Name_________________________________________
Homeroom Teacher ________________ Grade _______
Shields Middle School
“Paving Roads to Excellence”
15732 Beth Shields Way
Ruskin, FL 33573
Main Office: 813-672-5338
Fax: 813-672-5342
Student Handbook 2014-2015
Vision: To build success in all we aim to do.
Mission: Shields is committed to closing the achievement gap and ensuring
that all students are productive, respectful citizens that are college and/or
career bound.
HCPS District Handbook:
http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/AdminDiv/Documents/StudentHandbook/index.asp
Student Handbook 2014-2015
*This handbook MUST remain in the School Binder with Agenda
Table of Contents
Important School Information………………………………………………………………………………3
Conduct System…………………………………………………………………………………………………….4
Tardy Policy/Hall Pass/10 Minute Rule………………………………………………………………….5
Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy……………………………………………………………………6
Dress Code Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………..7
Code of Student Conduct & Vandalism and Defacing Property……………………………8
Civility, Sexual Harassment, Public Display of Affection………………………………………9
Bullying………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10
Attendance, Sign-in/Sign-out, Makeup Work……………………………………………………….11
Bus Procedures, Morning Arrival …………………………………………………………………………12
Afternoon Dismissal, Lunch Procedures…………………………………………………………..…13
Evacuation Procedures……………………………………………………………………………………..…14
Hallway Etiquette, Assembly Etiquette…………….…………………………………………………15
Recycling, Clinic Information………………………………………………………………..……………..16
Media Center………………………………………………………………………………………………..……… .17
Computer Labs…………………………………………………………………………………………………..…18
Academic Information, Promotion Policy…………………………………….………………………19
Sailfish PRIDE………………………………………………………………………………………….……………20
Textbooks and Using the Agenda and Binder………………………………………………………21
Edsby, Athletic Requirements……………………………………………………………………..22 - 23
Physical Education Requirements……………………………………………………………………….24
School Map……………………………………………………………………………………………………25 - 26
Student Procedures Handbook Sign-off Form……………………………………………………27
2 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Important School Information
School Day
Start Time – 9:00 a.m. Dismissal – 4:10 Tuesday-Friday (3:10 Monday)
Administration and Support Staff
Administration
Instructional Resource
Principal: Mr. Kovacs
Assistant Principal, Curriculum: Mrs. Brown
Assistant Principal: Mr. Faber
Assistant Principal: Mr. Kitko
School Resource Officer: Deputy Morffi
Technology Specialist: Mr. Velez
Student Specialist: Ms. Sarmiento
Media Specialist: Mrs. Matthews
Migrant Advocates: Ms. Montoya, Mrs. Nunez
ESOL Specialist: Mrs. Larson
ESE Specialist: Mrs. Hawkins
School Psychologist: Dr. Pepe
Social Worker: Ms. Aguirre
Nurse: Ms. Surnich Somera and Ms. Cappano
Math Coach: Mrs. Hills
Writing Coach: Mrs. Pam Thomas
Reading Coach: Mrs. Kincaid
Science Coach: Mrs. Wilhelm
Guidance Department
Counselor,
Counselor,
Counselor,
Counselor,
6th Grade: Mrs. Carranza
7th Grade: Mrs. Allums
8th Grade: Mrs. Rumph
ELL/Testing: Ms. Walters
Academic Calendar 2014-2015
Students’ First Day of School
Labor Day Holiday/Closed
End of 1st Grading Period
Non-Student Day
Veteran’s Day Holiday/Non-Student Day
Fall Break/Schools and District Offices Closed
Students Return to School
Winter Break/Schools and District Offices Closed
Students Return to School
End of 2nd Grading Period (End of 1st Semester)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday/Schools and District
Offices Closed
Non-Student Day
Florida State Fair/Non-Student Day - West Hillsborough
County
Spring Break/Schools and District Offices Closed
Students Return to School
End of 3rd Grading Period
Non-Student Day
Memorial Day Holiday/Schools and District Offices Closed
Last Day of School/End of 4th Grading Period (End of 2nd
Semester)
3 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Tuesday, August 19
Monday, September 1
Friday, October 17
Monday, October 20
Tuesday, November 11
Monday – Friday, November 24-28
Monday, December 1
Monday – Friday, December 22 –
January 2
Monday, January 5
Friday, January 16
Monday, January 19
Tuesday, January 20
Friday, February 6
Monday – Friday, March 9-13
Monday, March 16
Friday, March 27
Friday, April 3
Monday, May 25
Friday, June 5
Shields Conduct System
Conduct Cuts: Points Lost
1. Talking……………..…………………………………………………..……………………………… 3
Talking while teacher is talking, talking without permission, off topic conversation, during morning show, etc.
2.
Unprepared ……………………………………………………….……………….………………. 3
*continuously omitting to bring materials for class, does not include assignments (i.e. homework/projects)
3. Off Task……………………………….……………………..……………………………………... 3
Writing/passing notes, head down, working on another subject assignment
4. Out of seat without permission………………………………………….…………..…….3
5. Inappropriate Behavior……………………………………………….….…………………….5
Behavior that disrupts class instruction, horseplay, throwing objects, rudeness, fragrant sprays & lotion, etc.
