Harper Creek M S Handbook 2011-2012

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Transcript of Harper Creek M S Handbook 2011-2012

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    HARPER CREEK COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

    Harper

    CreekMiddle

    SchoolHarper Creek Community Schools

    2011-2012

    STUDENTS: This handbook is yours.It is provided to explain those things

    all students should know about theirschool. You should read it carefully,share the contents with your parents,and keep it with your school booksfor future reference. If youunderstand and follow the policiesdescribed in this booklet, as well asuse this planner as an organization

    tool, you should have a successfuland rewarding year.

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    Best wishes for a successful 2011-2012 school year!!!

    HCMS Staff

    STUDENTS: This handbook is yours. It isprovided to explain those things allstudents should know about their school.

    You should read it carefully, share itscontents with your parents, and keep it

    with your school books for futurereference. If you understand and followthe policies described in this booklet, aswell as use this planner as anorganizational tool, you should have a

    successful and rewarding year.

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    PARENTS: Your child has been given a student agenda. Whenused correctly, it helps them remain aware of assignments and due

    dates. The proper use of the planner also provides an excellent

    communication link so you remain aware of your childs progress

    and due dates.

    The use of the student planner is intended to provide an

    excellent tool to help students succeed in many areas of middle

    school life. Students who do not do well academically may not be

    using their planners wisely. Please help your childs middle school

    experience by insisting on proper use of the student planner.

    The school administrator and/or their designated staff havethe right to alter the disciplinary actions outlined in thishandbook. It is our goal to provide the safest environment for all

    students to learn and improve.

    ADDITIONAL POLICIES: The following policies are available

    on-line or hard copy as requested. All three must be read and

    reviewed by students and parents. A signature page will be

    provided, indicating that these policies and the expectations of the

    student handbook have been reviewed.

    1.HCCS SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

    2.WEAPON FREE SCHOOL ZONE POLICY3.ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO

    STUDENTS

    4.ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT TECHNOLOGY FORM (UPDATED THIS YEAR)

    CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR HOME TELEPHONE: Inform

    the office if you have a change of address or home telephone

    number in order to help in addressing mailings and in case ofemergency

    FIRST AID OR ILLNESS AT SCHOOL: A "Health Room" is

    provided for students who become ill during the school

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    day. You must secure permission from your teacher in order to usethis room, and you must ask permission of the office personnel

    before using the room. If you are so ill that you must leave school,

    you must notify the Middle School office. The "Health Room" is

    for short-duration, emergency use only. Report all injuries

    immediately to your teacher! All serious injuries must have an

    accident report filed in the school office.

    TELEPHONE:The office telephone may be used in case of

    illness or other emergency, or if you have a request from your

    teacher. The office telephone is a business telephone and may notbe used for students personal calls such as transportation

    arrangements after school activities. Please make these

    arrangements prior to the start of the school day.

    FUND RAISING/POSTING SIGNS: All fund raising projects

    and items sold at Harper Creek Middle School must be approved

    by designated district personnel. The selling of tickets, food items,

    or articles of any kind, other than those associated with school

    sponsored activities, is prohibited. The posting of signs attributedto an organization not connected to the school in any manner

    requires approval of the designated central administrative office

    personnel. All signs on lockers must be attached with magnets

    only, no adhesives may be used.

    LOST AND FOUND ARTICLES: There is a lost and found

    department located in the office and the gym. Any articles found

    should be turned in and losses of property reported so those items

    may be returned to their proper owner. Periodically, items are

    donated to local shelters or businesses that service thecommunitys needs.

    FIRE DRILLS, TORNADO ALERTS AND SAFETY

    DRILLS: Practice fire drills, tornado alerts, and safety drills

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    are held from time to time. Instructions as to what to do are postedin each classroom and will be discussed by your teacher early in

    the school year. Misbehavior during such drills and/or real alters

    will earn at minimum a detention. If a student is involved in

    causing a false alarm, police will be notified, suspension issued,

    and possible charged will be filed.

    ATTENDANCE POLICY: A child is considered truant when the

    student has no valid reason for missing school. Records will be

    forwarded to the truancy coordinator (student behavior specialists,

    counselor, and/or building principal) for review. This includesbeing late for class, excessive amount of days absent due to illness

    without verification from a doctor, missing one or more hours of

    class without a valid reason, or any absence reported as unverified

    or unexcused.

