HARRY S TRUMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL
3227 Olive Street  Saint Joseph, MO 64507
(816) 671-4400  http://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us/Domain/31
Jason Callaway, Principal
Ashly Evans, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
Geana Bush, Secretary
Sarah Dudeck, Counselor
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Dates to Remember 2016-2017
August 4
August 10
August 15
August 15
August 16
August 23
August 25
September 5
September 13
September 19
October 14
October 17
October 18
October 20
October 21
October 25
November 11
November 23-25
December 20
December 21 – Jan. 2
January 3
January 4
January 16
February 10
February 20
March 10
March 1
March 14
March 16
March 17
March 20 –March 24
March 28
May 16
May 22
May 29
Registration and School Pictures 10am-12pm or 5pm-7pm
Back-to-School Night, 5:00pm– 7:00pm
First Day of School
Volleyball practice begins 3:00pm
Cross Country practice begins 3:00pm
Fall Sports Parent Meeting, 4:00pm @ TMS library
Back to School Dance 6pm-8pm
No School - Labor Day
Picture Retakes
No School - Staff PD Day
End of 1st Quarter
Winter Sports practices begin (Basketball & Wrestling)
P/T Conferences 4:00pm-7:00p m
P/T Conferences 4:00pm-7:00p m
No School
Winter Sports Parent Meeting, 4:30pm @ TMS library
No School - Staff PD Day
No School - Thanksgiving Break
End of 2nd Quarter
No School – Winter Break
No School - Staff PD Day
First Day of School 2017
No School - Martin Luther King Day
No School – Staff PD Day
No School - President’s Day
End of 3rd Quarter
Spring Sports practices begin (Track)
P/T Conferences 4:00pm-7:00p m
P/T Conferences 4:00pm-7:00p m
No School
No School – Spring Break
Spring Sports Parent Meeting, 4:00pm @ TMS library
Last Day of School 1:00pm dismissal
Summer School Starts
Memorial Day- No summer schoo
GENERAL STUDENT INFORMATION
1.
Students attending Truman Middle School must live within the attendance boundaries. Class starts
at 7:50am and dismissal is at 3:00pm.
2.
Students should not arrive to school before 7:25am. Bus riders are to enter through the boy’s gym.
Walkers and car riders enter through the Front Entrance. Go directly to the boy’s gym.
Upon arrival:
a. Breakfast will be served at 7:25am.
b. 7th grade goes to the boy’s gym until released at 7:43am. 8th grade goes to the girl’s gym until
released at 7:45am. The only exceptions are written permission from teacher or library pass.
Students cannot leave school premises once they are at school.
c. In case of absence it is the parents’ responsibility to call the school between 7:15am - 8:30am to
let the school know the reason of absence.
d. Only the office issues leave permits. You must have a written request from your parent or
guardian.
e. All students should be off school property by 3:15pm unless involved in study session or other
school sponsored activities.
3. Homework assignments for students with excused absences are available on Truman’s website. You
may also ask individual teachers for missing work.
4. Each student is assigned one academic and one gym locker for the storage of school supplies,
equipment, and clothing. It is your responsibility to see that your lockers are kept locked at all
times. Only locks issued by the school are permitted unless approved by administration.
Students should not allow anyone to know their combination. If you have a problem with your
lock, contact the Assistant Principal. There is a $5.00 charge for lost locks.
5. You are required to have the following for physical education.
a. Medical excuse from doctor if unable to take gym or one specifying limitations or restrictions.
b. Gym clothes – shirt, shorts, and tennis shoes (no boots or flip flops).
6. In order for you to receive bus service, you must return the letter addressed to your parents or legal
guardian signed with the understanding that you will abide by the stated conditions. This form is
returned to the bus driver. School bus service is provided in order to give our students safe
transportation from home to school and back, but students are expected to follow all safety
guidelines established by the bus company. Failure to do so could result in the loss of bus privileges.
