CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
STUDENT HANDBOOK
1012 Hancock Street,
Quincy, MA 02169
Main Office: (617) 984-8725
Fax: (617) 984-8661
Guidance Office: (617) 984-8726
Health Office: (617) 984-8914
Web: http://www.quincypublicschools.com
Jennifer A. Fay-Beers
Principal
Rick DeCristofaro Jr.
Assistant Principal
Central Middle School
1012 Hancock Street
Quincy, MA 02169
617-984-8725
The Student Handbook has been prepared so that you and your
child will become familiar with important school information, as
well as our school rules, regulations, and guidelines.
Important Telephone Numbers
Jennifer A. Fay-Beers, Principal
Rick DeCristofaro Jr., Assistant Principal
Catherine Joyce, Secretary
Cindy Cameron, Attendance Aide
Colleen Connerty, Guidance Counselor
Kathy Mahoney, Guidance Counselor
Loren Catrmbone, Nurse
FAX number
617-984-8725
617-984-8725
617 984-8725
617-984-8725
617-984-8726
617-984-8726
617-984-8914
617-984-8661
Middle School Hours
8:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Early Release Days
Generally held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month
8:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Lunch will be served
Central, A Special Kind of Place
Central Middle School is located just outside of Quincy Center at
1012 Hancock Street. Built in 1894, Central was the original site
of Quincy’s first high school. In 1924, the building serviced the
school system as a junior high school and in 1982, Central became
one of Quincy’s middle schools.
A dedicated staff provides quality education to approximately six
hundred students in grades six, seven, and eight. Central is
currently the largest of Quincy’s middle schools. Programs are
offered to students residing in the neighborhood school district.
Students feed into Central from the Bernazzani, Wollaston,
Merrymount, and Beechwood Knoll Elementary Schools. Also,
the city-wide middle school advanced placement classes are
located at Central Middle School.
At Central, students enjoy many opportunities to meet new friends
and to expand horizons through the sharing of ideas and
experiences. This allows them to become richer individuals and to
gain strength by developing an appreciation of their diversities and
their similarities. All students enjoy a supportive climate where
they are challenged to work hard and reach their full potential.
Central’s spirit is guided by our Ram mascot and the school colors
of maroon and gold.
A Mission for Central Middle School
High academic achievement takes place when the entire school
community assists a child to work towards his or her fullest
potential. At Central, the entire staff respects different learning
styles and endorses high standards of academic achievement for all
its students.
It is excellence in teaching that is at the nucleus of academic
proficiency. Central teachers stimulate participation, arouse
enthusiasm, foster thoughtful responses, endorse the infusion of
technology, and empower all children to take risks, to achieve.
At Central we acclaim the diversity in our community. We
treasure this diversity as a resource in our school community.
Central Middle School is committed to respecting human
differences by providing challenging and stimulating opportunities
that advocate teaching and learning throughout the school
environment.
At Central we support the development of collaborative affiliations
with our community and neighborhood. We recognize the
importance of families contributing general support to the school
and the individual encouragement they give their children.
We also understand the importance of the coalitions we establish
with our business partnerships and alumni. As a result of these
collaborations, we seek to foster the spirit of community through
all our programs.
Principal’s Message
Dear Families,
Middle School is a place which provides special programs to guide
your academic and personal growth. It is an educational
experience that trestles your elementary and high school
experiences. Its mission is to personalize education for emerging
adolescents in a special atmosphere. At Central, we believe that it
is the strong commitment to high academic achievement,
excellence in teaching, respecting human differences, and
establishing collaborative community connections, that creates this
unique atmosphere.
This handbook was designed with the intent to familiarize you with
our school’s programs, policies, and procedures. I hope you find it
informative and will find many opportunities to participate as
active members of our school community.
Children are most likely to succeed when there is collaboration
between home and school. Open communication creates an
environment which fosters the greatest possible social, emotional,
and academic growth. The staff and I are happy to talk with you at
any time. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions,
suggestions, or concerns. We look forward to working with you to
stay informed and become involved. We welcome you to Central
Middle School and look forward to your support and participation.
