20122012--20201313 Student Handbook Student Handbook

Henry F. Moss Middle School 2565 Russellville Road

Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone = (270) 843-0166

Fax = (270) 843-8512

Many Opportunities for Student Success

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HENRY F. MOSS MIDDLE SCHOOL Warren County Public Schools

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Opened: August, 1988 Grades: 7th & 8th Enrollment: Around 550 Mascot: Dragons

School Colors: Navy, Silver, & White

Dear Student and Parent: The faculty, staff, and administrative team of Henry F. Moss Middle School welcome you to our school and the many opportunities we have to offer. The faculty and administration will present the student body with challenges that lead to improved student achievement. Students are expected to meet these challenges with their best efforts. Parental support, ranging from help on homework to assistance with extra-curricular events, is vital in any successful school. The presence of these four components is required for Henry F. Moss Middle School to continue providing “Many Opportunities for Student Success.” Middle school can be a most enjoyable and rewarding time in the life of a student. We challenge each student to set high goals and work hard to do your best daily. All students are expected to exhibit good effort, show respect for others, have a good attitude about school, participate in school activities, and conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. We encourage each parent to become an active part of your child’s education. You are your child’s first teacher and the importance you place on education can have a direct influence on their perception of the educational process. In order for your child to perform to the best of their ability, it is imperative that you support their regular attendance, best efforts in academic assignments, and behavior that is acceptable and conducive to a learning environment for everyone. By working together, we can provide the best chance for your child to learn and improve their academic skills. I look forward to working with each of you this year. We have set as our goal, to make this the most productive year ever at Henry F. Moss Middle School. Faculty, Staff, and Administration of Henry F. Moss Middle School

School Mission Statement

Improving every student, every day, in some way!

The Warren County Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in the employment or the provision of services. Any and/or all questions or issues related to

discrimination policies, procedures or practices are to be directed to the Office of Superintendent, Warren County Public Schools, 303 Lovers Lane, Bowling Green, KY 42103. Phone Number is (270) 781-5150.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

2011-2012 Faculty & Staff …………………………………. 4,5 After-School Hours ……………………………………….... 11 Attendance ……………………………………………..……. 7 Books, Locks, & Charges ……………………………………. 32 Bullying Policy ………………………………………..……... 18 Bus Notes …………………………………………….……… 27 Bus Procedures …………………………………………..…. 26 Cafeteria Policy …………………………………………..…. 25 Clubs …………………………………………………….…… 31 Computer Usage Policy ……………………………………. 20 Dance Policy ……………………………………………….... 29 Discipline Policy ………………………………………….…. 15 Dress and Appearance ………………..…………………… 22 Drop Off / Pick Up ……………...…………………………… 11 Drug Policy …………………………………………………... 23 Electronic Device Policy ………………………………….… 19 Emergency Drills ………………………………………….… 32 Extended School Service (ESS) …………………………... 29 Guidance …………………………………………………….. 30 Gum, Candy, Food, etc. ……………………………………. 24 Hallway Policy ………………………………………………. 28 Homework Policy ……………………………………………. 10 Leaving School Early ………………………………………... 9 Locks & Locker Policy ………………………………………. 32 Lost and Found ………………………………………………. 13 Make-up Work ……………………………………………….. 9 Medication Policy ……………………………………………. 13 Morning Cafeteria …………..……………………………….. 27 Morning Gym ………………………………………………… 27 Notification of Right for Teacher Qualifications…………….. 36 Parent-Student-Teacher-Administrator Compact…………. 35 Promotion Policy …………………………………………….. 12 Restroom Policy ……………………………………………… 28 Recognition……………………………………………………….. 9 Scheduling a Teacher Conference ………………………… 13 School Calendar ……………………………………………. 5 Solicitation …………………………………………………… 24 Sports …………………………………………………..….…. 30 Sports Eligibility ……………………………………………… 30,31 Telephone Use …………….…………………………………. 13 Theft …………………………………………………………… 24 Visitors to School …………………………………………….. 10 Weapons …………………………………………………….. 24 Youth Services Center ……………………………………… 33

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Henry F. Moss Middle School Faculty

ADMINISTRATION:

David Nole, Principal David Stobaugh, Assistant Principal

Amanda Warder, Guidance Counselor Deryl Hall, Student Services Coordinator

OFFICE STAFF:

Teresa Hughes, Secretary Melissa Larson, Guidance Secretary

Georgette Petty, Receptionist Sharon Watkins, Attendance Clerk

FAMILY RESOURCE YOUTH SERVICE CENTER:

Lynn Vincent, Coordinator

FACULTY AND STAFF: * Denotes team leaders

8th BLUE Subject Room # Extension Catie Webb

Shawn Quinn Math

Social Studies

322

1430 Keri Mosier Language Arts/Reading 318 1431

Chloe Harper Math 323 1434 Sharyn Bailey* Science 320 1433

8th SILVER Subject Room # Extension

Scott McCann Teresa Karl*

Language Arts Social Studies

210

1495

Sue Ellen Clark Math 206 1428 Stephanie Burba Science 208 1497

Heather Thomsen Language Arts/Reading 209 1496

7th Blue Subject Room # Extension Megan Lowe Taiwanna Bradford

Math Reading/Language Arts

124 119

1423 1420

Cheryl Anderson Science 121 1421 Jennifer Costellow* Social Studies 123 1422 Jennilee Coots Math 122 1424

7th SILVER

Subject

Room #

Extension

Jason Scruggs Ray White

Carol Burchett Hilton Isable

Stephanie Miller*

Science Social Studies Language Arts Language Arts

Math

125 127 128 120 126

1494 1492

1425 1493

Jason Scruggs Ray White

Carol Burchett Hilton Isable

Stephanie Miller*

Science Social Studies Language Arts Language Arts

Math

125 127 128 120 126

1494 1492

1425 1493

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RELATED ARTS Subject Room # Extension Adam Vincent Music 306 1412 Kim Bowman Intensive Language Ctr. 302 1413 Laura Eason Library Media Specialist Library 1410

Becky Graham Band 304 1450 Jason Lemily PE/Health Gym 1415

Matt Kresslein * Computer Lab 406 1446 James Ramey ESL 319 1440 Brenda Ullrich Art 310 1445

INSTRUCTIONAL AIDES:

Chasity Henson ISS Ivanka Basic, Intensive Language

Cole Puterbaugh, ESL Carolyn Chapman, Exceptional Ed.

Barbara Wilson, Library

CAFETERIA STAFF:

Connie Green, Manager Sandra Mooneyhan, Cook Janet Armentrout, Cashier

Charlotte Souders, Cook Rita Bowles, Cook

Brenda Davenport, Cook Mary Tate, Cook

Gerry Utley, Cashier

SCHOOL CALENDAR

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Please be aware that any cancellations of school due to snow, district illness, or any other unplanned circumstance will add additional school days to the end of the school year. This is important to know when planning for trips, etc. Please be aware that the school year could end at a later date due to any closings throughout the school year – please plan accordingly.

Please understand that for each day we miss school for unplanned circumstances, one additional day will be added to the school calendar.

Henry F. Moss Middle School expects students to attend school through the last day of

school (even if the school calendar should adjust). Any absence for family vacation, weddings, trips, etc. will be counted as an unexcused absence. Unexcused absences

prevent students from being able to make up their homework, final exams, etc.

For your planning purposes, it’s probably best to not make plans before June 1.

