2012-2013 WILLIAM PINDERHUGHES EMS #28 STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK 26 August 2013 Dear Parent/Guardian & Student: The summer has come to an end and our entire team is extremely excited about the start of another school year. During the summer months our staff spent considerable time and energy developing our plans to have the 2013-2014 school year be our best ever. The student performance data associated with our school demonstrates that we have made progress, but still have a considerable way to go in order to reach our goals. Please read the information enclosed in this handbook very carefully. You will find very important information related to school rules, expectations, programs, policies and procedures. It is very important that all stakeholders clearly understand how our school will function and how the task of educating our children will take place. We look forward to working with all of our students, their families, and our business/community partners to create the best learning environment possible. Sincerely, Federico R. Adams Principal 2 School Vision We will work to foster a community of learners through an enriched instructional program, diverse cultural activities, and cutting-edge practices. We will strive to achieve high standards with an interactive learning community that incorporates a dedicated staff, parents and community partners, a rigorous curriculum, and a safe and orderly environment. Mission Statement We will empower our students to become leaders and by providing quality instruction in a nurturing environment and equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to be productive citizens in society. We believe that: Learning is an ongoing process that extends beyond the classroom to include family, home, and community. Learning requires active, productive, and meaningful student engagement. Student Entry & Dismissal 7:15 a.m. – 7:35 a.m. 7:40 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Free breakfast served in school cafeteria Official start of school, instruction begins Dismissal Students participating in the free breakfast program are required to enter the building using the café entrance located on the corner of Gold and N. Carey streets at 7:15 a.m. At 7:35 a.m. the main front and rear doors will open for students to enter the building for the official start of the school day. Please do not send students to the school prior to 7:15 a.m. because staff members will not be available to receive them. 3 Attendance Absence In the event of an absence, students are required to provide a signed and dated note from their parent/guardian explaining the reason for the absence on the day they return to school. Failure to immediately provide a note will result in the absence being classified as unlawful. No single factor contributes as much to a student’s academic success or failure as absenteeism. School attendance is essential to school success. Students must make a total commitment to daily and punctual attendance, thereby establishing a pattern of responsible behavior, which will also make them successful in their adult lives. Parents are legally responsible for the daily and punctual attendance of their children. State law requires that every student attend school each day that school is in session unless due to illness, injury or some other legitimate reason. Students who fail to maintain a monthly attendance rate of 95% or better will be subject to the following consequences: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Exclusion from field trips, assemblies and extracurricular activities. Mandatory school based attendance hearing for the parent/guardian. Referral to the BCPSS Office of Attendance & Truancy. Mandatory district level attendance hearing for the parent/guardian. Referral for court based intervention for the parent/guardian. Lateness Students are expected to be seated in their designated homeroom classroom no later than 7:45 a.m. Students arriving to school at 7:45 a.m. or later are considered late for school, must obtain a late pass and will be marked accordingly. It is very important that students who arrive late to school receive a late pass in order to make certain that they are given credit for attending school.. Dismissal For the safety of your child please arrange for them to be picked up at 2:30 p.m. when school is dismissed. Parents are respectfully asked to avoid removing students from school prior to 2:30 p.m. In order to preserve the integrity of the school day no early dismissal will be issued after 2:00 p.m. School personnel will be not available to assume parental supervision after the close of the school day. In the event that a parent/guardian is unexpectedly delayed arriving for dismissal they are asked to contact the school and advise office personnel of the situation. 