2012-13

WELCOME to the Year of PIRATES at PCMS 

     Our theme, PIRATES (Promoting Individual Responsibility, Acceptance, and Teamwork Everyday by making Smart choices), indicates that we are focusing our 2012-13 school year on motivating and inspiring our students to be more responsible for their own choices both in learning and living.  As always, we want to make school a place filled with enjoyable experiences of growth and development for the adolescent students we serve.  We recognize their diverse needs in physical, emotional, social, and academic development during these adolescent years.  Through our theme this year, we hope to instill a sense of pride in our students for their own academic achievements, daily choices, and in being a Perryville Pirate.  We also hope it will help to motivate them to perform in their academics to become not only smarter but, also, better able to live in goodness and character.  We want our school to be a place where our students feel comfortable, secure, and successful.  As they are involved in our school community, we encourage students to be smart and wise.  We want them to be motivated to strive for excellence in order to experience a successful journey in all areas of his/her life

     As the Principal of PCMS, I expect faculty and staff members to follow the philosophy of making our students feel that they are cared for and that they are capable.  We motivate through encouragement and positive feedback in order to promote our students’ success in learning and how to live with goodness.  . We use our training in character processes to promote a positive school climate where we can have the elements of a rigorous and diverse academic plan of teaching and learning, collaborative relationships, extensive programs, and student and family partnerships.  Thus, we have student outcomes that will lead to goodness and productivity as they journey into society.  We strive to model and expect excellence.

     Although our handbook is quite comprehensive, it cannot note every possible scenario, situation, or event occurring during a school year.  Please read through it and note especially the attendance policy which can effect promotion and extracurricular participation, the discipline and dress codes, our assignment completion expectations, the cell phone policy, and our training in character processes.  After you sign the sheet stating you have read the handbook, please return it with your child to his/her CT teacher and keep the handbook available for reference throughout the year.  Throughout the year, we will keep you informed through our Jolly Roger publication, our phone calling system, classroom newsletters, and special flyers.  

     Feel free to contact us any time as a partner in your child’s education.  Be sure to follow the proper channels in areas of concern meaning contact with the teacher is your first step.  I encourage you to remain active in your child’s daily school life--check his/her planner daily, come to school events, discuss the school day at home, and/or volunteer as you can.  We know you will encourage your student to develop the life habits that will help them be her/his best in living and learning.  I look forward to a year of successes as we work with you and your child to meet the PIRATE theme’s goals for your child, our PCMS community and beyond.

                                                                                        In Service to Students,

                                                                               Perry County Middle School

INTRODUCTION

District Mission Statement

“Through a partnership of school, family and community, we will provide a learning environment that facilitates the lifelong learning skills for students, by recognizing each student’s unique gifts to pursue personal goals, character development and academic achievement necessary for a productive and healthy life.”

District Vision Statement

“For Our Kids…For Their Future”

Perry County Middle School Mission, Vision, and Beliefs Statement

Mission: Shaping the Future One Student at a Time

Vision: Educating the whole child for a productive life of character and learning

We, the staff of Perry County Middle School (PCMS), believe:

             that students at the middle level have distinct physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs.  PCMS is a transitional experience for students who are at various stages of development between elementary school and high school…between childhood and adulthood.

             Therefore, the faculty of PCMS believes that we must function as a team with parents, students, and the community to design and implement programs for our students.  PCMS has an attitude and organization that will provide a positive learning environment of academic and exploratory opportunities, guidance/support services, physical development activities, and appropriate social experiences for all students.  This will be in an effort to provide our community and nation with an educated, critically-thinking citizenry of good character and the desire for life-long learning.  In order to achieve this, we intend to

1.   provide a flexible and comprehensive curriculum to meet the mental, physical, and social                                        

      needs of students

2.      provide activity-oriented classrooms and programs where students learn by doing and interacting as we enable each student to think and act creatively and experience success with a sense of belonging

3.      help provide a smooth transition for each student from the elementary to the high school

4.      promote communications between the school, the home, and the community

5.      help students understand and be able to apply the principles of our democratic society and be sensitive to the cultures of the world as they grow in aesthetics, fine arts, practical arts, and

technology skills

6.      provide a variety of experiences, guidance, exploration, and support which will have a carry-over value for leisure and recreational purposes as well as development of career possibilities for their individual abilities and potential

7.      encourage students to become self-disciplined and self-motivated critical thinkers and life-long learners who are also citizens of good character who act with positive choices and decisions

8.      create an atmosphere of teaching, learning, and living which prepares students to make decisions vital to their own needs and an overall healthy and productive life

District Administration

Kevin Dunn, Superintendent……..………………………………………………....Ext. 329*

Russell Leek, Asst. Superintendent……………………………………………..          Ext. 370*

Lee Gattis, Senior High Principal…………………………………………………...Ext. 338*

Joel Roth, Asst. Senior High Principal………………………………………   Ext. 339*

Jeff Steffens, Asst. SH Principal/Athletic Director………………………………...       Ext. 343*

Velda Haertling, Middle School Principal………………………………………….     Ext. 333*

Mark Phillips, Asst. Middle School Principal…………………………………..           Ext. 332*

Jennifer Streiler, Elementary Principal……………...……………………………...Ext. 336*

Mike Wortmann, Asst. Elementary Principal…………………………………….         Ext. 349*

Michelle Schnurbusch, Director, Special Services………………………………….Ext. 243

Nikki Wilson, Process Coordinator, Special Services………………………………Ext. 222

Mr. Steve King, Director, Career Center……………………………………………Ext. 342*

Wayne Neathery, Technology Coordinator…………………………………………Ext. 217

Lisa Bailey, Assistant Technology Coordinator...…………………………………..Ext. 561  

Linda Buerck, Director of Instruction………………………………………………Ext. 587

*Secretary’s Extension

Board of Education

Mr. Kevin Bachmann, Vice-President                           Mrs. Tina Littge, President

Mr. Scott Cooper, Member                                                      Mrs. Nancy Voelker, Member

Mr. Mark Gremaud, Member                                                   Mr. Jeff Weibrecht, Member

Mr. Scott Hotop, Member

PERRY COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS

       Principal – Velda Haertling (333)                                    Assistant Principal – Mark Phillips (332)

Certified Staff

Campus Maps/Building I.D.

STUDENT INFORMATION AND SERVICES

Arriving/Leaving School Grounds

Students not riding a school bus to school should have their parents/guardians drop them off in front of the middle school building after 7:20 a.m.  Once at school, you are expected to proceed directly to the cafeteria for breakfast OR to your assigned area for supervision – 5^th graders meet outside their building; 6^th graders report to the back of the multipurpose building; 7^th and 8^th graders gather on opposite ends of the lower asphalt area behind the main building near the library.  From December through March and during rainy or cold weather, students will gather inside until dismissed to their Community Time room.  Middle school students are not allowed in any other area of the campus at any time without permission from a middle school administrator.

Bell Schedule

School hours are from 7:55 a.m. to 3:01 p.m.  Before-school supervision runs until 7:50 a.m.  The bell schedule is as follows:

5^th/6^th Grade

                                    1^st period/Community Time       7:55 a.m. – 8:36 a.m.

                                    2^nd period                                 8:41 a.m. – 9:48 a.m.

                                    3^rd period                                 9:53 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

                                    Lunch                                       11:00 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.

                                    4^th period                                 11:30 a.m. – 12:37 p.m.

                                    5^th period                                 12:42 p.m. – 1:49 p.m.

                                    6^th period                                 1:54 p.m. – 3:01 p.m.

7^th/8^th Grade

                                    1^st period/Community Time       7:55 a.m. – 8:36 a.m.

                                    2^nd period                                 8:41 a.m. – 9:48 a.m.

                                    3^rd period                                 9:53 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

                                    4^th period                                 11:05 a.m. – 12:12 p.m.

                                    Lunch                                       12:12 p.m. – 12:37 p.m.

                                    5^th period                                 12:42 p.m. – 1:49 p.m.

                                    6^th period                                 1:54 p.m. – 3:01 p.m.

Change of Address/Emergency Contact

Parent/Guardian information will be collected on each student at the beginning of each year or when enrolling.  This information is necessary should an emergency arise and for mailing student reports.  Items such as “double parent” contacts, special arrangements for residence and/or contact, and/or any custody issues should be noted with this information.  Please supply proper and necessary documents to cover legal custody and emergency contacts.  Also, should changes occur throughout the year in any area (address, phone number, custody, etc)., please be sure to notify our office of these changes.  This is necessary to ensure that the school maintains the privacy of the student and is essential to the safety and progress of your child.  If you have questions or concerns about this at any time, please contact Mrs. Velda Haertling, Principal, or Mr. Mark Phillips, Assistant Principal in the MS office at 573-547-7500 ext. 331.

Co-Curricular/Extra-Curricular Activities

PCMS provides a variety of activities in which you can become involved.  It is the hope of the staff that your involvement in these activities will help you develop character traits important to your success in other areas of life as well as make you feel more a part of our school community.  We encourage you to participate as much as you can, but be selective:  do not become involved to the extent that your school work suffers.

You will have the opportunity this year to participate in a variety of clubs, special event days, reward parties, and various educational assemblies that are provided throughout the year.  A special leadership group is made up of 7^th & 8^th grade students who are chosen each year through a specified selection process.  They are known as the BLAST COUNCIL and are responsible for student leadership and character education activities.  Other groups which will meet after school may be available to students.  Following are brief outlines on these extra- and co-curricular opportunities:

BLAST COUNCIL

The BLAST Council of PCMS consists of students in grades 7-8.  BLAST members are required

to complete a specific application to become a member.  Specific criteria must be met and students are chosen based on that criterion.   These students must maintain good character and citizenship so they can be seen as role models for the remainder of the student body.  Consisting of about 40 members, the sponsors and members of this group provide many services to the students and staff of PCMS.  They facilitate activities such as sports and award assemblies, service projects, student/teacher charity projects, reward incentives, social activities, or other processes where student leadership is needed.  They will also help us continue to make and implement the plans for integrating character education into our life at school, home, and into the community.  Most of this group’s activities occur during the school day except for special fundraising events such as dances or other special activities.  They also participate in some state and national STUCO activities as part of their membership.  This group provides an opportunity for students to learn and practice leadership and service through its activities. 

Technology Club

This club offers an extended opportunity for those students who are interested in the industrial arts and technology field.  They meet one day a week from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. to work on projects and videos, repair equipment, and study a variety of trends and industrial advances.  The sponsor for this group is the Industrial Technology teacher.  The information about joining this group, which is open to all MS students, will be distributed to students at the beginning of the school term.

