Student Handbook

Dear Wildcat Students and Families,

Welcome to a new and exciting school year! It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I welcome you to our school community. Each year brings the promise of new opportunities, meaningful learning experiences, and the chance to grow together as scholars, leaders, and kind citizens. At West Chatham Middle School, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and academically challenging environment where every student can thrive. Our dedicated teachers and staff work tirelessly to create engaging learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. This student handbook is designed to help you understand the expectations, procedures, and resources available to support your success. Please take the time to review it carefully with your family and reach out with any questions you may have. Together, we will continue to build a strong school culture based on respect, responsibility, and excellence. Let’s make this school year the best one yet!

Leading to serve,

Donna M. Jones, Ed.D.

Principal, WCMS

To create a culture of high expectations in which all students are provided with a variety of challenging learning opportunities that prepare them to meet or exceed standards in all areas, as measured by standardized tests, and enter high school with the foundation for both academic and social success. To provide excellence in leadership and academics, which leads to higher levels of learning, increased student achievement, and preparation for success in high school and beyond.

● We believe that students should be held responsible and accountable for their behavior and academic success.

● We believe that students have the right to learn and teachers have the right to teach in a safe, clean, and healthy environment.

● We believe that parental support is a key component to every student’s success.

● We believe that regular attendance is imperative to student achievement.

● We believe that the education of our students should be a partnership among the school, home, and community.

● We believe that students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process and provided with a variety of learning opportunities.

● We believe that high expectations from all school personnel are necessary to achieve a world-class education.

● We believe that students should be provided with a variety of instructional opportunities to support different learning styles.

● We believe that each student is a unique individual with his/her own physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs.

The middle school has a unique mission that sets it apart from both elementary and high schools. Middle school is also different from junior high school. It recognizes the youth it serves as being neither children nor adults, but as being in a transition between the two stages. Middle school recognizes the special needs of these students and is designed to meet these needs. The middle school emphasizes basic skills, explorations, and relationships, not specializations. During the middle school years, students begin to sort out the many interests they have developed during childhood, gradually narrowing the range to the few they will pursue in their adult lives. Students are assigned to a team consisting of a math teacher, a language arts teacher, a science teacher, and a social studies teacher. The team concept provides an opportunity for the team members to get to know each student and to plan cooperatively for the needs of all members of the group. The team concept also allows all members of the team to meet with parents because the student’s progress in each class is the concern of the entire team. Team members seek parental support in all critical decisions affecting the student’s progress.

Students are encouraged and expected to meet the highest academic standards. Writing is stressed across the curriculum. Grading and promotion are based on School Board Policy IHE.

This policy states that middle school students must pass Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

Academic Status Reports will be available through Powerschool to keep parents informed of student progress. Parents are encouraged to register for PowerSchool access, an online resource for monitoring their child’s grades and attendance. Visit the SCCPSS website or the West Chatham Middle School website for more information. Contact our Parent Facilitator with additional questions. Report cards are accessible in digital format every nine weeks.

An absent student may make up missed class work, provided the student makes arrangements with his/her teachers within five (5) days upon returning to school. It is the student’s responsibility to make these arrangements. All make-up work must be submitted within the deadline set by the teacher. Make-up work does not include assignments missed due to reasons other than absences. Parents are required to submit a written excuse for the absence as soon as the student returns to school.

Students who do not earn the minimum 70 points required to pass a course for the marking period may have the opportunity to participate in Credit Recovery activities provided through after-school tutorials and Saturday school. Students who attend the credit recovery program and demonstrate mastery of skills and concepts to the established standards will have the previously failing grade changed to at least a 70. Students must complete credit recovery work during the marking period immediately after the course failure. Grades become final, and the student will not have any further opportunities for credit recovery.

Extra credit work is given at the discretion of teachers, based on individual cases. Extra credit work is not given for students who have expended no effort during the course of a grading period.

Homework is an extension of classwork and should be challenging and meaningful. Homework will be used to reinforce skills taught at school, not to introduce new content. Teachers will clearly explain homework requirements, but it is the responsibility of the student to write down homework assignments. Parents should check all homework to make sure that it is complete and accurate. It is understood that the amount and type of homework may vary with individual students. Homework will be assessed by the teacher and incorporated into the student’s grade. Please be reminded that homework/classwork is counted as a portion of the final grade.

West Chatham Middle School has three full-time counselors who strive to provide a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate guidance and counseling program to all students.

