TALLMADGE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK 2016 - 2017 TMS School-Wide Rules 1. Students are to show respect to others. 2. Students are to speak in a polite manner at all times. 3. Students are to keep hands, feet, elbows, etc. to themselves. 4. Students are not permitted to fight. 5. Students are to have their school agendas with them at all times. 6. Students are to demonstrate responsible behavior for school property, and the rights and property of others. 7. BE PREPARED TO LEARN. 2 August, 2016 Dear Parents: In order to provide the best possible educational environment for your child, and one which he/she fully understands, we ask that you support us with the behavioral guidelines of the school as outlined in the Student Code, as well as the Dress Code explained in the Student Agenda. Please take the time to review the material with your child ensuring that he/she understands the rules and procedures of the school. We ask that this form be signed by both you and your child, and returned to his/her 1st period teacher by August 22, 2016. We thank you for your cooperation and assistance in helping your child begin the 2016-2017 school year as smoothly as possible. We look forward to a successful school year for your child and welcome your participation in your child’s educational process. __________________________________________________________________ I have read the student handbook material outlined in the Student Agenda and have discussed it with my child. We understand the expectations of the Tallmadge Middle School and know that should we have any questions or concerns regarding this information, we may contact the school for further clarification. Date _________________________ Student’s HR Room # ___________ Student’s Name HR Teacher ____________________ (Please Print) _____________________________________ Student’s Signature __________________________________________________ Parent’s Name (Please Print) _____________________________________ Parent’s Signature ___________________________________________________ Sincerely, Sincerely, Mr. Robert J. Kearns Principal Mr. Jeff Manion Assistant Principal 3 4 Tallmadge Middle School Student & Parent Handbook Welcome to Tallmadge Middle School. All the members of the staff are pleased to have you here as a student and will do our best to help you make your experience here as productive and successful as you wish to make it. Robert Kearns, Principal Jeff Manion, Asst. Principal Anne Kostko, School Secretary Kim Dyer, Clerk/Treasurer Beth Sands, Secretary/Athletics Secretary Counselors: James Shannon (A-L) Laura Wieland (M-Z) Jeffrey M. Ferguson, Superintendent of Schools Tallmadge Board of Education Members: Mr. Rick Kellar, President Mrs. Christine Cipa, Vice President Mrs. Jennifer Justice-Carter, Member Mr. Chris Tywon, Member Mr. Mark Fairhurst, Member EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY It is the policy of this District to provide an equal education opportunity for all students. Any person who believes that the School or any staff person has discriminated against a student on the basis of race, color, creed, disability, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, place of residence within the boundaries of the District, or social or economic background, has the right to file a complaint. A formal complaint can be made in writing to the School District’s Compliance Officer, Steve Wood-Business Director – (330) 633-3291. The complaint will be investigated and a response, in writing, will be given to the concerned person. The Compliance Officer can provide additional information concerning access to equal education opportunity. Under no circumstances will the District threaten or retaliate against anyone who raises or files a complaint. 5 TALLMADGE MIDDLE SCHOOL DAILY BELL SCHEDULE 7:05 AM – Building open to students (all students must go directly to the cafeteria.) 7:15 AM – Busses drop off, Morning Meeting in the Gym Block 1 7:30 – 8:50 Block 2 8:55 – 10:15 Academy A (Grade 6 Lunch) 10:15 – 10:45 Academy B (Grade 7 Lunch) 10:46 – 11:16 Academy C (Grade 8 Lunch) 11:17 – 11:47 Block 3 11:50 – 1:10 Block 4 1:15 – 2:35 Buses leave at 2:40 p.m. *All students must be picked up and off campus by 2:45 p.m. unless students are involved in an after school activity. ** Students may not arrive on campus in the morning before 7:05 A.M. 6 REPORT CARDS/INTERIM REPORTS Report cards will be sent home with students except for the last report card of the year, which will be mailed home. MONITORING STUDENT PROGRESS: Parents may review their child’s academic performance through our on-line progress book. A confidential password (provided to students and parents) is required to gain access to a child’s records. Updates to progress book are made on a weekly basis. BUS REGULATIONS With safety in mind, it is the responsibility of all students using transportation provided by the Tallmadge Board of Education to observe both the guidelines and expectations established by bus drivers as well as the district conduct code. Bus drivers have the right to issue students yellow warning cards for misbehavior and/or pink cards denying bus privileges for a given number of days. Both cards require a parental signature and will be kept on file in the transportation office. Please refer to policies listed in the back section preceding the school calendar. Students are required to follow school rules and follow the code of conduct at all times while utilizing school transportation. Administration may suspend students from transportation services if they fail to follow school and bus rules. Parents can contact the Transportation Supervisor at (330) 633-2215 for information concerning specific bus routes or changes. Temporary or one day bus passes will not be issued. MORNING ARRIVAL Students are to immediately enter the building upon arrival at school and are not permitted to congregate on or within sight of school grounds. Students may not arrive at school before 7:05 A.M. Students arriving prior to 7:15 must go directly to the cafeteria (no locker) and remain seated there until dismissed by a staff member. While in the cafeteria, students may talk quietly or work on assignments. Students found in unsupervised areas of the building prior to 7:15 may receive disciplinary consequences. BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS AND ROLLER/IN-LINE SKATES Students may ride a bicycle to school. While on school property, students are to walk with their bicycles. Bicycles are to be secured with a lock at the bike near the front entrance. Skateboards/roller/in-line skates are not permitted on school property. 7 STUDENT DRESS CODE Students are expected to dress appropriately at all times. Any fashion (dress, accessory, or hairstyle) that disrupts the educational process or presents a safety risk will not be permitted. **Backpacks cannot be carried to class and must stay in the student’s locker during school hours. The following styles or manners of dress are prohibited: No spaghetti straps, muscle shirts, tank tops, sleeveless tops, tube tops or mesh tops. No exposed midriffs, bare backs or see-through clothing. Shorts and skirts are to come to the knee (Shorts may not be worn during the 2 nd and 3rd grading periods) Leggings may be worn with a top or shirt that reaches the mid-thigh in length. No holes or tears in any article of clothing No alcohol, drug, tobacco, sexual, vulgar, or violent symbols or sayings. No offensive language, symbols or pictures on clothing No underwear exposed or worn as outerwear. No droops in the pants. Pants must be worn at the waist. Underwear must be concealed at all times. Coats, fleeces, jackets and outerwear may not be worn to class. Students may choose to wear a lightweight single lined hoodie to class as long as the hood is not worn on the head. Hoodies that have lining or that extend below the waist are considered outerwear and must be stored in student lockers No sunglasses or nonprescription glasses are to be worn in the school building No hats, head-coverings or distracting hair accessories or styles are to be worn in school. Hair may not cover the student’s eyes Spray colognes, perfumes or deodorants are not permitted in school. Other prohibited items include: 1.) tight or form fitting pants, shorts, or skirts 2.) tops with low necklines 3.) visible bra straps 4.) gloves or false sleeves 5.) pajamas 6.) flannel pants 7.) slippers 8.) stiletto heels or heels higher than two inches 9.) studded belts 10.) heel skates 11.) bandannas 12.) chains of any kind 13) skirts with a slit that extends more than two inches above the knee Students are permitted to wear flip-flops and shorts during the 1st and 4th grading periods. During the 2nd and 3rd grading period these items may not be worn. Violations to the student dress code will result in the following disciplinary actions: 1st offense: Warning and change clothes into school provided clothing Additional offenses may result in after school detentions, Saturday detentions, in-school suspensions and out of school suspensions. ** Students will not have the option to call home for a change of clothes when they are out of dress code. Students refusing to change into TMS supplied clothing will be considered insubordinate and may be suspended from school. *** The student dress code is in effect from student arrival until 2:45 p.m. each school day. The dress code applies during all field trips and detentions regardless of time. 8 Food and Beverage Gum chewing is not allowed on the TMS campus Students are not permitted to bring coffee or similar beverages to school. Sunflower seeds are not permitted on the TMS campus Energy drinks and coffee are not permitted on the TMS campus Water is the only drink allowed outside of the cafeteria. Physical Education Dress Code/Participation Students must dress for class every day. Appropriate dress consists of shorts or sweat pants, Tshirts (in conformity with school dress code), socks, and non-marking athletic shoes with laces tied. Clothes worn in P.E. must be entirely different from the clothes worn to school. Students must have all of these items on in order to participate in class. TMS athletic uniforms may not be worn. Physical Education is a class that is mandated by the State of Ohio, Department of Education Curriculum. Students are expected to not only dress on a daily basis, but also to “actively participate”. If a student cannot participate in P.E. because of an illness or minor injury for approximately 1-5 days, a note from a parent or guardian is required. There is no grade reduction for an excused non-participation. A medical note from a physician is necessary to excuse a student if they will be missing more than 5 days of class. Alternate activities or assignments will be given to all excused students. Students will be responsible for and graded on the alternate assignment. Students excused by a physician must have the physician’s clearance (by note, fax, or phone call) to return to physical activity in class. Those students that are not prepared for class will also be expected to participate in an alternate activity such as walking. ATTENDANCE POLICY Pursuant to legislation, Senate Bill 181 and Tallmadge City School District Board of Education: A student will be considered habitually truant if the student is absent