NMS Parent/Student Handbook
PARENT – STUDENT INFORMATION 2015-2016
AED – Automated External Defibrillator
AED is located in the gym. Selected staff is trained to use the AED in emergency.
AFTER SCHOOL STUDY BACK
Students may choose or be asked to attend a Team Study Back after school on Mondays,
Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:00-3:30pm in a designated team classroom. Teachers will be
available in classrooms to help students. Parents must provide transportation for students.
ANONYMOUS TIP LINE
Reports may be made confidentially as needed at 268-3301.
APPEARANCE (Dress code)
Students must comply with the dress code guidelines, which state that clothing must
adequately cover bare skin and not cause a disruption to the educational process.
Inappropriate messages on clothing are not allowed.
1.
Students are to wear clothing that covers their undergarments. This includes boxer
shorts and bra straps.
2.
The inseam of shorts, skirts, etc. must be a minimum of 5 inches.
3.
Back, midriff, and cleavage must be covered. Shoulder straps must be at least 1 inch
wide.
4.
No clothing referencing drugs, weapons, tobacco or any obscenity will be allowed.
5.
Pajamas and slippers are not permitted.
*Dress code measurement card can be found after the WEBSITE section of this handbook.
Page
1
Students are reminded that they are responsible for their own style of dress and personal
appearance. Their choices must consider specific restrictions or they will be asked to change
clothing or appearance. Restrictions include gang-related clothing, materials, or graffiti;
inappropriate jewelry, make up, or clothing, such as pajamas; binders identifying with alcohol,
tobacco, or drugs; or clothing or accessories that are determined by the principal or associate
principal to be disruptive to the educational program. The attached District Student Code also
addresses this issue. Coats and head covers such as hats and bandanas are not worn in the
building. They are to be secured in the student’s locker during the day.
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
ATHLETICS
North Middle School offers a comprehensive sports program for both boys and girls. Included
on the following page is the schedule, with the approximate starting dates for each sport. Our
sports program is designed around a participation philosophy, so a “no cut” policy is in place.
All students who attend practices and put forth a good effort will be part of a team. Students
are reminded that it is their responsibility to keep personal items locked to prevent theft. Being
involved in extracurricular activities is an important component of the educational program.
We expect our students to maintain good behavior throughout the day to participate.
EXPECTATIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Be on time and in attendance to all practices and games
Follow directions the first time given
Be prepared with necessary equipment and school issued materials
Be respectful of others and their property
Be productive
Show good sportsmanship at all times to ensure that behavior conducive to
safety and fair play occurs during all activities
Students who receive ISS or OSS will not attend practice or games during the suspension and
will miss the next contest after the suspension is completed. A second ISS or OSS during the
same season is likely to result in removal from the team.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR ATHLETICS
Each student will need to produce five (5) documents before they will be allowed to practice.
These are District requirements and will be strictly enforced. The documents necessary for
your child to participate are:
 A current sports physical (must be conducted after May 1, 2015 to be
valid for the current school year)
 GFPS Activity Agreement signed by the parent and student athlete
 Emergency card
 Concussion Form
 Payment or payment receipt
Page
2
All the necessary forms are available at the school office.
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
ATHLETIC SCHEDULE 2015-2016
SPORT and GRADE
APPROXIMATE START DATE
Football 7 & 8
Girls Basketball 7 & 8
Cross Country 7 & 8
Boys Basketball 7 & 8
Wrestling 7 & 8
Girls Volleyball 7 & 8
Girls Swimming 7 & 8
Track 7 & 8
August 26
August 26
August 26
October 26
January 4
January 4
February 22
March 29
PRACTICES
Before a student can participate in a scheduled game or event, he/she must have a
minimum of 10 practices. A player with 3 unexcused absences from practices or games may be
removed from the team. (ISS or OSS is considered an unexcused absence.) Each practice will
last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the sport and the number of participants.
Some practices may be scheduled in the morning before school. Practice schedules will be given
to teams after team assignment. Each season lasts approximately 8 weeks. Students absent
from school half the day or more cannot return that day for a practice or game.
TRAVEL
Parents are responsible for transportation to and from practices. If your child has a
practice after 3:30, please make arrangements for him/her to go to another acceptable
location after school other than school grounds. After 3:30 there is reduced supervision at
the school.
