This School Agenda Belongs to:

Name:

Locker Number:

Advisor________________________

Parents/Guardians: Please read through this handbook with your child and sign your name below.

I have read through and discussed the handbook with my child.

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Student Signature Date

Kent Vallier

Principal

Lisa Rullman

Assistant Principal

102 Christian Avenue

P.O. Box 359

Talent, Oregon 97540

Telephone: (541) 535-1552

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2021/2022

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Welcome! Talent Middle School works hard to provide you with a strong education while encouraging you to build respect for yourself and others. Our school is dedicated to providing a positive learning environment for you. During your time in middle school, you can get involved in many sports, clubs, and other activities. Each year, many of our students receive recognition for outstanding performance in academics, music, and sports. You can be one of those outstanding students! Be involved. Have pride in yourself, do the best you can in your studies, willingly support school projects, and cooperate with your teachers and fellow students. Another thing that helps you have a successful experience at TMS involves accepting the additional responsibilities that go with freedoms. It is important to be to classes on time with materials and assignments ready, to use your time productively, and to consistently use help like this handbook. By regularly using this organizer to mark assignments and important dates, you will find yourself more successful with the academic challenges of school. Success with your class work will help you have success in other areas of school as well. Middle school can be a tough time in your life. Students your age are often challenging because of your tendency to take risks and test the limits. It is through this time that you discover your own place in your family, in school, and in society. During these years, keep communicating with the important adults in your life -- your parents, your teachers, your coaches, and others! Having an adult to talk with about important issues and choices can help!

Besides the calendar function, this booklet also contains a handbook for you including general information, school policies, and rules for student conduct. A final section specifically addresses the “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens”. In this portion you and your parents can gain valuable information to become more knowledgeable about the positive habits that you will want to develop to become a success. Over the next few years you are in for a most exciting adventure. You will find this journey a time of decisions and confusion; a time of much laughter and often some tears; of great satisfaction and of some

disappointment; of rapid physical growth and of slower emotional growth; but after all is done you will always remember the relationships built with friends and teachers. Parents, you too

will experience the emotions of your children and will, for the first time, see early emerging glimpses into your child's future. We wish you all well with the journey. Sincerely, Kent Vallier, Principal Lisa Rullman, Assistant Principal

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TMS Staff is committed to the

SUCCESS of every student.

Talent Middle School exists to:

