Code of Student Conduct and Handbook. for. Lebanon Middle School Students

Transcripción

1 LEBANON SCHOOL DISTRICT 1000 SOUTH EIGHTH STREET LEBANON, PA / Code of Student Conduct and Handbook for Lebanon Middle School Students Dawn Connelly, Principal

2 I. Introduction Table of Contents Table of Contents...2 Letter from Superintendent...4 Letter from Principal...5 Mission Statement & Core Beliefs...6 Mission for Lebanon School District Athletics/Be A Cedar...7 II. Important Information Information Page...8 Accidents...9 Arrival at School...9 Assembly Behavior Assessment Testing Assignments Attendance Procedures...11 Definitions Absence Procedures Tardiness Procedures to School Tardiness Procedures to Class Early Dismissals Book Bags/Back Packs Bus Discipline Cafeteria Keeping Order Care of School Property Custody Issues Dances Early Dismissals Emergency Cards Exceptional Services and Programs Grading Hall Behavior Hall Passes Health Services/Medications Honor Roll Inclement Weather Information Internet Access Language Library Lockers Lost and Found Make-up Work

3 Physical Education Restricted Items School Rules Searches Sexual Harassment Snowballs Student Activities Student Assistance Program (SAP) Student Council Student Records Tardiness Teaming Technology Procedures Telephone Textbooks Traveling to and from School Valuables Visitation to School III. Policies and Procedures Attendance Policy # Bullying Policy #218.5 (Safe Schools) Cafeteria Procedures Complaint Process Policy # Dress Code Policy # Drug/Substance Awareness & Abuse Policy # Gang Activity Policy # Parent Involvement Policy # Promotion and Retention Policy # Possession or Use of Tobacco Policy # Student Discipline Policy # Use of Bicycles and Motor Vehicles Policy # Suspension & Expulsion Policy (Weapons) # Students with Re-Occurring Discipline Problems Levels of Discipline IV. Special Education Programs and Services V. Integrated Pest Management Compliance VI. Forms

4 Dear Students and Parents/Guardians: Our goal is to help each student succeed, and to be proud of his or her academic and personal accomplishments. In order to meet this goal, we strive to provide a positive learning environment that is based on mutual respect. In all of our schools, we stress two underlying principles with our students: 1) Stay on task; 2) Comply with adult requests. Students who are mindful of practicing these principles are on their way to a successful and enjoyable school year. To establish a positive learning environment for our students, the Code of Student Conduct is necessary. This handbook highlights policies and regulations in our schools, and the consequences that will occur when there are violations. Students and parents, please review this handbook together. This way, everyone knows what to expect up front. Creating a safe and positive learning environment for all students requires a team approach. Let s work together in making this happen. Sincerely, Marianne T. Bartley, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools MTB:mah 4

5 About Lebanon Middle School Welcome to Lebanon Middle School, where achievement is our expectation for all students! We believe in providing opportunities in academics, music programs, drama opportunities, activities, and athletics. We expect and foster a safe atmosphere that promotes personalized learning and expression. Our teachers and support staff work as cooperative teams to support student learning in all facets of education. We invite and encourage the community and parents to assist us on this journey. The vision of the Lebanon School District is to challenge students to develop their skills as lifelong learners and responsible citizens. Lebanon Middle School will provide an educational experience that will foster this goal. Our teachers will institute best practices in education and our curriculum will support the demands of the ever-changing world. It is our belief that our students will become confident, skilled communicators who are prepared to compete both academically and socially as active citizens in both local and global communities. It is our goal to prepare Lebanon School District graduates to rely on their strong sense of character, enabling them to make ethical decisions in an ever-changing world. The Lebanon Middle School professional staff is responsible for delivering a wellrounded curriculum that meets the needs of all students. This curriculum has been designed with the aligned anchors as a focus, building up to the Pennsylvania Core Standards. Student learning will be assessed formally and informally throughout their learning experience and our assessments drive our instructional goals and programming. We share the responsibility and vision for improving student academic performance achievement. Lebanon Middle School staff, families, and community will continue to build and develop a partnership that will enable our children achieve the state s high standards. We commit to communication with our families as it is at the heart of a successful organization. We invite all of our families to get involved with their child s education and welcome their participation! Dawn Connelly, Principal 5

6 The following information is taken from our Strategic Plan, which serves as our guide for the next year. Mission Statement Building on our tradition of educational excellence, the mission of the Lebanon School District is to challenge students to continually develop their skills as lifelong learners and responsible citizens. District Goal Student Achievement is our goal. Our number one indicator is for all of our students to have the necessary training, knowledge, and skills for their chosen path: post secondary education or career. Core Beliefs Regarding Student Learning: * We believe all students should be able to demonstrate at least a year s academic growth in a year s time, evident through ongoing assessment data. * We believe that nearly all students can achieve, reaching proficiency or advanced levels on annual state assessments. * We believe that it is our shared responsibility as a community to provide the necessary time and resources to ensure that all students achieve. * We believe in the education of the whole child, understanding that the development of intellect and character are essential to our community and country. Regarding Relationships among Stakeholders: * We believe that our schools should be welcoming places that encourage family and community involvement. * We believe that the community and our schools share the responsibility of building the developmental assets in our children and that working together we can positively impact the future. We believe that stakeholders in our learning community will conduct themselves with respect and with the students best interests in mind. 6

