subject to discipline, which may include suspension or expulsion, in accordance with district policies and regulations. Cheating/ Plagiarism

Because our primary responsibility is to promote learning, cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. A student who cheats does not learn, and as such, cheating and plagiarism are acts that violate one’s academic integrity. Each student is responsible for doing his or her own work. Cheating is when a student misleads, deceives, or acts dishonestly on purpose. Cheating includes:

1) Possessing another student’s assignment(s), project(s), or assessment(s) in order to copy the document(s) for his or her own use

2) Allowing another student to copy assignments or assessments 3) Copying another student’s work and/or assignments

4) Using or possessing cheat sheets or notes where they are not allowed during an exam, test, quiz, or any other classroom assessment .

5) Talking or communicating verbally or nonverbally with other students during exams, tests, quizzes or other assessments 6) Plagiarizing/copying another person’s written work and pretending to have written the work

7) Making copies of another student’s work or assignments 8) Using electronic sources (e.g. the Internet) to obtain information that results in plagiarism or the use of uncited materials and/or information not generated by the student.

9) Forging another person’s signature Consequences for Cheating/Plagiarism The student’s teacher reserves the right to determine the penalty on the exam, test, quiz, assignment, or project. For the first offense, the student’s school consequence will be no less than a Tier Two consequence (see below). For second offenses, the violation may result in stronger consequences up to and including a recommendation for suspension. Disciplinary Consequences Tier One: The behavior warrants an in-school detention (35 minutes). The child will complete a detention think sheet reflecting on his or her behavior. Tier Two: A second detention has the child serving an in-school detention and a community service/campus beautification consequence. Community Service/Campus Beautification Except when suspension or expulsion is required by law, the administrator, at his/her discretion, may require a student to perform community service. Such service may include, but is not limited to, outdoor beautification, campus betterment, and teacher or peer assistance programs. (Education Code 48900.6) Tier Three: A third detention has the child serving an in-school detention and a community service/campus beautification consequence as well as a one hour after-school Wednesday detention from 3:20- 4:20. Tier Four: A fourth detention has the child serving an in-school detention, a community service/campus beautification consequence, and a one hour after-school detention. This tier also results in the loss of school privileges for no less than 30 days (possible activities are class events, class competition, dances, intramurals, after school sports, etc.) Tier Five: A fifth detention will result in an in-house all-day detention where the student will not go to any of his or her classes, but will remain at school. The child will

also serve a one hour after-school detention. The student will also have the loss of school privileges for no less than 30 days (possible activities are class events, class competition, dances, intramurals, after school sports, etc.) Third Trimester Rules for 8th Graders Although disciplinary actions could result in loss of promotion privileges at any time during the school year, specific rules will apply for 8th graders during the 3rd trimester. Violation of these rules will result in the loss of the privilege to participate in promotion activities, such as the Great America trip, the memory video and 8th grade lunch, or the graduation dance. The accumulation of three points during the third trimester will result in losing an activity. The accumulation of four points will also result in the loss of an additional graduation activity. The accumulation of five points will result in the loss of the privilege of attending all activities. Points are earned in the following ways: - Detention = 1 point - Suspension of 1-2 school days = 3 points - In-House all-day detention = 2 points - Suspension of 3 or more days = 4 points Washington, D.C. Trip Expectations The D.C. trip requires all students to have shown a consistent demonstration of personal responsibility throughout their 8th grade year. Suspensions Suspension is defined as “Removal of a pupil from ongoing classroom instruction for adjustment purposes” (Education Code 48925[d]). Students suspended from school are restricted from school activities (e.g. school dances, athletic teams) for 30 school days. Repeat offenders will be subject to additional sanctions. Grounds for Suspension or Expulsion (Education Code 48900) A student shall not be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion unless the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the student is enrolled determines that the student has:

A. (1) Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person (mutual combat, etc.). A. (2) Willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self-defense. B. Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished a firearm, knife, explosive, or any other dangerous object

C. Possessed, used, furnished, or been under the influence of any controlled substance or alcohol D. Sold, offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled substance or alcohol or something represented as such

E. Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion F. Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property (e.g. arson, vandalism, and graffiti)

G. Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property H. Possessed or used tobacco or any products containing tobacco or nicotine I. Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity J. Possessed, offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia

K. Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of school officials

L. Knowingly received stolen school property or private property M. Possessed an imitation firearm substantially similar to a real firearm N. Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault or committed a sexual

battery O. Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a student witness

P. Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the prescription drug Soma

Q. Engaged in, or attempted to engage in, hazing R. Engaged in an act of bullying R. (1) “Bullying” means any severe act or pervasive physical or verbal act or

conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, and including one or more acts committed by a pupil or group of pupils directed toward one or more pupils that has or can reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

(A) Placing a reasonable pupil or pupils in fear of harm to that pupil’s or those pupils’ person or property (B) Causing a reasonable pupil to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his or her physical or mental health. (C) Causing a reasonable pupil to experience substantial interference with his or her academic performance (D) Causing a reasonable pupil to experience substantial interference with his or her ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or privileges provided by the school.

R(2)(A) “Electronic act” means the creation and transmission originated on or off the school site, by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone or other wireless communication device, computer or pager, of a communication, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

i. A message, text sound, or image

ii. A post on a social network internet web site including but not limited to: I. Posting to or creating a “burn page”

II. Creating a credible impersonation of another actual pupil without his or her consent for the purpose of bullying a pupil and such that another pupil would reasonably believe, or has reasonably believed, that the pupil was or is the pupil who was impersonated.

III. Creating a false profile for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in Paragraph 1. “False profile” means a profile of a fictitious pupil or a profile using the likeness and attributes of an actual pupil other than the pupil who created the “false profile.”

S. A pupil shall not be suspended or expelled for any of the acts enumerated in this section unless that act is related to school activity or school attendance:

1. While on school grounds 2. While going to or coming from school

3. During the lunch period (whether on or off campus) 4. During or while going to or coming from a school-sponsored activity

T. Aided or abetted the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person.

1. Committed sexual harassment. 2. Caused or attempted to cause or participate in hate violence. 3. Created an intimidating or hostile environment by engaging in harassment, threats, or intimidation. 4. Made terrorist threats against school personnel or property.

Consequences Ed. Code Violation 48900 (a) to (t) MINIMUM CORRECTION MAXIMUM

CORRECTION (a) (1) Caused, Attempted, or Threatened to Cause Physical Injury to Another Person

2 day suspension Possible Police notification Possible Parent conference

3 - 5 day suspension Police notified Parent conference Restitution Possible expulsion

(a) (2) Willfully Used Force or Violence Upon the Person of Another Except in Self- Defense.

2 - 3 day suspension Possible Police notification Possible Parent conference

4-5 day suspension Police notification Parent conference

(b) Possessed, Sold or Furnished Any Firearm, Knife, Explosive or Dangerous Object

5 day suspension Police notification Parent conference Possible expulsion

5 day suspension Police notification Parent conference Possible expulsion

(c) Possessed, Used, Furnished, or Been Under the Influence of Any Controlled Substance or Alcohol

3 day suspension Possible Police notification Parent conference

4- 5 day suspension Police notification Parent conference Possible expulsion

(d) Sold, Offered, Arranged or Negotiated to Sell Any Controlled Substance or Alcohol or Something represented as Such

3 day suspension Police notification Parent conference


(e) Committed or Attempted to Commit 3 day suspension 4- 5 day suspension

Robbery or Extortion

Possible Police notification Parent conference

Police notification Parent conference Possible expulsion

(f) Caused or Attempted to Cause Damage to School Property or private property

1-3 day suspension Restitution Possible Police notification

5 day suspension Restitution Police Notification Parent Conference Possible Expulsion

(g) Stolen or Attempted to Steal School Property or private property

1- 3 day suspension Restitution

4- 5 day suspension Restitution Police Notification Parent conference Possible expulsion

