Braves Pride, Students First Tuba City Jr. High School PO Box 67 Tuba City, Arizona 86045 (928) 283-1040 tcjhs@tcusd.org Student-Parent Handbook 2015-2016 Mascot: Braves School Colors: Green & White Student Name: _________________________________________________ Grade: ________________________ Tuba City Unified School District Superintendent Harold G. Begay TCUSD Governing Board Page | 1 William Longreed Judy Begay President Clerk Marie Wheeler Mary Worker Lee Tsinigine Member Member Member Contents District/School Goals and Mission If I plan to learn, I must to plan. Parent/Student Teacher Compact Tuba City Unified School District Telephone Directory 1 Tuba City Junior High School Telephone Directory 2 Tuba City Unified School District Calendar 3 Student Attendance 5-6 Braves Guidelines 7 Braves Attire 22 Raising Expectations 24 The School and the Law 29 Disciplinary Action 29 - 33 Braves Conduct Consequences 34 Discipline Referral Form 35 Appendix: Governing Board Policies/Arizona Revised Statutes 36 ACT Statement 37 Citizenship Rubric 38 Page | 2 Tuba City Jr. High School Brave’s Pride, Students First To provide a quality education for all of our students Tuba City Unified School District’s Mission: The TCUSD mission is to provide a quality education in a safe and encouraging environment for all of our students. Tuba City Unified School District’s Goals: Goal 1: All schools will increase student achievement, to exceed State Standards, and become Excelling Schools. Goal 2: Parental Partnerships will be strengthened at each school (Board Approved: August 6, 2008) Tuba City Junior High School’s Mission is to provide: To meet the academic, physical, social, and emotional needs of our student so that they may become self-sufficient in school, in life, to be successful in a safe, nurturing, and challenging school-community environment. Tuba City Junior High School’s Goal is to provide: Our goal to provide opportunities and support of adolescent students making the transition from elementary to high school. The administration and staff are committed to the development and implementation of curriculum and activities that will empower students to become lifelong learners, and productive members of their communities. The Junior High environment will foster opportunities for the students’ intellectual growth, creativity, selfawareness, self-discipline, and maturity. Page | 3 “If I plan to learn, I must learn to plan.” Dear Parents, The staff of Tuba City Jr. High School is pleased to provide this agenda to your child. Students are expected to have it in their possession each day and during each class period. Consistent use of it, with encouragement from you, will help ensure success in school this year. The purpose of the agenda is two-fold: It is an organization tool for your child. It is a home-school communication tool for you and your child’s teachers. We ask that you do the following 3 things: 1. Review the features of the agenda with your child. It contains the school handbook and assignment calendar. Please be sure to discuss the Braves Guidelines and Code of Conduct with your child. 2. Each page of the assignment calendar provides space for teacher comments. Homework and study assignments are to be written on the assignment calendar in the appropriate spaces each day. Teachers will periodically communicate with you on these pages and may require your signature. You may also use this agenda to communicate with teachers. 3. Please let us know that you have reviewed the handbook and the importance of its use with your child by signing at the bottom at this page. Please feel free to add your comments in the space provided. Thank you, Tuba City Jr. High School Staff Yes, I have reviewed and understand the handbook and agenda, and I have discussed it with my child. ________________________________ ____________________________________ Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature We invite your comments: _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Page | 4 Parent/Student Teacher Compact (Please remove, sign and return to your first period Teacher) Parent Responsibilities We, as parents, will support our children’s learning in the following ways: • Support school attendance and discipline policies. • Make sure that homework is completed and returned to the teacher as requested. • Monitor amount of television my child watches. • Meet with teachers to discuss my child’s classroom performance at each quarter. Visits will be documented. • Participate in decisions relating to my children’s education by attending meetings, three parent/teacher conferences, collaborating with administration, teachers, sponsors, and athletic coaches. Visits will be documented quarterly. • Assist with school and classroom activities; volunteer for 1 (or more) activities each year. Activity will be documented. • Be informed about my child’s education; communicate with the school, read all notices from the school district • Support Responsible Thinking Process Protocols (RTP). Update Telephone contact numbers & records each Quarter. Data Clerk will document changes. Student Responsibilities: We, as students, share the responsibility to improve our academic achievement to meet State Standards. Specifically, we will: • Believe I can and will learn. • Show respect for property by not stealing or vandalizing. • Come to school prepared with my homework and supplies. • Obey classroom, school and bus rules. • Do my homework every day and ask for help when I need to. • Spend at least 30 minutes or more reading every day. • Set aside adequate study time to complete Jr. High level homework. • Be responsible to relay all information received from school to home. • Abide by Responsible Thinking Process (RTP); 3 referrals could result in One Day out of School Suspension. Maintain passing grades for eligibility; academic standing, sports and other extracurricular activities. Teacher Responsibilities: • Show respect for each student and their family • Make efficient use of learning time. • Provide a safe and comfortable environment that’s conducive to learning. • Help each student grow to his or her fullest potential • Provide necessary assistance to parents so they can help with assignments; communicate with every parent once each semester or schedule a home visit. • Enforce school and classroom rules fairly and consistently • Demonstrate professional behavior and positive attitude • Support and follow the procedures for the Responsible Thinking Program. Now, hand in hand, we will work together to carry out this contract. Signed: __________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature ___________________________________________________ Student Signature Page | 5 Telephone Number Directory Tuba City Unified School District Superintendent Business Office Food Services Special Education Department Transportation Department ELL Department Culture and Language Office Tech Support Office Security Department Dzil Leibi Elementary School (Cameron) Tsinaabas Habitin (Gap) Elementary School Tuba City Primary School Tuba City Junior High School Tuba City High School Tuba City Junior High School Fax Tuba City Unified School District Fax Others: Name: Page | 6 283-1001 283-1006 283-1011 283-1120 283-1160 283-1130 283-1179 283-1183 283-1104 283-1190 283-1176 283-1090 283-1020 283-1040 283-1050 283-1219 283-1228 Telephone Number: Staff Directory Name Baca, Joe Begay, Keith Bigman, Gloria Bitsui, Henry Crosby, Louise Elmer, Effie Evangelista, Marilyn Goldtooth, Belinda Gould, Michael Grant, Rick Hardy, Cherish Hanlon, James James, Patrick Kerley, Louise Myron, Arvis Naha, Beulah Navaho, Sharlimar Nesmith, Morris Nez, Debra Nockideneh, Clarissa Odronia, Leonor Payne, Delores Principal Slimko, Terry Sumatzkuku, Dottie Tomasiyo, Enid Tsingine, Janet Yazzie, Geri Teacher Teacher Teacher Teacher Teacher Teacher Teacher Begay, Ernestine Ignacio, Trerena Masayesva, Denise Tallsalt, Priscilla Williams, Eleanor Burright, Rebecca Richards, Tammy Page | 7 Ext 1040 1040 1040 1040 1042 Room Position 31 Teacher Assistant 19 7th Grade Math Teacher Home Liaison Custodian Language Arts Teacher Custodian 11 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher 30 Teacher Assistant-Low Incidence Program Custodian Academic Coach Teacher Assistant-ESS Resource Dept. 111 7th Grade Science Teacher 29 Teacher Assistant-ESS Resource Dept. Navajo Language & Culture Teacher Hopi Language Teacher 18 School Nurse Technology Teacher 48 Band/Music Teacher Social Worker Office School Secretary 12 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher 14 8th Grade Science Teacher Office School Principal 17 7th Grade Social Studies Data Data Clerk 29 7th Grade ESS Resource Teacher Gym Girls’ Physical Education/Health Teacher 30 Teacher Assistant-ESS Low Incidence Program Dean Of Students 8th Grade Math Teacher ELL Teacher for 7th & 8th Grades Intervention Teacher for 7 & 8 Grades Gym Boys’ Physical Education Teacher 29 ESS Low Incidence Teacher 6th Grade Teacher 6th Grade Teacher 6th Grade Teacher Librarian/Reading Teacher 6th Grade Teacher Counselor Navajo Language & Culture Instructor 2015 JULY 185 Teacher Days S M T 5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 S M T 2 9 16 23 30 3 10 17 24 31 4 11 18 25 03-Non Work Day O4 Independence Day 30 First Day for Teachers W 1 8 15 22 29 04 First Day of School 17-Parent Orientation- TCPS 18-Parent Orientation- TCJHS, NAA, THES 19-Parent Orientation-TCENIS 20-Parent Orientation-TCHS, DLES 02-Professional Development(Early Dismissal) T 2 9 16 23 30 F 3 10 17 24 31 S 4 11 18 25 W T F 5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 S 1 8 15 22 29 21/21 S M T W T 3 10 17 24 31 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 6 1 14 20 27 7 14 21 28 S M 1 8 15 22 29 T 2 9 16 23 16- Parent/Teacher Conf. TCENIS 17-Parent/Teacher Conference-TCHS, DLES 23-Professional Development(Early Dismissal) 29- 40th Day S 6 13 20 27 M 7 14 21 28 T 1 8 15 22 29 W 2 3 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 T 3 10 17 24 F 4 11 18 25 T 4 11 18 25 F 5 12 19 26 S 6 13 20 27 S 5 12 19 26 S M T 1 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 8 15 22 29 W 2 9 9 16 23 30 T 3 10 17 24 31 F 4 11 18 25 21/21 S 17/22 4 11 18 25 M T W 5 12 19 27 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 S 1 8 15 22 29 M 2 9 16 23 30 T 3 10 17 24 T 1 8 15 22 29 W 4 5 11 18 1 25 T 5 12 19 26 F 2 9 16 23 30 S 3 10 17 24 31 S 21/21 3 10 17 24 M T W T M 7 14 21 T 1 8 15 22 W 2 9 16 23 T 