Together we will continue Central’s tradition of excellence.
Sincerely,
Jennifer A. Fay-Beers
Principal
Administrative Services
The Main Office is essentially the business operations center for
the entire school. One secretary, an office aide, and two building
administrators are located there. The secretary, with the assistance
of the aide, takes phone messages, processes tardy students, admits
visitors, greets visitors, answers teacher concerns, keeps student
and financial records, completes all clerical work assigned by the
administration, and does a variety of other tasks. All visitors and
parents who need to contact students, teachers, or the
administration must always report to the main office directly upon
entering the building. The office staff will assist in establishing the
correct procedures for contacting the appropriate person. Students
who are waiting in the Main Office to meet with an administrator
or to be picked up by a parent should be seated quietly and politely
until the meeting occurs.
Student Services
Nursing & Medical Information:
A School Nurse is on site during school hours to assist with the
medical needs of the students. Students who are ill before school,
should not be sent to school. If your child becomes ill at school and
it is necessary for him/her to be dismissed, the nurse will call the
home and a parent/guardian must make arrangements to pick up
the child. The School System does not permit students who are ill
to walk home or take public transportation unless they are signed
out and accompanied by an adult on the contact card.
Students must have a pass from a teacher in order to report to the
nurse unless there is an extreme emergency.
Families should supply the nurse with updated medical
information, physicals and a list of immunizations to be kept on
file.
The Department of Public Health in MA requires that all children
in school keep updated immunizations and receive a physical exam
prior to seventh grade. If your child plays middle school sports
they are required to have an up to date (within 13 months) physical
exam on file.
Vision, hearing and postural screening along with height and
weight measurements are done periodically during the middle
school years. A parent/guardian will be notified should a child
need further evaluation.
Guidance Counseling Services:
Guidance counselors are available at school for students to access
when necessary. The counselors are a valuable source of
information, support and direction for students regarding
academic, social and emotional issues related to school.
The counselors will…
a) Act to facilitate communication between students and their
parents, teachers, administrators and peers.
b) Register new students, keep track of student’s progress,
organize standardized testing and help with the orientation and
course selection process.
c) Make referrals to professional, community services when
appropriate, as well as offer information on personal and social
services available in the community.
Parents are encouraged to contact the counselors when necessary,
but especially if there are events occurring in their child’s life
which may affect the child at school.
Students need a pass from their teacher to visit their Guidance
Counselor.
Attendance
Absences:
School attendance is governed by state law. (Mass. General Laws
Relating to Education: Chapter 76, Section 1 &2). “No child may
exceed 7 days absence from school in any six month period except
for medical reasons. Legal action against parents who fail to cause
children in their charge to attend school is provided by said law.”
If a student is absent, school committee policy states that the
student may legitimately be absent for one of three reasons: illness,
family emergency, or prearrangement with school administration.
Any other absence, even with parental knowledge, constitutes an
unexcused absence. Upon returning from an absence, students are
required to bring in a note from a parent/guardian to the homeroom
teacher, even if the student has been called in. If a student does not
bring in a note by the third day of return, he/she is subject to
discipline action by the office. Please contact the school before
9:00 a.m. when your child is absent.
Tardy:
School is in session from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students may
enter the building at 8:15 a.m. (first bell) and are considered tardy
if they are not in their seats by 8:22a.m. If a student is tardy,
he/she must report directly to the main office to sign-in to be
admitted. Excused tardiness needs a note, signed by a parent or
guardian, explaining why the student is late. Students who have
five tardies or more per trimester will receive a detention. Students
who are repeatedly tardy may have a suspension hearing with their
parent or guardian.
Dismissals:
A student is not permitted to leave school grounds during the
school day without permission. Failure to follow the correct
dismissal procedures will be considered truancy.
Dismissal from school during the school day should be kept at an
absolute minimum. The only acceptable dismissals are as follows:
doctor and/or dentist appointments when after school times are not
available, family emergency, or illness. The administration
reserves the right to deny dismissal requests.