(h) Possessed or Used Tobacco, or Any Products Containing Tobacco or Nicotine

1-3 day suspension Parent conference

4-5 day suspension Parent notification

(i) Committed an Obscene Act or Engaged in Habitual Profanity or Vulgarity

1-3 day suspension Parent conference

4- 5 day suspension Parent conference

* (j) Possessed, Offered, Arranged, Negotiated To Sell Any Drug Paraphernalia



(k) Disrupted School Activities or Willfully Defied the Valid Authority of School Officials

Alternative means of correction and/or 1 day suspension Parent conference

1 day suspension Parent conference

(I) Knowingly Received Stolen School Property or private Property

1-2 day suspension Possible Police notification Parent conference

3- 5 day suspension Police notification Parent conference

(m) Possessed an Imitation/ Replica Firearm Substantially Similar to a Real Firearm

3 day suspension Possible Police notification Parent conference Possible expulsion


(n) Committed or Attempted to Commit a Sexual Assault or Sexual Battery

5 day suspension Police notification Possible expulsion


(o) Harassed/ Threatened or Intimidated a Student Witness 1-2 day suspension Possible Police notification Parent conference


(p) Unlawfully Offered, Arranged to Sell, Negotiated to sell, or Sold the Prescription Drug SOMA


5 day suspension Police Notification Possible expulsion

(q) Engaged in, or attempted to engage in, hazing 1-2 day suspension Possible Police notification Possible Parent conference

3-5 day suspension Police notification Parent conference Possible expulsion

(r) R. Engaged in an act of bullying, which includes severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including but not limited to, bullying committed in writing or by means of an electronic act, directed specifically toward one or more pupils.

2-3 day suspension Possible Police notification Parent conference


(s) A pupil shall not be suspended or expelled for any of the acts enumerated in this section unless that act is related to school activity or school attendance.

1) While on school grounds 2) While going to or from school 3) During the lunch period (whether on or off campus) 4) During or while going to or coming from a school sponsored activity

(t) A pupil who aids and abets the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person



Possible expulsion 48900.2 Committed Sexual Harassment 1-3 day suspension

Possible police notification Parent conference


48900.3 Caused or attempted to cause or participate in hate violence



48900.4 Created, an intimidating or hostile environment by engaging in harassment, threats or intimidation



48900.7 Terrorist threats against school personnel or property 5 day suspension Police notification Parent conference

5 day suspension Police notification Parent conference

Make-Up Work While on Suspension A suspended student shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the suspension that can be reasonably provided and, upon satisfactory completion, shall be given full credit. Expulsion “Expulsion” means the removal of a pupil from (1) the immediate supervision and control, or (2) the general supervision of school personnel, as those terms are used in Section 46300 (Ed. Code 48925[b]). Grounds for Expulsion of a Student (Educational Code 48915) Education Code Section 48900

Subdivisions (a) through (t) Education Code Section 48900 Sexual Harassment Education Code Section 48900.2 Hate Violence Education Code Section 48900.3 Harassment, threats, or intimidation 48900.4 Terrorist threats against school personnel or property 48900.7

Recommendation for Expulsion (a) Except as provided in subdivisions (c) and (e), the principal or the superintendent of schools shall recommend the expulsion of a pupil for any of the following acts committed at school or at a school activity off school grounds, unless the principal or superintendent determines that expulsion should not be recommended under the circumstances or that an alternative means of correction would address the conduct:

(1) Causing serious physical injury to another person, except in self-defense (2) Possession of any knife or other dangerous object of no reasonable use to the pupil

(3) Unlawful possession of any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 of the Health and Safety Code, except for the first offense for the possession of not more than one avoirdupois ounce of marijuana, other than concentrated cannabis

(4) Robbery or extortion (5) Assault or battery, as defined in Sections 240 and 242 of the Penal Code, upon any school employee.

(b) Upon recommendation by the principal, superintendent of schools, or by a hearing officer or administrative panel appointed pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48918, the governing board may order a pupil expelled upon finding that the pupil committed an act listed in subdivision (a) or in subdivision (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) of Section 48900.

A decision to expel shall be based on a finding of one or both of the following:

(1) Other means of correction are not feasible or have repeatedly failed to bring about proper conduct. (2) Due to the nature of the act, the presence of the pupil causes a continuing danger to the physical safety of the pupil or others.