Math Club

This group meets to challenge those students who are excelling in or are interested in enhancing their abilities in math.  It is open to students in grades 5-8 and meets monthly.  The requirements for membership include dues of $2 yearly and attendance of 50% of their meetings.  One activity of this organization is participation in math contests and events outside our district at regional and state levels.  The group engages in activities to challenge their math abilities while still having fun and building on a basic understanding of many math concepts.  Information about joining this group will be given to students at the beginning of the school term each year.

Scholar Bowl Team

PCMS offers this opportunity for students interested in competing in the various scholar bowl contests offered throughout the year.  It requires a commitment to practice sessions and some study beyond the practice sessions.  Some costs may be incurred by participating students and their families with the required travel for the various contests.  One of the faculty members facilitates this group and will forward detailed information to the interested students after the beginning of school each year.

Choir & Band

Some choir and the band activities are a part of the daily schedule of classes at PCMS. Every grade level student has the opportunity to participate in a music/chorus class. Beyond these, there are opportunities for students to be a part of an audition choir at some grade levels. Students with this interest will learn of these opportunities at the beginning of each school term.

Sports

A variety of extra-curricular sports activities that meet after school are available for 7th and 8th grade students. These include football, volleyball, basketball, track and cheerleading teams.  A "Student Activities Manual" is available through the office. If you intend to participate in sports, you must obtain a copy of this manual and get a physical before attending the first practice. The manual contains very important information and guidelines for participation in athletic activities. Among those guidelines is attendance. To participate in any extra-curricular activity, you must be present at school at least during half of the day of the activity, be in good standing in regards to fines and fees, as well as be in compliance with the Board of Education's attendance policy (95% attendance). Further, to be eligible for competition against teams in a particular grade, you cannot have reached the following ages prior to July 1 preceding the opening of school: 7^th grade – 14; 8^th grade – 15.  Also, you are ineligible to compete any semester in which you failed two or more scheduled subjects or failed to make standard progress in special education during the preceding quarter.  If you receive any “F” while participating on an athletic team, you will be required to attend SWAP (Saturday Work Adjustment Program) until the grade is raised to a satisfactory level.

Special Note: Middle school students attending after-school extra-curricular activities as a “fan” are encouraged to have a parent or guardian accompanying them.  Expect to have your parents called or be escorted off the campus by the SRO (School Resource Officer) if you are here without a parent or adult guardian and engage in inappropriate behaviors.

Dances

School dances, sponsored by MS clubs and organizations, are offered throughout the year.  Below are specific guidelines that apply to school dances:

1.      Do not arrive for the dance more than ten minutes early, and stay out of the road while waiting for the doors to open.  Students arriving late to the dance will be allowed in only if the teacher(s) assigned to take money and check the eligibility list are still at the door.

2        You will not be allowed to leave the dance early without prior verbal notification by parents.  The exception will be for parents who come in early to pick up their child.

3.      If you are absent from school on the day of a dance, or if you have an outstanding fine, you will not be able to attend the dance without prior approval from the principal.  Students who are suspended or expelled from school will not be eligible to attend the dance.  Excessive failing grades may also prohibit dance attendance.

4.      Remain in the dance area and limit your trips to the restroom only as needed.

5.      Help the sponsoring group keep the dance area clean.  This can be accomplished by placing soda bottles and candy wrappers in the trash cans.  Please notify a sponsor if soda has been spilled.

6.      General school rules are still in effect for dances.  This includes appropriate dress according to school code and no cell phones.

7.      You may be expected to show your ID card to gain entrance to dances.

Field Trips

Various field trips or events are held throughout the year for students at each grade level.  A student’s participation in these may be based on criteria from their yearly performance.  Discipline history, attendance history, and grades may be used as criteria for such participation.  A student should be aware that any negative results in these areas may eliminate their opportunities for going on field trips at any time throughout the year up to and including the final day of the school year.  Therefore, they should work toward having no discipline referrals, maintaining a 95% attendance rate, and no failing grades.  This will ensure their eligibility for all such activities.

Journeys

The “Journeys” program has ended due to the grant funding coming to an end.  However, other programs are being put into place to sustain academic assistance for our students.  Details on this are given under other sections of this handbook.   In addition, information regarding these programs may be available during orientation and throughout the school year.  If you have any questions please contact 547-7500, ext. 206.

8^th Grade Ceremony

The eighth grade ceremony is scheduled for May 3, 2013.  It will be held at the Perry Park Center at 7:00 p.m.  The purpose and focus of this event is an achievement/honors ceremony and not a graduation.  However, we have purchased gowns for the students to wear for the ceremony.  A fee of $10.00 for the gown, ceremony expenses, and dance is assessed to each participating 8^th grade student.  Parents may pay this assessed fee at orientation or at any time during the first semester with a deadline for the payment of January 13, 2012.  In addition, some special social event will be planned for the class.  This may be a special field trip, a casual dress dance  following the ceremony or on Saturday, May 4, 2013 from 7-9 pm in the MS Multipurpose Building.  The $10 fee noted above will be used to cover the expenses of these events.  With the provided gown for the ceremony and since any dance will be a casual dress event, long/short formals, tuxedoes, etc. will not be needed.  All students will wear the provided gown for the ceremony and should follow the basic dress code guidelines of a regular school event. 

A speaker will be engaged by the faculty and administration to give the keynote speech for/to the class.  Certificates of Achievement and Special Honors will be given out to the class members during this ceremony.  Another time will be set for classroom awards and recognitions.  There is no limit to the number of family members and guests attending the Park Center Ceremony event but respect and a honorable demeanor are expected from all in attendance. 

Any changes or additional information about this event will be sent as it is determined during the school year.

Contests for Students

PCSD #32 may cooperate with individuals, community organizations, or other agencies desiring to sponsor activities and contests in which district students may participate, provided that such contests are in keeping with the purposes and educational aims of the school district.  In addition, such activities must be capable of being integrated into the school program without significant disruption or loss of instructional time for the student and without imposing an unreasonable added work load on the staff of the school.

School-sponsored organizations shall not participate in contests sponsored by agencies outside the school system without the approval of the principal and/or superintendent.

The approved Advisory List of National Contests and activities published by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and/or by the Missouri State High School Activities Association shall be used as a guide for determining appropriate contests in which secondary pupils may participate.

Approval shall be given for a reasonable number of students to attend state meetings.  This would include officers of clubs, contest winners, and others where the instructor indicates that the program would benefit the student subject to approval of the building administrator.

Attendance at national meetings shall be limited to state contest winners, students who have program responsibilities, and state officers where their primary responsibilities are statewide in nature.

Eligible students participating in state or national meetings or contests shall be accompanied by a school official or parent/guardian for purposes of supervision.

Drills

For your safety, we will practice emergency procedures throughout the year.  Drills will be signaled from the office and supervised by your teachers.  It is crucial that directions be received and understood by all.  There should be no talking during drills, and you need to move quickly to the necessary locations, cooperating with instructions given by any staff member.

General Student Behavior Expectations

Take pride in your school and in yourself.  Treat the staff, school facilities, and each other with the respect deserved.  Emphasis will be placed on students acting with good character choices and behaviors.  Our expectations are that students will always be respectful, responsible members of our school community.  Use integrity in all your choices, decisions, and performances.

In order to operate effectively and efficiently, several things will be expected of you from the time that you leave home in the morning until the time you arrive home in the afternoon.  During this time, the staff at school will act (and is legally responsible to act) as your parents, and this is the basis for the code of expected behaviors.  Listed below are expectations that are most frequently an issue.  Elsewhere in this handbook (see the table of contents), you can find detailed lists of expectations for buses, the lunchroom, etc.  Your cooperation with these guidelines is not only appreciated, but expected.

1.      Conduct yourself in the hallway in an orderly manner.  Hall-passing times are provided to give you time to organize materials for your next class, use the restrooms if necessary, and get to class so that you are seated and prepared when the bell rings.  Please do not congregate in a manner that blocks the hallways.  Loud or rowdy behaviors are not appropriate and will not be tolerated.  You are to cooperate with staff members when given directions by them.  You have 5 minutes to get to your next class without receiving a tardy, so do NOT loiter along the way.  Although students may bring items to school using them, backpacks, book bags, string bags, duffel bags, large purses, etc. may not be carried throughout the day.

2.      At all times, avoid roughhousing (which includes things like throwing snowballs, playing in puddles, playing with the gravel, name-calling, running in the hallways, grabbing, etc.) or pushing/shoving.  Even between friends, this kind of behavior usually results in two things: (1) someone gets hurt, and/or (2) someone gets angry.

3.      Snack and/or drinks will be confiscated if you have it anywhere besides the cafeteria or under the supervision or permission of a staff member.  Since open drinks or food are an invitation to spills, smells, and attracting pests, they are not allowed except under specific supervision and circumstances.

4.      Once you leave your home in the mornings, go to and remain in the appropriate supervised middle school areas at all times.  At no time should you be in elementary or high school areas (including the high school parking lot).  You may leave middle school areas only with permission from an administrator.

5.      Do not have any item at school that could be considered or used as a weapon, drug, or to do bodily harm.  These include all controlled substances AND over-the-counter medications.  These will be confiscated and you will be suspended or expelled for possessing them.

6.      As a matter of etiquette, you may not wear hats, caps, bandanas, or any headgear in the school building, use profanity or any other vulgar language (spoken or written), or engage in inappropriate public displays of affection

7.      The possession, use, or distribution of tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia, alcohol, or other drugs including over-the-counter medications is prohibited.  Suspension usually results if this type of violation occurs.  Any medications needed must be disbursed by our nurse/staff under stated guidelines of the health services.

8.      Be considerate of furniture, equipment, buildings, and other materials (whether they belong to the school, a staff member, or another student).  You will be required to pay for any damage to equipment, furniture, buildings, or other materials.

9.      You need to leave at home any personal property that is not essential for your education. This would include e-readers, CD players, I-PODS, hats, bandanas, computer games [or games/toys of any kind], trading cards, squirt guns, jewelry, etc.)  This type of item should not be brought or worn to school.  Personal cell phones or pagers are not allowed under any circumstances.  These are confiscated for a parent or guardian to pick up and usually result in a consequence being assigned.  We are NOT responsible for personal items brought to school.  Administration time will not be spent on investigating lost or stolen personal items.

10.  Skateboards and scooters are not considered transportation and are not to be brought to school.  They, too, will be confiscated by the administration for parent pick up with possible disciplinary consequences being assigned.

Library Media Center (LMC)

The LMC is designed to enrich and support the educational program of the school.  You are encouraged to make use of the LMC for research work and general pleasure reading.  The LMC will be open for students to use from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. each day that school is in session.  You will have opportunities to check out materials during communication arts class or other periods if you have a pass from a teacher.