    Excused absences may include illness, emergency doctor's

    appointment, religious holiday, death in the family, or an approved

    field trip. An excused absence will only be considered if a

    written note is submitted to the guidance office, regardless of

    reasons left on the AIM line.Excessive absences from school can have a significant and

    negative impact on learning and achievement. Despite written

    excuses and explanations from the parent(s), frequent or excessive

    absences are a concern that the school administrator has an

    obligation to address with parents by law.

    Absence during the School Day for Professional Appointments

    When a student is to be absent for part of the day because of

    medical, dental, or legal appointments:

    1) The student must have a statement to that effect from his/her

    parents;2) The student mustbring a signed statement from the doctor,

    dentist, lawyer, counselor, etc. to the effect that s/he reported

    promptly for the appointment;

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    3) The student may report back to school immediately after his/herappointment if school is still in session.

    Absences that do not accumulate against this guideline

    include: field trips or other school affiliated activities approved by

    the administration.

    After contact has been made by classroom teachers and/or the

    office (through our attendance line (AIM) volunteers, the steps

    indicated below will be followed:

    Communication procedures:

    1st letter will be sent home when a student has

    accumulated five (5) days of unexcused absences.

    2nd letter will be sent home when a student has

    accumulated ten (10) or more days. A mandatory

    parent/guardian meeting will be scheduled.

    When a student misses fifteen (15) days of

    excused/unexcused absences the parent/guardian will benotified and a referral will be filed with the Courts.

    Students who return to school with a valid written excuse may

    make up work missed and receive full credit. The maximum time

    allowed for make-up work when absence is due to illness is twice

    the length of the absence. It is the student's responsibility to askfor make-up work.

    HOMEWORK FOR PROLONGED ILLNESS: Assignments

    may be requested for students by contacting the school office.

    One day of lead-time is necessary between the time of request and

    the time assignments are picked up. Homework for an absence of

    less than three days can be secured by contacting the teacher

    directly, calling a classmate or checking class web pages.

    TARDINESS: A student who is late to class for any other reason

    will be considered tardy. In any one marking period, the first time

    a student is late to class it will result in a warning. The second

    tardy will result in a detention. Any further tardy, in the samemarking period, will result in office referrals, which will result in

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    detainment after school, lunch detentions, parent conferences, or inschool suspension.

    Entering class late:

    Legitimate reasons for entering class late are: 1) Riding a late bus;

    2) Being detained by a teacher or other school official; 3)

    Medical/dental appointment with proof of appointment provided

    by medical/dental office.

    * A student who rides a bus, which is late, should go directly to the

    office to inform the office as to the reason for your late arrival. A

    student who is detained by a teacher should request a note from

    the same teacher and bring it to the class you are entering late. Astudent with written proof of medical/dental appointments should

    report to the office to sign in and will be excused .

    TEXTBOOKS: For identification purposes, the name of the

    student using a book must be written in ink on the inside cover.

    Books at the end of the year must be returned and an allowancewill be made only for natural wear.

    Fines will be issued for books not returned or returneddamaged. All fines will be maintained on the students record until

    paid. Fines can prevent a student from receiving their reports cards

    or diploma.

    GRADING PROCEDURE AND REPORT CARDS; The

    grading system is as follows:

    A Excellent 90-100

    B Above Average 80-89

    C Average 70-79

    D Below Average 60-69

    E Failing 59 or less

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    * A GOOD CITIZENSHIP RECORD IS VERY IMPORTANT TOYOU NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.

    * A teacher may give an incomplete grade "I" if work has not been

    completed in a marking period. If a student receives an "I", the "I"

    must be removed and a letter grade given within a reasonable time.

    * Report cards will be distributed following each 9-week marking

    period in November, January, March, and June.

    * Interim (mid-term) progress reports may be distributed midway

    through each marking period.

    * Any student who has 3.0 grade-point average (GPA) or better

    each marking period will make the honor roll and strongcitizenship marks.

    * Parents may access information regarding their students

    individual assignments, grades/attendance, and teacher

    comments through the Harper Creek Community Schools

    District Web Site. Security procedures, including user names

    and passwords, are provided to each parent/guardian.