Our counselors help students reach their academic potential by providing the following services: classroom guidance; small/large group counseling; individual counseling; parent/teacher consultation and collaboration; and appropriate referrals. Students, teachers, and/or parents may

refer a child to the school counselor by completing a counseling referral form or contacting the counselor who is responsible for their child’s team. The primary goal of school counselors is to help students deal with issues affecting their academic success. Because school counselors are responsible for providing services to all students, ongoing individual counseling services are not available. A counselor may refer students who require in-depth counseling to outside agencies.

Our counselors maintain a busy weekly schedule that allows time for classroom guidance, group and individual counseling, and scheduled meetings. We realize the importance of parental involvement and value your effort to be an active part of your child’s education, so we would love to talk with you. You may schedule a conference with your child’s counselor by calling 912-395-3659. Unscheduled visits may result in a lengthy wait.

ASSIGNED SCHOOL COUNSELOR GRADE LEVEL:

6th Grade- Mr. Scoville

7th Grade- Mrs. Joseph-Bryant

8th Grade- Ms. Civetta

It is our goal to include parents in every part of the educational program. Several forms of communication are used to keep parents informed about school events and the progress of their child. Parents should carefully read the student handbook, notes, and letters that are sent home, view the WCMS webpage, and stay informed through WCMS’ social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter). Teachers should use phone calls, texts, and email to communicate with parents. Parents are also encouraged to use PowerSchool to monitor their child’s progress online. West Chatham Middle School also utilizes Bright Arrow (phone message delivery system) and Wildcat Weekly Newsletter, which allows us to communicate with a pre-recorded message and flyer about upcoming events and activities.

Parents having concerns or questions about school-related matters should first contact their child’s teacher. If, after speaking with the teacher, the concern has not yet been resolved, the parents should schedule a time to meet with the assistant principal for their child’s grade level. Finally, if the problem still has not been resolved, the parent should submit concerns in writing and schedule a meeting with the principal. By putting concerns in writing, the principal will be able to research the problem before meeting with the parent. Due to instructional leadership responsibilities, the principal may not be available for drop-in conferences. Please contact the school office to schedule an appointment.

● Contact your child’s teacher by phone, written note, or email to request a conference. Teacher email addresses are published in PowerSchool. Conferences are scheduled during the teacher’s planning time, two to three days each week. Special arrangements may be made for before or after school conferences in emergencies.

● Instructional time is valuable and may not be interrupted. Impromptu conferences during the school day are not permitted. This includes during homeroom time and dismissal time, as teachers are required to monitor their classrooms and the hallway as students are arriving and leaving.

ADMIN SUPPORT ASSIGNED GRADE LEVEL:

6th Grade- Mr. Woods

7th Grade- Mrs. Rabun/Mr. Woods

8th Grade- Mrs. Rabun

Regular, punctual attendance at school is critical for the academic success of students. SCCPS Policy JBD-R states that students are expected to attend school every day. Excused absences include those due to personal illness, death of a family member, observance of a religious holiday, orders of governmental agencies, participation in school-sponsored activities, medical necessities, quarantine, or hazardous conditions. Parents are required to provide the school with a written excuse as soon as the student returns to school for the absence(s) to be considered excused, and make-up work to be given. Written excuses must include the student’s full name, dates of absence, reason for absence, parent’s signature, and a contact number for verifying the excuse. If a written excuse is not received, the absence will be considered unexcused.

The school will contact the homes of students who are absent from school using an automated notification system. Students will be referred to the school social worker for frequent absences. Students who continue to be truant from school despite efforts made by the school to gain compliance with the attendance policy will result in the student being referred to juvenile court.

Students entering the building after 7:40 am are tardy and must be signed in by their parents to be admitted to class. Students who walk to school will sign in, and their parents will be notified. Persistent tardiness will be referred to the School Social Worker. Students must arrive on time and remain at school throughout the school day. If a student must leave school before the end of the school day, the parent or guardian must come into the school in person and sign his/her child out. A photo ID will be required. In cases where the right to custody is in doubt, the school administration will require evidence that the person requesting the student is entitled to custody. All students must be signed out through the front office. Students are not released to anyone directly from a classroom. NOTE: No child under the age of 18 may remove a student from school early without the parent’s written permission and a photo ID.

● No student should be dropped off at West Chatham Middle School before 7:10 am unless a detention or tutorial has been pre-arranged with a particular teacher. The school cannot be held responsible for supervising students dropped off before 7:10 am.

● Upon arrival, students should report directly to homeroom. All areas will be supervised by staff members.

