Welcome to Northern Middle School!

Dear Student,

It is our pleasure and privilege to welcome you to Northern Middle School. We have an awesome school with many things to offer. We strongly encourage you to become involved in various activities and athletic/academic organizations. It is our desire that this school year be filled with wonderful memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. As your Principals, we will work diligently to assist you in every way possible. We welcome your e-mail and look forward to getting to know each of you individually. Please use this agenda book as a means of communication between home and school. It is also provided for you as an organizational tool. Finally, remember to work hard and always do your best. Have a

GREAT YEAR!

Sincerely,

Angela Murphy and Shelly Hargis

2007-2008 School Calendar


August 2	First Day for Students
September 3	No School- Labor Day
October 4	No School – PD Day
October 5	No School – Records Day
October 8	No School
October 9-12	Fall Academy
November 6	No School – Election Day
Nov. 21-23	Thanksgiving Holiday
December 17	No School – Records Day
Dec. 18-21	Winter Academy
Dec. 24-Jan. 1	Winter Break
January 2	Back to School
January 21	No School, MLK Day
February 18	No School, President’s Day
March 24	No School -Records Day
March 25 - 28	Spring Academy
Mar 31-April 4	Spring Break
April21-May 2	Testing Window
May 20	No School – Election Day
May 22	Last Day for Students
May 23	Closing Day for Teachers
*Summer Academy to be held immediately after closing. Calendar subject to change.

** The information in this handbook is not all-inclusive and some of the information has been condensed. For additional information or clarification, you may need to refer to the Pulaski County School System Policies and Procedures or NMS SBDM Council Policies. Some policies and/or procedures may be revised during the school year.

Handbook Index:

TOPIC	Page Number
School Calendar	2
ATTENDANCE	3
Excused/Unexcused Absences	3
Parent Notes	3
Homebound	3
Make-Up Work	3
Tardies to School	3
Tardies to Class	3
Early Dismissal	4
Renaissance Perfect Attendance	4
Unexcused/Excessive Absences	4
Truancy	4
SCHOOL PROCEDURES	4
School Hours	4
Parent Drop Off and Pick Up	4
School Closing and Alternate Schedule	4
Athletic / Club Participation	4
Transportation Change	5
Withdrawals	5
Change of Address or Phone Numbers	5
Hall Passes	5
Breakfast / Lunch	5
Vending Machines	5
Lost and Found	5
Visitors	5
Telephone	5
Cell Phone Policy	5
Medication Procedures	5
ACADEMIC STANDARDS	5
Grading Terms	5
Promotion and Retention Policy	5
Parent Teacher Conferences	6
Grading System	6
Homework Policy	6
Syllabus	6
STI Home	6
Homework Hotline	6
SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS	6
SBDM Standing Committees	6
Site Based Decision Making Council	6,7
Youth Services Center	7
Renaissance Program	7
Character Education	7
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES	7
Harassment and Bullying	7
Student Duty to Report	7
Guidelines for ASD, LAB, and Sat. School	8
Dress Code	8
Behavior Expectations	8
The Referral Process	8
Discipline Levels	8,9
Reward Plus	9
Finley’s Participation	9
Dances, Socials, and After School Events	9
Bus Riding Disciplinary Actions	9
Teacher E-Mail	10
ABC’s of Northern	11
Hall Pass Page	12

ATTENDANCE

All students are expected to be on time and attend class every day school is in session. The progress of a student at school depends greatly on the punctuality and regularity of attendance. Regular attendance in class is necessary if students are to receive adequate guidance through their class work and benefit from the discussions. The intent of this attendance procedure for the Pulaski County School System is to provide a structure within which students can gain maximum benefit from the instructional program.

Excused Absences and Documentation

When a student must be absent from school, arrive late, or leave early, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to write a note or provide an excuse to the school where the child is enrolled to inform the Principal of the reason for absence. You must have a note anytime a student misses any amount of the school day in order to determine if the absence or tardy is excused or unexcused. Even if a child goes home sick from school, they must provide a note upon their return.

