KENMORE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Arts and Communications Technology 200 S. Carlin Springs Road

Arlington, Virginia 22204 Telephone: 703-228-6800 FAX: 703-998-3069

Attendance Line: 703-228-6802

Student-Parent Handbook 2018-2019

David McBride, Ed.S. Angelique Close, M.Ed. Principal Assistant Principal

Christine Joy, Ed.S. Octavia Searles, M.Ed. Assistant Principal Assistant Principal

Kaitlin Bresnahan, M.Ed. Director of Counseling Services

KENMORE’S HISTORY Kenmore Middle School has an exciting history which now includes someone special—YOU! That’s right; your involvement in the life of the school matters and your work this year will go down in history. Let’s make it the most fabulous year ever at Kenmore Middle School! Kenmore first opened in 1950 as an elementary school. Kenmore was named in honor of the home of Betty Lewis, George Washington’s sister. The original Kenmore home is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia. A painting of the home done by our art students is located in the main office. In 1956 it became a junior high school for grades 7th through 9th . In 1977, Kenmore became an intermediate school for just the 7th and 8th grades. In 1990, the school system implemented the middle school program and Kenmore became a middle school for students from 6th to 8th grade. When Kenmore Middle School became heavily crowded in the late 1990s, planning for a new building began. This planning centered on bringing a state-of-the-art facility to the Kenmore community. Construction began in the summer of 2004, and the new building was opened in 2005. Our arts and communications technology focus began in 1994 and was designed to create an outstanding instructional program. This program was featured in The Washington Post’s list of top area middle schools and annually produces award-winning students and staff. In 2010, the school was featured as a SMART Showcase School for its innovative use of SMART Boards. Each year, Kenmore Middle School staff members participate in

professional learning related to technology and arts integration. While you are at Kenmore you will take part in some form of visual and performing arts, and you’ll also get

to interact with the latest instructional technology. Kenmore Middle School provides, rich diversity, acceptance for differences, many languages, service projects, field trips, arts integration.

In 2011, our school was honored to host a visit by the President of the United States. Former President Obama spoke with the entire student body and met with a small group of students and teachers regarding arts and technology education, and then he delivered a policy speech on education. Our school colors are green and gold and our mascot is a Cougar. We hope this year is a rewarding, exciting, challenging, and inspiring experience. Kenmore’s Faculty & Staff wishes you all the very best for the 2018-19 school year! ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY FOCUS

Kenmore Middle School is an Arts and Communications Technology Focus School where the APS middle school curriculum is intergrated through dance and movement, drama, visual arts, music, and many forms of communications technology. This delivery method provides students with alternative ways to learn the curriculum. The program seeks to encourage students to use all eight intelligences by which people gain knowledge. These multiple intelligences, first described by educational theorist Howard Gardner, are expressed through musical, visual, verbal, logical, spatial, kinesthetic, interpersonal, and environmental cues. What kind of learner are you? Do you learn better by moving around, drawing a picture, or by talking about an idea with friends? Do you learn best by listening or by viewing? Does an idea come alive for you when you are actively experimenting or quietly reflecting? Knowing your own personal learning style will help you be a better student and will also help your teachers as they try to engage you with the subject matter. At Kenmore, the curriculum comes alive through many different arts and technology opportunities. You get more at Kenmore!

2018-2019 SCHOOL CALENDAR

September 4….......…First Day of School; ACT II Starts September 20.........Middle School Back to School Night October 8…......... Columbus Day Holiday (No Students) October 10………….….…Middle School Early Release October 26……...………. Conference Day (No Students) November 6………Grade Preparation Day (No Students) November 12………………Veteran’s Day (No Students) November 21-23……..Thanksgiving Holiday December 12…Middle School Early Release December 24-January 4..........Winter Break January 7...….……….... School Reopens January 16……Middle School Early Release January 21…Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (No Students) January 28……….…Grade Preparation Day (No Students) February 13………………... Middle School Early Release February 18…….…Presidents’ Day Holiday (No Students) March 8 ……………...…...Conference Day (No Students) March 13.……Middle School Early Release (No Students) April 1 ……………Grade Preparation Day (No Students) April 15-19………………. Spring Break May 27 ………………….…Memorial Day (No Students) June 19 ………..….8th Grade Promotion June 21……….....Last Day of School Early Release *Dismissal is at 11:54 AM on Early Release

