Independence Charter Middle School
STUDENT AND PARENT HANDBOOK
MISSION STATEMENT:
OUR mission is to provide each student an academically challenging and equitable
educational experience based on safety, respect and accountability through the Core
Knowledge Curriculum, Team Teaching, and dynamic, interactive student, parental, and
community involvement. These students will possess eagerness, readiness, and the skill
for life long learning.
Independence Charter Middle School is the first Charter School in the state of Oklahoma.
Our school was established by a parent group and is administered by a governance committee comprised
of parents and our administrator. The management and administration of our school has been
accomplished under a total site-based management approach. Our student population is limited to 300
students because it is our belief that a small school environment is critical to student success in the middle
school years. We serve sixth, seventh, and eighth grade levels. Independence Charter Middle School has
a premier faculty of outstanding professionals. Our school has adopted the Core Knowledge Curriculum,
a rigorous, cross-curricular program that enhances cultural literacy. Students receive instruction in
Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Language Arts, Visual Art/Art History, Technology, Physical
Education/Health, as well as Character Education. Classes are presented using a block scheduling
approach, which permits 85 minutes for each class.
Admissions Information:
In compliance with the provisions of Oklahoma Statute Title 70 § 3-140(A), ICMS shall admit students to
the sixth grade based on a lottery of all applications to the school. Admission of students to vacancies in
the seventh and eighth grade shall be on a first come, first serve basis of all applications. A letter of
recommendation by the student’s classroom teacher and/or principal must accompany all applications.
Students residing in the Oklahoma City School District are required to obtain a transfer into the district
before inclusion into the lottery. Prospective students who are siblings of students who have graduated
from or are currently attending ICMS are exempt from the lottery provided that the student’s parents
have completed the required 40 hours of parent volunteer hours per year. If the parents of a student
have not completed their parent volunteer hours, sibling(s) will go through the lottery process. The
lottery shall rank each student who enters the lottery so that a waiting list may be developed based on the
ranking.
General Information:
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag and the Oklahoma Pledge may be given during
programs and assemblies throughout the school year. Students have the right not to participate, but nonparticipating students must remain silent and respect the rights of others during the ceremony.
Student Care/Release:
A request for the release of a student from school will only be honored to persons authorized to check the
student out of school. Students are only released to the custodial parent/guardian, the non-custodial
parent (with written authorization of the custodial parent and presentation of certified copy of a legal
document providing relationship to the student), or the custodial parent’s designee. It is the
responsibility of the custodial parent to notify the school of restrictions related to the release of a child,
such as divorce decrees that limit or deny access to school information. The non-custodial parent is
responsible for providing mailing information to the school principal.
Students Records (FERPA):
Upon request, the official records of a student may be inspected and reviewed by the
student’s parents or an eligible student eighteen years or older.
Safety Guidelines:
Safety awareness and the prevention of accidents are important goals of our school.
Students will follow the rules and procedures that specifically address safety to them and
others:
1. Students will walk safely through the building as well as outside.
2. Students will walk on sidewalks if available.
3. Students will not approach or enter strange automobiles. Invitations to do so should be reported
immediately at home and at school.
4. Students are to be considerate of smaller and younger students, or visitors.
5. Students are to remain on school grounds before and after school, unless specified by faculty and/or
parents. Written parental permission or notification is necessary for students to leave the school
grounds.
Visitors:
All parents and visitors to ICMS must check-in directly through the office for clearance.
In order for us to provide a safe environment for our students and staff, all parents are
required to check in at the office. A visitor ID is required for all visitors entering the
building. Those without authorization are trespassing and subject to arrest.
Administering Medicine to Students:
School employees (upon parent request) under strict procedures may dispense
prescriptions. The schools nurse, or in the absence of the school nurse, the school
principal or his/her designee, are the only ones authorized to dispense medicine upon the
written directions of a physician. Consult with the principal regarding specific
procedures for dispensing medication during the school day. A student that needs to carry
an inhaler with him/her at all times must register the inhaler in the office, otherwise, NO
medications are allowed with the students while at school.
Emergency Care:
Parents must provide ICMS with a minimum of three (3) emergency telephone numbers
in case the student becomes ill or has an accident. The principal or designated person will
provide first aid and attempt to notify the parent/guardian as soon as possible. If the
school cannot reach the parent/guardian in an extreme emergency, EMSA or other
emergency medical services may be called. Expenses for emergency care will be directed
to the parents. It is important that parents immediately update emergency numbers when
changes are made.