Page
3
GAME SCHEDULES
Athletes will be given game or meet schedules no later than the third week of each
season. Schedules are changed each year due to the number of participants, teams, and
starting dates, so schedules are not available for all sports at the beginning of the school year.
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
ATTENDANCE AND PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCES
On days that your child will not be in school, we ask that you call the school by 9:00 a.m. (2686526). The attendance clerk is on duty at 7:00 a.m. For District Attendance Policy, please refer
to the GFPS District Board Policy. We discourage family vacations during the school year
because of lost instruction time.
For no reason does a student need to text or call a parent/guardian from a cell phone as a
student phone is provided in the main office for such calls. If your student is feeling ill, they
should request permission from the supervising staff member to go to the office and office
staff will contact the parent. This will ensure student is safely being cared for by office staff
and in the sick room until a parent can pick them up and will be noted in attendance.
BACKPACKS/PURSES
Backpacks and purses are stored in lockers throughout the school day. Students will have
opportunities to go to their lockers to exchange books and materials several times during the
day.
BUS INFORMATION
Bus schedules are listed on the Great Falls Public School web site at www.gfps.k12.mt.us/ under
the Parent link. For busing questions or concerns, contact Big Sky Bus Lines at 454-1283 or
Great Falls Public Schools Transportation Department at 268-6015.
CAFETERIA RULES
Page
4
Students eat with their team. There are three lunch periods each day. Two teams are
assigned to each lunch. One team will go directly outside for a 10-minute recess before
eating and the other team will eat first then go outside. The purpose of this is to reduce
congestion on both the playground and in the cafeteria resulting in a more relaxed lunch
period for supervisors and students. The order of recess and eating will be reversed at
various times during the year.
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
LUNCHROOM EXPECTATIONS
1. Students are to clear the locker areas and be in the cafeteria or on the playground
(for split lunches) within 5 minutes of the dismissal bell for lunch. They will remain
in the lunchroom or on the playground unless permission to leave is given by a lunch
room or playground supervisor.
2. Students are expected to line up in an orderly fashion by not running, pushing, or
cutting in line inside the cafeteria or outside on the playground.
3. Students are expected to clean up their eating areas (table and floor), and then be
excused before leaving their tables.
4. Students are expected to use acceptable table manners, which include keeping noise
at an acceptable level.
5. All food and beverages are to be consumed inside the cafeteria and not taken
outside on the playground or to classrooms.
6. On the playground, students are asked to keep the safety zone by the cafeteria door
and the classroom windows clear and not visit in this area.
7. Students are not to go to the gym or the commons to use vending machines during
lunch. They are to go directly to the cafeteria. Vending machines are turned off
during the school day.
8. When entering the building from lunch recess, FLOWS rules apply. This ensures that
noise and distractions to the classes in session be kept to a minimum.
9. All outdoor clothing and lunches from home are to be brought to the cafeteria or
the outside recess area. Students will not be permitted to return to lockers until the
lunch period is over.
10. We ask parents not to arrange “parties” during lunches, as these can result in hurt
feelings. Please call 268-6525 with questions.
Page
5
11. School personnel cannot be responsible for a student’s food choices. Parents can,
however, monitor purchases by contacting the school lunchroom at 268-6551.
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
LUNCH BREAK/OUTSIDE EXPECTATIONS
1. Students are encouraged to get some fresh air exercise by walking on the loop,
playing lightening, and soccer. Students use this time as a break to socialize.
2. On the playground, students are asked to keep the safety zone by the cafeteria door
and the classroom windows clear and not visit in this area.
3. Students are expected to line up in an orderly fashion by not running, pushing, or
cutting in line on the playground.
4. When entering the building from lunch recess, FLOWS rules apply. This ensures that
noise and distractions to the classes in session be kept to a minimum.
5. All outdoor clothing and lunches from home are to be brought to the cafeteria or
the outside recess area. Students will not be permitted to return to lockers until the
lunch period is over.
6. Lunch is to be consumed inside the lunchroom and not taken outside on the
playground or to classrooms.