Days

ACTIVITIES

Interscholastic Sports

♦ Boys’ Soccer ♦ Girls’ Soccer ♦ Swimming

♦ Diving ♦ Wrestling ♦ Tennis ♦ Cheerleading ♦ Boys’ Basketball

♦ Girls’ Basketball ♦ Track ♦ Ultimate Frisbee

All students must have a current completed physical examination form on file in the clinic for you to try out for an interscholastic sport.

Kenmore Middle School is a Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies school. As a PBIS school, we provide a respectful, responsible and safe school environment where students experience academic and behavior success. Kenmore’s Cougar Pride Statement

We Are:

Respectful Responsible

Safe

At Kenmore, students are taught to promote respect, responsibility and safety. Please refer to the last page of this document to reference the Kenmore chart (matrix) explaining student expectations. Following Kenmore Student Expectations demonstrate: “Cougar Pride”

At Kenmore, We Are…

Respectful

● Everyone is treated with respect and consideration.

● Students are expected to cooperate and follow the directions of staff.

Responsible

● Take care of the building and materials.

● Lock your hall locker and gym locker.

● Personal property, cell phones and school materials remain in locked lockers.

● Personal electronic devices must be left at home or secured in yourl locker.

● Avoid bringing large sums of money, expensive equipment, cameras, iPods, expensive phones, or other valuables to school because of the potential for theft and disruption.

Thefts occur when expensive items that should remain at home are brought to school. If you love it, leave it at home.

● Food, drink, and candy will be consumed in the cafeteria or in the classroom with the permission of the teacher. Eating and drinking is not permitted in the hallway, auditorium, nor gym.

● Arrive for classes and EXCEL on time.

● Turn in work when it is due.

● Be prepared by bringing books, notebooks, paper, pens, iPads etc. to class each day; bring gym clothes to PE class.

● Backpacks are left in lockers.

● Note assignments and other important upcoming events.

● If you are staying after school, it must be under the supervision of an adult.

● Participate in class activities.

● Complete class and homework on time.

● Write your name (first and last) on your work and personal property.

● Ask your teacher for help with missing assignments.

● Use the After-School Support Center (ASSC) to complete work.

Safe

● Smoking/vaping is prohibited in all

school buildings.

● Possessions of real or look-alike illegal substances, fireworks, or weapons will result in notification of the police.

● You must remain at school unless you are signed out by a parent or guardian or dismissed at the end of the school day.

● Conduct that endangers or harms others, including verbal or physical abuse, name-calling, inappropriate touching and/or comments to others will result in serious disciplinary action.

The above behaviors may result in a disciplinary action which may include: parent conference, lunch detention, after-school detention, 7 p.m. detention, in-school suspension, or out-of-school suspension.

Acts that violate county, state or federal laws will be reported to the police. Arlington Public Schools has the authority to discipline students, while on school premises, while in proximity to school premises, when coming to or going from school, while on school-owned and operated school buses or on chartered buses, while engaged in approved and supervised school activities on or off school premises, and when the good order, safety or welfare of the school or its students is affected as a result of out of school actions. (reference: SB Policy J-7.4 Disipline) The Kenmore staff is committed to maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment. If you see or hear of a potentially dangerous situation around the school report it immediately to an adult. Confidentiality will be strictly maintained.

Telephone Expectations Students are expected to:

● use a classroom school phone, with the permission and in the presence of an adult staff member.