4 Dress Code & School Uniforms William Pinderhuges Elementary-Middle School is a designated uniform school. This means that students are expected to report to school daily attired in their mandatory school uniform. The school uniform guidelines are as follows: Khaki pants, jumper, shorts or skirts. Shorts and skirts must be at least knee length. Students wearing pants or shorts are required to also wear a belt. White collared shirt for elementary students and a navy blue collared shirt for students in the seventh and eighth grades. Appropriate shoes and socks. Pants and shorts must be worn on the waist and underwear must not be visible. Students will not be permitted to wear t-shirts, any hooded garments, jackets or other similar items as their outer shirt. Students will also not be permitted to wear any type of open shoe, sandal, flip-flops or other shoe that does not completely cover the foot. Failure and/or refusal to adhere to the mandatory student dress code will result in exclusion from field trips, assemblies, extracurricular activities and other non-instructional activities. Transportation Eligibility for school transportation services is determined by the BCPSS Office of Transportation. Questions pertaining to eligibility for transportation should be directed to (410) 396-7740. School Breakfast Program Students are strongly encouraged to participate in or free breakfast program. Students may report to the school cafeteria to receive a free, nutritious breakfast at 7:15 a.m. Late students will miss the opportunity to receive breakfast at school. Free & Reduced Price Lunch Program All students are required to submit an application for the federally subsidized lunch program every year. Parents are required to submit one application per family to cover all school aged children in the household. Applications will be mailed to your home, will be available in the main office and will be sent home by your child’s homeroom teacher. Due to the manner in which 5 federal funds are allocated to local schools it is extremely important that the school receive a complete lunch application for every student. Cafeteria Guidelines Seating Your homeroom teacher will inform you of the method of seat selection/assignment in the cafeteria. Upon entering the cafeteria students are expected to be seated at their assigned table and wait to be called to the serving line. Student Responsibilities Follow all rules and regulations. Be considerate and respectful of yourself and others. Talk in conversational tones. Properly dispose of all trash. Make sure to take all of your personal belongings with you when you exit the cafeteria. Students who fail to exhibit appropriate behavior in the cafeteria will be assigned lunch detention and not be allowed to eat with their peers. Baltimore City Public School System Student Code of Conduct Students, teachers, administrators and citizens have a deep interest in promoting effective discipline in the schools of Baltimore City. A major responsibility of the William Pinderhughes Elementary-Middle School is to promote the growth and development of young men and women in four key areas: 1. 2. 3. 4. Self-discipline Self respect Appreciation of the rights of all people, including students and staff Understanding that responsibilities to others as well as to oneself, go with these rights Groups of students, parents, and the school staff have developed the following code as a guide to behavior that protects the rights and safety to all and promotes a school environment in which students can live comfortably and learn the following to: 1. 2. I respect other and myself. I am kind and courteous. I demonstrate positive verbal and non-verbal communication and positive behaviors. I am responsible for my behavior and its consequences. 6 3. 4. 5. 6. I come to school on time, focused, and prepared to work. I demonstrate behaviors that promote a clean, safe, and civil learning environment. I respect the environment and grounds, school property, and the property of others. I represent myself in an appropriate and orderly fashion at all times and in all settings. I demonstrate personal honor and integrity at all times. Discipline The BCPSS Code of Conduct cites disciplinary actions that may be taken for infractions that occur in school, in the school community, and on the way to and from school. Please refer to the BCPSS Student Discipline Code for a complete explanation of disciplinary policies and procedures. Detentions Students may be assigned after-school and/or Saturday detention as a result of inappropriate behavior or other infractions that occur in school, in the community, and/or on the way to and from school. Some examples of offenses that may result in detention include but are not limited to: insubordination, disrespect, failure to adhere to school rules/policies, disruptive behavior… Short-Term Suspensions Students may be temporarily removed from school for up to five days for a serious or continued misconduct. Students who are placed on short-term suspension may not return to school until the administrator who authorized the short-term has held a satisfactory conference with the parent or guardian. Some examples of offenses which may result in a short-term suspension are: refusal to follow directions, theft, possession/use of portable electronic devices, fighting, profanity, cutting class/AWOL, insubordination, etc… Long-Term Suspensions Long-term suspensions are suspensions that temporarily remove students from school for more than ten days. Long-term suspensions are a severe disciplinary action brought about as the result of extreme inappropriate conduct or demonstrate continued pattern of unacceptable behavior. Certain very serious offenses can lead to permanent suspension from school and a referral to the BCPSS Office of Suspension Services. Some examples of offenses which may result in a short-term suspension are: intentional bodily harm to a student or staff member, verbal