    HONOR ROLL: Honor Roll status is determined at the end of

    each marking period. Students with a grade B (3.00) or bettermay qualify for the Honor Roll. Highest Honors 4.00; High

    Honors 3.50-3.99; Honors 3.00-3.49. A student will not qualify for

    any honors with a failing grade in any class or a poor citizenship

    mark. Students will be awarded honor certificates for maintaining

    honor roll status for a minimum of three marking periods.

    COUNSELING: Counseling is a service provided for all students.

    Counseling allows the student to discuss any problems. Matters

    discussed are strictly confidential between the student and

    counselor. Some possible problems, which might arise, are troublewith friends, teachers, homework, low grades, personal conflicts

    and many others. It is the goal of the counseling services to

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    provide the student body with a person whose main goal isunderstanding and help.

    STUDENT CONDUCT: Students are expected to conduct

    themselves in an orderly, safe, and responsible way at all times.

    Disrespect for any school staff and other students will not be

    tolerated. Politeness and courtesy are expected for all. All school

    personnel, teachers, administrators, secretaries, substitute teachers,

    custodians, paraprofessionals, etc., are to be regarded as an

    authority in all instances regarding student behavior. This is to

    include extra-curricular activities as well as those occurring duringthe school day. Any student guilty of any infraction will be

    subject to disciplinary action.

    MEDIA CENTER/COMPUTER LABS: To insure that the

    Media Center/Computer Labs serve their purposes as a research

    and study areas, the following rules must be observed.

    1. All library materials must be checked out by the librarian and

    with students ID number.

    2. No student is to go to the Media Center without the permissionof his or her teacher.

    3. No student is allowed to be in a computer lab unsupervised.

    4. Students must only be on school approved websites, as stated in

    the acceptable use agreement, which must be signed and on file

    prior being given access to a student account. Students should

    remember it is a privilege to work in the Media Center and

    Computer Labs and, if they are not able to handle themselves in a

    responsible manner, this privilege can be taken from them. If those

    privileges are revokes, students are responsible for making up their

    school work on their own. No additional time will be given tocomplete work due to the loss of the technology privileges.

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    CHEATING: Cheating includes the actual giving or receiving ofany unauthorized aid or assistance or the actual giving or receiving

    of unfair advantage on any form of academic work. Plagiarism

    includes the copying of the language, structure, idea and/or

    thought of another and representing is as ones own original work.

    When cheating is detected, the following steps will be taken:

    1st - 0 for work or test reported to office

    2nd - 0 for work or test reported to office - appropriate discipline

    3rd - 0 for work or test reported to office appropriate discipline

    (Repeated offenses in the same class may result in failure of the

    class.)

    VALUABLE ARTICLES: We recommend that you do not bring

    electronic devices such as I-pods, cell phones, or Nintendo DSs to

    school. Do not bring large sums of money to school. The school

    will not be responsible for items lost by students nor will we

    search for any missing contraband. Any electronic devices must

    be off and in your locker during school hours. Students who have

    any electronic devices out of their locker between 7:45am and

    2:45 pm will receive a one day ISS.

    DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE: Dress and

    grooming is the responsibility of the home and family. The

    educational system should prepare students for effective living in

    adult society. Having good taste in dress and grooming establishes

    school pride. Students are to wear appropriate school clothes

    which are socially acceptable. Personal appearance should not

    disrupt the educational process, all undue attention to the

    individual, or affect the safety or welfare of either the student

    involved or fellow classmates. Shoes must be worn. Hats/headcoverings and other outerwear (i.e., backpacks, coats and jackets)

    are to be

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    kept in student lockers and not worn/brought to class. Studentswhose attire does not comply with the above standards or is

    disruptive to the educational process shall be directed to change or

    call home for acceptable attire.

    GUIDING PRINCIPALS FOR CLOTHING AND OTHER

    ITEMS:*All shirts must cover the chest, stomach, and back.

    *Students must wear pants at the waist level.

    *Tank tops (straps must be at least two inches in width).

    *Rips in pants, shorts, skirts, must be no higher than the allotted

    length (4in). Even while wearing leggings.*Clothing which encourages, advertises or emphasizes drugs,

    tobacco, alcohol, or material of obscene, profane, or suggestive

    nature

    *Clothing that identifies gang affiliation or be worn in a manner

    that identifies gang affiliation

    *Must not violate HCMS code of conduct

    *May not disrupt the educational environment.