7 QuickTime and a TIFF (LZW) decompressor are needed to see this picture. Lebanon Athletic Department Mission Statement Lebanon Athletics will provide opportunities for participation as an extension of the classroom in a competitive and wholesome environment with an emphasis on respect of others and self, individual responsibility, and the pursuit of excellence. BE A CEDAR To master any skill (sports, music, art, cooking, mechanics, or academics), you must practice. Even the greatest natural athletes cannot excel at their sport without practice. Practice is not punishment; it is a way to make players better. Homework is the practice that helps you master your schoolwork. It is not busy work and it is not punishment. Homework is a teacher s method to help you learn. Doing homework is your responsibility. Academic practice is a key to being one of the CEDARS: Commitment -Invest your time and energy in your studies Excellence - Always work to the best of your ability Direction -Have short-term and long-term goals Attendance -Come to school Responsibility -Be prepared and ready to work Study -Take time to do your homework and review your learning 7

8 II. IMPORTANT MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION Lebanon Middle School! 350 North 8 th Street! Lebanon, PA 17046! 717/ Principal: Assistant Principal: Assistant Principal: Climate Manager: School Counselors: Office Hours: Student Hours: Mrs. Dawn Connelly Mr. Corey Wenger Mr. Carlos Sanchez Mr. Michael Hodge Mrs. Kathy Grove Mrs. Renee Lamoureux Mrs. Robin Lerch 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Breakfast hours are 7:20 AM 8:00 AM Students who arrive before 7:45 AM are expected to report to the cafeteria for breakfast. Students who are not having breakfast should not report to school before 7:55 AM. Dismissal: Detention: Students are expected to leave the building by 2:45 PM unless specifically detained by a teacher or participating in an activity. Team Detention will be Monday - Friday From 2:45-3:05 unless otherwise noted by TEAM teacher. Parents will be notified by TEAM if time goes beyond 3:15 PM. THE STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION OF LEBANON MIDDLE SCHOOL BELIEVE THAT: 1. All students are capable of learning 2. A safe and effective school environment is essential. All students share the responsibility for maintaining safety and effectiveness. 3. All students, family members, and the staff must work together to open channels of communication. 4. No student has the right to interfere with the education of other students. 8

9 ACCIDENTS All accidents and injuries which occur during the school day must be reported to the nurse or the administrative office. ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL! Regular student hours are between 8:00 AM 2:40 PM! Students must be in the homeroom by 8:00 AM! Doors are open at 7:50 AM! Students eating breakfast in the cafeteria must use the Weimer Street door! Breakfast is served between 7:20 AM - 8:00 AM! Students not eating breakfast should not arrive before 7:50 AM Entrances to be used by students are as follows: 6 th grade will use entrance F aside of the gym 7 th grade will use front entrance 8 th grade will use entrance D aside of the auditorium! Inclement Weather: Harsh winds, excessive wind chills, heavy rain, and snow can all impact students on the way to and from school. On days when inclement weather presents a danger to students (hypothermia, frostbite, no shelter from rain, etc.) we will open doors so that students can be protected.! Reminder: All of our schools are open for breakfast each day. We recommend students come early for breakfast.! If students do not want breakfast, on inclement weather days, we will permit them to stand in the lobby, or gym, so they are sheltered from the elements.! Please note that supervision during these times is limited, and it would be greatly appreciated to have parent volunteers stationed with early comers before school.! Many students walk to school. When we have excessive wind chills, frostbite and hypothermia can set in. Recognizing Signs of Hypothermia: shivering, dizziness, hunger, nausea, fast breathing, trouble speaking, slight confusion, lack of coordination, fatigue, increased heart rate. 9