threats, vandalism and/or malicious destruction of school property, chronic disruptive behavior, extortion, possession/use of items to may endanger the safety and/or health of others, theft, repeated short-term suspensions, sexual harassment, etc… 7 Expulsions The BCPSS Office of Suspension Services may expel a student from school due to acts that endanger the safety of students and staff members, repeated patterns of unacceptable behavior, possession/use of illegal substances, possessions or real or look-alike weapons, etc…When expelled from school a student is prohibited from attending any regular day school program. Weapons The Board of School Commissioners as established a zero tolerance policy with regards to students who have weapons in school. BCPSS policy states that any students found in possession of any weapon will be expelled. Portable Electronic Devices The Annotated Code of Baltimore City and BCPSS regulations prohibit students from “carrying and/or using portable electronic devices while in school and/or participating in school sponsored activities including field trips, programs, etc. Examples of portable electronic devices include but are not limited to mobile telephones, video cameras, digital cameras, text messaging devices, music players, video game units, etc. These devices are to be put away immediately upon entering the school building and should not be visible during the school day or while participating in school sponsored activities. The school will not assume any liability for the theft, damage or destruction of any prohibited devices that our brought in the school and brought to school sponsored activities such as fields trips, etc… In the event that a student is seen wearing or using a portable electronic device he/she is subject to the following disciplinary consequences: First Offense – School personnel will confiscate the device and it will be returned to the student after the parent/guardian has been contacted at the conclusion of the school day. Second Offense – School personnel will confiscate the device and will notify the parent/guardian. The device will only be returned to the parent/guardian. Third Offense – School personnel will confiscate the device, the device will be held until the parent/guardian who must schedule an appointment to have a conference with the appropriate administrator, and the student will be subject to disciplinary consequences. Medication Students are not permitted to carry any kind of medication during the school day. This includes over the counter (OTC) medications. If a student must take a prescribed or over the counter medication the school office must be notified. The office will issue the parent/guardian a “Parent’s Request and 8 Authorization to Administer Medication to a Student in School” form, to be returned to the school office. Failure to adhere to the policy may be result in disciplinary consequences. Early Dismissal Procedures Occasionally a parent/guardian may need to request that their child be released early from school. In order to guard the safety of our students and to provide a systemic method of communication between the school and parent/guardian we have a established a detailed procedure that must be followed when requesting that a student be released early from school. Students must come to the office during the homeroom period with a written note from home. Students should have the room pass from their homeroom teacher before coming to the office. The note from the home must contain the following information: student’s name/class, reason for request, date/time, parent’s/guardian’s name and signature, and a phone number for verification. When the request has been verified, an early dismissal pass will be written and logged in the early dismissal book. The student will be given the student copy of the pass when he/she reports to the office at the indicated time of early dismissal. Students will only be released to parents, guardians, or persons listed on the emergency card. For the safety of our children no child will be dismissed during the school day without an adult signing her/him out in the main office. Note: Students are expected to remain in school for the duration of the school day. Please note that no early dismissal will be issued for student after 2:00 p.m. If a parent or guardian should arrive at the school and request that a student be released early the office personnel will have the student sent to the main office. In order to minimize classroom disruptions the school must strongly discourage parents from going to the student’s classroom to pick up students who are leaving school before the official dismissal time. Weather Related Early Dismissal & School Closing Inclement weather conditions may force the BCPSS to close schools. During times of inclement weather please listen to your local television, radio stations and the BCPSS website (www.bcpss.org) for announcements regarding the delayed opening or closure of Baltimore City Public Schools. Please be advised that when the opening of school is delayed teachers and staff members also are delayed in their reporting for duty. For example, if the opening of school is delayed by two hours staff members will report for duty at 9:20 a.m. followed by students at 9:40 a.m. When Baltimore City Public Schools are dismissed early due to inclement weather, hazardous conditions, or