MARSTELLER
MIDDLE SCHOOL
“A Tradition of Excellence for All”
14000 Sudley Manor Drive
Bristow, Virginia 20136
Phone: 703.393.7608
Fax: 703.530.6327
http://marstellerms.schools.pwcs.edu/
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2012–13
Roberta Knetter, Principal
Kimberley Ainsworth, Assistant Principal
Laura Stevenson, Assistant Principal
Steve Davis, Administrator
Arrival Time: 7:55 a.m. – 8:05 a.m.
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tardy Bell: 8:10 a.m.
Dismissal Begins: 2:40 p.m.
Buses depart promptly: 2:55 p.m.
This student agenda belongs to:
Student name: _______________________________ Homeroom:__________
Teacher
_______
Room #
Address:__________________________________________________________________
City:____________________________ Zip Code:_______________________
Home telephone #: ____________________
Parent’s work #:
(M)____________________ (F) _______________________
Parent’s cell #:
(M)____________________ (F) _______________________
Bus #: _____________
Locker #: _______________
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................................................ 2
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE............................................................................................................................. 3
ACADEMIC GRADING SCALE .................................................................................................................. 4
ACADEMIC REVIEW COMMITTEE .......................................................................................................... 4
ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS ........................................................................................................................... 4
ACTIVITY BUS............................................................................................................................................. 5
APPROPRIATE SCHOOL DRESS ............................................................................................................... 5
ATTENDANCE ............................................................................................................................................. 5
BOOK BAGS ................................................................................................................................................. 6
BULLYING .................................................................................................................................................... 6
CAFETERIA .................................................................................................................................................. 7
CAMERAS ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
CODE OF BEHAVIOR .................................................................................................................................. 8
COMMUNICATION DEVICES .................................................................................................................... 8
CONDUCT GRADES .................................................................................................................................... 8
DANCES ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
DISCIPLINE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ............................................................................................ 9
DISCIPLINE CONSEQUENCES .................................................................................................................. 9
DISCIPLINE APPEAL PROCEDURES ...................................................................................................... 12
EFFECTIVE SCHOOLWIDE DISCIPLINE (ESD) .................................................................................... 12
ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT DEVICES ......................................................................................... 12
EXAMINATIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 12
ELIGIBILITY, ACADEMIC ........................................................................................................................ 12
ELIGIBILITY, CONDUCT .......................................................................................................................... 12
EMGERGENCY PROCEDURES AND FIRE DRILLS .............................................................................. 13
FOOD AND DRINKS .................................................................................................................................. 13
GUIDANCE ................................................................................................................................................. 13
HALLWAY SAFETY .................................................................................................................................. 13
HONOR CODE ............................................................................................................................................ 13
HONOR ROLLS .......................................................................................................................................... 13
KISS AND RIDE .......................................................................................................................................... 13
LOCKERS .................................................................................................................................................... 14
LOST AND FOUND .................................................................................................................................... 14
MEDIA CENTER ......................................................................................................................................... 14
MEDIATION ................................................................................................................................................ 14
MEDICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 14
PARENT COFFEE ....................................................................................................................................... 14
PARENT MESSAGES ................................................................................................................................. 14
PARENT PORTAL ...................................................................................................................................... 14
PASSES ........................................................................................................................................................ 15
PREPAREDNESS ........................................................................................................................................ 15
PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION ......................................................................................................... 15
RIDING THE BUS ....................................................................................................................................... 15
SCHOOL PICTURES .................................................................................................................................. 15
SCHOOL STORE ......................................................................................................................................... 15
SCHOOL VISITORS ................................................................................................................................... 15
SKATEBOARDS ......................................................................................................................................... 15
STUDENT AGENDA USE .......................................................................................................................... 16
TARDIES ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
TELEPHONES ............................................................................................................................................. 16
TEXTBOOKS............................................................................................................................................... 16
TIP LINES .................................................................................................................................................... 16
WALKERS/BIKE RIDERS ......................................................................................................................... 16
WINTER WEATHER .................................................................................................................................. 16
2
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Welcome to Marsteller Middle School!
Marsteller Middle School is a premier middle school and I am honored to welcome you
into our Marsteller family. We are proud of our students, staff, parents, and community
and the accomplishments we have achieved together. We have retained our designation
as a National School to Watch because of our Academic Excellence, Developmental
Responsiveness, and Social Equity. Marsteller consistently scores above county and state
levels on standardized tests and creates an environment that encourages academic growth
and high achievement. We have a strong history of involving parents and the community
for the benefit of our students and welcome our families to be involved in our school.
Our highly qualified and dedicated staff challenge, support, and motivate all students and
we are personally committed to making our students’ educational years at Marsteller part
of a strong foundation on which they can draw, as they progress through their academic
careers.
We encourage you to dedicate yourselves to academic achievement, participate in any of
the variety of activities, clubs, and athletic teams offered, and enjoy your school year!
Marsteller Middle School Administration
We are a community whose members know that they are valued and
respected. We will choose each day to strive for excellence:
in our school, in our friendships, and most importantly, in ourselves.
3
ACADEMIC GRADING SCALE
The following is the grading scale adopted by the Prince William County Schools for middle schools:
Grade
A
B+
B
C+
C
D+
D
F
Percentage
90-100
87-89
80-86
77-79
70-76
67-69
60-66
59-below
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Poor
Failure
Interim and final grades earned in the 6th and 7th grade are computed using letter grade values. Grades that are
earned in the 8th grade, and any Carnegie-unit class, are computed using actual numeric (percentage) grades. The numeric
average is then converted to a letter grade for the student’s report card.
ACADEMIC REVIEW COMMITTEE
The purpose of this committee is to provide the student and parent/guardian with a formal process to address their
academic concerns.
Some examples of items that may come before the committee are:
- a student who feels he/she is not getting appropriate classroom instruction
- a student and/or parent/guardian who feels a teacher is continually unprepared
- a student and/or parent/guardian who feels a teacher does not exhibit effective classroom management
The purpose of the academic review committee is to review in a professional cooperative manner any situations as
they occur.
Procedure
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
The parent/guardian will make direct contact with the teacher or person responsible for the concerns(s).
The parent/guardian must document, in writing, specific issues of concern.
The student and parent/guardian may attest to the fact that he/she is meeting all of their responsibilities.
The student and/or parent/guardian may suggest an appropriate resolution.
The concern will be reviewed by the administration. If the concern is appropriate for a review committee, it will be
forwarded to the review committee. Whether the concern is sent to the review committee or not, in all instances the
administration will respond to all concerns.
A time will be scheduled for the student and parent/guardian to meet with the committee. The person/persons
concerned will attend.
ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS
(based on student interest and staff sponsorship)
Clubs
Art
Dance Team
Robotics
Bulldog Banking & Trust
Family & Consumer Science
Ruri-Teens
Chamber Orchestra
Honor Society
Stage Band
Chefs
Literary Magazine
Student Council Association
Chess
Math
Yearbook
Sports
Fall Sports - Season I
Boys Football
Boys Soccer
Cheerleading
Girls Track
Volleyball
Winter Sports – Season II
Girls Basketball
Cheerleading
4
Winter Sports – Season III
Boys Basketball
Cheerleading
Wrestling
Spring Sports – Season IV
Baseball
Boys Track
Girls Soccer
Softball



