MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK 2015-2016 Dear Students and Parents, Middle school is an important time in the lives of young adolescence as they are making critical and complex life choices and are forming attitudes, values, and habits that will guide them on their path to graduation. This handbook for students and parents provides valuable information, which includes: Reaching high standards for learning Reaching high standards for behavior Accessing campus Eating at school Transportation Many of the provisions in the handbook are shared with you under state or federal regulations. Unfortunately, the sheer volume and character of some of the provisions may give the impression of an overly formal school system rather than a friendly, personal one. Therefore, our school board, district administration, and school staff, in sharing this handbook, would like you to understand that we seek to cultivate an active partnership with you. The information contained in this handbook is intended to enrich this partnership through helping create understanding of expectations for student conduct. Maintaining open communication with you on issues affecting the progress and growth of students is vitally important to us. THIS HANDBOOK BELONGS TO: _____________________________________________ Contact Information: Michael Bone, Principal Dr. Josh Wilson, Assistant Principal Saundra Moffat, Secretary/Bookkeeper Randi Jensen, Secretary/Registrar 575 West 7th South Rexburg, ID 83440 Phone: (208) 359-3320 Fax: (208) 359-3348 Home Page: www.msd321.com (Click on “Our Schools” and “Madison Middle School”) 2 Madison Middle School Faculty & Staff 2015-2016 Office Michael Bone Josh Wilson Kathy Howard Shawn Scott Sandra Moffat Randi Jensen Mike Wilson Kirk Chadwick Principal Assistant Principal Guidance Counselor Resource Officer Financial Secretary Registrar Day Custodian Night Custodian Special Services Kara Downs Karen Muir Lisa Berry Susan Startin Tracey Parkinson Heather Cameron Brenda Butikofer Lorraine Weimer Sharee Barton Ryan Durfee Nathan Lewis Mary Ann Mounts Extended Resource 5th Grade Resource 6th Grade Resource Title I Title I Title I 4th/5th Discovery 4th/5th Discovery 4th Grade AIM 5th Grade AIM 5th Grade AIM 6th Grade AIM Encore Faculty Rebecca George Rachel Cottam Doug Hansen Jennifer Christensen Chorus Band Orchestra P.E. Library Beverly Murdock Meredith Wilcox Tamara Daybell Librarian Library Aide Library Aide 5th Grade Faculty Lauren Sandstrom Lori Boggetti Marian Hayes Teresa Nielsen Juli Lauritsen Micahlyn Jolley Sarah Jones Merilee Sorensen Hailey George Ranae Powell Jackie Mitchell Heidi Thompson Team 5-1 5-1 5-1 5-2 5-2 5-2 5-3 5-3 5-3 5-4 5-4 5-4 6th Grade Faculty Melanie Wade Amy Rosell Erik Bloom Virginia Bradley JoAnn Cline Benjamin Hyde Darla Weathersby Cheri Dobson Tammy Ostermiller Polly Stevenson Virginia Bradley Michelle Summers Kaitlin Richey Team 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-4 3 4 Bell Schedule for Monday-Thursday** 5th Grade Schedule Warning Bell Late Bell (roll, lunch count) 1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period Lunch Encore 1 Encore 2 4th Period Wrap Up Dismissal Bell 8:30 8:35–8:40 8:40-9:40 9:45-10:45 10:50-11:50 11:50-12:30 12:35–1:20 1:25–2:10 2:15-3:15 3:15-3:20 3:20 6th Grade Schedule Warning Bell Late Bell (roll, lunch count) 1st Period 2nd Period Lunch Encore 1 3rd Period 4th Period Encore 2 Wrap Up Dismissal Bell 8:30 8:35–8:40 8:40-9:40 9:45-10:45 10:45-11:25 11:30-12:15 12:20-1:20 1:25-2:25 2:30-3:15 3:15-3:20 3:20 ** Madison Middle School has an early out every Friday at 2:00 pm. See Friday Early-Out Schedule on the following page: 5 Bell Schedule for Friday Early-Out** 5th Grade Schedule Warning Bell Late Bell (roll, lunch count) 1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period 4th Period Lunch Encore 1 Encore 2 Dismissal Bell 8:30 8:35–8:40 8:40-9:35 9:40-10:25 10:30-11:15 11:20-12:05 12:05-12:50 12:55–1:25 1:30–2:00 2:00 6th Grade Schedule Warning Bell Late Bell (roll, lunch count) 1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period Lunch Encore 1 Encore 2 4th Period Dismissal 8:30 8:35–8:40 8:40-9:25 9:30-10:15 10:20-11:05 11:05-11:40 11:45–12:15 12:20-12:50 12:55-2:00 2:00 NOTICE FOR STUDENTS ARRIVING TO SCHOOL EARLY: Students should not arrive at school until 8:00 a.m. when appropriate adult supervision is scheduled. 6 Welcome to Madison Middle School To influence, to preserve, to extend, and to provide direction to the values of our community, Madison Middle School is committed to providing the best possible education. The needs and capabilities of each student are of highest concern. Madison Middle School is a place where each student has the right to a safe and orderly learning environment. We promote academic achievement and social responsibility. Mission Statement Madison Middle School will promote high standards of academic achievement, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning in a safe and caring environment. Commitment The faculty and staff of Madison Middle School are committed to: 1. Creating a safe, positive learning environment where students, teachers, and other personnel demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and property. 2. Providing students the opportunity to think critically and creatively, to communicate and to problem solve. 3. Providing students the opportunity to become independent, self-disciplined learners, accountable and responsible for their actions and learning. 4. Ensuring students will learn, given appropriate materials, time and learning opportunities. 5. Facilitating engaging, creative, relevant and meaningful learning experiences. 6. Offering classroom instruction that is aligned with school, district, and state standards. 7. Affording opportunities for students to develop skills in the arts and lifetime physical education. 8. Integrating technology into education. 