● All bus riders will be dismissed by bus route numbers in the afternoons. The bus route numbers are called via the intercom.

● All car riders will enter and exit the building using the front entrance of the school. Parents must wait in the parent pick-up line. Students will not be permitted to cross the line of traffic to meet their parents in the parking lot. Car riders are dismissed between 2:40 pm and 2:50 pm and should be picked up no later than 3:00 pm.

● Walkers and bike riders are dismissed following the final bus dismissal. Walkers and bike riders are required to leave the campus immediately.

An extracurricular activity is any school-sponsored program scheduled outside the regular class day. A student must earn eligibility to participate in any extracurricular activity. Eligibility criteria include the following:

1. A student must be promoted to the next grade level at the end of the previous school year.

2. Summer school may be used to gain eligibility status.

3. Students cannot reach their 16th birthday before May 1st of the current school year.

4. A student must have a physical examination completed by a physician before participation. The physical is good for one calendar year.

5. Students may not have an overall Unsatisfactory Conduct grade on their most recent report card. The administration has the authority to assign the overall conduct grade.

6. Student conduct and teacher recommendations are also taken into consideration.

7. Due to the commitment of time required to participate in a team sport, students are not permitted to participate in two team sports simultaneously.

The SCCPS Student Dress Code requires that students in grades 6-12 maintain and display a current school ID on a lanyard around their neck at all times while on campus, on school buses, and at school-sponsored events. The school will provide each student with an ID badge and lanyard at the beginning of the year at no charge. If a student loses, defaces, or otherwise destroys his/her ID badge, a replacement must be purchased immediately. The replacement charge is $5.00 for the ID badge. Failure to be in compliance with this portion of the dress code will result in appropriate consequences ranging from lunch detention to administrative detention to in-school suspension.

We believe that all teachers have the right to teach and all students have the right to learn. No one has the right to interrupt this process. Students should be in an educational environment that is safe, orderly, and supportive. Students are expected to conduct themselves properly and per the Student Code of Conduct of the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. Parents should expect students to maintain acceptable school behavior. Cooperation and communication with parents are the key to a successful learning situation. Students will be held personally accountable for their behavior at all times when they are on any property of the Board of Education, attending school-sponsored events or activities, or riding as a passenger in any vehicle operated by the BOE or its representatives. These standards of conduct are mandatory and will apply uniformly to all students. Disciplinary consequences are assigned progressively, with consequences becoming more severe with each additional disciplinary referral.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 requires that schools maintain the confidentiality of a student’s educational record. Any information that pertains to a student’s educational record, including grades, educational placement, and discipline, will only be discussed with the parents/guardians of that student. Parents may obtain copies of their child’s permanent record by submitting a written request to the counselor’s clerk and showing a picture ID. Please allow 24 hours for your request to be processed. In the case of disciplinary situations, parents are not entitled to know what consequences were assigned to children other than their own.

Each student is provided with a unique login and password at the beginning of each school year. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain the security of this information and not share it with other students. Any student who is found to be accessing or attempting to access inappropriate and/or obscene material from the Internet will lose their Internet privileges for the remainder of the school year and be subject to disciplinary action. Students are responsible and accountable for all Internet activity that occurs under their login and password. All students and parents sign the ‘acceptable use policy” at the beginning of each school year. Any off-campus internet usage that has an impact on the safe and orderly operation of West Chatham Middle School is subject to disciplinary action (See Discipline Policy JD, Rules 2 and 6).

Student Responsibilities:

Students will be expected to conduct themselves in the following manner:

● be punctual and demonstrate excellent attendance;

● follow all established procedures for arrival at and dismissal from school;

● be prepared for school with all necessary materials, completed homework, and written communication (permission slips, notes sent between parents and teachers, etc.);

● conduct themselves quietly and courteously in the hallways, cafeteria, and all common areas of the building and grounds;

● follow established classroom rules, procedures, and directions; comply with established consequences for inappropriate behavior.

Students may not bring the following items to school:

● any object which might inflict harm;

● candy, gum, or sunflower seeds

● toys, games, cards, or any other item which may be disruptive to learning;

● drugs, alcohol, tobacco, drug/tobacco paraphernalia (edibles, gummies, etc.)