(c) The principal or superintendent of schools shall immediately suspend, pursuant to Section 48911, and shall recommend expulsion of a pupil that he or she determines has committed any of the following acts at school or at a school activity off school grounds:

(1) Possessing, selling, or otherwise furnishing a firearm (This subdivision does not apply to an act of possessing a firearm if the pupil had obtained prior written permission to possess the firearm from a certificated school employee, which is agreed to by the principal or the designee of the principal.)

(2) Brandishing a knife at another person (3) Unlawfully selling a controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 of the Health and Safety Code (4) Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault as defined in subdivision (n) of Section 48900 or committing a sexual battery as defined in subdivision (n) of Section 48900

(5) Possession of an explosive General Information

Absences/Tardy Arrival/Leaving School Early

If a child is going to be absent from school, the school secretary should be notified by the parent, by phone, before 8:40 AM.

Students who arrive at school after the tardy bell are to report to the office for an admit slip with a letter of explanation. Students leaving school early for the purpose of off-

campus appointments are to be signed out of the school office by a parent. Upon return to campus, the student must check in at the office. Students who are leaving school early and who will not be returning to campus must be signed out by a parent or must present a written permit slip from the parent at the time of check out.

Articles/Messages Delivered by Parents

Articles delivered to the office by parents are to be picked up by students between classes or at lunch time. Deliveries should be placed on the blue cart outside of the main office. The office is not responsible for ensuring delivery or for missing items. Our goal is to minimize class interruptions. We highly recommend using lockers to store lunches and valuables.

8th Grade Awards

Several awards are presented to graduating 8th graders at the end of the school year. These include:

The Kenny Wells Memorial Award

During the summer of 1961, a fatal illness struck one of the most beloved members of the Crocker student body. His name was Kenny Wells. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wells, Kenny's parents, decided to establish a memorial fund for their son and urged that any donations to the fund be directed to Crocker School for the purchase of whatever was needed by Kenny's classmates.

Since the school was only three years old at that time, and the physical education classes were in desperate need of lockers, the $1,500 donated to the fund was used to purchase the first gym lockers installed at Crocker.

The students then decided to designate the graduating boy and girl with the highest number of award points as winner of The Kenny Wells Memorial Award and asked that this award continue down through the years. This award has become a cherished award at Crocker and one of Crocker’s highest honors.

The Emmett Stanton Memorial Award

Emmett Stanton was a Hillsborough resident and trustee of the school district during the 1970s. He was a frequent visitor at each school, and during his tenure as trustee he could be found one afternoon a week at Crocker. Emmett Stanton died in 1983, and a memorial was established in his honor. Funds from this memorial were used to expand the school district's computer program. Additionally, a special award was established to be awarded to the 8th grade graduating student with the highest cumulative grade point average.

The Tony Novak Award

Tony Novak served in many capacities during his long tenure in the Hillsborough City School District. He lived a life devoted to citizenship, patriotism, and leadership. The Tony Novak Award is voted upon by the staff and is presented to the 8th grade student who best exemplifies the qualities of student leadership and a sense of school spirit, pride, and patriotism.

The Joyce Hansen Award

Joyce Hansen was the Crocker art teacher for several years when her life was cut short by a fatal illness. The Crocker staff decided to establish an award in her name to honor the 8th grade student who best exemplifies special and unique talents in the area of visual arts. This award is voted upon by the staff.

The Alexa Paige Goldman Award

Alexa Goldman lived a life of service to her school and community, exemplifying the ideals of citizenship. To celebrate the life of this remarkable young woman, a special award for exemplary citizenship was established at Crocker. This award is voted upon by the staff and is given to a student who excels in the areas of leadership, service, and citizenship.

The Irene Mercurio Award

Irene Mercurio was a treasured employee of the Hillsborough Recreation Department. She is remembered because, in spite of her disability, she worked tirelessly to provide recreational activities for Crocker students. Because her exceptional attitude and enthusiasm were an example for all, an annual award is now given in her honor. The Recreation Department selects a Crocker student for exemplary sportsmanship.