Effective with the 2011-12 school year, all student athletes and their parents or guardians were required to attend a
concussion education session provided by their respective middle and high schools. This year students will also be
required to attend a session or an online refresher course. Only students, who have NOT attended a Face-to-Face
session, will be required to attend. If you and your child attended a Face-to-Face session last year, an online session
will be required in lieu of the Face-to-Face session. Attendance or online refresher course is required before any
student will be allowed to try out for any sport. Participation in the concussion education sessions are mandated by
state law (Virginia Code 22.1-271.5).
Proof of physical examination by a physician on a PWC school physical form (available on the school website and
in the main office) is required. Sports Physicals must be dated after May 1st and are required before students may
try out for any sport.
Student academic and conduct eligibility requirements must be met. A student may also become ineligible if they
are on local school probation, (an accumulation of 40 discipline points or more.)
ACTIVITY BUS
Daily activity buses will be available free of charge for students participating in school activities. Buses depart at
5:00 p.m. and run on an abbreviated route schedule. Route schedules and bus numbers are available in the main office.
APPROPRIATE SCHOOL DRESS
Students shall be appropriately dressed for school. Student dress and overall appearance must meet basic standards
of health, safety, cleanliness, and decency. Students are not permitted to wear or display items which represent drugs,
alcohol or tobacco products, gang membership, or which promote violence. Students are not permitted to wear long trench
coats or bulky, oversized coats within a school building. Dress/appearance/hygiene, which disrupts or interferes with the
orderly operation of the school will not be tolerated. If dress/appearance/hygiene violates school standards, the student may
be required to remove the offensive item(s), change into something appropriate, or the principal/designee may send the
student home to be properly prepared for school. Extreme or repeated violations may result in more serious corrective
measures. The following items are considered improper dress:














hats, scarves, skull caps, head bands, visors or any head covering unless related to one’s religious beliefs or practices
sunglasses
beachwear
sleeping apparel
undergarments worn as outer garments
garments which are excessively short
sheer “see-through” garments
clothing with suggestive signs, slogans, or pictures
garments which expose the midriff
garments which are too revealing, expose undergarments, are excessively tight and form-fitting or which have very
low neck lines
jewelry or other items, which could be regarded or used as a weapon (i.e., studded belts or collars, large rings, etc.)
tops with oversized arm openings, strapless tops, tube tops, tops with spaghetti straps, tank tops
bare feet, bedroom slippers, stockings/socks only
cleats (except while at athletic activities)
ATTENDANCE (absences, pre-arranged absences, tardies and early dismissals)
Absences: Parents may call the school the day of their child’s absence to report explanation with the understanding
an automated phone call and or email will be made by the school asking for written verification of the absence. A written
excuse is needed within two days after returning to school. The note should state the student’s full name, date of absence,
reason, and must be signed by the parent or guardian of the student. All absence notes are to be submitted to the main office
(blue box). Please note students with excessive absences, excused or unexcused may require a doctor’s note upon request of
Principal.
Pre-arranged absences require at least one week notice BEFORE the absence. A note should be presented to the
office signed by a parent or guardian stating the reason the student will miss school. The student will be given a form to
show to all of your teachers letting them know to prepare work to be completed while out of school. NOTE: If work is
received in advance, it is due the day of return to school.
A. Absences will be classified as EXCUSED or UNEXCUSED as per PWCPS Regulation 724-1.
5
B.
Absences will be excused when a written excuse is given to the main office from a parent/guardian within two
days of absence for the following reasons:
1. Personal illness of student
2. Medical and dental examination and/or treatment of the student when such appointments cannot be
scheduled other than during school hours.
3. Student participation in school sponsored activities taking place during school hours.
4. Death in the family.
5. Emergency conditions in the student’s home that require special help from the student in caring for the sick
or injured.
6. Observation of a religious holiday.
7. Approved prearranged absences. The Principal uses professional judgments in making a determination
based on the reasons stated in the written request for the prearranged absence.
8. Reasons of extenuating circumstances to be judged by the principal.
9. Emergency situations arising from unusual weather conditions.
C. All other absences will be classified UNEXCUSED.
Tardies: To be considered on time to class the student must be inside the classroom door at the designated time for
beginning class. When arriving late to school the student must sign-in at the lobby desk and receive a pass before continuing
onto the locker/classroom. The student must be signed in or have a written note with explanation by a parent/guardian or
have a note from the doctor/dentist office to be excused. Acceptable excused tardies are the same as all day absences
(missing the bus or traffic delays are not excused tardies). Tardies will NOT be excused via phone calls after drop off. An
automated phone call and or email will be made by the school notifying the parent/guardian of unexcused tardies to school.
Early Dismissals: Students must bring a note to the office before the end of homeroom for early dismissals. The
note needs to be signed by a parent or guardian, stating the reason for and time of the dismissal. The office staff will record
the information, back up the time 5 minutes (to allow the student time to collect their belongings), and give the student an
Early Dismissal Pass. The student may show this pass to classes they will miss to possibly receive work. The student will
show this early dismissal to the teacher at the beginning of class and this will serve as their pass to return to the main office.
NOTE: The parent/guardian will be asked for photo identification when picking up a child.
Appointments and activities that may interfere with school activities should be avoided and arrangements made to
schedule them outside of the school day.
BOOK BAGS
Book bags may be carried to and from school; however, they must be stored in lockers during the school day. No
book bags are to be brought to class or the cafeteria.
BULLYING
Actions that cause the physical, verbal or emotional abuse of others will not be tolerated. Taunts, threats, insults,
gossip, humiliation, teasing, pushing, tripping, hitting and inappropriate use of technology are all considered bullying
behaviors. Violators are subject to corrective action up to and including suspension and expulsion. Students who are bullied
or witness another student being bullied should report the incident to a staff member and/or to a parent. The “No Bully
Dawgs” Bully Prevention Program is a school-wide approach to preventing bullying. It was developed from a blueprint of
the world renowned Olweus Bully Prevention Program and adapts to the existing structure of a middle school. The program
includes interventions on four levels: school-wide, classroom, individual, and within the community. The principles of the
program are to:






Have adults create an atmosphere of warmth and caring.
Communicate that bullying is unacceptable and respect is expected.
Establish positive rewards for respectful behavior and negative consequences for bullying behavior.
Hold regularly scheduled class meetings which provide opportunities for student discussion of social issues and
practice of pro-social skills.
Have adults meet individually with children who bully and with children who are targets of bullying.
Remove social power from bullying peers and reinvest in positive peers; empower students to stand up for one
another.
It is important that each member of the Marsteller Middle School community works together to help to ensure that
we respectfully interact with one another. For additional information about bullying see the Code of Behavior.
6
Marsteller Middle School Bullying Behavior Rubric
Behavior
Teasing
(Name calling, insulting or
other behavior that would
hurt others’ feelings or
make them feel bad about
themselves)
Exclusion
(Starting rumors, telling
others not to be friends
with someone, or other
actions that would cause
someone to be without
friends)
Hitting
(Pushing, slapping,
grabbing)
Severe Hitting
(Punching, kicking, and
similar behavior that may
injure others)
First Time
Written warning
Second Time
One quiet lunch
Student calls
parent
Student calls
parents
Third Time
Two quiet
lunches
Four +
Student calls
parents
After fourth time a student
shows this type of behavior in
a year, school staff and
parents meet to develop an
individual plan
One Lunch
detention
One hour AfterSchool detention
Extended
Detention
Student calls
parents
Classes Only
Classes Only
Student calls
parents
OSS (2 day
minimum)
Student calls
parents
OSS (2 day
minimum
Parent Phone
Call
Parent Phone
Call
OSS
Parent Phone
Call
Threat of serious
violence
Bully
Intervention
Program
Harassment (racial,
ethnic, or sexual name
calling or other severe
harassment)
Same as above
Same as above
Principal’s
Hearing
Individual plan
developed