The following guidelines apply to the circulation of resource materials:

1. Books – 2 weeks: The books can be renewed for additional time.  Check the due date in the book and return or recheck the book before that date.  If you will do this, your name should not appear on the overdue list.
2. Pamphlets – 2 weeks
3. Reference Materials – Overnight: reference materials can be checked out at the discretion of the LMS.
4. Audio Visual Materials – To be checked out/signed out only with special permission from the librarian.  A record of this type of check out will be forwarded as needed to the office.
5. Vertical File - To be used in the LMC.
6. Magazines – Students may check out two magazines for a period of three days.  Students may not check out the current magazine; that is, the magazines on the magazine display stand.

LMC Fines and Fees

Fines will be assessed for overdue books.  The fine for a library book will be ten cents ($.10) per day and twenty-five cents ($.25) per day for a reference book.  There will be a five-dollar ($5.00) limit on each book overdue.  If the book is lost, the student must pay the cost of the book.  All fines must be cleared before the end of each quarter.

Classroom rules apply in the LMC.  The LMC will have a more pleasing appearance if the floor and tables are kept free of waste paper and the chairs are in order when you leave the center.  The library will be closed as needed for the librarian to have lunch and do classroom presentations, etc.

Textbooks, Binders, Book bags, Backpacks, and Lockers

Hall lockers are no longer assigned for our students’ use.  All necessary textbooks are issued to each

student as a home set, so the primary need for a locker has been eliminated.  Since textbooks do not

have to be carried for classes, students can use a binder or “trapper keeper” for transporting their supplies

and assignments to/from school and to each classroom.  This process helps eliminate our hall

congestion and “traffic” concerns during hall passing times.  It also lessens the concerns over students 

bringing items to school which could endanger themselves or others (ie., drugs, alcohol, tobacco,

weapons).  If a student has a need for bringing a string bag, purse, book bag or backpack, s/he will

be required to store it during the day in her/his CT classroom or as arranged with another teacher.

Girls’ use of purses should be kept to a minimum, and they should be small.  In special situations,

if a parent feels their student needs a locker, the parent should contact Mrs. Haertling or Mr. Phillips

to discuss the matter.  Athletes will be assigned a gym locker and lock during their participation period.

The school is not responsible for items a student may keep or leave in the gym locker room or classrooms.

Lost and Found

Be very protective of your personal property and school property that has been checked out to you.  Large sums of money, CDs, recorders, electronic games/devices, trading cards, toys, etc. should not be brought to school since their security cannot be guaranteed.  Students should be careful with all valuables.  The school is not responsible for your lost or stolen personal items.  You are also responsible for books and/or other materials checked out to you even if you lend them to someone else.  If they are lost or stolen, YOU are the one who will be assessed the fine for replacing them. 

Anyone finding property that does not belong to them should turn that property into the office immediately.  Lost articles should be claimed in the office before or after school.  Articles not claimed within a reasonable length of time will be discarded.

Office Visits

Students are welcome in the office to take care of legitimate school business (for example: bringing in excuses for absences).  You may come into the office if you have specific business to conduct.  While in the office, we expect you to behave as you would in a classroom: the secretaries will not tolerate disruptive behavior any more than a classroom teacher will.

Parents are always welcome in our office.  If you need to see an administrator, it would be wise to set up an appointment or call before coming in as their days are usually heavily scheduled ahead of time.

Parent Partner Group

The Parent Partner Group is established as an opportunity for parents to advise the faculty and administration in educating children at PCMS.  Parents from every grade level will be invited to be a part of this group.  They will meet with the administration throughout the year to discuss educational topics, parental or staff concerns, and will help support the school with advice and work on parental involvement and student learning.   Its purpose is to discuss suggestions, ideas, and enhancements for programs, facilities, and processes used within PCMS and its daily educational efforts.  Through this group, we will seek to involve administration, faculty, and parents in open discussions on some aspects of education and/or daily school life.  Our hope is that these discussions will help parents become more informed and alert in the educational life of their children. 

Messages to/for Students

If parents/guardians need to get a message to a student, they should make the call themselves as we will not give messages to students from any one else.  This is a safety/security matter.  If someone other than you will need to pick up your child, please send a note with your child for our administrators stating who will be picking them up or make the call to us yourself.  Any messages for students should be called in before 1:30 p.m.  After that time, due to schedules, it is difficult to guarantee that a message can be transmitted to your child.  In addition, we will not call students out of class for messages unless it is an emergency.  Again, please try to assure that your child knows his/her arrangements for after school before he/she leaves home in the morning.  Frequent calls disturb the instructional time and work of our entire staff and the students.  Therefore, they should be avoided.  We appreciate parental cooperation on keeping calls with messages for students to a “bare minimum.”   Note the policy of cell phones later in this handbook.  Due to safety, security, and social concerns, if a student has one at school and/or uses it in any manner, even to call his/her parents, disciplinary action will be taken per the stated policy.

Telephone Usage by Students

An office phone is available for student use for school business, personal necessities and emergencies.  However, other calling is discouraged.  Requests for such calls should be made to the secretaries and/or administrators who will determine their necessity.  To keep these to a minimum, we ask that all necessary arrangements for matters such as after school activities (going to a friend’s house, etc.) be made before leaving home in the morning.  Repeated requests for phone use may mean an assessed charge to the student.  The office phone may be used only with this adult permission.  Telephones in classrooms are off-limits to students and cell phones are not allowed for students per our district policy. 

Restrooms

Our restrooms will be pleasant to use if we all make the effort necessary to keep them clean and use them properly.  Our custodians are expected to maintain and clean the restrooms after reasonable use.  It is disrespectful and irresponsible to expect the custodians to clean up unnecessary or intentionally made messes.  So, work hard at keeping the restrooms clean.  If you are responsible for or find a mess or damage in a restroom that you cannot clean up on your own, report it immediately to a custodian or the office so that the problem can be addressed promptly.  Restrooms are not to be used as social meeting places.  Restroom use should be limited to before and after school and during hallpassing times.  Be responsible:  do not put your teachers in the position of having to say “no” since the use of restrooms during instructional time is reserved for emergencies only and requires a hall pass.  Each grade level team will determine consequences for irresponsible requests for restroom use during instructional time.

Solicitations From and Gifts to Students

Material submitted by outside agencies is not to be distributed to pupils or sent to homes unless authorization for such distribution has been received from the superintendent’s office.  Outside agencies are not permitted to solicit contributions within the school for any cause.

Student Automobile/Vehicle Use

No student of any age enrolled in grades 5-8 may operate a vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle) as transportation to/from school or on school property under any circumstances.  Students are also not to be in cars during the school day without permission from a building administrator.

Student Fines/Fees

The staff of PCMS feels that learning to be responsible with materials is a critical lesson.  If you have a charge or a fine, expect to have your privileges to participate in extra-curricular activities removed until your charge or fine is paid. 

All students will be assessed an $18.00 student fee for various supplies, activities and events.  Students will be using supplies for some art/technology projects, computer lessons, and a variety of materials, and will be engaged in numerous activities funded from this fee.  Eighth grade students will be assessed an additional $10.00 fee to cover the costs of their 8^h grade ceremony.

Student Recognition Programs

PCMS students from each grade level will be nominated and honored at our scheduled  ceremonies for the PCMS “All-Star Team.”  Teachers recommend students based on the character traits that we emphasize throughout the year (honesty, trustworthiness, kindness, patience, citizenship, responsibility, and respect).  Also considered are service to school/community, attitude, cooperation, initiative, unique contribution to PCMS, and concern for others.  From the students nominated as part of the All-Star Team, a “team captain” is chosen by the principal.  Recipients are awarded a certificate and gift, have their pictures published in the local newspaper and on our website, and have their names posted in a special place of recognition.  During the school year, faculty and administration seek other opportunities and processes to recognize student accomplishments, improvement, and growth toward achievement and productive choices.  These recognitions and rewards occur at a variety of grade levels and in various settings appropriate to the student accomplishment/achievement.

Student Withdrawal/Transfer From School

Students who are transferring to another district or who are withdrawing from school, for any reason, shall notify the principal of their last day of attendance and shall complete the necessary withdrawal procedure.

Procedure for withdrawal includes returning all textbooks and other materials owned by the school district and the payment of any bills the student owes to the school district.

Should the student not return all items or pay all debts to the school district, the principal will schedule a conference and make arrangements to clear the student’s obligations before transcripts will be released by the principal.

Tardy to Class

Being on time and prepared, like regular attendance, is an important factor in being successful in anything you do, including school.  Teachers will expect you to be in your seats when the bell rings and be ready to begin class.  If you do not do this, you may be counted tardy.  On your third tardy, and each subsequent tardy in the semester, consequences may be applied for the disruptions that are caused by your being late.  Remember, if you are late to school in the morning for a reason that cannot be counted as excused, you will be reported as tardy to your first-period class. In addition, remember that any time you are out of class during a class period, you must have a hall pass.  Please request one from the teacher before leaving the classroom.  Otherwise, you may face a tardy or other disciplinary action.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCESS

Academic Information

Perry County Middle School consists of grades 5-8 and works within a modified flexible schedule.  The classes consist of 67-minute instructional periods and a community time.  The school year is divided into four quarters of approximately nine weeks each.  The course offerings include a focus on the five core content areas of reading, language arts, math, science and social studies while also providing an opportunity for students to experience and explore music, band, art, family and consumer science, industrial technology, health and physical education.  We also offer an opportunity for participation in a wide variety of extracurricular clubs, sports and activities.

The unique developmental period of adolescence is the foundation of our philosophy and programming at PCMS.  We seek to educate the whole child, who at this period of development, is seeking identity, exploring interests and changing physically and emotionally like no other time in their life.  A major component of this philosophy and programming is character education.  The character education program is integrated into every content area of instruction and all activities.  With this emphasis, our staff seeks to engage the students in learning to live with productive and positive attributes and choices.  This manifests itself in higher achievement levels as well as improved discipline/behavior.

Our program of studies is continually reviewed and revised in order to meet the challenging accountability levels of state and national standards.  Our curriculum is aligned to the state standards and processes of Missouri which are currently also linked to the national No Child Left Behind program.  Students at PCMS are expected to meet a rigorous set of objectives in all content areas and are challenged to become lifetime learners.  A special focus on reading and writing across the curriculum continues in all content areas.  

We seek to have our students explore interests and possible careers through focused instruction in our courses, performance-based activities and assessments, individual portfolios, and the development of an individual 6-year plan for entrance into the high school.  In all of these arenas of learning and growth, we seek to have parents as key partners for each child.  At PCMS, we offer a wide variety of support services such as homework assistance and study sessions while also coordinating services from a variety of support/service organizations in the community.