    CLOTHING OR ITEMS NOT PERMITTED:*halter tops/tube tops *spray painted

    hair *muscle shirts *studdedjewelry/chains *tops with strings/spaghettistraps. *low cut blouses *backless tops

    *pajamas and or slippers*hats/head coverings/raised hood *low ridingpants*tops that expose the midriff *heelies, roller

    blades, orskateboards

    FOOD: No energy drinks, 2-liters of pop, etc. will be permitted.No containers larger than 20oz. will be permitted. Glass containers

    are not to be brought into school. Misuse of food and soft drink

    items at lockers will be handled on an individual basis.

    TRANSPORTATION: The School Code does not intend

    transportation to be an absolute privilege available under all

    circumstances that could not be forfeited by some act on the part

    of the student. Students are made aware of the

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    detention policy and consequence of misconduct and, therefore,forfeit their privilege to transportation when required to stay for

    detention.

    BASIC STUDENT BUS RULES: School bus transportation is

    provided for most students living within the boundaries of the

    school district. This privilege may be denied any student for

    improper conduct while riding the school bus. The length of this

    denial may vary from one day to the complete school year,

    depending on the number of referrals and/or seriousness of the

    misconduct.Proper student conduct is a most important factor in the safe and

    orderly operation of the transportation program. The Board of

    Education and administration expect the same level of appropriate

    student behavior while riding a school bus as they would in the

    classroom or any public place. Therefore, it is of utmost

    importance that bus drivers, the supervisor of transportation,

    principals, and parents continually work together cooperatively

    and promptly to assure the best possible student behavior.

    The school bus driver is in charge of the bus at all times when it isin operation and has authority to demand observance of proper

    student conduct and the school bus rules. A proper amount of

    discipline must be maintained on the bus in order to permit the

    driver to maintain adequate composure for the safest operation of

    the school bus. A rowdy, noisy, and destructive student will not be

    tolerated by the bus driver or the school administration. Each

    driver is given authority to stop the bus to talk with a student who

    is not conducting himself or herself properly and to report the

    student to the supervisor of transportation and principal. Proper

    disciplinary action will be taken against the student and a record ofthe incident will be kept. Repeat offenders will be asked to secure

    their own transportation to and from school.

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    CAFETERIA AND LUNCH PERIOD: STUDENTS MAY NOTLEAVE THE GROUNDS DURING THE LUNCH PERIOD

    without permission from school administration. The cafeteria will

    be open during the lunch time, providing Type A and Type A a la

    carte in both lines. Students are expected to clear their table and

    return trays, dishes and any silverware to designated areas. To

    avoid unnecessary clean up problems, food and drink are not to be

    taken from the cafeteria or brought into the building and consumed

    in hallways or classrooms. Students are expected to observe

    proper behavior in the cafeteria.

    LOCKER AND LOCKER ASSIGNMENTS: Lockers are the

    property of the school. They are loaned to the students.

    Designated officials may, according to law and Board policy, have

    access to student lockers when reasonable cause suggests that the

    safety and welfare of students and other personnel and property of

    the school may be threatened. There is no fee for locker use.

    However, students may be charged a fee of locker misuse. Locker

    rules:

    1) Students should not occupy lockers other than their own.2)Students should not divulge their locker combination to anyone

    nor should students seek to obtain the combination of other

    students lockers.

    3)Interior and exterior of lockers are to be maintained in a clean

    and orderly fashion. Lockers should be kept locked except when

    being used.

    4)Students are encouraged to keep separate record of their

    combination.

    5)The school is not responsible for misplaced, lost, or stolen

    articles.6)Students who tamper with lockers will be subject to appropriate

    discipline.

    7)Students are not allowed to use personal locks.

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    Padlocks for use in the gym and athletic programs will be

    issued by the physical education instructors and coaches.

    Locks not authorized for use in the school will be cut

    from lockers, etc.

    Students are not allowed to use a locker in any manner

    that violates school rules or state law.

    SEARCH AND SEIZURE (SCHOOL PROPERTY

    INSPECTION): School principals have the right and duty to

    search a students person and property if there is a reasonable

    suspicion that drugs, weapons, dangerous, illegal or prohibited

    matter, or such stolen goods are likely to be found. It is the

    schools duty to enforce school discipline and to protect the health

    and safety of the student and/or student body.

    STUDENT IDENTIFICATION: All persons must, upon request,

    correctly identify themselves to proper school authorities in theschool building or school grounds or at school-sponsored events.

