Middle School Student Handbook

STUDENT CODE OF ETHICS

One attends school to learn. Everybody learns better when comfortable in his or her environment. You have responsibility to your peers and the adults who work at your school to watch out for wrongdoings and help prevent them if you can. Reporting to someone in authority will be kept confidential. Beware of how you treat others; it could come back to you in the end. Treat others with the respect that you deserve and want for yourself.

MIDDLE SCHOOL RIGHTS AND EXPECTATIONS

The Middle School Contract

“When individuals in the middle school community respect each other,  they agree to work together to support each other in their learning.” (Mary Henton.  Adventure in the Classroom.  1996.)

The Middle School Contract establishes expectations for a safe and orderly environment for learning.  Each member of the middle school community has the basic right to an education.  Everyone must feel physically, socially and emotionally safe in the middle school environment.  This includes school buses, school grounds, hallways, classrooms, cafeterias, and all school-sponsored events.  To accomplish this, clear and consistent expectations are stated in the form of a contract.  Ultimately, the goal is to have individuals make responsible decisions and be accountable for their actions.  

The Middle School Contract asks all members of the middle school community to commit to five expectations:

  1. Be Here
    • Attend Everyday
    • Be on time and prepared
    • Participate fully
  2. Be Safe
    • See something, hear something, say something
    • Physically keep to yourself
    • Respect other’s safety
  3. Be Kind
    • Treat others the way you would like to be treated
    • Be tolerant of individual difference
    • Encourage others to succeed
  4. Be Responsible
    • Accept responsibility for your actions
    • Be accountable for the goals that you set
    • Be honest with self and others
  5. Set Goals
    • Determine what you can and will achieve
    • Make adjustments to goals as needed
    • Celebrate successes

For students unable to…Be here; Be kind; Be safe; Be responsible…Disciplinary action and consequences may result

ADULT DIRECTIONS

You are responsible for following adult directions the first time they are given. Students should not argue, or question, any responsible request given by an adult. 

RESPECT

Students will respect another student’s individual differences, work, effort, space and belongings.  Interactions between students and adults will be polite and appropriate.

DISRESPECT / INSUBORDINATION

Insubordination to reasonable requests and defiance of authority toward any staff member is not permitted.

PHONES / HEADPHONES / EARBUDS / SPEAKERS

Electronic devices should not be used or visible from the time a student enters the building to when a student exits the building. Exceptions will be made by individual staff members for educational purposes only. Cell phones will be confiscated if used without permission during the school day.

Wired or wireless (Bluetooth) speakers are prohibited on our buses, bus ports, and in the school.

CARDS, SKATEBOARDS, AND OTHER ITEMS DISRUPTIVE TO THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS

These items disrupt the educational process and are not permitted in school.

STUDENT DRESS

Students are responsible for wearing clothing and accessories which are not offensive, disruptive to the educational process nor a danger to themselves or others. You have a responsibility to keep yourself and your clothing clean.  Students will not be permitted to wear clothing that depicts drugs, alcohol, sex, or violence. Short shorts, plunging / low necklines, exposure of abdomens, and undergarments are not appropriate for school.

HATS

Unless previously approved by a school administrator: Hats or other headgear such as bandanas, hoods, do-rags, etc. are not to be worn in the building during the school day.  

CLASS BEHAVIOR

Follow rules as outlined by adults in the classroom.

CAFETERIA BEHAVIOR 

All students have the right to a peaceful, enjoyable lunch.  Follow cafeteria rules as outlined by adults in the cafeteria.  Students are required to throw their own garbage away and clear their own table area.

BUS BEHAVIOR

The school bus is an extension of the school.  All of the rules of the Middle School Code of Conduct apply on the bus.  Additionally, there are specific bus rules which apply, such as remaining seated while the bus is moving, and following driver directions at all times.

BATHROOM BEHAVIOR

Use the bathroom for its intended purpose only.  Cell phone use in the bathroom is prohibited at all times.  

HALLWAYS

Students should walk, not run, in the hallways.  No congregating in large groups during transition times; Report directly to your next class.  Remain in your home school unless going to and from an assigned classroom.

TARDINESS / CUTTING CLASS / TRUANCY

Attendance is the key to success.  Be on time every day to each of your classes.

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

Displays of affection (i.e. kissing, hugging, holding hands, inappropriate touching, etc.) are not permitted in school. 

HAZARDOUS HORSEPLAY

Students should refrain from any behavior that jeopardizes the safety of others.

HARASSMENT

Harassment occurs when one or more students use power over another to make that person feel insecure, fearful, or unworthy.  Harassment is against the law.  It singles out a person through inappropriate sexual, racial, ethnic, religious, verbal, or physical comments or actions. If harassment occurs, report it immediately to any staff member in the building.

