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The Eagle Newsletter
LUMBERPORT MIDDLE SCHOOLA West Virginia "School of Excellence" PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Welcome to the 2008-09 school year at Lumberport Middle School. It is my sincere hope that this year is one of the most exciting and productive years you have ever had in your brief educational career. This Parent-Student Handbook section of our Agenda was developed for your convenience and is an excellent reference. Although it does not contain everything about LMS, it is an excellent guide for information on a wide range of topics. This handbook will enhance your awareness of opportunities for academic success, extracurricular participation, use of special services and positive ways to communicate with the school staff.
Students, LMS is your school. Adults are here to lead and facilitate your learning while assisting you with decisions that impact the school climate. I encourage you to become involved in the activities at your school. Your participation in a variety of activities will make your experiences at LMS more worthwhile. Parents, rarely do students maximize their learning potential when the school and home do not work closely together. The LMS staff is committed to working with you to help your child's experiences at LMS be positive and academically rewarding. You are encouraged to promptly communicate with LMS staff when you have a question or concern so we can work together to address the situation.
I look forward to sharing this school year with you.
Anthony Fratto, Principal
MISSION STATEMENT
"Soaring to New Heights"
The mission of Lumberport Middle School is to encourage intellectual growth, moral excellence, and personal responsibility.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: (summation)
ATTEND SCHOOL FAITHFULLY
The most important thing a student does each day academically is to come to school! Whenever a student is absent, a written note signed by the parent or guardian must be sent to the student’s AA teacher within 5 days of the student’s return. Phone calls are not enough. After 5 days the absence will be recorded as unexcused. After 10 absences, the County Attendance Director will be notified.
LMS will notify parents, through a computerized phone system, whenever a child is absent. Please check your voicemail and contact us if there are questions.
Tardiness represents lost instructional time. Therefore, excessive tardiness will be handled through the Harrison County Discipline Policy.
The school day ends at 2:42 pm. Students who must leave before 2:42 will need an adult to enter the building and sign them out at the office. If they are leaving with someone other than a parent or guardian, a permission note must be presented or on file at school.
Students who will be riding a different bus or walking or riding in a car with a friend must have a note from the parents of both students! The note must be signed by the office before boarding the bus or leaving the building. This will be strictly enforced.
Every middle school student will be required to take diagnostic tests at the end of first semester. For any student who has a 2.0 GPA at the end of the semester in the class and has not missed more than ten (10) sessions of a class per year regardless of excused reason(s), they will have the options of not taking second semester exam(s). Three (3) tardies will equal 1 day of absence.
LMS has a computer system that will call the homes of students who are absent or tardy each day. If you get a call and believe your child was in school, please call.
LUMBERPORT MIDDLE SCHOOL
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
BEHAVE IN A MANNER THAT DOES NOT DISRUPT CLASSROOM LEARNING OR THE OPERATION OF THE SCHOOL.
Your good behavior and your respect for the feelings of others will insure your having the best possible school and learning environment for a successful year.
PHONE CALLS
Students may not use cell phones to call home for illness or any other reason! All student phone calls in school must be approved and made through the office! For each child’s security, students are not allowed to call out, nor will they be called to the phone. LMS office personnel will deliver messages when appropriate. Only emergency calls will be made for students. Forgotten homework, uniforms, band instruments, etc., or notes to stay with friends are not emergencies. Please try to take care of these things at home before your child comes to school.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Harrison County Board of Education Policy prohibits students from displaying or using electronic devices in school. This includes, but is not limited to cell phones, CD players, pagers, and electronic games. Student cell phones or other portable telecommunication devices are not allowed to be on or seen during school hours. We suggest kids leave these devices at home or lock them in their locker during the school day. Students who display or use electronic items will have them confiscated, and parents will have to come and pick the item up, as well as the student being subject to discipline procedures. Second offenses will result in students forfeiting the privilege of having phones or other electronic devices in school. Also, we do not allow CD’s or discs brought from home to be inserted into school computers. This is to prevent viruses from being introduced into our network here at school. The cooperation of all parents and students is appreciated.
* Chewing gum is not allowed.
* Students are expected to exercise discretion in their use of language. “Freakin’, friggin’, and the myriad of variations on this word are not allowed to be used or spoken in this school.
