STUDENT HANDBOOK 2007 - 2008
This school agenda has been provided for you with the hope that you will use it as a tool to help you learn to plan and to help you develop skills in being organized. It is our hope that you will gain skills in being organized. It is our hope that you will gain skills to help you be successful, not only at LaFayette Middle School, but in life as well. The handbook pages are a review of some of the policies and procedures of our school. Please keep this agenda with you to use daily.
EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
“LaFayette Middle School provides equal educational opportunities in its educational programs and activities to all students without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, national origin, handicapping condition, or veteran status.”
SECTION I: CURRICULUM
The curriculum offers academics, vocational, technological, and recreational opportunities to meet the unique academic and developmental needs of the middle school student.
ACADEMIC SUBJECTS
6th Grade
Reading Language Arts
Mathematics Social Studies
Science Gifted Program
7th Grade
Reading Language Arts
Pre-Algebra Mathematics
Science Social Studies
Gifted Program
8th Grade
Reading Language Arts
Algebra Pre-Algebra
Mathematics Science
Social Studies Gifted Program
CONNECTIONS
Technology Opportunity Math
Chorus Art
Instrumental Music Computers
Health Weightlifting / Fitness
Physical Education Spanish
REPORT CARDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS
A Progress Report will be issued approximately every three weeks followed by a Report Card at the end of every 9 week grading period. All students receive these reports. Parents are encouraged to review these reports with their child. If any questions arise, contact your child’s teacher or contact the main office to schedule a conference with your child’s teachers.
GRADING SCALE
Achievement
A 100-90 Excellent Progress
B 89 -80 Above Average Progress
C 79-75 Satisfactory Progress
D 74-70 Progress Needs To Improve
F 69 and below Unsatisfactory Progress
Conduct
E Excellent
S Satisfactory
N Needs Improvement
U Unsatisfactory
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
LaFayette Middle School feels that parental involvement is a vital component to a student’s successful experience in school. We will make every effort to keep you informed and involved in your child’s education. At any time if you would like to visit your child’s classroom or discuss your child’s progress, please feel free to contact the school to make an appointment. Teachers are available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during their planning time to schedule parent conferences. Mondays and Fridays are reserved for teachers to make personal contacts to parents.
PROMOTION / RETENTION
All students who meet academic requirements for promotion will be advanced to the next grade. Students having a yearly average of below 70 in more than one academic class may be retained. Refer to Academic Subjects for lists of classes students must pass to be promoted to the next grade.
GUIDANCE
The guidance program seeks to give support to each student in knowing and accepting himself/herself as a worthwhile person and a contributing member of society. The counselors assist the students in identifying their abilities and interests through the interpretation of achievement and mental abilities tests and make recommendations for academic placement. Counselors also work with students on both an individual and a group basis to discuss issues and problems relative to children at the middle-school level. Students may make appointments or obtain permission from their teachers to visit the guidance office. Parents may arrange for conferences with the counselors by calling the school office at 638-6440.
INFORMATION REGARDING MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
If a student needs to take medicine while at school, he must take the medicine to the front office immediately upon arrival at school, in its original container, with a note from his parent. This includes aspirin, cough drops, etc., as well as all prescription drugs. A form must be completed by the parent and physician for all long term medications.
IMMUNIZATION CERTIFICATE
Georgia law requires students enrolled in a Georgia school to have a Certificate of Adequate Immunization. This form may be secured from the Walker County Health Department or at the child’s personal physician’s office.
SCHOOL DAY
Students should arrive no earlier than 7:00 a.m. and no later than 8:05 a.m. Neither rooms nor school buildings will be opened before 7:00 a.m. All students arriving prior to 7:40 will go to the Commons Area. At 7:40 students will be dismissed to report to homeroom. Students not involved in after school activities should be picked up within 15 minutes of the conclusion of the school day, which is 3:15.
ATTENDANCE
“The Walker County Board of Education considers regular school attendance to be essential for education progress. Students shall be in the Walker County Public Schools in accordance with the requirements of the compulsory attendance law and for the number of full-length days prescribed by law.” A record of attendance for each student enrolled in county schools shall be kept in the school attendance register in conformance with the regulations of the State Board of Education as printed in the attendance register. If a student is absent from school, he needs to bring a note to his homeroom teacher from his parent stating the reason he was out.
