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This handbook has been prepared for parents and students in order to promote an understanding of the policies and procedures necessary for the effective and efficient operation of Rising Sun Middle School. We encourage both new and returning students and their parents to familiarize themselves with the handbook. PHILOSOPHY OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL The middle school will exist as a school in its own right; serving as an educational experience laboratory for the needs of the early adolescent. The middle school will address the physical, intellectual, psychological and social/emotional development of the early adolescent. GENERAL OBJECTIVES Address:
Fax: 410-658-9173
Call (Main Office) 410-398-3019 or 410-658-5535 for the following reasons: ¸ General school information Call (Guidance Office) 410-378-2037 or 410-658-5537 for the following reasons: ATTENDANCEA good attendance record is certain to help you do good work. If you are excessively absent during the school year, you cannot profit from the educational program which is offered. In addition, there is little chance of continuity of instruction or maintenance of interest when you do not attend regularly. Therefore, regular school attendance is necessary to achieve any degree of success in school.
CODES OF ABSENCEThe State Department of Education recognizes the following reasons for lawful and unlawful causes of absence:
LAWFUL CAUSES: 01 Death in the immediate family 02 Illness of child -- certified by doctor 03 Uncertified illness of child -- Parent note (NOTE: counts toward 5 day limit) 04 Court Summons 05 Family Trip - Approved in advance by the Principal up to a maximum of five (5) days per school year (See Family Trips) 07 Violent storms 08 Work or activity accepted by school authorities as reasons for excusing pupil. 09 Religious Holiday 10 State emergency 13 Other emergency - Approved by Principal 18 Suspension 19 Lack of authorized transportation
UNLAWFUL CAUSES: 20 Truancy 21 Indifference of parents 22 Indifference of student 23 Illness in family 24 Illegal employment
IF YOU HAVE BEEN ABSENT, YOU SHOULD PRESENT A WRITTEN STATEMENT FROM YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN TO YOUR HOMEROOM TEACHER ON THE FIRST DAY BACK. Such notes should be dated, and should include dates of absence, student's name, and the reason for the absence, and be signed by your parent or guardian. Excuses will be marked either lawful absence or unlawful absence. A student who is absent from school in excess of five (5) days in any single marking period for absences which are coded as Unlawful Causes (codes 20,21,22,23,24, AND parent note 03) will receive a failing grade in all subjects for the marking period. Any absences – properly certified – which are coded Lawful Causes (codes 01,02,04,05,07,08,09,10,13,18 and 19) will NOT count against the five (5) day limit.
If you return to school without an excuse for your absence, your absence will be listed temporarily as unlawful. MAKE UP WORK IS CONSIDERED YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AND MUST BE MADE UP WITHIN A TIME SPECIFIED BY THE TEACHER. If you have to be absent due to extended illness (three days or more), you or your parent should contact the guidance office (410-658-5537 or 410-378-2037) to make arrangements for work to be sent home. Arrangements must be made at least 24 hours in advance in order to allow teachers to gather the work to be sent home.
FAMILY TRIPSStudents can receive a lawful absence for a family trip for up to five (5) days per school year. To receive a lawful absence, the principal must approve trips in advance. Notes should be brought to the office at least a week in advance to allow the student to gather up homework assignments. It is the responsibility of the student to complete and turn in the work within the time frame agreed upon with teachers.
LATE ARRIVAL/TARDY/EARLY DISMISSALStudents should not arrive to school before 7:30 a.m. Students will be dismissed from the cafeteria and gym at 7:40 a.m. to go to their lockers. They are expected to be in their homerooms by 7:46 a.m. If a student wants to make a purchase at the school store, the homeroom teacher will issue a ‘school store pass’. Those students not in homeroom by 7:46 a.m. will be considered tardy. Students who are unlawfully tardy an excessive number of times will face serious disciplinary action. SPECIAL NOTE: Parents and students are advised that missing the bus, oversleeping, car problems, personal business, hall locker problems, etc., while understandable, are typical unlawful reasons for lateness to school/homeroom.
Any student who arrives to school after 7:50 a.m. (during homeroom period) must sign-in at the main office and obtain a tardy slip. Students are considered tardy up until one and a half hours into the school day (9:20 a.m. at which time students are marked absent for a half day). Students are also to be considered absent for a half day when leaving school before 1:00 p.m. on a normal school day.
Any student who leaves during the school day must be signed-out in the main office. Students are encouraged to remain for a complete school day and should consider early dismissal only if absolutely necessary. Under no circumstances should a student leave school property prior to regular dismissal time unless special permission is granted by the principal. A NOTE WRITTEN BY THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN REQUESTING AN EARLY DISMISSAL SHOULD BE PRESENTED TO THE OFFICE BEFORE HOMEROOM PERIOD.