● vapes

● Beats, AirPods, or wireless earbuds/headphones

CELL PHONE POLICY:

*NOTE: Students who bring cell phones to school will be expected to turn their phones over to their homeroom teacher, who will secure them until the end of the day. Failure to follow this procedure shall be subject to the rules outlined in the Student Handbook for Success (Code of Conduct). Cell phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices may be used outside of the building before 7:10 and after 2:40. In most cases, the usage of cell phones/electronic devices can disrupt the learning environment and cause significant distractions during instructional time.

Although we understand that they are used for safety reasons, students can ask a teacher or the administration to use the school phone for emergency-related concerns.

● Cell phones and any other electronic devices seen during the school day will result in these items being taken up from the student.

● WCMS is NOT responsible for any of the items brought to school by students. Please note that if students bring cellphones (or other electronic devices), the school is not responsible for them if they are lost, stolen, or damaged. The student assumes all risks in bringing such cell phones and other electronic devices onto school property or to school-related functions.

● A school-issued Chromebook is the only personal electronic device that a student needs.

● The only exception to the cell phone use policy is if the device is being used in the classroom for instructional purposes, as approved by the teacher. If the device is used in any unauthorized manner during this time, disciplinary action may occur.

HEADPHONE POLICY:

Headphones (i.e., Beats-style headphones) may not be worn in school and must be stored away at all times. Students will use only wired headsets with their district-issued Chromebook.

*NOTE: Any unacceptable items brought to school will be confiscated, and a parent conference will be required to have the item returned. Appropriate disciplinary consequences may be assigned.

TELEPHONE USE:

Students are permitted to use the school phone only for emergencies, and parents should only expect to leave telephone messages for students in emergency situations. Plans for the day, or changes in plans, should be made at home before your child leaves each day. Unless we have written documentation for a change in transportation, your child will follow his usual form of transportation. Phone calls will not be put through to the classroom during instructional time.

Student Expectations:

Students will not be permitted to engage in the following activities:

● bullying (as defined in the Savannah-Chatham County Student Code of Conduct):

● using abusive or profane language, gestures, or expressions;

● touching any student or adult with harmful intent;

● horseplay (playfully pushing, shoving, thumping, etc.)

● exhibiting disrespect to any adult or student;

● disrupting the teaching/learning process;

● damaging/defacing school property.

* In the event of changes in the Board of Education Policies and Procedures or the Student Code of Conduct, these revisions will supersede the above procedures, and parents and students will be notified of the changes.

ADULT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teachers will comply with the following procedures:

● send each parent a written explanation of the school and classroom discipline plan as well as the Student Code of Conduct booklet;

● provide the principal with a written explanation of the classroom procedures and secure the principal’s approval;

● handle discipline problems calmly and reasonably;

● keep parents notified of their child’s behavior throughout the year and work with parents to address problems promptly;

● reward students for appropriate behavior and model appropriate actions for them.

Parents are expected to comply with the following:

● acknowledge all school communications;

● attend parent programs and all scheduled conferences;

● read the school and classroom discipline plan as well as the Student Code of Conduct, review it with their child, and return the signed portion;

● supply their children with needed materials;

● teach their children responsibility for their classwork, homework, lunch money, books, and supplies;

● keep the school informed of current parent phone numbers and addresses;

● ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time.

If a child is referred to the principal or assistant principal, administrators will comply with these procedures:

● follow due process;

● notify the parent/guardian;

● follow the school discipline plan.

Students are assigned to the In-School Intervention Program by an administrator for serious behavioral infractions. A student’s conduct grade will be affected by assignment to the On-Site Intervention Program. Students who are assigned to ISS must comply with all rules and complete all assignments. Failure to do so may result in the student being suspended for the remainder of the assigned ISS days. Students assigned to ISS are not permitted to attend and/or participate in any extracurricular activity during their time in ISS. An overall N or U in conduct will be assigned for the marking period.

Board Policy JD states: “Students may be assigned detention, suspended temporarily, or expelled from school for serious or repeated violation of student behavior rules, except as controlled by state or federal laws and/or policies. The rights of students will not be abridged, and due process will be followed in all cases.” Students suspended from school are not permitted to be on campus at any time during their suspension. Students suspended from school are not permitted to attend and/or participate in any extracurricular activities during their suspension from school. An overall “U” in conduct will also be assigned.