3 10 17 24 6 13 20 25- Christmas Day 27 28 29 30 31 S 5 12 19 26 7 14 21 28 F 1 8 15 22 29 S 2 9 16 23 30 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 F 6 13 20 27 S 7 14 21 28 S 1 8 15 22 29 M 2 9 16 23 30 T 3 10 17 24 31 03-Professional Development(Early Dismissal) 08-Parent/Teacher Conference-TCPS 09- Parent/Teacher Conference TCJHS, NAA, THES 10- Parent/Teacher Conf. TCENIS 11-Parent/Teacher Conference-TCHS, DLES 15-Presidents' Day 24-Professional Development(Early Dismissal) 02-Professional Development(Early Dismissal) 04-3rd Quarter Ends 07-10 Spring Intersession 13- Daylight Saving Time Begins (2:00 am) 23-Professional Development(Early Dismissal) T 5 12 19 26 F 6 13 20 27 S 7 14 21 28 06-Professional Development(Early Dismissal) 20-Professional Development(Early Dismissal) 25-Parent/Teacher Conference-TCPS 26- Parent/Teacher Conference TCJHS, NAA, THES 27- Parent/Teacher Conf. TCENIS 28-Parent/Teacher Conference-TCHS, DLES MAY W 4 11 18 25 18/18 S 20-Prof. Dev. Cultural Symposium(No School) 18/23 18-Last day of School 19- TCJHS Promotion Ceremony (10am) 19-Last Day for Teachers 21-TCHS & NAA Graduation Ceremony(10 am) 30-Memorial Day 13/21 DECEMBER 01- Parent/Teacher Conference-TCJHS, NAA, THES 02- Parent/Teacher Conference-TCENIS 03- Parent/Teacher Conference-TCHS, DLES 09-Prof. Dev. Cultural Symposium(No School) 21 Winter Break begins 06-Professional Development(Early Dismissal) 16-100th day 18- Martin Luther King Day APRIL 30- Parent/Teacher Conf. TCPS 1st Qtr: 44 sch days W 3 10 17 24 01- New year's Day 04-School Resumes 20/20 NOVEMBER 01- Daylight Saving Time Ends (2:00 am) 04-Professional Development(Early Dismissal) 11-Veterans day 18-Professional Development(Early Dismissal) 26- Thanksgiving Day S 2 9 16 23 30 18/19 MARCH OCTOBER 02-End of 1st Quarter 07-Professional Development(Early Dismissal) 12-15-Fall Intersession 28-Professional Development(Early Dismissal) F 1 8 15 22 29 FEBRUARY SEPTEMBER 07- Labor Day 14-Parent/Teacher Conference-TCPS 15- Parent/Teacher Conference TCJHS, NAA, THES Approved: March 4, 2015 2016 JANUARY AUGUST Page | 8 Governing Board TUBA CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT #15 180 School Days JUNE F 4 11 18 25 2nd Qtr: 46 Sch. Days S 5 12 19 26 13/22 S M T 7 14 21 W 1 8 15 22 T 2 9 16 23 5 12 19 6 13 20 26 27 28 29 30 3rd Qtr: 42 Sch. Days F 3 10 17 24 S 4 11 18 25 0/22 4th Qtr : 48 Sch. Days Tuba City Junior High School’s Mission is to provide: To meet the academic, physical, social, and emotional needs of our students so that they may become self-sufficient in school, in life, To be successful in a safe, nurturing, and challenging school-community environment. STUDENT ATTENDANCE Attendance Regular attendance contributes to success in school. At Tuba City Jr. High, attendance is a high priority. A close correlation between attendance and academic achievement has always existed. Likewise, success in the job market is also dependent upon establishing good attendance patterns and work habits. It is with these thoughts in mind that the attendance policy has been developed. It is our objective to assist students in developing more responsibility and to maintain acceptable attendance behavior. Reading the material and performing satisfactorily on tests does not compensate for the loss of insight gained during class discussion. The daily student/teacher/peer dialogue is extremely important and cannot be duplicated effectively outside of school. Each student contributes to the learning atmosphere. Parents’ strong commitment to see that their child attends school daily and arrives on time is critical. Absences The Governing Board recognizes that the responsibility for school attendance rests with parents and students, with the school assisting them to fulfill that responsibility. Prompt, regular attendance is not only required by law, it is the key to student success and progress in school programs. Students must maintain regular class attendance, as much of the classroom experience cannot be duplicated (i.e. benefits of instruction, discussion and participation). The attendance goal for grade promotion is 90% or better of the days of the school year. Arizona’s truancy law has been amended to provide two circumstances when a student can be cited for failing to attend school: 1. A student is “habitually truant” if he/she has five or more unexcused absences from school Truant means an unexcused absence for at least one class period during the day. 2. A student has “excessive absences” when the student misses more than ten percent (18) of the required number of school days per year whether the absence is excused or unexcused. Sufficient documentation to excuse an absence includes a doctor’s note, chronic illness form, etc. Arizona state law requires that parents ensure that their children between the ages of six and sixteen attend school. On the fifth unverified absence or 18 total verified/unverified absences, regardless of the reason, you and /or your child could be issued a citation for violation of Arizona Revised Statute A.R.S. 15-802,803 and 10 N.N.C. 118. Page | 9 Tardy TCJHS strives to educate its students. To be effective, classes must start on time and each class must experience a minimum number of interruptions to allow teachers and students to complete the necessary requirements ensuring that each student has for an optimal education. Students entering a classroom late not only miss a part of the class experience, but also disrupt the learning environment. For this reason, TCJHS has implemented the “Start On Time” program to teach students the importance of being on time. The JHS tardy policy will be implemented as follows: School-Wide Consequences for UNEXCUSED Tardies: 1. 4th Tardy: Students are referred. A notification letter is mailed to parents by the Principal. 2. Grade level teams hold a conference with the students. The student will be monitored by teachers for ONE WEEK following the 4th tardy incident. During this time, teachers will enter the student’s tardies into the system, so everyone involved can view the student’s tardies and team can support student improvement by escorting them to the next classroom. Excessive Tardy Procedures: 6th Tardy: 1 Lunch Detention 7th Tardy: 2 Lunch Detentions 8th Tardy: 3 Lunch Detentions 9th Tardy: One DAY ISS 10th Tardy: One day OSS and parent conference scheduled with the Principal. Excused Absences Any absence due to illness, accident, medical, bereavement, religious observance, or other circumstance with prior approval of school administration, will be excused provided a call is received by the school data clerk on the day of the absence. Written notification will be accepted by the data Clerk the morning following the absence. Academic grades may suffer as a result of excessive absences. Unexcused Absences Any absence not verified will be classified as unexcused. An absence without prior knowledge and consent of the parent/guardian, which is in violation of state law and district procedure, will be classified as truant. School discipline procedures for an unexcused absence/truancy will range from a conference with the principal to suspension and/or referral to the appropriate authorities. Students need to be in attendance a full school day to be eligible to participate or attend extra-curricular activities. Make-Up Work When students are absent, it is their responsibility to talk with their teachers or obtain missed assignments whenever possible. Students should get missed assignments completed and turned in to the teacher as soon as possible. Students are allowed time equal to their period of absence to submit makeup assignments (i.e. one day absence equals one day for makeup). Parents of students absent for 2 or more days may call the school and pick up assignments at school. Homework for absences less than 3 days in duration may be handled by the teacher and student upon their return. Requested homework will be available in the front office; parents should allow teachers reasonable time –i.e. until the end of the day- to prepare the requested homework assignments. OSS students may be allowed to make up work. If you know your child is going to be checking out during the school day, please send a note in with the student to be given to the school office. Please work to schedule vacations and appointments outside of the regular school day. If an absence is planned, please make arrangements with the student’s teachers for make-up work. Page | 10 Truancies Truancy (TCUSD Policy J-1650/JHB) Students with unexcused absences may be deemed as truant. Truancy is a violation of state and local attendance laws and is considered a serious offense. Continued truancy may result in legal action against the parents and guardians. The Arizona Compulsory Attendance Law makes it the legal responsibility of parents to have their child in school on a regular basis. Lunch Detention Students who are tardy to school must come into the school office, sign into school, and obtain a tardy slip to enter their classroom. Students will also be assigned lunch detention. Students serving a lunch detention will go directly to the detention room. The students will spend approximately thirty minutes in the detention room and will eat a sack lunch. Withdrawing from school All students withdrawing from Tuba City Jr. High School must check out through the school office and complete check out and take a copy of the withdrawal form to the next school they will be attending. Students who withdraw are responsible for returning all books and paying for any lost or damaged books. This includes library books and textbooks. It is helpful if you can provide the TCJHS office with your new address and the name of the new school at the time of withdrawal. Closed Campus Tuba City Junior High School does not open until 7:30 AM prior to the start of school. Once students arrive on campus they cannot leave the campus unless they are signed out by a parent, guardian or person designated on the emergency contact section of the student registration form. In accordance with District procedure, only a person listed on the student registration form may take a student from the campus during school hours. When take a child off campus, you will be asked to provide the office evidence (picture ID). All adult visitors must be authorized through the main office. Student visitors are not allowed on campus. A student leaving campus without permission will be considered truant and disciplinary action will be taken. It