NOTE: “Quiet Lunch” means the student eats lunch away from peers with no interaction with other classmates and peers;
“Classes only” means the student is away from peers at lunch and does not participate in sports or other extracurricular activities
for that day.
Anyone observing aggressive behavior or hearing about it from students will complete the behavior report form.
The Administration or his/her delegate will investigate (if behavior was reported by students and not seen by staff) and help the
student identify the appropriate consequence. The student and administration or delegate will call parent(s) at that time.
The supervisor of quiet lunch will assist the student as needed to complete the think-about-it form.
County policies may lead to more serious consequences for severe hitting, threats, and harassment, depending on specific
behavior. If the student has broken the law, the school will inform the police.
CAFETERIA
Breakfast is available for students. The cost is $1.40 for full price or $0.30 for reduced price. Students must be in the
cafeteria by 8:05 A.M. to purchase breakfast.
The cost for lunch is $2.40 for full price or $0.40 for reduced price. Beverages may be purchased separately for
those students bringing lunch from home.
School lunch menus are sent home at the beginning of the year and posted to the PWCPS website. Checks for meal
7
tickets should be made payable to Prince William County Food Service. Applications for free and reduced lunch are
available in the guidance department.
Expectations for the Cafeteria:
A. Students are expected to be on time to the cafeteria for their lunch period.
B. Students should enter the cafeteria in an orderly manner through the appropriate door.
C. Upon entering the cafeteria, students are expected to choose a serving line and remain there. Giving cuts in the line
or saving places is not allowed.
D. Students are to clean up their lunch area before dismissal.
E. Students will be dismissed from the cafeteria by tables.
F. Violations of the above expectations will result in disciplinary action.
CAMERAS
A number of security cameras are located throughout the interior and around the exterior of the school. These
cameras provide 24-hour coverage of the school and grounds. In addition, most school buses are equipped with video
cameras.
CODE OF BEHAVIOR
Each student is issued a Code of Behavior booklet at the beginning of the year and is tested on its contents.
The Code of Behavior has been established for the Prince William County Public Schools. The School Board, acting
through the Superintendent, holds school employees responsible for supervising student behavior while students are legally
under the supervision of the schools. The School Board holds all students responsible for appropriate conduct as defined in
the Prince William County Code of Behavior.
COMMUNICATION DEVICES (WIRELESS)
Possession of communication devices by students on school grounds is a privilege, not a right, and any student who
brings a communication device on school property consents to these rules and to the School Division’s right to confiscate
and/or search such devices as provided in these rules. Students may possess wireless communication devices (smart phones,
tablets, E-readers, etc.) on school grounds provided that these devices are set to silent or vibrate mode, with audible signals
disabled during all in-school use; speaker settings must be turned off. Audio content must be delivered by means of
earphones or handsets to prevent any disruption of school activities. Violation of any specific device-use restrictions
observed during testing may be deemed as cheating and punishable as such. Wireless communication devices may be used on
school buses provided that the device does not distract the driver, compromise safety, or violate other school bus rules and
regulations. While on school property, at any school-related activities or while traveling to and from school or any schoolrelated activities, student shall not take video graphic or still images of a person who is undressed or partially undressed.
Violators may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. PWCS does not assume responsibility for the
security of communication and/or electronic devices that are brought onto PWCS property; the School Division cannot
monitor nor be held liable for communications or actions originated on personally-owned devices used on PWCS property.
CONDUCT GRADES
Prince William County Public Schools evaluates its students on their conduct in all classes. The following
characteristics are valued:
Courtesy: Respects others, uses good manners.
Dependability: Demonstrates honesty and reliability.
Personal Habits: Exhibits self-control, conforms to school regulations and the Code of Behavior, and respects the rights
and property of others.
Cooperation: Works for the mutual benefit of the group and is willing to assist others.
Students receive one of the following grades:
O- Outstanding: Consistently practices these traits.
S- Satisfactory: Normally practices these traits.
U- Unsatisfactory: The student does not practice these traits to an acceptable degree.
8
DANCES
All dances are for Marsteller students only and are from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sixth grade students will be released
at 5:00 p.m.; seventh grade students at 5:15 p.m., and eighth grade students will be released at 5:30 p.m. Students may not
leave a dance early without written permission. A Marsteller Dance Permission slip with parent and student signatures will be
required to enter dances. In addition, student academic and conduct eligibility requirements must be met. A student may also
become ineligible if they are on local school probation, an accumulation of 40 discipline points or more. All tickets will be
sold in advance. There will not be any tickets sold at the door.
Students are expected to adhere to the Code of Behavior while attending the dance.
DISCIPLINE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The expectations governing student conduct have been developed to help our school operate safely and efficiently and
to ensure that each student is as academically successful as possible. Expectations, consequences and policies apply to the
entire school environment. This includes field trips, school buses, school related activities, and assemblies.
Policies
Students behaving inappropriately will be warned by teachers and/or teams, and direct contact will be made with