August 9 …………………………..… First Day of School September 3 ………………………….No School / Labor Day October 1-5 ….……….………………No School / Fall Break November 21-23 …………………… No School / Thanksgiving December 19-January 1 …………... No School / Winter Break January 21 ………………………….. No School / Dr. King Day February 18 …………………………..No School / Presidents Day March 7-8 ……………………………..No School/ P.D. March 29 ………………………………No School / Good Friday April 1-5 ……………………………... No School/ Spring Break May 22 ……………………………….. No School / Primary Election Day May 23 ……………………………….. Last Day for Students (as of right now)

CONCERTS

PTSO Christmas Band & Choir Concert

Tuesday, December 11 6:00pm

PTSO Spring Band & Choir Concert TBA 6:00pm

AWARDS PROGRAM

Awards Program TBA 6:00pm

These dates are still subject to change. If changes are made, we will make announcements at school and on the school website.

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ATTENDANCE

WHY IS GOOD ATTENDANCE IMPORTANT? Moss Middle School recognizes that consistent school attendance, academic success, and school completion are all connected. Students learn best when they attend school every day. When students miss school, they miss important lessons and essential skills they need for academic success. Also, good attendance establishes a pattern of responsibility and commitment that will serve students throughout their lives – including college and the workplace. WARREN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION ATTENDANCE POLICY Pupils are required to attend school regularly and punctually the school in which they are enrolled. Truancy Defined: Any pupil who has been absent from school without a valid excuse for three (3) or more days, or tardy for three (3) or more days without a valid excuse is a truant. Absence for less than half a school day without a valid excuse shall be regarded as being tardy. A pupil who has been reported as a truant two (2) or more times (absent or tardy six (6) or more times without a valid excuse) is a “habitual truant.” Excused Absences, Tardiness, and Checkouts: An excused absence or tardiness is one for which schoolwork may be made up and which the Principal or designee, has verified, such as:

1. Death or severe illness in the pupil’s immediate family; 2. Personal illness of the pupil; 3. Appearance in court of the pupil pursuant to a warrant, subpoena, or citation; 4. Participation in school-related activities approved by the Principal or designee; 5. Other valid reasons as determined by the Principal or designee.

Unexcused Absences, Tardiness, and Checkouts: All other absences, tardiness, and checkouts should be considered unexcused and no make-up work (including tests) shall be allowed for unexcused absences, tardiness, and checkouts. Notes Required: When students return to school, they shall bring notes signed by a parent or physician to the Principal’s office. Starting with the sixth (6th) absence, the Principal or designee may require the parent to accompany the child back to school, or in the case of illness the parent may provide a physician’s statement. The Principal or designee shall determine whether the absence is excused. MOSS MIDDLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE School starts at 7:45 AM. All students are required to be in their 1st period by that time to avoid being considered tardy. Any student who is absent, tardy, or checks out must bring to school with him/her a note from his/her parents or doctor explaining the reason for the absence on the day he/she returns to school. This is true even though a parent or guardian may have called the school the day the student was absent. District policy requires a note signed by parents or physician. No absence will be excused without a note (reminder that Moss Middle School only allows 6 parent notes in a year – after that, only physician’s notes will be accepted).

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A parent or guardian should call the school as early as possible on the day that a student is absent. Student calls are not acceptable; it must be an adult who is responsible for the student. Students tardy, absent, or who checkout for the third time without a valid excuse is considered to be truant. If you have trouble getting your child here on time due to traffic or other concerns, it is suggested that the child ride the bus. Moss Middle School will take the following action when students are determined to be truant:

1. Written notice from the school will be sent to parents following a student’s third unexcused absence, tardy, or checkout.

2. After five unexcused absences/tardies parents should receive a final notice and/or a home visit.

3. Moss Middle School will only accept six (6) parent notes as excused absences. After the sixth (6th) parent note, no more will be accepted and only notes from a physician will be acceptable.

4. Those students considered to be “habitual truants” under the district’s definition above will be required to participate in Moss Middle School’s “Truancy Diversion Program” (TDP). This includes: - mandatory attendance at the TDP workshop - weekly meetings between the student and TDP personnel - any violation of the TDP would result in a referral to the courts.

If a student must be out of school for any reason other than sickness or an emergency, a letter must be written explaining the circumstances surrounding the absence(s) one week PRIOR to the absence. The letter must be written to Mr. Nole, Principal, who shall determine if it will be an excused or unexcused absence. Absences due to vacations, business trips, and visits to relatives WILL NOT be considered excused (see “School Calendar”). TARDY TO CLASS The purpose of school is to educate the students and that job is not done as well when students are tardy to class because of lost instructional time for students. Tardiness is part of attendance. It is mandatory for students to be in class on time. A student will be considered tardy if he/she is not in the classroom with textbooks and required materials with which to work at the scheduled beginning time of class. Repetitive tardiness will result in disciplinary action. REWARDS AND RECOGNITION OF GOOD ATTENDANCE Recognition of attendance will be presented at the end of the school year. Perfect attendance is considered “no absences and no more than three excused tardies.” Outstanding attendance is considered “no more than a combination of five excused absences/tardies.”

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RECOGNITION

Each quarter, Henry F. Moss Middle School offers recognition to students for academic excellence and good behavior. These recognitions may include, but not be limited to, a variety of activities such as pizza parties, extended breaks, and allowing use of electronics. Each team also has some individual rewards that they do for their students. To find out more about what these rewards are and how students can be a part of these, ask your teachers!!!

LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY

Students leaving school during school hours may be checked-out by the parent, legal guardian, or their designee. Persons other than the legal guardian checking-out a student MUST have their name placed on the student’s emergency card by the legal guardian. A valid photo ID must be shown upon request. Remember, checking out must be validated with written verification from a doctor or a parent note for it to be excused (see “Attendance”).

MAKE-UP WORK MAKE-UP WORK It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the teacher for make-up work, tests, and any other assignments missed during absences. All work assigned prior to the student’s absence (while the student was present) will be due the day a student returns to school. Example: If homework was given on Wednesday when the student was in class and it was due Thursday, but the student was absent Thursday, then the assignment will be due when the student returns on Friday. While absent, students are to check with the school, teachers, or friends to determine work they may have missed.. STUDENTS WILL BE GIVEN ONE-DAY FOR EVERY DAY ABSENT FROM SCHOOL TO COMPLETE THE MISSED WORK (see “homework hotline”). Example: student misses Monday and Tuesday (2 days) and returns to school on Wednesday, the student will have Wednesday and Thursday (2 days) to complete the assignments. Therefore, all work missed on Monday and Tuesday will be due Friday. Students at Moss Middle School are expected to complete all assignments on time. It is each student’s responsibility to do his/her homework. Any student who has a special circumstance should discuss other arrangements with his/her teacher.

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GETTING ASSIGNMENTS . Students who miss school for a few days may request that work be gathered by the team leader and placed in the main office for pick-up. Please give school personnel ample time to get everything together.

WEBSITES Each teacher will be maintaining a classroom website which will feature a homework section so that students may have multiple ways to determine what homework they have in each class.

HOMEWORK POLICY Homework is an extension of classroom instruction. Henry F. Moss Middle School ensures parents and students that assigned homework does have a purpose. Beneficial homework serves many purposes, but among all, homework is designed to increase student achievement. Accordingly, the Henry F. Moss Middle School Homework Policy sets forth the following guidelines in conjunction with the Warren County Board of Education policy: Teachers will:

• Develop a policy that establishes guidelines and requirements regarding homework for their class. • Discuss this policy with students at the beginning of each term. • Ensure that homework is appropriate to the class objectives, course content, and student needs.