is the responsibility of the parents to inform the school office in writing of any changes to the information on the student registration form. Inclement weather In case of inclement weather, please check our school’s web site at tcusd.org for information or call our front office at 283-1040and updates on how this may affect the opening of school on such a day. Assemblies Assemblies are a regularly scheduled part of the curriculum and are designed to be educational as well as entertaining experiences. They provide an opportunity in school to learn appropriate behavior. Regardless of the type of program, courtesy demands that the student body be respectful and appreciative. Talking, whispering, yelling, stomping feet, whistling and booing are discourteous and will not be permitted. Page | 11 Guest speakers and program presenters have always been quick to point out how polite TCJHS students are at assemblies. Let’s keep our reputation. A student who fails to follow these guidelines will have his/her privilege to attend assemblies suspended. Assessments: Assessment Fridays: Fridays have been designated as assessment days, which requires all students to be in attendance for testing. Our use of formative assessments will be to inform instruction and determine reteach for the following week, which is why students need to be present on Assessment Fridays. Absences on Friday’s will result in a zero for the week and the recommendation for placement in a Reteach class. Our goal is to provide instruction that will help you child be successful. Benchmark Assessments: Benchmark Assessments measure the academic standards taught in math and reading. Scores reflect whether students master, approach, or fall far below the standards in each area. When you receive Benchmark testing results, you will see that your child scored in one of the three ways for each objective that was taught DMS: Each morning, after announcements in advisory class, students partake in Daily Math Skills. Students in each class do a 2 minute practice of skills they are working on; beginning with skill #1 for the grade, then take two minute probes. The goal of DMS is for students to develop strong accuracy and fluency in math skills necessary at their grade level. Formative Assessments: When a math, science, social studies, reading, or language arts teacher finishes teaching a performance objective in the classroom, he or she will give the students a short five question multiple choice test based on the standard that was taught to check for mastery of the concept. Scoring will be as follows: 4/5 or 5/5 correct – MEETS, 3/5 correct – APPROACHES, 2/5, 1/5, or 0/5 correct – FALLS FAR BELOW. Students scoring 4/5 or 5/5 correct will be considered to have met or mastered the concept. Those students who score 0-3 points will need extra help with the concept. At this point, the teacher may place the students that need extra help in a reteach class for a week or more to reteach the concept again. The student will then take a formative test again at the end of the learning to measure success at that time. The teacher will then take an average of the two test scores for a final score. We believe doing smaller assessments along the way, and re-teaching prior to benchmark tests will help students be more prepared to build on future learning and be more successful on the Benchmark and AIMS Assessment. Friday Mandatory Assessment Day Awards Students may earn the following awards at our quarterly awards assemblies Honor Roll Perfect Attendance Citizenship Page | 12 Cafeteria Behavior The school cafeteria is maintained as a vital part of the health program of the school. To encourage good nutrition, a well-balanced lunch is offered to all students. Cafeteria Expectations Leave backpack along the wall Remain seated until dismissed Keep tables and floors clean No Throwing food Leave all drinks and food inside Purchased snacks will not be allowed outside the cafeteria. Possible Consequences for Non-Compliance: Clean the cafeteria Moved to an alternative seat Serve detention Perform community service work Receive an office referral Cell phone and other electronic devices Any student who brings a cell phone or electronic device to school must keep it turned off and in his/her backpack during school hours. School is not responsible for any of the items if they are stolen or lost. Consequences for violation of this policy as follows: 1st offense– cell phone or electronic device is confiscated and turned into office. Parent is notified and student may pick it up at the end of school day 2nd offense - cell phone or electronic device is confiscated and turned into the office. Student receives a written referral for defiance of authority. Phone is confiscated for 5 days. Parent is notified and parent may pick up cell phone or electronic device from front office after the 5th day. 3rd offense - cell phone or electronic device is taken away and turned in to the office. Student receives written referral. Phone is confiscated for the rest of the school year. Parent is notified. Cell phone or electronic device is returned to parent on the last day of the school year. Please keep in mind that additional consequences will occur for a student who not only violates our policy, but also uses a cell phone or electronic device in such a way that breaks other school rules. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please also know that students are permitted to use the office telephone or classroom telephone only with permission or a pass from a teacher. Please keep telephone calls short. No student will be called from class to receive a telephone call. Page | 13 Cell phone and other electronic devices – INENTIONAL USE Students who intentionally use their cell phone on the TCJHS campus between normal school hours to text message, Facebook, or email, or a phone call will be disciplined according to the following guidelines: 1st Offense – 1 day of In-School Suspension. Parent must pick up the student’s phone after 5 days. 2nd Offense- 1 day of In-School suspension. Phone is kept by administration and returned to the student at the end of the school year. Further offenses of intentional cell phone misuse will continue to result in progressive discipline. Fire, Emergency, and Lock down Drills Fire, Lock Down and emergency drills are held regularly. Students will be instructed by each of their classroom teacher as to which exit they will use when vacating the building. Students should adhere to the following rules when the alarm sounds to leave the building, along with Lock Down procedures: Keep in single file. Stay quiet to listen for announcements. Do not run, but move quickly and quietly to a designated area until instructed to return to the classroom. Always remember: It could be the real thing. Observing the above rules will ensure the safety of all. Any student who falsely reports a fire or rings the fire alarm, along with not following other Emergency procedures without cause will be reported for legal action and Disciplinary action. Hall passes Any student who leaves a classroom during class time must be accompanied by a teacher or have a hall pass form completed in his/her student agenda from an authorized staff member. Passes must include the student’s name, the date, time and purpose of the trip. Students should not take any side trips. Except for emergencies, all students should have a pass from his /her teacher before reporting to the health office. Only one student at a time may be released from class except in an emergency. No passes will be issued the first and last 10 minutes of class. Health and Wellness TCJHS strives to ensure the health and well-being of our students, which is why TCUSD has adopted a Wellness Policy that supports all students. In order to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, the following guidelines and procedures have been put in place: No outside food is permitted at school, unless approved as a school activity by the principal No outside beverages are permitted at school but water Parents are to check in at the office when bringing food items for students. Please see the Appendix to view the TCUSD Wellness Policy and the Attendance Policies and Procedures section for closed campus. Page | 14 Coffee Students are not permitted to drink coffee or coffee flavored drinks at school. Energy Drinks Energy Drinks such as RockStar, Red Bull, Reload, Monster, etc. are not permitted at school. All energy drinks will be confiscated by the TCJHS staff. Parents will be notified if students do not comply with this rule Energy drinks are not safe or healthy for adolescent use. Outside Food and Drinks Due to safety of our students, outside food and drinks are not permitted at school unless it is with a party or other approved school activity. Birthday cakes and other treats may not be brought to classrooms without permission from the front office staff. Parents need to check in at the office when bringing food items for students. This includes lunches from outside sources such as McDonalds, Sonic, Taco Bell, and KFC. Parties Parties must have preapproval by the Principal. Parties must be supervised by a certified staff member. Students cannot bring food items on the bus. Parents who bring in food for parties must check in at the office before going to the classroom to ensure student safety. Health Office The school’s medical assistant is a consultant for students concerning health problems. A registered nurse is employed in the district and is available for consult. If a student is injured or becomes ill at school, they should report to his/her teachers and obtain a pass to the health office. The CMA will call the parent when necessary. Students requiring medicine at school, including Tylenol, must have a parent’s written request on file. Tylenol and antibiotic ointment may be administered with a parent signature on the Medical Information form. All prescription medication must be brought to the school health office in the original prescription bottle by the parent or guardian. The medication will be kept and administered to the student in the Health Office. This includes any over the counter medicine such as throat lozenges (cough drops), cough syrup, etc. All students requesting an excuse from P.E. must bring a signed note to the CMA and P.E. teacher from his/her parent. The CMA will then write an EXCUSE FROM PE pass for the student. Any excuse over one week must be accompanied by a doctor’s written note. Your