● listen to all morning and afternoon announcements regarding activities.

● notify parents or legal guardians if you will be staying after school.

Cell Phone Expectations Students are expected to:

● silence or shut off cell phones when entering the building.

● store cell phones in locker-they should not be visible during the instructional day.

● use cell phones once you have exited the building.

Cell phones used without permission or inappropriately will be confiscated by an administrator. The student will be subject to disciplinary action. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in regards to the student cell phone use expectation as we work together to maintain a strong instructional focus during the day.

Unauthorized Areas

Unauthorized areas include: faculty lounges, office desks, tower stairwells during school, or in any area not defined as designated without permission and without staff supervision will be subject to disciplinary action. After dismissal, if you are not under adult supervision, you are to leave the building or report to the main office to make a plan for pick up.

Clothing Expectations

Students are expected to:

● wear clothing that supports the learning environment:

● shirts and tops must fully cover the midriff and back.

● pants must be secured so undergarments are not visible.

● wear shoes at all times on school property and on school buses.

● Hats, hoodies, caps, bandanas are not allowed unless for medical or religious reasons.

● Sunglasses are prohibited inside the building, except for medical reasons.

● Any articles of clothing or accessories, which display alcohol, drugs, violence, weapons, gangs, inappropriate comments or obscenities, are prohibited and are subject to disciplinary action.

Personal appearance is your responsibility. Any clothing, or footwear, causing safety issues is prohibited. Students’ attire not meeting the clothing expectations may be

asked to change or a parent/guardian may be contacted.

ACADEMIC GUIDELINES

School Property & School Materials

Expectations

Students are expected to:

● to take care of all school property. ● to take care of all school materials.

You are responsible for loss or damage to APS property, including books, library books, ipads, calculators, instruments and equipment.

Grading and Reporting Expectations

Students are expected to:

● demonstrate achievement in each subject, based on participation, projects, class work, tests, etc.

● check weekly grades electronically from the Kenmore website.

Report cards are sent home at the end of each quarter and must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and returned to your EXCEL teacher.

Class and Homework Expectations

Classwork and homework completion is the key to academic success. Students are expected to:

● complete and submit assignments on time.

● work independently. ● collaborate with others. ● listen and follow directions.

● ask and answer content questions.

Students who cheat, plagiarize or forge (copy) from another source or person, and pretend that it is your own, are subject to disciplinary action

Students may be assigned homework. The following is an estimate of the maximum amount of time the average student may need to complete assignments:

● Up to 1 hour and 30 minutes per night

and

● A minimum of 30 minutes of reading a night

When Absent Students are Expected to:

● Check for missed assignments on Google classroom, Canvas, or Student Vue.

● have a parent/guardian request assignments through your counselor for three or more days of absence.

Please allow at least 24 hours for your teachers to prepare your make-up assignments. During the time of absence or immediately upon your return, you must take initiative to plan with your teacher to determine the assignments missed and the respective due date for making up work.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Accidents Students are expected to:

● report all accidents and injuries immediately to staff member. This applies to all accidents and injuries that occur on and off school grounds.

Late Buses/Activities

Late buses are provided for students who participate in after-school activities. Late buses depart at approximately 4:30 P.M. from the cafeteria side of the building. Late bus does not drop off at every morning stop. Generally, the late bus stops are located at the nearest neighborhood elementary school. You may only take the bus if you are staying for a school activity. Once you leave campus, you may not return and ride the late bus home.

Breakfast/Lunch

Breakfast and lunch are available to students every day. All food should be consumed in the cafeteria. Free and reduced lunch applications are in the first day packet and should be returned your EXCEL teacher as soon as possible.

Clinic/Medication

In the event of illness, students are expected to:

• get a pass from your classroom teacher and go to the clinic. If the clinic is closed, report to the main office.

