CW Handbook 18-19

CANDLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL Agenda Book 2019-2020

Pamela Higgins, Principal Valerie Geiler, Assistant Principal Matthew Mayo, Assistant Principal

This Middle School Agenda Book Belongs To: NAME___________________________________ADVISORY TEACHER________________________ GUIDANCE COUNSELOR_____________________________________________________________ BUS ROUTE_________________________ACTIVITY ROUTE (4:00)___________________ ACTIVITY ROUTE (4:45)___________________ Main Office : 592-3300

Guidance: 592-3310 Attendance : 592-3308 Main Office FAX: 592-3921 1

Nurse: 592-3301

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Principal’s Message to Students

CANDLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year at Candlewood Middle School! This year let’s join together to continue and grow as engaged learners and thoughtful citizens both in school as well as in our larger community.

Candlewood Middle School holds so many wonderful opportunities for every student. You will have the chance to take challenging classes and join interesting clubs. Throughout this time you can pursue interests in music, the arts, science, athletics and many other great activities and passions. We encourage you to become involved in all that Candlewood has to offer!

During your middle school years, you will be called upon by teachers and administrators to make thoughtful decisions and to begin to self-monitor your actions and choices. We ask you to join us as we continue to build an inclusive environment here at Candlewood where you will work toward reaching your highest potential. Your opportunities have no limits and our commitment to helping you set and reach goals is limitless.

By building mutual respect, gaining personal integrity, establishing a strong work ethic and practicing gratitude and kindness, you will move on to high school as a life-long learner and a productive, solid citizen. This is our greatest hope for every student at Candlewood Middle School.

Have a great year!

All the best, Mrs. Pamela Higgins Principal

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Candlewood Middle School Mission Statement Candlewood Middle School’s mission is to foster resiliency in order to encourage innovative, independent, and critical thinkers, who will be globally-minded and have respect for differences, while developing responsibility to oneself and empathy for others.

Here at Candlewood, we inspire the personal growth of intelligent, lifelong learners who will practice responsible use of technology and become contributing members of the school, community, and society.

It is our goal that through a collaborative effort, each student will acquire the tools to reach their fullest potential.

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Advisory: An Amazing Way to Start the Day! Each morning at Candlewood Middle School begins with Advisory! Advisory is a ten minute period each day (7:50am-8:00am) where a small group of students are paired with an Advisory teacher. During Advisory, students will listen to announcements, receive important flyers and passes, and teachers will take attendance. However, at Candlewood, we have made it so much more!

We have special days in Advisory: Mindful Mondays: Every Monday in Advisory we take the time to focus our thoughts and to get ready for the new school day and the new school week. Mindfulness is paying attention, in the present moment, on purpose, without judgement. We will be practicing simple techniques to achieve this goal!

Wind Down Wednesdays: On Wednesdays, we go short on announcements but long on silence in order to READ! Everyone is encouraged to stop everything during Advisory to take some time to read independently. Whether it is the latest great book from the library, a novel being read in English class, the newspaper, a comic book or magazine, or simply notes from class everyone reads on Wednesday!

Extended Advisory: About twice a month we will have an Extended Advisory. Extended Advisory is exactly what it sounds like—extra time for Advisory in the morning to come together to participate in exciting activities, or to learn something new. The Extended Advisory lasts from 7:50am-8:24am. This is plenty of time to play exciting and competitive games, give back to others through school and community outreach, and get to know each other through fun activities, such as untying a human knot, decorating an award-winning pumpkin, or writing thank you notes to our Veterans.

Our Advisory teachers may also schedule days to meet in the cafeteria instead of the Advisory classroom so everyone can eat together! It is a great way to start the day.

Make Mornings Matter! Come to Advisory to enjoy the activities, meet new friends and to work together as a team! It is a great way to start the day!