child must be current in all immunizations. The state requirements include five doses of DTP (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) four doses of OPV/IPV (polio), two MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and the Hepatitis B series. Parents, please be aware of your child’s health before sending them to school. Your child must be fever free for 24 hours before sending them to school. A sick child cannot learn and runs the risk of infecting others. Please keep your child at home on these occasions. Students with head lice or nits may not attend school until the issue has been eliminated. By law, we are unable to release your child to anyone that is not on his/her emergency contact list. For that reason, it is imperative to provide us with several emergency contacts and updated information if those contacts change in any way. If a child is left in temporary custody of another adult, please notify the school office by filling out the Child Care Authorization form located in the school office so we can Page | 15 add that adult to the student’s emergency contact list. If a parent or emergency contact cannot be reached in the event of an emergency, 911 will have to be called. Homework Policy Purpose for Homework At TCJHS, we believe there are several important purposes for homework. Homework builds responsibility, organization and study skills. Homework allows for practice and reinforcement of a skill that has been taught in class. Homework can also serve as an extension of learning from the classroom environment. Homework may allow for a preview of upcoming learning that will take place in a new unit of study. Homework completion leads to better grades and higher overall academic achievement. Homework prepares students for real-life responsibilities they will encounter in future years. Parents/guardians are to assist with their child’s responsibility of returning homework on the dates required. Students make Please keep in mind that there may be more homework on some evenings or weekends when long-term projects are assigned. In addition, the amount of time students take to complete homework assignments may vary. What may take one child 60 minutes, may take another child 30 minutes, and yet another 90 minutes. If your child takes substantially longer than then average time allotment to complete homework assignments, please schedule a meeting with his/her teachers. Tips for Parents: Here are some helpful hints for assisting and/or supporting your child with his or her homework. You might also email teachers for periodic updates on assignments. Check the student agenda daily for assigned homework from each class. Designate and set aside a certain block of time for homework every evening. Homework assigned to your child is typically from the day’s lesson and your child should be able to complete it by him or herself. Provide support by checking in from time to time and give praise for good work. Check to make sure all homework has been completed at the end of the homework session each evening. Please encourage your child to use his/her time in class wisely; this will greatly diminish the amount of homework he/she has each evening. You can check your child’s progress on PowerSchool to see how he/she is doing on his/her homework. Usernames and passwords can be established when contact has been made with front office for assistance. Read the quarterly editions of our school’s newsletter. Visit our school website Look at the section of the student agenda where your child writes assignments and important dates. Be on the lookout for flyers that come home with your student. Page | 16 Extra Help Students may always seek extra help from teachers if they do not understand an assignment, if the work is too difficult, or if they have been absent and have missed assignments and class discussions. Remediation opportunities will be made available. Lost and Found Please bring any articles you have found to the office. The lost and found is located in the front office. Any valuables that have been found and turned in to the office will remain in the office. After an extended period of time, articles will be disposed of, as there is a limited amount of storage space. If you lose something, always check the lost and found in the front office. Many good articles of clothing, jewelry, and other items are not claimed each year. School Supplies Books, Supplies and Equipment It is the student’s responsibility to furnish their own supplies. The recommended supplies are the following: Notebook binder Lined paper Dividers with labels Journal Pencils/pens Highlighters – 2 Your teachers will provide you a list of recommended supplies during orientation. No SMARTIE PENS or PERMANET MARKERS are allowed at school. Lockers Lockers are optional at TCJHS for 7th and 8th graders only. The initial cost of the lock for the locker is $5. A fee of $5 will be charged for replacing a lock. Student lockers belong to the school and are loaned to students for their use during the school year. These lockers are provided to students for storing their coats, jackets, hats, books, backpacks, and other school supplies. Only one student may occupy a locker. Since lockers are school property, school officials may search them if necessary. Each student will receive his/her own locker. Students should not share locker combinations. Textbooks Students are responsible for maintaining their textbooks. Please do not write in books or intentionally damage them. Teachers will check the condition of the books prior to distribution to the students and again when they are returned at the end of the year. Students will be charged for damage beyond the normal wear and for loss of books. Students will not receive replacements until payment is made. Media Center The TCJHS Library Media Center is open every day from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm for reading, researching, studying, and learning. Students may visit the library at any time with a pass from the classroom Page | 17 teacher. Up to three books may be checked out of the library for two-week periods, and may be renewed upon request. Consideration and thoughtfulness towards others should be a priority in the library since the entire school shares this space and resources. Please show mutual respect for others in the library by: Speaking in a low voice so that you do not disturb those trying to concentrate. Taking proper care of library books so that others may use them. Returning library books on time so that others have access to them. Always signing in so that teachers and the media center specialist know where you are and who has visited the library. Ask questions! The library staff is happy to help you locate information, teach you how to use a computer resource, recommend a book to read, or help you think through a research project. STUDENT ACTIVITES Clubs TCJHS may offer activities in clubs as part of our extracurricular program. All clubs must be approved by the JHS Student Council and must have an approved sponsor by the Principal. Dances All dances must be approved by the Student Council. Dances are to be held on Fridays only and limited to one per month unless authorized by the Principal. All music and DJs must be approved by the Principal. Dances are limited to Tuba City Junior High School students only. Parents are responsible for student transportation to and from the dance. Student may be required to present their school ID card at school dances. Student Council Student Council is supervised by the Social Studies teachers at TCJHS. Student Council is a positive activity in which students develop leadership, responsibility, and pride in themselves and themselves and their school. Students will have the opportunity to campaign for the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of the TCJHS Student Body. These officers preside over the JHS Student Council. Students in grade 6 – 8 elect a representative from their advisory classes. All student council members must meet academic and citizenship standards. These standards are explained to the students and their parents before they run for office. The School Administration and Student Council Sponsor reserve the right to remove students from office if these standards are not maintained. Physical Education Physical Education is offered to 7th and 8th graders. Students are expected to dress out appropriately for P.E. class; students must bring shorts, tee-shirts, socks & running shoes, and a towel. Student hygiene will be practiced and expected daily. In case of illness or disability, a note from the parent will be accepted to excuse the student from one day of activities. A doctor’s written notification will be necessary to release any student from P.E. activities for more than one day. The doctor’s excuse should include length or release time from class, type of activity the student is restricted from, and any other pertinent information. Page | 18 All clothes and personal items should be locked in the gym locker before students leave the locker room. Anything of value should be secured in the teacher’s office before class begins. The student, not the school, is responsible for his/her personal belongings. Restrooms Students are expected to keep the restrooms clean. These restrooms are for student use, so please help maintain them in a healthful condition. Students are to report to their teacher for a pass to the Health Office if they are feeling ill and not go the restroom. Promotion/Retention Standards Retention of student sis a process that is followed when the professional staff determines it to be in the best interest of the student. If a parent or legal guardian(s) choose not to accept a decision of the teachers as provided in section A.R.S. Section 15-521, paragraph 4, the parent or legal guardian may request in writing that the governing board review the teacher’s decision. According to state law, each teacher shall make the decision for promotion or retention of students. All recommendations for promotion/retention will be documented by the teacher. Recommendations that do not comply with the stated criteria must be substantiated by the teacher. If a parent or legal guardian chooses not to accept a promotion/retention decision of the teacher, the parent or legal guardian may request in writing that the governing board review the teacher’s decision in accordance with ARS 15-341(15), 15342-(11). The board will review the evidence and render a decision. The governing board’s decision will be final. 