7. No gum, cell phones or electronic devices are allowed during the lunch period.
CELLULAR TELEPHONE & ELECTRONIC SIGNALING DEVICES
Page
Permission must be granted to the student each time he or she uses a cell phone for any
purpose, including text messages, pager, and electronic signaling device or calling device, see
Board Policy in the District Student Code. At no time shall any student operate a cellular phone
or other electronic device with video capabilities in any locker room, bathroom, or other
location where such operations will violate the privacy right of another person, or interfere
with the institutional and instructional process. Unauthorized use will result in confiscation of
the device by school officials, including classroom teachers, and may result in disciplinary
action. Devices confiscated will be returned to the student (by the main office) at the end of
the day. Devices confiscated a third time will be returned to the parent or guardian of the
student. Confiscated cell phones are subject to information/photo searches as needed (see
District Policy: Searches).
6
Cell phones are to be kept in lockers or in pockets and turned off, during school hours, 7:30
a.m. – 2:55 p.m. Academic use of IPod/cell phones in a classroom is a privilege determined by
each teacher.
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
For no reason does a student need to text or call a parent/guardian from a cell phone as a
student phone is provided for such calls in the office. If your student is feeling ill, they should
request permission from the supervising staff member to go to the office and office staff will
contact the parent. This will ensure student is safely being cared for by office staff and in the
sick room until a parent can pick them up and will be noted in attendance.
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
Numerous clubs and activities are available for all students during afternoon Connections.
These activities are designed to be of high interest for students and are sponsored by teachers
in the building. The days and times clubs meet is decided by the sponsor. Students who are
failing classes may not attend clubs until all grades are passing.
CLUBS MAY INCLUDE:
Academic Bowl
Cribbage/Chess Club
Ensemble Drumming
Guitar Ensemble
Keyboarding/Hand Bells
Math Counts
Native American Club
National Jr. Honor Society
Science Club
ACTS
Bowling Club
Drama Club
Book Club
Faculty/Student Basketball Fishing Club
Jazz Band
P.T.A.
Science Olympiad
Spelling Bee
National Geographic Bee
Orchestra Club
Photography Club
Student Government
Toastmasters/Optimist Speech
BIONIC Club
AG Club
CONNECTIONS
The purpose of Connections time:
Page
7
1. The purpose of Connections is: To build Relationships and Social Skills capacity for
students – Teacher to student, student to peers, and student to school.
2. To assist students with organization.
3. To truly connect with students. Every student should leave Connections feeling as
though their teacher is their advocate, their own caring adult, and their mentor.
4. At least one Connection period every month is dedicated to a Respect For All Lesson.
These are provided in advance by the Counselors.
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
Monday
Jump Start
Tuesday
Academic/Team
Wednesday
NONE / PLCT
Thursday
CLUBS/or
Structured Study
Hall
Friday
Locker clean
out/Social Skills
Building Preview
CUB’S CORNER PASSES
Cub’s Corner passes are available from staff and are given to students who have shown an
interest in reading. This is a special pass. The Cub’s Corner is a designated area in the IMC set
aside for approximately 12 students at a time. Students earn passes by displaying good
behaviors and academic standing. When in the Cub’s Corner, students will be expected to
follow established guidelines.
DETENTION
Minor infractions often result in detentions. Teacher detention is usually 30 minutes after
school. Office detentions will be from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and
Friday and from 2:15 – 3:15 on Wednesday. Lunch detention is also an option that requires a
student to bring a lunch from home or request the cold lunch from the cafeteria. Parents will
be notified in advance of detentions. School Board Policy 3300.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
On the occasions when consequences for unacceptable student behaviors are administered,
they will be within the guidelines of the District Student Code. Parents will be notified of such
actions. Consequences may range from a conference with the student to more serious
consequences, up to and including suspension, depending on the severity of the infraction.
Fighting and threatening behaviors will not be tolerated. At times, video surveillance or an
alcohol sensor may be used to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all staff, students and
visitors. The School Resource officer will be contacted for citable offenses. (School Board
Policy 3300R, 3310, 3312R, and 3340)
Page
Disciplinary action may be taken against any students who possess, use, sell, buy, give, or are
under the influence of drugs, marijuana, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco in any form,
intoxicants, or any other substance defined by law as a controlled substance or dangerous drug.
8
Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drug Use Policies
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
These policies also apply to students who possess alcohol/drug paraphernalia and cigarette
innovations. Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to:
 In-school and/or out-of school suspension
 Suspension from extra and co-curricular activities
 Completion of a district approved chemical awareness program or tobacco education
program
For more complete details reference Board Policy 3310 or District’s Complete Student
Handbook. Additionally, please see the District’s Student Handbook at www.gfps.k12.mt.us
regarding Self-reporting and Due Process provisions.