9. Involving students, teachers, staff, parents, and community members to promote a responsive learning community. School Pledge Each day I come to Madison Middle School to learn. It is my responsibility to help create a safe place so that others might also learn. I will treat others with respect, be responsible for myself, and come to school ready to learn. I will act in such a way that I will be proud of myself and others will be proud of me also. 7 Reaching high standards for behavior Our goal is to provide an environment for students and their teachers that is safe and drug-free and fosters learning. Most middle school students are well behaved and respectful of each other and their teachers. We ask students to behave in a manner that will be a credit to our school. Our students are expected to maintain the same high standards of behavior at all times. Students are expected to obey their school officials, protect property, maintain order and decorum, and conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect credit upon themselves and their school. Following are the expectations of Madison Middle School students in all areas. Our school rules include being respectful, responsible, and ready. The School Classroom Listen to morning announcements. Raise your hand. Follow the rules. Hands and feet to yourself. Be kind. Have fun! Be friendly to everyone. Have a good attitude. Be to school on time. Avoid class tardies. Respectful Responsible Ready Expectations Madison Middle School Expectations Setting Hallways Playground Cafeteria Walk Quiet Listen to teacher. Hands and feet to yourself. Be kind. Follow the rules. Listen to duty. Take turns. Hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Wait your turn. Listen to duty. Include others. Be on task. Clean up after yourself. Take care of personal items. Quickly go where you need to. Play safe. Include others. Share equipment. Take your things with you at the end of recess. Homework done. Be prepared to class. Get all your materials. Be prepared. Come in when the bell rings. Dress properly. 8 Library Computer Labs Gym Bus Bathrooms Push in chairs. Treat books and equipment carefully. Be a good sport. Wait your turn. Follow the rules. Listen to duty. Include others. Listen to bus driver. Be kind. Include others. Take care of seats/bus Keep hands/feet to yourself. Clean up your mess. Don’t climb on walls. Respect privacy. Practice good table manners. Replace trays & utensils. Clean up eating area. Follow teacher’s directions. Work quietly. Whisper. Return books. Put games away. Play safe. Put away equipm ent. Use a quiet voice. Stay in your seat. Take belongings and trash with you. Ask for permission. Hurry back. Don’t play around. Flush it. Wash hands. Bring your lunch or lunch money. Be on the correct computer program. Walk to the gym. Leave on time. Watch for your stop. Be on time. Use during recess and break times. Bobcat Bucks Students can earn digital Bobcat Bucks from their classroom teachers in a variety of ways: meeting a reading goal, doing well on a test, and being kind/helpful to others. Students can redeem Bobcat Bucks at the Friday Store for snacks and non-food items such as pencils, notepads, pencil sharpeners, etc. Bobcat bucks can also be used for a variety of passes and entry to school reward events such as Fast Dance parties and Carousel Day at Porter Park. Monitoring Student Academic Progress Our school provides 24/7 online access to student grades, assignments, and other information through a web-based program called PowerSchool. Please contact the office to sign up for this FREE service. If you do not have access to the Internet, we provide computers at our school for parents to use. Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTC) – Our school hosts two conference sessions for students, parents and teachers to meet face-to-face and talk about progress and set appropriate academic goals. Dates for PTC for the 2015-2016 school year are October 22nd-23rd and February 11th-12th. Report Cards – Our school will send reports cards home at the end of each trimester. Testing – Our teachers use a variety of assessments from quizzes, testing, projects, portfolios and homework to ensure students are reaching academic goals. In addition, the following link provides current testing requirements by the Idaho State Department of Education: http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/assessment/ Response to Intervention (RTI) We are committed and pleased to offer remedial help to students in the areas of math and reading. In addition to Special Education and Title I programs, MMS offers RTI, which is an opportunity for students to work with their math or reading classroom teacher and receive additional help in those subjects each day. Students are identified for math or reading RTI through screeners taken at the first of each trimester, academic performance in the classroom, and/or parent recommendation. RTI teams, comprised of the teaching team, and administrator, counselor, and special services directors, meet at least once a month to discuss students within the team who might benefit from RTI. 9 Students are exited from RTI once they’ve mastered skills and/or it’s been determined by the RTI team that the student is ready to perform in the classroom without additional help. While in RTI, students will miss their social studies class. Before and After School Programs Madison Middle School offers early-morning dodge ball for students who come to school in the morning. This will begin at 8:00 am. NOTICE FOR STUDENTS ARRIVING TO SCHOOL EARLY: Students should not arrive at school until 8:00 a.m. when appropriate adult supervision is scheduled. Madison Middle often partners with community businesses to offer additional activities after school such as jump rope, sports, and ballroom dance. Check with the MMS office for updates on planned after-school activites. Attendance Policy All children of compulsory attendance age (seven to sixteen) are required to attend school. Attendance and punctuality are important elements of the educational process for all students. Therefore, all enrolled K-12 students are expected to be in school 100% of the time classes are in session, unless they are participating in school related activities or otherwise excused by school board policy or Idaho state law. Absences Students who are absent from school must have their parents contact the school each day of the absence. Parents or guardians should either call the school with the following: The dates of the absence(s) The reason for the absence(s) For our part, if a student is absent and we have not heard from parents, an automated phone call will go out to remind parents to verify a student’s absence. Truancy letters will be sent home to parents whose student has 7 or more unexcused absences during a trimester. Beyond 10 unexcused absences in a trimester, the school’s administration may take further steps to impress the importance of school attendance. 