Parents are asked to: • Support the school by emphasizing the importance of homework. • Encourage their child to extend learning by studying/reading outside school. • Ensure, as far as possible, that their child completes homework. • Understand that homework is a vital part of the student’s overall grade.

Students are expected to: • Record and keep up with assigned homework. • Complete and submit homework on time. • Plan homework and study time so that all deadlines are met. • Supplement work in school with study out of school. • Take responsibility for finding out about homework when absent. • Understand that homework is a vital part of the student’s overall grade.

Homework for an individual student should not exceed 90 minutes total in a given day. But, homework is a necessity in order to help students achieve to the fullest.

VISITORS TO SCHOOL When visiting the school, visitors must do the following:

1. Come into the office through the front entrance doors (to the right as you walk through the front doors).

2. Sign in and receive a “visitor’s badge” if you plan on staying at school for a period of time.

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3. To pick up or visit a student in the office, proper ID is required with your name listed on the student’s emergency card.

AFTER-SCHOOL HOURS

WHEN DISMISSED School dismisses at 2:40pm each day. Students may not be on school property after 3:15pm unless they are involved in an activity supervised by school personnel. Students not riding buses (all car-riding students) must have rides NO LATER than 3:15pm. If car-riding students are not picked up by 3:15pm, then the following actions may be taken:

1. Student warning and parent notification. 2. Parent notification that the student will be required to ride the school bus

(unless the student has been removed from the bus for misbehavior). 3. Further problems may result in the school taking additional disciplinary

action and/or local law enforcement being contacted.

Students waiting for rides must wait in the lobby area directly outside the office or on the front porch, weather permitting. Other areas of the building are off limits – this includes the office phone and bathroom. Students are to wait quietly in the lobby. Misbehavior during this time CAN result in disciplinary action. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Students involved in extracurricular and supervised activities after school need to make arrangements with parents regarding rides, etc. Coaches and sponsors will announce practice schedules in advance whenever possible. Students need to have rides waiting for them promptly after attending an after-school activity (such as ESS, tutoring, athletic events, dances, etc.). Failure to do so may result in the following:

1. Student warning. 2. Parent notification of the policy and final warning. 3. Students may have their privilege of attending after-school activities

revoked and local law enforcement may be contacted.

Please make arrangements to pick up your child on time. School ends each day at 2:40. If you child is involved in extracurricular activities (detention, ESS, sports,

dances, etc.) please be here on time to pick up your child.

DROP OFF / PICK UP *** MORNING DROP OFF *** Beginning at 7:10am each morning, students may be dropped off under the canopy on the western side of the building (facing Natcher Parkway & WBKO). There will be a faculty member standing at that door to greet students as they enter the building. Students will make their way down the front hall to the gym or cafeteria.

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This entrance door will be shut and locked at 7:45am. Students arriving after that time need to walk around the front of the building and enter through the office door to check in. PICK UP After-school, student pick-up will be at the west end of the building. Please have the sign with your students name prominently placed in the front window of your vehicle so that faculty members can call for your student and expedite the release process. Please follow the designated signs and procedures to ensure student safety and traffic flow.

** PROMOTION POLICY ** Student success is a priority of Henry F. Moss Middle School. It is our mission to make sure that we do our best in providing an environment and instruction that allows students the best chance of success. Every student will be provided a fair opportunity to succeed. Our school has a number of interventions and programs designed to help the student. However, equal work ethic by the student is necessary for high achievement. SCHOOL POLICY FOR PROMOTION

1. According to the Warren County Board of Education, “Promotions in the middle grades (7th – 8th) are under the direction of the principal.”

2. To be promoted to the next grade, a student MUST have an overall class average of 60% or higher in 6 of his/her 7 periods.

GRADING SCALE A = 90% - 100% B = 80% - 89% C = 70% - 79% D = 60% - 69% F = 59% & below REPORT CARDS Report Cards will be sent home with students at the end of each quarter. Progress reports will be sent home with students at the halfway point of each quarter. End-of-the-year report cards will be mailed or sent home via student at the end of the school year.

USE OF SCHOOL TELEPHONES The office telephone will be off limits throughout the school day except for emergencies only. Use of the telephone is at the discretion of the personnel in the office. If an instance is not deemed an emergency, students will be sent back to class. All other business (such as forgotten homework or items, alternate ride arrangements, etc.) needs to be taken care of at home prior to coming to school. Students will not be allowed to use the telephones in the teachers’ classrooms. Cell phone usage is also prohibited (see “electronic device policy”).

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SCHEDULING A TEACHER CONFERENCE If a parent/guardian would like to schedule a conference with a family or teacher, please call the school to set up date and time. Conferences are scheduled during the teachers’ planning period. You may call 843-0166 to receive teacher’s voice mail. They will return your call at first convenience. Email is often the most convenient way to communicate with teachers. Scheduling a meeting can also be done through email communication with the teachers. Teacher email address follow this format (firstname.lastname@warren.kyschools.us Example: Joe.Teacher@warren.kyschools.us)

LOST AND FOUND Students who find lost articles are asked to take them to the office where the owner may claim them. Students are asked to place their name in or on personal property. Students are expected to keep up with their own personal property. For lost articles, students should check lost and found in the office. The school will not assume responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged items. If students have lost something, they may come to the office to ask school personnel if their missing item is in the Lost and Found. At the conclusion of each semester we will display all articles for the last chance to claim an item. If after reasonable time, no one has claimed the item, they will then be donated to Goodwill. STUDENT VALUABLES Students should not bring valuables to school. If any item or money is brought it is the responsibility of the student to keep up with it. MOSS MIDDLE WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS AND WILL NOT SPEND A GREAT DEAL OF TIME TRYING TO SOLVE THESE CASES. We cannot urge this enough: do not bring valuables to school. If you do, you are taking a risk.

MEDICATION POLICY

According to the Warren County Board of Education, parents and students are responsible for written notification to school staff regarding any medication that is requested to be administered to a pupil by school staff. Procedures developed by the Superintendent will be implemented. All medications dispensed by authorized personnel shall be kept in the school in a safe, secure place. Every reasonable effect shall be made for pupils to be supervised while taking the medication; medication given will be documented and authorized by school personnel.

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No over-the-counter medication may be administered to students by an employee of the Warren County Board of Education. Any student who is required to take medication (including over-the-counter medication) during regular school hours shall comply with the following:

1. No medication will be supplied by the school.

2. Medication shall be brought to school by the parent in the original container that is properly labeled with the following information: A) Name of student B) Name of medication C) Dosage of medication D) Time and amount of medication to be given

3. The parent must sign the written authorization form, which will only be valid for three consecutive days unless signed by the student’s physician.

4. The student shall be responsible for his/her medication but should tell teachers that he/she has medicine.

5. The student taking medicine daily should have a parent release form on file in the office along with his/her medication.

6. Emergency Medication such as glucagons, epi-pen, diastat may be administered by the school nurse and approved by the physician.

7. Students are not to give or sell any medication to anyone else. This is a violation of the “Drug Policy.”

** DISCIPLINE POLICY OF MOSS MIDDLE SCHOOL **

INTRODUCTION

The staff of Henry F. Moss Middle School is committed to providing a safe and orderly learning environment that gives all students a great opportunity to achieve success. To provide a great learning environment, it is important that the school has a detailed discipline plan so that learning is the top priority of all students. The staff of Henry F. Moss Middle School has established standards and expectations of students in order to guide student conduct in classrooms, buses, and other areas of the building. Every member of the school staff is committed to supporting and enforcing these expectations. It is expected that students follow these standards and expectations as they work towards being a successful student and a productive citizen in society. When these standards are not met and the respect between students and school breaks down, disciplinary measures are taken. It is important to note that the school discipline policy is designed to keep order and cultivate a successful learning environment. The policy is designed to promote the idea of each

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student working toward self-control and self-responsibility. Proper behavior, good attendance, hard work and respect (of all people and property) are vital in achieving academic success.