Counseling and Administrative Procedures Handbook Entry
Tobacco, Alcohol and other Drug Policies Violations
Page
Second offense in subsequent calendar years
 Parent notification
 Determine suspension consequences and SRO ticketing response, if appropriate
9
First offense:
 Parent Notification
 SRO Notification to determine ticketing, if appropriate
 Out-of school suspension for the remainder of the school day
 10 more days of OSS
 In lieu of the 10-day suspension, student may be offered a district-approved chemical
awareness class and/or a tobacco education group (TEG) class. Agreeing to participate in
this class can reduce the out-of-school suspension to the day of the infraction and an
additional 3-5 days of in-school suspension. Failure to complete the assigned class will
result in re-instatement of the 10-day suspension.
 Extra or co-curricular participants –
1. Additionally, any students involved in extra- or co-curricular activities will be
suspended from their activity for one calendar year.
2. Successful completion of the district approved chemical awareness class can reduce
this suspension to 30 calendar days.
3. For more complete information refer to School Board Policy 3310/3310R.
Second offense in a calendar year
 Parent notification
 Determine suspension consequences and SRO ticketing response, if appropriate
 Student will be referred for a chemical dependency evaluation with the District’s
substance abuse counselor or other district-approved provider.
 Failure to complete the chemical dependency evaluation will result in 10 days of
suspension.
 Tobacco violations will result in retaking the tobacco education group.
 All extra- and co-curricular consequences apply; (See First Offense above)
NMS Parent/Student Handbook




Student will be referred for a chemical dependency evaluation with the District’s
substance abuse counselor or other approved provider, unless sufficient time has passed
that might allow the student to benefit from retaking the chemical awareness class.
Consult with CARE Coordinator to determine most appropriate course of action for the
student.
Failure to complete the chemical dependency assessment or other assigned consequences
will result in 10 days of suspension.
Tobacco violations will result in retaking the tobacco education group
All extra- and co-curricular consequences apply. (See First Offense above)
Third and subsequent offenses
 Parent notification
 Determine suspension consequences and SRO ticketing response, if appropriate
 Consultation with the CARE Coordinator, substance abuse counselor and parent, if
appropriate, to determine level of care most appropriate for the student.
 Tobacco violations will result in retaking the tobacco education group
 All extra- and co-curricular consequences apply. (See First Offense above)
**In all cases, refer to the current procedures for reporting and providing information to
the parent and the CARE Office.
MIP-Tobacco, MIP-Alcohol & Drug Class Information for PARENTS
MIP-Tobacco






GFPS Tobacco Education Group (TEG) is the only option for meeting this class requirement for
a school or community MIP-T
Class Fee: $40.00 with reduced fee for students on free and reduced lunch program
Offered on an as needed basis, but generally once a month
6 hours in 4 class sessions after school
Location: Alternating between high schools based on classroom availability
Call Jody Murray at the Care Office 268-6772, for more information and to sign up
MIP-Alcohol & Drug

Only open to Great Falls Public School students who violate the Student Code relative to
alcohol and/or other drugs at school or at a school sponsored activity
Class Fee: $40.00 with reduced fee for students on free and reduced lunch program
Page

10
GFPS Prime for Life at School Class
NMS Parent/Student Handbook




Class will be offered on an as needed basis, but generally once a month
8-10 hours in 4-6 sessions after school, depending on class size
Location: GFPS CARE Office in the Chief Joseph Elementary Annex: 5305 3rd Ave S
Call Danielle Funseth at the CARE Office 268-6770, for more information and to sign up
Benefis Behavioral Health





Class Fee $111.35
Offered once a month on a Saturday (usually the 2nd Saturday of the month)
6 total hours: 8am -3pm
If under the age of 18 – parent required to attend first 2 hours
Call Benefis Behavioral Health at 455-2367 for specific days, times, cost and to sign up
Gateway Community Services





Class Fee $125 (must be paid by Thursday before the class starts)
Offered once a month on Saturday
6 total hours: 9am – 4pm
If under age 18 – parent required to attend the first ½ hour
Call Gateway at 727-2512 for specific days, times, cost and to sign up
EMERGENCY INFORMATION AND TREATMENT
The school will provide first aid or emergency treatment in case of sudden illness or injury to a
student, but further medical attention is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. For this
reason, each parent or guardian is asked to provide current emergency information containing
phone numbers for themselves and other designees in case an emergency does arise. This
information will be filed with your child’s records. Please keep the office informed of any
change in phone numbers, emergency contacts, work numbers or address.