parents/guardians. Some referrals may be written immediately without prior parent/guardian contact, in the case of flagrant
or dangerous behavior. Corrective action should be taken as close to the incident as possible for maximum benefit to the
student. An attempt will be made to contact parents/guardians by phone, and a copy of the referral will be sent home with the
student. The student signature indicates they have been notified of the misbehavior and been given an opportunity to explain.
Teachers will assess whether a referral should be written immediately or if teacher interventions may be taken.
These interventions may consist of classroom management techniques such as alternative seating, student conference with
teacher/team, schedule change within the team, written assignments, team detention, guidance referral, timeout, reprimands,
and positive reinforcement. These interventions will be documented. Parent contact or conference will be required if these
interventions do not change the student’s behavior. Referrals will be written when the warning, interventions, and
parent/guardian contact have not resolved the situation.
In our attempt to help students find peaceful solutions to problems, students who feel they are being harassed are
encouraged to seek assistance/guidance from the nearest staff member to resolve the situation.
Procedures
REFERRAL – A referral is the document used to record a student’s inappropriate behavior. Copies are distributed
as indicated on the referral.
PROBATION POINTS - Probation points are assessed according to the Code of Behavior infraction documented
on a referral. The number of points varies according to the seriousness of the misbehavior and accumulates on both a
semester and yearly basis. All students begin each semester with zero probation points. As referrals accumulate, probation
points are tallied. Once a student accumulates 40 points in one semester, the student will no longer be able to participate in
any extracurricular activities until the end of the semester. The probation points are outlined later on in this document.
(Code of Behavior violations, consequences, and probation points can be found on pages 10 and 11.)
LOCAL SCHOOL PROBATION – Local school probation is the loss of extracurricular activities and
nonacademic assemblies based on the accumulation of 40 probation points per semester.
PROBATION POINT CONFERENCE - An accumulation of 70 probation points per year will result in written
notification to both the student and parent. This notification will inform the parent and student that an accumulation of 25 or
more points will result in a probation point conference with the administration and a possible 5 day out-of-school suspension.
(At the probation point conference the student will be placed on a behavior contract.)
PRINCIPAL’S CONFERENCE - A principal’s conference will be held after an accumulation of an additional 20
or more points from the probation point conference and/or a serious violation of the rules. This informal conference may
result in the recommendation of one of the following options: Long-term Suspension, Alternative School, Homebound
Instruction, or Expulsion.
Consequences
FORMAL PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT - A parent/guardian conference will be established by the
administration and will include the student.
9
BUS SUSPENSION - Bus suspension is the removal of the right to ride the bus to or from school. This
consequence will be issued in progressive lengths as the need warrants 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and remainder of the year.
DETENTION – After-school detention will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Student
may be required to reflect in writing on the behavior that resulted in detention.
EXTENDED AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION (EXASD) - will be held on Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:00 to
5:00 p.m. Students may be required to reflect in writing on the behavior that resulted in detention.
OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS) – This consequence will be assigned from one to five days. Students
may make up the missed work in a reasonable amount of time with administrative approval. Parents are encouraged to
develop corrective actions the day the student is suspended. A parent/guardian conference may be needed before the student
can return to school.
Following a Principal’s Conference, recommendations for these three consequences are heard by an Office of
Student Management and Alternative Programs (OSMAP) Officer in separate hearings at their office:
LONG TERM SUSPENSION - This form of suspension may be a minimum of 11 days to a maximum of 365
days. This will be assigned after a due process hearing is held.
ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL – Students who regularly exhibit behavior problems, and for whom the base school
has utilized many interventions with little or no positive results, may be considered for admission to alternative school.
EXPULSION – The School Board may permanently deny a student’s attendance at school and school-related
activities for severe behavior problems for up to 365 days.
MARSTELLER MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES
(Consequences range from the minimum to maximum step possible.)
Violation
Academic Violation
(plagiarism, cheating, etc.)
Assault/BatteryTo a staff member
(actual and intentional touching or striking of
another person against his or her will;
intentionally causing bodily harm to an
individual.)
Assault/BatteryTo a student
(actual and intentional touching or striking of
another person against his or her will;
intentionally causing bodily harm to an
individual.)
Assault, Group(any two or more students with intent to do
harm)
Assignment Incomplete/unprepared for class
Bullying
(physical, verbal, and emotional)
Bus Violation
(disruption on school bus)
Cafeteria Violation
(throwing food, cutting in line, etc.)
Computer Violation
(internet misuse, violation of acceptable use
policy, etc.)
Cutting Class
Discrimination
Dishonesty
(misrepresenting the truth, providing false
information, etc.)
Disrespect
(verbal abuse toward staff, walking away, etc.)
Disruption
(an act which substantially disrupts the orderly
learning environment)
Dress Code Violation
(dress that is disruptive to the learning
environment)
Reason/Rationale
Consequences
Probation Points
10




