2024-2025 SPMS Student Handbook.pdf

Stuart Pepper Middle School Student Handbook 2024-2025  Stuart Pepper Middle School Student Handbook 2024-2025 Welcome to Stuart Pepper Middle School! This student handbo...

Stuart Pepper Middle School Student Handbook 2024-2025  Stuart Pepper Middle School Student Handbook 2024-2025 Welcome to Stuart Pepper Middle School! This student handbook has been prepared to provide you and your parents/guardians with important information about our school policies, procedures, and expectations. Please read this handbook carefully to familiarize yourself with our school-wide expectations and guidelines. Mission Our mission is to provide an environment that honors our traditions, while cultivating character, pursuing excellence, and delivering comprehensive experiences that prepare all students for life. Communication To keep lines of communication open between the school and home, it is imperative that parents and guardians have access to the following: Infinite Campus Parent Portal ○ Please make sure that you have the app AND that your email is updated. Meade County Schools App SPMS Facebook SPMS Athletics Facebook School-wide Expectations At Stuart Pepper Middle School, we believe that following our school-wide expectations is the key to success. As a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) school, we are dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students. We have established clear behavior expectations and consistent consequences for any infractions. We also celebrate and recognize positive behavior through various programs. By embracing our core values of respect, responsibility, positivity, pride, and service, we can all contribute to a safe, supportive, and successful learning environment. Rising Tides Rising Tides is a school-wide recognition program that celebrates student success in academics, behavior, and attendance. Students earn Gold, Silver, or Bronze status each quarter based on indicators such as GPA, attendance, behavior, MAP Growth. Students who earn Gold, Silver, or Bronze cards for the entire year may also participate in a larger field trip celebration at the end of the year. These statuses will be calculated by points that students will calculate throughout the year. Students earning Gold, Silver or Bronze each nine weeks will earn discounted tickets to dances and games and special treats throughout the 9 weeks. Grading Scale Our grading scale is as follows: - A: 90-100 - B: 80-89 - C: 70-79 - D: 60-69 - F: 59 and below - I: Incomplete Parents and students should monitor their grades through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Weekly grade updates are posted by teachers, and parent-teacher conferences can be scheduled through the front office. Hard copy report cards will not be sent home. Rules and Regulations Rules and regulations are developed based on district/state policies. The following rules apply on the school grounds or at any event where SPMS is represented. Possible consequences are also listed but are not limited to those listed. Each discipline issue and the circumstances surrounding the issue will be considered when assigning consequences. RULES POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES These Rules and Consequences are not exhaustive. Please see the district Code of Conduct for more information. Students CAN NOT leave school grounds Parent Contact, After-school detentions, Loss after arrival unless given permission by the of privileges office. No pocket knives permitted or other weapons. ISS, Alternative to Suspension, Out of school suspension, Alternative placement, Expulsion Possession of a weapon on school property in Kentucky is a felony punishable by a maximum five years in prison and a $10,000 (ten thousand dollar) fine. Possession will result in suspension and possible expulsion. Students will not run, yell, or engage in Warning, Strikes, Parent Contact, ASD, Loss horseplay at any time. of privileges, ISS Bullying will not be tolerated and will be Harassment Report, Plan to prevent investigated fully. reoccurrence, ISS, Alternative to Suspension, Out of school suspension, Alternative placement, Charges filed with CDW Fighting will not be tolerated. ISS, Alternative to Suspension, Out of school suspension, Alternative placement, Charges filed with CDW No holding hands or public displays of Warning, Parent Contact, ASD, Loss of affection in school (kissing). privileges, ISS There will be no possession or use of tobacco ISS, Alternative to Suspension, Out of school products on school grounds. Items will be suspension, Alternative placement, Charges confiscated and not returned. This includes filed with CDW lighters, matches, vape/vape products, and E-cigs. Possession/usage/distributing of drugs and/or Alternative to Suspension, Out of school alcohol are prohibited on school grounds suspension, Alternative placement, Charges including extra-curricular activities. filed with CDW, Drug Diversion Program, Expulsion Energy drinks (ex. Monster) are not allowed at Items will be confiscated and not returned. any time. No cell phone use during the instructional day Phone held in the office, or while on school grounds. (Absolutely no Warning, Strikes, Parent Contact, ASD, Loss pictures/videos/recording of students and of