6. Cell phones/Electronic Devices…………………………..……….……..……………… 3
(See policy)
7. Disrespect to Peers……………………………………………..………………………………..5
**insults, making fun of others, laughing at student mistakes, talking about others
8. Disrespect to Adults……………………………..……………………………………………… 5
Cursing (automatic referral for cursing at adults – 3 days OSS), talking back, inappropriate gestures etc.
Conduct cuts should not be assigned for missing or incomplete assignments as
students are already penalized academically.
Conduct grades based on county wide grading scale
A . . . . .. . . . . . . 90-100
B . . . . . . . . . . . . 80-89
C . . . . . . . . . . . . 70-79
D . . . . . . . . . . . . 60-69
F .. . . . . . 59 and below
*We can provide classroom materials for students who have a hardship (speak
with teacher or front office).
**Bullying incidents should be reported to your grade level guidance counselor
and administration.
Parents will be notified by teacher when the conduct grade drops a letter grade.
4 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Shields Tardy Policy
Shields Middle School’s Tardy Policy is designed to encourage student responsibility in attending
classes on time. Students arriving late to school/class shorten their own instruction time and
interrupt the learning environment for all classmates. School personnel use the following
procedures to enforce the tardy policy.
TARDY TO SCHOOL: Any student arriving late to homeroom (after 9:00 am) will be
considered tardy to school. Students must be accompanied to the main office by a
parent/guardian, have doctor’s note, or documentation from parent/guardian, to receive an
Excused Pass for class. Refer to the HCPS Student Handbook for a list of excused absences.
After students sign-in at the main office and receive a pass (excused or unexcused), as
determined by the office, they are admitted to class.
TARDY TO CLASS: Students have four minutes to get to their classes. At the tardy bell
students will be locked out of class and the tardy sweep will begin. Tardy sweeps will be
completed by teachers on duty each period. Teacher on duty will sweep tardy students for
documentation. Student will be escorted back to class. Student Assistant will deliver a tardy
form to the teachers who have late students. The teacher will follow through with consequence
and document tardy in EdConnect.
1st Tardy
2
nd
Tardy
3rd Tardy
Warning – Escorted to class
Warning – Teacher sends tardy letter home with student
Teacher meeting with student – parent call home by teacher
4
th
Tardy
Loss of privilege – lunch detention for 1 day + parent call home by ISS teacher
5
th
Tardy
Loss of privilege – lunch detention for 2 days + parent call home by ISS teacher
6
th
Tardy
Loss of privilege – student may not move during passing time for 1 week + ISS
teacher will inform student’s teachers
7th Tardy
Loss of privilege – student may not move during passing time for duration of 9
weeks + Administrator will call home
*Students will have a new start at the beginning of each nine weeks.
Hall Pass/Vests
At Shields Middle School, all students must wear a vest as a hall pass.
After getting your teachers permission to leave class, you must signout on the class log
and put on the vest.
 If you are signing out and not returning to class that day, you should return your class
vest to Mrs. Trevino in student affairs.


10 MINUTE RULE
 NO passes will be issued the first and last 10 minutes of class unless requested by office.
5 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Shields Cell Phone and Electronic
Device Policy
(HCPS Policy 5136) Refer to HCPS handbook for the complete district policy
WE SEE IT…WE TAKE IT…No Warnings!
District Policy: During school hours from 9:00-4:10, cell phones and other electronic
devices are not to be used in any unauthorized manner. The electronic device will be
confiscated by a staff member, labeled, and given to the administrator. Shields
will not be responsible for lost or stolen electronics.
Students are allowed to call home in the case of an emergency or illness from the
administrative offices.
Consequences
The students’ conduct grade will be lowered for each offense. In addition they will
receive the following consequences:
1. First Offense: The device will be confiscated by the staff member, labeled, and given to the
administrator. Student may pick up device from the Student Affairs office at the end of the
school day.
2. Second Offense: The device will be confiscated by the staff member, labeled and given to
the administrator. A parent may pick up the device from the Student Affairs office.
3. Third Offense: The device will be confiscated by the staff member, labeled, and given to the
administrator. A mandatory conference will be held with the parent/guardian and disciplinary
actions will be imposed by administration (detention, work detail, etc.).
4. Any future offenses will result in the device being confiscated and a meeting
arranged with the parent/guardian to discuss further disciplinary action for willful
disobedience and possible loss of privileges.
Pick-Up Policy: Parents/Guardians must pick up all electronic devices. They will be
available for pickup in the APs office during school hours 8:30 am – 4:30pm.
6 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Dress Code Policy
(HCPS Policy 5511) Refer to HCPS handbook for the complete district policy
Dress Code will be checked daily in homeroom.
The dress and grooming of students shall be that which contributes to the health and safety of the
individual and which is non-disruptive of the educational activities and processes of a school.
Students have the right to dress as they choose as long as their dress meets the approved dress and
grooming regulations, does not disrupt school activities, is not obscene or defamatory, and does not
endanger the physical health or safety of themselves or others.
Students have the responsibility to dress and groom in such a manner so as to reflect cleanliness,
modesty, safety and good taste; become familiar with and adhere to approved dress and grooming
regulations of the School Board of Hillsborough County.