Warning & parent contact/zero for
assignment
Extended Detention(s)
OSS
Incarceration (2 days)
OSS up to and including expulsion
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior

OSS up to and including expulsion
25
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior

OSS up to and including expulsion
25
…because learning cannot
occur
Pages ____________ in
P.W.C. Code of Behavior
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior









Detention
Extended Detention(s)
Extended Detention(s)
OSS
Warning/Conference
Probation
Bus Suspension
Detention
Extended Detention
5


















Denial of Privilege
Detention
Extended Detention(s)
Detention
Extended Detention(s)
Extended Detention(s)
OSS
Detention
Extended Detention (s)
OSS
Extended Detention (s)
OSS
Detention
Extended Detention (s)
OSS
Parent Contact/Warning/Change
Detention
Extended Detention(s)
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
…because it is not conducive
to a safe and healthy
environment
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
…because no learning can
occur
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior

10
50
25
5
5
10
10
20
15
20
15
5

OSS





Parent Contact
Detention
Extended Detention(s)
OSS
Recommendation for Expulsion




Confiscation by Administration
Detention
Extended Detention(s)
OSS up to and including expulsion
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior



Extended Detention(s)
OSS
OSS (3 day minimum)
15
…because it is not conducive
to a safe and secure
environment
…because it is dishonest


Detention
Extended Detention(s)
5



















Detention
Extended Detention (s)
OSS
Parent Contact
Detention
Extended Detention(s)
Detention
Extended Detention(s)
OSS
Detention
Extended Detention(s)
OSS
Detention
Extended Detention(s)
OSS
Detention
Extended Detention(s)
OSS
OSS (1-3 days)
15

OSS
20









Detention
Extended Detention(s)
OSS
Parent Contact
Detention
Extended Detention(s)
OSS
Detention
Extended Detention(s)
10


Detention
Extended Detention(s)
10








Confiscation by Administration
Detention
Extended Detention(s)
Extended Detention
OSS
Extended Detention (2 days)
OSS
Extended Detention(s)
10