without legitimate excuse for five (5) or more consecutive school days, for seven (7) or more school days in one (1) month, or twelve (12) or more school days in one (1) school year. A student will be considered chronically truant if the student is absent without a legitimate excuse for seven (7) or more consecutive school days, for ten (10) or more school days in one (1) month, or for fifteen (15) or more school days in one(1) year. Among the various sanctions that may be levied against parent/guardians who fail to send their children to school are the following: Mandatory Mediation Mandatory Parenting Classes Up to seventy (70) hours of community service Up to $2,500 fine and/or $500 bond Up to six months in jail. Regular school attendance is mandated by the State of Ohio and is vital to the academic and social success of the middle school student as well as the development of future work habits. Call-In Procedures For Students Who Will Be Absent Parents/Guardians are required by OHIO STATE LAW to notify the school of a student absence, (prior to the beginning of the school day if possible) by calling our main office line at (330) 6334994. If this is not done, the office staff must attempt to notify parents by phone. This is a time- 9 consuming process, which occupies phone lines. Parents are required to send in a follow-up note, explaining the student’s absence. Parents are also asked to notify the office of upcoming absences whenever possible, especially vacations. Please call the office and send in written confirmation. Students are responsible to request their homework assignments from their teachers when an absence is planned. After 7 absences per semester that are excused by a parent/guardian, a doctor’s excuse will be required for each additional absence. Failure to provide a doctors’ excuse will result in an unexcused absence for any missed days after the 7 th absence per semester. Students who are marked as “unexcused absent” for 7 or more days per grading period will automatically receive the grade of “F” in any courses they are enrolled in for the grading period. Students will not be given the opportunity to make up work following unexcused absences. Perfect Attendance Students who are in attendance for everyday of the school year and have less than 4 early dismissals and/or late arrivals will be awarded a “Certificate of Perfect Attendance.” Students arriving late, dismissing early, or signing out early for more than four doctor’s appointments a year will not be eligible for a perfect attendance certificate. TARDY TO SCHOOL POLICY In addition to regular attendance, being on time is an important habit for students to develop for the future work place. Students arriving after the 7:30am 1st Period bell are required to sign in at the office and will be considered tardy. Progressive detention time for excessive tardiness will be assigned by the office throughout the year. Late arrivals after second period without a medical/dental excuse will be considered a half-day absence. The following TARDY consequences will apply: 4th through 8th tardy = After-School Detentions 9th through 11th tardy = Saturday Morning Detentions 12th through 14th tardy = In-School Suspensions 15th tardy and beyond = Out-of-School Suspensions and/or Police & Court referral. Note: There will be a “New Start” granted at the beginning of the second semester. Students are also expected to arrive on time to each class throughout the day. Tardy students will only be exempted from consequences with a documented medical or dental excuse. Teachers will assign consequences at their discretion for excessive tardiness to their classes. EARLY DISMISSAL An early dismissal will be granted for the following reasons: medical appointment, funeral, school-related activity (non-athletic) or illness. Students requesting an early dismissal must present their 1st period teacher with a signed note from parent/guardian during morning attendance. Any early dismissal beyond two periods will be considered a half-day absence. Only Parents/Guardians, (and the names on the emergency medical form) are permitted to meet their child in the office and sign them out before escorting them out of the building. Students may sign themselves back in with a note from the appt. or parent. A pass back to class will be given to them from the office staff. 10 ATTENDANCE AT EXTRA-CURRICULAR EVENTS In order for students to be permitted to attend or participate in extra-curricular events, they must attend a minimum of half the school day. Students that have been suspended from school are not permitted to attend after school events within the District on the days of their suspension. Students who are suspended or absent may not attend District extra-curricular events that are held on or off school property. Attending extra-curricular activities/events is a privilege, not a right. Students who do not obey school rules will be in jeopardy of losing that privilege. Students who have lost the right to attend extra-curricular activities will be notified by school administration. The student’s privileges will be reinstated when they have demonstrated an improvement in behavior. VISITORS By state law, visitors are required to report to the main office immediately upon entering the building and sign in. Visitors must enter the building through the main entrance. For reasons of safety, all entrances will be secured during the school day and all entrances are monitored by a security camera/recording system. STUDENT LOCKERS Each student will be assigned a locker and provided with a school-owned lock by their homeroom teacher to use for the school year. Students will occupy only their assigned lockers. Students placing material in a locker other than their assigned locker or sharing a locker will be issued disciplinary consequences. Students will be asked to complete a locker card stating their name, locker number and lock combination. These cards will be safely stored in the office and used in case of emergency. In order to avoid theft and/or pranks all students will be required to lock their locker with the school supplied lock only. A $10.00 replacement cost will be charged to the student for lost locks. Students failing to lock their locker will be issued disciplinary consequences. Due to athletics and other community functions, many individuals/groups have access to the building throughout the year in addition to the regular student population. Because lockers are the property of the school district, they can legally be searched by school staff if there is reason to believe that an illegal or prohibited item, or evidence of a conduct code violation, exists. It is the responsibility of the student to properly maintain his/her locker throughout the year and report any possible damage or defacement that may occur. Of course, students are expected to occupy only their assigned locker. TEXTBOOKS Textbooks are owned by the school district and should be carefully maintained throughout the year. Students are required to place a protective cover on textbooks and teachers have the right to issue fines for lost or damaged books. FEES AND FINES Students and parents will be notified of any fees and/or fines that are levied throughout the year. Fees could pertain to workbooks, lab supplies, field trips, etc. Failure to pay fees may result in grade cards being withheld and/or the denial of privileges to attend field trips and/or end-ofyear functions. 11 Please contact our financial clerk, Mrs. Dyer, in the main office for information regarding specific fees/fines. In the event of financial hardship, an alternative payment plan can be confidentially arranged. FREE AND REDUCED LUNCHES An application and information concerning free and reduced lunches will be distributed to students in homeroom on the first day of school. Completed applications will be handled with discretion by the office and parents will be notified promptly of their status. MEDICATION POLICY State law and school board policy prohibits school personnel from dispensing medication to a student unless a Student Medical Authorization Form is completed by a parent and physician, and returned to the office 24 hours in advance. Once authorized, medication should be given to the office staff in the original container for storage. A new form must be completed if any changes are made in the medication by a physician. In order to avoid problems with Rule 1 of the district conduct code below, students are not permitted to carry any medication on their person or in their locker, with the exception of inhalers. IMMUNIZATIONS Each student should have the immunizations required by law or have an authorized waiver. If a student does not have the necessary shots or waivers by September 18, the principal may remove the student from school. This is for the safety of all students and in accordance with state law. Any questions about immunizations or waivers should be directed to our school nurse, Mrs. Racketa at (330)633-4994. EMERGENCY MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION Board policy requires every student to have an Emergency Medical Authorization Form completed and signed by his/her parent and on file in the office. EMERGENCY PLANS Fire Alarm At the sound of the fire alarm each student is to quietly leave the building and follow the directions of his/her supervising teacher. Fire exit directions are posted in each classroom. Once outside, students are expected to stay with their group and remain orderly until attendance is taken and an “all clear” signal is given. Students are expected to remain silent during all fire emergences and drills. Tornado/Disaster Warning Students will be alerted of this warning by ten short rings of the bell system and/or information over the public address system. Students are expected to proceed silently to their designated area and kneel facing the wall with hands over their heads. Silence is absolutely necessary in order to hear any verbal directives during a disaster drill. Crisis Intervention A crisis intervention plan utilizing school and community resources has been developed to help support students in the aftermath of a traumatic event that may occur in the lives of any TMS student or staff member. 