It is the responsibility of the parents to notify the school if their child has a temporary or
permanent health problem. Health problems may restrict some students from
participating in some school activities, such as PE. Written notification from a family
physician describing the condition and advising the school of the type and length of
restriction is required. Permanent restrictions must be reported to the office at the
beginning of each school year.
Immunization Requirements: * 7th Grade: “Tdap Booster” Must have for the beginning of
the 2012-13 school year.
6th--7th and 8th Graders:
5 DPT/DTaP/TD
3 HEP B*
4 Polio
2 HEP A*
2 MMR*
Tdap Booster
*MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL TO ATTEND.
Attendance and Tardy Status:
School attendance is important to the student’s success. Poor attendance often results in
poor achievement. Students are expected and required by Oklahoma Law to attend
school every day the school is in session, except on those occasions when the school has
been notified of an illness or a family emergency. On occasion a child may be absent on a
“pre-arranged” notification to the office.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENTS TO NOTIFY THE
OFFICE OF A STUDENT’S ABSENCE:
Failure to do so may cause the student to incur an “unexcused absence.” It is the
responsibility of the student to make up any work that has been missed due to an absence
or tardy. One-day make-up time is allowed for each day of absence unless each teacher
has made other arrangements. Excused absences may be granted to a student by the
school upon request of the parent/guardian for the following reasons: illness, accident,
injury, medical or dental appointments, death in the family, religious holidays, and
emergencies. Twelve absences that occur in one school term (semester) that are either
excused or unexcused may be grounds for a recommendation of retention of a student.
Tardies: Students shall be charged with a tardy if they enter the building at or after 7:51
a.m., or tardy for a class during class changes. All tardy students will report to the
attendance secretary where they will be given admission slips. Three tardies will be
counted as one day’s absence. A pattern of absences/tardies will result in a conference
with the student, the parent/guardian, and the Principal. If the problem persists, possible
release procedures will need to be addressed through the Governance Committee.
ICMS Revised Uniform Guidelines
The principal makes the final decision as to whether or not any dress, makeup or
other attire is considered to be a distraction from the educational process.
BOYS and GIRLS: No Skull or Crossbones insignias on anything worn or brought to School!
Pants and Shorts
Pleated or flat fronts UNIFORM Pants; (NO baggies, cargo style, patch pocket, low riders, or bell bottoms,)
Colors Required:
Navy or Khaki Shorts are to be no less than 2 inches above the knee. (A dollar bill’s
width is a good guide.)
Short shorts are not allowed. Students may be sent home to change or required to wear
pants that are on hand at school.
Jumpers: Plain Uniform Style Jumper:
Navy or Khaki
BELTS ARE REQUIRED to be worn every day. Plain Navy, Brown, or Black Belts
Shirts: SHIRTS MUST BE TUCKED IN AT ALL TIMES!
NO logos or insignias other than the ICMS logo!
Polo style—knit—long or short sleeve
Red, White, Navy
Turtleneck—knit—long sleeves
Red, White, Navy
Cardigan Sweaters
Red, White, Navy
Sweatshirts: ICMS logo or plain sweatshirt
Red, White, Navy
Hoodie: ICMS or plain
Red, White, Navy
**UNIFORM SHIRT W/COLLAR MUST BE WORN UNDERNEATH STUDENT’S
SWEATSHIRT or HOODIE. **
*Shoes:
Tennis shoes or leather style shoes are acceptable. Shoes must have closed toes and heels,
no sandals or flip-flops or CROCS.
*SOCKS must be worn at all times. (No obvious designs or stripes when wearing
shorts/skirts.)
Girls:
Same as for boys with these additions:
Skirt:
Uniform pleated or straight: Navy based plaid, plain navy or khaki No less than 2 inches above the knee
(A dollar bill’s width is a good guide).
NO short skirts/skorts allowed. Please do not purchase skirts/skorts without having
them Ok’d by the office if you are unsure of style and length.
Plain w/o patch pockets.
Leggings: Plain: White, black, navy or brown.
Shirt:With the skirt, girls can wear a rounded collar polo shirt that buttons down the
front or regular polo shirts. Must be long enough to tuck in!
Jewelry: Boys and Girls:
EARRINGS: Small Studs only, NO DANGLE or HOOPS! No earrings may extend below
the ear lobe. NO Nose Jewelry
BRACELETS: Only two may be worn. Students may wear two SMALL bracelets with a
watch. RINGS: One ring only—small NECKLACE: Only one SMALL, with no sharp
objects. (Approximately the size of a quarter.)
COATS: All coats/jackets must be left in the student’s locker prior to attending his/her first hour class.