Student Assistance Programs

Students of Perry County School District No. 32 are entitled to achievement through education.  Our school district provides resources and programs so each student can succeed.  Therefore, the supportive services network must function as a safety net to help all students realize their potential.  With staff and volunteers dedicated to helping students achieve, every student will be provided a positive learning environment with every opportunity to obtain a quality education for a quality life.  Earning failing grades is not acceptable and interventions will be sought for those students who are failing at the various grading periods. Our student assistance goals are:

1. to provide a school atmosphere where all children experience a sense of belonging and are empowered to be successful;
2. to provide a variety of educational measures to assist educational growth and success;
3. to provide a continuous comprehensive review of student performance to recognize and intervene for students in need of support.

The following supportive services programs are offered at the middle school:

Study Skills – Study Skills classes are emphasized at all grade levels.  Specific emphasis for these educational habits occurs within targeted classes and processes at some grade levels.

Learning Zone – This program, which is held immediately after school from 3:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. three days a week, is meant to be an intervention and support process.  It offers targeted assistance with additional instruction for comprehension and understanding in specific content concepts.  Therefore, it is available to students only through a collaborative process between parents, students, administrators and/or counselors.  This program is facilitated by a selection process coordinated through our counselors’ office.  Students chosen for these sessions are registered for their specific needs and assistance.

Saturday Work Adjustment Program (SWAP) – SWAP is used as a disciplinary and academic consequence for students.  It runs from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on most Saturdays during the school year.  Students are assigned SWAP for any infractions as deemed appropriate by the administration at PCMS (ie., late assignments, not complying with behavior expectations, skipping assigned ASD, truancy, etc.). 

In regard to completion of assignments, PCMS faculty and administration seek to have every student succeed in their academics as a primary goal.  Completing all assignment at a quality level and having them turned in on time is a key element to having this success.  If this does not occur consistently, it can be a factor in students earning negative outcomes and failing grades.  In our efforts to avoid those negative outcomes, we will be using SWAP as an intervention for those not completing and turning in assignments at a quality level and on time.  Details about this process are outlined under the homework policy section of this handbook.

Summer School – A remedial summer school program may be provided.  Plans for this program will be made when budget provisions are known in the second semester of each school year.  If it is offered, eligible students will be notified, and administrators or counselors may be contacted for details.

PALS – PALS is the acronym for the Pirate Alternative Learning Site.  Students in grades 7 or 8 may be placed in this alternative setting for a variety of reasons affecting their academic progress.  These include chronic behavior concerns, poor attendance, and/or poor academic habits/outcomes.  When students are considered for this placement, parents are required to meet with the MS administrator, the PALS Lead Teacher, the MS counselor, and other pertinent faculty members as a team.  Once placed, a student’s progress is reviewed regularly in an effort to return the student to the regular school setting.  Student progress in the PALS program is used to make this decision as well as to determine promotion or retention, when applicable.

Assessment Program

Missouri Assessment Program

The district uses a standardized test to evaluate the learning process and related activities.  The

assessment used is the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) test.  The MAP test combines multiple-choice, constructed response and performance-event items to measure student understanding.  MAP data reports student understanding by performance level.  There are four performance levels ranging from Below Basic (lowest) to Advanced (highest).  Students who score at the top levels know and can apply concepts and skills identified in the Missouri Show-Me Standards.

TRAINING IN CHARACTER

In an effort to not only train our students to be effective learners and intellectual citizens, we sustain a character education process to promote their goodness.  We believe in teaching the whole child to provide them the means and ability to be knowledgeable, good people and productive citizens.  Students should have the ability, desire, and courage to always do the right thing in all areas of their life.  We want to help them grow in this developmental aspect of their life.  Our district has maintained a membership with CHARACTERplus and has used their resources in our character educational processes.  Under the umbrella of this process, we also

utilize other programs and processes such as PBS and the Olweus anti-bullying program as tools and resources. 

Throughout the school year, students will be exposed to lessons on and integration of a variety of positive character traits and the expected behaviors associated with those traits.  They will have an opportunity to help us create an environment of respect and responsible living as a school community.  With the above referenced tools and resources we intentionally seek to teach our students to apply the positive traits in every day living.  We encourage them to be their best in behaviors, in daily social interactions, and in academic efforts.  Our hope is that parents and community members will join this effort as we will offer them opportunities for partnerships. 

In this manner, we hope to make our students aware of the importance of having good character.  Hopefully, they will know what it means to be a virtuous person capable of making positive choices and decisions.  We hope to instill in our students the desire and courage to not only grow intellectually, but also morally.  This will give them the skills and abilities that will enhance their chance to move forward in living as a productive, healthy person and a better citizen in our school, at home, and in the community. 

Our goal is to not only teach them for life but also for living.  They need not only have knowledge, but also understand how to use it wisely and productively as good people.  People in a civilized society need to be intelligent and knowledgeable, but, more importantly, they need to be “good” and capable of making positive behavior choices, to get along well with others.  The goal of our character education process is to instill these good living skills in and with the students’ abilities and knowledge so they live it beyond the school into homes and into our community.  We hope you will join in the process as partners using materials sent home and discussing lessons and information brought home by your students.  Be alert for additional information and materials on this endeavor throughout the year.

ESL/ESOL (English As a Second Language)

The district is committed to identifying and assessing the educational needs of students whose native or home language is other than English.  Once identified, the District will provide appropriate programs to address the needs of these students.  Students entitled to considerations under this policy include:

• Language Minority (LM) – Students who come from a background where English is not the student’s first language, or where the primary language of the home is not English, or both.
• Limited English Proficient (LEP) – Students whose English language skills are insufficient to lead to success in an English-only classroom.

The district will also take steps to ensure to the maximum extent practicable that the interests of ESL students are included in the development and implementation of District programs, services and testing that are offered by the district to and for its student body.

To ensure that parents/guardians are properly notified of the ESL program, all new and enrolling students are to be given the Student Home Language Survey (Form 6180).  The form shall be completed and returned to the school by the parents/guardians if they feel their child may be in need of such services.

Gifted Education Services

At PCMS, we promote challenging of gifted students.  However, our program is limited to a certain number of students who meet the specific criteria.  We believe the “Challenge” program should be for those students falling into an elite set of criteria.  In order to be placed in the program, a score of 130 or above will be the standard.  Students must meet other specific criteria such as good citizenship and attendance and must maintain a grade of “B” (85%) or above in ALL classes in order to remain in the program throughout grades 5-8.  Those students who are involved in this program will receive necessary information at the beginning of the school year.

Grading Scale

The following scale, based on classroom performance, effort and assignment/test scores is used to assign grades for each quarter:

            A         95 – 100%       B          83 – 86%         C         73 – 76%         D         63 – 66%

            A-        90 – 94%         B-        80 – 82%         C-        70 – 72%         D-        60 – 62%        

            B+       87 – 89%         C+       77 – 79%         D+       67 – 69%         F            0 – 59%

An “I” on your report card indicates an “incomplete” grade for that subject.  If you are not sure of the reason for the “I,” find out from your teacher in order to complete the necessary work to change the “I” to the appropriate letter grade.  Any “I” grades that are not changed to an “A-F” letter grade two weeks after the end of the quarter will automatically convert to “F.”

Homework Policy

Teachers rarely, if ever, give work purely for “homework.”  Obviously, you will not always complete all assignments during class time.  You will also need to work on long-term projects or assignments outside of class time as well as study for tests/exams at home.  There will also be occasions where you may be required to do extra “drill” or “practice” on some skill/knowledge with parents at home.  The faculty of PCMS considers assignments an integral part of the learning process.  They serve to promote long-term retention of important concepts related to the objectives of the course.  By completing these assignments, you are not only showing responsibility but also a desire to learn and achieve at your highest potential.  Our focus is to give you assignments which meet the goal of promoting your understanding and learning and which will serve as a means for teachers to assess/assure such understanding and learning.  Therefore, the following policy statements and guidelines are given:

1. Teachers may offer “daily assignment passes” in some form to allow students a means of gaining extra time or “forgiveness” for forgotten daily assignments.  These will be determined by the teachers of each grade level team.  Specific guidelines will be given to students at the beginning of the school term.
2. Since completing and turning in assignments at a quality level and on time is a key element in your academic success, this is the expected academic behavior for you to avoid failing grades.  Therefore, if you do not have your assignment completed on the day that it is due, late/missing assignment forms will be filled out.  Partially-completed,  incomplete, or poorly completed assignments may be graded for credit as they are turned in.  Since this will not be full credit it is not a positive addition to your grade.  In any of these concerns, we will offer an intervention process to support and motivate your positive change.  The SWAP sessions will be one means used for this purpose.  We believe this may help students comply in completing assignments in a timely and quality manner.  Students having missing or late assignments will complete a form to be taken home for parents to sign and return to the teacher.  The student then has until Friday at 7:55 am to turn in the assignment at a quality level.  If s/he does not turn in the assignment by that time, s/he will be required to attend the SWAP session that week.  Parents are called on Friday morning to inform them of this assigned SWAP.  In emergency situations, parents may opt to pick up the assignments before 3:30 p.m. on Friday for completion at home over the weekend.  Students must then turn it in to the appropriate teacher or Mrs. Gremaud before 7:55 am on Monday morning for the 80% credit.  If other issues of concern are noted by the SWAP supervisor (ie., lack of effort/motivation, sleeping, wasting time, poor quality work, misconduct, etc.) the credit given may decrease.  A parent may be contacted to pick up the student early or to discuss the matter.  Any assignment completed before the Friday deadline OR in the SWAP session will receive a minimum of 80% credit.  If the student does not complete the assignment and/or does not comply with this SWAP process as required, the student will receive a zero on that assignment.  If students receive a zero for non-compliance with this process, parents will want to be aware of this zero credit as it can drastically affect the student’s grade.  Parents may also be notified about poor quality work by the student.  Teachers should seek a collaborative plan with the parents to resolve any of these academic concerns.  If absent on Friday, the student must turn in any late or missing work on Monday for any credit to be given.  If late, missing, incomplete, or poor quality assignments become a chronic problem, teachers/administrators are required to contact the student’s parents to arrange a required conference to seek a resolution toward more successful achievement.  In the best interest of student success, this intervention step should always be offered by the teacher/administration prior to the student’s quarter or semester failing.  It is the hope of the staff and administration at PCMS that this expectation of quality completion of all assignments and the intervention opportunity using the SWAP program will motivate and assist students to meet the standards of learning toward successful outcomes in grades/achievement.