The Janet Chun Community Service Award

Janet Chun was principal of Crocker Middle School for ten years. The duty and responsibility of service to others is a value that Mrs. Chun modeled in both her personal life and in her role as principal. Ever mindful of the fact that the student of today is the citizen of tomorrow, she supported and encouraged Crocker students to step out into the world and see for themselves that there is a great need for compassionate, caring world citizens, and she worked tirelessly with staff to promote and provide opportunities for Crocker students to become those citizens. This award is given each year to the Crocker student who best exemplifies the spirit of service, altruism, and humanitarian work. This award will also include a $100 donation in the recipient's name to the charity of his/her choice. This award is voted upon by the staff.

Band Instruments

Musical instruments brought to school should be stored in the band room. Instruments should be clearly identified with the student's name. It is recommended that instruments be taken home when not in use. Band instruments should not be delivered to the front office.

Birthday Recognition

Dressing in costumes or bringing balloons or flowers for a birthday celebration is not permitted during the school day. Cake, cookies, cupcakes, or any other food for birthday celebration are not allowed during recess or lunch.

Bicycles

Any student bringing a bicycle to school is responsible for placing it in the rack and locking the bicycle to the rack. The school will not assume the responsibility for any bicycles. State law requires all minors to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet. Bicycle riders should observe the same laws that govern automobiles. Bicycles are not to be ridden through school grounds or around the building before, during, or after school hours.

Cell Phones

Cell phone usage is not allowed during school hours. This includes texting, gaming, listening to music, taking pictures, and Internet use. Cell phones will be confiscated if they are seen or heard during the school day, and a parent or guardian will be required to retrieve the phone. The office phone is available for student use when needed. Repeated offenses may result in additional consequences.

Class Competition

Class competition is designed to motivate students' interest throughout the school year and to provide the opportunity to establish pride and spirit within the classes and throughout the student body. The competition is held among the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. It incorporates three important elements of school life: academic achievement, service to school and to community, and noontime fun activities. Class competition is the responsibility of the leadership class. The winning class is rewarded with an off-campus outing.

Club Ed

Club Ed takes place during the lunch period and is a place for students to finish or complete assignments they did not complete for homework. Students are expected to report to Club Ed with their lunch as quickly as possible at the beginning of lunch.

Dances

Throughout the year, dances are scheduled for 7th and 8th graders. The last dance of the school year is an all-school dance that also includes the 6th graders. These events are for Crocker students only. The dances are scheduled from 7:00 - 9:00 PM, and they are in the MPR. The following guidelines and information pertain to participation and attendance at Crocker dances:

1. Guests from other schools are not allowed. 2. Tickets to dances are sold at the dance. 3. A student must have been at school on the day of the dance in order to attend. 4. Once admitted, students will not be allowed to leave early unless they are being picked up by their parent. 5. Students removed from dances for inappropriate behavior can expect to be assigned additional consequences by a school administrator. 6. Privilege to attend dances may be lost as a result of unsatisfactory conduct at school. 7. It is expected that students will be picked up from dances at the posted ending time.

Detention Detentions can be given by any member of the Crocker staff for students who break school rules or exhibit inappropriate behavior. Detentions will be served at lunch for 35 minutes. Students will reflect on their behavior (See the tiered discipline policy). Dress Code

The following recommended guidelines were developed by students, parents, and staff. They reflect the consensus opinion that certain modes of dress are more appropriate for school than others. Student and parent compliance with these guidelines is essential to the maintenance of a proper educational climate.

1. Students shall be clean, neat, and dressed in a manner conducive to academic achievement. 2. All shirts must clearly cover shoulders, back, midriff, and chest. 3. Spaghetti strapped tops will not be permitted. They may not be worn under or over another top. 4. Off-the-shoulder garments are not allowed. Shirts must be able to stay in place and comply with the dress code without constant/repeated adjustment. 5. Shirts should extend past the belt line or be tucked in so that when arms are raised, the midriff is not exposed. 6. Oversized sleeveless athletic jerseys or shirts may be worn over a T-shirt or long sleeved shirt.