Extended Detention(s)
OSS
15


1st-Team Action/Parent Contact
2nd-Teacher Assigned and Supervised
5
Dress Code Violation(Non-Dress for Physical Education)
…because appropriate clothing
is needed to participate
Drug Violation
(possession, use, under influence, distribution
[giving and/or receiving], attempted/intended
distribution)
Electronic Devices
(CD players, gameboys, MP3 players, etc.)
Pages __________ in P.W.C.
Code of Behavior
Endangering Others
(fire regulation violation, false fire reports,
lighting matches, threats to bomb, etc.)
Failure to Report Serious Violations(drug, alcohol, weapons, assault, etc.)
Fighting
(mutual participation between/among
students)
Fire Drill Misbehavior
(pushing, tripping, talking, etc.)
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Forgery
(forging signature on notes, school documents,
etc.)
Gambling
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Harassment- Physical
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Harassment- Sexual
Pages ____________ in
P.W.C. Code of Behavior
Harassment-Verbal
(threats, intimidating notes, etc.)
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Horseplay
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Insubordination/Defiance
(unwillingness to submit to authority, refusal
to respond to a reasonable request, etc.)
Leaving School(Without Permission)
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Obscene or Inappropriate
Language/Gestures/Materials
…because it is not conducive
to a safe and secure
environment
Pages __________ in P.W.C.
Code of Behavior
Public Display of Affection
(kissing, inappropriate touching, etc.)
…because it is distracting and
inappropriate in the school
setting
Running in Hallway
…because it is not conducive
to a safe and secure
environment
…because it is not conducive
to a safe and secure
environment
…because it is disruptive and
inappropriate in the school
setting
…because it is a form of
insubordination
…because it is a form of
insubordination
Pages __________ in P.W.C.
Code of Behavior
…because it is not conducive
to a safe and healthy learning
environment
…because it is disruptive to
the learning environment
Safety Violation(throwing objects, science lab violation, etc.)
Selling Items
Skipping Detention
Skipping Extended Detention
Skipping School
Spitting(at or on a person, or item)
Tardies
11
5
50
5
25
25
10
25
25
20
15
20
5
5
10
10
20
Theft
Threat
Tobacco Violation
Trespassing
Vandalism(destruction of school or personal property)
Weapons
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Page _____ in P.W.C. Code of
Behavior
Pages __________ in P.W.C.
Code of Behavior











Detention (1 hr)
3rd-Referral to Admin. and Detention
4th-Extended Detention(s)
5th-OSS/or Parent Conference
Extended Detention(s)/Restitution
OSS
Extended Detention(s)
OSS
Detention
Extended Detention(s)
OSS
Up to and including police contact




Extended Detention(s)/Restitution
OSS
OSS
Recommendation for Expulsion
15
20
15
15
20
50
DISCIPLINE APPEAL PROCEDURES
The appeal procedures are explained in detail in the Prince William County Schools Code of Behavior.
EFFECTIVE SCHOOLWIDE DISCIPLINE
In our efforts to ensure that all students be successful in their academic goals, Marsteller will be addressing and
examining the relationships that exist between student behavior and classroom learning. We expect this examination to yield
increased success in behavioral outcomes and academic achievement, using a school-wide collaborative approach to enhance
safe and effective teaching and learning for all students. Faculty, students, parents, and the community will be recruited to
help develop and implement strategies to decrease inappropriate school behaviors as they are identified. The Effective
School-wide Discipline Team will create proactive disciplinary approaches to foster ownership of positive behaviors in our
school.
ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT DEVICES
Students shall not have electronic entertainment devices on school property without express consent of the school
principal/designee. Students may not record (audio or video) classroom activities without permission of the
principal/designee. Violators are subject to confiscation of the communication device and/or other corrective action.
While on school property, at any school-related activities or while traveling to and from school or any school-related
activities, student shall not take video graphic or still images of a person who is undressed or partially undressed. Violators
may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
EXAMINATIONS
Exams will be given to all students who take Carnegie Unit classes such as Algebra, Geometry or World Language.
ELIGIBILITY, ACADEMIC
A student is placed on academic probation for the duration of the next grading period if he/she receives an “F”
achievement grade in two or more subject areas. A student on academic probation is prohibited from participation in all
extra-curricular activities, clubs or organizations, dances and attendance at after-school events. All 6th grade students are
eligible at the beginning of the school year for participation in extra-curricular activities.
Transfer students must comply with this standard and grades from transferring school must be reviewed to
determine eligibility before participation.
Interim reports will allow academically ineligible students meeting eligibility criteria to try out for the next sports’
season. The student may practice but may not participate in scheduled games until the academic standard is met at the end of
a reporting period.
Ineligible students who become eligible after team selections may not join the team. For extra-curricular activities
other than sports, the ineligibility for the first grading period for 7th and 8th grade students is determined by the 4th grading
period from the previous school year.
ELIGIBILITY, CONDUCT
A student is placed on conduct probation for the duration of the next grading period if he/she receives a “U” in
conduct in two or more subject areas. A student on conduct probation is prohibited from participation in all extra-curricular
activities, clubs or organizations, dances and attendance at after-school events.
12
Transfer students must comply with this standard and grades from transferring school must be reviewed to
determine eligibility before participation.
Interim reports will allow conduct-ineligible students meeting eligibility criteria to try out for the next sports’
season. The student may practice but may not participate in scheduled games until the conduct standard is met at the end of a
reporting period.
Ineligible students who become eligible after team selections may not join the team.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND FIRE DRILLS
State law requires the quick and orderly evacuation of the building during a fire alarm. To insure the safety of all
students and staff, fire drill procedures are located in all rooms. In addition, tornado drills, inclement weather drills, and
lockdown drills are practiced throughout the school year. It is important for students to carefully listen to staff during these
drills. Failure to follow the directions of staff will result in disciplinary actions.
FOOD AND DRINKS
During the school day students are only permitted to have food and drinks in the cafeteria unless special permission
is granted by a staff member for a special activity.
GUIDANCE
Students are assigned to a counselor; however, any of our counselors are available to assist students. Except for
emergencies, students should have a pass to come to guidance.
If you want to speak with your counselor, go to Guidance before homeroom or during lunch to make an
appointment. Parents are invited to arrange conferences with counselors and teachers by calling the Guidance Department.
Parents and legal guardians have the right to inspect and review the scholastic records relating directly to their
children or legal wards. A request should be made to the principal or guidance department to review and/or inspect records.
HALLWAY SAFETY
At every change of class, there will be many students moving from one room to another. In order to keep the noise
at a minimum, students are asked to be quiet and courteous and to walk to the right at all times. Do not block hallways.
Running could cause an accident and is not permitted.
HONOR CODE
As a Marsteller Middle School Student, I promise that I will not cheat, plagiarize, give or receive any unauthorized
help, or misrepresent the truth in any way on any assignment or test.
As a member of the Marsteller Middle School community, I must honor my fellow members by pledging to keep us
safe from harm. I am honor bound to tell a staff member any information that I may have concerning illegal or dangerous
activity, which could bring harm to my Marsteller Middle School community.
HONOR ROLLS
At the end of each nine-weeks grading period, those students who have succeeded in making above-average grades
or outstanding conduct in all subjects in which they are enrolled are named to an honor roll. There are three kinds of honor
rolls:
Principal’s Honor Roll
Students who have achieved all A’s in every subject.
Honor Roll
Students who have achieved no more than one “C” in achievement but who have at least one “A” to bring the “C”
to a “B” average. Conduct grades are not to be considered.
Conduct Honor Roll
Students who have received all “O”s in every subject.
KISS AND RIDE
Parents are reminded that when picking up or dropping off a student to avoid blocking the bus lanes. Parents should
not leave their vehicles unattended in any area marked with a yellow curb. Please note that the Kiss and Ride lane is one
way. Parents should follow the direction of staff members as they direct traffic in the Kiss and Ride lane. Please allow
ample time for students to be in class by 8:05 a.m. or tardies will be unexcused.
13
LOCKERS