BUS/BUS ROOM RULES/REGULATIONSThe following bus room rules apply: 1. EARLY bus students - those arriving prior to 7:46 a.m., report directly to the gym. Do not stop at your locker - remain seated until dismissed. 2. Students may not leave the bus room without a pass. The rules on the bus are for the safety of the students on the bus – lis listen and be aware of the rules of the bus driver. When a violation occurs, the driver/school administrator may do the following: notification to parent, one- three- or five-day bus suspension, ten-day bus suspension with a required conference, or denial of bus privileges. Due to safety concerns, we will not permit students to ride home with other students on buses.
AFTER SCHOOLAll students are expected to be out of the building by 2:45 unless under the direct supervision of a teacher. Students waiting for rides are to wait in the front lobby only and are not to be in any other area of the school. After 2:45, this will be strictly enforced. Students need to make arrangements for transportation home prior to the school day. Use of the telephone during the school day for such arrangements is discouraged.
DETENTIONSStudents may be required to remain after school. If this is necessary, a detention notice will be sent home at least 24 hours prior to the date the student is expected to remain. The letter will state the reason(s) the detention is issued. Students must return the detention form with parent signature to stay for their scheduled detention. Students who fail to meet this responsibility will face appropriate action.
LOCKERS1. Each student will be assigned an individual locker, unless assigned to share by his/her teacher. 2. Students are not permitted to switch lockers. 3. Students must not leave belongings in rooms or desks unless directed to do so by a teacher; instead they should put them in the assigned locker. 4. Lockers may be used before and after school and before lunch only. 5. Personal belongings should be identified with your name somewhere on the item. 6. Lockers are considered school property and locker inspection and clean-out will be held at the end of each marking period. 7. School will not be held responsible for items missing from student lockers. 8. Lockers should be kept in working condition and are not to be "bugged". 9. Should a locker need repair, a request should be made to the office. STUDENT DRESS Cecil County Public Schools seeks to promote good citizenship, to provide a safe and comfortable environment conducive to learning, and to prepare students for adult professional life. Appropriate dress is expected of all students. The responsibility for appropriate student dress lies with the student and his/her parents or guardians within approved standards set by the Board of Education and the schools. Certain clothing types and styles are deemed not appropriate as school-day attire and in addition may present an unhealthy or unsafe situation. Prohibited clothing and accessories are those that:
Examples of prohibited clothing and accessories include but are not limited to: 1. Head coverings, except for those worn for approved and accepted medical or religious purposes, such as hats, caps, bandanas, sweatbands and hoods. 2. Pants or slacks that drag on the floor, footwear that pose a tripping, falling, or safety hazard or clothing that conceals the identity of the wearer. 3. Clothing that is vulgar or obscene; promotes drug, tobacco, or alcohol use; demeans or defames others; or promotes violence or antisocial behavior. 4. Clothing that reveals private body parts, underclothing, midriffs, cleavage, buttocks, or those areas of the body that are normally covered by underclothing, such as: - Tube tops, spaghetti straps, single strap shirts, backless shirts, or blouses, halter-tops, muscle shirts or tank tops - Excessively short skirts, dresses, skorts, or shorts - Skin tight pants or shorts - Pants or shorts that hang below the hips - See-through shirts, blouses, pants or other apparel 5. Make-up, face and body painting and accessories that display messages or symbols that are offensive, sexually suggestive, vulgar, demeaning or inflammatory; encourage the use of drugs or alcohol; promote violent, illegal or antisocial behavior; conceal the identity of the wearer, or disrupt the educational process. 6. Items that may be used as weapons or represent a danger to self or others such as chains; spikes including spiked collars, wristbands or bracelets, rings; sticks, wires, ropes or clubs.
TOBACCO/ALCOHOL/DRUGSStudent possession/use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs in any form is prohibited on school property. MEDICATIONStudents on prescribed medication must complete the appropriate forms available in the main office. These forms must be filled out by the prescribing physician and require both the physician's and parent's signature. New medication forms must be completed yearly. Medication must come in the original pharmacy package with label. This policy also pertains to non-prescription medication. Any change in a student's daily schedule for medication must be cleared with the teacher(s) affected and the health office/guidance office.
MEDICAL CONCERNS If a student has any medical concerns that the school should be aware of (allergies, heart problems, kidney problems, asthma, physical constraints, etc.) contact the school nurse immediately.