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony The promotion ceremony is provided to honor students who have completed 8th grade and ready to go to high school. Participation in this ceremony is considered a privilege for the students. Criteria for participation includes, but is not limited to: 1. A good citizenship standing (no serious disciplinary actions that warrant an OSS assignment or 2 ISS occurrences in 2nd Semester.) Public Displays of Affection Students are reminded they are to be responsible and appropriate at all times. Kissing and hugging is not allowed. PDA is holding hands, kissing, sexual touching, or other displays of affection in violation of school policy. 1st Offense– Warning. RTP process. Parent is notified. 2nd Offense – Referral for defiance of authority. Parent is notified and parent meeting to address concerns. 3rd Offense – Referral. Parent is notified and student is sent home. Saturday School Tuba City Unified School District permits our school to conduct a “Saturday School.” These sessions will be considered a turnaround measure for students who have accumulated several tardies/absences and discipline violations or need remediation hours. These sessions will allow time for students to do academic work and community service within the Tuba City Jr. High School and will be facilitated by certified teachers. Page | 19 School and Office Hours School begins for students at 7:45 am. The first bell rings at 7:50 am. The school day ends at 3:00 pm. The school’s front office is open from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 pm. Sports Seasons August- October: Football, Cross-country and Volleyball. October-January: Basketball and Wrestling February-May: Baseball, softball, and track Eligibility In order to be declared eligible for participation in team sports, students must meet the following criteria: Current physical form must be on file in the TCJHS Health Office before participating in any sport including practices – physicals are good for one year from the time they are completed Maintain a C grade point average, no F’s in any class. Maintain a Meets or Exceeds rating on Citizenship Rubric. Pay a non-refundable, activity fee per student per sport. Fees for the 2013-2014 SY are $20.00. Fees must be paid before the first practice. Students’ eligibility to participate, using the criteria listed above, is determined bi-weekly each Thursday during the season. Students who are declared ineligible are not to participate in games and remain ineligible for an entire week until eligibility is checked again the following Thursday. They are, however, permitted and expected to participate in practices. Other important information Students who are suspended from school may not participate or attend a game or practice. Students who are absent from school may not participate or attend a game or practice on the day of an absence. Students who are declared ineligible three times during a given season are dismissed from the team. Students who are ineligible at the start of quarter will remain ineligible for the remainder of the quarter. Students who are required to serve PRIDE hour on the day of a game or practice must serve the PRIDE hour before attending the game or practice. Students who owe PRIDE hour on the same day his/her team will be traveling to another school for game will need to attend PRIDE hour and make other transportation arrangements if he/she still wants to attend the game. Students are reminded that school rules apply to all extra-curricular activities. Good sportsmanship should be shown at all times. Athletes who present chronic disciplinary problems will be removed from the team/activity at the discretion of the coach/sponsor or school administrator. Student interrogations and Searches School officials have the right to search and seize property, including school property temporarily assigned to students when there is reason to believe that some material or matter detrimental to health, safety, and welfare of the student(s) exists. Disrobing of a student is overly intrusive for Page | 20 purposes of most student searches and is improper without express concurrence from School District counsel. Items provided by the District for storage or personal items are provided as a convenience to the student but remain the property of the school and are subject to its control and supervision. Students have no reasonable expectancy of privacy, and lockers, desks, storage areas, et cetera, may be inspected at any time with or without reason, or with or without notice by school personnel. Student drop off and afternoon pick-up times Parents are reminded that students are to be dropped off and picked up in the parking lot in front of the gym. Drop-off time should not be earlier then 7:30 a.m. Scheduled supervision does not begin until this time. TCJHS cannot be responsible for your child if he/she is dropped off at an earlier time. Students being picked up after school must wait for their rides on school grounds. School officials will supervise them until all buses are gone. There will be no adult supervision after 3:50 pm unless the student is in an organized after school activity. The school cannot be responsible for pick-ups after that. Regarding after school activities, supervision will be provided up until one-half hour after the conclusion of the event. The school cannot be responsible for pick-ups after that. Student Valuables Students are responsible for personal property. If you wear glasses or a watch, keep track of them at all times. If it is necessary to bring money please keep track of it at all times. DO not leave it in your backpack or classroom. The school will not take responsibility for the loss of such items. Visitor Passes We welcome all visitors, yet for safety of our campus we must know who all visitors are. All visitors must report directly to the Tuba City Jr. High School Office. Students from other schools are not allowed as visitors. Want to know how your child is doing in school? There is internet access to your child’s grades and behavior. Accessed through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Please contact front office for assistance. Attend our quarterly awards assemblies. Engage your child daily about his/her progress and how things are in school. Call or email your child’s teachers. Our teachers strive to return voice mail and email by the following day. Attend parent teacher conferences We will send home report cards every nine weeks. We will send home the results of how your child did on each Benchmark test. Our teachers/staff will be contacting you should academic or behavioral concerns arise as well as for positive behaviors. Request for a progress check at any time. TRANSPORTATION Bus Procedures and basic rules Riding a school bus to and from school is a privilege, not a right. Students who refuse to obey the bus rules or the directions given by the school bus driver may lose their bus riding privileges. A copy of the district’s policy and guidelines regarding student conduct on school buses may be obtained via the ASBA website-Tuba City Unified School District or by call the Transportation Office at (928)283-1130. Page | 21 The basic rules are: 1. Observe the same conduct as in the classroom. 2. Obey the school bus driver at all times. 3. Stay seated at all times. 4. Never extend hands, arms, head or other objects through bus windows. 5. Never throw anything on or out the bus. 6. Talk in normal tones – loud or vulgar language is not permitted. 7. Do not damage the bus. 8. Do not eat or drink anything on the bus. Possible Bus Discipline 1st Report: Warning from driver 2nd Report: Conference with Principal-possible bus suspension. 3rd Report: Bus Suspension-number of days depends on serious of violation. Possible Immediate Suspension: Throwing objects at or out of the bus; vandalism; using flash or laser devices on bus. Warrants Immediate Suspension: Operating driver controls, exits, extinguishers, possession of flammable objects, fighting. Automatic Suspension: tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, animals, insects, glass, weapons, fighting, placing body parts out of bus while moving. After-School Activity Bus (Late Bus) After-school or late bus transportation is provided during tutoring and extracurricular activities-clubs, student council and athletics), Monday through Thursday on full school days only. Students must have a late bus pass signed by their teacher, sponsor or coach to ride the late bus. The late bus will be available only to students who remained after school with permission from their parents and who are involved in school-sponsored activities. Bicycles Students may ride their bikes to and from school. As with other personal items brought to school, we cannot accept the responsibility for the safety of bikes throughout the school day. Student may lose bike privileges if the following rules are not observed: 1. Student must provide a lock/chain for each bike, to be locked in the bike rack. 2. Bike riding on the school grounds is not allowed. 