Students may be temporarily excused from school as follows:
1. Personally ill or when attendance in school would endanger their health or the health of others.
2. A serious illness or death in their immediate family necessitates absence from school.
Any absence greater than three days requires the approval of the principal to be considered “excused”.
3. Mandated by order of governmental agencies, including pre-induction physical examinations for service in the
armed forces or by court order.
4. Celebrating religious holidays observed by the student’s faith.
5. Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to their health and safety.
6. Registering to vote or voting for a period not to exceed one day.
MAKE-UP WORK
It is the student’s responsibility to make up any work missed in class due to an absence. In the event that a middle school student is absent from school, the student’s grades shall not be penalized for excused absences provided the following conditions are met:
(1) upon return to school, the student contacts his teachers to schedule the make-up work, and
(2) the make-up work is completed within five school days of the student’s return to school, and *
(3) make-up work for absences is completed satisfactorily.
(4) Make-up work, satisfactorily completed, following the first short-term out-of-school suspension per semester shall be used in calculating the overall average for the grading period. Make-up work for other suspension days shall not be used.
Whenever excused absences are anticipated, make-up work should be assigned prior to the absence. LaFayette Middle School asks that a written request for a pre-arranged absence is submitted to the Principal at least three school days in advance.
*The school Principal may extend the completion date commensurate with the student’s work load provided the student has made significant progress in completing the make-up work.
TARDINESS
Tardiness is a part of attendance. Students should be on time to school. A student is considered tardy if they are not in class at 8:05 a.m.
Students reporting to school after 8:05 must check in through the office.
Students should arrive on time to each class. A student will be considered tardy if he or she is not in the classroom with required materials with which to work when the teacher is ready to begin.
Excessive violations will necessitate disciplinary measures.
CHECK OUT POLICY
Students leaving school for any reason must check out through the main office. A student who becomes ill during school hours should notify his classroom teacher immediately. The teacher will assist with the problem or send the student to the nurse for permission to call home.
Students will be released only to their parents or legal guardians. Any other person who will be allowed to pick up a student must be noted on the emergency information card filled out at the beginning of each school year. You must present a valid picture ID in order to check out students.
SKIPPING SCHOOL
Students who intentionally miss a scheduled class or who are found to be truant from school will face disciplinary measures. Parents will be contacted. Repeated violations will be referred to Walker County Student Support Services and the appropriate juvenile authorities.
CLOSED CAMPUS
We operate a closed campus. Students must stay on the school grounds from the time they arrive, even if the first period has not yet started, until dismissal or until they are picked up by the bus. Any student leaving the school grounds must check out through the office. If a student leaves the school premises without following these directions, he or she will be disciplined for skipping.
WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENTS
The school should be notified in advance of a student’s impending withdrawal. The student will receive a withdrawal form and instructions from the office. All textbooks, library books, lunch charges, and fines must be cleared before the student secures a transfer record to another school.
VISITORS
Students are not allowed to bring visitors to school; however, parents are always welcome and are encouraged to make appointments to see the teachers, principal, or counselors, or to visit classes. We do require that you check in / out through the main office.
STUDENT INSURANCE
Parents have the opportunity to purchase school accident insurance for their children. School-time and twenty-four hour coverage are available. An information sheet explaining the program will be sent home with the students during the first week of school.
LOCKERS (AT MAIN CAMPUS ONLY)
Lockers are available through each student’s homeroom teacher at a cost of $5.00 per person, per year. Each locker has a built-in combination lock. Students are not allowed to bring their own locks. Students should use only the locker assigned to them by their homeroom teacher. The school reserves the right to check lockers at any time. Rental of lockers is recommended but not required. Students unable to afford a locker may be provided one at the homeroom teacher’s discretion. Bookbags may be brought to school but must be placed in a locker during the school day.
Bookbags may be carried at the Academy only.
TELEPHONE USE
Students will not be allowed out of the classroom to use the telephone except in cases of emergency. No long distance calls will be made. A note from the student’s teacher is required before the telephone may be used.
TEXTBOOKS / LIBRARY BOOKS
Students are responsible for all textbooks and library books assigned to them. The cost of repairing or replacing any book is the responsibility of the student and/or his parents.