SICKNESS AND INJURY/HEALTH ROOM If a student becomes ill or injured during the day, he/she must obtain a health referral slip from the teacher to go to the health room where a decision will be made as to what should be done by the school nurse. Students may be assigned to the health room by the school nurse for minor temporary illness such as a headache, cramps, etc.
STUDENT CONDUCTThe maintenance of discipline in the school is essential to an effective learning climate and is the responsibility of teachers, administrators and students. Students, you are expected to show respect to others, respect to property, and respect to yourself. Take responsibility for your own behavior and your academic progress. Students have responsibilities such as: regular school attendance, a conscientious effort in classroom work, and conformance to school rules and regulations as they exist now and until such time as they are properly changed. No student has a right to interfere with the education of his fellow students. It is also the responsibility of each student to respect the rights of teachers, administrators and fellow students who are also involved in the education process.
The school's first obligation is the preservation of a learning atmosphere in the classroom. Individual behavior problems must not infringe unduly upon a teacher's time and attention to the detriment of other students in a classroom. An environment that is conducive to learning must be maintained.
In order to maintain an environment conducive to learning, the teachers, counselor, assistant principal and principal should attempt a variety of methods directed at dealing with students failing to meet their responsibility.
The following are measures that may be utilized: 1. Counseling 2. Reprimand 3. Detention 4. Parental contact/conference 5. Modification of program 6. Involvement of Pupil Personnel Department 7. Temporary removal from class 8. In-School Suspension 9. Suspension out of school 10. Expulsion
NOTE: Students may be denied the opportunity to participate in certain school activities that are considered privileges when the students have not met previously announced school conduct standards.
The Board of Education supports all attempts to make it possible for students to graduate from public schools. Experience indicates that some students repeatedly disobey the rules designed to promote the operation of an efficient school. Therefore, provisions are made to remove such students from school temporarily in an effort to change their behavior. Procedures are available for a permanent removal of some students from school. DISRUPTION TO THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS/PERSONAL PROPERTY Students are not to bring to school anything which is disruptive to the education process. Such items include, but are not limited to, games, radios, cassette/CD players, cameras, skateboards, fireworks, “poppers, "snappers", stink bombs, pepper spray/mace, water guns, and electronic devices which emit loud noises or sounds. In fact, students are not to bring personal valuables or possessions (i.e. baseball cards, playing cards, dolls, stuffed animals, pogs, etc.) to school. Possession of such items may result in disciplinary action. Scooters, skateboards and such may be stored in the office.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONDepending upon the seriousness of the situation, misbehavior will be handled in the following manner: 1. The teacher will correct the situation. 2. The teacher may call your parents. 3. The teacher may issue after-school detentions with at least a 24-hour notice to the student and parents. 4. Repeated or serious violations will be referred to the school administration. 5. Parents will be notified by telephone or letter. 6. Students may be placed on an in-school suspension as a way or correcting specific behaviors that are detrimental to the learning environment. 7. Students may be suspended out of school. 8. Students may be referred to Juvenile Court in the event of criminal violations such as theft, vandalism or continued uncontrollability. 9. Students who persist in violating school behavior rules will be recommended for expulsion to the Board of Education. R.S.M.S. CONDUCT AND COURTESY EXPECTATIONS It is recognized that individual teachers set somewhat different behavior expectations for their students. It is also recognized that different types of activities, groupings, and settings require modification of expectations. However, to legally cover a variety of situations which could occur, it is essential that there be a basic consistent set of expectations which are universally held by all Rising Sun Middle School staff members. These expectations are communicated to students and parents through the student handbook. 1. Students will follow proper traffic patterns in the hall and stairs: a. Keep to the right. b. Walk, do not run. c. Be careful on steps. d. Be courteous at doors. e. Go to locker only at permitted times. 1) Before school 2) Before lunch 3) At the end of the day 2. Students will use school facilities and equipment properly: a. Keep lavatories neat and clean. b. Deposit litter in waste baskets. c. Cover textbooks. d. Return library materials on time. e. Keep lunchroom clean. f. Keep locker clean. g. Use specialized equipment in safe manner as prescribed by teacher. 3. Students will attend school regularly and get to classes on time: a. Students need written absence excuses. b. Attendance is checked by each teacher and compared with absentees on the bulletin. 4. Students take assigned seats when they enter the classroom and wait for the attendance check. 5. Students raise hands for recognition and only one student talks at a time during class discussion. 6. Students do not annoy other students or the teacher. 7. Students bring appropriate materials to class. 