Middle School students have the right to feel safe everywhere in the building.  

THREATS / INTIMIDATION

Making threats verbally, in writing or through pictures against other students, staff or the school is a violation of the Code of Conduct.  

ALARMING COMMENTS/GESTURES

Comments that entail harming others, even with no intent to carry them out, can cause others to worry about their safety, or the safety of others, and will result in a consequence.  

FIGHTING

Fighting is strictly prohibited.  Students involved in a physical altercation will face immediate disciplinary action. Students who video record, provoke, or congregate during a physical altercation to promote a fighting environment will also face disciplinary consequences.

TOBACCO RELATED PRODUCTS

Smoking, or possession of cigarettes, vapes, and related items are prohibited. Related items include, but are not limited to, matches, lighters, and chargers.

POSSESSION OF DRUGS, DRUG PARAPHERNALIA OR ALCOHOL

School Suspension, police intervention and / or a Superintendent’s Hearing will occur.  Depending upon the circumstances, a referral for a substance evaluation may also be made to the family.

POSSESSION OF A WEAPON OR FIREWORKS

In accordance with state and federal laws, possession of anything that resembles a gun or weapon may result in suspension, police intervention and/or a Superintendent’s Hearing.

ARSON/BOMB SCARE

Such activity will result in suspension, police intervention and/or contact with the District Office for a Superintendent’s Hearing.

STEALING

Theft of any kind will result in restitution by the person(s) responsible. Suspension may also occur.

VANDALISM

Defacing or damaging school property will result in restitution, disciplinary action and possible police intervention.

FORGING A SIGNATURE

Students will refrain from forging a signature.

PLAGIARISM

Part of being a responsible person is honesty with yourself and others.  Plagiarism is submitting work done in whole, or part, by others as if it were your own. Any violation will result in consequences outlined by the Academic Integrity Policy.

UNAUTHORIZED VENDING

Students will refrain from selling items in school for personal profit.  

LOCKERS

Students will be assigned a locker with a combination.  The lockers belong to the school.  The administration has the right to search lockers.  Students should not share their locker or combination with other students.  The school is not responsible for items taken from student lockers.  Students are encouraged to use their locker during the day at the scheduled times only.  No adhesives (such as tape and stickers) are to be used on lockers. 

BACKPACKS

Backpacks need to stored in your locker throughout the school day.

CHROMEBOOKS

Basic Chromebook Care and Responsibilities:

  • Bring a charged Chromebook to school daily
  • Chromebook is secured in the case at all times
  • Leave the color-coded name tag in your Chromebook
  • Never touch another student’s Chromebook
  • Never eat/drink around your Chromebook
  • Use of VPNs, Proxy sites, and hot spots are prohibited
  • Students/parents are responsible for damages and the cost to repair
  • Streaming, listening to music, gaming, and/or surfing the web is strictly prohibited unless assigned by a staff member for educational purposes
  • No personal emails or chats

DISMISSAL

  • Go directly to your assigned bus slot and board your bus immediately. Standing outside your bus or wandering the bus port when your bus is there is prohibited. If your bus has not arrived yet, wait on the sidewalk/grassy area across from your bus slot, wandering is not allowed.
  • Students being picked up by your parent/guardian should be picked up in the parking lot of your assigned middle school.  (Gowana Students – use the Gowana crosswalk / Acadia and Koda Students – use the Acadia crosswalk)

    Middle School Homework Policy

    Homework provides an excellent opportunity for developing good study habits and for reviewing and reinforcing lessons. Homework also helps in determining the final grades in subject areas. In order to be successful in middle school, students must complete their homework.

    The Counseling Center is not responsible for collecting homework for students who will be out due to pre-planned absences (excluding medical reasons). These absences include extended trips for vacationing, visiting or any other similar purposes. It is up to the student to speak to his/her teachers prior to the absence to gather any work the teachers may be able to provide for them.

    The following procedures should be used for obtaining homework when students are absent from school due to illness.

    • One-Day Absence (Illness) – If a student is absent for just one day, they should contact a classmate to obtain the assignments and speak with their teacher upon their return to school.
    • Two or More Consecutive Days (Illness) – If a student is absent for two or more consecutive days, you should contact the Counseling Center Office at 881-0473 by 9:00 a.m., or you may e-mail Michele Murphy at murpmic1@shenschools.org. If a request is received after 9:00 a.m. it may not be possible to collect all the assignments by the end of the day. Teachers will need time to gather the homework and bring it to the Counseling Center. Any requested homework will be available for pick-up after 4:00 p.m. The homework will be placed in the holder to the right of the Counseling Center Office door.

    NOTE: Please do not contact teachers directly for homework requests. These requests need to be coordinated through the Counseling Center Office.