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BELL SCHEDULE EXTENDED ADVISORY SCHEDULE

REGULAR SCHEDULE Advisory Per. 1 Per. 2 Per. 3 Per. 4 Per. 5 Per. 6 Per. 7 Per. 8

7:50 8:04 8:54 9:44 10:34 11:24 12:14 1:04 1:54

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8:00 8:50 9:40 10:30 11:20 12:10 1:00 1:50 2:40

Advisory Per. 1 Per. 2 Per. 3 Per. 4 Per. 5 Per. 6 Per. 7 Per. 8

7:50 8:28 9:15 10:02 10:49 11:36 12:23 1:10 1:57

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8:24 9:11 9:58 10:45 11:32 12:19 1:06 1:53 2:40

SCHOOL CLOSING PROCEDURES Please remember that the safety of the children is our primary concern. Whether schools are closed, openings are delayed, or dismissal is early, due to inclement weather, your first source of information should be the Half Hollow Hills district website for the up to date announcements. Announcements will also be made over News 12 (Cable TV) and the following radio stations.

WRCM/FM 94.3 WALK/AM 1370

WGBB/AM 1240 WALK/FM 97.5

WLIX/AM 540 WHLI/AM 1100 WBLI/FM 106.1 WKJY/FM 98.3

WGSM/AM 740 WBAB/FM 102.3

Our school buses are well equipped for these conditions, and we ask that for their safety, students should ride the buses rather than driven by parents. Individual cars become a hazard to the students on the buses as well as the individuals in the car. When schools close early, no student may remain in the building waiting to be picked up by a parent/guardian. In addition, a Connect Ed phone call will be made to all households to alert them of any changes made to the schedule.

DELAYED SCHOOL OPENING SCHEDULES 1 Hour Delayed Opening Advisory 8:50 – 9:04 Per. 1 9:08 – 9:46 Per. 2 9:50 – 10:28 Per. 3 10:32 – 11:10 Per. 4 11:14 – 11:52 Per. 5 11:56 – 12:34 Per. 6 12:38 – 1:16 Per. 7 1:20 – 1:58 Per. 8 2:02– 2:40

1–1/2 Hour Delayed Opening Advisory 9:20 – 9:28 Per. 1 9:32 – 10:07 Per. 2 10:11 – 10:46 Per. 3 10:50 – 11:25 Per. 4 11:29 – 12:04 Per. 5 12:08 – 12:43 Per. 6 12:47 – 1:22 Per. 7 1:26 – 2:01 Per. 8 2:04– 2:40

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2 Hour Delayed Opening Advisory 9:50 - 10:00 Per. 1 10:04 – 10:35 Per. 2 10:39 – 11:10 Per. 3 11:14 – 11:45 Per. 4 11:49 – 12:20 Per. 5 12:24 – 12:55 Per. 6 12:59 – 1:30 Per. 7 1:34 – 2:05 Per. 8 2:09 – 2:40

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION T h e State of New Y ork has a com pulsory attendance law which places the authority of enforcem ent on each school district. A pa r ent/guardian must call 592-3308 t o r eport an absence or lateness before 8:30 a.m. Students must bring an absence n ot e upon t heir return.

A st udent who m isses a ll or part of a day m ust bring a note t o school signed by t he parent, st ating the reason for absence or t a rdiness. Legal absences include illness, death in family and religious observances.

St eps t o follow when a bsent from sch ool:  

A pa rent or guardian must wr ite an excuse note or a n email to cwatt@hhh.k12.ny.us giving n ame, da t e, days of a bsence a nd r eason for the a bsence.

T h e student will present the excuse n ote to their A dvisory teacher on the day student r eturns to sch ool .

In or der for students t o participate in any a fter school a ctivity (a thletics, cl ubs, performances, a ctivities, etc.) st u dents must have attended school that day. A ll students must a rrive t o school before 10:00 a.m. to be con sidered eligible t o participate in athletics, clubs, activities, or performances , etc., unless an administrator a pproves otherwise.

St u dents will not be excused from school except in cases of em ergency. All work m issed by students m ust be m ade up a s soon as possible a fter returning t o school.

STUDENT LATENESS TO SCHOOL/CLASS A ny student who arrives late t o school must sign in a t the Ma in Lobby and r eceive a pass t o cla ss.