Parent Notes

When a student must be absent from school, arrive late, or leave early it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to write a note to the school where the child is enrolled to inform the Principal of the reason for absence. Anytime a student misses any part of a school day, a note or other valid documentation must be submitted in order to determine if the absence is excused or unexcused within five (5) school days of the absence. The written statement shall include the full name of student, date or dates, reason and full signature of the parent/guardian or medical professional. If a student receives an excused absence, the student shall accept the responsibility to see the teacher and ask what work is to be made up and shall complete make-up assignments within the time specified by the school or teacher. Students shall have their absences excused only for reasons designated in this policy as excused. Absences for reasons other than those listed below will be unexcused and the student will not be allowed to make up any work, including tests, unless approved by the Principal/designee. Excused absences include:

1. Illness/injury. Parent notes will be accepted for student or family illness/injury up to three (3) days per semester. After a student has used three (3) parent days in one semester or six (6) parent days in a school year, a doctor or dentist statement must be presented for the absence to be excused. Forged parent notes may result in parent notes being disallowed by the Principal or Director of Pupil Personnel.

2. Medical or dental appointments. Doctor statements will be accepted for student absences up to ten (10) days per school year. After a student has used ten (10) doctor days in a school year, no further absences will be excused unless approved by the school’s Attendance Appeals Committee. Parents may present any information to the school’s Attendance Appeals Committee but must include a “Statement of Chronic Illness” form which can be obtained from the school’s front office or attendance secretary. Requests and all documentation for absences to be excused after a student has used ten (10) doctor days must be made within five (5) school days of the absences. All decisions of the Attendance Appeals Committee are final.

3. Order of a court with proper verification from the court.

4. Attendance at a funeral of a relative or close friend. (Must have prior approval by Principal/designee)

5. Interviews or tests with college, vocational/technical school, or military (Must have prior approval by Principal/designee)

6. Driver’s license or permit (1/2 day) limited to one occurrence.

7. Documented religious holidays. (Must have prior approval by Principal/designee)

8. Educational enhancement opportunities. (Must have prior approval by Principal/designee)

9. One (1) day for attendance at the Kentucky State Fair. (Must have prior approval by Principal/designee)

10. Parent or Guardian called to federal active duty limited to one day for deployment and one day for return.

11. Other valid reasons as determined by the Principal.

School sponsored trips and activities in which the student is accompanied by or under the supervision of a school employee, are not absences as they relate to the Attendance Policy. Students participating in such trips are required to do work missed while away.

Homebound

If due to an illness or an injury of the student, it is believed by the school or parent that a student will be absent from school for five (5) or more days, efforts are to be made to place that student on homebound instruction. Homebound referral forms, to be completed by the attending medical authority, will be provided to the parent/guardian of the student by the school or Director of Pupil Personnel.

Make-Up Work Policy

Students having excused absences shall be permitted to make up tests and to complete classroom assignments missed during their absences. Students having unexcused absences may not be permitted to make up assignments or tests given during their absence. Suspensions from school or school bus are unexcused absences. It shall be the student’s responsibility to initiate requests to teachers for make-up work and to complete the work within three days immediately following their return to school.

Tardies to School

Tardiness is defined as any amount of instructional time missed including being late to school or leaving school before classes are dismissed. A student is considered tardy if he/she arrives at school after 8:30 a.m or leaves before 3:10 p.m.. If a student is late to school, the parent must sign the student in at the office and the student must obtain an admittance slip before being admitted to class. Excessive tardies and or absences may result in truancy diversion court or truancy charges being filed.

Tardies to Class

A student is considered tardy to class whenever they are not physically present inside a classroom when the class period is scheduled to begin. A teacher who detains a student is responsible for giving written notification to the student’s next class instructor. Students tardy to class or AWOL will be dealt with according to the discipline procedure.

Early Dismissal

Parents are encouraged to make appointments outside the school day. However, if early dismissal prior to 3:10 is necessary, it will require administrative approval and counts as a tardy. For the safety and well-being of our students, Northern Middle School is required to follow these guidelines when releasing a student for early dismissal:

1. Ask for I.D. of person taking student.

2. Must be a parent or guardian, or listed on the yellow pick-up card

3. Student must be picked up in the front office.

4. Parent must sign student out in front office.

Renaissance Perfect Attendance

The Renaissance Program offers student incentives for perfect attendance. For the purpose of these incentives, Renaissance Perfect Attendance is defined as any student who has been present every day without any tardies (checking in late, or leaving early).