 Shoes shall be worn. Skate tennis shoes and bedroom slippers are unacceptable and not allowed.
 Clothing that exposes the entire shoulder, tube tops, spaghetti straps, or similar type of clothing
may only be worn with a blouse or shirt. Clothing exposing the torso or the midriff, either front,
back, or sides shall not be worn. Underwear shall not be visible. Clothing shall not expose the midchest area. Clothing not properly fastened or with tears that are indecent shall not be worn.
Clothing traditionally designed as undergarments or sleepwear shall not be worn as outer
garments. All pants and shorts shall be secured at the waist. Boys’ shirts shall have sleeves. Miniskirts, mini dresses, and short shorts shall not be permitted. Hemlines shall be no shorter than
fingertip length.
 Hair shall be clean and neatly groomed. Head coverings shall not be worn in the building unless
required for religious observance or health-related reasons.
 Garments and/or jewelry that display or suggest sexual, vulgar, drug, gang, weapons, or alcoholrelated wording or graphics, or that provoke or may tend to provoke violence or disruption in the
school, shall not be worn. Wallet chains shall not be worn.
Consequences for Violation:
Students in violation of the Dress Code Policy will be sent to Student Affairs. Students will be required
to change inappropriate attire. Students will contact home to obtain appropriate attire. If student
borrowed proper attire from the school, they will be required to return the borrowed clothing to pick up
their inappropriate clothing the following day.
Baggy Pants Law
Senate Bill 228, commonly known as the “baggy pants bill”, was signed into law June 2011. Specifically,
the new law bars clothes that expose underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner or that
disrupt the orderly learning environment. Students could be disciplined... with a verbal warning,
parent/guardian phone call, removal from participation in extracurricular activities for various periods of
time, or receive in-school suspension.
7 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Code of Student Conduct and Vandalism
(HCPS Policy 5500, 5600) Refer to HCPS handbook for the complete district policy
Code of Student Conduct
Philosophy: Provide a safe and equal learning opportunity for each student
Each school must be free from disruption that would interfere with the teacher’s right to teach
and the student’s right to learn. Hillsborough County Public Schools has established the following
Code of Conduct that students must follow. The Hillsborough County Public Schools shall not
tolerate behavior that disrupts or interferes with the education of other students.
Level One
Zero
Tolerance
Offenses
Examples: violence, weapons,
drugs/alcohol, arson,
aggravated battery, bomb
threats, false fire alarms, gang
related activities
Level Two
Major
Offenses
Examples: bullying, disorderly
conduct, fighting, sexual
harassment, vandalism/theft,
computer/internet misuse,
continuous disruptive behavior
Examples: dress code,
tardiness, horseplay,
classroom disruptions,
plagiarism/cheating, cell
phone/electronic devices
Level
Three
Other
Offenses
Possible Consequences: mandatory parent
conference; report to the appropriate area director
and, recommendation for expulsion or change of
placement; three to ten days out-of-school
suspension; report to law enforcement agency as
appropriate which could result in arrest and
prosecution or civil citation; sanctions
Possible Consequences: notification of parent or
guardian; in-school suspension or up to ten days
out-of-school suspension; sanctions
Possible Consequences: work detail; assignment
to a time-out room; counseling by special services
personnel or by teachers; detention; in-school
suspension; notification of parent or guardian; outof-school suspension up to ten days
Vandalism and Defacing Property
Vandalism and defacing of school property are major (Level Two) offenses. Students found
guilty of these crimes will face severe disciplinary and/or criminal action.
Examples: Spray painting buildings, damaging textbooks (by writing, drawing, water damage,
food stains), writing on desks, clogging toilets and/or sinks, writing or damage to or on walls or
lockers
*Permanent markers (Sharpies) are not allowed on campus!
Possible Consequences: Pay restitution, reported to law enforcement (subject to arrest and
prosecution), suspension, and expulsion
8 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Civility, Sexual Harassment, PDA and Bullying
Civility
(HCPS Policy 0110, 1380, 3380, 4380, 5517.10) Refer to HCPS handbook for the complete district policy
In order to provide a safe, caring and orderly environment, Hillsborough County Public Schools
expects civility from all who engage in school activities. Mutual respect, professionalism and
common courtesy are essential qualities that all need to demonstrate in promoting an
educational environment free from disruptions, harassment, bullying and aggressive actions.
Unacceptable Behavior





Behaviors which interfere with or threaten to interfere with school activities
Using loud offensive language or profanity
Intimidating, harassing, bullying and inappropriate display of temper
Threatening verbal or physical harm
Threatening, abusive, or obscene telephone conversations, written communication,
electronic mail or voice mail
Sexual Harassment
(HCPS Policy 3362, 4362, 5517.01) Refer to HCPS handbook for the complete district policy
Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to the following:
 verbal harassment or abuse of a sexual nature
 subtle pressure for sexual activity
 repeated remarks to a person with sexual implication (for example, a person’s body,
clothes or sexual involvement, display of sexually suggestive objects, pictures or written
materials)
 discrimination because of real or perceived sexual orientation/gender identity or
expression
Those being harassed should take the following steps:
 Clearly tell the harasser to stop.
 If the harassment continues, make a written record of the incident including date, time,
witness or witnesses and parties involved in the incident.