To avoid the loss of these privileges please read carefully the BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS
that you received at registration.
7. The office telephone is a business phone and will not be used by students except in case of
emergencies, with the approval of the administration.
8. It is the student’s responsibility to follow the rules and regulations of the St Joseph Board of
Education, the school administration, and the classroom teacher. There are no
exceptions to this policy. Students are also expected to be courteous and polite to each other, as well
as, the faculty and staff at Truman in order to provide a caring school climate; therefore, profanity or
threatening behavior will not be tolerated.
9. In order to provide a safe environment, there will be a “hands off” policy.
10. It is the school’s responsibility to provide learning experiences free from distractions and
misbehavior. Administrators, teachers , and support staff will provide positive role models that are
observable as good examples for students to follow.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Bus Riders: Exit the building through the boy’s gym, or by room 100 to get on the bus.
Walkers & Car Riders: Exit the building through the front doors.
*All students should be out of the building and picked up by 3:15pm unless involved in an after school
activity
*Students should not go down the alley between Truman and Mark Twain Elementary. The
only students that are allowed to be at Mark Twain after school are those who need to pick
up a younger brother or sister. If you have permission to be at Mark Twain, you must stand
in the designated area while waiting. However, if there are any problems with a Truman
student at Mark Twain, it may result in the student not being allowed at Mark Twain and
school consequences.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES and CELL PHONES
Cell phones are allowed, but must not be in use (not visible, turned off or silenced) while a student is in the
classroom during school hours. Teachers may allow students to use cell phones for classroom instruction and
activities, but this is at the teacher’s discretion. Non-compliance with this rule may result in confiscation of the
phone. In case of multiple offenses, parents will have to pick up the phone from schoo l officials.
We request that parents contact the school to communicate with their student during the school day. All
students must go through a school official before contacting a parent or guardian. Refusal to do this may result in
disciplinary action.
It is highly recommended that students do not bring iPods, mp3 players, gaming devices, etc. to school. The school
is not responsible for any lost or stolen electronic devices. Electronic gear is allowed, but must not be in use
(not visible, turned off or silenced) while a student is inside the classroom during school hours unless
approved by the teacher. If confiscated, these items may be kept until a parent/guardian picks it up.
TAKING STUDENTS OUT OF SCHOOL DURING THE DAY
Students shall be permitted to leave during the school day based on parental authorization, in writing, personal
contact, or by telephone. Parents/Guardians must report to the office to sign their child out of school.
Our goal is to have students at school each day, but we understand sickness takes place. The procedure for
students who are ill is as follows:
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Students must visit the school nurse.
The school nurse is responsible for determining if a student need to be sent home.
Please do not allow your student to contact you via personal cell phones for illnesses and issues.
STUDENT DRESS CODE
Staff members in the St. Joseph Public Schools are constantly striving to provide the best conditions possible for
student learning and achievement. Any conditions, which may distract students from learning, are of serious
concern.
Student dress can have a significant effect on learning and behavior. Clothing must cover the body sufficiently and
avoid attracting excessive attention or causing disruptions. We ask students to “self-check”. In raising the arms
above the head a student should not see exposed skin at the mid -section. By putting their hands to their side,
fingertips should not touch skin. Necklines of shirts should provide appropriate coverage. Shorts should be
approximately seven inches from the waistband. “Sagging” will not be allowed (pants must be at waist).
Following are some specific guidelines, which will be administered consistently at Truman.
1.
Messages on body, clothing, jewelry and personal belongings that relate to gangs, drugs, alcohol,
tobacco, sex, vulgarity, or that reflect adversely upon persons because of their race, sex, color, creed,
national origin, or ancestry are not permitted.
2. Clothing must cover the body sufficiently to avoid attracting excessive attention or causing disruptions.
3. Very short shorts such as thin nylon athletic shorts are not acceptable. Very tight shorts such as biker
shorts are not allowed. Shorts of appropriate length may be worn du ring the school year.