Provide students with the

tools and resources needed to

succeed academically

Inspire students to behave with responsibility and

respect toward all

Encourage students to make positive life choices

We are dedicated to these

CORE VALUES Building positive connections

and supporting all students

toward success

Engaging the entire student by providing a positive

learning environment

Motivating students by modeling a passion for

learning

Fostering students’ personal integrity

We expect student

BEHAVIOR To be

ADMINISTRATION

Kent Vallier, Principal

Lisa Rullman, Assistant Principal

STUDENT SERVICES

Mrs. Hutsell, Student Manager

Ms. Villa, Student Services Clerk

Mr. Ruiz, 8th Grade Success/Transition Coach

Officer Whiteman, School Resource Officer

FRONT OFFICE

Mrs. Schofield, Office Manager

Mrs. Lockett, Secretary/Registrar

Mrs. McCambridge, Attendance

Sra. Harlan, Hispanic Family Liaison

LANGUAGE ARTS/SOCIAL STUDIES

Mrs. Latham

Mrs. Tringolo

Mrs. Rowan

Mr. Kemp

Mrs. Stinson

Mrs. Emmons

TBA

Mr. Keuter

PHYSICAL EDUCATION / HEALTH

Mr. Sewell Mr. Cooper

Mrs. Hayes Ms. Ponder

SCIENCE

Mrs. Wise Ms. LaMarche

TBA Mr. Lynch

Ms. Armstrong

MATH

Mrs. Sullivan

Mrs. Bakker

Mr. Daane

Mr. Hobbins

ELECTIVES

TBA

TBA, Vocal Music

Mr. DeRoest, Instrumental Music

Mr. Tayler, Art

Mrs. Cole, Spanish

SPECIAL SERVICES

Ms. Dean, Resource Center

Ms. Gannaway, Resource Center

Ms. Piacentini, TLC Classroom

Mrs. Chaddock, Media Manager

Mrs. Fuller, ELD

SUPPORT STAFF

Mrs. Mark, ERC Aide

Mr. Boone, ERC Aide

Ms. Guevera, ERC Aide

Mrs. Zapata, ERC Aide

Mr. Reyes, ELD Aide

TBA, TLC Aide

Mrs. Calhoun, TLC Aide

Ms. Phillips, Playground/Cafeteria

Mrs. Hanscom, Playground/Cafeteria

Mrs. Vermillion, Playground/Cafeteria

Mr. Crump, Playground/Cafeteria

Mr. McCormick, Head Custodian

Ms. Lopez, Evening Custodian

Mr. Wyrick, Evening Custodian

SAFE

RESPONSIBLE

RESPECTFUL

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General Information

SCHOOL HOURS School hours run from 8:40 to 3:10 on Tuesdays through Fridays. On Mondays, the Phoenix-Talent School District has a delayed start with TMS beginning at 9:40 and ending at 3:10. The office will be open from 7:30 to 4:00. The main school building will open for students at 8:25 (9:25 on Mondays). Students may enter the building from the bus loop area, through the commons’ doors, or the front doors.

Students should not arrive at school prior to 8:10, as supervision is not provided until that time. For the safety of all, students should not remain in the building after 3:20 unless under a teacher's supervision.

BELL SCHEDULES

Monday Bell Schedule

1st 9:40 - 10:21

2nd 10:25 – 11:06

3rd 11:10 – 11:51

4th 11:55 – 12:25 (Lunch)

Block A 12:30-12:55 (Advisory/Flex Period)

4th 11:55 – 12:20 Advisory

Block B 12:25 – 12:55 Lunch

5th 12:59 – 1:40

6th 1:44 – 2:25

7th 2:29 – 3:10

Tuesday - Friday Bell Schedule

1st 8:40 – 9:31

2nd 9:35 – 10:26

3rd 10:30-11:21

4th 11:25 – 11:55 Lunch

Block A 12:00 – 12:25 Advisory

4th 11:25 – 11:50 Advisory

Block B 11:55 – 12:25 Lunch

5th 12:29 – 1:20

6th 1:24 – 2:15

7th 2:19-3:10

Assembly Bell Schedule

1st 8:40 – 9:22

2nd 9:26 – 10:08

3rd 10:12 – 10:54

4th 10:58 – 11:28 Lunch

Block A 11:33 – 11:58 Advisory

4th 10:58 – 11:23 Advisory

Block B 11:28 – 11:58 Lunch

5th 12:02 – 12:44

6th 12:48 – 1:30

7th 1:34 – 2:16

Assembly 2:20 – 3:10

EMERGENCY CLOSURES When there is an emergency closure, parents/guardians will be contacted by phone and/or email through our Automated Notification System. You may also listen to the radio or watch our local TV stations, beginning at 6:30 am for information about delayed openings or school closures due to inclement weather. You may also check the district website www.phoenix.k12.or.us. DO NOT call the school office. School telephone lines must be left open for school district information. Occasionally, an emergency may cause the school to be closed earlier than usual. It is important that you

provide instructions in advance to your student(s) as to where to go and/or what to do in this type of emergency.

CLOSED CAMPUS

Talent Middle School has a closed campus. This means that once you arrive at school you are not to leave. If you ride on the school bus, you are expected to stay on the bus until it arrives at TMS and to stay on the school grounds once you arrive. The closed campus policy is also in effect during the noon hour. If you are going home for lunch, please bring a note from home and sign out in the main office when you leave and sign in when you return. You may NOT be excused to go to a friend's house for lunch.