12 SCHOOL CLOSINGS In the event of inclement weather, or an unforeseen situation that would cause school to close, the superintendent will activate our Automated School Messenger Telephone System to contact homes to relay emergency information. GRADING SCALE Letter Grade Percentage Grade Points A+ A AB+ B BC+ C CD+ D DF = Failure 98.00-100.0 93.00-97.99 90.00-92.99 87.00-89.99 83.00-86.99 80.00-82.99 77.00-79.99 73.00-76.99 70.00-72.99 67.00-69.99 63.00-66.99 60.00-62.99 00.00-59.99 4.33 4.00 3.67 3.33 3.00 2.67 2.33 2.00 1.67 1.33 1.00 0.67 0.00 I = Incomplete (becomes an "F" if work is not completed within two weeks after the end of the grading period) **Please note that homework does not count towards a final grade in many TMS classes. TALLMADGE CITY SCHOOLS CONDUCT CODE The Board of Education has adopted the following Student Discipline Code in conformity with O.R.C. 3313.661. Pupils have a right to reasonable treatment from the school and its employees. Discipline is within the sound discretion of the school’s staff and administration. Due process ensures that disciplinary action is imposed only after review of the facts and/or special circumstances of the situation. Violation by a student of any one or more of the following rules of conduct on school grounds, at interscholastic imputations, at extracurricular events, at any other program or activity sponsored by the school district or in which the district is a participant, may result in discipline. Students may also be subject to discipline for violation of one or more of the following rules, even if that conduct occurs on property not owned or controlled by the District, if the conduct is connected to activities or incidents that occurred on property owned of controlled by the District. The rules are in effect in the vicinity of the school before morning arrival and after dismissal in the afternoon. Students may be subject to discipline for acts which cause injury or loss or damage to the property of School District officials or employees, whether on or off school property. Students shall comply with all state laws and municipal ordinances with regard to their conduct toward the person or property of school officials or employees. 13 Discipline may include such actions as: assignment of detentions; removal from classes; prohibition from extracurricular activities; parental contacts; emergency removal; in-school retention; out-ofschool suspension; expulsion; and/or permanent expulsion. The following chart provides a list of major areas that could result in disciplinary action. An explanation of each behavior and possible consequence follows the list. Not all acts of misconduct can be itemized. The absence of a behavior or any specific action from the list does not mean that such conduct does not violate the discipline code or cannot be punished. 1. Use of drugs -The School has a “Drug Free” zone that extends 1000 feet beyond the school boundaries as well as to any school activity and transportation. This means that a student shall not use, abuse, possess, transmit, conceal, distribute, sell or be under the influence of alcohol, illegal or non-prescription drugs (i.e. controlled substances), or look-alike drugs on school property or at any school-sponsored or school-related function. This includes any alcoholic beers and wines, steroids, inhalants and the like. This prohibition also applies to any type of drug-related paraphernalia. “Under the influence” is defined as manifesting signs of chemical misuse such as staggering, reddened eyes, odor of chemicals, nervousness, restlessness, falling asleep/dozing in class, memory loss, abusive language, or any other behavior not normal for the particular student. “Under the influence” also includes the mere ingestion/consumption of a chemical followed by attendance at a school function, without regard to whether the student manifests physical signs of chemical consumption. If caught, the student may be suspended or expelled and law enforcement officials may be contacted. If the student is suspended or expelled for use or possession of drugs, the Superintendent must notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. The penalty for a first-time offender will be: Ten day out of school suspension and recommendation for expulsion. 2. Use of tobacco- Smoking and other tobacco uses are a danger to a student's health and to the health of others. The School prohibits the sale, distribution, use, or possession of any form of tobacco during school time or at any school activity. This prohibition also applies when going to and from school, at school bus stops, at interscholastic competitions, extracurricular events, or any other school program or activity that is not located in a school or on property that is owned or controlled by the District. Electronic cigarettes and look alike products are included in this policy. The student may be offered an alternative to some of the suspension by completing educational programs approved by the administration. 3. Student disorder/demonstration- Students will not be denied their rights to freedom of expression. However, the disruption of any school activity will not be allowed, and the expression may not infringe on the rights of others. Disruption includes, but is not limited to, the following: A. Use of verbal or non-verbal threats, intimidation, harassment, or sexual harassment. B. Continuously making noise or acting in any manner as to interfere with the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or activity. If a student or students feel there is need to organize some form of demonstration, they are encouraged to contact the Principal to discuss the proper way to plan such an activity. 4. Possession of a weapon- A weapon includes conventional objects like guns, pellet guns, knives, or club type implements. It may also include any toy that is presented as a real weapon or reacted to as a real weapon or an object converted from its original use to an object used to threaten or injure another. This includes, but is not limited to padlocks, pens, pencils, chairs, jewelry, and so on. Criminal charges may be filed for this violation. Possession of a weapon will subject a student to expulsion and possible permanent exclusion. It will make no difference whether or not the weapon belongs to someone else, unless the student can provide convincing evidence that the weapon was placed in the student's possession without his/her knowledge. If it can be confirmed that a weapon belonged to a student other than the one who possessed the weapon, that student shall also be subject to the same disciplinary action. Under Federal law, a firearm is defined as any weapon, including a starter gun, which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any firearm muffler or silencer, or any destructive device. A destructive device, includes, but is not limited to any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas, bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four (4) ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, mine, or other similar device. Possession of any such weapon requires the Superintendent to expel a student for a calendar year unless the Superintendent modifies the expulsion based on consideration of one or more of the following specific circumstances: 1. A recommendation from the group of persons knowledgeable of the student’s educational needs in accordance with Policy 2465 –Suspension/Expulsion of Disabled Students. 2. The student was unaware that they were possessing a firearm. 3. The student did not understand that the item s/he possessed was considered a firearm. 4. The student brought the item to school as part of an educational activity and did not realize it would be considered a firearm. 14 If a student is found possessing a knife, which is defined as any cutting instrument consisting of at least one sharp blade, the Superintendent may expel the student for up to one (1) year. If a student is suspended, expelled, removed or permanently excluded from school for misconduct involving a weapon as defined in Board Policy, the Superintendent shall notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles in the county juvenile court within two weeks after the discipline is imposed. 5. Use of an object as a weapon- Any object that is used to threaten or harm another may be considered a weapon. Intentional injury to another can be a felony and/or a cause for civil action. This violation may subject a student to expulsion and possible permanent exclusion. 6. Purposely setting a fire- Anything, such as fire, that endangers school property and its occupants will not be tolerated. Arson is a felony and will subject the student to expulsion. 7. Physically assaulting a staff member/student associated with the District- Physical assault of a staff member, student, or other person associated with the district, which may or may not cause injury, will not be tolerated. Injury to school district officials or employees whether on or off school property, will not be tolerated. If a student commits an act that is a criminal offense when committed by an adult and that act results in serious physical harm to persons as defined in Revised Code Section 2901.01(A)(5) or serious physical harm to persons as defined in Revised Code Section 2901.01(A)(6) while the student is at school, on any other property owned or controlled by the Board, or at an interscholastic competition, an extracurricular event, or any other school program or activity, the Superintendent may expel the student for up to one year according to Board policy on expulsions. The Superintendent may modify the expulsion based on consideration of one or more of the following specific circumstances: 1. A recommendation from the group of persons knowledgeable of the student’s educational needs in accordance with Policy 2465-Suspension/Expulsion of Disabled Students 2. Other extenuating circumstances. 8. Fighting with staff member/student/person associated with the District- Any exchange of punches, kicks or other physical contact deemed inappropriate by school authorities between one or more persons while the student is at school, on any other property owned or controlled by the Board, or any other school program or activity, will result in suspension from school. 9. Verbally threatening a staff member/student/person associated with the District- Any statement or non-contact action that a staff member, student, or other person associated with the District feels to be a threat will be considered a verbal assault as will profanity directed toward a staff member in a threatening tone. 10. Extortion- Extortion is the use of threat, intimidation, force or deception to take, or receive something from someone else. Extortion is against the law. 11. Gambling- Gambling includes casual betting, betting pools, organized sports betting and any other form of wagering. Students who bet on an activity in which they are involved may also be banned from that activity. 12. Falsification of schoolwork, identification, forgery- Forgery of hall/bus passes and excuses as well as false I.D's are forms of lying and are not acceptable. Plagiarism and cheating are also forms of falsification and subject the student to academic penalties as well as disciplinary action. 13 False alarms and false reports- A false emergency alarm or report endangers the safety forces that are responding, the citizens of the community and the persons in the building. What may seem like a prank, is a dangerous stunt that is against the law and is subject to disciplinary action. 14. Explosives- Explosives, fireworks, and chemical-reaction objects such as smoke bombs, small firecrackers, and poppers are forbidden and dangerous. 15. Trespassing- Although schools are public facilities, the law permits the school to restrict access on school property. When a student has been removed, suspended, expelled, or permanently excluded, the student is not allowed on school property without written authorization of the Principal. 16. Theft- When a student is caught stealing another person’s or the school’s property s/he will be disciplined and may be reported to law enforcement officials. Students are encouraged not to bring anything of value that is not needed for learning to school without prior authorization from the assistant principal. The school is not responsible for personal property brought by a student onto the school property. Students are expected to have a school authorized lock on their locker at all times. 