    Failure to comply will result in appropriate discipline and/or

    removal the premises.

    PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION: Public display of

    affection between students is not appropriate at school. Kissing or

    physical contact will not be permitted. Abuses of the expectation

    will follow the standard discipline procedure.

    BULLYING: Bullying is a form of harassment. For the purposes

    of this policy, bullying is defined as: The repeated intimidation

    of others by the real or threatened infliction of physical, verbal,

    written, electronically transmitted, or emotional abuse, or through

    attached on the property of another. It may include, but not be

    limited to, actions such as verbal taunts, name calling, and put-

    downs, including ethnically-based or gender-based verbal put-

    downs, extortion of money or possessions, and exclusion

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    from peer groups within school. Such conduct is disruptive to theeducational process and, therefore, bullying is not acceptable

    behavior in this District, and is prohibited.

    ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND/OR INTOXICANTS:The

    possession or use of alcoholic beverages and/or intoxicants shall

    be strictly prohibited in any school building, or on school grounds,

    or at any school-sponsored function, even if such function is held

    away from the school premises; the appearance of students in

    school or at school sponsored functions who are to any degree

    under the influence of intoxicants is likewise strictly prohibited.Any student violating this regulation, regardless of age, is subject

    to temporary separation and/or suspension from the school.

    DRUGS AND UNAUTHORIZED SUBSTANCES:Students are

    prohibited from possession, misuse or selling any controlled

    substances in any school or school-related activity. Controlled

    substances include but are not limited to: Marijuana, hashish, or

    any similar cannabis derivative, amphetamines (speed, white

    cross, cocaine), phencyclidines (PCP, angel dust), all hallucinatorychemicals (LSD, mescaline, and others), barbiturates, and opiates.

    All other controlled substances or mood altering chemicals which

    have the potential to hinder the students ability to learn and which

    could cause damage to a students health.

    SCHOOL SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY

    The use of marijuana, LSD, and other illicit drugs is detrimental to

    the welfare and health and education of students. The use,

    possession, or distribution of such substances is definitely illegal

    and, in some instances, a felony. Experience shows us thatstudents using substances lose interest in their school work. The

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    problem must be met openly and frankly, and the school mustmake efforts to interdict the flow of drugs in the school setting. It

    is the intent of this policy to actively discourage the use of illegal

    substances. Any student who violates this policy will be referred

    to the Student Assistance Program or to an appropriate substance

    abuse agency before being re-admitted to school.

    TOBACCO

    The use of tobacco products by all students, regardless of age, in a

    school building or on the school premises is strictly prohibited; no

    individual shall be allowed to use tobacco at school-sponsoredfunctions, even those held away from school. The possession of

    tobacco products is prohibited by students under 18.

    WEAPONS

    Possession or use of weapons is illegal and strictly prohibited.

    Weapons include, but are not limited to firearms, daggers, dirks

    stilettos, knives with a blade over 3 inches in length, pocket knives

    opened by mechanical device, iron bars, brass knuckles, martial

    arts paraphernalia or any other instrument or device used tothreaten or inflict physical harm on persons or property.

    Immediate action will be taken to eliminate the continuation of

    risks to persons or property. Violations will be referred to law

    enforcement authorities and the student will be subject to

    temporary separation, suspension, and/or expulsion proceedings.

    ASSEMBLIES: Assemblies and having guest speakers are a

    privilege and not a right for the students. It is proper to talk quietly

    until the program begins. It is however, improper to talk during

    the assembly. When any person steps before an assembly ofstudents, the group should be quiet, listen respectfully, and

    applaud if applause is due. Whistling, hooting, or stamping of feet

    is not considered

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    good assembly conduct. Students are to leave the assembly onlywhen dismissed by the person in charge of the assembly.

    SPORTS: Middle school students (primarily 6th, 7th & 8th grades)

    have the opportunity to participate in seasonal sports. Practices

    are held before/after school during the season. Teams are selected

    in this manner:

    1. Coach calls a meeting of all interested students.

    2. All students who wish to participate may sign up for the sport.

    Some sports may have to conduct try-outs to determine who will

    participate.3. The coaches pick the students who have shown the most

    progress or skill to be on the school team.