Make-Up Work

To help students complete assignments after absences, the following guidelines apply:

1. It is the responsibility of you and/or your parents to find out what work has been missed during absences and to make arrangements with the teachers for turning in this work.
2. Regular assignments are those normally due the next day or within the next few days.  If you are present at school the day this kind of assignment was made, you will be expected to have it completed and ready to turn in on the day it is due or on the day you return to school after being absent.  If you are absent the day this kind of assignment is made you need to have it ready to turn in on the second class day after you return.  The amount of time you are given will not normally go beyond three school class days after your return.  Students should assume the responsibility for seeing teachers about make-up work.
3. If a student misses a test, it shall be made up by the second day of class once the student returns to school unless prior arrangements have been made with the teacher to have additional time to make up the test.  If a student is absent for the quarter exam or the final exam in a course, permission to make up the exam must be secured from an administrator.  Absences will be checked and a doctor’s excuse may be required in individual cases to make up the final exams missed.
4. If you are absent from school, you may need to access the teacher’s homework web page.  You may also call your Community Time teacher or the main office to gather your assignments for pickup by a parent.  Each teacher you have will notify you of any special process s/he is using concerning the assignments for his/her classes.  Your parents should call the school office by 8:30 a.m. to arrange for your books or homework to be gathered for parent pickup or delivery by a sibling or friend.  You can keep from falling excessively behind by completing your assignments at home.

Honor Roll/Academic Awards

We are proud to recognize two honor rolls, described below.  Students who meet the grade point average guidelines listed below and have all grades at “C” or better are eligible for the honor rolls.

                                    “A” honor roll GPA ≥ 10.0

                                    “B” honor roll GPA ≥   7.0

Presidential Academic Awards

We do participate in the Presidential Awards program and present these awards to our 8^th grade students each year if they meet the criteria throughout their middle school years (grades 5-8).  These are awards based on all four years of PCMS attendance.  Therefore, a student will be eligible for these awards if s/he meets the following criteria throughout grades 5-8:

Educational Excellence Award

1. Grade point of 90% or above,  AND
2. At least 95% attendance rate,  AND
3. Positive discipline record/history demonstrating positive character in choices and

      school expectations on behavior and interpersonal relationships with peers and adults,

4. Nomination from a teacher plus one other staff member reflecting outstanding achievement in a specific content area (i.e. math, communication arts, social studies, science, art, etc.), or other specific performance recognized  and noted as outstanding in some other area of daily routines, organizations, or community, OR

5.   Meets at least one other criteria as set by administrators and PCMS staff members.

Educational Achievement Award

(must meet three or more of the five)

1. Meets only #1 or #2 (not both) of the required criteria for the Excellence Award
2. Demonstrates unusual commitment to learning in academics despite various obstacles
3. Maintains a school record that would have met the Excellence criteria but illness, personal crisis, or special needs prevented the student from a higher level of achievement
4. Achievement of high scores or shows outstanding growth, improvement, commitment or intellectual development in particular core subjects (i.e. communication arts, math, science, or social studies)
5. Demonstrates superior achievement in the arts or exploratories such as FACS, tech., etc.

National Junior Honor Society

Perry County Middle School was granted a charter in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) on April 23, 1998.  Members of NJHS will be selected based on academic and behavioral criteria in conjunction with faculty recommendations.  Members are expected to attend an induction ceremony, conduct themselves in accordance with the by-laws of our NJHS chapter, and demonstrate a desire to render service to the community.  Being a member of the NJHS is an exceptional honor that we encourage all of our students to try to achieve.

Progress Reports/Parent-Teacher Conference

The Board, believing that progress is the very foundation of education, recognizes the District’s obligation to give periodic reports of a student’s progress.  The Board further recognizes that these reports are a vital form of communication between the schools and the parents/guardians.  The Board also believes that all progress reports must be based upon full information, accurately and honestly reported with the proper maintenance of confidentiality.

A report card depicting the student’s progress will be issued at the end of each nine-week grading period.  The report will be clear, concise and accurate and will provide a basis of understanding among teachers, parents/guardians and students for the benefit of the individual student.

In addition to the periodic reports, parents/guardians will be notified through special contacts when a student’s performance requires parent notification.  When a student is making low marks or if a marked change in student achievement is noticed, the parents/ guardians of the student should be notified by the grade level teacher team.  Written mid-term progress reports will be distributed during the 2012-13 school year on the following dates: Sept. 20, 2012; Nov. 29, 2012; Feb. 14, 2013; and April 18, 2013.  Report cards will be issued on October 25, 2012; January 3, 2013, March 14, 2013, and May 23, 2013.  Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled per the school calendar as follows: October 8, 2012, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and February 14, 2013, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Special Services

Special education and related services are provided to students who qualify under one or more of thirteen (13) disabling conditions.  Specially designed individual education programs are planned for each student by I.E.P. teams.  The categories are as follows:

Intellectually Disabled   Visual Impairments

Speech/Language                     Other Health Impaired

Emotional/Behavioral                Deaf/Blind

Autism                                      Traumatic Brain Injury

Multiple Handicapped               Young Child with a Development Delay

Specific Learning Disabled        Orthopedic Impairment

Hearing Impairments

Alternative services are available to students who have disabilities but do not require specific classroom assistance.  These services are included through the health office personnel, guidance personnel, and the special services coordinator.  Some of the services available are: captioned instructional television, Braille and mobility training, readers for the blind, talking tapes, enlarged print texts, individual teacher aide assistance, student volunteers, wheelchairs, captioned films and a bus with a wheelchair lift. (Section 504 agreement can be completed when appropriate).

Public school personnel and services will be made available to children with disabilities enrolled in private schools in order to provide the special education and related services required by those children according to law.

Homebound Instruction

Homebound teaching is provided for students whose illness necessitates an absence of ten (10) or more consecutive school days.  (See also Policy and Regulation 6275 – Instruction for Homebound Students.)

ECSE Policies

Early Childhood Special Education refers to all children three to five years who have or are suspected of having a significant delay in the developmental areas of cognition, speech and language, social/emotional/behavioral, fine motor, gross motor, hearing and vision when compared to the typical, expected development of children of similar ages.

For more information about this program, please contact the office of Special Services at 547-7500, ext. 352.

Extended School Year

Extended school year services are available to those handicapped students who meet eligibility requirements in accordance with their I.E.P.’s.  These services may include transportation to and from school.  Questions pertaining to special services for handicapped students may be addressed to the Director of Special Services at 547-7500, ext. 243.

Special Education Process

To identify individuals with suspected disabilities, parents or district personnel may make referrals.  District documentation of the referral must include:

·        Name and role of individual making the referral

·        The reasons for the referral and descriptions of concerns

·        A statement describing the learning experiences the child has received, especially in reading and math

·        A statement that limited English proficiency is not the primary reason for the referral

·        The date of the referral

Procedural Safeguards must be provided to parents within 1-5 days of the initial referral for a special education evaluation.

The outcome of a parent referral includes a statement determining either that an evaluation is not warranted and provides the parents with a Notice of Action Refused or a determination that an evaluation is warranted and proceeds to the review of existing evaluation data.  The review of existing data must be conducted by a group of individuals that include required members of an IEP team and other qualified professionals as appropriate.  A review may be conducted without a meeting.  This is the beginning of the compliance process.  Additional steps will be taken as determined by the IEP team.

Parents and staff members who wish to refer a student for special services should begin by making an appointment with the guidance counselor.  The guidance counselor will, in turn, convene the necessary personnel to begin the review process.

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Attendance

The Board of Education believes that regular attendance is essential to achieving success in school.  Therefore, the Board has established rules and regulations regarding attendance, absences and excuses for students.  These rules, contained in Regulation 2310, are intended to comply with Missouri Compulsory Attendance Law which established compulsory attendance for all children between the ages of seven and sixteen unless their education is provided by other acceptable means or otherwise excusable under the law.

The following rules regarding attendance, absences and excuses have been established by the Board of Education:

Excusable Absences

In case of absence, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the school.  The communication should take place by 9:30 a.m. the morning of the absence, or in advance, if possible.  If the school is not notified on the day of the absence, a note from the parent/guardian will be required on the first day of the student’s return to school.  The absence will be recorded as unexcused if a note or telephone call is not received.  Each student missing fifty percent (50%) or more of an individual class will be counted absent for that class.

Excusable absences include, but are not limited to, the following “MEDS” criteria:

            M – Medical appointments

            E  –  Extenuating circumstances/Religious activities/Prearranged educational activities

            D –  Death in immediate family

            S  –  Sickness

1.      Students absent for medical appointments should furnish the school with a written note from the medical authority.

2.      Extenuating circumstances are those serious situations which prevent a student from attending school, and over which they have no control.

Make-Up Work

Make-up work will be allowed for all absences.  It is the responsibility of the student to acquire, perform and return all make-up work to each teacher.  Make-up work is due on or before the third class day after an absence.  After that time, students may receive zero credit for missing work.

Unexcused Absences

Attendance patterns for all students will be monitored.  Absences which are not clearly excusable will be investigated by the school administration and appropriate action taken.

Excessive Absences – Elementary Students and Middle School Students

Excessive absences, excused or unexcused, have a detrimental effect upon academic progress and may be one factor considered in promotion/retention decisions.  A student must be present a minimum of ninety-five percent (95%) of the scheduled attendance.

Excessive Absences – High School Students

Regular attendance and participation in classroom instructional activities are essential to achieving the educational objectives for each class.  When students are absent from class, they miss the material covered; they miss the opportunity to interact with the teacher as well as other students; and they miss the opportunity to pursue learning opportunities only available in the classroom interaction.

In order to receive course credit, a high school student must be present a minimum of ninety-five percent (95%) of the scheduled attendance per semester.

Procedures – High School Students

On the fifth (5^th) absence from class in one semester, the student and parent/legal guardian will be notified by mail that the student has violated the attendance policy.

Prior to violation of the attendance policy, a student and parent/legal guardian may request a conference with the principal or other designated school official to discuss the absences of that student.

Appeal Process

In the event that a student’s absences exceed the five (5) day per semester policy limit, the student and parent/legal guardian may file an appeal in writing within (5) working days of the notice of violation of the attendance policy.  This appeal must be filed in the principal’s office.  Upon receipt of a timely appeal, the appeal committee will then set a date for the purpose of hearing the applicant’s appeal.  The applicant shall be required to present competent evidence to substantiate the appeal at the hearing.  The decision of the appeal committee may be appealed to the Superintendent or his/her designee, which shall be the final decision.  The appeal committee shall be composed of the following:

1.      Building Administrator

2.      Four Teachers

3.      Other School Personnel deemed necessary (i.e. nurse, counselor, etc.)

The review committee may waive the attendance requirements in cases of illness, disability or other extenuating circumstances that render a student unable to attend classes.

Suspension

A student who is suspended out of school for a disciplinary problem will have that number of days charged against the total of five (5) days as permitted by this regulation.  All days suspended are excused and make-up work is allowed.