10 Make-up Work When students have been absent for any reason make-up school work will be required and is due within 2 days of returning to school per day absent. For example, if a student misses two days of school for an illness, then the student will have four school days to make-up any assignments, tests, or quizzes in order to receive full credit. Late work may or may not be accepted for partial credit at the classroom teacher’s discretion. Tardies Punctuality is a classroom issue. Teachers are responsible for controlling tardiness. Students with excessive tardies can be sent to the office by a teacher to visit with a principal and receive an office incident referral, which must be signed by a parent, and given consequences such as work duty at lunch. Truancy Policy Truancy is defined as: being in any location other than where you are supposed to be. For example, a student who is on campus, but not in the appropriate classroom or location will be considered truant. 11 Discipline When a student misbehaves, the teacher will deal with the student through assertive discipline, posted class rules, and fair enforcement. If the student does not comply, the teacher will contact the student’s parents to enlist parent/guardian support. If disruptive behavior continues, the student will be referred to the administration. A teacher will refer students to an administrator for continued mischievous misbehavior or severe misbehavior. Madison Middle School Discipline/Referral Levels Level 1 – Level 2 – Level 3 – Level 4 – Incidental Violations Minor Violations Major Violations Illegal Violations (Non-referred/Recorded) (Referred/Recorded) (Referred/Recorded) (Non-referred/Nonrecorded) Running Insubordination Missing homework Disruptive behaviors Breaking cafeteria rules Breaking playground rules Inappropriate behavior in the bathrooms Chewing gum or eating candy except by teacher permission Other: Third Level 1 Offense Lying/cheating Indirect, inappropriate language/gestures Inappropriate dress Name calling Spitting Throwing snowballs Insubordination Cell phone/texting violation Other: Third level 2 Offense Direct, inappropriate language/gestures Fighting/physical aggression Harassment/bullying Overt defiance Property destruction/ misuse Theft Forgery Internet misuse/cyber bullying (see handbook) Spitting on someone Cell phone/texting violation (2nd offense) Taking pictures/video without consent Cheating/Plagiarism Truancy Other: 12 Drug use/ possession Weapon use/ possession Habitual Truancy Arson Bomb threat Extreme property damage/ vandalism Combustibles Assault/threats Other: Madison Middle School Discipline Process Level 1Incidental Violations Addressing the Behavior Forms Possible Consequences Teacherhandled The teacher addresses the behavior using classroom management strategies. No formTeacher may keep notes in personal files. Teacher handled Re-teach Warning Allow a natural consequence Level 2Level 3Minor Violations Major Violations Teacher-handled The teacher addresses the behavior using logical consequences (apology of action, take a break, or loss of privilege, focus room). Teacher takes notes Call parents or email home Parent Contact Log Confiscated phone or electronic devices form used by teacher with receipt given to student for pick-up later. Teacher handled Apology Time out Loss of privilege Complete a “refocus sheet” Recess Detention 13 Level 4Illegal Violations Office-handled Send student to the office Office-handled Send student to the office Office Referral FormThe principal will fill out office referral form and document the incident in PowerSchool. Office Referral FormThe principal will fill out office referral form and document the incident in PowerSchool. Principal will call the parent or send home office referral form for parent signature, and follow-up with teacher ASAP. Office handled Parent conference Lunch suspension/ work duty Bus suspension Lunch/recess detention In-school suspension Out of school suspension Principal will call the parent or send home office referral form for parent signature, and follow-up with teacher ASAP. Office handled Parent Conference In-school suspension Out of school suspension Change of schedule Change of school placment Contact police Expulsion DEFINITION OF TERMS Throughout this handbook many terms are used that may be confusing. Below are many of these terms and our definitions. Work Duty - Provided weekdays during lunch after student eats lunch. Students clean lunch room by wiping tables and picking up garbage. Office Referral Form – This is a form filled out by a school principal and a student defining a student’s inappropriate behavior. The principal will conference with the student and reteach appropriate behavior and expectations and then ask the student to be responsible and take the form home and get a parent signature and then return the form to school. Mischievous Behavior—Any behavior that interferes with the learning process: such as public display of affection, disrupting class, lack of preparedness, nonconformity to dress code, any behavior that disrupts the learning process. Severe Behavior—Any action that threatens the safety or welfare of people