St u dents who develop serious attendance problems in terms of l ateness to sch ool sh all be subject to disciplinary con sequences as deemed appropriate by sch ool authorities.

St u dents are expected t o arrive on-time to a ll classes. There is enough t ime for any st u dent to arrive prom ptly from any place in the building. Arriving late disrupts the a cademic instruction g oing on in t he class. T he student arriving late and others will m iss v aluable information. T here are classroom consequences as well a s loss of privileges for st u dents who are chronically late.

If a n other teacher has detained the student, he/she should secure a pass from the t ea cher. If a st udent is late without a pass, they should report to t heir class, and the t ea cher will decide what a ction is to be taken.

T h e following consequences will be a pplicable for accumulated unexcused tardiness to sch ool/class in any g iven qu arter: Th ree (3) of f enses = On e a fter-sch ool detention.

Si x (6) of f enses = Two a f t er-school detentions.

Ni n e (9) of f enses = Fou r after-school detention s.

Twel v e (1 2) of fenses = In-Hou se detention for on e day .

DAYS FOR RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE Cer tain days each y ear are established by the Com missioner of Education as days for r eligious observance. If a student is absent from school for religious observance, the st u dent must bring a written excuse from their parent or guardian the day that the student r eturns to school.

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EARLY DISMISSAL SIGN OUT PROCEDURE FROM SCHOOL Students shall be released only to a parent with whom they reside, their legal guardian, or another lawful custodian.

If a student plans to leave school early, he/she MUST bring a note from home. The note should have the student’s name, the date, and the time the parent will be picking the student up from school. The student should present the note to the attendance office during advisory. Each student will be given a pass for the early dismissal time. At the correct time the student will meet his/her parent outside the main office, by the reception desk, for dismissal and to surrender the pass. Should another person be picking up the student other than the parent, that person’s name must be listed on the excuse note.

GENERAL POLICIES LEA V ING SCHOOL GROUNDS St u dents m ay not leave the building or grou nds at any time during regular school hours without a dministrative permission; it is a ser ious breach of school policy because it endangers the welfare of st udents. Any stu dent caught violating this rule will be ch arged with t ruancy, parents will be informed, and appropriate adm inistrative a ction will be taken.

BEFORE/A FT ER SCHOOL PROCEDURES St u dents a re n ot t o be in the building, or on the sch ool grounds, before or after s ch ool unless they are under t h e supervision of a t eacher.

USE OF LA V ATORIES St u dents m ay use the lavatories with a pass. Agenda books are generally used as a pass.

St u dents must com plete the sign-in book outside the bathrooms.

SELLING OR SOLICIT ING Selling or soliciting for personal gain is illegal. This includes the sa le of su ch item s as gum, candy, clothing, or solicitin g for ou t side or ganizations, ski or amusement park t rips, etc. Adm inistrative a ction will be taken t o enforce t his rule .

Students may not bring knives, guns, box cutters, laser pointers, toy-pellet and/or bb guns or air guns to s chool. A ll of the above items will be interpreted as a weapon and be subject to disciplinary action as outlined by the Board of Education policy #5535.

CELLULA R PHONES Cell Phones are permitted prior t o adv isory and a fter dism issal. Cell phones should be placed in student lockers at all tim es t h roughout the school day. Should a cell phone be seen or heard during school hours, t he student will be asked to put the item a w ay and possibly receive a disciplinary conse quence. It is im portant t o remem ber that the school cannot assume r esponsibility for the sa fekeeping of your personal items should they becom e lost or stolen, nor will a n investigation take p lace in connection with the loss.

LOCKERS A locker will be issued t o students without cost at the beginning of t he year. The locker is prov ided to st ore books and clothing.

Plea se keep it uncluttered and locked a t all t imes. During the first week of school, students are a sked t o n ote the t imes they are close t o or pass their locker when traveling between classes. Students should or ganize themselves so t hey ca rry and r eplace only those books a nd n otebooks when needed. If a locker is left open or unattended the student is r esponsible if a ny thing is lost. The school will not a ssume r esponsibility.