School Activities

School sponsored or sanctioned activities are exempted from and will not count toward the total of five (5) absences.

All students participating in athletics, extracurricular activities and/or organizations associated with Perryville High School must have ninety-five percent (95%) attendance.

For a senior to request part-time attendance, he/she must have ninety-five percent (95%) attendance for his/her freshman, sophomore and junior years.

For a senior to request early graduation, he/she must have ninety-five percent (95%) attendance for his/her freshman, sophomore and junior years.

The school administration shall reserve the right to review continuous absences for medical reasons.

Care of School Property

Students are expected to take reasonable care of school property.  Students shall pay for books, school supplies, school equipment or other school property lost or damaged beyond ordinary wear and tear.  Payment shall be assessed by the principal of the school concerned, or a designated person, in accordance with the price of the book or other article lost or damaged.

Any student who carelessly or intentionally defaces or damages school property shall be required to pay for all damages, and may be subject to additional disciplinary action.  (Board Policy 2654)

Computer Usage

The purpose of the district’s Internet access and other technological resources is to support and enhance learning and teaching by providing students and faculty with the tools necessary to participate in the type of educational activities which will both prepare students for entry into the increasingly complex environment they will enter in the workforce and will ensure that teachers and other staff have access to the latest in research materials.

Because of the far reaching implications of the resources, the Board realizes that parameters must be set to assure that activities, that are not appropriate to the learning environment, do not take place.  Acceptable uses of the Internet are activities resulting from specific tasks and assignments which support learning and teaching, promote the district’s goals and objectives and advance the mission of the district.  Unacceptable uses are those of a non-educational nature that includes, but is not limited to, the following: violate the rights to privacy of others; violate copyright law; spread computer viruses; deliberately attempt to degrade or disrupt system performance; and locate, transmit, receive, store or print files or messages that are profane, obscene or that use language that is offensive or degrading to others.

The school district is responsible for securing its network and computing systems in a reasonable and economically feasible degree against unauthorized access and/or abuse, while making them accessible for authorized and legitimate users.  This responsibility includes informing users of expected standards of conduct and the punitive measures for not adhering to them.  The administration has developed Board Policy and Regulation 6320 to help ensure that this informational resource is used in accordance with acceptable guidelines.

Teachers are responsible for teaching proper technique and standards for participation, for guiding student access to appropriate uses of technological resources and for assuring that students understand that if they misuse them, they will lose their access.

Students and all other users of the district’s computer resources are responsible for respecting and adhering to local, state, federal and international laws governing usage of the available technology.  Any attempt to violate the provisions of the district’s rules and regulations governing usage may result in revocation of user privileges, suspension, or other disciplinary action appropriate to the circumstances.

No Child Left Behind

The district is required to inform parents of certain information that, according to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110), they have a right to know.  Upon request, the district is required to provide parents, in a timely manner, the following information:

• Whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
• Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.
• Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
• What baccalaureate degree major the teacher has and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification.

In addition to the information that parents may request, districts must provide to each individual parent:

• Information on the achievement level of the parent’s child in each of the state academic assessments as required under this part; and
• Timely notice that the parent’s child has been assigned, or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by, a teacher who is not highly qualified.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Perry County School District No. 32 strives for equal opportunity in the educational programs and activities it offers and in the district’s employment policies.  The present nondiscrimination policy has been approved by the Board of Education.

No person attending, being served by, seeking employment with or being employed by Perry County School District No. 32 shall be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, or activity of the school system on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicapping condition.

Individuals have the right to pursue rights guaranteed by law and to contest decisions or actions that individuals perceive to be discriminatory on the basis of handicap without being intimidated, harassed or discriminated against.

Any person or persons who feels that he, she, or they have been discriminated against in violation of the Board of Education’s Nondiscriminatory Policy shall apply for redress or direct questions to the following Compliance Coordinators:

Title IX/504 Coordinator                                                                     ADA Coordinator

Ms. Michelle Schnurbusch, Dir. of Special Services                     Mr. Kevin Dunn, Superintendent

326 College St.                                                                                      326 College St.

Perryville, MO  63775                                                                          Perryville, MO  63775

Telephone: 574-547-7500, Ext. 243                                                     Telephone: 573-547-7500, Ext. 329

Prohibition Against Firearms and Weapons

The presence of firearms and weapons poses a substantial risk of serious harm to District students, staff and community members.  Therefore, possession of firearms and weapons is prohibited on school premises at all times except for law enforcement officials.  As used in this policy, the phrase “school premises” includes all District buildings, grounds, vehicles and parking areas.  This prohibition also extends to the sites of school activities, whether or not those school activities are conducted on District property.  (See Board Policy 1432 for additional information).

Student Behavior

It is impossible for teaching or learning to take place in a classroom unless good order is maintained.  Students are reminded that they must adhere to the district’s discipline policy, not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of others as well.  Students are expected to report to class on time, follow teacher instructions, complete all assignments, and demonstrate a positive attitude toward the learning process.  Courtesy to teachers, school employees, other students and visitors is a tradition of Perry County School District No. 32.  Finally, after-school activities such as athletic events, school plays, etc. are an extension of the school day.  Students are still under school policies and control and are expected to behave in an acceptable manner.  Failure to do so will result in disciplinary actions.

Disciplinary Actions

Building principals are responsible for the development and enforcement of rules and regulations regarding student conduct needed to maintain proper behavior in school.  Teachers may assign ASD to students in their classes for noncompliance to classroom rules. 

The following disciplinary actions can be given to students who are referred to the office:

            ASD – After School Detention for one hour, 3-4 p.m.

            SWAP – Saturday School from 8:30 -11:30 a.m. on Saturday morning

            ISS – In-School Suspension for a specific number of hours or days per administrators’

                       discretion for student misconduct

           OSS – Out of School Suspension for a period of 1-10 days and can be extended to 180                                    days through a request to the superintendent’s office.

            SCP – Smoking Cessation Program for educational sessions of 1-2 hours for students               caught in possession of or using tobacco.  In accordance with Board Policy and                                the Safe Schools Act, the administrators of PCMS will assign consequences and                             send information to the Juvenile Officer and Police Department.

Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct is designed to foster student responsibility, respect the rights of others, and ensure the orderly operation of District schools.  No code can be expected to list each and every offense which may result in the use of disciplinary action.  However, it is the purpose of this code to list certain offenses which, if committed by a student, will result in the imposition of a certain disciplinary action.  Any conduct not included herein, or an aggravated circumstance of any offense, or an action involving a combination of offenses, may result in disciplinary consequences that extend beyond this Code of Conduct as determined by the principal, Superintendent and/or Board of Education.  In extraordinary circumstances where the minimum consequence is judged by the Superintendent/designee to be manifestly unfair or not in the interest of the District, the Superintendent/designee may reduce the consequences listed in this Regulation, as allowed by law.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to identify the more common incidents of unacceptable behavior and the range of disciplinary consequences for such actions, it is impossible to anticipate every situation that may have a negative impact on an atmosphere of safe and orderly learning.  When such situations occur, the administrative staff will take appropriate action consistent with the provisions of the discipline policy even if they are not specifically stated. 

The following offenses may result in the use of disciplinary action.  Any offense noted with an asterisk (*) which constitutes a “serious violation of the District’s discipline polity” as defined in Policy 2673 – Reporting of Violent Behavior, will be documented in the student’s discipline record along with other offenses as determined by the administration.

The Missouri Safe Schools Act requires schools to have a written discipline policy established by the local board of education.  The following offenses and consequences are in accordance with district policy and the Missouri Safe Schools Act.  All are designed for the safety and learning environment of our students.

Offenses/Consequences

Automobile – Driving, riding or sitting in a vehicle during the school day without permission.

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

Subsequent Offense:     In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Bus Misconduct – Any offense committed by a student on a District-owned or contracted bus shall be punished in the same manner as if the offense had been committed at the student’s assigned school.  In addition, bus-riding privileges may be suspended or revoked.

Cafeteria Misconduct – Any conduct or verbal language which is disruptive.  Also any unlawful or inappropriate use of cafeteria charge card.

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

Subsequent Offense:     Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Cell Phone/Electronic     

Communication Devices   * Note the policy as stated at the end of this section.

Class Preparation – Refusal to prepare or bring necessary materials to class.

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference or in-school suspension.

Subsequent Offense:     Removal from class, in-school suspension or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Computer – Any inappropriate or unauthorized use.

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference, loss of privilege, in-school suspension or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

Subsequent Offense:     In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Disparaging or Demeaning Behavior (Refer to Policy and Regulation 2130 – Harassment) –Use of words or actions, verbal, written or symbolic, meant to harass or injure another person; i.e., threats of violence or defamation of a person’s race, religion, gender or ethnic origin.  Constitutionally protected speech will not be punished.

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

Subsequent Offense:     In-school suspension or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Disrespectful Conduct or Speech – Disrespectful verbal, written or symbolic language or gesture which is inappropriate to public settings directed at a staff member.

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

Subsequent Offense:     In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Disruptive Speech or Conduct – Conduct or verbal, written or symbolic language, which materially and substantially disrupts classroom work, school activities or school functions.

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

Subsequent Offense:     In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Eye Protection – Refusal to wear eye protection as required by §§170.005, 170.007, 170.009, RSMo. (See Policy 5211 – Eye Protection.)

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference or in-school suspension.

Subsequent Offense:     Removal from class, in-school suspension or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

False Accusations/Alarms – Tampering with emergency equipment, setting off false alarms, making false accusations/reports.

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Subsequent Offense:     In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Forgery – Use of signature for the purpose of falsifying any report of document.

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

Subsequent Offense:     In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Gambling – Possession of any gambling apparatus or participation in any form of gambling.

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension or 1-10 days out-of school suspension.

Subsequent Offense:     In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Harassment (Refer to Policy and Regulation 2130 – Harassment) – See “Disparaging or Demeaning Behavior.”

Public Display of Affection – Physical contact which is inappropriate for the school setting.

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Subsequent Offense:     Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Rules and Regulations – Failure to obey any published school rule or regulation.

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

Subsequent Offense:     In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Tobacco – Possession or use of any tobacco products or paraphernalia on school grounds, bus or at any school activity.  (See Policy 2640 – Student Use of Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs.)

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference, refer to counseling or in-school suspension.

Subsequent offense:      In-school suspension, refer to counseling or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

The following offenses may result in the use of disciplinary action including possible law enforcement notification.

Assault – Attempting to cause injury to another person; recklessly or intentionally placing a person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury.

First Offense:                In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Subsequent Offense:     11-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion, and documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Fighting -  Mutual combat in which both parties have contributed to the conflict either verbally or by physical action.