on campus and/or stops the learning process: such as fighting, weapons, vandalism, extreme disruption, drugs, alcohol, tobacco— any behavior that threatens the safety or welfare of anyone on campus and stops or inhibits the learning process. In School Suspension (ISS) - Provided daily during school hours. Students may be assigned for a portion of a day, up to 3 days of ISS. Students will be provided with academic materials and will conference with an administrator prior to assignment in ISS and before returning to their regular classes. Rules will include no talking, no sleeping, and no heads down on desk. Out of School Suspension (OSS) Students may be suspended from school and all school-related activities for a period of 1 to 5 days, with an extension of up to 10 days for violent or severe behavior. Students may not come on any Madison School District campus for any reason during the period of suspension. A conference will be held with the student, parent and administrator prior to the suspension and before the student returns to classes. Expulsion - Any student who is a habitual truant, incorrigible, and continually disruptive of school discipline, disrupts the instructional process, or whose presence is a detriment to the health and safety of other students may be denied attendance by expulsion. Expulsion is removal from school for a determined period of time (usually a semester or year). Only the Board of Trustees can make this decision. If a student is being referred for expulsion the parent/guardian will receive the following: notice of charges, explanation of recommendation, opportunity to express their point of view at the building and district level. If it is still deemed necessary to refer for expulsion, the student will attend a hearing before the School Board who will determine if the student will continue attending or be removed from school. 14 Racial/Ethnic/Sexual/Bullying/Harassment Bullying – There are 3 criteria that define bullying: 1) Bullying is one-sided, 2) Bullying is on purpose, and 3) Bullying is repeated. Bullying occurs when one or more students repeatedly and intentionally hurt another student through words or actions. In bullying incidents there is an imbalance of real or perceived power, such that the victim has a hard time defending him/herself against the tormentors. The victim also does not instigate bullying on him/herself by teasing others physically or verbally prior to the bullying. State law and Madison School District board policy prohibit any form of racial or ethnic harassment by any student or staff member which is meant to demean, degrade, embarrass or cause humiliation to any student or staff member. Any student found in violation of this policy may be suspended. Consequences for staff members are defined by existing school board policy for similar offenses. Demeaning Language - Any language that demeans others will not be tolerated. Specially, the use of racial slurs are prohibited and considered a severe misbehavior. This behavior, profane language, or inappropriate gestures could all result in suspension from school. Sexual Harassment - Sexual harassment shall be defined as conduct involving any unwelcome sexual advances or request for sexual favors or comments of a sexual nature. It is the policy of Madison School District #321 to maintain learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment. It shall be a violation of this policy for any member of the Madison School District staff or student body to harass another staff member or student through conduct or communications of a sexual nature. Cheating - Students are expected to act with integrity and submit original work and use their own knowledge and skills when tested. On occasion, however, individuals may choose to cheat. Below is description of that behavior and the consequences: Plagiarism - When a person takes credit for another’s work, be it from printed material (ex: Internet, books, newspaper, encyclopedias, or periodicals) or from a peer without proper documentation. The following are some examples of instances of plagiarism: Copying from another student’s test/work. Obtaining by any means another person’s work and submitting it as one’s own work. Failing to give proper credit to sources used in papers and projects. Academic Dishonesty - When a student fraudulently gains access to knowledge for the purpose of assignments, etc. The following should be used as a guide to help students understand academic dishonesty: Seeking aid from another student during/after a test. Preparing any academic work with another student, unless permitted by an educator. Possessing or using material or notes not authorized by an educator during a test. Plagiarism and academic dishonesty can be avoided by the following: Proper documentation Clear communication between student and teacher Integrity, through personal and social responsibility If a student cheats, she/he will redo the assignment or one that is similar in content to show mastery. 15 Other School Policies Dress Code Our students strive to dress for success in a manner appropriate for the school setting. To ensure we maintain an environment that is safe and conducive to learning students should wear appropriate clothing. Students will not be allowed to wear clothing that is disruptive to the educational process or a hazard to themselves or others. Occasionally a classroom activity or spirit week will warrant modifications of the dress code. For example, students usually wear costumes to school near Halloween or dress in red and white during spirit week. Upper Body: Sleeveless shirts must extend from the neckline to the shoulder. Brief garments such as halter-tops, bare midriffs, tube tops, tank tops, spaghetti tops and plunging necklines are not allowed. Garments exposing cleavage are not school appropriate. Shirts exposing undergarments are not school appropriate. Lower Body: Pants, skirts, shorts, capris, dresses are school appropriate. No item may be shorter than 3 inches above the knee. All items