10 ASSEMBLY BEHAVIOR During assemblies, students are expected to follow all school guidelines. When going to and from the assembly, students are to proceed in an orderly manner. Students should enter and be seated as quietly and quickly as possible. It is expected that students will show respect for all person involved with the assembly. Anyone who does not follow these guidelines will be asked to leave the assembly and may not be permitted to attend future presentations. ASSESSMENT TESTING Three types of standardized assessment testing are done at the middle school. These tests use the same standards for all students and measure student performance when compared with other groups of students. The four types of standardized assessments are: 1) The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) provides information about how LMS students compare to other students in the same grade in schools across Pennsylvania. LMS will administer to all students, grades ) The MAP Assessment (Measures of Academic Progress) is given three times per year, and gives students practice in taking tests while providing educators with data regarding the strengths and weaknesses of their students. MAP is computerized and adapts to a student s responses as they complete the test. MAP assessments provide detailed data about where each child is on their unique learning path. The MAP assessments are aligned to national and state curricula standards. LMS will administer to all students, grades 6-8 a test in math, reading and language. 3) The CDT Assessment (Classroom Diagnostic Tool) is a computer adaptive computer test. This test specifically gives information about the student s performance on the Pennsylvania Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content and the Keystone Exams Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content. The test is very similar to the MAP Assessment and uses the student s responses to determine the next question. Teachers have flexibility scheduling the CDT test during the school year. 4) The Keystone Exam is administered to 8 th grade students after the completion of Algebra. This is a requirement for graduation. ASSIGNMENTS All students are required to be prepared for class. This includes having pencils, notebooks, textbooks, and completed homework assignments. Each student will be provided with a school planner on the first day of school. 10

11 ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES The Code of Student Discipline and Responsibilities provides for appropriate disciplinary responses to reduce unnecessary student absenteeism, school tardiness, and truancy. Procedures for attendance are as follows: 1. On the day a student returns to school from an absence, the student must present an excuse signed by his/her parent/guardian. Students have three days from the date of absence to return a note. Faxed notes will not be accepted unless they are faxed from the doctor s office. Altered notes will not be accepted. 2. If written excuses are not provided, the days of absence will be considered unexcused, although the principal has the right to grant an exception when there are extenuating circumstances. Unexcused absences for all students may result in school disciplinary action in accordance with the Code of School Discipline and Responsibilities. Contact will be made with students and parents when attendance is noted as being infrequent or irregular. 3. After the first unlawful absence, a letter will be sent home notifying the parent/guardian of the unlawful absence. A brochure explaining the Lebanon School District s Truancy Elimination Plan will accompany this letter. 4. After three days of unlawful absence, an official notice of unlawful absence will be sent to the parent/guardian. Guidance will be notified and a Truancy Elimination Plan will be initiated. (The notice served after the first three days of unlawful absence will be adequate for the school year.) In addition, it should be noted that the District sends an automated telephone message to the phone number that we have on record to notify the parent or guardian if his or her child is late or absent from school. This is a courtesy and should serve as a reminder to comply with a note upon return to school. 5. Legal action may be taken for unlawful absences that occur five days after the date of the 3-Day Unlawful letter. Fines, which are set by the District Justice, can reach $ per day plus court costs. 6. After five days of cumulative absences, the parent or guardian may be required to telephone the school each day a student is absent. 7. After a student is absent 10 cumulative days, a 10-Day Medical letter will be sent to the parent/guardian. This letter will be notification that all further absences will require a doctor s note. Doctor s notes will require the following information: Note must state a medical professional saw student, contain date(s) of the absence(s) and be signed by the medical professional. Altered Doctor s notes will not be accepted. 8. After a 10-Day Medical letter is sent, the student may be referred to the principal. 11

12 9. If truancy issues persist to the level of 15 unlawful absences, a referral may be made to Lebanon County Children & Youth. 10. Unexcused tardiness can be cumulative and converted into days of unexcused absence. Unexcused tardiness will result in disciplinary action and may result in an offense punishable by a fine for students of compulsory school age. 11. Truancy, tardiness and unexcused absences are behaviors that are subject to a disciplinary response under the Code of Student Discipline and Responsibilities. Unmodified behaviors of this type may be interpreted as Level IV misconduct; therefore disciplinary responses including expulsion may result. 12. Note: Prior approval (1 week prior to departure) must be given for vacations and other planned absences. Request for Educational Trip/Family Emergency Forms are available in your school office. If prior approval is not given, the absence may be considered unexcused. Request should not exceed 5 school days. 13. Family Emergencies: Request for Educational Trip/Family Emergency Forms must be completed for absences due to a family emergency. Failure to complete this form may result in the absence being unexcused. Definitions 1. Absence the non-attendance of a student when school is in session 2. Excused Absence absences for unpredictable or legal reasons. (Examples: illness, death in immediate family, required court appearance). Students may be granted up to 5 days bereavement for parents, immediate family, or grandparents. In addition, absences may be pre-approved for an educational trip for up to 5 days for eligible students. 3. Unexcused absence - the absence of a student due to truancy, unlawful employment, or parental neglect. 4. Unlawful absence - unexcused absences from school by a student under the age of 17 due to avoidable absences, parental neglect, unlawful employment, unapproved family vacations, and truancy. Unlawful absences are subject to a fine through the court system. 5. Compulsory School Age - The period of time from which the child s parents elect to have the child enter school. This time frame will be no later than age 8 until the age of Parental Neglect includes the following: no documentation received from parent, illness in family, oversleeping, and babysitting. 7. Unlawful Employment - student is employed during school hours. 8. Truancy - habitually absent from school with or without valid excuse or reason and without parental knowledge. 12