17. Disobedience/Insubordination- The school staff is acting "in loco parentis," which means they are allowed, by law, to direct a student as a parent would. This applies to all staff, not just teachers assigned to a student. If given a reasonable direction by a staff member, the student is expected to comply. Chronic disobedience can result in expulsion. 15 18. Damaging property- Vandalism and disregard for school property will not be tolerated. Loss or damage to the property of school district officials or employees, whether on or off school property, will not be tolerated. If a student commits an act that is a criminal offense when committed by an adult and that act results in serious physical harm to persons as defined in Revised Code Section 2901.01(A)(5) or serious physical harm to property as defined in Revised Code Section 2901.01(A)(6) while the student is at school, on any other property owned or controlled by the Board, or at an interscholastic competition, an extracurricular event, or any other school program or activity, the Superintendent may expel the student for up to one year according to Board policy on expulsions. 19. Persistent absences or tardiness- Attendance laws require students to be in school all day or else have a legitimate excuse. It is also important to establish consistent attendance habits in order to succeed in school and in the world of work. Penalties can range from detention to a referral to court and/or revocation of the student's driver's license. 20. Unauthorized use of school or private property- Students are expected to obtain permission to use any school property or any private property located on school premises. Any unauthorized use shall be subject to disciplinary action. Students are prohibited from buying, selling or trading any items with other students. 21. Refusing to accept discipline- The School may use informal discipline to correct a student’s behavior and in order to avoid having to remove the student from school. If a student refuses to accept such discipline and to correct his/her behavior, more severe discipline may be imposed. 22. Aiding or abetting violation of school rules- If a student assists another student in violating any school rule, they will be disciplined. Students are expected to resist peer pressure and exercise sound decision-making regarding their behavior. 23. Displays of Affection- Public displays of affection are personal and not meant for public display. This includes touching, petting, kissing, hugging, hand holding or any other contact that may be considered inappropriate for the learning environment. 24. Electronic Devices - Students are not permitted to use mobile phones to text or make calls between the time they arrive at school until 2:35 PM. Students are permitted to carry mobile phones on their person as long as they are not visible to staff or other students. Students are required to keep their phones powered completely off during the entire school day. (Mp3 players, gaming devices, IPods and other electronic devices will be handled the same as cell phones.) Violations will result in the following disciplinary actions: A first violation will result in an after school detention A second violation will result in confiscation of the item and a Saturday detention. The parent must retrieve the item from the office at the end of the school day. A third violation will result in confiscation of the item and issuing a 1 day in school suspension. The parent must retrieve the item from the office at the end of the school day. Student will lose future privilege to bring and use electronics at school. Students in Grades 6-8 who have a signed Addendum to the Acceptable Use Policy on file will be subject to the following rules regarding electronic devices: Use of certain electronic devices is permitted at Tallmadge Middle School by students who have a signed copy of the Addendum to the Acceptable Use Policy. Electronic devises are classified as disruptive, non-disruptive and mobile phone devices. Use of electronic devices must be in compliance with the Tallmadge City Schools Student Network and Internet Use and Safety Policy and the addendum to the Acceptable Use Policy regarding Bring Your Own Device to school usage (grades 8-12). Disruptive Electronic Devices A. Recording devices, radios, laser pointers and other electronic devices are deemed distracting to the educational environment. As such, these devices are not permitted in any area of the District. Use of cameras on non-disruptive devices and cell phones, to take pictures or video, is not permitted on school grounds, including transportation, unless under the direction and supervision of school personnel. Use of audio recorder on non-disruptive devices and cell phones, to record audio, is not permitted on school grounds, including transportation, unless under the direction and supervision of school personnel B. The misuse of permissible electronic devices in a manner distracting to other students or school personnel is not allowed. The misuse of electronic devices includes, but is not limited to: Use of any electronic device in a restroom or other area of Tallmadge City Schools not authorized by school personnel. 16 Use of any electronic device in the hallways while moving from class to class is not permitted. Electronic devices should not be visible in the hallways. The use of headphones/earbuds is not permitted unless teacher directed. Violations will result in the following disciplinary action: The school reserves the right to access information in the confiscated device. Failure to give the device to an adult will result in a minimum 3-day out of school suspension. Non-disruptive Devices A. Non-disruptive devices are defined as electronic devices primarily used for educational purposes. B. The categories of non-disruptive devices are (a) laptops (b) netbooks (c) tablets and (d) eReaders. C. These devices may be used: During classroom instruction and in the Media Center/Library as permitted and directed by school personnel. During Academy and lunch as permitted and directed by school personnel (provided they are being used for educational purposes only). Mobile Phones A. Use of mobile phones for any voice or text communication is not permitted during school hours. Students must use the main office phone to contact a parent to get permission to leave school premises for illness, doctor/dentist appointments or other approved absence. Office staff must speak with a parent/custodian to receive such permission prior to the student leaving. B. Mobile phones may be used as directed by school personnel. Otherwise, mobile phones must be turned off and muted during school hours. C. Mobile phones may possess advanced functions including internet access, eReader and video/audio functions. These functions may be used during Academy and during classroom instruction at the discretion of school personnel. Consequences for inappropriate use of electronic devices Violation of the appropriate use of personally owned electronic devices as described above and by the broader student computer appropriate use form (1) may result in detentions, Saturday detention, In School Suspension or Out of School Suspension; and (2) student may be required to turn the device over to school personnel and the student and/or parent may pick up the device from the Main Office at the end of the school day. Continuous violations will result in the loss of the privilege of bringing the device to school. Internet Connection Wireless Internet connection will be provided in the High School and in the 8th grade areas of the Middle School for students to connect their devices to the internet. Students must have signed this form and the Student Computer Acceptable Use Form and on file with the High School and Middle School, respectively. Additionally, students may connect to the internet using their internet provider. In this case, the student and family will be responsible for any data charges incurred during this use. Regardless of how the device is connected to the internet (whether via the school’s wireless network or via their own internet data plan) the use is governed by the Student Acceptable Use Policy. Lost or Damaged Device Tallmadge City Schools assumes no responsibility for theft, loss or damage of an electronic device brought to school. Students bringing these devices to school do so at their own risk. Transporting Devices Use of bags and cases to transport electronic devices to and from school is encouraged. Students may use laptop bags or other cases specifically designed to transport and protect the device to and from class. Students may not store other items in the bag. 25. Computers/Technology- Inappropriate use of computer hardware or software and/or misuse of other technologies will not be tolerated. Students who disregard Board Policy regarding computer and Internet acceptable use may have their use privileges suspended or revoked, and other disciplinary action taken against them. Students granted access to the Internet through the Tallmadge City School District assume personal responsibility, both civil and criminal, for uses of the Internet not authorized by Board Policy/Regulations. 26. Violation of individual school/classroom rules- Each learning environment has different rules for students. Individual rules are for the safe and orderly operation of that environment. Students will be oriented to specific rules, all of which will be consistent with the policy of the School. 17 27. Violation of bus rules- Please refer to Section on transportation for bus rules. All school rules apply when riding the bus. 28. Disruption of the educational process- Any actions or manner of dress that interfere with school activities and/or disrupt the educational process are unacceptable. Such disruptions may include delay or prevention of lessons, assemblies, field trips, athletic and performing arts events. Disruption includes, but is not limited to the following: 1. Use of verbal or non-verbal threats, intimidation, harassment, or sexual harassment 2. Continuously making noise or acting in any manner as to interfere with the instructor’s class or activity. ability to conduct the Harassment/Bullying/Hazing/and other forms of aggressive behavior- Harassment, intimidation, or bullying toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes aggressive behavior, physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. The Board of Education will not tolerate any gestures, comments, threats, or actions which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation. This policy applies to all activities in the District, including activities on school property or while en route to or from school, and those occurring off school property if the student or employee is at any school-sponsored, school-approved or school-related activity or function, such as field trips or athletic events where students are under the school’s control, in a school vehicle, or where an employee is engaged in school business. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying means any intentional written, verbal, graphic, or physical act that a student or group of students exhibits toward another particular student(s) more than once and the behavior both causes mental or physical harm to the other student(s) and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student(s). Aggressive behavior is defined as inappropriate conduct that is repeated enough, or serious enough to negatively impact a student’s educational, physical, or emotional well being. This type of behavior is a form of intimidation and harassment, although it need not be based on any of the legally protected characteristics, such as sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, or disability. It would include, but not be limited to, such behaviors as stalking, bullying/cyberbullying, intimidating, menacing, coercion, name-calling, taunting, making threats, and hazing. Harassment, intimidation or bullying also means electronically transmitted acts (i.e., internet, e-mail, cellular telephone, personal digital assistance (PDA), or wireless hand-held device that a student(s) or a group of students exhibits toward another particular student(s) more than once and the behavior both causes mental and physical harm to the other student and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student(s). Any student or student’s parent/guardian who believes s/he has been or is the victim of aggressive behavior should immediately report the situation to the building principal or assistant principal, or the Superintendent. The student may also report concerns to teachers and other school staff who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator or Board official. Complaints against the building principal should be filed with the Superintendent. Complaints against the Superintendent should be filed with the Board President. Every student is encouraged, and every staff member is required, to report any situation that they believe to be aggressive behavior directed toward a student. Reports may be made to those identified above. All complaints about aggressive behavior that may violate this policy shall be promptly investigated. The building principal or appropriate administrator shall prepare a written report of the investigation upon completion. Such report shall include findings of fact, a determination of whether acts of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying were verified, and, when prohibited acts are verified, a recommendation for intervention, including disciplinary action shall be included in the report. Where appropriate, written witness statements shall be attached to the report. If the investigation finds an instance of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying has occurred, it will result in prompt and appropriate remedial, and/or disciplinary action. This may include up to expulsion for students, up to discharge for employees, exclusion for parents, guests, volunteers, and contractors, and removal from any official position and/or a request to resign for Board members. Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement officials. Retaliation against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, or otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of aggressive behavior is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy and independent of whether a complaint is substantiated. Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as aggressive behavior. Making intentionally false reports about aggressive behavior for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Retaliation and intentionally false reports may result in disciplinary action as indicated above. 18 If a student or other individual believes there has been aggressive behavior, regardless of whether it fits a particular definition, s/he should report it and allow the administration to determine the appropriate course of action. This policy shall not be interpreted to infringe upon the First Amendment rights of students (i.e., to prohibit a reasoned and civil exchange of opinions, or debate, that is conducted at appropriate times and places during the school day and is protected by State or Federal law). The complainant shall be notified of the findings of the investigation, and as appropriate, that remedial action has been taken. If after investigation, acts of bullying against a specific student are verified, the building principal or appropriate administrator shall notify the parent/guardian of the victim of such finding. In providing such notification care shall be taken to respect the statutory privacy rights of the perpetrator of such harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying. If after investigation, act of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying by a specific student are verified, the building principal or appropriate administrator shall notify in writing the parent/guardian of the perpetrator of that finding. If disciplinary consequences are imposed against such student, a description of such discipline shall be included in the notification. Complaints- Students and/or their parents/guardians may file reports regarding suspected harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Such reports shall be reasonably specific including person(s) involved, number of times and places of the alleged conduct, the target of suspected harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying, and the names of any potential student or staff witnesses. Such reports may be filed with any school staff member or administrator, and they shall be promptly forwarded to the building principal for review, investigation, and action. Students, parents/guardians, and school personnel may make informal complaints of conduct that they consider to be harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying by verbal report to a teacher, school administrator, or other school personnel. Such informal complaints shall be reasonably specific including person(s) involved, number of times and places of the alleged conduct, the target of suspected harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying, and the names of any potential student or staff witnesses. A school staff member or administrator who receives an informal complaint shall promptly document the complaint in writing, including the information provided. This written report shall be promptly forwarded by the school staff member and/or administrator to the building principal for review, investigation, and appropriate action. Students who make informal complaints as provided above may request that their name be maintained in confidence by the school staff member(s) and administrator(s) who receive the complaint. Anonymous complaints shall be reviewed and reasonable action shall be taken to address the situation, to the extent such action may be taken that (1) does not disclose the source of the complaint, and (2) is consistent with the due process rights of the student(s) alleged to have committed acts of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying. When a student making an informal complaint has requested anonymity, the investigation of such complaint shall be limited as is appropriate in view of the anonymity of the complaint. Such limitation of investigation may include restricting action to a simple review of the complaint subject to receipt of further information and/or the withdrawal by the complaining student of the condition that his/her report be anonymous. Privacy/Confidentiality- The School District will respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against who the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the Board’s legal obligations to investigate, to take appropriate action, and to conform with any discovery or disclosure obligations. All records generated under this policy and its related administrative guidelines shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law. Sexual Harassment A. Verbal: The making of written or oral sexual innuendoes, suggestive comments, jokes of a sexual nature, sexual propositions, or threats to a fellow student, staff member, or other person associated with the District. B. Nonverbal: Causing the placement of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, or graphic commentaries in the school environment or the making of sexually suggestive or insulting gestures, sounds, leering, whistling, and the like to a fellow student, staff member, or other person associated with the District C. Physical Contact: Threatening or causing unwanted touching, contact, or attempts at same including patting, pinching, pushing the body, or coerced sexual intercourse, with a fellow student, staff member, or other person associated with the District. Gender/Ethnic/Religious/Disability Harassment A. Verbal: 1. Written or oral innuendoes, comments, jokes, insults, threats, or disparaging remarks concerning a person's gender, national origin, religious beliefs, etc. toward a fellow student, staff member, or other person associated with the District. 19 2. Conducting a "campaign of silence" toward a fellow student, staff member, or other person associated with the District by refusing to have any form of social interaction with the person. B. Nonverbal: Placing objects, pictures, or graphic commentaries in the school environment or making insulting or threatening gestures toward a fellow student, staff member, or other person associated with the District. C. Physical: Any intimidating or disparaging action such as hitting, hissing, or spitting on a fellow student, staff member, or other person associated with the District. Any student who believes that s/he is the victim of any of the above actions or has observed such actions taken by another student, staff member, or other person associated with the District should make contact with the assistant principal. Given the nature of harassing behavior, the school recognizes that false accusations can have serious effects on innocent individuals. Therefore, all students are expected to act responsibly, honestly, and with the utmost candor whenever they present harassment allegations or charges. Some forms of sexual harassment of a student by another student may be considered a form of child abuse, which will require that the student-abuser be reported to proper authorities. Hazing in violation of Board Policy 5516 by any school group, club or team is not permitted. This includes any form of initiation that causes or creates a risk of causing mental or physical harm, no matter how willing the participant may be. Under no circumstances will the School threaten or retaliate against anyone who raises or files a harassment complaint. 