All medications, including aspirin, must be stored in the clinic and taken under the supervision of the clinic aide. The nurse will not give you any medication unless your parent notifies the clinic, fills out the proper forms, and follows the proper procedure. With the exception, of an emergency asthma inhaler or Epi-Pen, (or other emergency supplies by approval of clinic), you should not carry your medicine with you nor keep it in your locker.

Financial Expectations

Students are expected to: ● be responsible for the care and

condition of all school property and materials: lockers, books, iPads and computers.

● meet financial obligations for damaged or lost property and/or school materials.

● Replace lost/damaged iPads and charging power cables.

Locker Expectations Lockers are the property of Kenmore Middle School and is subject for inspection by administrative personnel at any time. Students are expected to:

● keep cellphones and personal

property locked in your locker during the school day.

● be responsible for all items in the locker by keeping the combination confidential.

● be responsible for the condition of the locker.

Students will be held financially responsible for any irresponsible damage to school property and will be subject to disciplinary action.

Lost and Found Expectations

To prevent loss, students are to:

● have his/her name on all personal items.

● Calculators and calculator cases should be engraved.

If you lose or find any items at school:

● Report your loss or finding to a Main Office secretary.

● A “Lost and Found” is located in the Cafeteria and Library Media Center

● Found prescription glasses are turned into the clinic.

● Lost and Found items must be claimed by June 30.

Main Office Expectation

Only extreme emergency messages will be delivered during instructional time.

Visitor Expectations

All visitors must:

● check in at the Main Office ● receive permission to be in the

building.

● wear a visitor’s badge while in the building.

Parents and guardians are asked to make an appointment to speak with a staff member. Observations are allowed at any time, but must be scheduled in advance.

Attendance Expectations

Students are expected to:

● have regular and punctual attendance.

● be in EXCEL by 7:50 AM

When a student is absent, a parent or guardian is expected to:

● call the school attendance office (703-228-6802) to explain the reason for your absence.

● bring a note from a parent or guardian to the attendance office within one day of your return to school.

Failure to comply with this policy will result in your absence being deemed unverified or unexcused. Excused reasons for absences include the following: 1) illness, 2) medical appointment, 3) religious holiday, 4) pre-arranged absence, 5) death in the family, or 6) suspension. Missing the bus, class/school truancy, and baby-sitting are examples of unexcused absences. Additionally, being in class on time is essential to your success. Three or more unexcused tardiness may result in disciplinary action by your teacher and can lead to administrative disciplinary consequences.

Late Arrival Expectations

Students are expected to: ● bring a note or have a parent call. ● sign in at the attendance office.

If your bus arrives late, you must sign in at the attendance office before going to your locker and class. Late-arriving buses will be handled by office staff.

Early Dismissal Expectations

If you need to leave school early, students are expected to:

● bring a note explaining the date, time, and reason for your early dismissal to the attendance office.

The attendance secretary will give you a pass to show your teacher who will allow you to go to the office and wait for your parent at the specific time.

● have your parent come into the building to sign you out.

Under no circumstances may you leave school grounds before, during, or after school with any person other than your parent or guardian, unless your parent has made prior arrangements with the school. Your parent or legal guardian must show identification when picking you up from school.

Library Media Center Expectations

Students are expected to:

● check out books for personal pleasure and school-related assignments or projects.

● return books on time.

● get a pass signed by a teacher

Counseling and Guidance Expectations Counselors are here to help students with problems and academic planning. To visit a counselor, students are expected to:

1. request permission from the classroom teacher

2. obtain a written and signed pass from the teacher

3. report directly to the counseling office.

4. return to class with a signed pass from the counselor.

Prohibited Items

The Arlington School Board prohibits the use of defined substances on school property, including walking to and from school, on school buses, during off-campus lunch privileges, and at school- sponsored or school-supervised activities. A student who engages in prohibited substance use is subject to discipline pursuant to School Board Policy J-7.4 Discipline and to this policy. The following items are strictly prohibited: weapons, look-alike weapons, alcohol, tobacco, paraphernalia, controlled substances, fireworks, matches, lighters, and pornographic material. Possession of any of these items, at any time or for any reason, will result in disciplinary action and referral to the police or fire marshal.