ICMS Hoodies or Plain Hoodies identical to the ICMS Hoodies are allowed. These will not
be allowed when the temperatures begin to be warm/hot outdoors. Usually not until after
Fall begins or after Spring begins.
Hats, bandanas, or other head coverings are not allowed. No distracting hair or makeup
is allowed. (This includes blue/black lipstick, colorful streaking of hair, etc.) No writing
on hands, arms, face, etc., with pens, markers or other items will be allowed. No visible
tattoos, piercings, or facial hair will be allowed.
Girl’s NIKE running shorts are not allowed at any time.
(Including PE, Free Clothes Day and/or Field Trips)
“Free Clothes Day”: Clothes must be acceptable and appropriate and stay within the
dress code guidelines. No tank tops, midriffs, short/hipsters shorts, or inappropriate
logos. Sandals are acceptable.
** PE Uniforms will be available to purchase at enrollment. **
Parents/Students: Use good judgment!
Code of Conduct:
All students admitted to ICMS must sign a “Code of Conduct” in which they promise to
conduct themselves respectfully and properly. A copy of the Student Code of Conduct is
listed below. In addition to this, the parents and teachers are required to sign a Code of
Conduct. These Codes are in effect while at school or any event representing ICMS. It is
so very important that we all work together in setting an example for our children. ICMS
and its staff believe in positive discipline and setting a positive example is the first step.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STUDENTS:
I understand that I choose my own actions and reactions to others and to situations. I also
understand that every choice has a positive and negative consequence. With that, I
PROMISE…
To treat myself, teachers, peers, and the school grounds with respect.
To obey classroom rules set by teachers.
To participate in Physical Education activities and to maintain a healthy lifestyle
by avoiding harmful substances and behavior.
To refrain from profanity in speech, personal conduct, and written language.
To settle disputes with my peers and if unable to settle them, I will use peer
mediation.
To not endanger others or myself by bringing any form of weapon to the school grounds
To refrain from vandalizing or misusing any school property (i.e. books, lockers, and equipment on school
grounds).
To keep hands, feet and objects to myself at all times.
To take responsibility for my own education by having good attendance, arriving at school on time,
coming to class prepared, and by completing homework or assigned projects on
time.
To not engage in any form of sexual harassment activities.To not participate
in secret societies (i.e. gangs or occult activities) on school grounds or at school
sponsored events.
To strive to exhibit behaviors that earns the respect of teachers, peers and parents.
To follow the school dress code.
To follow the Code of Conduct at all school sponsored events and activities.
Furthermore, I understand that all consequences for misconduct are unique to students
who choose to attend Independence Charter Middle School and may be modified by
Governance Committee of the school. I understand that failure to abide by the Code of
Conduct can serve as grounds for dismissal from Independence Charter Middle School.
____________________________
Student Signature
______________________
Date
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS:
I understand that I have chosen to enroll my child /children in the Independence Charter
Middle School, and to be a vital part of my child’s/children’s education as an adult role
model. With that I PROMISE...
 To be a positive role model for my child/children.
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To complete a minimum of 40 hours of school volunteer activities per year.
To attend the Parent Meetings.
To support my child’s/children’s education via regular communication to teachers and the administration.
To monitor my child’s/children’s study habits and the completion of my child’s/children’s homework or
assigned projects.
To conduct myself in a responsible and mature manner in my interactions with teachers, administrators,
staff members, and students.
To make sure my child attends school regularly and is on time, and to support classroom rules set by
teachers.
To refrain from profanity in speech and written language at all times.
To abide by ICMS policy concerning restriction of weapons on school grounds.
To be financially responsible for the restoration of school property caused by defacing, destruction, or loss
of said property by my child/children or ward.
To enforce the student dress code for my child/children.
To participate in parent/student continuing education when offered by the school.
To follow the Code of Conduct while on school grounds and at school sponsored events and activities.
I understand that I have made the choice for my child to attend Independence Charter
Middle School and the Governance Committee of the school may modify the Code of
Conduct. Furthermore, I understand that all consequences for misconduct, including
those for dismissal from the school are unique to children who attend Independence
Charter Middle School.
________________________________
Parent Signature (Guardian)
______________________
_______________________
Date
Parent Signature (Guardian)
Textbook/School Equipment Responsibility:
All students are issued textbooks, equipment, and/or uniforms. These items are the
property of Independence Charter Middle School. Students and their parents are
accountable for all issued textbooks, school equipment, and/or uniforms. These items
must be returned at the end of each school year, or when withdrawing or being released
from ICMS for any reason.
Financial Obligations:
The principal may withhold grades, withdrawal forms or other records of any student
who fails to make financial restitution for lost textbooks, school equipment, and/or library
books. Parents/Guardians are also obligated to pay for any of the stated items if lost or
damaged.