* Students are to use moderation and modesty in their dress:
1. Halter tops, bare midriffs, and mesh shirts are not appropriate. Skater pants, tank tops, and T-strap tops, are not appropriate. Undergarments are not to be exposed. No articles such as chains that could be used as weapons (attached to wallets or worn around the neck) are permitted. Clothing designed to call undue attention or make the wearer conspicuous is inappropriate at school. All clothing must be clean. Non-natural hair color is disruptive in middle school and will not be allowed
2. Shorts and skirts must be mid-thigh length. (Use the fingertip test.)
3. Clothing that advertises drugs, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, sex, skulls, blood, or offensive language is not permitted. Students are not permitted to wear trousers that are so long that they step on them as they walk. This is a safety issue.
The entire dress policy should be reviewed, if there are questions, in the Policy Guide that will be distributed at the beginning of the school year to every student. Middle school students are, as a whole, distracted by various things including hair color and facial piercings, and they distract us and deter us from our mission to teach students in an educationally sound environment. The piercings in the face also become a safety and health issue for children of this age. These issues will be dealt with on a case by case basis using county policy if they arise. Again, your cooperation is appreciated.
· Students are expected to exercise discretion in the public display of affection.
· Students are not to write in or deface textbooks in any way. If books are damaged, students will be charged a damage fee. If books are lost, the student must pay for replacement.
· Littering is both a civic and personal responsibility. Students are expected to do their part of disposing of litter in containers. This includes disposal of waste in eating areas.
· "Over the counter” medication must be registered in the office and is NOT to be distributed to other students.
· Book bags MUST be of clear-view or mesh material.
· Students are not to carry food & drinks to class. If you enter in the morning with food or drink it must be consumed in the cafeteria.
· All tattoos must be covered.
· Students are not permitted to carry matches or lighters.
· All team bags for extracurricular activities must be mesh.
· Threats in any manner will be dealt with according to the Harrison County Discipline Policy.
BUS CODE OF CONDUCT
The Driver is in Charge of the Bus and the Riders
1. Stand off roadway while awaiting the bus.
2. Be on time and display orderly conduct at the bus stop.
3. Board and leave the bus at assigned stop locations. Students
requesting to ride a different bus must bring a note by a
parent or guardian. Approval is dependent upon previous
behavior.
4. Wait for driver's signal before crossing roads.
5. Drivers have the right to assign seats.
6. Keep your seats at all times.
7. Keep all body parts inside the windows.
8. Objects shall not be thrown from the windows.
9. Refrain from loud talking on the bus.
LOCKER RULES and EXPECTATIONS
1. A locker is assigned to each student and the beginning of the school year. The locker remains the property of the school, not the student, and as such, the locker remains under the authority of the school. However, the school is NOT responsible for items stolen from the locker, or any materials left in the locker overnight.
2. A $2.00 locker rental is charged in order to cover locker painting and maintenance.
3. Each locker must have a lock on it. The school will supply the lock. Students are NOT to use their own locks. If a lock is lost or stolen, the student must pay for it before another one will be issued.
4. Outer garments, including hats, are to be kept in lockers and are not to be worn or carried to class. Only see-through book bags can be carried in the building.
5. The student is responsible for keeping his/her locker combination private and must not share this information with any other student for any reason. Two students will share a locker.
6. According to the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, citizens are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures. Middle school students do not lose this right. However, school officials have the right to conduct a search of a student's locker (which remains school property), as long as this right has been announced or published within the school. THIS PARAGRAPH IS THAT ANNOUNCEMENT.
7. Lockers are to be locked at all times.
MAJOR DISCIPLINE OFFENSES AND CONSEQUENCES
*Refrain from aggressive or THREATENING behavior toward fellow students, teachers or other school personnel.
* Fights or disputes between students should be settled through proper channels. The student should notify the teacher on duty or the office. Students engaged in fighting will be suspended from school for five days for the first offense. The second offense will be a ten-day suspension and referral to the Harrison County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. The third offense will result in a referral to the superintendent and a possible placement in the Harrison County Transitional School or expulsion from school.
* Students may not have in their possession cigarettes, snuff; chewing tobacco, matches, and / or lighters at any time, they are on school property. This includes ballgames and other extracurricular activities. On the first offense the student will be assigned 3 days of In-School Suspension. A second offense will result in Out of School Suspension.
* Students engaged in vandalism will be suspended and can be subject to criminal prosecution.
* Any student caught stealing can result in Out of School Suspension and notification of police.