 Report the incident immediately to an adult who has authority over the harasser for
example: teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, or principal.
 Report the incident immediately to your parents or guardian.
Consequences are addressed in the HCPS Student Handbook as Level Two-major offenses.
Harassment is prohibited by the state and federal law.
Public Display of Affection (PDA)
Examples Include: kissing, holding hands, touching inappropriately
Consequences: parent contact, loss of privilege, detention, ISS
9 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Bullying
(HCPS Policy 5517.01) Refer to HCPS handbook for the complete district policy
Bullying includes “cyberbullying” and means systematically and chronically inflicting physical
hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees. It is further defined as
unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or physical behavior, including any threatening,
insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, that is severe or pervasive enough to
create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; causes discomfort or
humiliation; or unreasonably interferes with the individual’s school performance or participation.
Examples include but are not limited to: teasing, social exclusion, threat, intimidation,
stalking, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, physical violence, theft, sexual, religious, or racial
harassment, public or private humiliation, and destruction of personal property.
If You Are the Victim of Bullying





Clearly tell the bully to STOP
Immediately report the incident to someone at school
Tell your parents/guardians
If the bullying continues after you have said stop, make a written record
Avoid being alone with the person(s)
Sources of Help




Parent, administrator, teacher, team, guidance counselor, social worker
Report the bully online at www.sdhc.k12.fl.us
Guidance Services: 273-7074
School Social Work Services: 273-7090
Don’t Be Accused of Being a Bully
Keep your hands to yourself
Remember that NO ONE has a right to harm another person in any way
Think before you speak
Immediately apologize if you accidentally say or do something that made another person
feel uncomfortable
 Report all incidents of bullying behavior you have witnessed




Consequences of Bullying
1.
2.
3.
4.
Guidance referral and mandatory parent conference
Administrative referral
ISS or OSS up to 10 days
Change of placement and/or expulsion
10 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Attendance, Sign-in/Sign-out, and Make-Up Work
(HCPS Policy) Refer to HCPS handbook for the complete district policy
Attendance Expectations
Students are expected to attend school regularly, be on time for classes, request make-up work
from teacher, and satisfy all course requirements. If you are in school for any part of the day,
you are counted present for that day, but absent from any missed class.
Excused Absences Include: Student illness or injury, medical or dental appointment,
(needs a doctor’s note), death in the family, family emergency, pre-planned absences must have
a written request 3 days prior to the absence, ATOSS.
Unexcused Absences Include: Truancy (skipping school), OSS (without attending ATOSS),
or no parent/guardian contact for the absence
School Business: Students shall be counted present and be allowed to make up work missed
To Report Student Absences
Call (813) 672-5338 and report the following:
1. Student’s full name and grade level
2. Caller’s name and relationship to student
3. Reason for absence and expected day of return
4. Telephone number where the caller can be reached
Sign-In and Sign-Out Procedures
(HCPS Policy) Refer to HCPS handbook for the complete district policy
Sign-In: Students sign in at the main office and must have a pass from the office to enter
class.
Excused: medical or dental appointments (doctor’s statement may be required), deaths or
funerals, emergency situations acceptable to the principal or designee, court appearance
Unexcused: overslept, missed the bus, traffic, and forgotten items. After the 3rd unexcused
tardy, the student will face disciplinary consequences
Sign-Out: Students must have a parent/guardian request by phone, or in person, at the
Student Affairs’ Office, in order to be released during school hours. ALL parents/guardians must
have their name listed on the student’s Emergency Card and have a picture ID, in order to take
a student off campus. They must also have the student’s student number.
All sign-in/sign-out is done in the main office on our new computer. On the first page you will
click on “students” then follow the prompts on the screen.
Make-Up Work
 Students must get make-up work information from teacher
 Student and teacher will make arrangements to make-up work.
11 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Bus Procedures
(HCPS Policy 5600, 8600) Refer to HCPS handbook for the complete district policy
Students have the responsibility to:





Follow safety procedures
Ride only your designated bus
Remain seated in assigned seat facing forward
DO NOT throw objects in the bus or out the windows
NO Inappropriate Behavior
Transportation will not allow students to ride the bus home with friends.
Minor student violations:
First Offense: Warning, student conference, parent contact
Second Offense: 1 day bus suspension
Third Offense: 2 days bus suspension
Fourth Offense: 3 days bus suspension
Major student violations:
First Offense: 3 day bus suspension
Second Offense: 5 day bus suspension
Third Offense: 10 day bus suspension
* In extreme cases a student may be considered for expulsion from the bus and/or school.
Morning Arrival and Afternoon Dismissal
Morning Arrival
6 th Grade:


Students will report to basketball courts upon arrival
Breakfast will be served at basketball courts
7 th and 8 th Grade Boys:
 Students will report to breakfast in café upon arrival
 After breakfast, the student will report to courtyard.
7 th and 8 th Grade Girls:
 Students will report to breakfast in café upon arrival
 After breakfast, the student will report to the gym.
Rainy Day Procedures
 All students will report to their homeroom immediately
after breakfast.
12 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Afternoon Dismissal
Students are dismissed by hallway.