Care of Personal Property:
Students are responsible for the care and safety of their own personal property. Names
MUST be placed on supplies, uniforms, coats, and other items needed at school. PE
uniforms are required and MUST have the students’ names marked inside the uniforms.
Mark regular uniforms and coats, too. Book bags, backpacks, pencils bags, etc., must be
marked. Radios, CD players, videos, beepers, portable phones, pagers, laser lights and
other electronic devices are not permitted at school. If necessary, phones must be turned
into the office until after school. ICMS does not carry theft insurance and is not
responsible for a student’s lost items if stolen or damaged at school.
Closed Campus:
Students will not be released from school unless their parent/guardian comes into the
school and officially checks them out. This requires a name and signature for release,
whether the student is going to lunch or an appointment. Students will NOT be allowed to
leave with other parents and/or students during the lunch period. A note from a parent
stating permission for their child to leave with another student/parent for lunch will NOT
be permitted.
Sexual Harassment:
ICMS prohibits unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual acts or favors, with or
without accompanying promises, threats or reciprocal favors or actions, or other verbal or
physical conduct of a sexual nature. This includes lewd or sexually suggestive comments,
off-color language or jokes of a sexual nature, gestures, slurs and other verbal, graphic, or
physical conduct relating to an individual’s sex, or any display of sexually explicit
pictures, greeting cards, articles, books, magazines, photos, or cartons, which adversely
affect a student’s performance. Victims shall be referred to the school counselor.
Perpetrators will be considered for suspension, reported to law enforcement personnel,
and/or released from ICMS.
Classroom and School Discipline:
ICMS believes in a positive discipline policy. Through example and direction, our
students will learn to follow procedures, policies, and rules. Discipline rules and policies
within the classroom are also in place when students are passing from one class to
another, as well as when they are in the cafeteria or any other part of the school campus.
These rules and policies will also be in effect when students are attending any schoolrelated function.
ICMS has a goal to establish a strong communication line between the school and the
parents of our students. This will be accomplished in a variety of methods. One specific
method will be the use of the “Minor Rule Infraction.” (MRI) The MRI is a
communication tool to pass between the classroom teachers, principal, or possibly another
adult working within the school. This form specifies the “infraction” or rule that is
broken by a student. Through this form, the parent/guardian is notified, in writing,
“what, when, where, and so forth” concerning the incident. This MRI must be taken
home by the student and presented to the parent/parents. The form is then signed by the
parent and returned THE NEXT DAY to the teacher or adult that issued the MRI. If this
procedure is not followed, a second MRI may be issued, and/or an automatic detention
and a phone call directly to parents. The MRIs accumulate and become part of the
student’s discipline file. After a student receives 5 MRIs, a citation is issued. This is
another form of communication to the parents. A phone call, conference, and/or both will
be necessary. The first citation issued to a student is “Strike one” of the “1-2-3-Strikes
You’re Out” Discipline Plan. The first citation issued warrants one (1) hour of detention
with the teacher or principal. If the student receives five (5) more MRIs, he/she is again
issued a citation and required to stay two (2) hours in detention… “Strike two.” During
all of these steps, the parents are informed by calls, receiving the MRI or other means. It
is the student’s responsibility to communicate with his/her parents concerning their
behavior. If a student would receive his/her third set of five (5) MRIs, the student will be
sent to the office and parents called. The consequence for the third citation is one (1) day
suspension from school... “Strike three, You’re out,” or 5 consecutive days of detention.
This step may also warrant a student being placed on probation, with a possible hearing
before the Governance Committee.
An MRI will have the following information on it:
NAME _______________________ Date ____________
Teacher _______________________ Class ___________
Parents:
It is necessary for me to bring the following item(s) to your attention. Please discuss this
with your child. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you might
have. Thank you for your cooperation. The checked item(s) are the areas of concern.
Not prepared for class:
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Did not have supplies such as pencils, pens, or paper.
Did not have textbook(s) for class.
Did not have PE uniform for class/Did not dress out for PE.
Did not bring completed assignment(s) to class.
Did not return “parent signed” assignment or test paper back to teacher.
Did not return signed MRI dated _______________.
Did not bring Planner and/or have it signed.
Behavior problems:
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Too much talking in class that disrupted the learning environment.
Wasted time during the learning process.
Poor attitude during the learning process.
Did not show respect to other students’ work, materials, or learning.
Inappropriate behavior within the classroom setting.
Inappropriate behavior in hallway, classroom, cafeteria, or after school areas.