must be size appropriate (no sagging/bagging pants). Belts are to be through the belt loops and not hanging. Pajama pants are not school appropriate. Bottoms exposing undergarments or skin are not school appropriate. No rips or holes in jeans that are higher than 3 inches above the knees. Other requirements: Clothing advertising or promoting drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violent acts, gangs, lewd or sexual themes or are demeaning or degrading or offend general moral principles are not allowed. No hoods may be worn in school buildings. No jewelry containing gang related letters or numbers. No attire connected to hate or gang groups such as hats, bandana, rags, colors, shirts, sags, chains, etc. is allowed. Clothing or accessories that are disruption to the educational process, including collars, bracelets, piercings and boots that include but not limited to: spikes, hoops, gauges or other dangerous items are not allowed. Spikes, nails, chains and safety pins on clothing are unsafe at school. Sunglasses, hats, caps, bandanas, visors, beanies or head attire is not to be worn in the building. Shoes with wheels and slippers are not school appropriate. Any other attire deemed to be a disruption of the educational process or detrimental to the health and safety of students is not to be worn. 16 Electronic Devices Policy Cell phones and texting devices are NOT allowed. Music only devices such as ipods, and gaming devices are allowed before or after school and during lunch. Music and games should be appropriate for 5th/6th graders (10-12 years old) and not be shared (viewable or hearable) by peers otherwise. Students are not allowed to take pictures with any device unless first cleared by administration. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. In the occasion that a student violates this policy the following steps will occur: 1st offense: Electronic device is confiscated and turned into the front office. A confiscation form will be given to the student. The student may pick-up the device at the end of the day (after 3:20). Depending on the severity of the violation, a parent may be required to pick up the device. 2nd offense: Electronic device is confiscated and turned into the office. Confiscation form is given to the student, which in turn should be given to the parent. Parent must pick-up the device at the end of the day (after 3:25). Student may serve detention. 3rd offense: Electronic device is confiscated and turned into the office. Consequences given at administrative discretion, possibly resulting in loss of electronics privilege at school, etc. Telephones are available in each classroom and the office. Students are expected to set-up play dates at home, not at school during lunch or class. Computer Use The purpose of Madison School District Internet and local network access is to facilitate communications in support of research and education. To remain eligible as a user, access must be in support of and consistent with the educational objectives of the Madison School District. Access is a privilege and not a right. Users should not expect that the files stored in the district's systems would always be private. Electronic messages and files on school-based computers may be treated like school lockers. Administrators and faculty may review files and/or messages to maintain system integrity and ensure users are utilizing the system responsibly. Appropriate Use Policy for Computer and Computer Systems The following uses of school provided computers and computer system activity are not permitted: Searching, accessing, uploading, downloading or distributing pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit, dangerous, or any unauthorized material. Transmitting obscene or sexually explicit language. 17 Violating any local or federal statute. Vandalizing, damaging, or disabling the property of another person or organization. Accessing another person's material, information or files without the implied or direct permission of the person. Violating copyright or otherwise use another person's intellectual property without their prior approval or proper citation. Revealing the address or personal phone number of you or another student. Communicating a credit card, bankcard or any other financial number. Using school provided computer system access for commercial activities by forprofit organizations, product promotion, political lobbying, or illegal activities. Cyber-bullying – the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group that is intended to harm others. Any violation of school procedures and rules may result in loss of school provided access to Electronic Information Services. Additional disciplinary action may be determined in keeping with existing policies and procedures. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved. Internet access and/or computer access will not be allowed unless the appropriate form is completed and signed by both student and parent. Nutritional Services The Nutrition Services Department is committed to preparing and serving nutritious, well balanced meals to our students. Breakfast and lunch are available at our school. Students may qualify for free or reducedprice meals. Applications are available from the nutrition or administration staff. Meals including drinks are consumed in the cafeteria. Students using the lunchroom speak in conversational tones and are courteous to each other and staff. Students return their trays for cleaning and pick up trash to ensure the area stays clean. To ensure students can quickly receive their food without standing in long lines, we ask that meals are prepaid. Money may be prepaid to a student’s meal account by check or cash at the school or at the district office food service office located at 290 N. 1st E., Rexburg, Idaho. We recommend that at least a weekly or monthly amount be prepaid. The nutrition staff members welcome questions and will provide assistance with the free/reduced meal application. Please do not hesitate to visit our