DESCRIPTION OF DISCIPLINE CONSEQUENCES

ISOLATION POLICY: Teacher Isolation Policy (TIP): Teachers can keep students in their classroom for misbehavior or failure to complete

work. Lunch Isolation Policy: This is an option that each family has to help in classroom management. This consequence can be assigned by any faculty member and is used for minor offenses. Students will be isolated from everyone else at lunch. Lunch isolation is a disciplinary punishment; students are expected to keep quiet, obey teacher rules, and clean up their area when finished. Violation of lunch isolation rules can result in additional days of lunch isolation or more severe disciplinary action. Isolation from Activities: For chronic misbehavior, students can be removed from activities such as pep rallies, field trips, attendance of ballgames, participation in sporting events, assemblies, etc.

DETENTION: This consequence can be assigned by any faculty member. Each family will clearly communicate when their family’s detentions will be held. Each family’s detention will be designated in advance by each family at their own discretion. Students and parents will be given advance notice (at least 24 hours) before a detention is to be served. Parents will also be notified by phone so that they can make plans for alternate transportation. If transportation is a problem, it is expected that students will follow the rules so that they do not receive a detention. Morning detentions are from 6:40am – 7:40am. Afternoon detentions will be from 2:45pm – 3:45pm. Detention Rules: 1. Be on time and leave on time. 2. Level 0. 3. Come prepared to work. Failure to come prepared or refusing to work will not count as a served detention.

4. Be on best behavior (the same rules for the school day apply). * Violation of any of these rules will result in the removal of the student from detention and the detention will not count as being served. Missed Detention Policy: 1. If the student skips a detention, the student will be assigned a make

up detention. This is the last chance to serve it with the teacher.

2. The student will have two chances to serve the detention before the skipped detention is written up as a referral to the office. After skipping the detention once, the student will not be able to attend/participate in any extracurricular

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activities until that detention has been served. In the meantime, the student may be reprimanded to lunch isolation until that make-up detention has been served.

3. If the two chances to serve a detention are skipped, the student will be referred to an administrator. As a result, the student will be placed in ISS.

IN-SCHOOL-SUSPENSION (ISS) POLICY: This is our schools in school suspension (ISS) and is located in a classroom within the school. Students may be assigned ISS by the administrative staff for violation of any school rule. Parent will be notified by letter and/or phone of ISS placement for their child. Unlike out-of-school suspension, schoolwork and assignments can be completed for credit in ISS. Students in ISS will receive class assignments/work from their teachers to facilitate continued learning and to minimize the impact of not being in their regular classroom. ISS may include a community service component that will be administered by the supervising ISS teacher. The community service component may include, but shall not be limited to picking up trash, pulling weeds and/or grass, cleaning various building parts, and other tasks deemed appropriate by school administration. Students shall serve their day(s) of ISS in full. If a student is assigned to ISS, but does not complete the day in ISS, the missed time will be completed upon the students’ return to school. Students in ISS cannot attend or participate in extracurricular activities while in ISS (some examples include sports practices and games, clubs, etc.). Students repeatedly assigned to ISS for inappropriate behaviors/policy infractions will be assigned additional days of ISS and/or other consequences as determined by an administrator to deter the problem behavior(s). Administrators reserve the right to use other discipline measures after five (5) assignments to the ISS room in a year. At the discretion of the administrative staff, detentions may be utilized in lieu of ISS referrals in situations deemed appropriate.

*** THE RULES LISTED BELOW WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED***

1. The students are to listen to, and respect, the ISS teacher and other students.

2. Students must bring all materials (binder, pencils, paper, textbooks, etc.) to the ISS room with them. They must be prepared to work for the entire school day.

3. No hall passes will be granted and students shall remain seated and working for the duration of the school day. There is a restroom in the ISS room in case of an emergency. The class will take a lunch break and it will be eaten in the ISS room.

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4. Students must remain busy on assigned work.

5. Voice level 0. No sleeping is allowed.

6. Students will be required to have their shirts tucked in at all times while in ISS. Hooded sweatshirts are prohibited. All other aspects of the HFMMS Dress Code will be strictly enforced (see “Student Dress and Appearance”).

7. All work must be completed in ISS. If work is not completed, an extra day may be added to help the student finish his/her work.

8. All other school rules still apply.

The rules mentioned above will be strictly enforced, and failure to abide by the rules

can result in additional consequences (such as detention, additional days of ISS, out-of-school-suspension or referral to the Middle School Learning Center).

ALTERNATE TO SUSPENSION PROGRAM (ASP) Students may be assigned to this by the administrative staff for major offenses in the classroom or due to repeated offenses by the student. Unlike Out of School Suspension, the student will be placed in an alternate school for up to 10 days where the student will still have the ability to complete assignments for credit. OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION POLICY: Out-of-school suspension is the last choice of punishment. It can be assigned only by the school administrators. Law violations, bullying, endangering self or others, defiance, indecent communication or actions, violation of ISS rules, horseplay, fighting, threats, and repetitive behavior problems can all constitute out-of-school-suspension. According to district policy, a suspended student shall not be permitted to make up any schoolwork missed during that suspension. Also, students who are suspended are not allowed to attend any Warren County School function (# 4230.06). So, students suspended for any reason will NOT be able to make up their schoolwork unless it was previously assigned. While suspended or in ISS, students are unable to attend or participate in extracurricular activities. Any student placed at ASP, suspended out of school for three or more days, or placed in the Middle School Learning Center forfeits their school extracurricular privileges for the remainder of the school year.

BULLYING POLICY

The Warren County Board of Education and Henry F. Moss Middle School prohibits acts of harassment, discrimination, intimidation or bullying. Bullying, harassment, discrimination, or intimidation is prohibited on school grounds or during school-sponsored events (this includes

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the entire school, the buses, and extracurricular activities). It has been determined that a safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment, intimidation or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students in a safe environment. Bullying, intimidation, harassment, or discrimination take many forms including: slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendo’s, demeaning comments, drawing cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral or physical actions. BULLYING DEFINED: A student is being bullied or victimized when he/she is exposed (repeatedly over time) to negative actions on the part of one or more students (this includes cyber-bullying). It is a negative action when someone intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict injury or discomfort through physical aggression, verbal threatening, taunting, teasing, and name-calling. Victims of bully behavior have difficulty defending themselves and are somewhat helpless against the bully, thus resulting in an imbalance of power between individuals.

HARASSMENT DEFINED: A student is being harassed when he/she is tormented or annoyed repeatedly over. Harassment is different from bullying in that it does not create an imbalance of power. It is characterized by a wide spectrum of offensive behavior, all of which intend to disturb, upset, or threaten. MOSS MIDDLE SCHOOL’S STANCE: Along with providing a good academic experience, Henry F. Moss Middle School’s faculty and staff members strive to ensure that students have a pleasurable social experience as well. In NO WAY do we want children to feel unsafe, threatened, or harassed. Therefore, our employees work really hard to prevent bullying at school. Many things have been done to try and prevent problems of this nature at school. We have guest speakers speak to our students; a peer mediation group has been established; advisor/advisee programs have been set up to try and teach students appropriate social skills; many anti-bullying signs are displayed in our school by our Leadership Students; Guidance Counselors are always available; the faculty has participated in bully prevention training; and many security cameras are installed throughout the building. Many actions have been taken to allow students to feel comfortable while in school, thus showing that HFMMS is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers, and patrons. Therefore, any type of bullying, intimidation, harassment, or discrimination WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. REPORTING PROBLEMS: A student, or a parent acting on behalf of the student, should report any suspected violations of this policy to the Principal, Assistant Principal, Guidance Counselor, or a Teacher at Moss Middle School. An investigation of any reported complaint will be conducted in accordance with approved procedures. Actions will be taken to provide remedies when bullying, intimidation, harassment, or discrimination is suspected.