13 Absence Procedures 1. The day a student returns to school from an absence, he/she must present a note signed by his/her parent/guardian. The note must include the student s name, grade and date(s) of absence. 2. Notes must be taken to the Lebanon Middle School Office. 3. Absences not covered by a note will be considered unexcused/unlawful. 4. If the absence is excused, the student is permitted to make up the work that he/she missed. 5. If the absence is unexcused or unlawful, the student may receive an "F" (0%) for each missed class. 6. Excused tardy is any tardy explained by a note from: doctor/dentist/orthodontist; police/probation; court; child care agency. Tardiness Procedures to School 1. Students are considered tardy to school if they are not in Homeroom by 8:00 a.m. Tardiness Procedures to Class 1. Students are considered tardy to class if they are not in their assigned classrooms by the time the bell rings. 2. Tardiness to class may result in detention on the second tardy for a specific class. Excessive tardiness to class may result in suspension and/or expulsion from school. Early Dismissals 1. Students who are requesting an early dismissal must present a note signed by their parent/guardian to the middle school office secretary no later than the morning of the early dismissal request. 2. No Medical Appointment Cards will be accepted. 3. Students must sign out at the middle school office prior to leaving the building during school hours. 4. Students returning to school from an appointment must sign in at the middle school office and present verification that they attended the appointment. 5. Students may not take the entire day for an appointment. Failure to return promptly after an appointment may result in disciplinary action. 6. A note from the doctor or other appointment verifying that the appointment was kept must be returned to the middle school office. Failure to provide a note will result in the time being marked as unexcused/unlawful and may result in disciplinary action. 13

14 7. Students who leave school for an early dismissal are responsible for any missed schoolwork during their absence. 8. Parents picking up students for an early dismissal may be required to report to the office. NOTE: A student does not have permission to leave school because of an illness if the nurse or an administrator does not deem it necessary. If the student does leave school without permission, it will be counted as an unexcused absence. An unexcused absence may be excused by obtaining a medical note for the day in question. The medical note must contain: 1. Student Name 2. Date student was seen by a medical professional. 3. Dates the student may be excused from school and should return to school 4. Signature of attending health care provider Failure to provide all of the above information on the note may be reason to deny the note as an acceptable excuse. BOOK BAGS/BACK PACKS Due to the concern for student safety, backpacks may not be used during the day to carry books and materials to and from classes. They may be used to transport material to and from the home. Backpacks will be kept in the locker area during the day. BUS DISCIPLINE The bus driver is in charge of each bus and represents the principal. Since students are under the full authority of the school while on the bus, all school regulations are in force during all bus trips. Students must: 1. Ride only on assigned bus. 2. Remain in their seats until destination has been reached and the bus is stopped. 3. Sit in assigned seats, if the driver finds such procedure necessary. 4. Avoid all unnecessary conversation with the driver. 5. Talk only in low conversational voice with seat partner. 6. Use civil language at all times-obscene and vulgar talk is absolutely forbidden. 7. Keep the bus clean and free from litter at all times; refrain from eating/drinking on the bus. 14

15 8. Refrain from marring the bus. Any person willfully damaging a bus will be held responsible for the vandalism. 9. Keep hands, head, feet and objects inside the bus at all times. 10. Comply with adult requests. 11. Buses may include audio/video recordings on a daily basis, for security reasons. 12. Subsequent infractions may lead to removal from the bus indefinitely. CAFETERIA In order to keep the cafeteria clean and attractive as well as maintain a pleasant place to eat, students need to follow the Lebanon Middle School Cafeteria Guidelines. Enter the cafeteria in an orderly manner, no running or shoving in the hall or cafeteria. Place all books in the bookshelves. Form two lines. Do not cut in line. Talk in a normal tone. Keep the noise level low. Students will be seated as they exit the serving lines. Follow the teacher s directions. Never throw food or other objects. You will need permission and a pass from a teacher to use the lavatory. Take all trash to the disposal area when directed by a staff member. Student must remain seated until directed to leave the area by staff. Electronic devices of any kind are NOT permitted. CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY/OBLIGATIONS Textbooks and library materials are purchased for the use of pupils at the public expense. Each book is marked inside of the front cover and will be assigned to each student. Pupils are responsible for loss of, or damage to books and school property. Pupils should report lost books to the teacher of the subject and also check the lost and found department in the office. Normal wear and tear is expected. If reasonable repair or erasure can be completed, that is fine. However, excessive wear or damage should be called to the attention of the classroom teacher. Intentional vandalism or defacing of books, magazines or other supplies shall require restitution by the student. Parents and the student will be notified in writing of all restitutions and obligations. Any funds collected will be forwarded to the business office and receipts will be provided for money collected. 1. Lost books, student planners, or library materials are a student obligation. 2. If books or library materials are found, the money will be refunded. 3. Cost to repair damage to school property will be the responsibility of the student 15