ATTENDANCE Regular school attendance is very important and is a key to your success in school. However, if you are ill or have a family emergency the following information will be helpful to you. Please call the attendance office (541) 535-7541 before 8:40 a.m. to let us know your child will not be at school for the day. If this is not possible, please send a note excusing your child when he/she returns to school. Absences must be excused within three (3) days. After this time we will no longer be able to excuse the absences. Oregon Law holds parents responsible for maintaining regular attendance for their child and failure to do so may result in a citation of up to $180 for each unexcused absence (see parent handbook for more information). All students who arrive after the tardy bell need to stop at the attendance office before reporting to class.

PRE-EXCUSED ABSENCES Students who plan to be absent from school may be pre-excused through the attendance office. A note signed by the parent or guardian is required before the pre-excused form is issued. Students may then receive their assignments in advance.

TARDY POLICY A student is tardy to class if the student is not in the classroom when the tardy bell rings. Students having three or more tardies throughout the quarter may receive consequences of lunch detentions or a Saturday School. Student tardies will be checked at the beginning of each week.

APPOINTMENTS Students who plan to leave school during the day for an appointment need to bring a note to the school office. Students are required to sign out when they leave school for an appointment and to sign in when they return.

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ACADEMICS

MONITORING STUDENT PROGRESS

https://ps.phoenix.k12.or.us/public Parents and students may view grades and attendance over the Internet at the above address. Secure IDs and passwords will be distributed at the beginning of the school year or may be obtained through the school office. Computers at school or the public library are an option for those without Internet service at home.

ADVISORS Upon entering TMS, all students will be assigned to a certified staff member who will act as the student's advisor. It will be the responsibility of the advisor to monitor the student's academic progress. Advisors are randomly assigned; students remain with their advisor during their three years at TMS.

CONFERENCES Student-led conferences will be held after the first quarter and again prior to Spring Break. These will be facilitated by the student's advisor. During the conference time, parents will have opportunities to meet with teachers on a drop in basis.

REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS Report cards are issued four times a year at the end of each quarter. Progress reports and academic warning letters will be sent home at mid-quarter. A letter grade of A, B, C, D or F is given for each subject. Talent Middle School and Phoenix High School, operate on a two-grade system. The two grades will represent a student’s academic performance and a student’s citizenship. The academic letter grade will be based on the student’s knowledge of the academic standards of the course. The overall citizenship grade will be based on three behavior categories; Preparedness, Effort/Participation, and Attitude. (see Citizenship rubric on page 12)

A.S.A.P. Talent Middle School has an “After School Academic Program” or ASAP on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:15pm to 4:15pm for students to have a place to do academic work and to get assistance from staff on their work. To sign up, please contact the school office each week.

ACADEMIC RECOGNITION Talent Middle School recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. Students earning a 3.0-3.49 GPA with no D or F marks will earn an Academic Honorable Mention certificate. Students earning a 3.5 or higher (same

criteria as above) will be recognized as an Honor Roll student.

HOMEWORK You will usually have homework every day. Thirty to sixty minutes of time should be adequate to complete your homework. You will need to work out a schedule for your time. Requests for homework when you are absent should be made on or after the second day of an illness, and in the morning before 8:30 a.m. Homework will be available to be picked up the day after the request from 2:45 - 4:00 p.m.

TEXTBOOKS

You are responsible for all textbooks checked out to you. If you lose one or it is damaged, you will be required to pay for it before you are issued another. The same is true with library books--the average cost of textbooks today is $50.00. Students with lost or overdue books may lose their library privileges

STUDENT FEES Fees are paid during registration time in August, or during the first five (5) days of school.

REQUIRED STUDENT ACTIVITY FEE $ 5.00 Student activity fees are used for assemblies, social functions, and handbooks.

LOCK FEE $ 5.00 This fee is charged to students to allow you use of a school lock for your PE basket/locker. Lock rental fees are used to repair and replace locks and locker components. NOVEL FEE $ 5.00 This fee is charged to assist in the purchase of a novel for language arts classes that all students may keep at the end of the year.