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Subsequent Offense:     In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Inappropriate Sexual Conduct – (See Policy and Regulation 2130 – Harassment)

Use of verbal, written or symbolic language that is sexually harassing.

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Subsequent Offense:     In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Physical contact that is sexually harassing.

First Offense:                In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Subsequent Offense:     11-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Theft – Theft, attempted theft or willful possession of stolen property

First Offense:                In-school suspension or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Truancy – Absence from school without the knowledge and consent of parents/guardians and/or the school administration.  (See Policy 2340 – Truancy and Educational Neglect.)

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference or 1-3 days in-school suspension.

Subsequent Offense:     In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Vandalism – Willful damage or the attempt to cause damage to real or personal property belonging to the school, staff or students.  (See Policy 2654 – Student Use and Care of School Property and Policy 5280 – Vandalism and Theft.)

First Offense:                In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

The following offenses will result in the use of disciplinary actions which require law enforcement notification.

Arson – Starting a fire or causing an explosion with the intention to damage property or buildings.

First Offense:                11-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion, and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Subsequent Offense:     Expulsion and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Assault – Attempting to kill or cause serious physical injury to another.

First Offense:                Expulsion and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Computer – Felonious use of the Internet.

First Offense:                1-180 days out-of-school suspension and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Subsequent Offense:     Expulsion and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Drugs/Alcohol – (See Policy 2640 – Student Use of Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs and Policy 2870 – Administering Medicines to Students.)  The disciplinary consequences for offenses involving a controlled substance apply when the offense occurred while at school, on the school playground, on the school parking lot, on a school bus or at a school activity, whether on or off school property.

Possession of or attendance under the influence of any unauthorized prescription drug, over-the-counter medications, alcohol, narcotic substance, counterfeit drugs or drug-related paraphernalia, including controlled substances and illegal drugs defined as substances identified under schedules I, II, III, IV or V in section 202 of the controlled Substances Act. 

First Offense:                1-180 days out-of-school suspension and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Subsequent Offense:     Expulsion and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Sale, purchase or distribution of any prescription drug, over-the-counter medications, alcohol, narcotic substance, counterfeit drugs and/or drug-related paraphernalia, including controlled substances and illegal drugs defined as substances identified under schedules I, II, III, IV or V in section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act.

First Offense:                1-180 days out-of school suspension, expulsion, possible notification to law enforcement officials and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Extortion – Threatening or intimidating any student for the purpose of obtaining money or anything of value.

First Offense:                Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

Subsequent Offense:     In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Theft – Theft, attempted theft or willful possession of stolen property.

Subsequent Offense:     11-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion, and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Vandalism – Willful damage or the attempt to cause damage to real or personal property belonging to the school, staff or students.  (See Policy 2654 – Student Use and Care of School Property and Policy 5280 – Vandalism and Theft.)

Subsequent Offense:     11-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion, and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Weapons – (See Policy and Regulation 2620 – Firearms and Weapons in School.)

Possession or use of any instrument or device, other than those defined in 18 U.S.C. 921 or §571.010, RSMo, which is customarily used for attack or defense against another person; any instrument or device used to inflict physical injury to another person.

First Offense:    In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.*

Subsequent Offense:     11-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion, and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Possession or use of a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921 or any instrument or device defined in §571.010, RSMo. Or any instrument or device defined as a dangerous weapon in 18 U.S.C. 930.

First Offense:                One calendar year suspension or expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student discipline record.

*Any offense which constitutes a “serious violation of the District’s discipline policy” as defined in Policy 2673 – Reporting of Violent Behavior, will be documented in the student’s discipline record.  Most offenses, if referred for consequences, are documented in the student’s discipline record.

Cell Phones and Student-Owned Electronic Devices

All offenses will be documented in the student’s discipline file.

**Students bring these devices to school at their own risk.  Perry County District #32 schools, its faculty and staff are NOT responsible for any damaged, missing, or stolen electronic devices.  If a student has these and they are damaged or stolen, schools will not utilize administration time to investigate the incident nor will the District take any financial responsibility for them or charges related to their use.

Tobacco Free School

To promote the health and safety of all students and staff and to promote the cleanliness of all facilities, the District bans the use or possession of all tobacco products and paraphernalia in all school facilities, buildings, buses and on all school grounds at all times by students.

This ban extends to all employees, students and patrons attending school-sponsored athletic events and meetings.  The board issues this ban in a sincere appeal to all employees, students and patrons to cooperate in helping to create within our facilities a truly healthy environment for all concerned.

SCHOOL ORGANIZATION

Buses/Transportation

Perry County School District No. 32 operates a contracted transportation system with Meyer Bus Line, Inc.  Residents with questions about the bus routes should contact Meyer Bus Line at 547-5195.

1.      Buses serving the Perryville schools will operate on approximately the same routes as last year.

2.      Students living outside transportation areas of approved paid transportation by the Perryville Board of Education must pay their own transportation cost.  Please make payments directly to the bus driver or contractor.

3.      Buses will leave as soon as possible at the end of the school day.  Students must be at the bus parking lot at that time to board the buses.

4.      Any student who changes his/her place of residence during the school year must notify the Assistant Superintendent immediately of this change, giving the name and number of the new district and other pertinent data regarding the new place of residence.  This is very important.

5.      Students who ride the school buses are expected to observe the same rules of conduct while on the bus as they do while in school.

Bus Rules

1.      Observe classroom conduct.

2.      Be courteous, use no profane language.

3.      Do not eat or drink on the bus.

4.      Keep the bus clean.

5.      Cooperate with the driver.

6.      Do not smoke.

7.      Do not damage bus or equipment.

8.      Stay in your seat.

9.      Keep head, hands and feet inside bus.

10.  Do not fight, push or shove.

11.  Do not tamper with bus equipment.

12.  Do not bring pets on the bus.

13.  Do not bring flammable material on the bus.

14.  The bus driver is authorized to assign seats or a seating arrangement.

Riding a Different Bus

A student must have a bus note or telephone call from his/her parent or guardian in order to ride a different bus or get off the bus at a different location.  Please call the school before 1:30 p.m. and be specific with information about the location where the students is to be dropped off.   Building administrators will sign and date the note prior to the note being returned to the student.  All bus notes should be given to the bus driver.

Bus Routes (Elementary Only)

On the first day of school, the teacher will find out the bus route of each child who rides a bus to and/or from school.  This information will be documented and brought to the bus lot each day for the first five days of school.  Students entering after the first day will be questioned about their bus route on the day they enter school.  This information will be added to the list of bus routes.  Students should inform the teachers and the teachers will inform the office of any bus changes during the school year so that this list can be kept up-to-date.  Kindergarten students will need to wear their bus tags the first two weeks of school.

Cancellation of School/Inclement Weather

When weather conditions or emergency situations occur and school is cancelled, the following radio and television stations are notified.  You will also receive a phone call sent out to all district families.  The decision to close school will normally be made by 6:00 a.m.

Emergency/Crisis Procedure

The district recognizes the necessity for a planned safety program to ensure to the extent possible a safe environment for students, staff and visitors.  Safety drills, including fire, tornado, intruder, and earthquake are held once each semester.   

When these alarms are sounded, it is important for students to cooperate and to react quickly and calmly to directions.  Students are asked to abide by the following general rules:  1) walk at a rapid pace…do not run; 2) do not talk…your teacher may have some important instructions for you.  Failure to follow teacher/administrator instructions could put all students in danger.  Remain calm and follow directions. 

Perry County School District No. 32 has developed a Crisis Management Plan which will be implemented in the event of a crisis.  The crisis team will be responsible for directing all activities during the crisis situation.  Students will receive training in the proper procedures to follow during an emergency.  It is very important that students and their families cooperate and follow the directions of the crisis team.  Parents are encouraged to refrain from calling the school during an emergency and to listen to local media for updated reports.

Food Services

Perry County School District No. 32 serves nutritious meals each school day.  The Food Services Department operates by a computerized card system.  Students may add money to their account using envelopes provided by the office.  The money should be deposited by 8:00 a.m. to be credited to a student’s account that same day.  Students in grades kindergarten through eight will only have the option to pay for their meals by card.  Students in grades nine through twelve will have the option of paying with their card or using cash.  Prices are as follows:

Free and Reduced Meals

The school district participates in the free and reduced price program with guidelines as outlined under the National School Lunch Program.  Forms to apply for free and reduced meals will be available to every student’s family.  Interested parents should return this completed form every year if they are to be considered for participation in the free and reduced price program.  A new form must be returned each year even if the information has not changed from the year before.

Fund-Raising Activities

Various groups, classes and/or organizations will conduct fund-raising activities during the year in which students may choose to participate.  However, should students ever be approached by anyone conducting a fund-raising activity or solicitation on the school’s behalf that you feel is questionable, please contact the main office to verify its validity.

Health Services

The Perry County School District No. 32 operates a district-wide student health service program.  The health service staff is responsible for providing first aid or emergency treatment for students in cases of sudden illness or injury.  For some cases, students are given re-useable ice packs or ace bandages.  Those are for student use and must be returned to the health office.  If they are lost or not returned,  a fee will be charged to the student.

In keeping with the requirements of the Missouri Immunization Law, all children enrolling in the district must provide immunization records that are complete and up-to-date.  Children in non-compliance will be prohibited from enrolling in or attending school until all immunization requirements are met.

Cumulative health records are maintained for all students which include their immunizations, history of diseases, results of testing at school, physical examination results and other health information.  New completed emergency forms are required each school year in order to have current information available.

All medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, will not be given by the nurse except on a specific written order from the doctor.  The order should state the name of the student, name of the drug, dosage, frequency of administration, route of administration, diagnosis and the prescriber’s name.  All medication, prescription or over-the-counter, must be in a pharmacy or manufacturer-labeled container.  A parent/guardian must deliver all medications (including over-the-counter medications) to be administered at school to the school nurse or designee.  No student should have these in their possession at any time or suspension will result.  The district will provide secure, locked storage for medication to prevent diversion, misuse or ingestion by another individual.  The MS nurse’s office retains certain supplies to manage minor injuries/complaints of the students.  The nurse uses these supplies at her discretion.  If you do not want any/all of these supplies to be used on your child or want to be notified before they are used, please notify the nurse with a signed note at the beginning of the school year.  These supplies are listed as follows:  Vaseline Intensive Care lotion; Vaseline petroleum jelly, Caladryl clear lotion for itch, triple antibiotic ointment, Unguentine ointment for burns, Carmex ointment for cold sores, Orajel for toothache, sting kill swabs-topical anesthetic for bee stings, Visine eye drops, hydrogen peroxide, 70% alcohol-Isopropyl-rubbing alcohol, antacid tablets, aloe vera gel, Equate contact solution, and Cutex nail polish remover.