VALUABLES
The school cannot be responsible for students’ personal property. Students should leave valuables and large amounts of money at home.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost articles should be reported to a classroom teacher immediately. Books and items of clothing found on school property will be placed in the “lost and found” located in the commons. Valuable articles such as watches or rings will be held in the office and released to their owners after identification has been made.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cell phones, radios, iPods, CD players, video games, etc. are not allowed on school property during the school day. Such items will be taken up and held until parents pick them up. Items not picked up will be disposed of at the end of the school year. The use of cellular phones at school, during the school day, is prohibited.
EXTRACURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY
NO PASS - NO PLAY
By local and state school board policy, students must meet certain eligibility requirements to participate in any extracurricular activities.
Students must pass 3 of their 4 academic subjects in the preceding semester.
Students must have a current physical within 12 months on file with the school athletic department.
In addition, LaFayette Middle School reserves the right to deny participation to any student who by word or action brings unnecessary embarrassment upon LaFayette Middle School.
Students who turn 16 prior to May 1 of the current school year are ineligible to participate in competitive sports.
GENDER EQUITY
State law prohibits discrimination based on gender in athletic programs of local school systems (Equity in Sports Act, O.C.G.A. - 20-2-315). Students are hereby notified that Walker County School System does not discriminate on the basis of gender in its athletic programs. The sports equity coordinator for this school system is: Mr. Craig Davoulas, P. O. Box 29, LaFayette, Georgia 30728, Phone number 638-7954. Inquiries or complaints concerning sports equity in this school system may be submitted to the sports equity coordinator. Any questions about this policy can be answered by Mike Culberson, Principal.
FIELD TRIPS
When field trips are planned as part of school functions, written permission and release from responsibility must be signed by the parent or legal guardian before the student may participate. Each student is directly responsible to all sponsors of the trip. Students and official chaperones are expected to follow all school policies and regulations and maintain appropriate behavior. We reserve the right to deny the privilege of participation in field trip events to students who have exhibited inappropriate behaviors. Students who choose not to participate in field trip experiences are required to attend school for regular instruction.
CAFETERIA OPERATIONS / BEHAVIOR
BREAKFAST: LaFayette Middle School offers a breakfast program each morning from 7:30-7:55. The cost of a student breakfast is $.75. Extra milk is $.30.
LUNCH: The cost of a student lunch is $1.50. Extra milk is $.30. Students may bring a lunch from home if they do not wish to purchase a school lunch.
GENERAL:
Meals may be paid for on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Checks should be made payable to LaFayette Middle School. No meals should be charged. If an emergency arises and charging lunch is necessary, students will be allowed to accumulate three charges.
Special dietary needs should be discussed with school counselors or the principal as necessary.
CHECKS
The school is not allowed to accept checks made out to Cash. The only checks that can be accepted are those which are written in the exact mount of purchase and payable to LaFayette Middle School. Returned checks will be subject to a $25.00 service charge.
SECTION III - STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
It is the purpose of the Walker County Board of Education to operate schools in a manner that will provide an orderly process of education and that will ensure the safety of all students who attend the schools within the district. The Board believes that in order for classrooms to be satisfactory learning environments the conduct of students must be wholesome, orderly and respectful of authority. Students shall behave themselves and other students, respect each other and school district employees, and obey student behaviors policies established by the Board and by each school. In addition, students are expected to attend class regularly, be prepared for class, demonstrate courtesy toward others, dress appropriately, cooperate with school officials, respect other’s property, avoid violation of the student code of conduct and practice the traits taught in the character education curriculum (Board Policy IDAG).
The primary goal of schools is to educate students, not to punish them. When a student violates the rules of this behavior code, corrective action may be necessary in order for the student and the school as a whole to benefit. The principal is the designated leader of the school and, in concert with the school staff, is responsible for the rules of this behavior code and may undertake corrective measures which she/he believes to be in the best interest of the student and the school. Additionally, the principal may discipline students for conduct off campus which is felonious or which may pose a threat to the school’s learning environment or the safety of students and employees.
Walker County Board of Education policy code JCDA establishes the guidelines for school personnel to discipline students. In addition to this policy, LaFayette Middle School has established school specific guidelines and policies for our students also.
DRUG FREE POLICY
1. Possessing or using any quantities of intoxicants, illegal drugs, controlled substances, counterfeit controlled substances, or unmarked nonprescription drugs is prohibited.
2. Selling or distributing any quantities of intoxicants, illegal drugs, controlled substances, counterfeit controlled substances, or unmarked nonprescription drugs is prohibited.