Students should always tell a teacher if they need to see the nurse
or are being dismissed for medical reasons. If the student feels ill,
he/she must report directly to the nurse. The nurse will make the
determination if the student is ill enough to be dismissed and will
then call the parent to make transportation arrangements. Students
are not to take it upon themselves to call parents in order that they
may be picked up without the approval of the nurse or a school
administrator.
For other dismissals, a student wishing early dismissal must
present a note from a parent or guardian to the homeroom teacher
during the morning homeroom period. The note should state the
reason and time for dismissal. The student will then have his/her
name listed for dismissal on a clip board in the office and will
receive a pass to leave class at the designated time. The note will
be initialed by the office personnel and returned to the homeroom
teacher who will keep it on file with absence notes. Parents or
authorized persons must come to the office and sign out students
who are being dismissed. Students will not be dismissed from
school by telephone request.
Homework Requests for Absences:
After 2 days absence a parent/guardian may request homework
from the teachers. If a student is out, it is their responsibility to get
work from a friend and/or see their teachers concerning make up
work when they return to school. Request can be made by calling
or sending a note to the main office.
Family vacations:
Family vacations during the school year are strongly discouraged
due to loss of important learning time in the classroom. Parents
must assume responsibility that missed work will be made up upon
return to school. The student must make arrangements with
teachers for make-up assignments.
No School Announcements and Communication
If school is cancelled for any reason by the superintendent,
announcements will be made on AM radio stations WRKO (680),
WBZ (1030), and television stations 22, 4, 5, and 7.
An Instant Alert will also be sent out to all parents/guardians who
have signed up. This is an excellent resource to alert
parents/guardians of school closings, emergencies, and important
system-wide information.
On days when school is in session despite inclement weather,
parents are asked to use their best judgment about their child’s
ability to attend school during poor conditions.
Due to unforeseen emergencies (usually weather), it may be
necessary to close school early to ensure the safety of our students.
Parents and students should discuss what to do when/if this
situation occurs. This is especially important when parents are
away.
Curriculum and Instruction
MA Curriculum Frameworks and the Quincy Public Schools
Design for Learning:
Quincy Public School has aligned their curriculum with the
Massachusetts Department of Education Curriculum Frameworks.
Quincy Public School staff has also created QPS Design for
Learning binders that include the standards for each discipline and
a set of benchmarks that will ensure that each child has reached
that standard in a particular class and grade.
A description of curriculum standards and teacher course syllabi
are available online at the Quincy Public Schools website. Parents
can navigate to the Central website and select “academics” from
the navigation bar on the left to access this information.
http://www.quincypublicschools.com/schools/
Teacher Teams/Course of Study:
All students are assigned to a team of teachers who provide the
majority of academic instruction. The Central staff is sensitive to
the many changes that a child undergoes in early adolescence and
as a middle school learner. We recognize that these changes create
unique social, psychological, and physical needs and that
addressing them is important to the students’ intellectual growth
and academic achievement. At Central, the academic requirements
are balanced against these needs.
English, math, science, social studies, and reading skills (grades 6
& 7) or Spanish (grade 8) are taught to the students within that
team. Students travel to other specialist courses: art, music,
health, physical education, and Spanish. They are all courses that
enhance your child’s educational package.
Every student carries five core subjects and one specialist course
per day. The team organization is fundamental to the quality and
effectiveness of the middle school experience. There are many
benefits to this type of program offering. Teachers provide
interdisciplinary or integrated units of study. By team teaching,
teachers are better able to concentrate their collective attention to
the individual needs of a specific group of students. Teachers meet
regularly in team meetings to discuss student achievement and the
program of study. The team approach facilitates school-home
communication. There are currently two teaching teams at each
grade level.
The Resource Room is funded by the State Chapter 766 Law and
National Special Needs legislation. Students who receive services
in the Resource Room have been evaluated by a group of
professionals and Individualized Educational Plans have been
developed to meet their needs. Student time in the Resource Room
is dictated by the child’s educational plan.