Page
11
Please visit with your student regarding the procedures they should use if they are feeling ill.
Students should NOT use a cell phone to call or text their parent or guardian. They should
request permission from the supervising staff member to go to the office and office staff will
contact the parent. This will ensure student is safely being cared for by office staff and in the
sick room until a parent can pick them up and will be noted in attendance.
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
FIELD EXPERIENCES
Any field experience involving transportation requires a signed parent permission slip. For field
trips that involve short walks, a signed permission slip is not necessary, but parents will be
notified ahead of time that the students will be out of the building. ALL field trips are designed
to enhance classroom instruction and increase student learning and ALL are chaperoned.
FLOWS
FLOWS is a procedure for moving in a safe and orderly fashion through our halls. The
expectations are:
File to the right
Lower your voice
Open and close lockers QUIETLY
Walk, please
Students respect staff direction
GRADING PROCEDURES
Grades are reported in two ways: academic report card, which is reflective of a student’s
progress towards content standards and behavioral, as reported during parent teacher
conferences.
In most classes, grades are reported on an A, B, C, D, and F basis. Homework completion, tests,
quizzes, and class work are considered when calculating a grade.
Page
Power School is available online to all parents so they may check their student’s progress in
classes. The Parent Portal URL is http://ps.gfps.k12.mt.us/public/. Parents should have
received user names & passwords. Please call 268-6525 for help. Parents may also sign up for
Remind, and call homework hotline for additional information.
12
In the physical education sections of our health enhancement curriculum, students are
expected to dress out in gym clothes. Health enhancement letter grades are a combination of
health and physical education for each grading period and are included in the overall GPA.
Failure to come prepared may result in a lower grade in all classes.
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
GRIZZLY EXPECTATIONS



Respect
Responsible
Ready
GRIZZLY DEN
The Grizzly Den contains a vending machines and is a “Commons” area. While in the Den
before or after school, students may purchase a snack from the machines. Vending machines
are used at one’s own risk, as refunds for money lost in the machines are not available.
Vending machines are turned off during school hours.
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING
Counseling services are provided for each student. In addition to assistance with individual
problems and career awareness, the counselors provide instruction on various topics within the
District-adopted Guidance and Counseling Curriculum. The general goal of this program is to
help students achieve the greatest personal value from their educational opportunities.
Therapeutic counseling is not offered by NMS counselors, but referrals and information are
available to students and families.
GUM

Chewing gum is a privilege determined by each teacher in his/her classroom.
HEALTH ENHANCEMENT INFORMATION/LOCKER ROOM PROCEDURES
Page
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
In most cases, all students dress out for P.E. In the case of a medical problem that restricts
activity, students will be asked to engage in light walking. Students with extreme medical
conditions as verified by a physician will be excused from physical education and will be given
alternative pencil and paper assignments relating to health enhancement.
13
1. Each student is responsible for providing his/her own lock for basket or gym locker.
2. Students remain in the locker room the last 5 minutes of the period.
3. All valuables should be locked in the health enhancement office by the teacher.
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
HOMEWORK
Homework is an important part of the educational process. Assignments are designed to
reinforce classroom instruction and to provide practice in basic skill areas. All assigned
homework is to be completed. Failure to complete homework usually results in lower grades,
students’ not being allowed to attend Connections opportunities and clubs, and an assignment
to a team’s After School Study Back from 3:00 – 3:30. Parents will be responsible for
transportation at 3:30.
Please check your child’s daily assignment pages, the Homework Hotline, or the Parent Portal
on your home computer to verify actual assignments. Homework Hotline 268-7299.
HONOR ROLL/ PERFECT ATTENDANCE
Students earning a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) will be acknowledged quarterly on the NMS
honor roll list. Students with perfect attendance will be acknowledged.
INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA CENTER (IMC)
The Instructional Media Center is both a library and computer lab area. It has books,
magazines, and pamphlets for your study and recreational reading. It is open for you to use
from 7:30a.m. -3:30p.m. each day.
Most books are checked out for two weeks. Encyclopedias are checked out for two days.
Paperback books are checked out for 7 days. Magazines are checked out overnight only.
You may renew a book as often as you wish, but must return the book the day it is due.
To use the IMC during a study hall period, you must obtain a pass from a classroom teacher
prior to the request from study hall.
IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIREMENTS
TOTAL NUMBER
ADDITIONAL DOSE REQUIRMENTS
Polio
3 doses
At least 1 dose after the 4th birthday
Page
VACCINE
14
For middle school entry in 7th grade, the minimum requirements are listed below. For further
information or clarification, please contact the City County Health Dept. at 454-6950.
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
DTP/DT/
DTaP/Td
4 doses
One dose must be given after the 4th birthday
Tdap Booster
1 dose
Prior to entering the 7th grade a pupil must
receive a dose of Tdap. This schedule applies to
pupils who have completed the Prior 4 doses listed
above.
MMR
Dose 1 on or after
the first birthday and
dose 2 prior to kindergarten
entry (1st grade in schools
without kindergarten)
Varicella
2 doses
A pupil entering any grade from 7 to 12
who has not already received the 2 required
doses at kindergarten age must receive the
second dose.
By no later than October 1, 2015, all students
In kindergarten through 12th grade will need to
have two (2) doses of varicella vaccine.
LITERACY CLASS
Literacy class is prepared to offer assistance to all students in the area of reading and writing
skills. If you are among a group of selected students, you will be regularly assigned to a literacy
class. If you want to improve your reading and writing skills, you may have an individual
program set up for you. Please see a Literacy teacher or your grade level counselor for
information.
LOCKERS
Each student is assigned a locker by the Connection teacher. Students may not share lockers,
or store items not belonging to them in their locker. Students are responsible for keeping
lockers clean. Gym lockers are assigned through HPE teachers. Gym lockers require a padlock.
MATH LAB
Page
15
Math lab is prepared to offer assistance to all students. If you are among a group of selected
students, you will be regularly assigned into the lab. If you want to improve your math skills,
you may have an individual program set up for you. Please see a math lab teacher or your
grade level counselor for information.
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
MEDICATIONS
All medications brought to school must be left in the main office (except inhalers – see below).
This includes common medications like Advil, etc. The office needs to have a signed release
from the parent for over the counter medication and a signed release from the prescribing
physician for prescription medications. State law mandates that all prescription medication
MUST be in the original container. There is a form specifically for inhalers. These forms are on
the office counter. The office will NOT provide any medication for any student.
Students may NOT carry medications with them throughout the day. The exception is inhalers
for students with asthma once the above paperwork is on file. We prefer that students carry
their inhalers throughout the day. Please label the student’s inhaler so we can return it to the
student if lost.
NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY
The purpose of National Junior Honor Society is to recognize and encourage academic
excellence, outstanding character, service, leadership, and citizenship. During the 2nd week of
April, all students who have maintained a 3.4 GPS or above for the first three 9- week grading
periods (and have not already been inducted into NJHS) will receive a letter and selfinformation form. The self-information form must be completed by the student, signed by a
parent or guardian, and returned by the stated deadline in order to be considered for
membership. Students who have returned the completed information sheet will then be
evaluated by all staff members who interact with them. Students who do not turn a completed
information form in will not be considered further for membership.
It is important to understand that membership in NJHS is an honor, not an automatic reward
for good grades. Situations demonstrating poor citizenship, concerns about behavior, or a high
number of absences can result in a student not being selected for membership in NJHS for the
current year. Eligible students must attend GFPS on a full time basis, carry a full academic load
of classes, and have fewer than 10 absences.
Page
16
Students selected for membership will receive a letter in mid to late April notifying them that
they have been selected for membership. Attendance at the induction ceremony is required in
order to become a member of NJHS.
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY (Title IX)
Equal educational opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to race, color,
national origin, ancestry, sex, ethnicity, language barrier, religious beliefs, physical and mental
handicap or disability, economic or social conditions, or actual or potential marital or parental
status. Any student may file a discrimination grievance using the procedure outline in Board
policy 3210 and 3215. Copies of these policies are available in the administrator’s office. The
Title IX officer is the associate principal.