16 4. Vandalism may result in a fine of up to $ A school official will determine the price for lost or damaged school property. CUSTODY ISSUES It is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to notify the principal and provide a copy of the appropriate legal documents in regard to custody issues. This must be done on a yearly basis. DANCES Various clubs and organizations in the school sponsor dances. In order to attend, students must be academically eligible and may be required to show student IDs when applicable, to enter a dance. Students who are out on a current OSS, or ISS placement would not be eligible to attend the school dance or function. EARLY DISMISSALS Early dismissal from school requires a written request from the family. Phone requests for early dismissals will not be accepted. This practice is for the student s protection. This request must be submitted to the office before 8:00 AM on the day of the early dismissal. At early dismissal time, the student must report to the office until the parent/ guardian arrives to sign out the student. Identification of parent/guardian may be required in order to insure the safety of the student. EMERGENCY CARDS Please complete all information requested on the emergency cards. Keep the card up-todate. Inform the school office of any changes needed to be made throughout the school year. If persons whose names listed on this card live at a distance from the school, list the name of a close neighbor acceptable to you where your child can be sent in the event of an emergency early dismissal. Unlisted numbers will be kept confidential, but must be provided. EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS Exceptional services are available for any exceptional student who requires specially designed instruction to meet their educational needs. Instructional assessment is provided to students who have been identified through the district's screening and evaluation program. 16

17 The instructional assessment determines the degree of need. The assessment is a comparison of the student's measured instructional level with the functional ability of the regular education program to maintain the level. The instructional program is appraised in terms of its ability to allow the student to reach certain minimum competency levels at various stages of his/her life. A continuum of services and programs to provide instructional support ranges from supportive intervention in the regular classroom to full time special education classes. Exceptional children should benefit from regular education programs wherever such programs can be provided and that the student receives a free appropriate education. Procedural safeguards guaranteeing free, appropriate education for your children are explained in a document available to you upon request. These documents can be obtained by contacting your school counselor. Identification activities are completed routinely by school staff and parents using group-based data, medical records and teacher reports. Students routinely identified include those with disabilities of autism, pervasive developmental disorder, blindness, visual impairment, deafness, hearing impairment, serious emotional disturbance, mental retardation, neurological impairment, specific learning disability, physical disability, other health impairment, speech impairment or gifted. Additionally, screening or evaluation activities may be requested by the parent, for a student who is thought to be exceptional, by contacting the guidance counselor of the school they attend. Records pertaining to identification of a student as exceptional are confidential and protected under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. Confidential records are only available to the parent and school officials who are directly involved in the student's educational program. Confidential records are destroyed when they are no longer educationally relevant. Questions regarding the record of a student may be directed to the student's guidance counselor. GRADING The grading system adopted by the Lebanon School District is as follows: = A = B = C = D Below 60 = F Ex = Excellent P = Pass S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory 17

18 Report cards are issued after each of the six marking periods. Report periods will be given to the students for the first five marking periods. Report period six and final grades will be distributed to the students on the final day of school. HALL BEHAVIOR Since students change classes at different times, it is important that students walk quickly and quietly through the halls. Stay on the right and use the most direct route to your next class. On the stairway students will stay in a single file on the right side of the steps. Appropriate behavior in the hallways and stairways is expected at all times. There will be: No pushing, shoving, hitting, loitering, running, or yelling No swearing No public display of affection (kissing, hugging, touching) No electronic devices or toys HALL PASSES A hall pass is required to leave a room. Use of the hall pass is a privilege and not a right. Permission to use the hall pass is at the discretion of the teacher. Lost hall passes will not replaced. Any altered pass - drawn on, colored, laminated, or taped - will not be honored. HEALTH SERVICES/MEDICATIONS The school nurse supports the educational process by promoting wellness and providing care for acute illness and injury. The school health program provides for assessment and evaluation of health care needs by performing health screenings annually. Height, weight, and vision are performed on every student every year. Hearing is evaluated on Grade 7 students and those with suspected or identified hearing deficits. The Pennsylvania School Code requires all Grade 6 students to have physical examination and Grade 7 students to have a dental examination. Your private physician can complete a physical exam at any time during 5th or 6th grade. Your private dentist can complete a dental exam at any time during 6th or 7th grade. Both physical and dental examinations are offered once yearly at school. Prior permission needs to be submitted before the contracted school dentist or doctor will examine your child. Physical and dental exam forms may be obtained from the school nurse or at the information center outside the main office. Barring signs of obvious symptoms of illness, the school nurse presumes that if the child is sent to school, the parent considers him or her well enough to attend. The American 18