One teaching team in each grade is devoted to Advanced
Placement (APC). This system-wide program, housed at Central,
services students identified as gifted and talented and provides
maximum opportunities for emerging adolescents of exceptional
ability to interact with other intellectually gifted students within a
supportive environment. In creating the APC program, the Quincy
Public Schools recognized that academically talented children have
special needs, that they can achieve high goals, and that they
require a learning environment that not only challenges their
abilities but also includes peer reinforcement to validate their
learning styles.
Student Support Block (SSB):
The Student Support Block is a 30 minute block of time which will
occur daily between periods 1:10 and 1:40 PM. All students return
to their homeroom teacher during SSB unless otherwise assigned.
Students on an IEP receive a math re-teach and /or an organization
class. In addition, the flexibility of this block of time enables us to
offer math re-teaches to all students who need it. We are able to
communicate important announcements, distribute notices, and
help students with organizational skills. Guidance may meet with
some of their groups during SSB and students who have been
absent will be able to make up quizzes or tests. We have many
creative uses for this block of time to help students find success.
Communication between School and Home
There are a number of different ways that we communicate with
our families.
We invite parents to:
 The Back To School Open House in September
 Parent/Teacher Conferences in January, and
 Parent/Teacher Organization meetings which are held on the
third Thursday of every month.
Also:
 The Quincy Public Schools Web Site has a specific Central
Middle School link which is the source of a variety of
information.
 A Central Middle School Newsletter will be published every
trimester with important school updates, information and
events. The newsletter will also be posted online at
quincypublicschool.com
 The students’ agenda books are a great tool to communicate
assignments and to send notes sent between home and
school.
 Interim Reports and Report Cards contain important
information on student academic progress.
 Parents may contact the teachers and/or counselors to set up
meetings when necessary.
 Channel 22 is Quincy’s information television station.
 Instant Alert is an excellent source for school-wide
information.
Student Activities
Beyond our core academic programs, Central offers a variety of
activities before, during, and after school. Students are encouraged
to participate in these programs so that they have a chance to meet
new friends, experience new initiatives, exhibit their talents, and
enjoy the complete middle school experience.
Sports activities include intramural and/or extramural experiences
such as flag football, cross country, volleyball, floor hockey,
basketball, swimming, wrestling, and track.
Activities and clubs include Drama, Band, Chorus, School
Newspaper, Student Senate, Lego Robotics, Yearbook, Art,
Computer, Homework Club, Prep for Success, School Store, Jazz
Band, Math Counts Team, Butler Pond Restoration, Camp Wing,
field trips, and end of the year outings.
Periodically, the Student Senate will schedule dances for Central
students in grades 6, 7, and 8. These events are designed so
students can enjoy music and refreshments and socialize together
after school. Dances, like other extra-curricular activities, are
governed by the same behavior expectations as regular school
activities.
Field Trips
Teachers schedule field trips to provide on-site learning
experiences. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a
proper and orderly manner at all times. These explorations are
considered a part of the regular school day and not a recreational
experience. Standards of behavior are the same as for all school
activities. Any student, who by his/her prior behavioral record,
indicates that he/she could be a danger to him/herself or others,
may be excluded from a field trip(s). However, in some specific
cases, the student may need to be accompanied by a parent or
guardian as a prerequisite for their participation.
Each teaching team may determine behavioral and academic
prerequisites for students to participate in some field trips.
Students will be notified of these expectations in advance of the
trip. Students not attending field trips are expected to report to
school. Signed parent or guardian permission slips are required for
each field trip.
Grading Policies and Procedures
The Quincy Public Schools Middle Schools are divided into
trimesters. The students receive an Interim Report which identifies
the student’s academic standing at the mid-point of the trimester.
At the end of each trimester the students are issued a Report Card
which they carry home to their family. The first two report cards
will be accompanied by a report card reflection sheet. Families
should discuss the report card; then complete the report card
reflection sheet which must be signed by a parent/guardian and the
student and returned to school. A note from a parent/guardian is
required if reflection sheet is lost. Families may keep each copy of
the report card as long as they sign and complete the reflection
sheet.