Ha ll lockers and athletic lockers remain the exclusive property of t he school district and are loaned to t he student for t he school y ear. Students have no expectation of privacy with respect t o lockers. Ea ch student is r esponsible for his/her belongings and for t h e books and equipment issued by the school in t heir lockers. Students are financially liable for the loss or damage of school books a nd equipment a s well a s for damage t o their lockers. Student locker numbers and combinations are the privilege of t he st u dent assigned t o that locker. St udents should n ot share their hall or gymnasium l ocker or give their com bination to anyone. A dministration r eserves the right t o enter these lockers at any t ime they deem necessary without pr ior knowledge or consent of student or parent. School authorities assume no r esponsibility for the loss of students’ perso nal belongings or for t he loss of books and equipment issued t o the student by t he school. T o keep u p with the maintenance of t h e hallway l ockers, students may not decorate the outside of their l ockers for any r eason.

Her e a re a few simple rules students should follow: 1. Do not bring valuables to school.

2. Safeguard their locker combination. No one else should k now it.

3. Be s ure you close the locker door properly and s nap it s hut.

4. If the locker does not work properly, report it im m ediately to the Attendance Office.

5. Coats and backpacks m ust be left in lockers.

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Should your lock be missing, please report the loss to the Attendance Office and remit $6.00 in cash for a new lock.

Personal locks are not permitted.

SMOKING A ND SUBST A NCE ABUSE Ca n dlewood is a smoke-free building. Students are not permitted to u se or carry vaping devices, ci ga r et t es, ci ga rette l ighters, or matches while in the sch ool building or on school grounds, on the school bus, or durin g a n y activity sponsored by the sch ool. A ll cigarettes, lighters , vapes a n d m a t ch es wil l be con fisca t ed. A n y st u dent who v iolat es t h is r u l e is su bject t o su spen sion . A n y st u den t in possession of a n y con t r ol l ed su bstance is su bject to suspension a nd possible legal action. El ectronic ciga r et t es, v a pin g dev ices, or a n y ot h er pr odu ct s t h a t sim u l a t e sm okin g a r e n ot per m it t ed on sch ool gr ou n ds.

FORGOT T EN IT EMS In a n effort t o minim ize classroom disruption, your child should st op in the m ain office to see if h is/her parent/guardian has br ought in the item. It is the r esponsibility of the student t o com e t o the office for the purpose of r etrieving forgotten items.

T h e Ma in Office is not responsible for items n ot picked up by student.

NOT ICES T O T HE HOME It is ex trem ely im portant t o keep the line s of com munication from the school t o the hom e open by seeing to it tha t m essages a r e delivered t o the parents/guardians. From t ime to t ime t here will be im portant information that parents/guardians m ust be m a de aware of. Please check with your child for all notices. Please u pdate phone numbers and em ail addresses a s im portant m essages are shared t hrough phone and em ail com munication.

PERSONA L POSSESSIONS Do n ot bring personal item s, money, electronic item s or valuable jewelry to school. It is im portant t o remem ber that the school ca nnot assume responsibility for t he safekeeping of y our books or other personal item s should they becom e lost or st olen .

LOST A ND FOUND A ll inquiries relative to lost and found articles are to be referred t o the Ma in Office. Check the lost and found in the cafeteria a n d outside the PE locker room s first. All textbooks and agenda books sh ould be properly identified so t hat they can be more ea sily located and returned.

ST UDENT DRESS St u dents are encouraged to dress in a m anner appropriate t o attending school. Students are expected to dress in clean cloth ing a n d should work to dev elop good habits regarding their personal hygiene. Students with exposed undergarments will be asked t o cov er t hemselves a ppropriately. If n o clothing is available, t hey will n ot be permitted t o go t o class or they m ay be sent h om e. Students may a lso be a sked to call hom e t o get a change of clothes.

V ISIT ORS T h e school building is closed t o all unauthorized visitors. Those persons who have business t o conduct in the school m ust state t h eir business, prov ide state or gov ernment issued ID, sign the visitor’s r egister, and wear a v isitor’s pass.