3. Cyberbullying- Using e-mail, IM, websites, cell phones and other forms of electronic communication tools to antagonize and intimidate others. Hazing- The Board of Education believes that hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational process and prohibits all such activities at any time in school facilities, on school property, and/or off school property if the misconduct is connected to activities or incidents that have occurred on school property. Hazing shall be defined for purposes of this policy as performing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to perform any act of initiation into any class, team, or organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm. Permission, consent, or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing shall not lessen the prohibitions contained in this policy. Criminal acts- Any criminal acts taken at or related to the school will be reported to law enforcement officials as well as disciplined by the school. It is not considered double jeopardy (being tried twice for the same crime), when school rules and the law are violated. Certain criminal acts may result in permanent exclusion. Search and Seizure Search of a student and his/her possessions, including vehicles, may be conducted at any time the student is under the jurisdiction of the Board of Education, if there is a reasonable suspicion that the student is in violation of law or school rules. A search may also be conducted to protect the safety of others. All searches may be conducted with or without a student's consent. Students are provided lockers, desks and other equipment in which to store materials. It should be clearly understood that this equipment is the property of the school and may be searched at any time if there is reasonable suspicion that a student has violated the law or school rules. Locks are to prevent theft, not to prevent searches. Anything that is found in the course of a search that may be evidence of a violation of school rules or the law may be taken and held or turned over to the police. The School reserves the right not to return items that have been confiscated. HALLWAY EXPECTIONS In order to facilitate safe and orderly transitions between classes, students are expected to adhere to the following guidelines while in the hall: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Absolutely no running or jumping in the hall or on stairs. Talk only to those near you without shouting. Excessively loud, boisterous, or attentiongetting behavior will not be tolerated. No bullying, excessive horseplay or other purposeful obstruction of traffic. Students must walk directly to their next class. Students may not loiter (stand around) or visit areas of the school that are not on the most direct route to their next class. Keep hallways and lockers clean. 20 6. 7. 8. 9. Except during a class change, students should have a signed pass or agenda from a teacher to be in the hallway. No food or drink is to be consumed in the hallways. Only water can be consumed in classrooms. No headphones may be used or worn in hallways LUNCH & CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS In order to facilitate a safe, orderly, and enjoyable lunch environment, the following rules apply: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Running or pushing is not permitted in the cafeteria. No glass containers, sunflower seeds with shells, energy drinks or gum. Horseplay or cutting in front of others in line is prohibited. (Cutting in line will result in an afterschool detention.) No sitting on the tables. No changing seats. Once seated, remain seated until given permission to do otherwise. Keep hands to yourself. Do not touch other’s food, drink or tray. Absolutely no throwing anything. Consequence will be a Saturday detention or suspension. (Students disciplined for throwing objects will be excluded from future field trips) Absolutely no sliding anything across or down the table. Consequence will be a Saturday detention. Stop talking immediately and listen when a staff member is talking. When given permission to leave, pick up all trash in your area and throw the trash away in an orderly fashion. Walk quietly to next class without disturbing other classes. Hall passes must be obtained from supervising staff members in order to use restrooms or to leave the area. (Only one student from a table may use the restroom at a time.) Disciplinary action will result from violations of lunch rules. ASSEMBLY EXPECTATIONS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Students will be dismissed to assemblies by PA announcements. Students are to give their full attention and respect during assemblies. Anyone removed due to misbehavior will receive automatic consequences from the office. Students are to wait to be dismissed by a principal or designated staff member at the conclusion of assemblies, even if the bell rings. Students will be dismissed one bleacher row at a time. Regular hallway rules apply both before and after assemblies. Academy Period Expectations 1. 2. 3. Academy time is provided as a period where teachers can provide intervention and extension activities for students. Secondly, it is a time where students can request extra help from teachers and receive tutoring. Students not involved in an intervention/extension activity or tutoring session will be permitted to work quietly on their homework or other learning activities. Teachers may request students for intervention, extension or tutoring at any time. Students are required to participate in these activities when directed by teachers or staff. Students are expected to report to their assigned “Home Base” academy classroom before they are permitted to see other teachers for any reason. 21 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Students must have a signed pass to be in the hallway. Students traveling to another room must travel directly to the assigned room recorded on the written pass. Students are expected to sign in and out of each classroom in the Academy sign in/out binder. Students may only request to see another teacher when it is academically necessary and the receiving teacher is available. The “home base” teacher will make the final determination on when the student needs to travel to another classroom. Students are expected to come to Academy prepared with work and reading material that will last the entire period. Students may not put their heads down on the desk or sleep during Academy Period. Students who abuse Academy privileges will be placed on restriction and will no longer be permitted to travel to other classrooms. Classroom, Lunch and Academy Attendance 1. 2. Skipping class, lunch or Academy will not be tolerated. Students who fail to report to their assigned period or students who leave without permission will be considered for suspension from school on each offense. Students who are late to class face the following consequences: a. First Offense of 2 minutes or less – warning b. Second through fourth offenses of 2 minutes or less – detention c. Fifth – tenth offense of 2 minutes or less – 1 day of In-school suspension d. Students who are tardy to class eleven or more times will be suspended each time they are tardy. ** Students who are more than two minutes late to class will be considered skipping and will face possible suspension with each individual offense. ENFORCEMENT OF ABOVE RULES AND EXPECTATIONS It is important to remember that the school’s rules apply while going to and from school, at school, on school property, at school-sponsored events and on school transportation. In some cases, a student can be suspended from school and/or transportation for infractions of school or bus rules. The following is a description of the consequences administered by the office for violations of the above rules and expectations. Both the severity and frequency of misbehavior will be considered when determining the appropriate consequence. In all cases, the school shall attempt to make discipline prompt and equitable and to have the punishment match the severity of the incident. Two types of discipline are possible, informal and formal. In the event of inclement weather and school is cancelled the scheduled detention, ISR, or OSS will continue on the next school day. INFORMAL DISCIPLINE Informal discipline takes place within the school. It includes: verbal warnings, writing assignments, removal from after school activities, change of seating or location, after-school detention, in-school retention (ISR) and Saturday school. CONDUCT CARDS These are issued primarily by teachers as a method of informing parents in writing of negative student behavior in the classroom. A copy is to be taken home by the student, signed by a parent, and returned to the appropriate teacher or principal. A copy is also kept on file in the office. NO-PASS LIST Students may be denied hall privileges for an indefinite amount of time as a consequence for unacceptable behavior in the hallway or restroom. Once placed on the no-pass list, students may 22 earn their privileges back by demonstrating trustworthy behavior to their teachers over time. Students may also be placed on the No-Pass List when they are out of class too often as judged by administration or school staff. LUNCH DETENTIONS Students may be assigned to eat in a classroom with a teacher. Students will lose the privilege of participating in intramural activities while serving lunch detentions. It is usually the responsibility of the student to notify parents of a lunch detention but conduct cards or phone calls may be used. EXCLUSION FROM EXTRACURRICULAR FUNCTIONS Students may lose the privilege of attending extracurricular activities such as field trips, dances, or athletic events due to misbehavior. An effort will be made to notify parents promptly when a decision to utilize this consequence is made. Any money paid towards a field trip or dance tickets will be refunded when possible. Out-of- State field trip money may result in partial refunding due to tour company refunding policies. SCHOOL DETENTIONS – AFTER-SCHOOL AND SATURDAY These may be assigned in increments of one hour (after school) and two hours (Saturdays 8:00a.m. – 10:00a.m.) and are used as an intermediate step before suspension. Both students and parents will receive written notice of the detention and students may be asked to secure a parental signature on their detention notice. The following rules shall apply to detention: Students are required to have class assignments with them and complete a writing assignment. Students are not to communicate with each other unless given special permission to do so. Students are to remain in their designated seats at all times unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Students shall not be allowed to put their heads down or sleep. No radios, cards, magazines, or other recreational articles shall be allowed in the room. Cell phones must be turned off and cannot be visible at any time. No food or beverages shall be consumed. Transportation to and from Saturday detentions shall be the responsibility of the student. Students who skip or fail to attend a detention will be issued two new detentions. If the student fails to serve either of the next two detentions they will be assigned to Saturday school. If they fail to serve the Saturday school they will be assigned two days of In-School-Removal. Students who skip or fail to attend a Saturday detention will be issued two new Saturday detentions. If the student fails to serve either of the next two Saturday detentions they will be assigned two days of In-School-Removal. Rescheduling of Detentions – Parents may call the assistant principal’s office to reschedule both after school and Saturday detentions. Detentions will be rescheduled once per grading period without additional consequences. Parents must call or send a note to reschedule at least 24 hours in advance of the assigned detention in order for the reschedule to take place without increased consequences. FORMAL DISCIPLINE Formal discipline removes the student from the school. It includes emergency removal for up to 72 hours, suspension for up to 10 school days, expulsion