WEAPONS
It is unlawful for any person to carry, possess or have under control any weapon at a school building, school function or on school property or on a bus or other transportation furnished by the school.
The term “weapon” means and includes any pistol, revolver, or any weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind, or any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, any other knife having a blade, spring stick, metal knucks, blackjack, or any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a way to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chuck, or fighting chain, throwing star or oriental dart, or any weapon of like kind, any stun gun or taser; or anything that looks like one of the above weapons, whether it is a toy or real, but inoperable.
Violation may result in expulsion from school for one year and/or criminal prosecution. (O.C.G.A.§16-11-127.1; 15-11-37; P.L. 103-227) (Walker Board of Education Policy JCDAE)
A student shall not possess, handle, or transmit a razor, razor blade, ice pick, explosive loaded cane, sword cane, machete, pistol, rifle, shotgun, pellet gun, and other guns of any kind, knives of any kind, any object that reasonably can be considered a weapon, any look-alike objects displayed as a weapon, or any weapon identified in Policy JCDAE: a) on the school grounds at any time; b) off the school grounds at a school activity, function or event; or c) enroute to and from school. (Walker County Board of Education Policy JCDA - Rule 7)
BULLYING
A student shall not engage in any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so, or in any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm.
Student in grades 6 through 12 who have violated this rule for the third time in a school year shall be assigned to the Alternative Education Center by the principal or designee. (Walker Count Board of Education Policy JCDA - Rule 14)
ASSEMBLIES AND SCHOOL-SPONSORED EVENTS
• Any school-sponsored event, including dances, movies, club meetings, etc. is considered to be a learning activity. Behavior at these events should follow the same pattern as that for the classroom with exceptions granted for conduct which is acceptable for particular events. Boisterous and unruly behavior is absolutely prohibited and will result in ejection from that particular activity and possible expulsion from participation in further activities.
• During sporting events, the students should support the school teams vigorously, yet respect the presence of the opposition. Booing, hissing, and other unsportsmanlike conduct are prohibited. Proper student behavior at sporting events will assure future enjoyment of these affairs.
• All activities held after school hours have a definite beginning and ending time. Unless other arrangements have been made beforehand with the school, students are responsible for their own transportation and will be expected to arrive and leave school grounds within the announced time frame of the activity. Students not adhering to this face possible disciplinary action.
FIGHT POLICY
No student has the right to assault another student, for any reason. Students will be deemed to be fighting if they are actively engaged in physical combat with other student(s) or if they intentionally strike a person with the purpose of causing harm or injury. Students who are clearly attacked without immediate provocation and who do not engage in offensive combat in return will not be charged with fighting. A student who is attacked may use reasonable force in self-defense, but only to free themselves from the attack and notify proper school authorities. Fighting in self-defense will be an unacceptable excuse. It is the responsibility of the school administrators to determine the degree of involvement of each person involved in a fight. Students who engage in such misconduct may be charged by the police.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Academic dishonesty / cheating will not be tolerated at LaFayette Middle School. Students participating in such will not receive credit for work and are subject to school discipline.
DETENTION
Detention may be assigned by the teacher or school officials.
A 24-hour notice will be given to allow parents to make arrangements for transportation. Students may be picked up at the front entrance at 4:00 p.m.
Students are expected to bring some type of school-related academic work with them to detention. Talking, sleeping, failure to follow instructions, tardiness, etc. will result in additional disciplinary measures being taken.
Students that have an excused absence for the day of detention will be reassigned detention one time.
Failure to serve detention results in further disciplinary action (One day of ISS).
ISS / OSS
In-School Suspension (ISS) is designed to isolate students from their peers while allowing them to be at school doing their work. Once a student exceeds 10 days per semester of ISS assignment, further disciplinary action could result in Out of School suspension.
Out of School Suspension (OSS) is a disciplinary measure used to remove students from the school environment. Make up work, satisfactorily completed, following the first out of school suspensions shall be used in calculating grades. Make up work for any subsequent suspension days may not be used in calculating grades.