HA LL T RAFFIC W h ile in the corridors, students are expected t o keep t o the r ight and mov e a t a r ea sonable pace. Be sure t o use the “Up” and “Down” st aircases a ccordingly. Running in t h e halls is not permitted.

GUM POLICY Gu m chewing is prohibited in a ll areas of Candlewood Middle School .

Students who will be taking a bus home after school, which is not their regularly assigned bus, must present a written note. The note should include the student’s name they are going home with and their bus # signed by a parent or guardian to the Main office during advisory to be stamped.

STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO CARRY BACK PACKS, STRING BAGS OR LARGE POCKETBOOKS IN THE BUILDING DURING THE SCHOOL DAY. As a result, you must plan your day carefully. Know what books to carry for the next period. Keep lockers uncluttered. Be ready for special days, changes in schedules, and due dates for long-term assignments

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STUDENT HEALTH POLICIES Il l n ess If a st udent does n ot feel well before leaving for school, he/she should be kept a t hom e. If a student is in school and not feeling w ell, the school nurse should be seen. A student will be admitted t o the Health Office with a pass from a classroom t eacher. A st u dent is not to g o t o the Health Office between periods, but should report to the next period class and obtain a pass from the t ea cher. Only in the case of an em ergency will a student be adm itted without a pa ss. If t he student is t oo ill t o rem ain in sch ool, and m ust leave school because of illness or injury, the nurse will contact the parent/guardian for pickup.

In ju ry A ny injury on the school bus, school grounds, or in t he school building must be reported to t he nurse as soon a s possible. First a id will be administered a s needed. Follow -up t reatment of su ch injuries is the responsibility of t he parent/guardian. Hom e in juries are n ot the r esponsibility of the school.

Medica tion Medication m ust be brought t o school by a parent or guardian, in the or iginal container, accom panied by a written request fr om the doctor indicating frequency and dosage of the prescribed m edication for students who r equire m edication. Doctors' n ot es are a lso required for a ll ov er-the counter m edications. A ll m edication must be left with the school nurse and used under h er supervision.

A n nual screenings are com pleted by the nurse during t he school year. Students in grades 7 and 8 may participate in the in t erscholastic a thletic program. They m ust receive a sports physical examination prior t o tryouts. Sports physicals will be sch eduled, free of charge, prior to t he start of each sports season. Post ings and announcements for physical exam dates are post ed on the school web-site well in advance of t he scheduled exam dates.

PLEA SE CHECK T HE SCHOOL WEB-SIT E OR T HE NURSE’S OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMA T ION RELATED T O T HE HEA LT H SCREENINGS, MEDICA T IONS, IMMUNIZATIONS A ND SPORT S.

LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER W e h ave an excellent school library available for our students use. The library will be available before and a fter school as well a s du ring t he school day. Students must sign up in the cafeteria at t he beginn ing of t heir lunch period t o use the library after sch ool. A ny closing of the library for a period of t ime will be announced in a dvance.

Du r ing the early part of t he school year, students will receive library or ientation which will help them becom e familiar with t he v arious services t he library provides. T hey will be permitted t o work in the library under the school-pass sy stem.

T h e library is a qu iet place for learning and r esearch. T o m aintain this atmosphere, the following m ust be observed: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Qu i et, cou rt eous, st udiou s behavior i s expected.

Keep t h e space tidy; put t he ch air a way n eatly; discard t rash in the wa ste basket.

Books ci rcu l ate f or t hree weeks a nd may be renewed.

Si gn u p in the cafeteria a t the beginning of the lunch period t o use library a fter sch ool.

Li bra ry computers a re available for sch ool work. Ask permission to u se a computer upon a rrival at the library and si gn t he Library Log-In book.

No f ood or dri n ks in the library.

COMPUT ER LA BS Ou r com puter labs are available t o students throughout the day.

Ea ch student has h is/her own password. Do n ot share it with a nyone. All students and parents must sign the In t ernet a greement on the HHH web pa ge, complete it and submit it online

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TRANSPORTATION Students are expected to behave in a manner which ensures the driver’s ability to operate the bus in the safest way. T h e basic rules t o be followed on the bus which are posted on each bus, in clude the following:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Be seated immediately and remain seated. Do not stand in the bus.