cafeteria. You may 18 get meal pricing from the cafeteria manager or cashier at our school. After eating, students may visit, relax and socialize in designated areas until their next class. Eating with your child Parents are welcome to join their child for lunch. We ask you to check in at the office to receive a visitor’s badge. Please check with the school about meal prices for visitors. Energy Drinks Energy drinks are not allowed at school. Studies suggest that possible side effects include agitation, difficulty concentrating, and hyperactivity. Students should avoid drinking energy drinks before coming to school. Student Store Madison Middle School currently runs a student store on Wednesday mornings and Fridays only during lunch. Students are limited to spending $3 in the store. Trading and Selling Items at School Trading and selling items such as cards, toys, and other personal possessions is prohibited at school. Failure to adhere to this policy often results in one student later feeling like they’ve been cheated or one or more students don’t follow through with completing the trade or sale. Trading and selling items should be completed within the student’s neighborhood with parent involvement. Accessing Campus Attending school every day is essential to student success. Our district provides free bus transportation to eligible students. Other students are transported by family or arrive by foot or by bicycle or other means. Once they arrive, students may not leave campus prior to the end of the school day without parent permission and the parent or authorized person checking the child out of school through the office. Parents may give permission via a note or phone call as to whom the “authorized person” checking out the child will be. To ensure we know where the child is during school hours, students are asked to check in and out through the office. Students must follow this procedure to avoid being listed as truant. Visiting campus As part of our effort to keep students safe, we require visitors to check in at the office and obtain a visitor’s pass. Visitors may also be required to show ID. We welcome parent visitors, but ask that you schedule appointments with teachers or staff so classroom teaching won’t be disrupted. Visitors who are not authorized on campus are considered to be loitering and may be charged with trespassing. 19 To protect students and school property, our schools have a “No Loitering/No trespassing” policy. School officials must have immediate knowledge of any unauthorized persons inside the building or on its grounds. Children who are not students enrolled in our school are not allowed on campus. Unauthorized visitors are trespassing. Transportation Family-provided transportation Parents are welcome to transport their children to school. Parents are asked to drop students off only at the front entrance. For safety reasons, no cars are allowed in the busing lanes or back parking lot. We ask that the entrance and exiting paths be followed to ensure a smooth flow of traffic during peak times. Students are welcome to walk, bike, skate or scooter to school. Once they arrive at school, bikes should be locked in designated racks. Skates, skateboards, and scooters need to be carried into the school and locked into the student’s locker. To ensure the safety of all students, these transportation devices cannot be used in the school or during school hours. District-provided transportation Students residing in Madison School District #321 who live more than1½ miles from school are eligible to ride an assigned school bus without charge. Outof-district students, including open enrollment students are responsible for their own transportation. Madison School District provides bus transportation for all qualifying students through Madison School District #321 transportation services. Individual bus stop locations and bus numbers will be provided at fall registration. Bus Rules The students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner when waiting for or riding the bus. It is important not to distract the bus driver. Misbehavior on the bus or at the bus stops can deprive a student of the privilege to ride the bus and may result in additional school consequences. Students being transported are under the authority of the bus driver. Fighting, wrestling, or boisterous activity is prohibited on the bus. Students will use the emergency door only in case of an emergency. Students will remain seated while the bus is in motion. Students will not bring animals, firearms, weapons, skateboards, or potentially hazardous material on the bus. The bus driver may assign students seats. When necessary to cross the road, students will cross in front of the bus or as instructed by the bus driver. Students will not extend their hands, arms, or heads through the bus windows. 20 Students will converse in normal tones: loud or vulgar language is prohibited. Students who refuse to obey promptly the direction of the driver or refuse to obey regulations may forfeit their privilege to ride on the buses. Students will be financially responsible for any damage to the bus. Counseling Services Madison Middle School has a school counselor available for student advocacy and assistance. Consult the counselor to secure information and guidance in the areas of education, career interest or planning and social development. Do not hesitate to speak to your counselor if you experience difficulties or problems in any area of your life. The counselor will send for the student when the schedule allows. Student Records Any student, parent, or legal guardian may have access to records (cumulative folders), which pertains to them personally. Unless there is a court order prohibiting it, non-custodial parents are allowed to see these records. Administrators may disclose personal information about students without prior consent from the parent/guardian if it is deemed necessary by the administrator. Cumulative records are available to certified staff. Records of a confidential nature are not open, and remain with the person responsible for them (i.e. counselor, social worker, etc.). Moving? During the school year please notify the school if there are any changes to your student’s home address or phone number. If your child moves out of Madison School District #321 please follow the withdrawal procedures below. Withdrawal from School 1. A parent/guardian must notify the school office as early as possible regarding the student’s withdrawal. Notification can be a visit to the school (preferred), written note or phone call. 2. The student will complete a check out form on their last day of attendance. 