Report Cards:
Students receive letter grades which are an average of grades for
the trimester. The report card also contains standardized comments
which clarify the letter grades. The scale is:
A+ 97-100
A 93-96
A- 90-92
B+ 87-89
B 83-86
B- 80-82
C+ 77-79
C 73-76
C- 70-72
D+ 67-69
D 63-66
D- 60-62
F 59 and under
Specialist Course Grading:
E = Excellent
S = Satisfactory
U = Unsatisfactory
Interim Reports:
Interim Reports indicate the student’s academic standing in the
middle of each term. They will include comments from the teacher
to clarify the grade given. The scale is:
P= Pass
D= Danger of Failing
F= Failing
Additional reporting may be distributed for positive reinforcement
or just to inform a parent how their child is doing at that particular
time. These reports are to be signed by a parent or guardian and
returned to school the following day.
Honor Roll Criteria:
High Honor Roll = All A’s with the allowance for one B, and
no “U” in specials or conduct.
Honor Roll = All A’s and/or B’s with the allowance for one
C, and no “U” in specials or conduct.
Honors:
Any 7th or 8th grade student who is in the standard program and
would like to challenge themselves by taking courses at an honors
level should make these arrangements with their subject teacher or
guidance counselor.
Incompletes:
Incomplete grades that are unresolved, a “U” in conduct, or grades
of “D” or “F” in any subject eliminates a student from the honor
roll for that quarter.
Failures:
Any student who receives a failing or unsatisfactory grade will be
excluded from all extra-curricular activities. Students may apply
for re-entry into those activities through the principal. The student
must show evidence that they have gained tutorial assistance and
have displayed an increased effort to do better in the identified
subject or subjects.
Promotion Policy
Any student who fails two or more academic subjects for the year
and/or is absent 30 or more days, may be retained in his/her current
grade, unless the student successfully completes an agreed upon
summer school program (as approved by the principal) or in the
opinion of the principal extenuating circumstances exist which
make the student’s retention inappropriate. It is the responsibility
of the student personnel team to provide the principal with the
pertinent data and a placement recommendation for any student
who is in danger of retention.
It is incumbent upon the principal to notify the student’s parents or
guardians when poor classroom performance and/or attendance
indicate that a child is in danger of being retained. The principal
has the final responsibility for placement of any retained student.
School Records
All students must report to the office any change of address, home
telephone number, or change in contact person so that the correct
information will be available, at all times, in case of any
emergency. Students who are 14 years of age, as well as their
parents, have access to their student records consistent with the
“Regulations Pertaining to Student Records” issued by the
Department of Education. Requests to inspect the student records
shall be directed to the principal who will designate a staff member
to meet with the student and/or their parents. Massachusetts
Student Records Regulations generally prohibit school officials
from disclosing student records to third parties without the consent
of the parent.
Homework
Homework is given, as needed, to reinforce and extend the work
done in the classroom. Some long range project assignments and
independent study work will be given and enrichment reading is
always encouraged.
It is the student’s responsibility to see that the homework is turned
in on time and to check with teachers for make-up homework that
is due as a result of absences. All work missed during an absence
should be made up in a timely manner.
Homework Guidelines:
A full text version of the Quincy Public Schools homework guide
is available online at:
http://www.quincypublicschools.com/parent/parent_a_to_z.shtml#H
Copies of “A Guide to Homework in the Quincy Public Schools”
are also available in the Central Middle School Main Office.
In general, homework consists of routine assignments, review and
preparation for specific academic and classroom subjects.
Homework is a well-established part of the student’s educational
program and it provides opportunities for further research as well
as encourages reading for pleasure and information. There are
occasions when students are given time during the school day to
begin their homework for that day.
Grade 6 homework= 15-20 minutes per subject, per night.
Grade 7 homework= 20-25 minutes per subject, per night.
Grade 8 homework= 25-30 minutes per subject, per night.
The student’s daily homework will be posted on the Quincy Public
School web site, under the Central Middle School tab. Students
and their families can access the list of assignments identified by
the teachers as necessary. Students are also encouraged to acquire
one or two telephone numbers of classmates in order to obtain
homework assignments if they are, or expect to be, absent from
school.