Cooperate and follow the instructions of the bus driver.

Keep head, hands and feet inside the bus.

Do not eat or drink on the bus.

Be courteous, do not use profane language.

Keep the bus clean.

Do not be destructive.

Smoking or vaping is absolutely prohibited.

Do not throw anything out of the windows.

Fighting on the bus will be dealt with disciplinary action.

St u dents wishing t o take an alternate bus h om e (other t han their a ssigned bus) must bring in a request in writing signed by t h eir parent/guardian t o the Ma in Office t o be stamped. Students are not permitted t o walk to and from school unless written docum entation from a parent/guardian is on file at Candlewood. Students are not permitted t o ride bikes t o and from Ca n dlewood Middle School.

A v iolation of any of t hese rules is su fficient cause for the issuance of a r eport of m isbehavior by the bus driver . T he driver, in a pplying the rules fairly, can issue v erbal warnings and assign seats prior to filing a written report. Disciplinary action r esulting from the receipt of a written r eport shall be carried out by the building adm inistrator a nd reported to transportation a s w ell a s to the Assistant Superintendent. Repeated or sev ere m isbehavior m ay result in the suspension of privileges.

St u dents, whether t hey take a bus or n ot, are r equested to leave the building im mediately after their last class.

CAFETERIA Ca n dlewood offers a Br eakfast Program from 7:1 5 a.m.-7 :50 a .m. Students m ust report t o a dvisory after breakfast; therefore, leav ing the cafeteria at or before 7:55 a .m. is mandatory. Students who wish t o eat breakfast will be permitted to g o t o the ca feteria as soon a s their buses arrive at school.

NO ST UDENT S WILL BE A LLOWED IN T HE CA FET ERIA UNLESS T HEY A RE GETTING BREA KFAST .

St u dents m ay purchase a full breakfast of pancakes, breakfast pizza, French t oast, bagels, rolls or cold cereal with juice and m ilk or any item a la carte. No breakfast is t o be taken out of the cafeteria. Lunch periods prov ide a com plete lunch a n d an ala carte lunch.

Du e t o food a llergies, please do n ot share food with other students.

Students are not permitted to bring in treats (homemade or store bought) to share to celebrate special occasions.

Students are not permitted to have fast food, pizza, or donuts sent to the cafeteria. Please do not

bring any of these items up to the school. We will not permit them to be brought to the cafeteria.

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SAMPLE COURSE OFFERING 6th Grade English Science Social Studies Mathematics World Language Content Literacy Family & Consumer Science F/CS Art Health Technology Phy sical Education Music

Full Y ear Full Y ear Full Y ear Full Y ear 1 0 weeks 1 0 weeks

7 th Grade

8th Grade

English Full Year Science Full Year Social Studies Full Year Mathematics Full Year World Language Full Year Art Ev ery other day Phy sical Education Ev ery other day

English Mastery Full Y ear Science 8/Earth Science Full Year Social Studies Mastery Full Year Math 8/Honors Algebra Full Y ear World Language Full Year Music or Art Ev ery other day Earth Science Lab or Seminar Ev ery other day Health Ev ery other day Phy sical Education Ev ery other day Family & Consumer Science F/CS Ev ery other day

20 weeks 1 0 weeks Music 1 0 weeks Technology

Ev ery other day Ev ery other day

20 weeks Ev ery other day Ev ery other day

REPORTING SCHEDULES MARKING PERIOD ENDS November 8, 2019 January 24, 2020 April 8, 2020 June 26, 2020

HOMEWORK Students will be receiving specific homework guidelines from each teacher. These guidelines will outline the type of homework and the frequency of homework each week in each of the major disciplines. When there is no formal homework assignment, students are expected to study things that they do not know perfectly and completely.

It is recommended that every student should have at least two “homework buddies� for the school y ear. A homework buddy is someone to call for assignments when absent two days or less. On the third consecutive day of absence, please call the Counseling Center and request missed work. Missed work will be ready for pick up in the Counseling Center 24 hours from the date and time requested.