excessive heat, the building will be closed with one hour of the announced closing time. On days when schools are closed or dismissed early all school related activities including field trips, after-school programs, etc… will be cancelled. It is important that every 9 family have a pre-arranged plan of what to do when there is a delayed opening, schools are closed, or when school is dismissed early. Change of Address Parents/guardians are required to notify the school in a timely manner whenever there is a change of address for a student and parent/guardian attending our school. Parents/guardians are required to bring in proof of the new address the main office and are required to provide the school with at least two working telephone numbers. Student Emergency Cards BCPSS policy stipulates that all students have an accurate, up to date emergency card on file with the child’s teacher and the main office at all times. The student emergency card must reflect the most current information and must be updated whenever the required information changes. Student emergency card are required by law and allow the school t o follow the parent/guardian’s wishes in the event that the student become ill or is injured while at school or participating in a school sponsored activity. The student emergency card must be signed by a parent/guardian and must note any serious medical conditions or problems. Fire Drills Local, state and federal law require that every school conduct periodic fire and emergency evacuation drills in order to practice the save and orderly evacuation of our building in the event of an emergency. When you hear the alarm and/or evacuation announcement do as follows: Stop what you are doing and listen to the directions of the adults in charge. Listen carefully to the directions of your teacher or staff member. Evacuate the building in a safe and orderly manner. When the school has given permission to re-enter the building your teacher will be notified. Please follow their directions in order to re-enter the building in a safe and orderly manner. Field Trips Field trips are periodically used as part of the curriculum and help enhance the educational experience of students. Teachers, under the guidance 10 of members of the leadership team, will develop field trips in accordance with the established policies of the BCPSS. Students are required to wear their mandatory school uniforms on all field trips as a measure of safety and security unless otherwise stated. Prior to any field trip parents/guardians will receive detailed notice explaining all details regarding the proposed trip. In order to participate students must: Have exhibited appropriate school behavior prior to the trip. Have returned a signed permission slip at least 72 hours (3 schools days) prior to the date of the trip. Submit any required payment at least 72 hours (3 schools days) prior to the date of the trip. Report to school attired in their mandatory school uniform on the day of the trip. Participation in school sponsored field trips is strictly limited to students currently enrolled at William Pinderhuges Elementary-Middle School, their parent/guardian and school personnel authorized by the Principal or designee. Siblings, both older and younger than the student participating in the school sponsored filed trip are prohibited from participating in this school sponsored activities. All chaperones must be at 21 years of age and must be the parent/guardian of a child participating in the field trip. School & Classroom Visits The positive involvement of parents and guardians is vital to the success of any educational institution. Registration of Visitors as stated in Baltimore City Code Article 24, Section 21 “it shall be unlawful for any person to enter any public school building without immediately registering at the office of the principal. Such registrant shall be required to furnish his/her name, address, and occupation, and shall state the reason for his/her presence in the building. In addition, he/she shall furnish positive identification.” Upon registering at the main office visitors will be given a pass stating their name, the date and time, and approved destination. All visitors must prominently display their pass while in the building. William Pinderhuges Elementary-Middle School strongly encourages parents/guardians to stay actively involved in their child’s educational activities, but make certain that disruptions to the educational program are minimized. As per the official policy of the Board of School Commissioners, “the principal is authorized to set reasonable limitations on school and classroom visits, including length and frequency of any visits, and the number of visits. The principal must ensure that teachers receive advance notice prior to visitors being sent to the classroom/office and make efforts to have visitors escorted to the classroom/office when appropriate.” 