19 Academy of Pediatrics offers three general guidelines on when to keep kids home from school: fever, the child is not well enough to participate in class, or you think he/she may be contagious. Parents with concerns over whether to send their child to school can always contact the school nurse with questions or concerns. 1. It is recommended that parents refrain from sending medication to school whenever possible. Administer required medication to children before and after school and at bedtime, whenever possible. 2. Students are not permitted to carry ANY form of prescription or OTC medication on their person unless they have a written order from their physician. Students found to be carrying medication in school will face disciplinary action. 3. In order for a student to receive a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medication from the school nurse, the following items need to be on file with the school nurse: -medication in original container and labeled with student s name -order from physician for any prescription or OTC medication which shall include the dosage, time to be given, dates of administration, and purpose of medication -parent/guardian permission slip 4. Arrangements will be made for a parent/guardian or licensed nurse to administer medications or medical treatments to a student while on a field trip. Proper documentation for medication HONOR ROLL Students qualify for the superior honor roll if they receive all A's and S's or E s. Students qualify for the honor roll if they receive all A's, B's and S's or E s. Students qualify for honorable mention if they receive all A's, B's, S's or E s and only one C. Students qualify for effort honors if they are working hard in all subject areas, demonstrated by consistently doing homework and submitting class work to the best of their ability. A student may have more than one C and still receive effort honors. INCLEMENT WEATHER INFORMATION Notification of closings, late openings or early dismissals will be broadcast over the following radio and TV stations: RADIO STATIONS WLBR/WQIC (Lebanon) 1270 AM FM WWSM (Lebanon) 1510 AM WITF (Harrisburg) 89.5 FM WITF (Lancaster) 99.7 FM WADV (Lebanon) 940 AM WHP (Harrisburg) 580 AM WRVV (Harrisburg) 97.3 FM WINK (Harrisburg) FM 19

20 TELEVISION STATIONS ABC (Harrisburg) Channel 27 WPMT-TV (FOX 43) -Channel 43 WHP-TV (Harrisburg) -Channel 15 and 21 WHTM-TV (Harrisburg) -Channel 27 WGAL-TV (Lancaster) -Channel 8 Cable channels depend upon the service area. Remember to check and our District Facebook INTERNET ACCESS - Terms and Conditions for Use of Lancaster-Lebanon Internet Services Please see School Board Policy 815 Social Media, and 815A Acceptable Use/Students LANGUAGE Profane and obscene language or gestures are not part of appropriate behavior for any group and will not be permitted in this middle school. Any violation of this rule may be subject to disciplinary action. Remember you represent Lebanon Middle School and The Lebanon School District. LIBRARY The Library/Media Center is a learning laboratory of print and non-print materials. It is open for use during the entire day and for a short time before and after school. Students using the library/media center should come with a specific purpose in mind such as reference or selecting a book, using the Internet, or reading a magazine or newspaper. Student behavior must be appropriate or use of the library/media center will be limited. LOCKERS Student lockers are provided for the storage of coats, books, and other needed school materials. Each student must see that his or her locker is kept clean and locked when not in use. Never share your locker or the combination of your lock with anyone or tamper with another's locker. Replacement cost for locks is $10. Students may go to their lockers before school, before lunch and before going home. Problems with lockers should be reported to the office. Tape or stickers should not be used on lockers. 20

21 *Please note that the school is not responsible for any items lost or stolen from these lockers. LOST AND FOUND Any student either losing or finding an article should inquire in the Nurse s Office. MAKE-UP WORK Students who are out one or two days are responsible for seeing the teacher for makeup work as soon as they return. If a student is out for more than three days, homework will be provided at the parent s request. Requests for homework must be made to the guidance office before 11 AM. NOTE: It is the student s responsibility to see the teacher whenever the student is absent. PHYSICAL EDUCATION Physical Education is a course required of all students. Participation is absolutely essential. All students are required to be appropriately dressed to participate. Students are requested to share with the nurse and the physical education teacher any doctor's notes, which relate to the student s general health, the current status of any injuries and any limitations that are necessary to provide the best possible physical education program. Do not wear jewelry to physical education classes. Students will be asked to remove all jewelry items before they are permitted to participate in gym class. Medical Alert bracelets or Medical Alert necklaces are not considered jewelry. If worn, they must be taped to the body and remain visible. The school is not responsible for jewelry that is removed and left in lockers, gym bags, etc. All jewelry should be left at home on days when students will be participating in gym class. Earring posts, which are placed in the ear after piercing, are permitted to remain in the ear for the six-week period after piercing under the following conditions: Parents signs a Release of Liability form, which may be picked up from the physical education teacher. If the period of time for posts to be left in the ear must be extended, a doctor's note requiring this extension of time must be included with the Release of Liability form. 21