4. For health and safety, appropriate footwear must be worn at all times. Bare feet are not acceptable.
Sandals are acceptable if they are sufficiently safe and adequately secured to the feet.
5. No caps or hats are to be worn by the students during school time unless approved by the principal.
6. Tank-top straps must be at least 2 fingers wide (approximately 2 inches). NO tank-top undershirts are
allowed. This includes jerseys with low cut arm holes.
7. Undergarments shall not be seen either outside of or through clothing.
8. Absolutely no inappropriate accessories are allowed. This includes: studded jewelry, safety pins, chains,
and any other items the administration deems necessary. Items may be confiscated.
Building administrators reserve the right to request change of clothing not covered in the existing guidelines.
INTERVIEWS AT SCHOOL BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OR OTHER OFFICIALS
1.
2.
3.
4.
School children should be released by the principal if such a request is made by the Juvenile Officer or
investigating officer.
Parents will be contacted by school officials before such release, unless law enforcement officials request
that we do not.
The Juvenile Officer, Police or Sheriff’s Officers will be permitted to question students in the school
without a school administrator present.
Child abuse and neglect cases shall be conducted by the appropriate authorities. Upon obtaining proper
identification, the principal shall permit the investigating authority to conduct the interview. Parents will
not be notified unless the agency conducting the interview allows the school to contact them.
STUDENT ID
Students are required to have an ID at school for lunch and to check out library books. Students who misplace their
student IDs can have another ID printed with a $5.00 charge.
HALLWAY RULES
1. Follow hands off policy. Do not touch or hit others with bags, books, hands, etc.
2. No running in the halls. Students must walk at all times.
3. No yelling or screaming.
4. Do not block the hallway to keep others from passing through.
*Failure to follow these rules may result in passing time being taken away from the student.
CAFETERIA RULES
1.
2.
Food and drink should not be taken out of the cafeteria.
Students must have an ID to purchase lunch. If you do not have your ID, you will eat after all students
with ID’s have purchased a lunch.
3. Excessive negative lunch balances will not be allowed.
4. If you do not have your ID or have a negative balance, you can not purchase snacks.
5. Students will come in and sit in their seat and remain there for the duration of the lunch.
6. Students should only talk to students at their table in an appropriate voice level at all times.
7. Students should keep their feet inside the table, hands to themselves, and touch only t heir own food and
belongings.
8. Students should not beat on the table, clap, or yell.
9. Students should always be on time to lunch as with any other class.
10. When leaving lunch, students should go directly to their next class.
11. Technology devices may not be in us e (not visible, turned off or silenced) in the cafeteria.
12. Please do not deliver fast food to your student for lunch. No outside food deliveries are allowed.
SCHOOL DANCES
Student participation will depend on discipline referrals and ISS/OSS from dance to dance. Students who are absent
from school for the entire school day will not be allowed to attend the dance that evening. Students from outside
schools are not allowed to attend dances at Truman Middle School.
ATHLETICS
Students are encouraged to participate in athletic opportunities. Athletes must have a current physical and insurance
on file to participate. You may pick up a physical and insurance form in the offic e. Athletes must have 14 practices
to participate in an athletic competition. Athletes who are absent the entire school day will not be allowed to
participate in athletic competitions that evening. Students will have grade requirements to be eligible to participate
in athletics. Certain sports may have a tryout process to be a member of the team.
TUTORING
Students may take advantage of free tutoring. Tutoring is offered before and after school. Please see your student’s
teacher(s) for more information.
REQUIRED SUMMER SCHOOL
Students who fail one or more core classes (Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies, and Science) for a semester will
be required to attend summer school.