3. All traffic and safety laws must be observed while traveling to and from school. Page | 22 BRAVES ATTIRE (TCUSD Policy J-2361/JICA-R) The Tuba City Jr. High School policy seeks to strike a balance between the following groups and issues: 1. Students: Need for independence in decision-making, individuality and comfort 2. Parents: Desire for clear guidelines, fairness, decency and appropriateness 3. Educators: need for a safe, orderly school free from distractions to maximize the learning environment TCJHS encourages our students to take pride in their attire as it relates to the school setting. Students should dress in a manner that, in addition to the following guidelines, takes into consideration the educational environment, safety, health and welfare of self and others. Shoes: Must be worn at all times. No flip-flops. Pants: Must be anchored or fitted at the waist and hemmed or tailored. No rips, tears, excessive bagging, sagging or ill fitting (must be size appropriate). May not be worn with vulgar and/or violent messages or pictures, gang oriented insignias, or satanic/negative symbols, illegal substances, beer/alcohol, cigarettes, or otherwise inappropriate design. Shorts & Skirts: Must be anchored or fitted at the waist and hemmed or tailored. No shorter than fingertip length (with arms extended). No short-shorts. No rips, tears, excessive bagging, sagging or ill fitting. Must be visible and not completely covered by a shirt/jacket Spandex/leggings are not allowed unless worn underneath shorts/skirts. Tops, Shirts, & Sweatshirts: Must be no longer than fingertip length, with arms extended. No tank tops, midriffs, half shirts, fishnet, see-through, strapless, halter tops, spaghetti straps, or other bare, skimpy and distracting clothing. Sleeveless tops must have at least a two inch width at the shoulder and must be long enough to be tucked in. Jerseys must be worn with a tee-shirt underneath. May not be worn with vulgar and/or violent messages or pictures, gang oriented insignias, or satanic/negative symbols, illegal substances, beer/alcohol, cigarettes, or otherwise inappropriate design. Gang-affiliated clothing, deemed such by local law enforcement officials, may not be worn. Examples include, but are not limited to hardware chains, bandanas and headbands, multiple safety pins on clothing slash in eyebrow. Hats: Are not allowed to be worn indoors. Must be worn appropriately (brim must face forward). May not be worn with vulgar and/or violent messages or pictures, gang oriented insignias, satanic/negative symbols, illegal substances, beer/alcohol, cigarettes, or otherwise inappropriate design. Page | 23 Belts: Must be entirely looped – no part of the belt may hang. No wallet chains. Sunglasses: May not be worn indoors – must be stored away. Accessories: Body piercing is not allowed with the exception of pierced ears. Tattoos are not allowed. Chains and collars may not be worn as jewelry. Student attire should not present health or safety hazards and should not disrupt the educational process. We rely upon your good judgment and discretion as in what your child should wear to school. However, faculty and administration at Tuba City Junior High School reserve the right to make the final decision as in the suitability of any attire and to decide when attire violates the school code. 1st offense School staff will notify parents of concerns. Students will be expected to change into appropriate clothing provided by the parent or school personnel. Students will be welcomed back to class when they meet the Braves Attire guidelines. An entry into the discipline database will be made. 2nd offense School staff will notify parents of concerns. Students will be expected to change into appropriate clothing provided by the parent or school personnel. Teacher writes a referral for defiance of authority. An entry into the discipline database will be made. 3rd offense Teacher notifies principal/dean of students. Student changes into appropriate clothing. Principal/Dean of Students notifies parents by phone. Student will serve In School Suspension. If student is uncooperative parent will be requested to pick up student from school. Page | 24 RAISING EXPECTATIONS The following policies were enacted to focus attention on the value of academic achievement and to increase accountability. Rewards 1. Student s will be recognized during quarterly awards ceremony. Required Interventions 1. An Assessment will be given to all students for math and reading prior to the end of the first three quarters. a. Any student who falls far below the assessment standard will be required to complete 12 hours of remediation for each deficient area. 2. If at the end of the 1st, 2nd or the 3rd grading period a student has an F in a core course (math, language arts, reading, science or socials studies), the student will be required to successfully complete a minimum of 12 hours of remediation for each failing grade. Remediation may include one or more of the following: Tutoring (After- School) Saturday School Summer School Additional academic courses in lieu of Specials or Electives Private or Commercial Tutoring preapproved by the principal Excessive Absences Regular school attendance promotes learning and achievement; therefore, students who have nine or more days of excused or unexcused absences in a semester will be required to complete 12 of remediation. Consequences Students who fail to successfully complete required remediation will be retained. Notes: TCJHS may choose to implement positive and negative consequences for all testing programs. Special Education students requiring interventions will be referred to the IEP team. Students will be treated as individuals and administers will have the authority to make exceptions. Any retention decision may be appealed to the Governing Board, as per board policy. Page | 25 Grading, Competency Requirements, and Promotion Explanation of Academic Grades The following is approved by the Board and shall be used by schools for the assessment of individual student progress: A …Above Standards with Exceptional Performance........ 90–100% B …Above Standards............................................................80–89% C …Meets Standards............................................................. 70–79% D …Marginally Meets Standards.......................................... 60–69% F …Below Standards.......................................................Below 60% I (Incomplete)—Incomplete work due to absence must be completed and the grade recorded within two weeks of the end of the interim grading period or final grade unless the student is enrolled in Extended School Services (ESS). If the student has not completed the work within that time, the student’s grade is recorded as an F (half the point value is applied – no zeroes). Final grades are determined by averaging the quality point equivalents of the six interim grades during the school year. Decimals of 0.5 or greater are rounded up to the nearest whole number. Decimals of less than 0.5 are rounded down. Quality point equivalents are as follows: A = 4 points B = 3 points C = 2 points D = 1 point F = 0 points A final examination grade may be used only to increase a student’s final grade. Permanent records include final grades and attendance figures for the year. Conduct Grades Conduct grades represent the extent to which the student does the following: Shows self-control and self-discipline Respects the rights and feelings of others Accepts responsibility for his or her own actions Cooperates in group activities Completes assignments on time Conduct is not a component of the academic grade except in physical education (PE) class. Teacher judgment of student conduct in individual classrooms is indicated according to the following scale: 4 - Excellent 3 - Satisfactory 2 - Needs Improvement 1 – Unsatisfactory Competency Requirements (established by AZDE) In order to be promoted to the 9th grade from 8th grade and while in attendance at the Tuba City middle school, students will have “demonstrated competency as defined by the State Board-adopted Essential Skills, at the grade levels specified, in the following required subject areas” (RT-2-301, Minimum Course of Study and Competency Goals: Page | 26 Middle School Years: 1. Language Arts (ELA) 2. Literature (1semester) 3. Mathematics 4. Science 5. Social Studies 6. Music (1 semester) 7. Visual Arts (Art) (1 semester) - TBD 8. Health/Physical Education (1-semester each) 9. Native American Language (2-semesters) Progression With-in Middle School A middle school student must pass a minimum of the following full year courses: Grade Level Sixth Grade - Language Arts, Reading, and Math Seventh Grade - Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science Eighth Grade - Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies Conditional Promotion (But not to 9th Grade): If a student has not passed any one of the courses listed above, the student may be conditionally promoted to the next grade. The student, however, must show competency by successfully completing school- or district-designed competency modules prior to the beginning of the next school year (Summer School). The work may be part of coursework, ESS, or tier 2 and 3 interventions from the Response to Intervention (RTI) process provided to the student. Ultimately, the student must demonstrate competency in the courses listed above prior to transitioning from eighth to ninth grade. The school will notify the parents/guardians of the student’s progress toward achieving the standards for promotion throughout the school year. If a student is exhibiting unsatisfactory progress toward meeting the standards by the end of the third grading period, the school will send home a Midyear Status Notification form during the fourth grading period (see - Procedure for Appeal of Retention Decisions in Middle School) Under exceptional circumstances, students in middle school may advance to the next grade level through a planned transitional program. Criteria for promotion will be determined by a committee that includes the student, parent/guardian, teacher, and counselor/principal and will be based on the individual needs of the student. Special student populations who already use established, documented accommodations will continue to use them to demonstrate competency and to meet the Assessment Benchmarks and Transition to High School Standards. LimitedEnglish Proficient (ELL) students must demonstrate yearly progress in the speaking, listening, reading, and writing domains of the AZELA for ELLs, which is the state-mandated annual English language proficiency assessment. Promotion to High School All students are expected to meet the following criteria in order to move from eighth to ninth grade: Page | 27 Writing portfolios/folders, consisting of samples of student work showing growth over time, to be maintained for each student. These folders will consist of research work conducted in Science and in Social Studies. Pass all required eighth-grade courses (language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies) Have (R7-2-301, ARS 15-741) shown competency in one semester in each of the following areas: o Music o Literature o Visual Arts o Health/Physical Education o Native American language (2-consecutive semesters) Score in the Approaches level or higher on the following seventh-grade state assessments: o ELA assessment o Mathematics assessment Or The student must demonstrate satisfactory progress in meeting assessment benchmarks through a school designed intervention or a set of district-designed competency modules. Students who do not meet the criteria above, either by scoring lower than Approaches on one or more state assessments or by failing to demonstrate competency through modules or intervention methods, may be considered for a transitional promotion from eighth to ninth grade. Transitional Promotion Under exceptional circumstances, students in 8th grade may advance to the next grade level through a planned transitional program. Criteria for promotion will be determined by a committee that includes the student, parent/guardian, teacher, and counselor/principal and will be based on the individual needs of the student. With the promotion to high school, the professional staff, parent/guardian and the principal/designee of both the middle and the high school must be involved in preparing the transitional program plan. Procedure for Appeal of Retention Decisions in Middle School 1. (Sent by mail and Student, 25 Apr 2016) Within ten days of receiving the notice of retention, the parent/guardian informs the school principal in writing that a review and reconsideration are desired and provides reasons for initiating the process. 