NOTEBOOKS
All students should have and maintain a 3-ring binder (notebook). The school will furnish
dividers for these binders that contain study tips and guidelines. Teachers provide assignment
sheets and some teams may provide assignments books. Please discuss the information on the
dividers with your child and make certain the assignment sheet and assignment books are
current and filled out properly each day. They provide daily information and expectations on
class work and homework. To help you assist your child with his/her assignments, the learning
outcome for each lesson is listed on the assignment sheets.
PARENT PORTAL
Power School is available online to all parents so they may check their student’s progress in
classes. The Parent Portal URL is http://ps.gfps.k12.mt.us/public/. Parents should have
received user names and passwords. User names and passwords follow your student through
their GFPS school career. Parents now have the ability to “link” all your GFPS students under
one user name and password. Please go to the Parent Portal and follow directions to create
your parent account. Please be aware that once you change your password, we cannot help
you access your account so please be sure to document your new user name and password.
Students will maintain their student username and password however their username (student
ID number) must have a lower case (s) in front of the number. Please call 268-6525 for help.
Page
To ensure the safety of all students at North, students are not to be dropped off in the bus
loop, teachers’ parking lot on the south of the school or the southwest driveway by the loading
dock. The student drop off is in the front of the building only. Parents pull into the angle
17
PARKING LOT PROCEDURES
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
parking in the first lane to drop off students. They pull forward and then exit through the
second lane. This helps with congestion.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are produced every nine weeks. The final grade is the average of the four quarter
letter grades. Report cards during the school year are hand carried home by the students, and
the final report cards are mailed home approximately one week after the last day of school.
RESPECT FOR ALL LESSONS
Respect for All Lessons focus on positive expectations for safe and civil student behavior. These
lessons are taught during Connections one period a month and focus on anti-bully behavior.
Counselors work with individual teaching teams to administer lessons throughout the school
year.
RTI (Response to Intervention)
Response to Intervention integrates assessment and intervention within a multi-level
prevention system to maximize student achievement and to reduce behavioral problems.
With RTI, schools use data to identify students at risk for poor learning outcomes, monitor
student progress, provide evidence- based interventions and adjust the intensity and nature of
those interventions depending on a student’s responsiveness.
SCHOOL DAY
Breakfast: Students may enter cafeteria from East cafeteria door.
Students enter the building
Warning bell; students report to period 1.
Tardy bell for period 1
Page
7:15a.m
7:30a.m.
7:45a.m
7:50a.m.
18
School day hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 7:30 a.m. – 2:55 p.m. and
Wednesday 7:30 – 2:15 p.m. NOTE: Our school is open from 7:15 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Students are not to be in the building after the 2:55 p.m. dismissal (2:15 on Wednesdays) or
before 7:30 a.m. unless involved in a school-sponsored activity. Each Wednesday, students
are dismissed at 2:15 to allow for teacher training. Please do not have your child wait at
school past the dismissal time.
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
2:55p.m.
Dismissal except on Wednesday. Wednesday dismissal is 2:15 p.m. due
to required teacher training each week.
TARDY
Students are tardy when they are not seated when the bell rings signifying the beginning of a
period.
SECURITY OF PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Our procedures are designed to reduce the theft of personal items. They include using
personal locks on gym baskets or athletic lockers. It is the student’s responsibility to lock
belongings in assigned lockers or baskets in locker rooms. All students are encouraged to take
the necessary steps to prevent losing valued items. Additionally, students should mark all
personal belongings for identification purposes. Students are not to bring large sums of money
or items of great value to school, such as cellular phones or other electronics.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Access to Special Education programs (for students with disabilities) is predicated upon
procedures of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (IDEA)
STUDENT LUNCH ACCOUNTS
Page
At North Middle School, we do our best to ascertain that all children have the opportunity to
eat lunch. With that in mind, should your child inadvertently be without lunch or lunch money,
we offer a Lunch Voucher program. Your student may charge lunch through the cafeteria. We
do not encourage the use of this program but have it in place. These charges must be paid in a
timely manner.