GYM SUIT $16.00 (full outfit) $9.00 (separates) $15.00 (sweatshirts/optional) The suit consists of shorts and a T-shirt. A full uniform is required of all PE students. Uniforms are the property of the student and may be worn for several years. Tennis shoes are also required. The student’s name will be written on shorts and shirt.

OPTIONAL YEARBOOK $20.00 Annuals may be purchased throughout the year and are given out on the last day of school. It’s best to buy early in the year to be certain you will get one. SDI & ODP FEE $50.00 Only for students enrolled in our SDI/ODP programs.

BAND INSTRUMENT RENTAL FEE $50.00 Students in band who wish to rent an instrument. Please keep your fee receipt for the entire school year.

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LUNCH

You may bring your lunch or purchase a selection of items from our food services in the school cafeteria. Those selections include a daily entree, hamburgers, pizza, sandwiches, or salad bar. Prices are posted in the cafeteria. A la Carte items such as bagels, soft pretzels, yogurt, cheese and crackers, granola bars, etc. are also available. A breakfast program is also provided each morning.

You will use an identification number to access your account in the computer system. Numbers should be kept confidential; consequences will be issued for students using numbers other than their own. Money may be added to accounts in the morning before school or on line at the district website.

Free and reduced lunches are available upon approval of completed request forms. Lunches can also be earned by working in the cafeteria.

Lunches will be eaten in the cafeteria to eliminate litter on the school grounds. You are expected to behave responsibly in the cafeteria and to clean up after yourself. Drinks must be consumed in the cafeteria during lunch and not taken into the gyms or outdoors.

MEDIA CENTER The Media Center is open to students from 8:25 to 3:30 daily. You may check out materials for a designated period of time, usually two weeks. Please take care of library materials and textbooks, as they are expensive to replace. Students losing or damaging items will be held responsible for their cost.

NUISANCE ITEMS Toys, stuffed animals, electronic devices, or similar items should not be brought to school. They are easily lost or stolen and their presence may create a disturbance and create problems among students.

Students having these items at school must keep them in their locker during school hours. If any of these items are out during the day, they will be taken away and may require that your parents pick them up. Again, if you bring an item like this to school, you are taking a risk that it may be lost or stolen.

TELEPHONES/CELL PHONES

It is a privilege, not a right for students to bring their cell phones (or other electronic communication devices) to school. Students are permitted to bring their cell phones to school and keep them on their person throughout the school day. They may use their phones during their lunch period (other than when they are in the cafeteria) and after school. At all other times cell phones must be turned off. Cell phones are never permitted to be used in restrooms or locker rooms. Students using electronic devices to record and/or electronically share fights or other

inappropriate/illegal activity will be subject to discipline. Each teacher will establish rules for when, if, and how student cell phones may be used in his/her class and will communicate those expectations to students at the beginning of the course.

If a student violates school or classroom policy with respect to cell phone usage, he/she will be subject to the following consequences: 1. For the first offense the student will be required to

surrender his/her phone to the office until the end of the school day when it may be reclaimed by the student.

2. For a second offense the student will be required to surrender his/her phone to the office and a parent will be required to pick it up from the office.

3. For a third offense a parent will be required to pick up the phone and then the student will be required to check his/her phone in with the office at the beginning of the day and check it out at the end of the day for a period of 30 days.

4. Any further offenses (including refusal to check phone in/out) will result in a minimum of a 30 day suspension of privileges to bring a phone to school.

5. In any case, if a student refuses to surrender his/her phone to a staff member when requested, he/she will be subject to a minimum 30 day suspension of privileges to bring a phone to school.

6. If a student uses his/her phone in a restricted area (restroom or locker room), he/she will be subject to a minimum of a two-day suspension.

Students may use the office telephone in special situations but not to make after school plans. Additionally, students should not ask to use the office telephone during class times.