Bus riders: Bus riders report to the bus ramp. The buses will leave once all buildings are
called and the air horn has sounded. All late buses students should report to the cafeteria until
notified to report to the bus ramp.
Car riders: Car riders report to the main entrance of the school for pickup. Car riders will be
issued a green pass. Students must show their 7th period teacher the green pass before being
dismissed during the car rider dismissal.
Walkers: Walkers report to the cafeteria until instructed to walk home. Walkers will not be
dismissed until all buses have left the bus ramp.
Rainy Day: Listen for announcements over the intercom. Students will be dismissed by
building and walkers should report to the cafeteria.
Lunch Procedures
A school lunch is available for $2.75. Ala carte items such as pizza, chicken tenders, chips,
cookies, Gatorade, water, and fruit punch are sold daily. Healthy choices like salads, yogurt,
sandwiches and other low fat items are offered. Breakfast is free for all students. Parents are not
allowed to bring outside food (McDonald’s, Wendy’s, etc.) to students during lunch.
Cafeteria Procedures
 Walk in a straight quiet line with your teacher to cafeteria.
 Do not yell to other students or disrupt other classes as you walk by.
 Enter cafeteria and have a seat at the assigned tables for your class.
 Your table will be called to line up. No cutting in line.
 Only 4 students allowed at the food station at a time.
 Trash cans are placed throughout the cafeteria. Throw away your trash when you
are finished eating.
 No food is to be taken out of the cafeteria.
 Students are not dismissed until teacher picks up their class from cafeteria or by
bell dismissal.
13 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Evacuation Procedures
STUDENTS MUST NOT WALK THROUGH THE PARKING LOT!
Fire/Building Evacuation
When
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
the fire alarm rings:
Walk rapidly and quietly in a single file line with your class to your assigned area.
If you are separated from your class get back with them as soon as possible.
Teachers will account for all students by checking their rosters.
Go to your assigned area (posted in each classroom).
Stand in place without talking, facing away from the building.
No talking, running, or clowning around. Students who behave inappropriately
will receive administrative consequence.
7. Stay with your class.
Returning from a building evacuation:
1. Return when the all clear signal is given.
2. Turn around in your line.
3. Walk quietly to your classroom.
Tornado/Severe Weather
1. Tornado/Severe Weather Watch
a. All outdoor acitivies will be stopped
b. Movement will be limited in the hallways
2. Tornado/Severe Weather Warning
a. All outdoor activities will be stopped
b. Students will move to assigned areas (posted in classrooms)
c. Students will move to an interior wall and assume the crouched position
d. Stay away from windows and doors
Modified Lockdown
1.
2.
3.
4.
The teacher will lock the door
The windows and blinds will be locked and closed
The teacher will continue with instruction
Await further guidance
Lockdown
1.
2.
3.
4.
The teacher will lock the door
The windows and blinds will be locked and closed
Instruction will stop
Teacher and students are to assume a crouched position on the floor – away from
windows and doors and remain silent
5. Await further guidance
14 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Hallway Etiquette
STUDENTS MUST NOT WALK THROUGH THE PARKING LOT!
 Keep moving at all times. Do not stop in the middle of the hallway.
 Stay to the right at all times. Treat the halls and stairways like a roadway.
 You should enter through the right door and exit through the left door-ALWAYS.
 No running, pushing, shoving, yelling, or horseplay.
 No public displays of affection!
 If waiting on a teacher, form a line next to the door out of others’ way.
 When using stairs or exiting a building use the stairs closest to the class you are leaving.
 When the morning bell rings you should report directly to your homeroom. (No
wandering).
 You should only be in the building that your current class is in (you should not be
getting/returning something to a friend, socializing or taking the long route to class).
 You should not use the sidewalk directly in front of the 300 or 400 building (closest to the
parking lot). The exceptions are: 6th graders in the morning getting off their bus
and walking to the courts.
 If you have a class in the portables, then you are to enter the 400 building and walk to
the end of the hall and exit the door next to the Agriculture room.
 When walking outside, please remain on the sidewalk at all times(Please help us to keep
the grass alive so we will have a beautiful campus.)
 There should be no standing around in hallways, sidewalks, stairs, stair landings or
bridges when going from class to class.
 Only students with an elevator key should be utilizing the elevator.
Assembly Etiquette
 Sit in the row your classroom teacher has been assigned.
 No food, drinks, backpacks, or markers are to be taken in the cafeteria unless instructed
to do so.
 Give the speaker(s) your attention by sitting forward and staying quiet.
 Clap to show appreciation at appropriate times.
 When the program has completed, stay sitted until your row is dismiss.
 Walk in a straight quiet line with your teacher back to your classroom.
15 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Recycling
Items that can be recycled: paper, cardboard (all flattened), metals, Styrofoam, and
plastics
Items that cannot be recycled: Binders (even though it is metal and plastic, they cannot
be separated), liquids, food, tape, laminated items (again, can’t be separated)
Cafeteria
EVERYTHING can be recycled as long as you follow this simple system:
1. NO LIQUIDS: drink it or dump it first
2. No trays if they have more than 15% food contamination on them.
Classroom Recycling Bins
Ladies Quest club will arrange pick up and return of recycling bins.
Clinic Information
Report to the clinic for the following reasons: injury, fever, stomach ache, to take
daily medication, or if medication is kept in the clinic to be taken as needed.