for up to 80 school days and/or up to one year in accordance with Board policy, and permanent exclusion. Suspensions and expulsions may carry over into the next school year. Removal for less than one school day without the possibility of suspension or expulsion may not be appealed. Students may be suspended from school for any serious violation of the conduct code or an accumulation of discipline referrals. Both students and parents will receive written notice of the intent to suspend which includes information on the appeal 23 process. An attempt will also be made to contact parents by phone. While suspended, students are not permitted on school grounds or to attend any extracurricular function regardless of where it takes place. Suspension, expulsion and permanent exclusion may be appealed. Students being considered for out-of-school suspension, expulsion, or permanent exclusion are entitled to an informal hearing with the building administrator prior to removal at which time the student will be notified of the charges and given an opportunity to make a defense. Students involved in co-curricular and extracurricular activities such as band and athletics can lose their eligibility for violation of the school rules. This is especially true for infractions involving drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use or harassment. If a student commits a crime while under the school’s jurisdiction, s/he may be subject to school disciplinary action as well as to action by the community’s legal system. These are separate jurisdictions and do not constitute double jeopardy (i.e., being tried twice for the same crime). DUE PROCESS RIGHTS Before a student may be suspended, expelled, or permanently excluded from school, there are specific procedures that must be followed. Suspension from School When a student is being considered for an out-of-school suspension by the Superintendent, Principal, or other administrator: 1. The student will be informed in writing of the potential suspension and the reasons for the proposed action. 2. The student will be provided an opportunity for an informal hearing to challenge the reason for the intended suspension and to explain his/her actions. 3. An attempt will be made to notify parents or guardians by phone if a suspension is issued. 4. Within one school day, a letter will be sent to the parent or guardian stating the specific reason(s) for the suspension and including notice of their right to appeal such action. If the offense is one for which the District may seek permanent exclusion, then the notice will contain that information. 5. Notice of this suspension will also be sent to the: a. Superintendent b. Student’s school record (not for inclusion in the permanent record) 6. If a student leaves school property without permission immediately upon violation (or suspected violation) of a provision of the Student Code of Conduct or prior to an administrator conducting an informal hearing as specified above, and the student fails to return to school on the following school day, the Principal, Assistant Principal, Superintendent, or any other administrator, may send the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) notice of the suspension, and offer to provide the student and/or his/her parents an informal hearing upon request to discuss the reasons for the suspension and to allow the student to challenge the reasons and to explain his/her actions, any time prior to the end of the suspension period. 24 Suspension Academic Policy Tallmadge Middle School students are permitted with a conditional opportunity to make up most of their schoolwork when they return from a suspension from school. The following procedures will be observed when considering permitted make up work from suspended students: a. b. c. d. e. Students must wait until after they return from suspension to get work from their teachers. Tests and quizzes will be made up for full credit within two school days of the student’s return to school, or within two days of the completion of any prerequisite assignments for the tested materials. Assignments assigned before the student was suspended are due on the day the student returns to school. Students will be permitted to make up most assignments that were assigned during the period of suspension. Students will have the same number of days that they were suspended to turn in make-up work for full credit. Example: if a student is suspended for three school days they will have three school days from the date of return to turn in any missed assignments or projects. Some assignments, activities, projects, quizzes and tests are timely or logistically too difficult to repeat or allow for makeup. In this case the teacher has the discretion to use either of the following options: 1. Assign an alternate assignment for equal point value 2. Omit the assignment (the point value of this assignment will not count toward or against the student’s class grade) Non Academic Reminders: Students suspended from school are not permitted on Tallmadge City School’s property during the period of their suspension. Students may not participate in any after school activities until they return from suspension. TMS clubs and athletic teams consider suspension an unexcused absence. Additional team or club consequences may follow due to this unexcused absence from games, practices, performances or other activities. Students may not attend any home or away Tallmadge City School’s events or performances until they have returned to school. Appeal of Suspension to the Board or its Designee The student who is 18 or older or the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) may appeal the Suspension to the Board of Education or its designee. They may be represented in all such appeal proceedings. A verbatim record will be kept of the hearing, which may be held in executive session at the request of the student, parent or guardian, if held before the Board. The procedure to pursue such appeal will be provided in regulations approved by the Board. Notice of appeal must be filed with the Treasurer or the Superintendent within five days of the notice to suspend. Appeal to the Court Under Ohio law, appeal of the Board’s or its designee’s decision may be made to the Court of Common Pleas. 25 Expulsion from School When a student is being considered for expulsion by the Superintendent: 1. The Superintendent will give the student and parent, guardian or custodian written notice of the intended expulsion, including reasons for the intended expulsion. 2. The student and parent or representative have the opportunity to appear before the Superintendent or designee to challenge the proposed action or to otherwise explain the student’s actions. The written notice will state the time and place to appear, which must not be earlier than three school days nor later than five school days after the notice is given, unless the Superintendent grants an extension upon request of the student or parent. 3. Within one school day of the expulsion, the Superintendent will notify the parents, guardians or custodians of the student and the Treasurer of the Board. The notice will include the reasons for the expulsion and the right of the student, parent, guardian or custodian to appeal to the Board of Education or its designee; the right to be represented at the appeal; and the right to request the hearing be held in executive session before the Board. If the offense is one for which the District may seek permanent exclusion, then the notice will contain that information. Expulsion Academic Policy Students who have been suspended with a recommendation for expulsion will have a hearing scheduled with the Superintendent of Schools or his designee within ten school days of the notice of intent to expel. The hearing date may be rescheduled at the request of the parent or guardian. Expelled Students Expelled students are officially withdrawn and un-enrolled during the period of their expulsion from school. If the student is expelled for any period of time by the Superintendent of Schools or his designee the student will not be able to make up any school work for the period of the suspension/expulsion. Students will receive zero credit (failing marks) for all assignments during the period of expulsion from school. Non-Expelled Students Following the hearing, any student not expelled as a result of an expulsion hearing will be able to make up most work in cases when the student is permitted by the Superintendent to return to school within or immediately following the ten-day suspension. In these cases the Tallmadge Middle School academic policy for suspension will govern the acceptance of make-up work. Appeal of Expulsion to the Board or its Designee A student who is 18 or older or a student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) may appeal the expulsion by the Superintendent to the Board of Education or its designee. They may be represented in all such appeal proceedings and will be granted a hearing before the Board or its designee. A verbatim record will be kept of the hearing, which may be held in executive session at the request of the student, parent or guardian, if held before the Board. While the hearing may be private, the Board shall act publicly. The procedure to pursue such appeal will be in accordance with regulations approved by the Board. Notice of intent to appeal must be filed within 10 days of the Superintendent’s decision to expel to the Board directly or through the Superintendent’s office. 26 Appeal to the Court Under state law, the decision of the Board or its designee may be made to the Court of Common Pleas. These procedures shall not apply to in-school suspensions. An in-school suspension is one served entirely within a school setting. Permanent Exclusion When a student, sixteen(16) years of age or older, is being considered for permanent exclusion, it is possible that s/he may never be permitted to return to school anywhere in the State of Ohio. A permanent exclusion may be considered if the student is convicted or adjudicated delinquent for committing one or more of the following crimes while on the property of any Ohio school: any possession or involvement with a deadly weapon, drug trafficking, murder, manslaughter, assault or aggravated assault, certain sexual offenses, complicity in any of the above crimes. This process is formal and will usually follow an expulsion and the proper notification of the parents. Tallmadge Schools make a sincere effort to have disciplinary actions take place that will allow the student to remain in school. If a disciplinary action does not result in removal from school, it cannot be appealed. Should a student or parent have questions regarding the propriety of an in-school disciplinary action, they should contact the Assistant Principal. Discipline of Students with Disabilities Students with disabilities will be entitled to the rights and procedures afforded by the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (I.D.E.A.) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. TALLMADGE MIDDLE SCHOOL’S INTEGRITY POLICY Academic Integrity is essential to upholding an honest and fair learning environment at Tallmadge Middle School. It is important that all members of the TMS learning community maintain high standards of integrity and excel to their highest ability in order to protect the value of the educational process and to maintain the credibility of TMS as an educational institution. Academic integrity is acknowledging responsibility for: 1. Producing the student’s own work. 2. Recognizing others’ work with proper citation. 