2. (Received by mail or hand carried, by 6 May 2016) Within five days of receiving a parent’s/guardian’s letter, the principal directs the teacher(s) and counselor to review the request and examine appropriate records and classroom work. The teacher and counselor then give the principal a written recommendation, including a rationale that supports or rejects the request. 3. (Schedule Meeting for 11 May 2016) within five days after receiving the recommendation, the principal schedules a conference with the parent/guardian. Any decision that results from the conference is given to the parent/guardian in writing (by 16 May 2016) within five days after the conference. If the decision results in the student being retained, the principal copies his or her decision to the superintendent. 4. A parent may appeal the principal’s decision concerning retention by sending a letter to the superintendent (by 31 May 2016) within ten days for a review and reconsideration. 5. The superintendent sends a written response to the parent/guardian stating the final decision. This is the last step in the appeal process. Page | 28 THE SCHOOL AND THE LAW: School have gained national attention for student misconduct. It is the intent of Tuba City Junior High School to take the following seriously and act in accordance with the best interest of our students to provide a safe learning environment. Please refer to the Braves’ Consequences for further detail. Bullying, Harassment and Threats Tuba City Jr. High School works to ensure a safe environment for all students. Bullying is not tolerated. Bulling is another name for harassment and threats. We make every effort to create an atmosphere in and out of the classroom where thoughtful people work together and strive to make all students feel honored as important and worthwhile people to know and to be in relationship with. Bullying and intimidating will not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of all adults working at TCJHS to ensure that students are safe from bullying. Bullying is repeated, intentionally hurtful behavior Bullying is not a mutual conflict, disagreement, or altercation between peers. In instances of bullying, there is a clearly defined victim and bully. Bullying includes but is not limited to: physical intimidation, physical abuse, threats, name calling, social isolation, gossiping, and spreading rumors. Cyberbullying is not tolerated at TCJHS. Cyberbullying includes texting or posting information on a cell phone, website or other electronic device that threatens, intimidates, or demeans another person. All incidents of bullying must be reported to an adult. TCJHS will partner with parents to ensure the safety of all children at school. Extortion Threatening other students or extorting money or property from them is prohibited. Extreme disciplinary action will be imposed on those who attempt this. Students who are victims of such acts are asked and encouraged to report it to teachers or to someone in the office so that definite action can be taken. This is the only way to ensure that such acts may be curtailed. Fighting and horseplay Horseplay often results in injury or leads to serious fighting. Therefore, it is not permitted and may be treated as fighting when referred to administration. Fighting at the bus stop, on buses, or anywhere on campus is prohibited. Students engaging in such activity face suspension and/ or other disciplinary action. Going to and from school Student safety is our highest priority. We believe maintaining student safety requires an approach that is both proactive and vigilant. Please know that while we are not responsible for the actions of students going to and from school, we do have the authority to investigate and administer consequences with students who infringe upon the safety of other students going to and from school, just as we would during normal school hours or school events. Furthermore, we will exercise this authority if there are situations that we feel are in the best interest of maintaining student safety and of the school. Leaving school grounds Tuba City Jr. High Staff is responsible for student safety and well-being while here at school. For that reason, students will not be permitted to leave school grounds after having arrived in the morning unless they are signed out at the front office by a parent or guardian. Page | 29 Students leaving school grounds without permission are deemed “ditching” and consequences will be applied as appropriate. Physical Attack A physical attack is when one person or group of persons assaults another person who does not wish to engage in the conflict and who has not provoked the attack. This is a serious offense and law enforcement may be notified Stealing Any student who commits or attempts to commit a theft or breaking and entering at school may be suspended and /or referred to law enforcement. Theft includes stealing school property, stealing from faculty, fundraisers, school employees or other students. Breaking and entering includes entering the school building, lockers, locked rooms, or other areas prohibited because of time or specific reasons. Stolen or lost property should e reported to the school office immediately. Threatening behavior or language Using threatening, abusive or vulgar language towards teachers, students, or other people is strictly forbidden and will be severely punished. Making threatening gestures towards others also will be treated as a serious offense. Law enforcement may be notified. Forbidden Items The following items are not permitted on campus, the school bus or at any school activity: Gambling games or devices Knives, chains, or firearms of any kind or size, lasers or any instruments that could be used as a weapon or simulated weapon. Alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapor cigarettes, matches, lighters, tobacco and any explosive devices. Candy sprays, silly string, Kool-Aid power, Energy Drinks (Red Bull, Monster, Etc.) Aerosol sprays of any kind, including but not limited to hairspray, body spray, perfume, cologne. Shaving cream, whipped cream of the aerosol type, and water balloons. Raw eggs, other food items that is not required for a particular class. Paint balls, paint guns, permanent markers, or any type of tool that may be used to cause vandalism on campus. Any item that is deemed unsafe or hazardous to our students or property may be confiscated by teachers, staff members or the administration. Tobacco and cigarettes Smoking chewing tobacco, dipping snuff, or possessing smoking materials or tobacco products is subject to disciplinary action and may be reported to law enforcement. Weapons, dangerous objects and Drugs Students are prohibited from having in their possession any firearms, explosives (such as firecrackers), knives, drugs or drug paraphernalia, alcoholic beverages, or other dangerous articles. This school will not tolerate the use of prohibited drugs by any of its students. Any student apprehended using, possessing, or transferring possession of prohibited drugs will be suspended and the police will be notified. Passing off any substance as a drug to others will be treated as a serious offense and is punishable by suspension from school. Page | 30 Disciplinary Action: Students who create discipline problems or who violate the TCJHS guidelines may be disciplined by the school personnel in one of the following ways: Parent Contact A teacher or administrator will open the lines of communication when there is a discipline problem at school. We believe that when all parties are aware of a problem quick solutions are more easily found and implemented. Temporary alternative seating assignment Teams of teachers can work out an arrangement to offer temporary placement of a student in another classroom. During that time, students will work independently on schoolwork. After school or Lunch Detention A teacher or administrator keeping a student after school will give one day’s notice of detention. Parents are expected to provide transportation home for their child. Detention will usually be held after school or during lunch. However, a student may be detained during lunch period or other suitable times as well. Community Service A teacher or an administrator may assign specific tasks around the campus as a logical consequence to a prohibited behavior. Examples, include, but are not limited to, reading to kindergarten students, policing the campus and other landscaping tasks. In school suspension Students may be removed from their regular classes and work on their daily assignments under the supervision of a staff member. They receive credit for work completed. Students may not attend any extracurricular activities including team practice or games while in an alternative setting. Students causing disciplinary problems while in an alternative setting will receive an out-of-school suspension. Restriction from activities Students who present discipline problems during assemblies or extracurricular school activities may have their privilege to attend such activities suspended for up to the remainder of the school year. Bus Suspension Students are generally given a warning for the first infraction of a bus regulation. Repeated offenses will result in a loss of bus riding privileges for periods ranging from one day to the remainder of the year. For serious misconduct, a bus suspension may result on the first offense. Suspension from School Tuba City Jr. High School and the District have established that students may be suspended out of school for the following offenses: Fighting – Acts of violence Threats or intimidation Bullying Severe