7. Exposed undergarments are not considered appropriate. Students may not wear pajamas or slippers to school, except on designated spirit days. 8. Shorts and skirts should be no shorter than mid-thigh (half the distance from the hip to the knee). The “fingertip rule” does not apply. Short and skirts must be able to stay in place and comply with the dress code without constant/repeated adjustment. Skirts containing a slit that extends above mid-thigh are inappropriate for school. 9. Wear appropriate footwear. Closed toe shoes are recommended. 10. Clothing with inappropriate writing, slogans, or designs is unacceptable. Crocker prohibits pictures, emblems, or writings on clothing or backpacks that are lewd, offensive, vulgar, obscene, suggestive, or that depict or advertise tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs or any other prohibited substance. Extreme or gang-suggestive clothing will not be tolerated. 11. Light makeup is for 8th graders only.

Dress Code Consequences:

1) 1st offense: Student is asked to change into a P.E. uniform 2) 2nd offense: Student is asked to change into a P.E. uniform, and there is a phone call home 3) 3rd offense: Student is asked to change into a P.E. uniform, there is a phone call home, and there is a Tier 2 disciplinary consequence

Emergency Drills

In accordance with state laws, earthquake and fire drills are to be conducted at regular intervals. These drills are supervised by the Hillsborough Fire Department. At the sound of the alarm, students are to take directions from their teacher in accordance with the previously arranged plan for leaving the building in an orderly fashion. Absolute quiet must be observed so that emergency directions may be heard.

Emergency Information

It is the parents’ responsibility to make sure that the school has the most recent emergency information on file. Please ensure that your child’s information is current.

First Aid Room

Students who do not feel well enough to remain in class may come to the first aid room in the office. The first aid room is for illness or injury ONLY. Students will be managed on a case-by-case basis, and parents will be contacted when appropriate.

Hinton Learning Center (Library)

The library is open for general student use from 8:15 AM - 3:30 PM. This center has an outstanding selection of fiction and reference books plus a wide variety of other media. The library is also open at morning recess and lunch recess.

Internet Use

The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use may result in a cancellation of privileges. Disciplinary or legal action could possibly be taken. Please look for an updated Technology Use Agreement in your online registration packet. Lockers

All students are assigned a gym locker and a book locker at the beginning of the year. Students are urged to use their lockers before school, between periods if time permits, and at recess, lunch and after school. It is essential for students to keep their combination confidential. Students are responsible for damage to their lockers.

Lost and Found

Valuables found by students are turned in to the school secretary. Please put your name on articles of clothing you may remove during the school day, particularly sweaters and jackets. Unclaimed lost and found articles are donated to charity at the end of each trimester.

Lunch Program

Crocker students have the option of either bringing bag lunches or purchasing food online through our food provider. Information will be given at the beginning of each year regarding costs and purchasing procedures.

Nondiscrimination/Harassment

Crocker desires to provide a safe school environment that allows all students equal access and opportunities in the district's academic and other educational support programs, services, and activities. At any district school or school activity, unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying of any student based on the student's actual race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, the perception of one or more of such characteristics, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, is prohibited.

Prohibited discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying includes physical, verbal, nonverbal, or written conduct based on one of the categories listed above that is so severe and pervasive that it affects a student's ability to participate in or benefit from

an educational program or activity, creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment, has the effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with a student's academic performance, or otherwise adversely affects a student's educational opportunities.

Crocker also prohibits any form of retaliation against any student who files a complaint or report regarding an incident of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

Students who engage in discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or retaliation in violation of law, Board policy, or administrative regulation shall be subject to appropriate discipline, up to and including counseling, suspension, and/or expulsion. Any employee who permits or engages in prohibited discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or retaliation shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Any student who feels that he/she has been subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying should immediately contact the principal, assistant principal, counselor or any other staff member. In addition, any student who observes any such incident should report the incident to the same people whether or not the victim files a complaint.