3. Valuing learning over grades. 4. Maintaining honor and trust at Tallmadge Middle School. VIOLATIONS: Violations against the Academic Integrity Policy include but are not limited to: Cheating- The term assessment includes exam, test, quiz, essay, take home test, lab, homework assignment, or any other means of assessing student knowledge and skills. 1-Copying from others. 2-Having or using resources not specifically authorized, reviewed or approved by the teacher. 3-Using or displaying during an assessment any prohibited or unauthorized information or device: such as cell phones, cheat sheets, programmable calculators, etc. 4-Seeking unauthorized assistance on a take-home or make-up assessment. 5-Obtaining test or quiz materials for an assessment without the instructor’s knowledge. 6-Discussing information about a quiz or test with students who have not completed the assessment. 27 Plagiarism1-Presenting as one’s own, the works or opinions of someone else without proper acknowledgement or citation. 2-Getting or giving improper assistance of an assignment meant to be individual work (ex. Using materials or information not based on your own research and writing, knowledgeable giving a fellow student your work for his/her credit). 3-Having a parent or another person write an essay or do a project which is then submitted as one’s own work. 4-Failure to use proper documentation and bibliography. Forging- Writing or falsifying something and claiming it as your own. 1-Writing a teachers signature on a pass or note. 2-Falsifying a parent signature or note. 3-Writing a student’s name on another students pass. 4-Falsifying a phone call. Enforcement Policy- When a student is in violation of the Tallmadge Middle School Integrity Policy, the following progressive steps will occur: First Offense: Meeting with student, teacher and administrator, phone call to parent, automatic zero on assignment and 2 hour Saturday school detention. Second offense: Meeting with student, administrator and parent, automatic zero on assignment and 2-day in-school restriction. Third offense: Meeting with student, teacher, administrator and parent, automatic zero, and threeday out of school suspension. STUDENT REWARD PROGRAMS The rewarding of positive behavior and achievement is a vital element of the TMS program. The following is a description of our school-wide reward programs. Individual teachers and/or interdisciplinary teams may offer additional positive reinforcements. HONOR ROLL AND MERIT ROLL 4.0 = Principal’s List 3.5 – 3.99 = Honor Roll 3.0 – 3.49 = Merit Roll Students earning a grade-point average of at least 3.0 on their report cards will have their names posted in the main lobby for public view and will also be published in the local paper. A “D” or “F” will disqualify the award. EXTRACURRICULAR GROUPS STUDENT GROUPS The following is a list of extracurricular groups available to students at TMS. They are provided in an effort to expand and/or enrich student learning experiences. Student Council, Band, Choir, P.A.N.D.A. (Prevent and Neutralize Drug Abuse), Yearbook Staff, Reading and Writing Festival, Bowling Club, Quiz Bowl Competition, Spelling Bee, Video Productions, Robotics Team, Soap Box Derby and Drama Club. 28 INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS There are a number of interscholastic sports offered at TMS for both girls and boys. Interscholastic athletics in Ohio are governed by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Pamphlets with information concerning OHSAA rules and regulations are available in the Athletic Office, as well as maps for away contests. Most interscholastic contests are scheduled with schools of the Suburban League. Those schools are: Cloverleaf, Copley, Green, Highland, Nordonia, Revere, and Wadsworth. Schedules for sports are printed and available in the Athletic Office. Schedules are also available on the Tallmadge City Schools Website. FALL SPORTS OFFERED Football Two boys’ teams: A 7th-grade team and an 8th-grade team. Practice begins in August. Volleyball Two girls’ teams: A 7th-grade team and an 8th-grade team. Practice begins in August. Cross Country Two teams. Combined 7th/8th-grade boys’ team and a combined 7th/8th-grade girls’ team. Practice begins in early August. Sign-ups are in May, coaches will call students for practice. WINTER SPORTS OFFERED Seventh-Grade Basketball One boys’ team and one girls’ team. Practice begins in early November. Wrestling One combined 7th and 8th-grade boys’ team. Practice begins in mid-November. Eighth-Grade Basketball One girls’ team and one boys’ team. Practice begins in early November. SPRING SPORTS OFFERED Girls Track One combined 7th and 8th-grade team. Practice begins in mid-March. Boys Track One combined 7th and 8th-grade team. Practice begins in mid-March. ELIGIBILITY Age: Must be in 7th or 8th-grade and younger than 15 years of age as of August 1st. Academics: All incoming 7th-graders are eligible for the fall season, but all others must have passed 75% of their classes the grading period immediately preceding the beginning of the season, (summer school does not count). The OHSAA has required school districts to establish a minimum grade point average that must be maintained. A minimum of 1.25 GPA has been determined by the Tallmadge Athletic Department. Current OHSAA rules for eligibility apply at all times. Medical: All student-athletes must have a current Physical Form completed and signed by a parent and physician on file in the office. Parents may choose to use their family physician, but the form from the school must be used. Physicals are valid for one calendar year from the date of the 29 physical. Parents must also complete an Emergency Medical Authorization and a Medical Release Form for each sport. Conduct: There are conduct guidelines for student-athletes set forth by both the OHSAA and the TMS Athletic Department. Once a student has been selected to a team, parents and athletes must sign the Conduct Code Form, which explains the policy and consequences for misconduct. Parents and athletes will be notified both verbally and in writing when a suspension takes place due to conduct violations. STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS AT ATHLETIC EVENTS Students are expected to behave in an orderly fashion while in attendance at TMS athletic events. An attitude of positive sportsmanship towards officials, visiting players and parents is expected. Violations of the following rules could result in removal from a contest, the loss of future extracurricular attendance privileges, and/or the assigning of detention time. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Students are expected to sit in the bleachers. Cheering for our team is encouraged, but the yelling of inappropriate words will not be permitted. No name-calling or booing. Profanity is not permitted. Once the contest begins, students cannot leave the gym to wander the halls or loiter in rest rooms (except for half-time intermission). Students must stay out of lockers that do not belong to them. Once the contest begins, students may not leave the building and return later. No food or drinks are permitted in the gymnasium. Anyone damaging or defacing the building in any way will be held accountable under the rules of the District conduct code. No stomping on the bleachers. Tallmadge High School Home Football Games Students are expected to have a parent or guardian in attendance at the game if they are attending. Students are expected to sit in the stands during the entire game. Students may not walk around the stadium or stand and talk for any amount of time. Students are expected to abide by this rule without constant reminders. Students who fail to follow this rule may face disciplinary consequences and will not be allowed to attend future games. STUDENT SPECTATORS AT TMS ATHLETIC EVENTS Students who would be considered academically ineligible by OHSAA rules and Tallmadge City School policy will not be permitted to stay to view TMS athletic events as spectators. Students who leave games (matches/contests) early to wander the halls, stand by the front door or stand outside will not be permitted to attend future games. (Students should be at school to watch the game – no exceptions) Students picked up more than 15 minutes after the end of a game or school activity will not be permitted to attend future games or activities. Students wishing to attend TMS track, wrestling or football games must go home after school and return for the event. 30 3301-83-08 PUPIL TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT POLICIES The school bus driver is responsible for the safe transportation of pupils and has full authority and control of pupils while riding the bus and during the loading and unloading of pupils. The driver will exercise this authority in a fair, firm and consistent manner. The driver may take such measures, as he/she deems necessary to maintain order and discipline on the bus consistent with age and understanding of the child or children and the seriousness of the situation. The following standards of conduct and expectations are established for all school bus riders: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Pupils shall arrive at the bus stop before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Pupils must wait in a location clear of traffic and away from the bus stops. Behavior at school bus stop must not threaten life, limb, or property of any individual. Pupils must go directly to an available or assigned seat so the bus may safely resume motion. Pupils must remain seated, keeping aisles and exits clear. Pupils must observe classroom conduct and obey the driver promptly and respectfully. Pupils must not use profane language. Pupils must refrain from eating and drinking on the bus, except as required for medical reasons. Pupils must not use tobacco on the bus. Pupils must not have alcohol or drugs in their possession on the bus except for prescription medication required for a student. Pupils must not throw or pass objects on, from, or into the bus. Pupils may carry on the bus only objects that can be held in their laps – this includes band instruments. Pupils must leave or board the bus at locations to which they have been assigned, unless they have parental and administrative authorization to do otherwise. Pupils must not put head or arms out of the bus windows. When the bus driver has determined that the parents need to be notified, a yellow card will be issued to the student. This card must go home, be signed by the parent, and returned to the driver before the student will be allowed to ride the bus again. On most occasions after two yellow cards, the driver will recommend that the student’s transportation privileges be suspended. The building principal will be advised of all actions taken by the bus driver. Additional disciplinary action may be taken for serious infractions, including suspension from the bus, suspension from school or permanent exclusion from the bus. 31
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