8. Students leave room only if scheduled for a special activity or with a pass: a. No lavatory or drink passes except in extreme emergencies. b. Time leaving room and plans for return to room are indicated on passes. c. No locker passes to obtain materials (books, supplies, homework) except in rare instances and at the discretion of the teacher. 9. Students do not carry or wear coats to class except in rare emergencies as announced by the office. 10. Students must complete homework assignments. 11. Students must pay attention in class and make good use of all available time. 12. Students wait until the teacher dismisses the class before packing up to leave. 13. Students are not dismissed early for lunch, physical education, buses or any other reason. 14. Students clean up around their desk and replace chair when leaving room. 15. Students take initiative to make up work missed because of absence or attendance at special activities. 16. Students obey all other rules and procedures set by the school, office, aide and teacher. 17. Students are not allowed to loiter at any time in school. 18. Students finding "lost" articles should not take them home or out of an area unless for the purpose of immediately turning them over to a teacher or to the office. 19. Students are not to engage in horseplay as these behaviors are safety hazards and often lead to further discipline problems. 20. Students are not to show public display of affection. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTSDemocracy requires the mutual respect of all for the rights of others and the obligation of all to assume responsibility. The student has the responsibility to conduct himself in a manner that does not distract from the learning process. He/she must know and understand school regulations, make every effort to uphold them, and recognize that those in authority have the responsibility for maintaining the orderly process of education. It is, therefore, the responsibility of pupils to gain maximum benefit from their schooling and to refrain from interfering with schooling of others.
A detailed statement on Students Responsibilities and Rights has been formally adopted by the Cecil County Board of Education. This document is too lengthy to include in this handbook, but may be obtained at the school office upon request.
The document is also available for review by students or parents at any time. Some of the information regarding student responsibilities and rights contained in the above mentioned document is included in the handbook under separate headings. Each student has a right to all the information contained in this statement. If students are not familiar with this statement, they may request a copy from the school office.
THE FOLLOWING OFFENSES MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION Academic dishonestyAny criminal act committed on school property Arson Behavior which has taken place off school property Bomb threat Detonation and/or possession of an explosive device Disrespect to teacher/staff/students Disruption to the orderly process and/or learning environment Extortion False fire alarm Fighting Gambling Improper use of matches/lighters Indecent exposure Insubordination Lack of required immunization Leaving school grounds without permission/class cutting Physical assault on another student/school personnel Possession and/or use of a dangerous weapon Possession of stolen goods Possession or distribution of drug “look-alike” substances Possession or use of portable pager (current policy under review) Possession, use, sale or under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance or alcohol Racial/sexual harassment Refusing to cooperate with school rules and regulations Refusing to cooperate with school transportation regulations Refusing to do assigned work Refusing to serve detention Script violation (illegal use of prescribed drugs) Smoking (in violation of existing guidelines) Tardiness (class/school) Theft Threatening, verbally assaulting and/or assaulting another student/school personnel Throwing snowballs or other dangerous objects Trespassing Truancy (class/school) Using obscene, abusive or inappropriate language Vandalism
The disciplinary measures of exclusion from school noted above shall not be restricted to offenses appearing on this list but may include other serious offenses. Please refer to Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for further classification.
PLEASE NOTE: 1. The length of suspension to be imposed will be based on the severity of offense(s) and/or the number of offenses. 2. Repeated suspension can lead to expulsion hearing. 3. Any recommendation for expulsion by the administration will be based upon the severity of the offense(s). (Expulsion refers to permanent removal from school.) SCHOOL DANCES Throughout the school year, school-sponsored dances are held for all students. The following regulations apply to students: 1. The school administration reserves the right to deny admission to any individual. 2. Only students of the school shall be admitted to the dance. 3. No alcoholic beverages will be permitted on school property. 4. No smoking is permitted at school dances. 5. Students who leave the dance or school may not re-enter the building after their original departure. 6. Any individual who violates these regulations will be subject to immediate dismissal from the dance. In such cases, money will not be refunded. 7. Students must have all debts paid, including Media fines, before attending dances.
HONOR ROLL ¯ Is an earned recognition for high-level academic achievement in ALL subjects. ¯ Will be compiled at the conclusion of each marking period. ¯ Will be determined by computing an average of the studentÕs grades in the report period. ¯ Will not consider a pass/fail grade when calculating the Honor Roll. ¯ Reflects an average of B (3.0) or better, with no more than one C (no C- grade allowed) and no grade below a C. ¯ Will determine eligibility for Honor Roll when all incomplete grades are resolved.