Lockers are provided for all students and are not to be shared.
Please do not give locker combination to anyone.
The school is not responsible for items stolen from a locker.
A periodic locker check may be conducted to assure lockers are kept clean and neat.
An administrator for good cause may search lockers at any time.
Students who misuse their locker or ignore locker guidelines may have their locker privilege taken away for a
specified time.
LOST AND FOUND
Any found jewelry, keys, glasses, or wallets should be taken to the main office. Other articles should be taken to the
lost and found box located in the cafeteria. Lost items not claimed will be donated to charity at the end of each nine-weeks
grading period. The school cannot be held responsible for lost articles or money; therefore, it is suggested that articles of
value be left at home.
MEDIA CENTER
The Media Center contains materials to supplement and extend the learning experience.
MEDIATION
When a situation arises between students and others that could lead to a more serious problem students are
encouraged to set up mediation sessions through guidance, security or administration. All discussions are confidential.
MEDICATIONS
Every effort should be made by the parent/guardian of the student to administer prescription drugs outside the school
day. If it is necessary for the student to receive medication during the school day, the parent/guardian must complete and
return the Parent Release Form and the Medication Form. The student must bring the medication in its original container with
the current expiration date listed and completed medication forms to the office.
Medication forms are available in the front office and on the PWCS website. The school will not accept medication
that is expired. The school will not be responsible for lost or spilled medications. (In the event that a student is required to
carry an inhaler on his/her person, a doctor’s note is required along with approval from the principal or her designee.)
Inhalers need to have a pharmacy label in two places: on the box and on the inhaler itself. At the end of the school year,
parents must pick-up all remaining medications.
PARENT COFFEE
All parents are invited to attend the Parent Coffee, which will be held quarterly. The morning meetings will be
October 3rd and March 6th at 9:30 a.m. The evening meetings will be January 16th and May 8th at 6:00 p.m.
PARENT MESSAGES
During a normal school day, the main office receives numerous phone messages for students. The main office staff
carefully records those messages. At the end of the day during afternoon announcements, a list of students who have
messages are called to the main office. In an emergency situation the student will be called directly to the main office. We
have these procedures in place to minimize interruptions to the instructional day.
PARENT PORTAL
Access student information by registering for the Parent Portal - parents and students can view student grades
and attendance information, and parents can edit contact information. Only parents need to register online.
Students will automatically receive a login account to the Parent Portal. Parents please note, the parent that registers and
receives the email for the account must be the same parent who presents their photo ID at Marsteller. If more than one
parent would like an account each parent or guardian must go through the registration process separately. If both parents
wish to have a user account they each have register separately. To access your child’s information, visit Marsteller’s website
by logging on to http://marstellerms.schools.pwcs.edu/ and click on “Parent Porter”. All of the information viewed on Parent
Portal is password protected. It is important that you keep your password completely private.
14
PASSES
Students must have a written pass that will include the student name, destination, date, time and teacher signature
anytime they are out of class except for normal passing times. The student agenda is the official school pass.
PREPAREDNESS / STUDENT ITEM(S) DROPPED OFF
Students are expected to come to school each day prepared for each class. Preparedness will include pen, pencil,
paper, notebook, folder, and other supplies as needed by individual teams. Gym suits, socks and sneakers are required for
physical education. Forgotten items brought to school are ultimately the student’s responsibility to come and look for them.
The office staff will do our best to see that the student receives the item; however, class interruptions will be held at
minimum and will be at class changes ONLY. Instruments will be brought to the music rooms and PE clothes will be
brought to the locker rooms. Both will have student name, teacher, and class period tags. It will be up to the student to ask if
it was brought in, they will not be notified in any core classroom that it is here. Lunches will be taken to the cafeteria and put
on a cart sorted by grade. Lunch attendants will call out names, however again, it will be ultimately the responsibility of the
student to come and look for their lunch. Thank you for your understanding that your student has the optimum amount of
uninterrupted instruction in his or her classroom.
PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
While we support student friendships, we do not permit activities such as hugging and kissing during school and at
school related functions.
RIDING THE BUS
Please reference the Code of Behavior for student responsibilities while on the school bus. The school bus driver is
responsible for your safety; please help by cooperating with the driver.
Students who need to ride a different bus on a specific day must submit a parent note indicating this temporary
change. Notes must be submitted to the office prior to the end of homeroom for verification. A bus pass will be prepared
and should be picked up in the office during the student’s lunch period.
When a student is involved in misconduct on a bus the following administrative actions may be taken:
1st referral
Counseling and warning
2nd referral
Detention
3rd referral
Extended Detention
4th referral
Bus Suspension
However, individual circumstances and severity of the misconduct (more/less) will be considered before any action
is taken.
SCHOOL PICTURES
Life Touch Photography will be taking school yearbook pictures during PE classes on September 19th and 20th and
re-takes on November 14th. Spring school pictures will be May 1st and 2nd during PE classes.
SCHOOL STORE
The school store, which is located next to the Guidance Department, is open for business prior to and during
homeroom every morning. Notebook paper, pens, and pencils are always in stock. A variety of other educational supplies are
also available.
SCHOOL VISITORS
All visitors to schools or other School Division facilities are expected to report promptly to the main office to obtain
a date-sensitive, temporary identification badge. Visitors shall provide and leave valid government photo identification, and
state the nature of their visit. For further information please refer to Prince William Public Schools Regulation 926-1. While
we welcome parent visitations to the classrooms, permission must be obtained from the principal or designee. School
business is the only valid reason for visitation. We thank you in advance for your cooperation with this policy.
SKATEBOARDS
Students who walk to school may use skateboards. However, at no time are students permitted to skateboard
anywhere on school property, including sidewalks, tennis court, track, loading dock, school entrance, and bus/car lanes.
Skateboards may not be used inside the school. Students should secure their skateboards in their locker. The administrative
15
staff may revoke the skateboarding privileges from students who act inappropriately.
STUDENT AGENDA USE
Each Marsteller Middle School student is provided with a Student Agenda at the start of the school year. The
agenda is designed to help students keep track of homework assignments, projects, and involvement in student activities. In
addition, the agenda includes several informational supplements that will be used during Student Homeroom activities. Since
the agenda is a good record of student planning, students are not to tear out calendar pages or any other pages. A limited
number of student agendas will be available for sale to any students who lose their agenda.
TARDIES
To be considered on time to classes the student must be inside the classroom door before the tardy bell rings. Each
team may add requirements to this policy. See PWCPS Regulation 724-1 for further information.
TELEPHONES
The phone in the office is to be used by students only in the case of illness or an emergency. Students should have
passes to the office and sign the phone log before making any calls. Students will not be allowed to use the office phone to
arrange for transportation from school events, to obtain permission to ride other buses, etc. Cell phones should be turned off
and put away during school hours.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks and supplementary materials are provided free of charge to all students in Prince William County Public
Schools. It is the responsibility of the parents to pay for any lost or damaged books.
TIP LINES
Students, staff and parents share the responsibility for an orderly and safe school environment. Information about
drugs, weapons, or other factors that may be harmful to the school environment should be reported. Please contact an
administrator, teacher, or school counselor immediately. If at home, please report your concern to your parent. You may
also call the Prince William County Public Schools Tip Line at 703.791.2821 or use the Statewide Tip Line at
1.877.472.3382. These tip lines are anonymous. Please note that these are recorded message systems and should not be used
in cases of emergency or when an immediate response may be required. Please contact the police in cases of emergency.
WALKERS/BIKE RIDERS
A limited number of Marsteller students live in designated walking areas as determined by the school division.
Walkers are reminded to use appropriate side walks and not walk through private property. Walkers should walk directly to
school and not delay along the way. At dismissal, walkers should exit the building out of the main entrance and not use other
exits. Bike racks will be provided for those walkers wishing to ride their bikes to school. Bike riders MUST wear helmets.
Bikes should be securely locked and they may not be stored in school. The school cannot be held responsible for the security
of your bikes.
WINTER WEATHER
Make plans…for snow days, late openings and early closings!
During the winter months, please listen to local radio or television stations for announcements of changes in school
schedules.
Information may also be obtained concerning school closing, delayed opening, or early closing, by calling
703.791.2776 or checking the county web site at www.pwcs.edu.
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) does not discriminate in employment or in its educational programs and activities against
qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age,
marital status, veteran status, or disability. PWCS provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The
following individual(s) will handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, including Section 504 and Title IX:
Associate Superintendent for Human Resources
Prince William County Public Schools
P.O. Box 389
Manassas, VA 20108
16