Referring to the above guidelines, if at any time a student has
applied his or her best effort/ time allotted per subject for
homework and has been able to complete the assignment, the
parent/guardian can simply sign his/her agenda book so the teacher
can offer support during SSB the following day.
Standardized Testing:
All students have Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment
System (MCAS) testing each spring. Students take the MCAS in
the spring with subject area by grade. Also, students who speak a
primary language other than English have a series of MEPA and
MELA-O tests in both October and March to measure their
progress in the English language. It is important that students
attend school, arrive on time, get a good night sleep and eat a
nutritious breakfast especially during testing.
Agenda Books:
Students in grades 6-8 will be provided with a school Agenda
Book. All assignments should be recorded by students in their
Agenda Book. It is recommended that the Agenda Book be
brought home every night for parents/guardians to review and
check. It is suggested that any written communication between
home and school can be done in or attached to the agenda book.
Text Books
Students are provided text books in the appropriate classes during
the school year. It is important that students cover their books and
maintain them in the same condition which they received them. If a
book is lost, stolen or damaged it is the responsibility of the
student and/or their family to pay the replacement cost of the book
by the end of the school year. Costs vary by book, but range
between $10.00 and up to $60.00 for hardcover textbooks.
Use of Lockers
Each student is assigned a locker. It is the student’s responsibility
to provide a lock and to maintain this locker. Students should not
share their combinations with others. The administration reserves
the right to examine locker contents where there is a suspicion of a
condition which endangers the health, welfare, or safety of any
student. Students are permitted to use their lockers only at the
times designated by their teachers.
Lost and Found
During the course of the year there are hundreds of lost and found
items: glasses, cell phones, I-pods, jackets, lunch boxes, etc.
Please label items. Students should secure their belongings in their
lockers with a lock. Articles found in and out of the building
should be brought to the office. These items may be claimed there
by the owner. Students should refrain from bringing unnecessary
valuable items to school.
Drop off/ Pick-up and Parking
As you can imagine, a school with approximately 600 students
coming and going and 60 adults create traffic issues, especially
during inclement weather. For the safety of the children, parents
who drop off or pick up their children are asked not to park in the
school yard. Parking on the school side of Butler Road is also
forbidden.
MBTA Bus Schedule
Student bus passes may be purchased in the office during SSB for
$20. They will be activated until the end of the month. In order
for the activation to remain uninterrupted, students must pay an
additional $20 a few days prior to the upcoming month.
There are also “Pay as you go” student bus passes available in the
office. Students may put money on the card at the “T” station and
receive the student discounted fare. For more information
regarding schedules and policies, please check Central Middle
School’s QPS link.
Instant Alert System for Schools
Keeping parents informed and involved helps to assure student
safety and improve student success. Instant Alert for Schools is an
essential tool for notification and communication. Within minutes
of an emergency, school officials can use Instant Alert to deliver a
single, clear message to the students’ parents or guardians by
telephone, cell phone, e-mail, pager or PDA in any combination.
Instant Alert can also be used to notify you of a school closing due
to inclement weather. It’s an equally effective way to keep you
informed of everyday activities such as event times and locations
or schedule changes.
Instant Alert is internet based, allowing each family to maintain a
secure, password protected online profile. Please make note of the
instructions on the next page for accessing the system and creating
your profile. You can log into your profile at any time to update
your contact information. Maintaining the accuracy of your profile
will increase the ability of the school to keep you informed.
Your online profile will enable you to:
• Input your personal contact information
• Select which type of school information you would like to receive
on each of your contact devices
• Add contact information of other caretakers of your children,
such as a grandparent or neighbor
The system is ready for you to use at
https://instantalert.honeywell.com. We encourage all of you to take
advantage of this opportunity, as we will be utilizing this system
for most of our school to home communication. If you need
assistance with your profile, please use the “Help Request” link
found on the Instant Alert web site.
Honeywell Instant Alert for Schools
Parent User Interface
Website URL: https://instantalert.honeywell.com
Minimum Requirements
Register and create your account
1. Go to the Honeywell Instant Alert for Schools website listed above.
2. If you are not a staff member in the school, click on ‘Parent’ in the
New User box.