    To participate in any activity, the student must have

    satisfactory conduct and have passing grades in his studies. Our

    school regulation is that a student may not participate in games if

    he is currently receiving more than one failing grade. Sports are a

    privilege which the school offers to the student and membership

    on a school team should be regarded as an honor and not as a right.School regulations require that students be in attendance at

    school (all day) on game days and practice days in order toparticipate in the game or practice.

    All students are assessed an insurance/medical supply fee for

    each sport when participating in our athletic program. These fees

    are required and are assessed in accordance with Harper Creek

    Community Schools Board Policy.Participation fees are $60.00

    for each of the first two sports. Each sport thereafter will be$30.00.

    A physical exam statement, signed by a physician stating thatthe student is physically able to compete in athletic practices and

    contests, must be on file in the office before allowed to try out orparticipate. In compliance with MHSAA regulations, any physical

    exam given after April 15th of the previous school year is

    considered valid.

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    When transportation is provided by the Harper Creek SchoolDistrict, all athletes shall travel to and from all contests in school

    vehicles and under school supervision. Exceptions to this

    procedure will be made only if arrangements are made by the

    parent in writing, prior to the contest or practice. If approved, the

    athlete will be released only to his/her parent.

    SPORTSMANSHIP: Every student at Harper Creek should

    display good sportsmanship. Sportsmanship is not shown just by

    the way you play in athletic games, but in everything you do...at

    school, at home and in all groups to which you belong. A goodsport cooperates well with others at all times. Be a modest winner

    and gracious loser either as a spectator or as a participant. In the

    classroom or in the family, a good sportsman accepts the decision

    of the group even though you may have preferred some other play.

    Remain seated so that others may see the game. As a

    representative of your school, good sportsmanship should

    be practiced at all times. Refrain from hissing, booing,

    or doing anything that might reflect negatively on you,

    your parents, or your school. Pay a compliment for allgood efforts displayed by players. Violation of these

    expectations will result in a minimum of social probation

    but could include school suspension.

    FIELD TRIPS: During the course of the year, our students may

    have scheduled field trips. Students will be excluded from these

    field trips if they have either, 2 detentions, 1 ISS, or 1 OSS within

    90 days of their field trip.

    VISITORS: Students are not to bring visitors to school without

    prior approval from the principals office. Permission will be

    considered if the visitor is a guest in the home of the student

    requesting permission. No visitors are

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    to be in the school building during the noon hour unlesspermission has been granted to them from the principals office.

    When permission has been granted the student is to make the

    visitor known to each classroom teacher and to show the teacher

    the written permission. It is the students responsibility to see that

    the visitor conducts himself/herself properly.

    STUDENTS ON SCHOOL PREMISES: No students are

    permitted in classrooms, gyms, and areas other than the main

    hallways, until teachers are present for supervision purposes.

    Students are to remain in their designated areas unless they havebeen given permission by a teacher or have class at a specific time

    (i.e. 5th or 6th graders in the 7th or 8th grade areas and visa versa).

    **Students are expected to be out of the building at the end ofthe school day unless under the direct supervision of a teacher,

    coach or other adult supervisor. Violation of this rule may resultin disciplinary action being taken, including suspension.

    SCHOOL SOCIAL ACTIVITIES: School social activities are

    not public events. They are sponsored and approved to meet thesocial needs of members of Harper Creek Middle School students

    only. Parents are always welcome guests. Social activities will be

    coordinated by a staff sponsored organization with the

    Administrators approval.

    1. Unacceptable behavior will jeopardize the privilege of attending

    future school social events.

    2. Once the student arrives at a school social activity he or she

    may not leave without the permission of the person in charge.

    3. Students who are absent the day of a school social activity/party

    may not attend the function.4. Students on social probation may not attend social functions

    sponsored by the school.

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    4. Students should notify their parents when event is scheduled toend prior to their coming so that extended waiting is avoided.

    5. All materials, supplies, and food, which are to be purchased,

    must be requisitioned through the Middle School office.

    6. Students sponsoring the school social activity are responsible

    for replacing all equipment used after the activity is over.

    7. A minimum of six chaperones is required. There must be three

    (3) teacher chaperones and a minimum of three (3) parents

    representing three (3) different families.

    SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS: Our school is fortunate to havecapable people to help us whenever regular teachers are absent. A

    substitute teacher is an important visitor whose impressions of our

    school will be carried into the community. Students who fail to

    give cooperation to substitute teachers will be subject to parent

    notification/conference and /or appropriate discipline.