TECHNOLOGY USER EXPECTATIONS Kenmore Middle School supports the integration of technology to teach and reach educational goals, including those defined by the Virginia Standards of Learning, the Arlington curricula, and the Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel. All school technology users are expected to:

● be respectful and responsible when using any technology or device on Kenmore’s network.

● be respectful and responsible when

retrieving, evaluating, or applying information technology tools.

A copy of the can be found on the APS website at https://tinyurl.com/APS-AUPPolicy

TECHNOLOGY CODE OF ETHICS

Students are expected to:

● use electronic devices only for school related, educational activities.

● use respectful language when communicating or writing text.

● protect your privacy and safety by not disclosing personal information such as telephone numbers, addresses, or passwords.

● use only your assigned password(s) and your account(s).

● keep all passwords and accounts confidential.

● respect the property of others. ● install only APS owned software and

apps on APS computer systems/iPads.

● report suspected computer viruses or other problems immediately to your EXCEL teacher so that action can be taken and damage can be minimized.

● conserve resources including but not limited to file storage space, bandwidth, online time, toner and paper.

● use technology and networks responsibly.

● use lock screen and wallpaper images that are respectful.

Students who use electronic devices to display or use disrespectful and unauthorized content; photos, videos, images, and social media will be subject to disciplinary action. Students who use electronic devices in cheating, plagiarism, forgery, view disturbing or unsafe content, or engage in theft/vandalism, or participate in cyberbullying will be subject to disciplinary action. TECHNOLOGY USER RESPONSIBILITY

The student expectation is to take responsibility for:

● any technology placed in your care

or provided for your use. ● preventing damage to screen and/or

case. ● all information including photos,

videos, and social media content. Authorized APS personnel may review files on any device and APS is responsible for remaining in compliance with State and Federal telecommunication rules and regulations. APS is not responsible for student use of technology resources outside of school. Students will be disciplined for any technology use that negatively affects the Arlington Public Schools or that negatively affects the ability or fitness of any staff person to effectively serve the schools.

APS ELECTRONIC DEVICES - iPADS Each device is the property of APS and is intended for use only by the student to whom it is assigned.

USE AND CARE OF IPAD

Students are expected to: ● arrive at school each day with a fully

charged iPad.

● keep the iPad in your possession or safely stored at all times

● keep the device protected by using the

Gumdrop protective case including the clear screen cover

● avoid scratching or marking the screen. ● avoid inserting foreign objects into the

device, the case, or screen. ● Students must report any problems with

their iPad to their EXCEL teacher as soon as possible.

Kenmore Student Expectations

Hallways Cafeteria Bathroom Auditorium

We are RESPECTFUL. 1) We follow all adult directions. 2) We use polite school language.

1) We follow all adult directions. 2) We use polite school language.

1) We clean up after use.

2) We flush the toilet and wash our hands. 3) We are private and allow others privacy.

1) We follow all adult directions. 2) We use polite school language. 3) We are attentive and applaud after each performance.

We are RESPONSIBLE. 1) We are on time to class. 2) We have materials for class. 3) We have a pass.

1) We clean up our area. 2) We use an inside voice. 3) We have a pass to leave.

1) We keep the bathroom clean. 2) We return to class promptly.

1) We turn off technology during performances.

2) We use an inside voice when entering and exiting.

We are SAFE.

1) We walk on the right side of the hall. 2) We keep hands, feet and objects to ourselves. 3) We keep eyes up, earbuds out, and screen down.

1) We remain seated in designated area. 2) We keep hands, feet and food to ourselves.

1) We keep floors and walls dry and clean. 2) We report problems to an adult.

1) We remain seated quietly during performance. 2) We remain with assigned teacher.