Office Hours

The school office is open between the hours of 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Office Telephone Use

Students are permitted to use the office telephone with office secretary presence and approval.

Recreation

The Crocker after-school sports program is oriented toward interscholastic sports for boys and girls. Participation is on a fee basis. Students may be liable for exclusion from these activities upon being taken out of school activities for 30 days or for being suspended. Students and parents are invited to attend school-sponsored after-school activities.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is not tolerated at Crocker Middle School. All forms of harassment can cause embarrassment, feelings of powerlessness, loss of self-confidence, reduced ability to perform schoolwork, and increased absenteeism or tardiness. To promote an environment that is free from harassment, students and staff are encouraged to report immediately incidences of harassment to the principal, assistant principal, counselor, teacher, or any other responsible adult. All complaints of harassment will be promptly investigated in a way that ensures the privacy of all parties concerned. In no case shall

the student be required to resolve the complaint directly with the alleged offending person.

Types of conduct which constitute sexual harassment and which are prohibited in the district include:

1. Unwelcome sexual flirtations or propositions 2. Verbal abuse of a sexual nature 3. Graphic verbal comments about an individual’s body 4. Sexually degrading words used to describe an individual

5. Display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures in the educational environment that are not related to the instructional program 6. Any act of retaliation against an individual who reports a violation of the district’s sexual harassment policy or who participates in the investigation of a sexual harassment complaint.

The Crocker staff works hard to ensure a student’s right to safely report incidents of harassment without fear of retaliation. We value our safe learning environment, and we want to promote a community of kindness and respect. Students who engage in sexual harassment in violation of law, Board policy, or administrative regulation shall be subject to appropriate discipline, up to and including counseling, suspension, and/or expulsion.

Tardies/Late Arrival to School and Classes:

1. All students need to report to the school office to receive an admittance pass when arriving late for school. An excused tardy pass will be issued if a parent/guardian signs the student in, calls the office, or writes a note to excuse the tardy. 2. Students must receive a late pass from a prior teacher to have an excused tardy for the next class. Using a locker at an inappropriate time is not an excused tardy.

3. Three unexcused tardies will yield a detention. V-Card Program

At Crocker, good behavior is recognized and rewarded. V-Cards (the V stands for the Crocker symbol, the Viking) are awarded to students by adults at Crocker who witness positive student activities and performance. A student receiving a V-Card may place this card in the V-Card bowl in the office. Each Friday a card is drawn from among those awarded for the week. The person whose name is on the card is awarded a prize.

Viking Award

Crocker students are given opportunities to earn points for scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, performing arts, and athletics, leadership and service in student organizations, and participation in co-curricular and extracurricular programs and activities. These opportunities are provided to elicit and to reward positive student behavior. Students who accumulate the required number of points will be awarded with the Viking Award. (A committee will assemble next school year to determine the point total.)

WEB

WEB is an acronym for “Where Everyone Belongs.” WEB is a yearlong transition program that eases the change for students from 5th grade to middle school. Our 8th grade WEB leaders are the ones who organize and run the activities during the orientation a week before school starts. They also run other special bonding type activities throughout the year. To be a WEB leader, students apply during their 7th grade year.

Handbook Acknowledgement Form

2015-2016 School Year

This handbook was designed to help you and your parents understand some of the rules, guidelines, and procedures that have been established to make Crocker Middle School operate safely and effectively. Thank you for reading this handbook carefully and understanding that it is your responsibility as a citizen of Crocker Middle School to know and abide by these policies.

PLEASE SIGN BELOW TO ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND AGREEMENT.

__________________________________________________________________

Student’s Name (Please Print) First Name Last Name

Our signatures indicate that we have read the Student Handbook in its entirety, and that we understand and agree to abide by the school policies and procedures published herein.

__________________________________________________________________

Student Signature Date

__________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature Date

Crocker Middle School Student Handbookcontent.hcsd.k12.ca.us/2015handbook.pdf · All 6th graders...

Documents

Transcript of Crocker Middle School Student Handbookcontent.hcsd.k12.ca.us/2015handbook.pdf · All 6th graders...