 Let your teacher know you need to go to the clinic.
 Obtain a clinic pass and get your teacher to sign it.
 You will not be allowed into the clinic without a completed pass signed by a teacher,
unless you have an injury that happens at school or a known medical condition.
 Be sure that you return to class as quickly as possible from the clinic. Remember class
continues while you are gone and you are responsible for what you miss while you are
gone.
Location: The clinic is located in the main office.
16 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Media Center
 The media center is open 8:30-4:00
 Students may visit with a teacher during class, during school hours with a pass, or during
lunchtime with a pass.
 Students may come without a pass in the morning from 8:30 until the bell for homeroom,
to check out a book, read, work, or use the computer QUIETLY (See computer rules
below.) Students may NOT come to “hang out,” socialize, or be disruptive. The Media
Specialist reserves the right to turn students away if the media center becomes too
crowded or unruly.
Entering and Exiting: Enter quietly through the door on the right and continue through the
swing gate. Exit quietly through the book detection gate. If the alarm sounds, wait for Media
personnel to assist you.
Student Conduct: Follow directions the first time they are given, respect others, handle books
and equipment carefully, use quiet voices, walk, and do not eat, drink, or chew gum or candy.
Students are expected to have an educational purpose for being in the media center.
Checking out books: Students may check out up to 2 books at a time for up to 2 weeks. One
of those items may be a magazine. Playaways may be checked out after parents complete a
permission slip. Reference and Career books may not be checked out. Students with overdue or
lost/damaged books may not check out. Students will also not be allowed to participate in field
trips or special events if they have overdue or lost/damaged books.
Lost or damaged books: Fiction: $10 Non-fiction: $15 Magazines: $5
Returning books: Return books any time in the book slot to the right of the circulation desk.
Do not place books on top of the counter, on a cart, or on a shelf. Do not give another person
your library book or leave it in an unsafe place. You are responsible for your books!
Computer Use: School assignments or educational sites only. No e-mail, social media, surfing,
non-educational game sites, music sites, or inappropriate sites. Students should not use
Wikipedia or Google for research. Use the on-line databases and other sites on the Media Center
homepage. See the Media Specialist for help. Students who need to print need to bring paper
and check with the Media Specialist before printing! Follow the posted computer rules at all
times! Students breaking these rules may lose their computer privileges. Students accessing
inappropriate sites may be referred to the administration.
Students who damage computers or accessories will be charged for repairs or replacement. This
is considered VANDALISM and will be dealt with by the administration and the deputy.
Suggestions: We don’t have the book you want? Fill out a suggestion form!
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Computer Labs
Rules and Procedures:
 ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD, DRINK, CANDY OR GUM IN THE LABS!
 An adult MUST always be in a computer lab with students.
 Students must sit in assigned seats when with a class. The teacher should complete a
seating chart for the class.
 Treat equipment GENTLY. Do not bang on the mouse or keyboard or push in on the hard
drive. Treat the headphones gently.
 DO NOT unplug or plug-in the mouse, keyboard or computer. If you have a problem, ask
the adult in the room to help you.
 DO NOT open or close the CD/DVD-rom unless the teacher has given you something to
put in.
 DO NOT change setting, including desktop, wallpaper, screensaver, icon names.
 DO NOT bookmark websites without permission.
 DO NOT write on monitors or computers, etc.
 DO NOT insert any foreign objects into the computer.
 Students may ONLY access educational, district-approved sites. No music sites, noneducational game sites, social media, e-mail, or inappropriate sites.
 Check with an adult before printing. If you are in the media center, you need to bring
paper and get permission from the Media Specialist before printing.
 Documents may be saved on the desktop or in the My Documents folder, but be aware
that you may lose documents if the computer needs to be reimaged.
Consequences:


Students breaking these rules may lose their computer privileges. Students accessing inappropriate
sites may be referred to the administration.
Students who damage computers or accessories will be charged for repairs or replacement. This is
considered VANDALISM and will be dealt with by the administration and the deputy.
Student Logins and Links
 To log into the computer, use: 0055student (lower-case) for both the user name and
password.
 Log-ins for student programs are posted in the media center and are listed on the Media
Center homepage. Teachers are also able to access a list of these log-ins in the Media
Center conference on Shields Internal.
 Links to important student programs and websites are found in the Student Links section
on the Shields homepage: http://shields.mysdhc.org/ , and on the Shields Media Center
homepage: http://shields.mysdhc.org/teacher/0055matthews/ .
 The Media Specialist has free handouts in the media center listing web addresses and logins for many useful research sites and on-line resources.
18 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Academic Information and
Promotion Policy
(HCPS Policy 5420) Refer to HCPS handbook for the complete district policy
 Grade reporting periods are at least nine weeks in length.
 By the end of the fifth week of each grading period, Progress Reports or Scholarship
Warnings will be issued to students. Progress Reports or Scholarship Warnings should be
returned with parent or guardian signature.
 After the end of each grading period, a Report Card indicating academic and conduct
grades earned in each class will be provided to the parent and student. The academic
grade reflects learning gains and the conduct grade reflects behavior.