Unexcused/Excessive Absences

Unexcused absences at any grade level will have an immediate impact on a student’s academic performance and although students with excused absences may make up tests and assigned homework, excessive absences of any nature may have a direct impact on a student’s academic performance. Students with excessive absences may be required to make up absences and referred to Extended School Services (ESS), other after school programs, the Family Resource Youth Service Center, and/or other applicable agencies as required or allowed by Kentucky Revised Statue, Board, and/or Council Policy.

Truancy

Any student, including students between the ages of 18-21, who has been absent from school without valid excuse for three (3) or more times, whether it is for a partial day or full day, is a truant. Any child who has been reported as a truant two (2) or more times within one calendar year period is a habitual truant.

Any student considered habitually truant (six or more unexcused absences or tardies) must be referred to the office of the Director of Pupil Personnel and the District Truant Officer. Truancy, by Kentucky Revised Statute, must be reported to Juvenile Services and/or other applicable agencies and the student and/or parents may be referred to court. The Principal/designee must notify parents or students with excessive absenteeism in a prompt and timely manner and school-parent conferences must be held to determine the causes of the absenteeism. Documentation of meetings/home visits shall be kept by the school.

SCHOOL PROCEDURES

School Hours

Regular school hours begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:10 p.m. Busses may begin arriving at 8:00 a.m. and the last bus departs at approximately 3:20 p.m. Supervision is provided for students whose parents bring them to school beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Parent Drop-Off and Pick-Up

AM Drop Off - Students who do not ride the bus to school need to be dropped off in the side parking lot, using the Hwy. 39 entrance to the campus, and enter the building through the yellow hall. The entrance off of 1247/ Oak Leaf Lane is reserved for employees and buses only. Please adhere to the signs on campus for parent/visitor parking, traffic flow, and yielding to buses. Students arriving between 7:30 - 8:00 must report to the cafeteria.

PM Pick Up – Afternoon dismissal will be as follows:

3:10 Shuttle bus dismissal to Eubank, Shopville, and Woodstock. 3:15 Parent Pick-Up 3:20 Pulaski Buses

In an effort to ensure student safety, we have implemented these procedures for parent pick up. Students who do not ride the bus home, need to be picked up by their parents between 3:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Each family will be issued a mirror tag, with their child’s name written on the tag, to identify who they are to pick up. These tags will be available at Open House dates and in the front office. As parents pull through the parent pick up line, school staff will radio inside for the student to be dismissed. Students will only be allowed to get in a vehicle if their name appears on the mirror tag. If a parent chooses to park and walk up to the pick up area, they will be asked for identification. If a student is going to be on parent pick up with a friend or other family member who does not have a tag, the parent must send a note to school with a phone number listed for the school to verify that it is approved for the child to ride with a different driver. Please help us keep our students safe by adhering to these procedures.

School Closing and Alternate Schedule

Plan A: School Closed

When announcement is made, all schools will be closed.

Plan B: Main Road or Safe Road Pick Up

Please make sure you and your child know the designated Plan B pick-up and drop-off locations. Ask your bus driver. This is not delayed.

Plan C: Early Dismissal

Please make arrangements for a “second home” with a nearby relative or friend if school is dismissed early and parents will be away from home.

Athletic/Club Participation

Students may only stay after school for athletic practices or club activities if they are a member of the team or club, and the practice or meeting immediately follows school hours (3:30). If practice is scheduled later in the day or evening, students must ride a bus home or be picked up after school by a parent. Students may not stay after school with siblings, friends, or relatives, or to wait for a later practice or meeting time. Grade reports on student athletes are made available to the coaches on Monday of each week. Students must maintain all passing grades and no disciplinary referrals to participate. Students failing to maintain level 5 status are not eligible to participate in game events for one week. If a student is ineligible to play for consecutive weeks, dismissal from the team may occur. Any violation of the alcohol/drug policy will result in dismissal.

Transportation Changes

For the safety of our students, no transportation changes will be handled over the phone. If someone else will need to pick up your child, or your child will need to ride another bus home, the change can only occur in person by the parent/guardian, or in writing , even if the person to pick up your child is listed as someone who has permission to do so. The request for change in transportation shall be turned in to the office upon arrival at school. School personnel will call to verify the note and inform the students is the request has been approved. A phone number must be included on this written request so that office personnel can contact the parent to verify the change. You may choose to fax the request to Northern at 678-2729. Forged requests may result in future requests being disallowed.