Alcohol, drugs, and weapons offenses are Level IV Offenses in both the Harrison County and W. Va. Boards of Education discipline policies. Level IV offenses will result in consideration of Transitional School Placement or expulsion!
* Any student having alcohol or drugs will be suspended from school and reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for possible legal action.
Possession and/or selling of counterfeit drugs are illegal on school property.
* Weapons are not allowed at school. Out of School Suspension and legal action will result.
LUMBERPORT MIDDLE SCHOOLDISCIPLINE PROCEDURE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HARRISON COUNTY DISCIPLINE POLICY
School Disciplinary Options:
1. Classroom teacher
2. Teams
3. Lunch Detention
4. In School Suspension
5. After School Detention
6. Out of School Suspension
7. Transitional School Placement or Expulsion
NOTE: Any student with multiple infractions of school rules will not be allowed to attend any school/extra activities such as games, dances, field trips, etc.
After School Detention
ASD is an integral part of the disciplinary program in our school. Students are typically assigned ASD for unacceptable conduct, failure to serve detentions, or for attendance problems. Students failing to comply with the terms of ASD understand that their detention will be converted to In or Out of School Suspension.
ISS – In School Suspension
ISS is an alternative to suspending students out of school. It gives students the opportunity to be in school and to complete assignments with a teacher present, and relieves parents from worrying about supervision when children are not in school. However, ISS is not always a substitute for OSS (Out of School Suspension). The decision to assign ISS or OSS is the school administration’s to make. Also, if a student is unsuccessful in ISS he/she will be assigned to OSS. Please encourage your child to cooperate if he/she gets an ISS assignment. Also, after a couple of ISS assignments, if the behavior is not modified, we will move to OSS.
STUDENT INFORMATION
Student Arrival at School
When a student arrives at school he/she should report to the following locations: cafeteria if eating breakfast, and all other students to the gym. If one enters in the morning with food or drink it must be consumed in the cafeteria.
Care of the Building -- and Restrooms
Everyone should take pride in our school building and the school grounds outside and do everything that you can do to keep it clean and attractive. Students are expected to pick up paper and litter from the classroom and hallway floors at the end of each class period and in the cafeteria at lunch.
Sportsmanship
All students are to refrain from throwing, scuffling, or rowdy conduct at all school activities. Remember that you are a self-respecting young man or woman and that you represent this school and student body of which you should be proud. Your conduct reflects credit or discredit to your home, to your school, and to your community.
Cafeteria
The school cafeteria is operated for the convenience of the students. Students are to enter the cafeteria in an orderly fashion as directed by their teachers. Talking in the cafeteria must be kept to a normal conversation level. Misconduct in the cafeteria will result in detention or suspension.
Fire & Emergency Drills
From time to time, through the year, fire drills and emergency drills are held. Fire drill instructions are posted in each classroom. Students are to quietly and quickly follow all directions given by teachers or other school personnel.
Guidance Services
Counseling and testing are the primary guidance services. Counseling is a student and counselor relationship in which the student has the freedom to express his/her ideals and feelings and seek advice.
GEAR-UP
Through the Gear-Up program, LMS is helping its students to realize that a college education is possible. GEAR UP activities include an ongoing after school program, a day at a college campus, parent involvement nights, and out of state field trips. GEAR UP is federally funded in partnership with Fairmont State College. GEAR UP involves the 8th grade students.
Illness of Students
If students become ill at school, they are to report to their assigned teacher, and then to the office. Parents will be notified whenever necessary. Calls to parents will be made from the office.
Medication
All medication must be brought to the office and a medication form completed. Please send a note explaining when and how the medication is to be given. According to state law, medication must be in its original container.
Library
All students have access to our library at their convenience. Books are checked out to the students. When a book is checked out, it becomes the responsibility of the student. The student must return the book on time or pay a small fine. If a book is lost, the student is responsible for paying for the book.
Band and Choir
Students and parents need to understand that band and choir are academic classes and cannot be dropped whenever a student wishes. County policy will be followed regarding changing schedules. If you enroll in band or choir, be prepared to be there all year!
Lost and Found and Personal Property
Found articles should be turned in to the secretary's office. Students losing or leaving articles should first look where they have been and then check with the office. We have a lost & found rack & box near the cafeteria. We usually donate items to charity 3-4 times per year if not reclaimed. Do not leave any valuables in your locker. Coats, book bags, band instruments, and other articles of value should be labeled. It is best not to bring anything of value, especially large amounts of money to school.