Grading Scale
90%-100%
80%-89%
70%-79%
60%-69%
0%-59%
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Achievement Level
Outstanding
Above Average
Average
Lowest Acceptable Progress
Failing
Quality Points
4
3
2
1
0
Middle School Course Requirements: Students must earn at least two quality points per
semester to pass an annual course. Students must earn a minimum of two quality points to pass
a semester course.
Honor Roll Criteria:
Principal’s Honor Roll – A’s for all academic and conduct grades.
High Honor Roll – at least four A’s, with no grade lower than a B for academic and conduct
grades.
Regular Honor Roll – B’s or higher for all academic and conduct grades.
High School Credit Courses: Students enrolled in high school credit courses must earn a
minimum of a “C” average per semester to remain enrolled in the class with the exception of
Algebra I, Algebra I Honors and Geometry Honors in 2nd semester. Grades earned for high
school credit courses are part of the high school transcript and are included in the high school
grade point average (GPA). Semester exams and/or end of course exams are mandatory for
high school credit courses.
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Sailfish PRIDE
Polite
Respectful
Individuals
Doing
Exemplary
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Qualifiers:
1. A’s, B’s, and C’s for All Class Grades and
2. All A’s or B’s for Conduct Grades
Disqualifiers:
1. Any D’s or F’s for Any Class Grade
2. Any C’s, D’s, or F’s for Conduct Grades
3. ISS or OSS
4. School debts
Pride celebrations include end of 9 weeks activities and grade level
field trips for students that excel in academics, citizenship, and
attendance! Students have the opportunity to earn Shields PRIDE
each 9 weeks.
Textbooks and Using the Agenda
Textbook Procedures
Issuing Books: Teachers will be assigning you textbooks during the next couple of days. Once
the textbook has been issued to you, it is your responsibility!
Covers for Your Books: If you are going to use stretchy book covers to cover your books,
please remember to buy extra large ones so that they don’t damage the corners of your books.
DO NOT use sticky book covers or contact paper because it ruins the outside cover of the book.
This will result in you purchasing a new book.
Returning Books: Textbooks are to be returned to the teacher that assigned them at the end
of the year. If you need to withdraw from school, you will be required to turn the books back in
to your teacher. If you don’t, you will be expected to pay for the book!
Lost or Damaged Books: If you lose or damage a book you are expected to pay the full
purchase price of the book. Some of the textbooks cost more than $50.00. Lost textbooks are
not an excuse for not doing class assignments.
What happens if I don’t pay for lost or damaged books?
If you don’t pay for the damage or loss of a book, you will not be allowed to have books issued
to you until the costs are paid. Remember if you lose a book or it is stolen, this is not an
acceptable reason for not paying for the book. If the book is found or returned, the bookkeeper
will refund your costs (keep receipt).
How



can I keep my books safe?
At school, your textbooks should be in only one of two places, your book bag!
Don’t let other students borrow your books. If it is lost, you have to pay!
Don’t leave books in your desks, on the bus, or in classrooms.
Where do I go to find a lost book?
 Go to the main office and ask to search through Lost and Found.
 Ask your P.E. teacher about things lost in the locker rooms or at P.E.
 Ask your classroom teachers if it was left in their classrooms.
 Ask your bus driver if it was left on the bus.
 If you think it was stolen, contact an assistant principal to help you.
Using the Agenda and School Binder
Every student is REQUIRED to use their agenda in EVERY class in which there is a
recording area.
Students are REQUIRED to write their assignments, homework, or any information instructed by
their teacher in their planner. If you lose your agenda, the cost to replace it is $5. It is your
responsibility to have your agenda and school binder with you everyday.
 The more organized you are, the easier it is to be successful in school.
 Using your agenda is more helpful than a scrap of paper in your book bag, the back of
your hand, or your memory.
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Edsby – Electronic Access Grades
Web address: https://sdhc.edsby.com/
Edsby can be accessed by students and parents to view the following:
 Students’ grades
 Shields Information: staff information, calendars, clubs, sports, links, etc.
 Class Information: syllabus, calendar, links, handouts, and interactive assignments
Activation Codes
Ms. Matthews will assist all 6th grade students with account setup.
New students will have their accounts established by Guidance when they receive their schedule.
There are separate activation codes for parents and students. It is important that each account
is set up.
Athletic Requirements
 Athletic programs are open to all sixth, seventh, and eighth grade boys and girls. A
student may participate in middle school extramurals for three years: the first year as a
sixth grader, the first year as a seventh grader, and the first year as an eighth grader.
 Players must have a 2.0 GPA from previous nine-week grading period to try out for a
sport. During the 2013-2014 first nine-week period, sixth grade students will not need a
2.0 GPA to try out for basketball, however, they must meet the weekly eligibility
requirements. If a student has a 2.0 GPA during tryouts, but their GPA slips below 2.0
when report cards are distributed, they will become ineligible and will be removed from
the team.
 Age of students - a player must not have reached 15 years of age before September 1st.
 6th Grade players must have not reached 13 years of age before September 1st.
 Weekly progress reports will be checked. "F’s" in academic or an "F" in conduct will
disqualify the student from athletic participation for the coming week.
 Athletes must be in good standing with the office. If a student has received a referral or
has been assigned to ISS during the previous week, he or she will not be allowed to
participate in the contest.