Withdrawals

Before withdrawing from Northern, a student needs to obtain all necessary forms and papers through the Guidance Office.

Change of Address or Phone Number

Report any change of address or phone number to the Guidance Office and the Front office as soon as possible. Up to date and accurate information is vital to home and school communications.

Hall Passes

Students may not be out of class without a pass and are responsible for reporting to the locations designated on the pass. The hall passes are part of this agenda book. A teacher may require the agenda be filled out prior to issuing a hall pass. Without this agenda book or a Gold card, no student will be allowed a hall pass privilege.

Breakfast / Lunch

Our cafeteria offers two nutritious meals a day. The cost for lunch is $1.50 and breakfast is $.50. Reduced meal prices are $.40 for lunch and $.25 for breakfast. Adult meals are $2.25. Breakfast is served from 8:00 – 8:30 and lunch is served from 11:10- 12:45.

Vending Machines

Vending machines for drinks and snacks are available after the last lunch period has ended. The machines are only operational at certain times throughout the day with the exception of the milk and water machines. Students may have access to these machines with teacher approval. Soft drinks are not allowed on the school bus. Students are not permitted to bring open drinks to school with them.

Lost and Found

There is a lost and found space in the cafeteria. Any items found should be turned in to this space and any lost items should be claimed from this area. Northern Middle School is not responsible for lost and found items.

Visitors

All visitors (including parents and substitutes) must check in at the front office, sign in, and obtain a visitor pass. The pass must be returned to the front office upon departure and all visitors must sign out.

Telephone

Students are not permitted to accept phone calls at school. If a student needs to call home, s/he must report to the front office to request the call be made or to use the office phone. Cell phones are not to be used by students during school hours for any purpose including text messaging. School personnel will make the call for the student, allow the student access to a phone, or deliver a message to the student.

Cell Phone Policy

Cell phone usage during school hours is prohibited (This includes phone calls, text messages, pictures, etc.). Cell phones are to be turned OFF while the student is in the school building. Violations will result in the phone being confiscated.

Medication Procedures

¨ All medication should be sent to school in its original container and left at the front office or given to the school nurse as soon as the student arrives at school.

¨ If a student is to take an over-the-counter drug or prescription medication on a short term basis (a week or less), a note must be sent from the parent/guardian. This note should include the child’s name, medication name, strength, dosage, time to be administered, and how long the child is to take the medicine. The parent/guardian needs to sign, date, and have a telephone number on the note indicating where he/she can be reached.

¨ Only send enough medication for five days. No medication is allowed to be sent home with a student, it must be picked up by the parent/guardian.

¨ If a student is going to be taking medication on a daily basis, a medication form must be completed by the physician and signed by both parent/guardian and physician. These forms can be obtained from the school nurse.

¨ A letter of request and/or explanation from a doctor shall be on file in the Nurse’s office before a student shall be permitted to keep emergency medication on his person, such as an asthma inhaler, epi-pen, etc. This form can be obtained from the school nurse.

If you have any questions concerning medication or how they are to be dispensed, please call our school nurse at 678-5230.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Grading Terms

1^st term August 1 – October 3

2^nd term October 15 – December 16

3^rd term January 2 – March 21

4^th term April 7 – May 22

** Calendar and Grading Terms subject to change.

Promotion and Retention Policy

Students shall pass 4 of 5 core classes for 6^th/7^th grade and 3 of 4 core classes for 8^th grade. Students may attend academies to bring up grades in 1 core class to policy standards. The student and his/her parents (guardian) will be notified of the possibility of retention within 30 calendar days of the last day of school.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Grade cards may be picked up during parent teacher conferences which will be held at the end of each grading term on the following dates:

October 16, 2007 5-7pm

January 8, 2008 5-7 pm

April 8, 2008 5-7 pm

Grade cards will be sent home with students on the following day. Please feel free to contact your child's teachers or the guidance office to schedule a conference anytime. Please refer to our staff e-mail list or call the school at 678-5230.