SCHOOL BUS CONDUCT
Riding the school bus is a privilege extended to students, and it can be removed at any time for disruptive or harmful acts and unsatisfactory conduct. All pupils being transported are under the authority of the bus driver and must obey his/her requests. Since the consequences of improper behavior on a school bus can be so much more severe than improper behavior in a classroom, students are asked and expected to conform even more closely to the established rules of the school. Each student will be expected to accept the responsibilities and follow the guidelines listed below. A “defensive school bus rider” is one who will do everything possible to prevent an accident by behaving and obeying all school bus safety rules.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
A student shall not engage in deliberate, repeated, and unsolicited physical actions, gestures, or verbal or written comments of a sexual nature, when such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with a student’s academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment. Examples include behaviors such as leering, pinching, grabbing, suggestive comments or jokes, or pressure to engage in sexual activity.
DRESS CODE
The Walker County Board of Education supports an educational environment for the students which is safe, conducive to learning, and free of distractions. A student’s dress and personal appearance should reflect dignity and pride in oneself and in the school. Toward this end students shall wear apparel which is appropriate for school and which will not interfere with the classroom or school operation. The following list provides students, parents and school personnel with an understanding of what apparel is and is not acceptable at school. Parents are encouraged to assist the school by monitoring their child’s clothing. The following list is not all inclusive. Each school administration has the right to evaluate a student’s clothing to determine whether an item might be substantially likely to interfere with the function of the school. A parent/guardian or student may request in writing an exception for medical reasons to this dress code. This written request, along with supporting medical documentation, shall be given to the school principal for determination of acceptance or rejection of the request.
General:
Each student shall wear clothing which is the appropriate size for his/her body. All clothing shall be hemmed appropriately and shall not have rips, tears, slits, cuts, etc., which reveal areas of the body. Transparent clothing is prohibited. Clothing which is tight or clinging (e.g. spandex type material) is prohibited as outerwear. Appropriate undergarments shall be worn at all times and shall not be visible. Any type of apparel which has a reference (i.e. pictures, symbols, words, etc.) to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, sex, obscene language, suicide, violence, vulgarity, gang symbols/affiliation, cult symbols/affiliation or ethnic, sexual, or religious disparagement is prohibited.
Pants/Slacks/Jeans/Shorts:
All pants/slacks/jeans/shorts shall be worn at the student’s natural waist line. Pants/slacks/jeans/shorts shall be fastened appropriately. Baggy, oversized, or sagging pants/slacks/jeans/shorts are prohibited. Pajama bottoms are prohibited. The cuff width and length of pants/slacks/jeans shall not cover completely the student’s shoes. The length of shorts for elementary school students shall exceed a student’s fingertips when the arm and fingers are extended downward against the leg. The length of shorts for middle school students shall be below the kneecap. Capri pants, or like garments for males or females, which extend below the knee are permitted.
Dresses/Skirts:
In middle and high school the length of dresses/skirts shall not be shorter than the top of the student’s knee cap and shall not have any slits which extend above the knee cap.
Shirts/Blouses/Tops:
Shirts/blouses/tops shall cover the torso from the shoulders to the waistline and shall not extend below the beginning of the inseam or top of the thigh. Tank tops, tube tops, spaghetti straps, see-through blouses, and shirts/blouses/tops with torn out sleeves or sides are prohibited. Sleeveless blouses may be worn provided the armpit area is well fitted. Shirts/blouses/tops which reveal a bare midriff when the person’s arms are raised over the head are prohibited.
Shoes:
Students shall wear safe shoes at all times. Skate-shoes, dedroom/bathroom slippers, shoes with metal toe caps, and shoes with taps or cleats on the soles are prohibited. It is strongly recommended that elementary school students wear tennis shoes.
Coats:
Coats shall not be longer than mid-thigh, except for JROTC uniforms.
Hair:
Hair, including facial hair, shall be kept neat and clean. Hair which is painted or dyed unnatural colors and hairstyles which have a distracting appearance are prohibited.
Jewelry:
Students may wear pierced earrings; however, any other types of body or facial pierced jewelry which is visible outside the student’s clothing is prohibited. Jewelry which may create a hazardous condition, such as chains, wallet chains, or spiked or studded bracelets or necklaces, are prohibited.
Miscellaneous:
Students are prohibited from wearing hats, caps, hoods, combs or brushes in the hair, sunglasses (except prescription sunglasses with a doctor’s note), or bandannas inside the school building. Tattoos which are visible outside the student’s clothing are prohibited. Oversized book bags and oversized backpacks (those wider than the student’s back and longer than the distance from the shoulder to the hip) are prohibited.