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CONSEQUENCES: Sometimes, problems that are caught early enough can be solved with a simple conference or peer mediation. However, more serious violations of this policy can result in consequences deemed as appropriate by the administration of HFMMS and possibly referred to local law enforcement. False reports or retaliation for harassment, intimidation, discrimination or bullying also constitutes violations of school policy.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY (and playing cards, dice, and collector cards)

INTRODUCTION This policy is in regards to, but not limited to, cell phones, MP3 players, gaming devices, IPODs, other portable music players, laser pointers, cameras, video recorders and anything else that can be placed in this category at the discretion of school administration. Again, we would like to reiterate that valuables (such as these items) that end up lost/stolen are not the responsibility of Moss Middle School. The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen items and will not interrupt or use academic time to hunt lost or stolen items. POLICY

Moss Middle School DOES NOT allow these items to be present in the school from the 7:30 a.m. until students are dismissed from school at 2:40pm. In special

circumstances, students may be allowed to use electronic devices pending teacher and/or administrator approval.

Our school policy is that if these items are brought to school, they must be turned off and in the student’s locker. If these directions aren’t followed, then it is a violation of

the school’s policy.

Within Moss Middle School, the instructional day status shall be extended to include ESS programs, detentions, and any time or location students are receiving instruction or are under the supervision of a faculty member for the purpose of undertaking an academic-related endeavor. CONSEQUENCES If this policy is violated (that includes “someone else” using your device), the item will be taken from the student and turned in to an administrator. The following consequences will take place:

1st offense of having any unauthorized electronic device: Student warning. A parent or guardian will have to pick up the item the next school day.

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2nd offense of having any unauthorized electronic device: Student will be placed in ISS for 1 day and a parent or guardian will be able to pick up the item in 1 week. 3rd offense of having any unauthorized electronic device: Student will be placed in ISS for 2 days and a parent/guardian will be able to pick up the item in 2 weeks. 4th offense of having any unauthorized electronic device: Student will be placed in ISS for 3 days and a parent/guardian will be able to pick up the item in 1 month. 5th offense of having any unauthorized electronic device: Student will be placed in ISS for 5 days and the device will be returned to the parent/guardian at the end of the school year.

COMPUTER USAGE POLICY

This policy applies to all computers and related electronic resource equipment.

Henry F. Moss Middle School has an abundance of technology available for student use. When used properly, technology can really be an asset to the learning process. However, technology (most notably the Internet) can also be used for inappropriate things. Students are to abide by the following rules when using our electronic resource equipment: APPROPRIATE USE:

1. Students must use their USER ID and their password to log onto their assigned account. Your electronic work is your property -- you have a responsibility to protect it. Students are not to use anyone else’s USER ID. This is the same as being caught with someone’s billfold or other personal property.

2. Students are not to share their user information or log in to computers for any other person

3. Students will not download or play games on workstations. Games are not appropriate unless part of instructional software.

4. Students are not to make ANY changes to boot files or settings for programs (e.g. WINDOWS, computer wallpaper, screensavers, etc.).

5. Students are to alert supervisors to any damage to hardware or software immediately upon discovery. (This will help prevent liability on the student’s part.)

6. Students are not to physically change or damage any workstation, desktop, components of a workstation, server, printer, mouse, network connections, hubs, etc.

7. Students are not to destroy or alter another person’s data. 8. Students are not to install programs from home or school or to download programs or

files from the Internet onto a hard drive or server without permission from a supervisor. This includes downloading music.

9. Students are not to be in the computer labs without supervision. 10. Student access to the Internet is available only under direct supervision of a teacher

or instructional assistant. Internet use should be directly related to educational research. Inappropriate use includes accessing sites with inappropriate text,

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pictures, games, blogs, chat rooms, email, and sites not designated for use at that time of instruction by the teacher. Students are not to download executable files, graphics, games, audio/video files without permission. Misuse of the Internet will result in consequences as outlines below.

CONSEQUENCES OF INAPPROPRIATE USE: The ultimate decision of “inappropriate use” is up to the administration of HFMMS. Consequences for violations of this policy can result in the following (depending on the severity of the offense and the frequency of behavior problems):

• Removal of Internet privileges for a period of time • Removal of using any school technology for a period of time • Detention • ISS • Suspension • Expulsion

DRESS AND APPEARANCE

THIS DRESS CODE IS COMPLIANCE WITH THE WARREN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION’S

POLICY ON STUDENT DRESS AND APPEARANCE.

District Policy: This dress code is adopted in the interest of developing and maintaining a student body which is well groomed and neat and avoiding disruption of the educational process. When violations of these policies occur, the Principal or his/her representative will inform the student of the violation and instruct the student in the correction of the discrepancy. If the student then fails to follow the establishing policy, disciplinary action may result.

* * * * * No holes in clothing above the knee (including frayed fabric) even if the other garments (i.e. shorts) are worn underneath. Also, any hole that is too big in any article of clothing won’t be allowed. This is up to the school’s discretion. Pants must be worn at the waist and must remain there constantly through normal activity without having to be held up by the hands. If the pants do not remain securely at the waist without a belt, then a belt will be required. SAGGING IS NOT PERMITTED AT MOSS MIDDLE SCHOOL. Girls wearing hip-hugger jeans must wear a top to cover the front and backside. Pants worn backwards are also prohibited. Underwear/undergarments shall not be visible at any time. Pajamas are not to be worn to school. This includes slippers and houseshoes. At no time, with normal movement, shall a shirt or other top expose skin or bare midriff. This rule prohibits wearing low-rise jeans and short shirt combinations that do not provide adequate and constant coverage of the midriff area.

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Students are not permitted to wear earring/studs/jewelry in their nose, tongue, cheek, or any visible body part other than their ear. Gauges, pens, spikes, etc are not permitted in the ear or elsewhere. This includes plastic fill-in items for the hole of the piercing. It will NOT be allowed. No see-through fabrics on any clothing. No low-cut blouses or tops. The neckline of any article of clothing should not be lower than the width of the student’s flat hand (fingers together) with the thumb touching the Adam’s apple. No sleeveless tops –No off-shoulder top with under layer showing. Shoulders must be completely covered at all times. No hemlines shall be shorter than fingertip length (shorts, skirt, and dresses). Finger tip length is measured at a normal relaxed upright position; even when wearing tights or leggings. Leave heavy winter coats or vests in the locker. Thin, lightweight jackets may be worn in classrooms with teachers’ approval. Students may not go back to the locker to retrieve a jacket. Hooded garments may be worn (i.e. hooded sweatshirts). However, the hood should NOT be up inside the building. Again, hooded items cannot be worn while in ISS. Garments should not be oversized and sloppy, or extremely tight. No hats, caps, scarves, bandanas, or other headdress. No sunglasses unless the office has a written medical excuse. No distracting or inappropriate jewelry such as dog collars, bicycle chains, safety pins. Clothing that has chains and straps hanging down are not permitted. No distracting hairstyles or hair color. Hair shall be kept cleaned and groomed. Final decision on distraction will be determined by administration. No clothing or accessories depicting or promoting racial, sexual, vulgar, or provocative messages, pictures, or symbols. No clothing/accessories depicting or promoting drugs/alcohol/tobacco or gangs. No writing on clothing or body. If the student has an existing tattoo when enrolling at Moss, it must be covered. Students are not allowed to mark on their clothing, their bodies, or any other person’s clothing or body

* * * * *

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CONSEQUENCES: When violations of the dress code occur, they will be handled as discipline infractions. Consequences may include:

• Warning (during the first 2 weeks of school) • Parent notification • Parent/guardian will have to bring in a change of clothes • Detention • ISS • Suspension • Referral to the Middle School Learning Center

DRUG POLICY (prescription & non-prescription drugs, tobacco, Alcohol, etc.)