SCHOOL BAGS

School bags or backpacks should be small and flexible enough to fit in your locker. They are only to be used to carry materials to and from school. While at school they are to remain in your locker.

VISITORS Your parents are always welcome to visit but should check in with the office and receive a visitor’s pass before going to a classroom. Mr. Vallier must approve other visitors with at least one day's advance notice. There are times such as the end of the nine weeks, before a vacation, and near the end of the year when visitors are not appropriate. Please do not ask to bring a visitor at these times.

MEDICATIONS State law requires that all prescriptions and medications brought to school must be in their original container and accompanied by a completed “Permission for School Personnel to Administer Medication” form. This form will have the physician’s instructions and the parent/guardian signature so appropriate school personnel can give the medicine. Upon arrival to school, students must bring all medications to the office and give them to the

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secretary. Students are not permitted to carry medication with them. At the end of the school year, all unclaimed medication will be discarded.

LOCKERS

Lockers with combination style locks are available to all students. All combinations have been changed from the previous year. Students should not give out their locker combination to other students. The school does not assume responsibility for student property in lockers or any other place on campus. Although students are assigned lockers, the lockers remain the property of the school and are to be kept clean by students. The school has the right to search lockers under certain conditions relating to the safety, security, and orderly conduct of school. Items, which are disruptive, dangerous, or illegal may be seized.

ACTIVITIES

Many special activities are held during the school year. Some will be during the instructional day while others happen after school or during the evening. Social events held after school or during the evening are for TMS students only. Attendance at these activities is a privilege that may be withheld by the school for disciplinary or other reasons.

Students must be in attendance at school on the day of the activity and all school rules (including dress standards) will be enforced. Students should be picked up promptly at the end of the event. Students not following the rules in place for the activity may lose the privilege of attending future events. Should the need arise; devices such as a passive alcohol sensor may be used without prior notice.

DRESS STANDARDS

You are expected to dress simply, neatly and in a manner that does not create disruptions. Please follow the guidelines listed below. All students shall:

Wear a shirt/top that is not overly revealing.

Wear pants, shorts, a skirt or dress that are not overly revealing.

Wear hard-soled shoes that provide protection against rocks or other sharp objects on the bottom.

Students may wear hats or other head coverings but hoods are not allowed to be worn in the school as they make identifying students more difficult when seeing them in the halls or when on camera during an investigation. Additionally, students will refrain from wearing any clothing or accessory that promotes alcohol/drug use or other illegal activity, is profane, or is sexual in nature.

If you do wear inappropriate clothing as outlined in this section, you will be given a choice to call parents

or borrow appropriate clothing. All dress standards apply to evening activities as well.

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION Being overly affectionate in school creates an environment that is not conducive to concentration and learning. Therefore, students should refrain from inappropriate, intimate behaviors on campus or at school related events & activities. Students are expected to show good taste and conduct themselves respectfully at all times. Inappropriate public displays of affection will not be tolerated. This behavior will result in parents being contacted and possible consequences if inappropriate behavior continues after being warned. The expression of feelings of affection toward others is a personal concern between two individuals and not of others surrounding them. Therefore, good taste and respect for others is the guideline for appropriate behavior.

GANGS

According to district policies, a gang is a group of two or more persons whose purpose is to commit illegal acts or whose activities can cause a substantial disruption with school or school activities. TMS does not allow gangs or gang membership and therefore will not permit students to: -Wear, possess, use, distribute, display or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign or other things that suggest membership or gang affiliation. -Say or do anything (gestures, handshakes, etc.) that suggests membership or gang affiliation. -Promote gangs or gang activities by soliciting membership, intimidating others, encouraging physical violence, committing illegal acts, etc. -Any clothing, jewelry, buttons, body art, or school supplies which advertise alcohol, drugs, and/or tobacco.

STUDENT CONDUCT

AND DISCIPLINE

Discipline at TMS is based on common sense and good manners. The staff has established the following behavioral expectations for our students:

School Rules

Be Safe Keep hands, feet, and objects to self.