19
You can now put money on your child’s lunch account via credit card or debit card from home
or work. For more information and to sign up, go to the Great Falls Public Schools Website at
http://gfps.k12.mt.us, then to Departments, to Food Service and click on Myschoolbucks. You
will need your child’s school ID and the zip code of your child’s school (59404) along with your
credit/debit card number. You will also be able to check your child’s account balance and see
when they have eaten. Please be aware that there is a process fee attached to this service.
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
STUDY HALL BASIC RULES
1. Study hall supervisors will not write passes to other classrooms, but may write them for
IMC or Cub’s Corner if a student’s work is completed and assignment sheets are in
order.
2. When students arrive in study hall with passes, the passes are to be placed on the study
hall supervisor’s desk at the beginning of each period.
3. There is no talking. Students are expected to work independently. Students with
special permission to work together will do so for no more than 15 minutes and will be
relocated so as not to disrupt other students.
4. All students must bring materials to study or a book to read. Students who do not have
study or reading material will be given an assignment to be completed by the end of the
period.
5. Students will be given a pass to use the restroom as needed.
6. Students may not use cellular phones or other technology devices in study halls.
TECHNOLOGY USE POLICY
Students accessing technology and the Internet must comply with district guidelines regarding
appropriate usage. Any misuse of technology will result in administrative action. Misuse may
include damage to the equipment and/or inappropriate information accessed on the Internet.
Internet access is available to all students. The purpose of District-provided Internet access is
to facilitate communications in support of research and education. The District does provide
filtering software for computer accessing the Internet. However, in order for a student to
remain eligible as a user and to avoid disciplinary consequences, he/she must assume the
responsibility of appropriate usage that furthers the purpose of research and education.
Inappropriate computer use may result in termination of computer privileges or other
administrative action.
Page
Our textbooks at North Middle School are bar coded and are checked out to students through
the IMC (library) at the beginning of the school year. Students are responsible for returning the
textbooks at the end of the year in the spring. They are responsible for the book checked out in
the fall, returning the same book with the same barcode.
20
TEXTBOOKS
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
Should a student lose a book during the year, they cannot receive a replacement until they
“pay” for the missing book. We ask that they give the library an undated check for the amount
of the book. They are then given a replacement textbook. The checks are kept in the office
until the textbooks are returned in the spring. Oftentimes, the missing textbook is turned in
and the undated check is returned to the student. Should the missing textbook not be
returned, the check is cashed to replace the missing textbook.
After all the books are returned, letters will be sent to the parents of the students with missing
textbooks stating that they have a missing textbook or other financial obligation.
TOYS
Toys are not permitted in school unless special permission has been given by a school
administrator or designee. Toy guns are absolutely not allowed. See School Board Policy 3340
on weapons or look alike weapons.
TRANSPORTATION
School buses provide the transportation for field trips and other school-related events when
needed. Students must ride on the buses even when their parents are chaperones unless a
Transportation Request and Release Form has been filed with our Main Office in advance of
the trip. These forms can be picked up in the Main Office either by parent or student.
WEBSITES
Great Falls Public Schools
www.gfps.k12.mt.us
North Middle School
http://northgfps.weebly.com
*Team and teacher webpages can be found from links
Page
Moodle Page Login
https://courses.gfps.k12.mt.us/login
21
PowerSchool Login
https://ps.gfps.k12.mt.us
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
NMS Library Homepage
http://northgfps.weebly.com/library-home
Grizzly Business
http://grizzbiz.weebly.com
Band at NMS
http://www.gfps.k12.mt.us/Schools/North/web/Teachers/JenniferPainter
CPO Science
http://www.cposcience.com
Science Websites
http://northgfps.weebly.com/science
Food Services (lunch) Link
http://www.gfps.k12.mt.us/content/food-services
Bus Information Link
http://www.gfps.k12.mt.us/content/transportation-and-bus-information
CPM Math
http://www.cpm.org/student
Math Websites
http://northgfps.weebly.com/math
Kahn Academy Login
https://www.khanacademy.org/login
Social Studies Websites
http://northgfps.weebly.com/social-studies
Brain Pop
http://www.brainpop.com
5 Inch inseam measurement
Page
DRESS CODE MEASUREMENT CARD
22
Cool Math Games
http://www.coolmath-games.com
NMS Parent/Student Handbook
1 inch
Page
23
1” strap