ASSEMBLIES During the school year, you will have an opportunity to attend several assemblies presented in your behalf. You are expected to sit in the section reserved for the use of your class. The following rules shall be enforced:
RECOGNITION OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Throughout the school year there will be school-wide assembly programs in which worthy students will receive recognition in the following areas: academics, individual effort, athletics, citizenship and service to the school.
CAFETERIAAll students are assigned a PIN number to access their lunch account. Money can be put into a students’ lunch account in the cafeteria at any time. All food must be consumed in the cafeteria. All students are responsible for making provisions for their lunch purchased at school. LUNCHES MAY NOT BE CHARGED TO THE CAFETERIA. STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BORROW LUNCH MONEY FROM THE SCHOOL OFFICE OR CAFETERIA. PLEASE BE REPONSIBLE FOR LUNCH MONEY AND LUNCHES AT ALL TIMES.
RULES OF THE CAFETERIA:
SODA MACHINE A soda machine for student use is located in the main lobby. THIS MACHINE IS TO BE USED ONLY AFTER REGULAR SCHOOL HOURS. Violation of this regulation or abuse of the area, such as spilling of drinks, scattering of cans, etc., will be cause to have the machine removed. Also violation of this regulation will result in a disciplinary action against the student.
GUM CHEWING AND EATING CANDY ARE NOT PERMITTED USE OF THE TELEPHONE A pay telephone is located in the main hallway near the front entrance of the school for student use before and after school only. Due to a substantial increase of time out of class for telephone use, the phone in the main office will NOT be available for student use. Should an emergency arise, the office staff will determine if a call is necessary. Forgotten lunches, gym suits, assignments, and musical instruments are NOT considered emergencies. Students are encouraged to minimize their time out of the classroom.
CELL PHONE CHECK INIf a parent finds it necessary for the student to carry a cell phone to school, the following procedures are to be followed. Students are to turn the cell phone OFF upon arrival to school and leave the phone in their locker. Cell phone are NOT to be carried during the day in purses or by the student. Cell phone use during the school day or on the school bus is prohibited. RSMS is NOT responsible for lost or stolen cell phones
SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM SUPPLIES Students are to be prepared for classes with supplies such as notebook, paper, pencils, erasers and pen. Many of these supplies can be purchased in the school store. All students taking physical education are required to come to class with the appropriate physical education uniform. It may be purchased from the physical education instructor. A breakdown of the cost will be on a separate sheet handed out in the homeroom to all students.
SCHOOL STORE The school store is open in the mornings from 7:45 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. You may purchase needed school supplies at this time. Students must have a pass to the school store from their homeroom teacher before going to the school store.
FIELD TRIPS Field trips are an extension of classroom activities; therefore, all school policies and behavior guidelines remain the same. Most field trips require a parent to sign a permission form and may involve payment of a fee. Timely parental attention to these items will avoid disappointment and administrative problems. BOOK BAGS Past history has shown too many students carry overloaded book bags all day throughout the building. These overloaded bags are causing two problems. The first problem is a safety problem caused by overloaded bags hitting others in crowded halls and stairwells. The second problem is a teacher concern that class time is wasted as students look through a large number of books and papers for homework and other items needed for that class. Therefore, we are requiring all students to place book bags in their locker upon arrival to school and to leave them there until dismissal.
FIRE/CIVIL DEFENSE DRILLSFire/civil defense drills will be held at various intervals throughout the school year. When you hear the fire bell you are expected to cease all work and proceed quickly and quietly from the room. Your homeroom teacher will also give you full instructions for Civil Defense drills. Any needed instructions will be given over the intercom system. During an assembly in the gym, leave by double file through the front exit (fire exit) and from fire exit to the right of the stage. In case an exit is blocked, the teachers should immediately reorganize their groups and direct them to the nearest available exit. We are required to hold ten fire drills during the school year and two civil defense drills. COOPERATION is expected during drills. Below are file drill procedures. Make certain that you are thoroughly familiar with them:
INDIVIDUAL CLASSROOM RULES/PROCEDURES Individual classroom rules and procedures will be discussed with students at the beginning of the school year by teachers. Basic rules applicable to that classroom will be posted. TEXTBOOKSTextbooks are provided by the Board of Education and no charge will be made for their normal use. Should a book be lost or abused, it must be paid for by the student. If it is necessary for students to provide materials for a class, efforts will be made to keep the cost at a minimum. The school cannot accept responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged textbooks. Students will be held liable for missing or damaged textbooks. TEXTBOOKS MUST BE COVERED. Inflation has resulted in tremendous increases in the cost of textbooks. In an attempt to save the taxpayer money, we are trying to hold down costs - in this case - replacement of texts. It's very simple - covered books last longer.
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