The Warren County Board of Education takes a firm position that the possession and/or use of illicit drugs, Alcohol, and tobacco are wrong and harmful to one’s health. TOBACCO No student shall possess or use (smoking, chewing, or dipping) cigarettes, pipes, or any tobacco products or paraphernalia in any form in or about school buildings, school grounds, buses, and premises of Moss Middle School. This is governed by strict Board of Education policy # 9.4323). DRUGS & ALCOHOL No student shall purchase, possess, use, be under the influence of, sell or transfer any Alcohol, narcotic, drug, controlled substance, mood altering substance (such as inhalants), over-the-counter medication, prescriptions, or look-a-likes or paraphernalia. This also goes for anyone trying to assist in the purchase, possession, use, sale, or transferring of any of these products. This policy is in effect for all school property (lockers, classrooms, buses, etc.) at any time (including extracurricular activities, dances, or other school-sponsored activity/event). The administering of medication for students here in school needs to be in compliance with Moss Middle School’s “Medication Policy.” CONSEQUENCES According to the Warren County Board of Education, violation of this policy shall constitute reason for disciplinary action, which will be at the discretion of school administration. Punishment may include suspension and/or expulsion from school.

WEAPONS

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Warren County Schools has a zero tolerance for weapons. Violations of this policy will result in demonstrated consequences, which may include suspension and expulsion. Students shall not carry, bring, use, or possess any firearm, other dangerous or deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, destructive device or booby trap, or any look-alikes (example = toy handgun) in any school building, on school property, in any school vehicle, or at any school-sponsored activity or event. Not only is the punishment for violating this policy severe, but the state of Kentucky has made unlawful possession of a weapon on school property a felony punishable of 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

GUM, CANDY, FOOD, ETC.

Moss Middle School allows the chewing of gum in the building. Hard and soft candy are prohibited because they can present sanitation and cleaning problems. Students should not have food or drink in the building (lunches from home are acceptable) Students should not have any other type of food in the building. The cafeteria provides breakfast and lunch daily. Violation of this policy can result in the following:

• Warning • Parent Notification • Lunch Isolation and/or Teacher Isolation • Extended Period of Lunch Isolation • Detention • Referral to the principal for repeated violations and defiance • ISS

THEFT Theft that is proven will result in restitution and disciplinary action (through the school and possibly law enforcement).

SOLICITATION

Students are not to engage in any type of buying, selling, or trading of any articles on school property. Any item brought to school for this purpose will be taken from the student and may be retrieved at the end of the school year.

CAFETERIA POLICY

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Students are provided with a choice of breakfast and lunch at school. This is available at a small cost to the student. Families may apply for a free or reduced price lunch. Applications need to be filled out each year. Only one application is necessary per family, even if you have students in different schools. Please make sure to get these returned to school ASAP. The following rules and regulations are to be followed in the cafeteria:

1. Students are not permitted to have soft drinks or commercially purchased fast-food meals.

2. Students are not permitted to leave the cafeteria without permission. 3. Throwing of food is not permitted. 4. A student who spills food is expected to clean it up. 5. Parents are not to check their child out of school to take them out for lunch or

bring carry-out food to school for the student to eat in the parking lot or cafeteria.

6. Students are to remain in seats unless to empty trays or going to the restroom. Permission will be given to do so by the cafeteria monitors.

7. Students will demonstrate appropriate manners and maintain proper voice levels while in the cafeteria.

8. Students will keep their table and floor area clean and dispose of all trash before leaving.

CONSEQUENCES Failure to follow cafeteria rules may result in the following consequences (in no particular order):

• Warning from staff member • Placed in Isolation • Cafeteria Clean-Up Duty • Assigned seating • Silent lunch for the entire group • Discipline referral to the office (which may result in more severe

consequences) • Other creative consequences deemed necessary

Besides being a lunchroom, the cafeteria is also a place where good relations can be developed. Each student is expected to practice the general rules of good manners one should find in the home. All students must report to the cafeteria with their class and remain in the cafeteria until picked up by their teacher.

BUS PROCEDURES

Riding the school bus is not mandatory – it’s a privilege provided by our school district. According to the Warren County Board of Education, the privilege of any pupil to ride a bus is conditioned upon their good behavior and observance of the rules and regulations.

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Any request for prearranged destination other than the home will be verified by the building Principal or his/her designee. If a request cannot be verified, the pupil will NOT be allowed to travel on a bus that carries her/him to a destination other than his/her home or customary destination. RULES AND REGULATIONS It’s simple…. School rules still apply on the bus. The rules governing transportation are perhaps the most important of all regulations because failure to abide by these rules could pose a serious safety risk to everyone on the bus.

1. Students are not permitted to walk to or from school, even if the destination is very close and within walking distance.

2. Students are not permitted to ride bicycles to or from school. 3. Car riders in the morning and the afternoon should be dropped off and picked up on

the west end of the building (this is the side facing Natcher Parkway). Bus lanes in the front of the cafeteria (right half of the front) should NOT be used to drop off or pick up students. It is important to follow these directions in order to ensure safety.

4. Students are to walk in a safe manner to the buses for loading the buses. Students should only load and exit buses via the front doors of the bus.

5. A student may not leave the school on a bus NOT assigned to him/her without permission from a parent and verified by the school principal or his/her designee. Also, a student may not get off the bus at any place other than his/her home without permission from their parent/guardian and the school principal or designee. Bus notes for alternate transportation must be dropped off in the office first thing each morning and can be picked up at the end of the school day. (See “Bus Notes”).

6. If a student brings a note from home giving him/her permission to get off the bus at Warren Central High School, the note must explain the reason since permission will not be granted unless it is a legitimate reason and can be verified. Students that do not normally ride a bus will be assigned a bus by the office staff.

7. No glass containers (such as bottles and vases) are allowed on the bus. No balloons allowed

8. Students are to obey all bus regulations. 9. Individual drivers have varying rules. It’s important that you get to know you

drivers and are aware of the rules on their bus. The administration of HFMMS supports the rules of each bus.

10. These same rules apply when riding a bus for an extracurricular or co-curricular activity.

BUS DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES The Moss Middle School students are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior at all times while riding the bus to and from school. Buses are part of the school grounds, and appropriate behavior is expected on the bus as it is expected in the school. Failure to abide by the transportation rules and regulations will result in the following consequences: 1st Offense = Warning 2nd Offense = 2nd and final warning 3rd Offense = Loss of bus-riding privileges for 3 school days and parent contact by phone. 4th Offense = Loss of bus-riding privileges for 5 school days and parent contact by phone.