Riding a school bus is a privilege afforded to all students living more than 1.5 miles from the school who can abide by the rules. The bus driver is in charge of the bus and its passengers. Students riding on school buses are expected to follow and adhere to all rules and policies of the Student Code of Conduct. Violations will result in temporary or permanent denial of bus transportation privileges. Students are expected to behave in an orderly manner at all times while riding the bus and while waiting at the bus stop. It is not our desire to deny bus transportation; however, it is our responsibility to maintain safe and orderly transportation for all students. Many buses are equipped with video surveillance equipment. However, these bus tapes are not the only means of investigating bus disciplinary issues. The school administration will use all available information when investigating an issue and assigning appropriate consequences. Remember, riding the school bus is a privilege

Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools require that all bookbags, tote bags, backpacks, athletic bags, and all other similar items, which are used by students, should be clear or have a mesh that is see-through. Athletes who bring sports equipment bags to school must check those in with the coaches upon arrival at school. The book bag requirement is in effect when the student is on any Board of Education property, at any school-sponsored event or activity, riding in any vehicle operated by the Board of Education, or in any school safety zone. Bags can be either see-through clear plastic or light-colored mesh. All mesh bags must be wide mesh so that items inside the bags are visible. Handbags, purses, pocketbooks, and similar items must be no larger than 8 ½ x 11 inches (the size of a sheet of paper), 3-4 inches wide, and must not be large enough to contain a regular-sized textbook. These items do not have to be clear or see-through if they meet the size requirement. The principal reserves the right to determine whether any item conforms to the policy.

The purpose of our dress code is to ensure an atmosphere conducive to learning. Students must be dressed appropriately at all times. The school administration reserves the right to determine whether any student is dressed inappropriately and to take action to correct the infraction. Students who arrive at school inappropriately dressed will be offered one of the following options:

● To change clothes and remain at school

● To be isolated for the day

● To return home accompanied by a parent

As a part of our safety program, all schools in the SCCPSS began enforcement of a mandatory uniform policy. The purpose of this policy is to provide additional opportunities for school safety, to minimize disruptions, to easily identify trespassers on campuses, and to promote improvement in student behavior. School uniforms also help students to experience a greater sense of school identity and belonging and to promote academic excellence.

With the understanding that a student’s behavior is influenced by the way the student is dressed and with the understanding that no student should dress in a manner that is disruptive or harms school activities, these mandatory uniform standards for student attire have been developed. Students are expected to dress in uniform during the school day and during school-related activities.

The uniform for West Chatham Middle School is as follows:

● Solid khaki or navy pants, skirts, jumpers, shorts, or capri pants made of standard uniform material (cotton and/or twill). Corduroy and denim fabric of any color pants are not considered to be standard uniform material. Pants must be worn at the natural waist and have no zippers or pockets on the pant legs. Pants and shorts may not have cargo pockets.

● Solid white or navy blue polo-style collared shirts. Shirts that are too short to remain tucked in during the normal course of school activities cannot be worn.

● Shirts must be buttoned within two buttons of the top. Any undershirts worn under the uniform shirt must be solid white.

● Brown or black belts with simple buckles, no larger than the student’s ID badge (no advertisements or logos permitted)

● All shoes must have enclosed toes and heels and be fastened/tied properly

● Solid white or navy sweaters, vests, and/or pullover sweatshirts may be worn over the uniform shirts while in the building.

● All jackets that meet dress code requirements are acceptable for outdoor wear. While in the building, ALL jackets must be unzipped.

*NOTE: Regulation JCDB-R(1): Student Dress Code

● Hooded sweatshirts are not allowed except for school-approved "spirit wear" hooded sweatshirts, which must be designated by each school. Hoods must not be worn on the head while inside the building.

● Coats and jackets must be worn open while in the building.

● Student ID badges must be worn above the waist and visibly displayed while the student is on campus and attending all school-sponsored field trips. ID badges are not the personal property of the student and should not be defaced front or back in any way (writing, stickers, erasures, additional pictures, etc.) Students are issued one ID badge at no charge. Replacement ID badges must be purchased immediately if the original badge is lost, damaged, or defaced.

● Students must not wear hats, caps, sweatbands, or sunglasses while in the school building.

● Shorts, skirts, and dresses must have a finished hem and be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee.

● Pants must be of appropriate size, worn at the natural waist, and not drag on the floor.

● Sweaters and sweatshirts must be of appropriate size. A collared shirt must be visible under sweatshirts and sweaters.

● Undergarments must not be visible.

● Articles of apparel, including patches on jackets, tattoos, or jewelry, must not contain alcohol, tobacco, or other drug advertisements, obscene or inappropriate words or designs.

● The wearing of gang-related styles and/or symbols (i.e., bandanas) is prohibited.

● Choke collars, chains, wallet chains, or any other jewelry considered dangerous will not be permitted.