Be Respectful Follow directions of staff the first time given

Speak and act respectful to staff and peers

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Be Responsible Be in class on time, prepared with materials

Stay on task and use class time appropriately

These expectations are posted in each room to help students make responsible decisions about their behavior. In most cases, the initial responsibility for discipline rests with your classroom teacher. Each teacher has established a discipline plan that clearly states both the rules for that classroom and the consequences for not following the rules. Consequences for inappropriate behavior may include calls and conferences with parents, detentions, and work around the school.

If misbehavior persists, the teacher will first meet with the student to discuss his/her expectations and to help the student develop a plan to improve. If the problem continues, the parent or guardian will be contacted to ask for help in resolving the problem. If none of the above actions bring about the desired change, the student will be referred to the administration for possible further disciplinary action.

Students who consistently display inappropriate behavior may be placed on a behavioral contract. The student, parent, and a school authority will meet to design a plan that addresses the behaviors in

question.

Sometimes a student misbehaves in such a way that s/he is sent immediately to the administration. This misbehavior can include fighting, vandalism, abusive language or gestures, harassment (includes pantsing), refusal to follow directions, or use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco. Such actions may lead to suspension from school for up to ten school days. In these cases, parents will be contacted immediately, even at work. Law enforcement agencies may also be involved in violations of this type. Repeated violations may result in expulsion from school.

POSITIVE REFERRALS

Students who maintain positive behavior and abide by school rules consistently may receive a positive referral. These will be placed in their behavior file, and a congratulatory letter will be sent home to parents/guardians.

HARASSMENT

All individuals at Talent Middle School are worthy of being treated with respect. It is the responsibility of every individual at TMS to protect other students and staff from harassment of any type. Harassment on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, parental or marital status, or age means written, verbal, or physical behavior that is designed to embarrass, distress, agitate, disturb or trouble others. Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student are considered forms of harassment.

Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other written, verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Examples: verbal or written harassment or abuse; repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications; unwelcome touching.

Harassment is a violation of school and district policy and can result in severe disciplinary action, including expulsion, from the school and possible involvement of law enforcement agencies. Any student who has knowledge of or feels he/she is a victim of harassment should immediately report his/her concerns to a staff member. The School will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of harassment.

WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS ITEMS

Any item that may jeopardize the safety of a student or adult is strictly prohibited at TMS. This includes firearms, knives, firecrackers, chains, matches, lighters, etc. Students in possession of this type of item (or a realistic look-alike model such as a soft pellet gun) will face disciplinary action from the school and possible involvement of law enforcement agencies. State and federal laws consider the possession of firearms a serious offense and requires students in possession of firearms be considered for expulsion. If an item of this nature is needed for a classroom presentation the student must get prior approval from a school administrator.

DRUGS, ALCOHOL, AND TOBACCO The possession or use of drugs, alcohol, and/or tobacco at Talent Middle School is strictly forbidden. Students that disregard this rule face strict consequences, which include suspension, expulsion, and/or involvement of local law enforcement agencies. TMS (along with all other district schools) has been designated a smoke free campus.

SUSPENSION A student who is suspended from TMS may not attend school or school activities for the length of the suspension. All suspensions at TMS are done under Oregon law (OAR 581-21-065). This means suspensions will generally be no longer than ten school days, a written notice of suspension will be given, students will have an opportunity to tell their explanation of the situation, parents will be notified, and school work for a suspended student may be made up at the discretion of the student's teachers. A suspension may be appealed, but will not be postponed pending appeal. A copy of the law will be available upon request.