or reoccurring disrespect Possession or use of Alcohol, Tobacco or drugs Page | 31 Arson or attempted arson Physical attack Possession of dangerous objects such as: matches, firearms, fireworks, explosives, knives, metal pipes, sharpened instruments, clubs, pepper spray, etc. Destruction or damage of school property or property of another Extortion or attempted extortion Harassment Theft Disrespect to TCJHS staff members Repeated classroom disruption Dishonesty All consequences begin with notification of parents. A student’s out of school suspension will require a parent conference with an administrator before a student is readmitted. During suspension, parents will have complete custody and jurisdiction of their child. A suspended student may not appear on school property or at any school sponsored activity at any TCUSD school. Student conduct responsibilities A student is under the school’s authority at any time he/she is on school property. This includes the time spent on school buses, field trips, and in any school related activities. It is impossible for any teaching or learning to take place in a classroom unless good order is maintained. This is not only for one student’s benefit but for the benefit of others as well. Responsible behavior is a distinguishing feature of a respectful student. Become familiar with these guidelines. They exist to provide an orderly safe environment where learning can take place. Responsible Thinking Classroom Tuba City Jr. High School has implemented the Responsible Thinking Classroom to help students develop a sense of responsibility for their own lives and respect for everyone around them. This process allows students to meet with a RTC (Responsible Thinking Classroom) teacher/Dean to develop an action plan to guide and support positive choices with responsible thinking process. RTP Process: Disruption When a student disrupts instruction, the teacher will ask the RTP questions. Then, teacher fills out RTC referral form and sends student to RTC/Dean and calls to alert that student is on their way. RTC/Dean Student arrives to RTC/Dean, signs in, hands referral form to RTC teacher/Dean. RTC Teacher/Dean explains process. Students moves to assigned seat. Parent Contact and Advisory contact made by RTC teacher/Dean. Return to class When student is ready to return to class, he or she completes an RTC Plan Students and RTC teacher/Dean review plan, make necessary changes. RTC teacher/Dean schedules negotiation time and emails teacher. Student and teacher negotiate approval of student’s plan Upon approval of plan, the student may return to class. Page | 32 The signed RTC plan is left with the teacher and teacher will return the form to the RTC teacher/Dean Is Behavior Major? Student commits serious act of misconduct and is sent to the office/Dean with discipline referral form. Non-Complaint Students Any time a student refuses to answer RTP questions and is not willing to work with a teacher, an RTC form is completed and the student is sent to RTC/Dean. If students refuses to leave room the teacher should contact the office. Disruptions in RTC Students that are disruptive in RTC will be sent to office/Dean. RTC teacher will contact office Administrator will contact parents Page | 33 Braves Conduct Consequences Behavior Weapons /Dangerous Objects/Contraband Possession or use of real or simulated weapons; firearms, simulated firearms, explosives, knives, firecrackers, laser pointers, Taser gun, brass knuckles, nun chucks, mace, pepper spray. Possession or distribution of illegal contraband Alcohol Possession or use of alcohol Drugs The non-medical use, possession, distribution or sale of chemical substances. Also, imitating drug use with other substances. Threats of life Verbal, written or physical threats to anyone Tobacco and Cigarettes Possession or use of tobacco products Physical attack Physical attack of one person or group of persons upon another person, who does not wish to engage in the conflict and who has not provoked the attack. Bullying/Harassment is the persistent or repeated annoying or tormenting of another. This includes provoking or antagonizing a fight. It can be physical, but more often is verbal and includes threatening, teasing, ridicule, or writing about another person (spreading rumors). Computer tampering/Cyberbullying is altering, damaging, deleting, or destroying a computer, computer hardware or software; introducing a computer contaminant into any computer or network; and using a computer system to threaten, alarm, harass, or cause another person to suffer substantial emotional distress Fighting or abuse of students or staff; two or more parties involved Stealing Taking or concealing property belonging to others Gang Activity Wearing, carrying, displaying gang paraphernalia including hand signs or graffiti Harassment, Intimidation or Hazing Comments, gestures or requests intended to intimidate Loss of Control Acting out to the point of removal from situation Profanity/Obscenity Lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct, expression or distribution of materials Disruptive or disrespectful behavior or expression that cause a disruption to learning or exhibits disrespect Dishonest Behavior including cheating or lying Possible Consequences Severe infraction Suspension or Expulsion Law enforcement notified Zero tolerance for weapon/contraband 10 days out of school suspension Law enforcement notified Zero tolerance for Alcohol or Drugs 5 days out of school suspension Zero tolerance for threating 5 days out of school suspension Law enforcement may be notified Zero tolerance for tobacco products 5 days out of school suspension Law enforcement may be notified Zero tolerance for Bullying 5 days out of school suspension Law enforcement/school security may be notified. Zero tolerance for Computer tampering or CyberBullying 3 days out of school suspension Security/Law enforcement may be notified Zero tolerance for Physical Abuse 2 days out of school suspension Zero tolerance for Stealing 1 day out of school suspension Zero tolerance for Gang Activity 1 day out of school suspension Zero tolerance for Harassment, Intimidation, or Hazing 1 day out of school suspension Parent notification Referral – Please note that any combination of 3 referrals within a semester will result in one day out of school suspension. Parent notification Referral – Please note that any combination of 3 referrals within a semester will result in one day out of school suspension. Parent notification Referral – Please note that any combination of 3 referrals within a semester will result in one day out of school suspension. Defiance/Uncooperative Behavior Choosing not to follow staff instructions or directions Parent notification Referral – Please note that any combination of 3 referrals within a semester will result in one day out of school suspension. Unauthorized use of electronic devices on School campus 1st Offense 1 Day ISS – Confiscation of item for 5 days. 2nd Offenses 1 Day ISS . Device kept till the end of school year. Page | 34 Discipline Referral Form Tuba City Jr. High School Name:_________________________ Grade:_____ Date:________ Time:______ Period:________ Teacher/Staff:______________________________________ Briefly Summarize incident: Parent/Guardian Notified or contacted: YES or No Notes Student Acknowledgement: I understand the behavior that I being referred for and have been given the opportunity to tell what happened. Student Signature: ___________________________________________ Action Taken: Parents are expected to be with student at reinstatement meeting upon completion of Out of school suspension (OSS) Parent Signature:_____________________________ Page | 35 Administrator:___________________________ Arizona Revised Statutes References (A.R.S.) Legal References: A.R. S. §15-507 (includes profanity) and physical abuse (assault) of a staff member is not permitted. A.R.S. §13-29014.Disorderly conduct; classification A.R.S. §13-1203. Assault A.R.S. §13-1204. Aggravated assault A.R.S. §13-3415. Drug A.R.S. §13-1201.Endangerement; classification A.R.S. §15-841.Expel A.R.S. §15-2301.Hazing A.R.S. §15-843. Suspension A.R.S. §13-3622. Tobacco violation A.R.S.§15-842. Vandalism A.R.S. §13-1704. Arson of an occupied structure. A.R.S. §13-2921.Harassment; classification; definition. A.R.S. §13-1202. Threatening or intimidating. A.R.S. §13-3102. Weapons Governing Board Policies: JICG – Student Concerns, Complaints and Grievances JICI – Weapons in School JICG – Tobacco Use by Students JICH-R – Drug and Alcohol Use by Students APPENDIX: Go to ASBA.org to access the following documents or to tcjhs@tcusd.org: Electronic Information Services Use Agreement Local Field Trip Authorization Page | 36 At Tuba City Junior High School We: A re Respectful and Trustworthy C are About Each Other T ake Responsibility Page | 37 Citizenship Rubric Student’s behavior will assessed using the Tuba City School District ACT statement. Criteria for each behavior are listed below. Criteria include but are limited to the following. Respectful – Demonstrates appropriate social skills such as speaker courtesy, polite speech, and courtesy to staff and peers. Trustworthy – Demonstrates honest behavior by not cheating, lying or stealing. Caring – Demonstrates kindness towards staff and peers by being helpful and supportive, working cooperatively, and encouraging others. Students demonstrate positive interactions by avoiding bullying behaviors such as gossiping, spreading rumors, name calling, and physical aggression. Responsibility – Demonstrates responsible behavior by following school and classroom rules and by accepting consequences for his/her own actions. Students are responsible for their own learning by following through with assigned work, completing make-up work, and asking for help and clarification. All students will begin within the “Meets” category at the start of each quarter. Movement up or down within the Citizenship Rubric is based upon student’s behavior throughout the quarter. ExceedsExhibits outstanding, exemplary behavior, citizenship behaviors are easily and frequently observed. Meets – Consistently exhibits citizenship behaviors. *Approaches – Inconsistently exhibits citizenships; needs to focus on improving in one or more areas. * Falls Far Below – Rarely exhibits citizenship behaviors; needs to focus on improving in or more areas. Page | 38 Page | 39 Page | 40 Page | 41 Page | 42 Page | 43 Page | 44 Page | 45 Page | 46 Page | 47 Page | 48