TARDY
Students must be present in the classroom for attendance at 7:50am. If a student is tardy 5 times in a semester,
he/she will receive a Wednesday school from 3pm-5pm. If a student is tardy 10 times in a semester, he/she will
receive 1 day of in-team suspension (ITS). (Students in ITS are allowed to go to elective classes and lunch.) If a
student is tardy 15 times in a semester, he/she will receive 1 day of in school suspension (ISS). After serving 1 day
of ISS, the student’s tardies will reset and consequences will be assigned again if he/she receives 5 more tardies. All
students will reset and have a “clean slate” at the beginning of the semester.
INCENTIVES FOR GRADES
BLUE CARDS
Requirements:
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

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All grades must be an B- or above
No more than 2 absences per quarter
No more than 5 tardies per quarter
No ITS, ISS, or OSS
Incentives:
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
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Eat first at lunch (dimissed after gold cards)
Every Friday, students with a blue card will be allowed to leave class 5 minutes early at the end of the day
and hang out in the school store.
Quarterly field trip (bowling, ice skating, roller skating, etc.)
Maintaining a Blue Card:
 Every 3 weeks, TA (Teacher Advisement) teachers will check grades and attendance. (A discipline list will
be provided.). If students no longer qualify at the 3 week progress report check, they will be required to
turn in their blue cards to their TA teacher.
 If students did not qualify at the end of the quarter, but do qualify at the 3 week check, students will then be
issued a blue card.
 Students must have their blue card in ordr to receive the incentives (lunch, early dismissal on Friday, trips).
 If blue cards are lost, students must pay $5.00 to the office in order to obtain a new one (this cannot be
done on the day of the party).
 In order to attend the quarterly trip, students must have qualified for blue card the entire quarter (every 3
week check).
GOLD CARDS
Requirements:
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

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All grades must be an A- or above
No more than 2 absences per quarter
No more than 5 tardies per quarter
No ITS, ISS, or OSS
Incentives:
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Same incentives as blue cards
Can walk directly to the lunch line (do not have to be seated)
Honored at grade level assembly. Parents welcome.
Principal’s lunch
Maintaining a Gold Card:
 Same as above
 In order to attend the quarterly trip, students must have qualified for blue card or gold card the entire
quarter (every 3 week check).
PROGRESS REPORT/REPORT CARD SCHEDULE 2016-2017
Progress Report
Progress Report
Quarter Ends
QUARTER 1
September 2
September 23
October 14
QUARTER 2
November 4
December 2
December 20
QUARTER 3
January 20
February 17
March 7
QUARTER 4
April 7
April 28
May 16
*Students will receive a hard copy of progress reports every 3 weeks. Report cards during 1 st and 3 rd
quarters will be handed out during parent/teacher conferences.
POWERSCHOOL
Parent PowerSchoolPortal – to access your student’s school information
Parent Portal has a new feature called self-registration. All parents/guardians need to complete this pro cess, even if
you only have one student in the district. Parents will need to obtain a Web ID and Password from the school (if
you do not already have one).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Web Address - http://ps.sjsd.k12.mo.us. This is also linked through the school website.
Click Create Account. Follow instructions on the screen to set up your account.
After setting up new account, the sign in page will appear. You can log in at this time.
There is also a PowerSchool for Parents mobile app available.
If you experience problems creating your new account, please call the District Help Desk at 671-4444.
MID YEAR ATTENDANCE CHALLENGE INCENTIVE
SJSD strives for all students to maintain 90% or above for attendance. The 7th grade advisement class and the 8th
grade advisement class with the highest class average percentage for attendance will be awarded an incentive in
December.
END OF YEAR FIELD TRIPS
Participation in the end-of-year activities will be determined by students who meet ALL 3 of the following criteria:
1.
2.
3.
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Attendance-Must have at least 90% attendance
Grades- not required to attend summer school
Behavior- No OSS, not more than 1 ISS or ITS incidents
Students should be mindful that tardies can impact eligibility on this trip. See Tardy policy.
Administration has descretion to make a judgement call on students attending field trips.
Thank you for helping us provide a positive educational environment for our students. Our goal is to
give students the knowledge needed to be successful in middle school and to be better prepared for high
school.