3. If you are a staff member in the school, use the user name and
password given to you by the school.
4. Complete the student information form. Click ‘Submit.’
5. Complete the corresponding screen. Click ‘Submit.’
6. After receiving the Confirmation message, click ‘Proceed’ to get
started with Instant Alert.
7. Note: Remember your Login Name and Password so you may use
it to update your profile.
View and check details about yourself and your family members
1. Upon successful login, click on ‘My Family.’
2. Click on a parent name to view and edit parent details.
3. Click on a student name to view details about your children
enrolled in this school.
Configure alert settings for yourself
1. Click on ‘Alert Setup.’
2. Click on the check boxes to select which alert type you would like
to have sent to which device.
Click on ‘Save’ when complete.
3. If you would like to add another contact device, select the device
type and enter the device details.
Select the person to whom the device belongs and click on ‘Add.’
4. For e-mail, text messaging and pagers you may send yourself a
test message. Click on ‘Send Test Message’ to send yourself a
message.
Telephone Use
Personal messages to students must be limited to emergencies
only. Students may use the office and guidance telephones for
emergencies (with permission). Some examples may include if the
student forgot an important project at home, if the student needed
to stay after school, etc.
Student Passes
No student shall be permitted to leave a classroom without a pass
properly filled out and signed by a teacher or staff member, except
at designated passing times.
Emergency Management Procedures
Safety Drill Instructions:
School safety is of the utmost importance, therefore practicing
safety drills helps prepare the students and staff in the event of an
emergency. Each school year we practice lock down, evacuation,
and reverse evacuation at least twice a year.
Fire Alarm Procedures:
When the fire alarm sounds all people must exit the building.
Students must be familiar with the posted procedures. Walking in
a quiet and orderly manner during an alarm is essential to the
safety and well-being of all those in the building. Students who
are not in a particular class when the alarm sounds should report to
the nearest exit, leave the building, and rejoin their class outside
the building. All classes and students should move away from the
building and wait quietly for the “all clear” call before returning
into the building.
Any student who is proven to have set off a false alarm is subject
to suspension. With the cooperation of the Quincy Fire
Department, additional fines or penalties may be assessed against
anyone in violation of the law.
Student Expectations
Respect for School Personnel:
Order and respect in the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, assemblies,
outside, or on a bus are necessary to provide an atmosphere
conducive to learning. Students must obey the lawful instructions
of all school personnel. Staff members are to be treated with
courtesy at all times. Disrespectful and abusive language or
behavior is unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action,
including a suspension.
Respect for Peers:
Mutual respect between students is necessary for an orderly school
climate. Students may not make physical or verbal threats to
anyone. All students are expected to avoid a fight and learn to use
alternative methods for solving a problem. The use of force for
any purpose is strictly forbidden. Hazing, in any form, is not
allowed.
Respect for School Property:
Students should take pride in the appearance of their school and
should help to keep it neat and attractive. Responsible care and
orderliness are expected of all students throughout the building,
and in the use of school equipment.
Students are to use waste containers and encouraged to recycle
whenever possible. Students are urged to keep the building and
grounds presentable at all times. Students are expected to keep
their desks and lockers neat and clean at all times. Students are
expected to treat the school and its property, including learning
materials, with care. Willful and deliberate vandalism, including
destruction by graffiti, will result in disciplinary action. Offenders
may be held responsible for the cost of repair and/or replacement
of the damaged property.
Student Behavior
Behavior guidelines are designed to assure each student’s
opportunity for learning, safety, and respect. It is essential for all
people to treat one another with fairness, respect, and dignity.
The following infractions are strictly forbidden: possession of
weapons; drugs and alcohol; firecrackers, cigarettes, matches, or
other incendiary objects; setting off a false fire alarm; fighting;
obscene language or gestures; sexual harassment; hazing; verbal or
physical intimidation, bullying and/or racial slurs; extortion.