Phone Use
LMS limits the use of the school telephone to matters of an emergency nature. Students are not normally allowed to call home about books, lunches, unsigned forms or homework, etc. Students must learn to take responsibility for these matters and plan ahead. Students are not to call home to make arrangements for after school activities, as these arrangements should be made before leaving home. Students will not be called to the phone, since we have no way of identifying who is on the other end. LMS will be glad to deliver a message to your child in case of an emergency. All student phone calls in school must be approved and made through the office!
Vandalism
LMS prohibits the writing of graffiti on any items including notebooks, books, agendas, binders, clothing, homework, or any other object that is brought to school. Vandalism is a punishable offense and will be dealt with severely.
Visitors
Parents and the business community are encouraged to visit our school. For the safety and security of our students and staff, we require all visitors to "check-in" and register at the front office and receive a Visitor's Badge. Students are not permitted to bring relatives or other peer guests to accompany them to school, unless prior administrative permission has been granted. Due to the distracting nature of student visits, permission is rarely granted.
Weather
If the weather is such that it is necessary to cancel school, the announcement will be made by television and all radio stations, as early as possible. Also, early dismissals will be announced on TV and radio.
School Insurance
"School Insurance" is being provided for all students through the Harrison County BOE excess levy this year, and it covers athletics.
Accidents
Any accident in the school building, on school grounds, or at school-sponsored activity must be brought to the school authorities or school office immediately. The proper reports must be completed in a timely manner.
Make up Work
Students are required to complete work missed during an absence. The policy states an equal number of days to complete the work missed as to the number of days the student was absent, and the return day is counted only as a get assignment day. Make-up work timeline begins upon return to school. Work not turned in by the timeline will be entered as a zero in the grade book. Make-up tests will be scheduled by the teacher and do not have to meet the timeline for written homework or class assignments.
Make-up work will not be gathered by a teacher for the absent student until the third consecutive day of absence.
Homework
Homework is assigned as review or practice of what has already been taught. Question the teacher during class time if you do not understand. Homework not turned in is averaged as a zero for you final homework grade.
Assembly Conduct
School or grade level assemblies are held for specific purposes. Proper conduct in all assemblies means that you will be completely courteous to those who are performing or speaking. Applause is the only correct show of approval of a program or speaker. Students will enter the auditorium as instructed by their teachers. This procedure will be the same each time students enter the auditorium.
Traffic Pattern
At every change of class, each student is expected to follow the LMS traffic pattern -- single file and on the right side of the hall. Running is NOT permitted at any time.
Doctor Appointments
When a student has a doctor's appointment, he/she must bring a note from the parent to the office before first period stating the time he/she needs to leave school. The student will then be given a pass to be dismissed from class to report to the office by the assistant principal. Parents are to pick up the student in the office and sign the student out. When returning to school following the appointment, the parent must sign the student back in at the office and the student will be issued an admittance slip back to class.
Students Late for School
All students late for school must always report to the office to sign-in and get an admit slip. Students should have a written excuse from a parent stating the reason for being late. The admit slip is given to the teacher's class they enter for their signature. Chronic or habitual tardiness will be dealt with as a discipline issue.
Fund Raisers
During the course of the school year various school organizations will sponsor fundraisers. Student participation in these is voluntary. All funds raised during these events will be spent on bettering the educational experiences of the students. Only fundraisers approved by the principal will be permitted.
Progress Reports
Teachers will send home progress reports at the mid part of the grading period indicating what the grade would be at that time, plus a brief summary on conduct. Parents are encouraged to monitor kids’ grades using LMS’s on-line gradebook.
Home football games at Lincoln Field
LMS students will not loiter behind the bleachers at a home football game. LMS students will sit in the bleachers and enjoy the game. This rule will be enforced by the administration and a security guard at each game.
Awards
LMS students are given special recognition for excellence in scholarship and service. Certificates of merit are given to acknowledge student achievements in particular subjects or upon completion of projects. Awards assemblies are held each year.
Changing classes
At every class change, each student is expected to walk on the right in a single file. There is to be absolutely no running and the noise is to kept to a minimum. Students are not permitted to run at any time at LMS.
RESPONSIBLE STUDENTS THROUGH SCHOOLWIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORTS
Our Responsible Student Program has been overhauled and replaced with a new, research based, proactive systems approach to preventing and responding to classroom and school discipline problems. The program focuses improving schools’ positive behavior of all students. Emphasis is directed toward developing and maintaining safe learning environments where teachers can teach and students can learn. EAGLE Expectations will be taught to all students the first week of school and the expectations will be consistent throughout all grade levels, classes, and common areas. We will reteach the expectations as necessary.