3. Upon request student/parent may be issued a copies of completed check out forms as well as birth certificate and immunization record (as needed) to take to the new school. All permanent school records will be forwarded to the next school upon receipt of signed release by parents. 4. All school books and equipment must be returned on the student’s last day of attendance. 5. Parent/guardians will be charged for all books or equipment that is not returned. Hall Passes A hall pass is a necessity whenever students are out of their assigned classrooms. Students without hall passes will be escorted to their current class. 21 Students can move through the halls during class time only with a valid hall pass and permission from the teacher. Hall passes may vary from class to class. Teachers are encouraged not to issue hall passes the first ten minutes or last ten minutes of class. Closed Campus Campus is closed during all hours of school. Students are not allowed to leave the grounds during the school day without following the proper checkout procedure through the attendance office. Leaving Campus In order to leave campus for any reason, students must have a verified parent approval via a note or phone call prior to checking out from school. The student must check out and back in through the office. Students who do not follow this procedure will be considered unexcused (truant) in all classes missed and will be subject to disciplinary action. Lockers Only 6th grader will receive lockers. 5th graders have cubbies in classrooms. Students are advised to keep their locker combinations to themselves. Lockers may not be shared. Do not exchange lockers without approval from the home room teacher. Locker combinations will only be changed or lockers exchanged for security reasons. Back packs should be kept in lockers. Lockers and desks remain the property of the school. The school is authorized to open lockers and desks to examine their contents, including personal belongings of students, when officials have reasonable cause to believe that the contents threaten the safety, health, or welfare of students or include suspected stolen property or items which are specifically prohibited by law, Board Policy, or school regulations. Students are personally responsible for all contents of their lockers and desks. Administrators may impose disciplinary consequences for violation of locker policies. Idaho I 8-3302D (2). Messages We are anxious to maximize students’ uninterrupted learning time. We deliver emergency messages at the time of the call. Parents please do not contact your student on their cell phones at any time during the day. As previously discussed cell phones are prohibited during school hours. Balloons, flowers, and other special deliveries are kept in the office until the end of the day. The recipients will be notified during their final class period. Also, it is important that parents call the school prior to 3 p.m. to inform their child of transportation changes after school. Due to busy office activity at the 22 end of the school day, the office staff will do their best but cannot guarantee the student will get a message delivery called in after 3:00 p.m. Telephone Use An office phone is available in case of emergencies only before and after school. Please see the electronic device policy for rules regarding cell phone use at school. Closure Procedures for Weather Emergencies The decision to close school will be made as early as possible, preferably the night before. School closure information is sent out via ConnectEd communication system as soon as the decision is made. Please do not call the school. In the unlikely event of a school-wide evacuation, Madison Middle School will evacuate to the LDS stake center just east of the school located on 7th South. Parents will be notified of when and which door to pick up child. Please be prepared to provide proper identification to get your child. Fund-raising Activities In an attempt to limit Madison Middle School students from constantly fund-raising Madison Middle School has a Philanthropy Club. The Philanthropy Club is a student run organization that allows students to determine who should receive funds that are raised and the types of fund-raisers that are conducted. Madison Middle School tries to limit fund-raising to no more than three times per year. All fund-raisers must have administrative approval. Students collecting money for school organizations must turn in the money to the faculty sponsor on a daily basis. Illness Guidelines The following are guidelines for keeping your child home from school to ensure his/her well-being and prevent the spread of illness: A 100-degree temperature or more. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea. Nasal discharge with a yellow/green color. Student with more lethargy than usual. Cough in combination with other symptoms. Contagious process- rash, pink eye, head lice, etc. Health and Emergency Policy If a student is injured or becomes ill at school, efforts will be made to notify the parent/guardian. If parent/guardian cannot be reached, then the person designated to be called in an emergency will be notified. Please advise the school of any changes in telephone numbers, places of work, or emergency contacts. In the event of serious illness or injury, the Madison County paramedics may be notified to assess the 23 student’s condition and transport to the emergency room if they determine it is necessary. Every effort will be made to contact the parent, who may then meet the student at the emergency room or at school. It is the parent’s responsibility to pay for medical services – including transportation to the emergency room. Administrators will be responsible for determining the need to call for medical assistance. If your student has a chronic or acute health condition that may affect them at school, please contact the school administrator. Immunizations In accordance with Idaho Code 39-4801, we are requiring parents to submit a copy of their child’s immunization status to the school office. This should be done within 60 days of the first admission of their child to the Madison School District. Our goal is that every student in the Madison School District will be properly immunized for the health of students, school, and community. Exemptions for religious, personal, or medical reasons can be made; forms are available in the school office. If an outbreak of a contagious disease occurs, students who are not immunized will be excluded from school attendance. Medication Most medications should be administered at home. If a student must take medication (non-prescription or prescription) at school, the medication is to be administered through the office. The medication must be in the original container, with one month’s supply or less. The medication must be accompanied by a written release on file with the school secretary. Forms are available from the secretary and require: Name of medication. Doctor’s name. Reason for taking the medication. Dosage and length of time to be administered. Parent/guardian signature. Parent Involvement Madison Middle School encourages, supports, and values the participation and involvement of parents and families in the education of their children. The school recognizes that students learn best when families and schools work together to develop a relationship of shared responsibility and mutual support. It is important to understand that the involvement of families in their children's education is not limited solely to attendance at PTO meetings or volunteering at school. What parents do at home with their children is even more important to the total education effort, and schools need to let parents know that they value both their contributions at school and their participation at home. 24 Parent Communication We want parents to be informed of what is going on at Madison Middle School. Teachers may contact parents through phone, e-mail, or classroom newsletters. If you would like to contact a teacher or school administrator please call (208) 359-3320. Teachers will also provide their emails in their own team newsletters and at Back-toSchool Night. ConnectEd – Madison Middle School regularly sends out messages for parents through our ConnectEd phone and e-mail system. Calls will come mostly during evening hours about school related events. Emergency school closure notifications will be made using this system as well. Please provide the office staff with your current e-mail address and phone number so that you can receive information about what is happening at school. PTO – Madison Middle School has a very active Parent Teacher Organization. Meetings are held monthly in the conference room at the middle school. Please signup for various positions on the PTO board at registration. PTO Newsletters – At least once a trimester, Madison Middle School writes a newsletter that is available electronically. A ConnectEd message will be sent to let you know that the new newsletter is available. Please read the newsletters so that you are in touch with what is happening at school. 25 Madison School District 321 Home and School Compact Student: It is important that I do my best. I know my parents and teachers want to help me, but I am the one who has to do the work. So, I will: Believe that I can and will learn. Be responsible for my behavior. Give work and school papers to my parent /caregiver. Pay attention and ask for help when needed. Complete class work on time and to the best of my ability. Comment /goal: _________________________________________________________________ Name: _____________________________________________Date:____________________ Parent/Caregiver: I want my child to succeed. I will encourage him/her by doing the following: Encourage positive attitudes about school. Support the school discipline policy and school policies Make sure my child attends school regularly. Encourage my child to get enough sleep and to eat nutritious meals. Establish with my child a place and time to study and a daily reading time. Comment /goal: _________________________________________________________________ Name: ______________________________________________Date:__________________ Classroom Teacher: I understand the importance of the school experience to every student and my position as a teacher and a role model. I agree to: Be aware of your child’s needs. Communicate with you about your child’s progress frequently. Teach basic concepts and skills to your child to meet academic state student standards. Motivate and encourage your child to practice academics at home. Hold parent /teacher conferences annually. Deliver high quality curriculum and instruct ion. Provide materials for home to enhance literacy and other academic subjects. Comment /goal: __________________________________________________________________ Name: ______________________________________________Date:__________________ School Principal /Building Administrator: I support and encourage student/parent/teacher compacts and partnerships. I will: Provide an environment that permits positive communication between the student, parent and teacher. Encourage teachers and parents to provide regular opportunities for practicing academics at school and at home. Provide equal and fair opportunities to access staff and the opportunity to volunteer. Name: _______________________________________________Date:__________________ 26