11 When visiting the classroom parents are required to adhere to the following guidelines: Visits to a child’s classroom are limited to the child’s parent and/or legal guardian. All visitors must register at the main office and must receive a visitor’s badge. The visitor’s badge must be visible and must be worn at all times. Visitors must register at the main office every time the visitor enters the building. For example, if a parent/guardian registers in the main office, receives a visitor’s badge at 8:30 a.m., leaves at 9:15 a.m. and returns at 1:00 p.m. he/she must re-register at the main office and will be given another visitor’s badge. While visiting classrooms parents/guardians must refrain from using mobile communication devices, should remain quiet and orderly, and should not attempt to hold a conference with the teacher. Homework Policy It is the expectation of the school’s leadership team that all teachers are to assign homework on a daily basis. It is the responsibility of all students and parents/guardians to make certain that all homework assignments are completed by the students, reviewed for completion and checked for accuracy by the parent/guardian. Homework is a vital part of the educational process and provides opportunities for students to reinforce skills, gain a better understanding of the subject matter, and extend their thinking through research and application. Homework helps students hone their work habits and organizational and study skills; it helps them to increase independence and responsibility. In addition, homework connects parents/guardians with what their children are learning in school. Educational research shows that students who complete appropriate homework assignments demonstrate significant gains in academic achievement. In the event that a parent believes that their child is not receiving homework they are asked to contact a member of the leader team to discuss their concerns. General Homework Expectations and Policy Students are expected to complete homework assignment nightly. Although daily assignments will not necessarily require students to produce a written product, teachers will be expected to assign homework every day school is in session. Depending on the students’ grade level, home assignments may include extended research, vocabulary review, studying for test and/or quizzes, reading assigned texts or related subject matter, or preparing reports. Primary grade assignments may include handwriting practice, story reading, vocabulary practice, practice worksheets, book reports, etc. Formal 12 home assignments for kindergarten students may involve practicing skills, designing projects, etc. Teachers will check homework for completion and accuracy. Written homework will be corrected with appropriate feedback given to students. Teachers are encouraged to require a parent signature on written homework assignments. Homework will be factored in as a percentage of the total grade. Although grading criteria may vary depending on the content area and grade level, no more than 10% of the quarterly grade may be based on daily homework. This does not include extended projects, which may be additional 10%-20% of the quarterly grade. Students are expected to attend available coach class sessions if they need assistance with class work, homework, or projects. Responsibilities/Expectations The Students’ Responsibility: - Students are expected to record all homework assignment in an agenda or assignment book and take home all books and materials needed to complete the assigned work. Note: In the lower elementary grades, students are given assignments in their take home folders.) - Students are responsible for completing their homework on time and in the required format. - Students are responsible for requesting make-up work when they return to school from a lawful absence. - In order to increase reading fluency, students are responsible for reading for at least 30 minutes outside of school on a daily basis. - Students will attend available coach class sessions. The Teachers’ Responsibility: - Teachers will assign relevant homework that complies with professional standards on a daily basis. - Teachers will check homework for completion and accuracy. - Teachers will make available the work missed by students due to lawful absences. - Teachers will notify parents of students who chronically fail to complete homework assignments and will maintain written documentation of this communication. The Parents’ Responsibility: - Parents should make the completion of homework a priority in the home by expecting the completion homework and providing an appropriate work environment in the home. - It is appropriate to assist children with homework when they are getting started and when they have questions. However, parents should 13 promote independence in their children by allowing them to complete homework and projects independently. Make-Up Work In the event that a student misses assignments to absenteeism they are to adhere to the following guidelines: Short Term Illness Upon returning from a short term absence (one- three days) due to illness students are to meet with their teacher(s) to obtain misses class work and home assignments. All make-up work must be completed and submitted to the teacher(s) within three days of the students return to school unless a specific extension is granted by a teacher due to extenuating circumstances. When make-up work has been successfully completed and returned, the student’s grade shall reflect the completion of the missed assignments. Extended Illness During the extended illness (more than three days), parents are strongly encouraged to contact the school and request work for their children to complete at home before returning to school. Parents should contact their child’s teacher9s) to assemble work packets. The work packets may be picked up in the main