Grading System

The Northern Middle School Honor Roll is published at the end of each grading period. All A's and all A's and B's will be determined based upon each student's classes (including exploratory) and the following grading scale:

A = 90 - 100

B = 80 - 89

C = 70 - 79

D = 60 - 69

F = 59 and below

Report cards will be distributed at the end of each grading term. Mid-term reports will be distributed at a mid-point during the grading term. We encourage and welcome parent-teacher communication.

Homework Policy

Northern Middle School’s policy of homework for students has been developed to establish responsibilities and guidelines for minimum standards for the assignment, evaluation, and monitoring of homework assignments as supported by research based practices. Furthermore, this policy is designed to encourage students to become responsible and accountable for their academic success. Homework is defined as assignments to be completed outside the classroom to reinforce class instruction, increase understanding and retention, transfer and extend classroom instruction, prepare for class discussion, and provide curriculum enrichment opportunities. Academically appropriate homework is an extension of classroom instruction and supports the teacher’s instructional objectives. Assignments will be limited to 3 to 6 hours of homework per week for 6^th grade, and 7 to 10 hours of homework per week for 7^th and 8^th grade. Homework will consist of 10% of the student’s total grade for each grading term.

Syllabus

A course syllabus shall be sent home at the beginning of each grading period. It will include information about the grading distribution for the class, the content to be covered during the term, any upcoming homework, projects, events, performances, etc., and teacher contact information.

STI Home

STI Home is a program that allows parents and students to view grades, attendance, progress reports, and discipline from their home computer. Follow these steps to access STI Home:

1. Go to Northern Middles School’s web page at nms.pulaski.net

2. Under Parent Resources, click “STI Home.”

3. Click on “NMS.”

4. The user id is your child’s social security number (don’t use dashes). The password is four digits that are computer generated and will be given to you at the beginning of school.

5. Click “ok”

6. To view the teacher’s grade book, click on the course and under homework, click “grade book.” (Grades that have not been entered will appear as blank.)

7. On the left hand column you may access other information such as the attendance and discipline records.

If you have problems accessing this program, please call Mrs. Petrey at 678-5230.

Homework Hotline

• The Northern Middle School Homework Hotline provides recorded messages on a variety of school related subjects.

• You may call anytime after 4:00 p.m. on school days and anytime on weekends.

• Calls to the Hotline can be made from any touch-tone phone (not pulse dial).

• Parents and students who would like school-related information or homework assignments are invited to call.

HOW:

• Call 679-7655

WAIT UNTIL YOU HEAR THE PROMPT:

"ENTER YOUR SELECTION"

either hang up or enter another code number

Prefix

1000 general information

1020 message directory

1040 guidance office

1060 PTA

2000 Exploratory / Rotation

3000 Excalibur Team (6th)

4000 Wizard Team (6th)

5000 Dragon Team (7th)

6000 Braveheart Team (7th)

7000 Super Nova Team (8th)

8000 Navigator Team (8th)

9000 Eagle Team

SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS

SBDM Standing Committees

The SBDM Council will annually establish standing committees. Standing Committees shall serve for a one-year term. Parents and students are encouraged to participate in our committee structure and decision making bodies. For more information, contact one of your SBDM Council members.

Site Based Decision Making Council

You may want to check our website for current SBDM information. Some of the policies referenced in this handbook have been condensed. Please refer to our current SBDM policy manual for complete policy information.

The following people comprise the 07-08 SBDM Council:

Chairperson –

Angela Murphy, Principal

Teacher Members –

Julie Dick

Lana Mayfield

Shawn Roberts

Parent Members –

JB Pitman

Jerrilyn Randolph

The SBDM Council will meet the 4^th Tuesday of the month at 4:00 in the school conference room.

2007-2008 Regularly Scheduled Meeting Dates

*July 24, 2007 January 22, 2008

August 28, 2007 February 26, 2008

*September 25, 2007 *March 25, 2008

October 23, 2007 April 22, 2008

November 27, 2007 May 27, 2008

(No meeting in December or June according to By-Laws)

*Denotes a change in the regular meeting date

Northern Middle School Youth Services Center Phone # 679-7824

Ms. Kathy Sampson, Coordinator and the Assistant Coordinator, will be glad to assist Northern Middle School families and/or answer any questions parents might have. The center's primary goal is to assist the families and students of Northern Middle School to meet community, social, and classroom needs. Our center is funded using a formula that involves the school lunch form. All students are requested to return this form, even if you do not qualify for free or reduced lunches. The YSC offers many different services. A few are listed below:

¨ On-Site Nurse and Referrals to health services

¨ Parent training and workshops

¨ School Newsletter

¨ Referrals to social services and mental health services

¨ Food assistance

¨ Employment counseling and training

¨ Career exploration

¨ Student Assistance Program

¨ Lice prevention/intervention

¨ Referrals to substance abuse programs

¨ Clothing assistance/school supplies/ personal care items

Renaissance Program

The Renaissance program uses Rewards and Recognition to generate motivation and commitment and encourages improved morale and attendance for students and staff. Perfect attendance is also highly encouraged. Students and staff with Renaissance perfect attendance are put in a pool to receive selected donated gifts. We will also be incorporating our Rewards Plus discipline program in with the Renaissance Program. Students on Levels 6 & 7 will be awarded with Gold and Silver cards at the end of each grading period which offers them special allowances and/or discounts at area businesses that upcoming grading period. The Renaissance Program is a great tool to help reward those students and staff who put extra effort in their daily school routine. Northern Middle School would like to thank our many business and community partners for there participation in making our Renaissance Program very successful.

Student Responsibilites

Students have the right to a meaningful public education. However, they must conduct themselves in a manner which will not disrupt the other students or the routine of classroom activities. Each student will be responsible for his/her own conduct which includes but is not limited to the rights and property of others, abusive language, disruptions which interfere with the educational process, and self-control of voice and limbs. Students who fail to adhere to the code of conduct (and school policies) will be subject to the Discipline Referral Procedures.

Harassment and Bullying

Both bullying and harassment are defined as behavior that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or objectively offensive, that denies or limits a students’ ability to participate in or receive the benefits, services or opportunities of the school’s program or creates a hostile/abusive educational environment.

Harassment deals with race, disability, age, origin, sex, and religion. Harassment is a civil rights issue. Procedures for harassment are covered in Board policy (09.42811 AP.1).

Bullying deals with areas outside of the above. Bullying involves an imbalance of power. Bullying is when a child is the target, over time, of repeated negative actions. Although not a civil rights issue, it is as serious as harassment. Listed below are the procedures that will be followed.

Normal conflict between students involves equal power, is not pervasive, is not severe, may be coincidental or happens occasionally. Kids of approximately the same age, strength or developmental level quarrel. In this situation the students involved feel remorseful and make an effort to solve the problem. Students dealing with normal conflict are good candidates for peer mediation or intervention from teachers or counselors.

The following process will be followed in reported bullying situations.

1. Everything the reporter tells will be documented.

2. Everyone the reporter names will be interviewed.

3. A decision will be made by a team to determine if the situation is harassment, bullying or normal conflict.

4. Existing records will be reviewed.

5. Teachers will be notified.

6. A letter will be given to the reporter acknowledging the report, investigation, and informing of action that is being taken.

7. In bullying situations, an action plan will be developed that helps the victim and addresses the perpetrator.

8. The plan will be implemented and documented.

Student Duty to Report

ALL students at Northern Middle School have the duty to report any violation of the discipline code to an adult in the building. If you know a student may be in possession of an illegal substance, something dangerous or a weapon, or has plans to violate the discipline code, it is your responsibility to report it immediately to an adult. This includes bullying and/or harassment.

Guidelines for After School Detention, LAB, and Saturday School

If a student is assigned one of the above disciplinary actions, the parent and/or student will be notified in writing of the administrative guidelines for the action.

Dress Code

The wearing of any attire, cosmetics, presentation of extraordinary personal appearance, or any unsanitary body conditions, which in the judgment of the Principal significantly disrupts schoolwork, interrupts scholastic endeavors, or threatens the health and/or safety of other students, is prohibited. Repeated violations may result in suspension from school.

Shorts, Skirts, Dresses

Shorts will be permitted at Northern Middle School. They must be no shorter than 2 ½ to 3 inches above the knee. This same length will apply to skirts, dresses, and skorts, regardless of clothing with undergarments.

Pants

All pants are to be worn at waist level and should be of proper length, not to touch the ground. Jeans with holes and pajama bottoms are unacceptable.