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5th Offense = Loss of bus-riding privileges for 10 school days and parent contact by phone. 6th Offense = The student will have his/her bus-riding privileges remove for the remainder of the school year and parents will be notified by phone. These procedures will be followed in regard to common inappropriate behavior as deemed by the bus driver and/or school personnel. In cases of severe misconduct, the administration at Moss Middle School reserves the right to remove a student immediately from the bus.

** Remember, riding the bus is a privilege, and these privileges can be revoked. **

BUS NOTES

Bus notes (with appropriate contact information) need to be turned in during 1st period to the students homeroom teacher. The notes will be turned in to the office (in order to be verified by office staff. All notes MUST be verified by a phone call made home in order for transportation changes to be approved by the school. If a child is to ride a different bus, only a verified note or fax to the school will be accepted. Notes may be faxed to the school. The school fax number is (270) 843-8512.

MORNING CAFETERIA

All students have the choice of eating breakfast. If choosing to eat breakfast, students must report to the cafeteria immediately in the morning. If not eating breakfast, students need to move to the gym. All normal school rules apply while in the cafeteria for breakfast (see “Lunch Room Policy”). All normal school rules apply (this also applies to the school’s “Electronic Device Policy”). At 7:25 a.m. students arriving at school or already in the cafeteria will remain there. THERE IS TO BE NO ROAMING BACK AND FORTH FROM ONE AREA TO ANOTHER.

MORNING GYM

Students can report to the gym immediately or when finished eating breakfast in the cafeteria. This is a good time for students to socialize before classes begin. Students will sit in the areas specifically designated for their family that they are a part of.

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Early Morning Gym Rules: 1. Students need to sit in their area designated by which family they belong to.

Once there, they are to remain seated. 2. All normal school rules apply (this also applies to the school’s “Electronic Device

Policy”). 3. No food or drink allowed. 4. Once students enter the gym, they are to remain there, in their seats, until

dismissed to first period.

HALLWAY POLICY TRAFFIC FLOW: In order to keep the hallways flowing as smoothly and as safe as possible, it’s important for students to abide by the following hallway rules. These 3 rules are designed to promote safety and ease of transportation:

1. Speak softly (level 1 whisper). If this becomes a problem, Level 0 may be implemented.

2. Students must walk in a single file, on the 3rd full tile (the M’s), on the right side of the hallway.

3. Each student must keep their hands and feet to themselves. *Failure to abide by these rules can result in a loss of hall or locker privileges as well as other disciplinary action. HALL PASSES:

When in the halls without a teacher, students must have a hall pass signed by the teacher, dated, and noting the time. If a student is in the hall without a pass, he/she

will be sent back to class. Repeated violations of this policy will result in disciplinary consequences.

When in the hall, students are to go directly to the teacher-approved destination and only conduct the business approved by the teacher. Students who interrupt other classes, go somewhere they are not authorized to go, or conduct unapproved business are subject to disciplinary action and may lose future hall and locker privileges.

RESTROOM POLICY

In order to keep the restrooms clean and safe, it’s important for students to abide by the following restroom rules.

1. No loitering. Take care of business and return to class immediately. 2. Speak softly (level 1) 3. Keep bathroom safe and clean. 4. No vandalism, graffiti, or horseplay of any kind.

* Failure to abide by these rules can result in disciplinary action.

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DANCE POLICY Dances are a privilege – they are a social time to enjoy with peers. To make dances enjoyable for all, students need to abide by a few guidelines:

1. Moss dress code still applies unless otherwise noted (see “Student Dress and Appearance”).

2. Appropriate behavior is expected. If students misbehave, they will forfeit their right to attend dances and any money in which they already paid when entered.

3. No inappropriate touching or dancing. 4. Students MUST be picked up on time. Dates and times of dances will be announced well

in advance so that proper arrangements can be made. 5. Dances are for Moss Middle School students ONLY. 6. Students who have been suspended from school during the school year, who were in ISS

during the week of the dance, or who have unserved detentions will not be permitted to attend.

* If students fail to abide by the rules, they may have their future dance privileges revoked. Also, disciplinary action may also be taken by school personnel.

EXTENDED SCHOOL SERVICE (ESS) ESS is an after school program specifically designed to enhance student performance in identified subject areas. This is an opportunity for students to get extra instruction in needed areas. Teachers from Moss Middle School will spend extra time after school working with these students. ESS is an extension of the school day, and NORMAL SCHOOL RULES STILL APPLY. This is a time for students to get additional instructional help – not to be socializing or goofing off. The faculty and staff of HFMMS take ESS very seriously because it is a great opportunity for students to get extra instructional assistance that they very well may need. Failure to abide by school rules during ESS can result in permanent removal from this great opportunity as well as the potential for other disciplinary action. The dates for ESS will be set according to funding. These dates and times will be announced well in advance for your convenience. Students must have rides here waiting to pick them up.

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GUIDANCE

The purpose of the guidance program is to help each individual student achieve his/her highest growth mentally, emotionally, and socially. We try to do this in several ways:

1) Helping the new student feel at home in our school with new teachers and friends in a different setting.

2) Individual conferences whenever a student, parent, teacher, or counselor deems it necessary.

3) A testing program designed to help the student learn as much as possible about his/her capabilities.

4) The counselor welcomes the opportunity to talk things over with any student, parent, or teacher. Procedures for seeing the counselor are: 1) Self-referral. Leave you name and message with a teacher or in the office and the counselor will soon get to you.

2) Teacher referral. 3) Parent referral. School personnel will be immediately available in the

case of emergency.

DRAGON SPORTS

Henry F. Moss Middle School offers the students a wide variety of sports for students to participate in. While at Moss, students have the opportunity to participate in volleyball, soccer, football, basketball, cheerleading, baseball, softball, and participate on the school’s academic team. Warren Central High School also extends an invitation to Moss students interested in trying out for various sports. Tryouts and practices for each sport will be announced well in advance. All students may try out. To do so, students will have to have an up-to-date physical and be academically eligible (see “Sports Eligibility”). We hope that you support your child and other Moss students at these athletic events. The cost to attend home games is $3.00.

SPORTS ELIGIBILITY

Schools participating in any sport, including cheerleading and the academic team, will be under the guidelines set forth by the District Sports Eligibility Policy. Athletes must remember they are students first and athletes second. The following standards must be met to be eligible for participation in sports at Henry Moss Middle School. The HFMMS School-Based Decision Making Committee and the Warren County Board of Education have approved the Sports Eligibility Policy.

1. Students repeating 7th or 8th grade are not eligible to participate during their repeated year. If a 7th grade athlete turns 14 before August 1st they must participate at the 8th grade level. An 8th grader that is 15 or older by August 1st may not participate as an 8th grader. They should be encouraged to participate on the high school level.

2. When selecting the teams, the coach will consider grades, attendance, and prior discipline report.

3. Proper grades must be maintained. Grades will be checked at the beginning of each week and specifically on game day by the coach, sponsor, or administrator. An athlete receiving one failing grade based on any check will be suspended immediately from the team until the grade improves to a passing grade. As soon as

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that happens, the student will immediately resume eligibility. No practice or participation is allowed at any time during suspension.

4. Students that have 2 or more failing grades upon receipt of progress report or report card shall be dismissed from the team immediately for the rest of the season. The coach, sponsor, or administration will check these grades.

5. Any student athlete receiving ISS once the season has begun shall be ineligible to practice/play on the days of the ISS assignment. Any athlete receiving a second ISS assignment may be dismissed from the team immediately.