*Violations of the dress code, including ID badges, are Level I offenses in the Student Code of Conduct. Repeated Level I violations become Level II offenses.

All visitors must report to the office immediately upon arrival at school. All visitors are also required to present a valid ID upon entering the school. Parents who need to confer with a teacher should contact their child’s teacher to set an appointment so that the instructional day is not interrupted. Instructional time will not be interrupted for unscheduled conferences. Parents are welcome to visit and observe any class, provided that their visit does not cause a disruption to the learning environment.

If a student becomes ill or is injured at school, the parent will be contacted by the nurse. A parent will be expected to pick up the child promptly. It is imperative that parents provide the school with current phone numbers (home, work, and emergency numbers).

To obtain optimum educational development in the least restrictive environment, some students need, during the school day, doctor-prescribed medications for the treatment of chronic disabilities and illnesses. For our students’ safety and according to Savannah-Chatham Board of Public Education policy 1056-P, the parent or legal guardian must follow these steps before the nurse or designee can administer medication to a student:

● the medication must be brought to the school in the pharmaceutical prescription bottle and presented to the nurse by the parent or legal guardian;

● the parent or legal guardian must complete and sign the approved medical form authorizing the nurse or designee to administer the medication.

● medications must be dropped off to the nurse between 7:30 am -2:30 pm.

Instructional time is very valuable and will not be interrupted. Any items (homework, ID badges, PE clothes, etc.) brought in during the school day will be placed in the mailbox of the student’s homeroom teacher. Teachers will check their mailboxes during their planning period. The front office staff will not call into the classroom and interrupt instruction to tell students that their belongings have been dropped off. Parents and students are encouraged to make sure that the student has all of his/her belongings and school work before leaving home in the morning.

A nutritious breakfast and lunch are available in the school cafeteria, and students are encouraged to take advantage of these programs. Students may bring a nutritious lunch from home for consumption in the cafeteria. Parents are discouraged from bringing in fast-food meals for their children. If a parent does bring in a meal from a restaurant for their child, the student will be provided with a place in the front office to consume this food. Students will not be permitted to consume restaurant food in the cafeteria.

The media center and all materials are made available to all students. A current, valid school ID is required to check out materials. Students are expected to return all materials. Students are expected to return all materials by the due date and in the same condition. Fines may be imposed if borrowed materials are damaged or lost. Students are not permitted to check out additional books if they have outstanding library fines.

Textbooks and other reusable materials and equipment are issued free of charge; however, it is the responsibility of each student to use textbooks and equipment carefully. Abuse, damage, or loss of equipment, books, and/or other materials assigned to or used by students may result in fines to repair or replace the item. Students are expected to pay textbook fines. Students should report any damage when they sign for the book at the beginning of the year. According to board policy, textbook fines must be paid before another book is issued or books are issued the following year.

The student should mark his belongings with his full name so that coats, hats, bookbags, etc., can be returned to him if lost. The Lost and Found Box is kept in the main office. Unclaimed items will be donated to Goodwill at the end of each marking period.

Except for regularly scheduled class changes, student traffic outside classrooms should be minimal. Students will visit the restrooms on a sufficient and regular basis and should not expect to be dismissed from class individually for that purpose. Teachers will provide written hall passes anytime a student leaves the classroom. Any traffic outside of a classroom, other than for emergencies, will be considered unnecessary and unacceptable.

Field trips to enhance the instructional program are available to students. No student will participate in a field trip without written permission from the parent or guardian. Signed field trip slips should be returned by the student on the due date. Students should not expect to call parents to bring or email field trip forms to school. Students must have a current, valid ID in order to participate in any field trips. Field trip participation may be denied for conduct grades below satisfactory. Students who register for an out-of-town field trip will lose the opportunity to participate in that field trip if they violate the Code of Conduct and receive ISS or OSS for their misbehavior. Removal from an out-of-town trip may result in the loss of some or all of the trip fees being forfeited.

Please review this listing of school-sponsored student clubs/organizations. You must provide the school with written notice if you do not approve of your child joining or participating in any one of these clubs/organizations. The “Opt-Out” form is included within the Code of Conduct Book.

After-School Clubs:

• FBLA – Future Business Leaders of America

• Cheer Club

• Art Club

• Drama Club

• Chess Club

• Academic Clubs (National Junior Honor Society, Beta, etc.)

• International Culture Club

Sports:

Football, Softball, Cross Country, Tennis (District), Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Swimming (District), Track and Field.