To maintain a peaceful environment where everyone has an
opportunity to learn, students must: respect the rights of others to
study, work, and talk; follow the directions of adults at all times;
walk at all times (running outside the gym is prohibited); talk
softly in the cafeteria and hallways.
Bullying:
Bullying will not be tolerated at Central Middle School. Our goal
is to provide a safe and healthy learning environment where
students feel secure. The guidance counselors will educate
students at various assemblies throughout the year on the subject
matter. In addition, there will be a cyber-bullying presentation for
parents/guardians, date TBA.
Morning Entrance:
Students should not be in the building before 8:15 a.m. or after
2:30 p.m. unless they are in a supervised activity or with a staff
member.
Gum and Candy:
Gum and candy is forbidden in school. We ask that you eat a
healthy lunch. Milk and juice should be the beverages during
lunch. Soda is discouraged. The cafeteria food and beverages are
not allowed outside the cafeteria unless under the direct
supervision of a staff member.
Electronic Devices:
Private belongings like toys, games, CD’s, I-pods, disc players,
and other belongings that interfere with the learning process are
not permitted in school. Cell phones are permitted in the building
if they are turned off during school hours. Students are allowed to
bring their cell phone to school but (a) cell phones must be turned
off during the school day, (b) testing/calling during the school day
will result in punishment (c) keep cell phones in pocket or locked
in your locker.
Some teaching teams collect cell phones at the beginning of class
and return them at the end. Exceptions will be granted for school
activities only with the permission of a staff member. If brought to
school, or used inappropriately, these articles will be confiscated.
Backpacks and book bags should not be brought to class but rather
left in lockers for storage because they are a safety hazard.
Assemblies:
Students should remain with their class during assemblies.
Hooting, whistling, or inappropriate applause is not allowed. Feet
should be placed appropriately on the floor and not on the
furniture. At the conclusion of the assembly, students should
remain seated until dismissed by class with their teacher.
Cafeteria:
Food is to be eaten in an appropriate manner. Students are
expected to clean up after themselves. Students who continually
bother others will be excluded from eating with their peers. To
maintain a pleasant atmosphere, students must maintain indoor
voices. There is to be no yelling, banging, or running. After
lunch, weather permitting, a brief outside break is scheduled. This
is a time to socialize. Running and rough play are not allowed.
Students may play offense, defense, if a teacher offers to supervise.
Bus:
Bus conduct, whether it is a school bus or MBTA bus, requires
appropriate behavior. Since bus rides are considered extensions of
the school day, students will follow the rules and regulations of the
drivers. Misbehavior on buses will be treated similar to in-school
infractions.
Infractions to these expectations will be handled in accordance
with the guidelines of the Quincy Public School’s “Student Rights
and Responsibilities.” The Student Rights and Responsibilities
may be found on quincypublicschools.com; click on school link. It
is advised that if you do not have internet access a copy may be
obtained in Central’s main office. All parties should be familiar
with this publication.
Consequences will include parent conferences, after school
detainment, suspensions, and in severe cases, expulsion.
A day’s notice may be necessary for those students taking public
transportation. Students may use the telephone to inform parents
about their delay.
PTO (Parent Teacher Organization)
Central Middle School involves parents and staff in efforts to
support and extend Central programs, and build a sense of
community at the school. The PTO organizes a variety of
fundraisers and special events throughout the year. Parents and
staff are encouraged to participate in the sponsored activities.
Meeting dates are usually the third Thursday of each month at 7:00
PM. Please watch for announcements of exact dates, times,
locations, and topics.
Central School Improvement Council
As part of the requirements established by Educational Reform,
Central Middle School’s Improvement Council is the school’s
governance committee. Comprised of parents, staff, and
community representatives, the school council meets in open
sessions throughout the year to discuss and act upon areas of
interest. Charged with devising, updating, and implementing the
Central Middle School Improvement Plan, members conduct
periodic needs assessments and discuss the school budget,
academic progress, and areas of concern to staff and parents. All
school community members are encouraged to attend.
Procedure to Modify this Handbook
Any staff member, student, or parent may request a change in this
handbook through their representative body (Student Council, staff
meeting, or PTO).