privileges, ISS, Out of School Suspension, staff). SBDM Policy ALC Placement Students are not allowed to sell items at Warning, Strikes, Parent Contact, ASD, Loss school. of privileges, ISS Destruction of school property is prohibited- all Payment of damages, Parent Contact, ASD, lockers, textbooks, library books, and ISS, Alternative to Suspension, Charges filed electronic equipment should be given proper with CDW, Alternative Placement care. The school is not responsible for stolen items (including phones, air pods, etc.). Use items at your own risk. Time cannot be spent by the office locating lost/stolen items. Drinks must be in a bottle with a secure lid. Not permitted: restaurant cups, cans, polar pop, etc. Backpacks must be stored underneath a desk or behind a student desk. Lockers are issued by student request. Blankets are not allowed in classrooms/hallways. Please leave blankets at home. Students are allowed to chew gum and eat candy in the classroom at teacher discretion. Gum is not to be seen, found, or heard. This regulation may be changed if this becomes a problem. No gum is allowed in certain areas of the building including the gym, music room, library, and the commons area. No class or organization may have merchandise sales unless approved by the principal. Search and Seizure School officials have the right to search students or their property if the officials have reasonable suspicion that the student may be in possession of something that violates school rules or endangers others. The school reserves the right to search any of its property at any time; this would include lockers. The purpose of searching students, their belongings, lockers, desks, or automobiles is to protect the property and safety of others and/or to maintain the on-going educational process of the school. The following can and will be used at different times throughout the school year to ensure the safety of all students and staff at SPMS: - canine units - law enforcement agents - metal detectors - surveillance cameras -locker inspections & searches. Whenever a student's person is being searched, either the person who conducts the search or the witness must be of the same sex as the student being searched. Behavior at Athletic Events and Special Events (on or off property) It is the belief of the administration at Meade County High School that students represent themselves and their school in a respectful manner while being a spectator of athletic competitions and special events. Therefore, rude behavior directed toward an official, an opponent, another fan or guest speaker will result in disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the administration. In the event a second offense occurs, the administration shall make a decision that will likely not allow the student to attend future events. This policy shall relate to, but not limited to, sporting events, dances, concerts and assemblies. In addition, this policy holds for the student’s entire high school career and is not limited to a single school year. Title IX Summary Document Please refer to the Title IX Summary Document for information regarding our school's policies and procedures related to Title IX. Title IX Summary Document Classroom Management To ensure an excellent educational climate, we have developed a classroom discipline plan. Students are expected to follow the rules, which include following directions, keeping hands and objects to oneself, being in the assigned seat on time, raising hand to speak, and being respectful to others and their property. Teachers handle minor misbehaviors, which are referred to as strikes. Teacher assigned consequences may include but are not limited to warnings, a minute after class, parent contacts, written assignments, team meetings, after-school detention, conferences with parents, loss of break, or referral to the office. Three minor strikes will result in an office referral. Major infractions (fighting, verbal abuse, major disruption, law violation, etc) are referred to the office. Dress Code Students should dress in a neat and clean manner that does not disrupt the educational environment. Examples of appropriate dress include appropriate coverage for shorts/skirts/dresses, pants with minimal holes, pants worn at the hip, and appropriate shoes. Examples of inappropriate dress include revealing clothing, tank tops, sagging pants, clothing with offensive messages, hats/hoods/headgear, and pajamas. Students who violate the dress code will be asked to change into appropriate clothing. Examples of appropriate dress include: Shorts/skirts/dresses/skorts that provide appropriate coverage all the way around Pants/jeans with holes (skin should not be excessive) Pants worn at the hip Shoes (including flip flops) Examples of inappropriate or distracting dress include: Shirts showing midriff or revealing necklines (cleavage should not be seen) Tank tops, spaghetti straps, or muscle shirts (all undergarments must not be seen or exposed at anytime) Sagging pants Clothing with offensive/disruptive messages or logos Clothing that advertises alcohol, tobacco, etc. Hats, beanies, caps, headgear, or hoods from hoodies being worn inside the building Sunglasses, long chains hanging from the pants pockets, and other items that disrupt the educational environment Ripped or torn