EXPULSION Expulsion means not being able to attend the regular school for up to a year. Students will be offered other

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educational opportunities. This may be a home tutor, alternative school, or other program. You don’t want to get expelled! If you have accidentally brought a weapon or some other prohibited item to school, turn it in to the student services immediately. Expulsion is usually recommended for: -Drug use or possession -Weapon use or possession (including look-alikes) -Serious misconduct -Too many discipline problems

Oregon law (OAR 581-21-070) sets the guidelines used for expulsion. These include the right to written notice (delivered in person or by certified mail) that states the charges and supporting evidence, the right to a hearing before the hearings officer (usually the Superintendent), the right to representation by counsel, the right to present evidence, and the right to appeal the expulsion to the school board. The district will offer students expelled from school alternative educational opportunities.

EMERGENCY PLANS

Each classroom has an emergency evacuation map posted near the door. Be sure you learn the exit routes from each of your classes. Fire-In the case of a drill or an actual emergency: 1. Leave the building in a quiet, orderly, single file

line. 2. Stay together in your line and remain quiet when

the designated waiting area is reached. 3. Remain at the waiting area until an all-clear signal

is given. Earthquake- In the case of a drill or an actual emergency: 1. Drop and cover - get under a desk or table, turn

away from windows, put both hands on back of neck and tuck head down. Stay away from windows. When over, exit the building by fire drill procedures.

2. Stay together in your line and remain quiet when the designated waiting area is reached.

3. Remain at the waiting area until an all-clear signal is given.

BUSES Riding the school bus is a privilege and disciplinary action will be taken when students choose not to follow the bus rules. Video cameras may be used on the buses to help monitor student behavior; students will not be notified when the camera is being used.

Misbehavior on the bus may result in a student being given a bus citation. Generally, the first citation is a warning, the second one results in a 3-5 day suspension from the bus, the third one in a 5-10 day suspension, and the fourth one may put the student off the bus for an extended period of time (possibly

the rest of the school year). A student receiving a citation will need signatures from both his/her parent and a school administrator before he or she may ride the bus again.

If a student needs to leave the bus at a place other than his/her regular stop, a note from a parent must be brought to the office window. The secretary will then give the student a pass to use.

BUS RULES BE SAFE -Fighting, wrestling, or boisterous activity is not allowed on the bus. -Pupils shall remain seated while bus is in motion. -Pupils shall not extend their hands, arms, or heads through bus windows. -Pupils shall not bring animals, firearms, weapons, or other potentially hazardous material on the bus. -Pupils shall have written permission to leave the bus other than at home or school. -When necessary to cross the road, pupils shall cross in front of the bus or as instructed by the bus driver. BE RESPECTFUL -If Pupils are assigned seats by the bus driver, they need to sit in that seat. -Pupils shall converse in normal tones; loud or vulgar language is prohibited. -Pupils shall be courteous to the driver, to fellow pupils, and passersby. -Pupils shall follow the directions of the driver and follow bus regulations. BE REPONSIBLE -Students shall use the emergency door only in case of emergency. -Pupils shall not open or close windows without permission of driver. -Pupils shall keep the bus clean, and must refrain from damaging it. -Pupils shall be on time for the bus both morning and evening. -Pupils being transported are under authority of the bus driver. -Pupils who refuse to obey promptly the directions of the driver or refuse to obey regulations may forfeit their privilege to ride on the buses. (Rules governing pupils riding school buses must be kept posted in a conspicuous place in all school buses)

CHILDREN ATTENDING PRIVATE

SCHOOLS Limitation on Services: Children who are enrolled by their parents in private schools may participate in publicly funded special education and related services. Federal law allows school districts to limit the amount they spend for these services. If your child is to receive special education services under this provision, the school district will meet with you to develop a service plan describing the services to be

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provided to your child. Services may be provided on-site at the private school or at a public school; the District must offer transportation for the child to access these services. When Reimbursement Is Not Required: School districts are not required to pay for the cost of education, including special education related services, of a child with a disability at a private school facility if the school district made a free and appropriate public education available to the child and the parents chose instead to place the child in a private school facility. When Reimbursement May Be Required: A court or hearing officer may require a school district to reimburse parents for the cost of private school placement made without the consent of or referral by the school district only if: - The child received special education and related

services under the authority of a public agency before enrolling in the private school; the court or hearing officer finds that at that time, the school district did not make a free appropriate public education available to the child in a timely manner; and

- Parent provided notice removing the child from public school

For Further Information: Call Tiffanie Lambert, Assistant Superintendent of

Academic and Student Services at 541-535-7522.