Tops

Unacceptable tops include tank tops, spaghetti strapped tops, cropped tops, or fishnet tops, pajamas, clothing with inappropriate language displaying death (i.e. foul language, drug/alcohol advertisements, and derogatory and/or sexually inappropriate) and/or promotion of violence. Mid drift should remain covered at all times (sitting and standing).

Shoes

House shoes or skates (including wheelies) are not appropriate for school.

Other

Other inappropriate items include hats/caps, sunglasses, bandannas, black nail polish/lipstick, safety pins on clothing, all non-traditional forms of body piercing (tongue, nose, eyebrow, etc.), and any non-traditional hair color (pink, blue, green, purple, etc.). Earrings should be confined to those that are safe and not a distraction to the classroom instruction. Earrings with jagged edges should be removed as well as those with sharp points and large hoops (i.e. spikes, safety-pins, and other jewelry of this type, etc.). All tattoos must be covered.

Coats/Jackets

Coats and jackets that are of full length, or longer than the torso, will be stored in lockers throughout the day.

Students who fail to adhere to this policy or any policy at Northern Middle School may be subject to the discipline referral process.

Behavior Expectations

At NMS, we have established the ABC’s of Northern. A is for our straight A’s (Attendance, Attitude, Academics, Achievement). Be is what we want students to be. We expect students to Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Willing to Learn, and Be a Team Player. C is for our Character words. Students have the right to a meaningful public education. However, they must conduct themselves in a manner which will not disrupt the other students or the routine of classroom activities. Each student will be responsible for his/her own conduct which includes but is not limited to; rights and property of others, abusive language, disruptions which interfere with the educational process, and self-control of voice and limbs. Students who fail to adhere to this code of conduct will be subject to the discipline referral procedures. Our discipline policy defines student behaviors into three levels.

The Referral Process

When a classroom teacher has exhausted all means of addressing student misbehavior, it may become necessary for them to write an office referral. Referrals will be written and submitted to the office on the same day of the infraction.

1. Teacher becomes aware of the level 2 or level 3 offense and deems it necessary for a referral Teacher completes the referral form.

2. Teacher reviews the student’s behavior folder for previous offenses/actions and consults with team leader. The team leader must sign the referral.

3. Teacher makes a recommendation of consequences to the administrator or on the referral form.

4. After consulting with a principal the teacher contacts the parent/guardian to inform them of the infraction and of the consequence or disposition.

5. Consequences or disposition may be administered by either the principal or the teacher.

Level I- MILD (Classroom level): This level includes minor misbehaviors that can adequately be corrected at the time they occur. They may or may not require minimal staff documentation, such as checklists, etc. A staff member observing a Level I infraction corrects the student in the setting.

· Tardy

· Not prepared for class with materials

· Not completing assignment or homework

· Cheating

· Refusing to follow directions

· Minor disrespect (rolling eyes, body language, faces, etc.)

· Teasing

· Running in the hallways

· Inability to accept feedback after correction

· General classroom disruption

· Off task talking

· Inappropriate behavior

· Gum Chewing

· Consistently out of seat

· Dress code violation

· Cell phone

· Electronics

Level II-MODERATE (Team level): this level includes misbehaviors that do not require immediate administrative involvement, but do require documentation at the team or office level.

· Disrespect to staff (Talking back, mocking, etc.)

· Repeated classroom Level I violations

· Chronic non-completion of assignments or homework

· Chronic teasing – Refer to Counselor

· Severe disruption (teacher unable to conduct class)

· Profanity/Vulgarity

· AWOL from class

· Chronic tardies

· Chronic hallway and bathroom behaviors

· Public display of affection (hugging, kissing, holding hands)

· Forgery

· Repeated failure to follow directions

Level II Conflict-

Ø Confrontation: verbal argument, name-calling, posturing, hostile body language (mocking, obscene gestures) – Refer to Counselors

Ø Altercation: Pushing, shoving, tripping, spitting,

out-of–control horseplay, chesting, bumping.

Level III-SEVERE (Administrator level): These are serious misbehaviors that require immediate administrative involvement and written documentation. They also include behaviors that are illegal or are so severe that the misbehaving student’s continued presence in a setting poses a threat to physical safety or adult authority and/or disrupts the educational process. Most, but not all Level III behaviors require immediate escort to the office or LAB setting; staff are to use professional judgment in following the guidelines below:

· Repeated violation of Level II behavior