22 If students report to physical education class wearing earring posts or studs, but do not have a release form liability signed by their parents, they will not be permitted to participate. These absences are unexcused and will be treated as such by the physical education department. Earring posts or studs which have been placed in newly pierced ears will not be removed by district staff. RESTRICTED ITEMS Items that are not conducive to learning or can cause health or safety problems will not be permitted in the middle school. Some of those items include: laser pointers or pens permanent markers white out/liquid paper rubber cement aerosol containers glass containers cutting devices perfume/cologne playing cards, dice etc. sharp or pointed objects shocking devices any device deemed inappropriate for school by administration SCHOOL RULES There are two main rules: Stay on task and comply with adult requests. If you follow these every day, you will be successful in school. Remember to: 1. Arrive on time in a quiet, orderly manner. 2. Follow staff directions. 3. Show respect for staff, other students, and school property. 4. Come prepared to participate in class activities. 5. Do not intuerrupt classroom activities. 6. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. SEARCHES The District will conduct random searches for drugs and other illegal substances and/or weapons periodically. The searches will be unannounced and are for the safety of our schools. Authorized school personnel having reasonable grounds may search students, lockers, and vehicles. A search of a student includes the student s clothing being worn or carried, pockets, books, duffel bag, backpack, book bag, or any other 22

23 container used by the student for holding or carrying personal belongings of any kind. Lockers are the property of the school district and may be searched at any time. Any vehicle parked in a school zone is subject to a complete search by school authorities and assisting law enforcement personnel. Illegal materials found as a result of a search may be used as evidence against the student in disciplinary, juvenile, or criminal proceedings. SEXUAL HARASSMENT Sexual harassment is defined by federal legislation. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, the following: Pressure for sexual activity, repeated remarks with sexual or demeaning implications to a person, unwelcome touching, suggesting or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats. Any student who needs to report an act of sexual harassment by any employee or student should contact his/her building principal or guidance counselor. The same report may also be made using the district s complaint procedure. Filing a complaint will not reflect upon the complainant, and the accused will be respected in accordance with the district s legal obligations and the necessity to investigate the allegations. A substantiated charge against a student shall subject the student to disciplinary action, which could include parent notification, suspension, expulsion or the filing of a police report. SNOWBALLS In order to protect unsuspecting individuals and to avoid accidents, snowballing is not permitted on the school campus and while coming to and going home from school. Disciplinary action may occur in any violation of this rule and could result in a summary offense. STUDENT ACTIVITIES 1. Physical Examinations Athletes are required to have an annual physical examination. A school district approved physician will administer physical examinations. Per Board policy, students may not participate in LMS athletics without a physical form that has been signed by a physician and a parent/guardian. 23

24 2. Interscholastic Athletic Programs The Board recognizes the value of interscholastic athletics as an integral part of the total school experience for students and the community. An athletic program fosters school loyalty within the student body and stimulates community interest. The contests and practice sessions provide opportunities to teach the values of competition and sportsmanship. Interscholastic athletics shall include all activities related to competitive sport contests, games or events, or sport exhibitions involving individual students or teams of students of this district when such events occur with any schools outside this district. It shall be the policy of the Board to offer opportunities for participation in interscholastic athletic programs to male and female students. The Board shall make school facilities, supplies, and equipment available and assign sponsors for the support and supervision of interscholastic athletic programs. The Board shall require that all equipment utilized in interscholastic athletic programs, properly safeguard participants and meet all appropriate health and safety regulations. After Board approval on recommendation of the superintendent, any interscholastic athletic program shall be considered to be under the sponsorship of the Board. The Board shall determine the standards of eligibility to be met by all students participating in the interscholastic program. Such standards shall require that each student be in good physical condition before participating in any interscholastic athletic program. The Board further adopts those eligibility standards set by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, the Lancaster-Lebanon Athletic Association, and the provisions of Board policy. The Board shall annually purchase appropriate accident insurance for all students participating in the interscholastic athletic program. Such insurance shall cover medical and hospitalization expenses related to injuries incurred while participating in an interscholastic athletic program. 3. Eligibility for Participation in Co-Curricular Activity and Interscholastic Athletic Programs Participation in co-curricular activities and interscholastic athletic programs is a privilege, which requires students to give appropriate attention to scholastic achievement, regular school attendance, and proper conduct. All students who wish to participate in any co-curricular activity or interscholastic athletic program must adhere to district and PIAA eligibility standards. Scholastic Achievement Any student who earns a failing grade in one full credit course will become ineligible to participate for a period of one (1) week. The period of ineligibility will be longer over any extended time period when school is not in session. Eligibility shall be cumulative from the beginning of a marking period and shall be 24