Attendance and/or Tardies:
 Tardy for class, either at the beginning of the school day or between classes.
 Please call 841-3132 to conference with me.
Teacher’s comments: _______________________________________________________ ____________________________
Teacher’s Signature: ________________________________ Student’s Signature: _________________________________
Parent’s comments: _____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature: _____________________________________________
This MRI MUST be signed and returned the next day after being issued to avoid a second
MRI and/or detention.
Short Term Suspension:
Short-term suspension is from one (1) to ten (10) days. A student who violates the Code of
Conduct and/or ICMS Policy by committing, but not to limited to, the infractions listed
below:
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Fighting;
Larceny;
Injuring another student;
Possession of stolen property;
Insubordination (disrespect for school authorities);
Continuous violation of dress code;
Sexual misconduct;
Using profanity;
Set tripping, tagging, flashing, etching or displaying gang or cult signs, or symbols;
Conduct that disrupts the educational process, or endangers the or safety of the students or school personnel;
 Defiance of an administrator, teacher or school staff;
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Violating rules of computer use;
Truancy;
Possession of tobacco products;
Possession of fireworks in any form;
An accumulation of five (5), ten (10), or fifteen (15) MRIs;
Suspended students are not allowed to return to the campus of the school, participate in or
attend extra curricular activities sponsored by the school until the expiration of their
suspension. Any student in violation of this code is subject to release from ICMS, arrest,
and/or have additional days added to the suspension.
Long Term Suspension:
Long-term suspension exceeds ten (10) or more days. The length of the suspension, which
is the decision of the principal, will be commensurate with the severity of the Code of
Conduct violation. A student is subject to a long-term suspension for violations including,
but not limited to, the following:
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Burglary, robbery, larceny, theft;
Possession of a firearm/dangerous weapon or replica;
Possession of stolen property;
Assault, battery or assault and battery on a fellow student, school official or person designated to act in that
capacity;
Vandalism or malicious mischief;
Arson or attempted arson;
Sexual misconduct, including rape and attempted rape;
Participating in an unauthorized or disruptive demonstration;
Threatening or verbally abusing a school employee;
Extortion or blackmail;
Sale, distribution, use, possession or being under the influence of marijuana or a controlled dangerous
substance;
Sale, use, possession, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages;
Any type of gang or cult display;
Repeated use of profanity;
Repeated disruption in class or at a school activity;
 Repeated defiance of an administrator, teacher, or school employee or person designated to act in that
capacity;
 Repeated violation of school rules and procedures;
 Making a bomb threat;
 Commission of any act which disrupts the educational process or endangers the health or safety of the
student, other students, or school personnel;
 Knowingly participating in the concealment of a weapon on the school campus, or at a school sponsored
activity;
 Withholding evidence important to the resolution of an offense;
 Possession or use of fireworks on campus or at a school sponsored activity;
 Sale, distribution, use, or possession of tobacco or tobacco related products;
 Violation of computer use.
Suspension may result in being released from ICMS. A student whose presence poses a
continuing danger to persons or property, or an ongoing threat to disrupting the academic
process or the environment may be immediately removed from ICMS and placed on
suspension, pending a hearing with the principal and the Governance Committee.
Grading System:
100-90
89-80
79-70
A (4.0)
B (3.0)
C (2.0)
69-60
59 and Below
D (1.0)
F (0.0)
Algebra I and Geometry carry a 5.00 for an A, 4.00/B, 3.00 /C.
ICMS holds our students to a high level of achievement; therefore, we consider a student
not achieving at an acceptable level when he/she is earning a “D” or an “F.” A student is
ineligible to participate in any type of competitive sports or academic contest when he/she
is earning unacceptable grades. An “INELIGIBILITY LIST” will be generated
throughout the school year. This list will have the students that are failing or earning
unacceptable grades in one or more classes.
Parents and teachers must take the responsibility to communicate with each other
concerning the student’s grades and behavior. This is a “two way” process in which
teachers and parents must work together.
Parents having concerns with their child’s/children’s achievement are encouraged to
communicate with the teacher first. It is a good idea to have the student in attendance at
this conference. If the situation is not resolved or it continues, contact the office to
schedule a conference with the teacher, principal, and/or student.
** The “chain of command” process is to be followed. **
Independence Charter Middle School takes pride in the education of our students. This success can only
be accomplished with the support and help from parents. Parents play the key role in a child’s
development and success. By working together as partners, we will strive to give your children a strong,
useful education for the future, as well as helping them become productive citizens in our community.
Take pride in your child’s school with support and with your time.
The success of your child depends on your willingness to be involved!