6. Any student athlete receiving 3 or more days of out-of-school-suspension will be dismissed from the team for the remainder of the season. Players or participants may be dismissed without prior offenses if they become involved in any serious disciplinary problem (including, but not limited to alcohol, drugs, theft, disrespect to faculty/staff, fighting etc.) These offenses include off-campus violations as well. Final decision will be the administration.

7. A coach or administrator has the right and authority to “bench” or discipline any player for misconduct of any kind. A coach or administrator has the authority to take whatever disciplinary matters are necessary to ensure proper behavior by all participants.

8. Any athlete absent from school or that checks out of school shall not practice or play on that day.

9. Athletes are representatives of Henry Moss Middle School and Warren County Public Schools at all times. Any misconduct in the community and/or away from school may result in disciplinary action by the coach or administrator, including dismissal from the team.

10. Students must attend practices to be eligible to play. 11. An athletic physical must be on file with the coach in order to even try out for a team

or participate in conditioning. Physicals are good for one year. Insurance must be available on the participant. The students’ parent may purchase a plan offered by the Warren County Schools for athletes or provide proof of insurance through their private policy.

12. Athletes are under the direct supervision of their coach. Additional rules and requirements may be enacted and enforced by the coach or administrator.

CLUBS Henry F. Moss Middle School offers the students a variety of clubs to participate in. We encourage the students to get involved because this is a great way for students to enhance their school experience! Clubs that are available to students will be announced early in the school year. Meetings for clubs may take place before, during, or after school hours. If a club meets before or after school, it is the students’ responsibility to have transportation to and from the club meeting (see Extracurricular activities pg. 11)

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BOOKS, LOCKS, & LUNCH CHARGES Textbooks and library books are furnished by the school and part of school property. If one of these books is lost or damaged while it is checked out to a student, that student will be expected to pay for it (this includes any supplemental material such as CD ROMs). Students are to return library books on time. If not there will be a fine (5 cents per day late). Lunch charges should be paid weekly. Announcements will be made at the end of the year when students will no longer be able to charge their meals. End-of-the-year report cards will be held until all financial obligations are met.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Emergency drills will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the year. Students should follow the directions of the adult in charge. Students will receive instructions from their teacher prior to the drill regarding procedure. All drills should be conducted as if it were an actual emergency to properly prepare everyone in case of a real emergency. Notification of fire drills and other emergency drills will be made via the school public address system. School procedures are in place to help ensure safety and respect for students, faculty, staff, and the school building. Please be responsible and follow procedures. Consequences can be assigned for disobedient or defiant behavior during these drills.

LOCKS AND LOCKER POLICY

Combination locks and lockers will be issued at the beginning of the school year by teachers. Each student will be assigned a locker. While in their possession, the locks and lockers are the responsibility of the student. Lost or damaged items will be expected to be paid by the students. Lockers are the property of Warren County Schools and may be inspected and/or searched by the principal or his designee at any time, with or without students, parents, or guardian’s permission.

A student should: 1. Keep the locker locked at all times. 2. Not give a lock combination to others. 3. Not keep belongings in friends’ lockers. 4. Keep the locker clean and neat at all times. 5. Book bags, coats, and electronic devices must be kept in student’s locker

during the school day. Once assigned a lock and a locker, students are not to change either of the two. ** For each school year, it is mandatory for students to have school-issued locks on their lockers at Henry F. Moss Middle School. All students will be provided a lock by

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the Principal of Henry F. Moss Middle School for a fee of $3. These locks are well-built combination locks. Once the money is collected by teachers, students will then be assigned a locker and a lock. Students should take care of these locks just like any other property. Repeated banging or dropping the locks can eventually cause the locks to be destroyed. Replacement locks cost $5.

YOUTH SERVICES CENTER

Henry F. Moss Middle School Room 104 Lynn Vincent, Coordinator

(270) 843-2172 Welcome to Henry Moss Middle School and the Youth Service Center. Family Resource Youth Service Centers were formed as part of the Kentucky Education Reform Act in 1990. FRC’s provide services to the Elementary Schools and YSC’s provide services to Middle and High schools. We are a combined center offering services to two sites at Moss and at Rockfield Elementary. Our goal is to enhance student’s abilities to succeed in school by assisting youth and families in meeting some of their basic needs. This is done by providing community services at the centers or by linking families to agencies within the community. All services are FREE and available to all students at Moss and their families. The following are some of the services and activities we provide at HMMS:

• School-based counseling-contract with a licensed therapist • Referral for counseling services • Anger Management Group • Canned Food Pantry • Clothing closet including Clothing Giveaways 4-5 times a year • Referrals for Housing and Utility assistance • Peer Mediation Program • Reality Fair for 8th grade students • Health and Safety Fair • Peer Led Abstinence Trainings in cooperation with WCHS students and

Health Dept. • GED and Continuing Education Information for parents • Family Nights • Truancy Diversion Program through Family Court • Babysitter Trainings for students • Newsletters • Lending library for parents-books and videos

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• School supplies • Christmas Assistance • Back to School Bash in cooperation with Warren County FRYSC’s We also accept donations of food, clothing, school supplies, etc. If you donate to Goodwill, we ask that you tell them you want an interagency receipt to go to HFMMS. You will still get a receipt and we get money credited to our account based on the amount of the donation. This enables us to give families vouchers for clothing and other items. We also need parents to serve as a representative on our advisory council. We meet every other month for about 45 minutes. If you are interested please let me know.

Parent-Student-Teacher-Administrator Compact

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Warren County Public Schools

As TEACHERS, we will: • Show respect for each child and his/her family; • Come to class prepared to teach; • Provide an environment conducive to learning; • Believe that each student can learn; • Enforce school and classroom rules fairly and consistently; • Maintain open line of communication with students and his/her parents; • Seek ways to involve parents in the school program; • Demonstrate professional behavior and positive attitude; • Provide quality curriculum and instruction.

As a STUDENT, I will:

• Always try to do my best in my work and on my behavior; • Work cooperatively with my classmates; • Show respect for myself, my school and other people; • Obey school and bus rules; • Come to school prepared with my homework and my supplies; • Believe that I can learn and will learn.

As a PARENT/GUARDIAN, I will:

• See that my child attends school regularly and on time; • Insist that all homework assignments are completed; • Communicate regularly with my child’s teachers and attend at least one-parent teacher

conference; • Encourage my child to read at home and to monitor his/her TV viewing; • Volunteer time to my child’s school; • Attend school functions; • Show respect for my child, the teachers, and the school.

As a PRINCIPAL, I will:

• Believe that each student can learn; • Provide an environment that allows for positive communication between the teacher,

parent/guardian, and student; • Support school programs and functions.

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Notification of Right to Request Teacher Qualifications Dear Parent or Guardian: The educators in Warren County Schools are committed to providing a quality instructional program for your child. This letter is just one of the ways of keeping you informed of the educational commitment of our schools and our district. Our district receives federal funds for the Title 1 programs as part of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Under NCLB, you have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s teacher(s). If you request this information, the district will provide you with the following.:

1. Whether the teacher has met the state requirements for licensure and certification for the grade levels and subject matters in which the teacher provides instruction.

2. Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional

status through which the state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived;

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3. The college major and other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree; and

4. Whether your child is provided services by paraeducators, and if so,

their qualifications. If you would like to request this information, please contact the building principal of the school your child attends. Please include your child’s name, the names of your child’s teacher(s) and an address or email address where the information may be sent. Thank you for your interest and involvement in your child’s education. Sincerely, Tim Murley, Superintendent Warren County Schools