25 graded on a weekly basis. In cases where a student's cumulative work from the beginning of the marking period does not, as of Friday, meet the standard, s/he shall enter a probationary period, from the immediately following Sunday through the Saturday immediately following the next Friday. The student will be ineligible to participate after the probation week if the cumulative work is not passing. After one week of suspension from the activity (Sunday through Saturday) and upon the verification of a passing grade in said course, the student will be permitted to resume activity. The eligibility process will commence with the second Friday in each trimester. If ineligible, students may not participate in practices, performances, field trips, and/or any other activities associated with a co-curricular activity or interscholastic athletic program. However, students scheduled for courses that are associated with certain co-curricular activity programs (e.g., band, chorus, yearbook) must continue to participate in classroom activities during the period of time they are ineligible. Students who become ineligible are encouraged to seek help from the guidance department and the teacher(s) of the course(s) he/she is failing. End-of-year grades from the previous term will be used to determine eligibility for all students at the beginning of a school year. If a student is ineligible at the end of the previous school year, he/she shall be ineligible for the first fifteen school days of the new school year. Successful completion of work in an approved summer school program may be used to regain academic eligibility for the following school year. School Attendance Students who wish to participate in co-curricular activities and interscholastic athletic programs must maintain a record of regular school attendance as determined by the principal. Any student who does not meet the intent of this standard may be declared ineligible for participation. A student who is absent from school may not participate in any co-curricular activity or interscholastic athletic programs on the day of the absence. An athlete may not participate in a practice or game on any day in which he/she has attended less than a half-day of school, or has been sent home from school due to illness. One-half day means that a student must report to school no later than 11:30 a.m. Emergency exceptions may be approved by the principal. 25

26 Conduct Students who wish to participate in co-curricular activities and/or interscholastic athletic programs must conduct themselves in a manner, which favorably represents their activity, school, and community at all times. Any student who violates school rules or displays inappropriate behavior may be declared ineligible for participation. Students may not participate in any cocurricular activity or interscholastic athletic programs while on suspension. Students assigned detention must fulfill all such daily obligations prior to participating in any co-curricular activity or interscholastic athletic program. Enforcement The principal shall be responsible for enforcement of this policy. He/she may delegate enforcement responsibilities to other personnel as deemed appropriate. Regulations and procedures for enforcing this policy shall be developed with input from the coordinator of student activities and program sponsors. All policies, rules, and procedures shall be distributed to program sponsors, student participants, and parents. Program sponsors may develop additional rules and regulations. Such additional rules and regulations shall be approved by the principal and distributed to participants and parents prior to implementation. 4. Athletic Policies All athletes must adhere to the following school rules: Athletes must attend school the day of a game; if the game is played on Saturday, he/she must have attended school on Friday. The principal must approve exceptions to this rule. o o o o o o o If a student quits a sport after the first week of practice (6 days), he/she must wait until that sport is completed before practicing with another school related sport. Behavior unbecoming an athlete could result in the administration revoking the privilege of a student to participate in an athletic event. An athlete who is in detention may participate in a practice or a game after serving detention. An athlete in in-school suspension is ineligible to participate during the suspension. Locker areas in the three buildings are off limits after practice. Athletes are permitted in the training room when a coach or trainer is present. Athletes are permitted in the weight room when a strength coach or a team coach is present. Athletic equipment issued to teams may be worn outside of practice or games with the coach s permission. All athletes should ride the team bus to and from games. Exceptions must 26

27 o o be requested in writing by a parent/guardian and approved by the principal or athletic director. Coaches have the right to develop team rules, which must be approved by the athletic director. Policy additions or revisions will be disseminated to the coaching staff upon adoption. Use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, anabolic steroids, or other illegal or controlled substance The use of tobacco, alcohol (including reduced alcohol and so-called non-alcoholic beverages), drugs, anabolic steroids, or other illegal or controlled substances by athletes is strictly forbidden and shall result in the following consequences: o First Offense: The use of tobacco will result in at least a one-week suspension of eligibility. The use of alcohol, drugs, anabolic steroids, or other illegal or controlled substances shall result in suspension of eligibility for the remainder of the season. Offenses, which occur within four weeks of the end of a season, may result in extension of the suspension into the ensuing season of participation. o Second Offense: The use of tobacco will result in suspension of eligibility for the remainder of the season. The use of alcohol, drugs, anabolic steroids, or other illegal or controlled substances shall result in suspension of eligibility for the remainder of the academic year. Offenses, which occur during the fourth marking period, may result in extension of the suspension into the ensuing school year. The consequences above shall be in addition to consequences imposed for violation of the Code of Student Discipline. Any student who is suspended from eligibility for the remainder of an activity season shall forfeit all related awards and shall not participate in any related activities as a representative of the Lebanon School District (i.e., all-star contests). At the conclusion of a period of suspension from eligibility related to use of alcohol, drugs, anabolism steroids, or other illegal or controlled substances, the student involved shall be required to undergo a medical examination to insure that usage has been terminated. Athletic Insurance Injury incurred during the athletic season should be reported promptly to the athletic trainer or coach. A claim form should be obtained from the trainer and processed by the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian should complete the information section on the back and sign the front and back of the claim form. 27