Guidelines were established for the following common areas based on E.A.G.L.E.S. Expectations: bus room, lunchroom, auditorium, bathrooms and hallways. For the 2007-08 school year, teachers will adjust and post EAGLES Expectations for their individual classrooms.
E – Exhibit Responsibility
A – Act Appropriately
G – Give and Get Respect
L – Listen and Learn
E – Encourage Others
S – Stay in Your Assigned Area
The PBS program is supported by a series of weekly incentives and some long term incentives and positive behavior supports which will be communicated to students by their classroom and AA teachers.
LMS ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION
Participation in athletics at LMS is a privilege. Wearing any LMS uniform makes a student a representative of our school. Student athletes routinely travel to other schools in and around Harrison County with often only one coach to supervise a large group. We want only those students who demonstrate an ability to act in a responsible and mature manner to represent LMS. Any student's classroom behavior, academic performance, and general conduct will affect his or her opportunity to be on a team. Athletes are expected to be examples to other students in their behavior and responsibility in school. Failure to meet these standards may prevent a student from being chosen to a team, or may result in a student being suspended or removed from a team.
Seventh and eighth grade students, and sixth grade students after first semester, can be eligible for athletic teams by having a 2.0 GPA or higher the previous semester of school. Sixth grade students may participate in athletics except for football.
Athletes must pass a physical exam and bring the completed WVSSAC approved forms prior to the first tryout. No student may tryout for any sport without the physical forms having been turned in. This includes dance line and cheerleading. Insurance coverage will be provided through the HCBOE excess levy, and covers athletic participation.
In addition, athletes must remember the following rules. All LMS athletes:
· must arrive in school on time and be present all day to participate in practice or a game on any day. A note from a doctor or dentist, etc. is required to waive this rule, and the A. D. or a principal will make the decision. A note from home is not acceptable. Our instructional day runs until 2:42 pm. Only occasionally will students be dismissed for games earlier that that time, and that will be at the school administrator’s discretion. Students signed out before 2:42 will not be eligible to play in the game or meet that day.
· are expected to keep their academic work up to at least the level achieved before they joined the team.
· are responsible for all work assigned any time they miss a class for an athletic event. It is the athlete's responsibility to get assignments in advance of their absence.
· are expected to attend all practices and games or notify their coach in advance of absences.
· are expected to follow all school and team rules when they are in uniform or representing LMS.
· are to refrain from any tobacco, alcohol, or drug use at all times.
· are to understand that no type of “hazing” or “initiation” will be tolerated. Any verbal or physical acts of this nature will be dealt with through the Harrison County Schools Discipline Policy and the LMS Discipline Policy.
· are expected to be respectful to their coach, their opponent's coach, their opponent, and the game officials at all times.
· are expected to practice good sportsmanship on and off the field or court. At no time will athletes taunt an opponent, an official, or coach. At no time will athletes behave in a manner that would "show up" an official or opponent, i.e. pounding walls or floors, questioning, taunting, etc.
· are not to question officials without direction from their coach. Questions will be addressed to LMS coaches and they will address the official, or instruct the athlete, at the coach's discretion.
· are expected to wear an LMS uniform for each game. Coaches will decide about accessories such as socks, undershirts, etc.
· are expected to be successful in the RSP program
· are expected to care for their uniform as suggested on the label on the uniform. Uniforms should be carried to and from the game. They are not to be worn under clothes or away from games. They are not to be worn in restaurants or other places after game activities or as play or casual clothes. They should not be worn to school without the coach's direction.
REPORT CARDS
COMPUTERIZED REPORT CARDS ARE GIVEN STUDENTS TO TAKE HOME ABOUT ONE WEEK AFTER THE END OF THE 6-WEEKS PERIOD, EXCEPT FOR THE LAST REPORT CARD OF THE YEAR. STUDENTS ARE TO BRING 50 CENTS FOR A SELF ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE AND WE WILL MAIL THE REPORT CARD HOME.
ONLINE GRADING
LMS will offer online grading for the convenience of our parents and students. Please read the memo that will be sent home concerning online access. If you have an email address it will be utilized for the online grading program. This will allow the school to send announcement, bulletins, and grade updates.
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