SPORTS

CROSS COUNTRY (CO-ED) September-November 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade GIRLS’ VOLLEYBAL September-November 7th & 8th Grade, V & JV FOOTBALL (CO-ED) September-November 7th & 8th Grade BOYS’ BASKETBALL November-December 7th & 8th Grade, V & JV WRESTLING (CO-ED) January-February 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade GIRLS’ BASKETBALL January-February 7th & 8th , V & JV TRACK (CO-ED) March-May 6th , 7th, & 8th Grade There is currently no pay-to-play fee at any Phoenix-Talent district school. All students may participate for free. Students are required to show proof of insurance and have a current physical on file to be allowed to participate in sports. Complete schedules for each sport are available in the main office during each particular season.

ELIGIBILITY Participation in activities and sports is very important for students at TMS. These activities are important

for learning at this age. We also recognize that our 6th graders are not accustomed to meeting eligibility requirements, while our 8th graders need to prepare for the more stringent high school requirements. Because of this, we have a graduated policy which allows all 6th graders to be eligible, while our 7th and 8th graders must meet certain academic and behavioral criteria. Specific criteria and policies are available in our Athletics Handbook. The Athletics Handbook is available on the Athletics page of the TMS website.

8th GRADE RECOGNITION PROGRAM The culminating experience for our students here at TMS is our 8th Grade Recognition. This ceremony allows us to celebrate the accomplishments of three years of hard work here at the middle school, and to wish our outgoing 8th graders well as we send them off to the high school. It is a great celebration for our students, our staff, and students’ family and friends. This event occurs each year on the second-to-last day of school in the evening in our large gym. In order to be eligible to participate in the ceremony 8th grade students need to have met the following criteria:

A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 1.5 or above for their 8th grade year.

Fewer than 10 behavior referrals and/or suspensions during the 8th grade year. There is a possibility that one or more behavior referrals can be expunged through a restorative dialogue with the staff member who wrote the referral.

Parents of students who fail to meet the requirements to participate in 8th Grade Recognition will be informed of that fact the week before the ceremony. Parents/guardians can always check on their student’s progress regarding these standards with our office throughout the year.

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HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS Preparing students for work, advanced learning and citizenship in today’s world. HIGH ACADEMIC STANDARDS 25 credits

English Language Arts – 4 credits

Mathematics – 3 credits at Algebra I and above

Science – 3 credits – scientific inquiry (2 lab experiences).

Social Sciences – 3 credits

Career & Technical Education, The Arts, and/or Second Language – 3 credits (any one area or in combination)

Physical Education – 1 credit

Health Education – 1 credit

Advisory – 1 credit

Electives – 6 credits

Essential Skills Demonstrate proficiency in the following Essential Skills:

Read and comprehend a variety of text

Write clearly and accurately

Apply mathematics in a variety of settings

Students will complete during Advisory:

Education Plan and Profile – Develop an education plan and build an education profile to guide learning toward student’s personal career and post-high school goals.

Career- Related Learning Experiences – Participate in experiences that connect classroom learning and real life experiences in the workplace , community, and/or school relevant to student’s education plan

Extended Application – Apply and extend knowledge and skill in new and complex situations related to the student’s personal and career interests and post-high school goals.

Diploma Options

The District will ensure that students have access to the appropriate resources to achieve a standard diploma, modified diploma, extended diploma or alternative certificate at the high school level. Beginning in Grade Five, the District will provide information annually of the availability of a modified diploma, and extended diploma and an alternative certificate and the requirements for the diplomas and certificate to the parents or guardians of a student taking an alternate assessment. If you have any questions, please contact your building principal.

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