office by the parent/guardian. Suspensions/Disciplinary Removals If a child is suspended the parent may request and will be provided with work packets to be completed and returned to the teacher(s) within two days of the students return to school. Lavatories/Restrooms Students must have a pass issued by their teacher in order to use a lavatory during school. Students should use the facilities as quickly as possible and leave after washing their hands. All students share the responsibility of keeping the lavatories in a clean and orderly condition. Any student found not using the lavatories appropriately will be referred to an administrator in order to receive an appropriate consequence and may be required to make restitution for any damage done. Under normal circumstances students will not be permitted to use the restroom during the first and last 15 minutes of a class period. Student Lockers Every student will be assigned a locker located in close proximity to their classroom. Students in grades 4-8 are required to secure their locker with a combination lock. Students are reminded that they should not give their lock combination to anyone and are not permitted to share a locker with a classmate 14 and/or friend. Students may use their lockers in the morning prior to the start of class and at the conclusion of school day. Lost & Found The main office maintains a lost and found area for items found in the school. It is the student’s responsibility to check in the main office periodically if he/she has lost something. Student clothing and other items of value should be clearly labeled. Parent Involvement & Participation Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to become actively involved in their child’s education. There are several ways to participate: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Parents/guardians are invited to school wide functions throughout the school year. Parent volunteers may be partnered with teachers to facilitate special classroom events. Parents can serve as approved volunteers providing support in classrooms, as hall monitors, tutoring students, serving a lunch aides, and assisting with school based initiatives. Parents are strongly encouraged to join and actively participate in the school based Parent Teacher Organization. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend School-Family Council (formerly known as the School Improvement Team) meetings. Parent Volunteers School volunteers continue to fill a variety of needs in the school: assisting in the library, helping in the office, photocopying materials, assisting with special project and committees, and working with students. Volunteers are utilized at staff request. Respect for all school rules, policies and confidentiality remains essential in all volunteer roles. City Schools policy states that all volunteers must complete a mandatory background check at no cost. Please contact the school to discuss volunteer opportunities ] ] 15 Parent-Teacher Student Organization The William Pinderhuges Elementary-Middle School PTSO meets approximately 5 times per year. The mission of the PTSO is to serve as a resource to the parents, teachers and students of the school and to work in conjunction with the School-Family Council (formerly known as the School Improvement Team) and the school’s leadership team to improve student achievement, increase parent/community involvement, and work to improve t o overall condition and performance of the school, it’s students and their families. Parents interested in holding elected office in the PTSO should contact the school office for more information. The tentative PTSO meeting calendar is as follows: Monday Monday Monday Monday October 14, 2013 January 13, 2014 March 10, 2014 May 12, 2014 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Personal Emergencies Accidents: Occasionally accidents will happen to students while in school. Should a student have an accident, he/she should tell their teacher or nearest adult. The parent/guardian will be immediately contacted. It is very important to have an up to date emergency card on file in the main office. Illness: Should a student become ill while in school, he/she should tell their teacher or the nearest adult. The child will be sent to our school-based health clinic to be evaluated and the parent/guardian will be immediately contacted. All students must have an up to date emergency card on file in the main office. Report Cards and Progress Reports Formal report cards are issued four times during each school year. Progress reports are also issued in the middle of each grading period. Parents/guardians are asked to contact the school if there is an indication that the parent-teacher conference is desired. Report cards and progress reports will be issued as follows: September 26, 2013 November 1, 2013 December 6, 2013 January 23, 2014 February 21, 2014 1st Student Progress Report 1st Student Report Card 2nd Student Progress Report 2nd Student Report Card rd 3 Student Progress Report 16 April 2, 2014 May 8, 2014 June 12, 2014 3rd Student Report Card 4th Student Progress Report 4th Student Report Card 8th Grade Promotional Ceremony The school hosts a special 8th Grade Promotional Ceremony at the conclusion of every school year for 8th grade students who have completed the requirements for promotion to the 9th grade and are transitioning to high school. In