    DEFINITIONS OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION

    Efforts shall be made by the school staff to resolve student

    disciplinary problems within the school setting. At times, action bythe school administration may require:

    Detention Students who conduct themselves in an unacceptable

    manner or violate school regulations may be required to remain in

    a designated area for lunch or remain after school for varying

    lengths of time depending on the nature of the violation. Failure to

    attend detention as assigned, without making prior arrangements,

    will result in appropriate discipline. (Sports practice or games,

    club meetings, drivers education, working, etc., are NOT VALIDreasons that will excuse a student from a detention assignment).

    An excessive number detentions may result in a parentalconference and /or probation or suspension.The only obligation

    the school assumes regarding the assigning

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    of detention is to provide notification so that the student may makearrangements for transportation, work or family commitments.Aone-day notice will be given before the after school detention.

    In-House Suspension A student may be excluded from his/her

    classes and confirmed to a suspension room. The student will not

    be charged with absences during this time, but is responsible for

    his/her work. Students who are continually being assigned in-

    house suspension may lose the option of in-house suspension.

    Temporary Separation Students may be excluded from school

    to a maximum of three school days, either from one class period or

    for the entire day. Such measure is one which may be necessaryunder extraordinary circumstances or in an emergency which

    demands immediate action on the part of appropriate staff to

    protect the safety and general welfare of the students and to ensure

    continuance of the education program. Delays in implementation

    of temporary separations will not be granted while appeal

    procedures are being pursued.

    Suspension Students may be excluded from school for a specific

    period of time not to exceed ten (10) school days by the building

    administrator. Longer term suspensions require Superintendent orBoard of Education action. If a student is to be suspended from

    school as punishment, he/she has a right to know what rule he/she

    has violated and the nature of the evidence. The student also has

    the right to provide his/her explanation of the incident.

    A removal from school is serious enough deprivation to require

    that due process be observed. Neither notice nor hearing has to be

    formal. In an emergency, the school may send the student home

    and postpone these procedures until the crisis passes. If the student

    is found innocent later, the student would be reinstated and the

    record of the suspension erased.Expulsion - is defined as the exclusion of a student from school

    for a period longer than defined in the suspension

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    section above. An expulsion may be for a portion of a semester, asemester, year(s), or permanently. Expulsions require Board of

    Education action.

    Probation A conditional enrollment for a trial period.

    Responsibility for such placement shall reside with the principal or

    the designated personnel. This measure is used in circumstances

    where the student has demonstrated past behavior or attendance

    patterns which are consistently different than regularly expected

    levels.

    Students who do not meet the standards set forth in the

    probation statement will be recommended to the Board ofEducation for long-term exclusion.

    A student whose presence imposes a continuing danger to

    persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting academic

    process may be immediately removed from school.

    DISCIPLINARY NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS

    In disciplinary matters, as outlined in items 1-6 above, parents will

    be notified as soon as possible by phone and/or letter by school

    personnel.

    SOCIAL PROBATION: Students who demonstrate unacceptable

    behavior and/or attitudes during the regular school day or at after

    school activities are subject to being placed on SOCIAL

    PROBATION as part of their disciplinary action. While on

    SOCIAL PROBATION, the student is excluded from attending

    any after-school social activities and games. Examples of some

    behaviors that result in being placed on SOCIAL PROBATION

    are: fighting, tobacco/drug/alcohol incidents; substitute teacher

    referrals; multiple classroom referrals; skipping school/cuttingclass(es); profane or obscene language; failure to comply with

    disciplinary measures. The length of time students are placed on

    SOCIAL PROBATION varies from a minimum of one month to

    the remainder of the school year, depending upon the violation and

    the individual student's overall disciplinary record.

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    TITLE IX/NON-DISCRIMINATION:It is the policy of the

    Harper Creek Community Schools that it does not discriminate on

    the basis of sex, race, religion, handicap or ethnic background in

    the education programs and activities, which it operates. The

    Harper Creek Community Schools is required by Title IX of the

    Educational Amendments of 1972, as amended, and the Rules and

    Regulations issued by the Department of Education that it not

    discriminate in education programs and activities.

    Board of Education Policies are available on at an individualsrequest to review. Many more details related to this handbook can

    be found in those policies.