 Any player displaying unsportsmanlike conduct will be removed from the game and may
not return during that game or the next contest.
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Athletic Requirements, Cont.
The following things need to be completed and turned in prior to trying out for the
team:
1. Physical exam known as a, sports physical (filled out and signed by doctor). The form is
named EL-2 and has the FHSAA header at the top of it. No other forms will be accepted
(ie: blue/gold forms, youth flag football forms, etc.) Health physicals are NOT sports
physicals.
2. ADA Form (filled out and signed by athlete and parent)
3. Two Medical Release Forms (signed by parent and notarized)
4. Sign up for medical insurance online at www.schoolinsuranceofflorida.com or send in a
money order made out to School Insurance of Florida. Cost is $20 and will cover the
athlete for the entire school year.
You can download the necessary athletic forms at the following link:
http://shields.mysdhc.org/pdf/msathletics.pdf
Hard copy athletic packets are also available at all lunches on the stage.
See complete district athletic policy at http://athletics.mysdhc.org/
Sports
offered at
the middle
school level
Girls and
Boys
Basketball
Girls and
Boys Track
Girls and
Boys
Soccer
Boys Flag
Football
Girls
Volleyball
Months of
Season
Beginning
of
SeptemberMid October
End of
August
End of
October-Mid
December
Mid
JanuaryBeginning
of March
Mid
December
Mid MarchBeginning of
May
Mid MarchBeginning
of May
Beginning of
February
Beginning
of February
Paperwork
due by or
before:
End of
September
23 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
Physical Education Requirements
Dress
 The cost of our PE uniform is $5 for the shirt, $10 for the shorts, or $15 for both. We sell
PE uniforms everyday of the school year. Payment accepted is cash, check or money
order made out to Shields Middle School. 7th and 8th grade are the only grade levels
required to dress out.
 If you do not wish to purchase Shields's PE uniform, the following attire is acceptable:
Solid white t-shirt and black shorts. No cheer shorts are allowed and all shorts must be
school dress code length and secured at the waist.
 Tennis shoes are required and they must be securely fastened to the feet. Deck shoes,
flip-flops, gladiator open toe shoes, slides, ballet style, and boots are not proper PE shoes
and students will be unable to participate if they wear them. This requirement applies to
6th, 7th and 8th grade students.
 Students must put their first name and last name on the front of the PE shirt. Writing
should be in BLACK PERMANENT marker. No other writing should be on the shirt
(including smiley faces, hearts, flowers, numbers, symbols, etc.). Student are to put their
name on their shorts. Format is either first name with last initial, or last name with first
initial.
 During cold weather, students will be permitted to wear ANY COLOR sweat pants and a
sweat shirt or jacket. They must have their PE shirt somewhere on their body.
Lockers
 7th and 8th grade students need to purchase a PE locker for $2 to secure their valuables.
Anything that is not locked up could be lost or stolen. PUTTING VALUABLES IN THEIR
BOOKBAG WILL NOT PREVENT THEFT! Larger lockers are able to be used during current
period students have. Book keeper Item: The $2 lock money can not be in a combined
check with PE Uniform money.
Medical Issues
 If a student needs to be excused from participation in PE due to illness or injury, a request
must be made in writing from the parent or doctor. A parent's note is only good for 1
day. Any excuses for longer than 2 consecutive days must be made by a physician in
writing. Students who miss PE due to health reasons will be given a written assignment
to earn the participation points for the days they miss.
 If a student has an ongoing medical condition, permanent injury, or physical condition
that could affect the student's performance in PE class, please notify the PE teacher in
writing.
Contact Information
 You can contact your child's PE teacher by leaving a message at 813-672-5338 ext 267
(female coach) or ext 266 (male coach), or via email. Valid email addresses are listed on
the Faculty/Staff page of Shields's website or you can find it on your student’s syllabus.
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25 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
26 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook
(Print Student Name – Last Name, First Name)
Grade
Homeroom Teacher
Shields Middle School
Student Procedures Handbook Sign-Off Form
Dear Parents:
By placing your initials on the line before each of the items listed below, you are indicating
that you and your son/daughter have read and understand the contents of the information
given.
__________1. Important School Information
__________2. Shields Conduct System
__________3. Shields Tardy Policy/Hall Pass (Vest/10 Minute Rule)
__________4. Shields Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy
__________5. Shields Dress Code Policy
__________6. Code of Student Conduct and Vandalism
__________7. Civility, Sexual Harassment, PDA, and Bullying
__________8. Attendance, Sign-in/Sign-out, Makeup Work
__________9. Bus Procedures
__________10. Morning Arrival and Afternoon Dismissal
__________11. Lunch Procedures
__________12. Evacuation Procedures
__________13. Hallway Etiquette
__________14. Assembly Etiquette
__________15. Recycling
__________16. Clinic Information
__________17. Media Center
__________18. Computer Labs
__________19. Academic Information, ELP, and Promotion Policy
__________20. Sailfish PRIDE
__________21. Textbook/Using the Agenda/Edsby
__________22. Athletic Requirements
__________23. Physical Education
Return this form with your initials and signature to your homeroom teacher.
Signature: Parent or Guardian
Date
Student Signature
Date
27 | Shields Middle School Student Handbook