1.  To be excused from class to see the nurse:

·        Ask your teacher for an excuse form to go to the nurse

·        Report to the health unit

·        Report directly back to the classroom and give the excuse form to your teacher

2.  In an emergency, report to the nurse immediately.

3.  To be excused from physical education class because of illness or injury:

·        Bring a note from your parents or guardian stating the reason for the excuse.

·        A doctor’s excuse is required if the student is to be excused for an extended period of time.

·        Take the doctor’s note to the nurse before school; parent’s note to your P.E. teacher at your regular P.E. class time.

·        The teacher will sign the forms and you are to return the original copy to the health unit.

I.D. Cards and Student Photographs

Students and staff members of Perry County School Dist. No. 32 are required to carry/wear identification cards/badges.  (Elementary students are exempt from carrying their cards with them during the school day).  In addition to serving as an identification card that students must carry with them, the cards will be used as their lunch card for all meal or food purchases and as a library card for checking out books.  Identification badges will be made from the pictures taken at the beginning of the school year.  The ID badges will be produced at no cost to the student, unless replacements are needed.  Replacement ID’s are $5.00 each.

Pictures for ID cards will be taken on our Middle School Orientation day, August 2, 2012.  For those unable to attend the Orientation date, make-up pictures will be taken on August 21, 2012.  Please be advised that this will cause the student to be delayed in receiving a current ID card.  The date for picture retakes and other picture dates will be announced through our school newsletter or School Reach calls when they are confirmed.

Public Complaint:  Curriculum, Instruction, Personnel, Etc.

The board recognizes that situations of concern to parents/guardians or the public may arise in the operation of the district.  Such concerns are best resolved through communication with the appropriate staff members and officers of the school district, such as the faculty, the principals, the superintendent or the board.

The following steps are proper procedures to be followed by persons with questions or complaints regarding the operation of the school district:

1. Complaints on behalf of individual students should first be addressed to the teacher.
2. Unsettled matters from (1) above, or problems and questions concerning individual schools, should be directed to the principal of the school.
3. Unsettled matters from (2) above, or problems and questions concerning the school district, should be directed to the superintendent.
4. If the matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the superintendent, it should be brought to the board of education.  Questions and comments submitted to the secretary of the board in letter form will be brought to the attention of the entire board at a regularly scheduled or called meeting.  If necessary, a board hearing will be scheduled to resolve the complaint.  However, the decision of the board shall be final except in the case of complaints concerning the administration of federal programs.  In that case, the complainant may go to the appropriate section of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and from there on to the United States Secretary of Education.

The board considers it the obligation of the professional and support staff of the district to field the questions of parents/guardians or the public.  Accordingly, the district will inform patrons of this complaint procedure and its availability for lodging complaints against the local district or the state.

Complaints regarding district compliance with nondiscrimination laws will be processed according to the grievance procedure (Regulation 1320) established for that purpose.

Student Dress Code

The Board of Education expects student dress and grooming to be neat, clean and in good taste so that each student may share in promoting a positive, healthy and safe atmosphere within the district.

The general atmosphere of a school must be conducive to learning.  If a student’s or teacher’s general appearance (including clothing, hair, or piercing) attracts undue attention to the extent that it becomes a disruptive factor in the school, a building administrator will ask the student to make the necessary changes.

Short shorts/skirts and torn jeans have become major issues in the last years.  Please be aware of the dress code and that we will enforce it will be enforced rigorously to avoid the disruptions it causes to our learning environment.  It will be the responsibility of the students, parent(s) and/or guardian(s) to stay within the following guidelines:

• No bare midriff tops, bathing suits, spaghetti straps, pajamas, tank tops, or undershirts.
• Pants and shorts must fit at the waist and be size appropriate.  Shorts (and skirts) should be mid-thigh or longer in length. (This usually means at least a 5” inseam.)
• All students must wear shoes, boots or other types of footwear.(no house-shoes)
• No chains, spiked or studded jewelry may be worn.
• No see-through clothing may be worn. (Torn jeans or those with holes should not be worn if they inappropriately expose body areas.)  In addition, undergarments must not show.
• No clothing or jewelry displaying or promoting alcohol, sex, controlled substances, obscenities, or the promotions of violence may be worn.
• Students on or about school property or at any school activity shall not wear, possess, use, distribute, display or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign or other things which are evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang.  A “gang” is defined in this policy as any group of two or more persons whose purposes include the commission of illegal acts.  By this policy, the board acts to prohibit existence of gangs and gang activities.
• Hats, caps, bandanas, headgear, etc. are not to be worn inside school buildings.
• Students will be assigned a photo identification card to be carried while at school.
• Building administrators may make revisions to the above statements for safety, religious or medical reasons.

Failure to adhere to the dress code may result in removal from class and/or school.  You will be required to correct the violation before returning.  If you do not have access to other clothes, you will be asked to wear those we have available or you can expect to have to call a parent.  Covering inappropriate clothing with a coat won’t be accepted.  It will be the responsibility of the students, parents and/or guardians to stay within the guidelines of the policy.  In addition to the above board policy on dress code, students should be aware that their appearance is often the deciding factor on the impression they leave with those who see them.  It is, therefore, in their best interest to appear as they want to be known.  It is our hope that they would dress with pride in themselves showing that they are a person of good taste and character.  In addition, this would promote a positive impression about our school community and its members.  With this all in mind, at the middle school, coloring hair with unnatural colors, unusual hairstyles, and piercing are discouraged.  Our past experiences have demonstrated that these are disruptive and distracting along with the short shorts and skirts, and torn jeans, to our teaching/learning environment.  In addition, they frequently cause hurtful comments and attention to the student having the unusual hair color/style, piercings, and distracting clothing.  Most often they result in students being sent to the office to make changes for more appropriate/less distracting appearance.  We appreciate your cooperation in an effort to avoid any of these negative outcomes.

Student Insurance

The school does not purchase accident insurance for students.  However, the board of education will provide the opportunity for parents/guardians, students and others to purchase student accident insurance on an annual basis.  Each year the administration will choose a provider offering group rates and will make the information available to district families.

Participation in any group plan is optional and arrangements for participation are the responsibility of the parents/guardians or students.  However, all students are required to have insurance coverage before they are allowed to practice or compete in interscholastic athletics, cheerleading, pompon squads and similar groups.

Student Records

A cumulative educational record shall be maintained for each student from his/her entrance into school through the last date of attendance or through graduation, whichever occurs first.

Each student’s educational record will include information required by state and federal statutes, regulations or agencies and shall include other information considered necessary by school officials. 

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.  The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records.  These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level.  Students to whom the rights have transferred are “eligible students.”

Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student’s education records maintained by the school.  Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading.  If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing.  After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information. 

Generally, school must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student’s education record.  However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions:

• School officials with legitimate educational interest;
• Other schools to which a student is transferring;
• Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
• Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
• Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
• Accrediting organizations;
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
• Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
• State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.

One of the features of FERPA is the release of “directory” information that may be disclosed without consent.  If you do not want Perry County School District #32 to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify your child’s building principal in writing every year.  Your written notification must be received by the first school day of September of every school year.  Perry County School District #32 has designated the following information as directory information:

• Student’s name
• Address
• Telephone listing
• Electronic mail address
• Photograph
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended
• Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier use to communicate in electronic systems that cannot be used to access education records without a PIN, password, etc. (A student’s SSN, in whole or part, cannot be used for this purpose.)

Further specifics of the Act are on file in the Board of Education office.

Surveys

Perry County Middle School may participate in programs throughout the year that require students to complete a survey.  These assist us in the program(s) evaluation process as well as note any areas of weakness to be addressed concerning student needs/support.  Students are not asked to identify themselves on these survey forms.  No individual student responses are reported or maintained so no student can be individually “traced” or identified.  We welcome any questions about these surveys.  If you want to be notified about these surveys before your child participates or if you do not want your child to participate, you must notify us with a written statement addressed to the PCMS Principal, Mrs. Velda Haertling.  This statement must state your desire to be notified OR have your child dismissed/excluded from participating in any surveys pertinent to our programs.  Without a written statement on record, your child may be given these surveys without your notification.  

Surveys not directly linked to a MS program will NOT be given without your notification.

These would be those coming to us as a request from an outside agency or group and would

require your permission for your child’s participation.  For further details or questions, please

contact Mrs. Haertling.

Visitors To School

Parents and others with legitimate business are always welcome at school.  All visitors should check in at the office upon entering the building to secure a visitor’s name tag.  Visitors to the classroom should not interfere with the instructional process.  Visitation by preschool children and/or children from other schools shall be discouraged.

Volunteers

The district encourages the use of community resources and citizens to assist in furthering the educational program of the school system.  One of the greatest resources available may be found in the citizens of the community who have special knowledge and particular talents to contribute to the educational programs by volunteering.

The spirit of donating service/volunteering to the district will be warmly accepted.  However, this service must be under the direct control of the district administrative staff and the superintendent of schools.

Administrative Guidelines

• Training (formal/informal) will be provided as deemed necessary.
• Screening of volunteers will be conducted prior to working with any children.  (Screening to include reference to Missouri Central Registry and Criminal Records).  Anyone identified on the sexual offender list will be prohibited from volunteering.
• The superintendent of schools and/or his/her designee may dismiss volunteers whose performance has been unsatisfactory.
• Volunteers will read (or have read) the volunteer handbook, as they relate to working with students, including the right to confidentiality.
• Volunteers may be recruited on an individual basis or by surveys conducted at each building level and as the need for volunteers arises.
• All volunteers will have a central office file.

In order to promote volunteerism in our schools, it is essential for all school volunteers to adhere to a professional code of ethics.  We ask that our volunteers subscribe to the following:

v     Be Discreet: Do not discuss classroom situations concerning students within or outside the school.

v     Be Dependable: If you come regularly, please let the teacher know if you will be late or absent.

v     Be Loyal: To our school, the administration, the staff and the children.

v     Be Thoughtful: Volunteers are asked not to bring small children with them as they are sometimes disruptive to the learning process in the classrooms.

Signature Page

I have read the Middle School student/parent handbook with my child either on the school’s web site or with a printed copy.  I understand and agree to the various programs, guidelines, and rules set forth within it.  I further agree to cooperate and partner with the school in any possible means to make teaching and learning successful for positive outcomes in my child’s educational efforts.

Parent Signature: _____________________________________  Date: ______________

Student’s Name(s) (List all MS children from your family with each one’s CT teacher’s name):

 _____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Please have one of your children return this page to his/her Community Time teacher before August 31^st.  (That teacher will notify the CT teachers for your other children, if applicable.)