order to participate in this special activity student must meet the following standards: Have completed all requirements necessary for promotion to the 9th grade. Had no long-term suspensions or expulsion during the course of the school year. Maintained an attendance rating of 90% or better for the school year. Earned a grade of 60% or above in all classes for the third and fourth quarters, as well as the a year end grade of 60% or above. Students who fail to meet these standards will not be permitted to participate in our promotional ceremony. Parents are able to request an appeal conference with the principal to discuss the circumstances involving any student who is not permitted to participate. This ceremony has been tentatively scheduled for June 5, 2012 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Druid Heights CDC Community Resource Center The Druid Heights CDC Community Resource Center is a comprehensive family support service provider located in the library of the school. Headed by Ms. Shekita Wilkins, this resource center provides services to students, their families and community members including GED classes, technology workshops, positive parenting classes, health care referrals, and many other direct services and referrals for services. These services are offered absolutely free of charge to any member William Pinderhuges Elementary-Middle School community. The resource center at be contacted at (410) 728-0638. HIPPY Program HIPPY was initiated in 1969 as a research project by professor Avima D. Lombard at the National Council of Jewish Women Research Institute for Innovation in the School of Education at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. HIPPY empowers parents as the primary educators of their children in the home and community in order to maximize a child’s success in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. Families who enrolled in and participate in HIPPY receive free 17 educational supplies including books, crayons, scissors, colorful shapes, weekly lesson packs and assistance from a home educator. You will also have the opportunity to participate in fun family meetings and field trips. The HIPPY Family Center at be contacted at (410) 383-0288. Textbooks & Other School Issued Materials/Supplies Students may be assigned individual textbooks or other related materials/supplies. These items remain the property of the school and the BCPSS and should be used and handled with care. If any student should lose or damage school issued equipment or supplies (including library materials, gym equipment and/or musical instruments) he/she will be responsible for pay for the replacement of the item(s). Registration of Visitors As stated in Baltimore City Code Article 24, Section 21 “it shall be unlawful for any person to enter any public school building without immediately registering at the office of the principal. Such registrant shall be required to furnish his/her name, address, and occupation, and shall state the reason for his/her presence in the building. In addition, he/she shall furnish positive identification.” Upon registering at the main office visitors will be given a pass stating their name, the date and time, and approved destination. All visitors must prominently display their pass while in the building. Harassment It is the policy of the Baltimore City Public School System to maintain a learning environment that is free from harassment. It shall be a violation of this policy for students to harass other students or staff through conduct of a sexual nature or conduct designed to dignity of that individual with respect to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability or parental status. Violations of this policy will be cause for disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Students who believe they have suffered harassment shall report such matters in a timely manner to a teacher, counselor, or administrator. 18 BCPSS 2012-2013 School Year Calendar At-A-Glance Schools open for students Quarters Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Last Day of School Monday, August 26, 2013 End Dates Ends on October 31, 2013 Ends on January 17, 2014 Ends on March 28, 2014 Ends on June 9, 2014 Friday, June 16, 2014 TENATIVE Professional Development Days 10 whole days (contractual) June 11, 2014 will be the last day of school if there are NO weather-related emergency closings September 27, 2013 October 17 & 18, 2013 November 15, 2013 January 31, 2014 April 4, 2014 Note: Schools closed for students Early Release Days Two (2) early-release days for ALL students PK-12 for Parent/Teacher Conference. Progress reports issued on these dates. December 13, 2014 February 28, 2014 Major Holidays Independence Day July 4, 2013 Labor day September 2, 2013 Thanksgiving November 28 & 29, 2013 Winter Holiday December 23, 2013 – January 1, 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Monday, January 20, 2014 President’s Day February 17, 2014 Spring Break April 14 – April 21, 2014 Memorial Day May 26, 2014 Major Student Assessments MSA Reading & Mathematics March 3 - 21, 2014 MSA Science April 1 – April 11, 2014 19 School Family Council Meeting Tentative Schedule Monday Monday Monday Monday Monday Monday September 9, 2013 October 14, 2013 November 11, 2013 March 3, 2014 April 7, 2014 May 12, 2014 2:45 p.m. 2:45 p.m. 2:45 p.m. 2:45 p.m. 2:45 p.m. 2:45 p.m. 20