clothing (skin shown behind frayed/holes that are excessive) Pajamas and house slippers When a student is informed of a dress code infraction, the student will be asked to make arrangements to change into appropriate clothing. Specifically, the student can: 1) have a parent bring in appropriate clothing, or 2) wear clothing provided by the school. A student may be placed in ISS to work until appropriate clothing is obtained. Infractions for dress code are monitored by the office. Multiple infractions will result in further disciplinary action. After-School Detention After-school detention is a program for students who have not met expectations. It is held on Wednesdays from 2:45-5:15 p.m. Parents will be notified in advance, and students who skip detention may face further disciplinary action. In-School Suspension In-School Suspension (ISS) is a disciplinary action where students attend school but are isolated from their peers. Parents will be notified if their child is placed in ISS.  School Procedures SPMS Bell SCHEDULE Class 7th Grade 8th Grade 1st 7:55-8:50 7:55-8:53 2nd 8:53-9:48 8:56-9:51 WAVE 9:51-10:19 9:54-10:22 3rd 10:22-11:41 10:25-11:20 4th 11:44-12:39 11:23-12:42 5th 12:42-1:37 12:45-1:40 6th 1:40-2:35 1:43-2:35 Attendance Procedures Daily attendance is essential for student success. Ensuring good school attendance is the responsibility of both students and parents. There is a strong correlation between consistent daily attendance and successful academic performance. Requirements for Excused Absences To be given an excused absence, a student must provide: A parent note describing the absence. A maximum of six parent notes are allowed per school year. A doctor's statement outlining the nature of the illness and verifying that it was necessary to miss school, including the date and appointment time. A statement regarding an immediate family death or a court order. For absences due to educational reasons, students must complete an Educationally Excused Absence (EHO) form, signed by both the principal and the parents, and obtain approval from the building principal in advance. For more details, refer to the Attendance Policy in the Green Discipline and Behavior Code. Returning After an Absence On the day a student returns to school after an absence, they must bring a written note from a parent and/or doctor indicating the reason for the absence. Students are allowed and expected to make up missed assignments in a timely manner. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with their teachers to request missed work. Tardiness Students arriving after 7:55 a.m. or leaving before 2:35 p.m. are considered tardy. Early Pick-Up In non-emergency situations, students being picked up before the end of the school day must provide a parent or doctor’s note. The person picking up the student must sign them out at the office and show picture identification to verify their identity. If this person is not a parent/guardian, they must be listed as an emergency contact in Infinite Campus (IC). Truancy Truant: A student is considered truant after three unexcused absences. Habitually Truant: A student is categorized as habitually truant after six unexcused absences. Court intervention may occur at three or more unexcused absences and will occur at six or more. Medications Medications should be kept in the school office and administered by office staff. All medications must be in their original bottles with the original labels. Parents/guardians must complete a medication permission form, and any special instructions should be noted. The school will notify parents when a refill is needed for daily medications. Students are NOT permitted to carry medication on their person unless noted by a physician and approved by the office. Visitor Guidelines and Appointment Scheduling If you need to speak with an administrator, please call ahead to schedule an appointment. Scheduling an appointment with the administration: Note that between 7:30-8:15 AM is a very busy time for supervision and the beginning of the day. Appointments should be scheduled for after 8:15 AM. Please Note: Our phones do NOT function like a cell phone where missed calls are displayed visually. Leave a voice message if you need a return phone call, this ensures that we know you called. Our goal is to return messages within 24 hours. Arrival and Check-in: Visitors must be buzzed into the building upon arrival. Upon entry, visitors are required to check in at the front desk. A photo ID must be shown at the front desk to sign in. Visitors will receive a visitor sticker to identify themselves to students and faculty. These procedures ensure the safety of all students. Office Procedures Transportation notes should be communicated by 2:00 pm to ensure that the message is delivered in a timely manner. Deliveries to individual students are prohibited. Examples include but are not limited to: DoorDash, family members bringing fast food, Valentines Day gifts/flowers, birthday flowers/gifts, etc. Requirements for Enrollment To enroll in the Meade County School District, the following documents are required: - Proof of legal custody - Proof of residency - 6th-grade physical examination on Kentucky form - Birth certificate - Up-to-date Kentucky Immunization Certificate - Copy of Social Security Card