EXTRA HELP Ex tra help is offered in all subjects. It is the responsibility of the student to take advantage of this opportunity to improve his/her work. All teachers offer extra help classes. Students should contact teachers for help in subjects in which they are doing poorly or simply have some questions. A list of the times and d ays of the week when extra help is available is posted in each classroom. A master list of these times will also be provided on the school website.

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SUCCEEDING IN SCHOOL Qu ick T ips for St u den t s Set Goa l s       

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It is n ot enough t o say, “I want g ood g rades.”

Set a t ime frame for r eaching your g oal.

Dev elop a plan of “action.”

W r ite down y our goal and read it ev ery day.

Go t o ex tra help if you are having t rouble.

Seek out a dvice when y ou have questions.

Seek out y our counselor for any concerns.

St u dy   

Cl a ssroom Skills     

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Be pr epared – Com plete all assigned r eadings a n d hom ework before class.

A ct ive listening – Focus on what the teacher is sa y ing and the classroom discussion.

A sk qu estions – a bout anything you don’t u n derstand. Y ou learn through qu estioning.

T a ke notes – W rite down all the m ain points of t h e lesson.

Be a n active participant – W hen y ou are pr epared, you can assume an active role in class discussions.

 

Don ’t cram – Rev iew a little each day.

Set u p a time schedule t o plan y our week of study Rea d carefully, review notes, re-write notes, m ake list s, m ake up questions that you think might be on t h e t est.

Y ou m ay find it worthwhile to study and review w ith a friend.

Get a good night’s sleep the night before an exam.

Ea t br eakfast every m orning.

Qu ick T ips for Pa r en t s

    

Hom ewor k 

Do y our hom ework in a well-lit, qu iet place free of dist ractions (phone, t elevision, friends).

Pla n a hom ework schedule – Do y our h omework t h e same t ime and place daily.



Ch eck h om ework assignments daily.

Em phasize t he value of h om ework in helping y our child practice skills a nd acquire information.

Offer positive r einforcem ent and encouragement.

Pr ov ide a quiet, well-lit place for your child to st u dy.

Per iodically check your child’s progress with h is/h er teachers.

If y our child says r epeatedly that hom ework was n ot a ssigned, call your child’s t eacher.

STUDENT SERVICES

COUNSELING CENT ER SERV ICES Gu idance services are offered to ev ery student and are adapted to on e’s needs, interests, and a bilities a s on e faces educational a n d personal challenges. In t he beginning of the school year, students will be invited to m eet their guidance counselors. T he g u idance counselor works in close cooperation with t eachers, parents and students. Students and parents should feel free t o t a lk with the counselor t o seek h elp or obtain information.

It is su g gested that students make an a ppointment prior t o advisory to see their guidance counselor during their lunch period.

Ex cept in an em ergency, students sh ould not visit the counseling center during class time without the permission and a pass fr om the classroom t eacher.

PA RENT /TEACHER CONFERENCES Pa r ents/Guardians m ay call the Counseling Center at any time to arrange an appointment with any teacher y ou wish to see.

Usu a lly t hese conferences are held during school h ours. The Cou nseling Center can a ssist in meeting with the t ea cher.

Som e of t h e services and programs offered by the Counseling Center a re:     

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Com prehensive Orientation Programs Cr isis In tervention and Dev elopmental Counseling Con ferencing Individual and Group Counseling Coor dination of Standardized T esting Pr ograms In t erpretation of standardized t esting

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A cademic follow -up Ca r eer Ex ploration Peer Mediation Lia ison to Com munity Services

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY Criteria for Membership T h e National Junior Honor Society is more than just an h on or r oll. Ea ch ch a pt er est a blish es r u les for m em bership that are based upon a student’s outstanding per for m a n ce in t h e a r ea s of sch ol a r sh ip, ser vice, leadership, citizenship and character. Criteria for selection form the foundation upon which t h e organization and its a ctivities are built. Outlined below are t he procedures and criteria for m embership. 

Sch olarship – Students will be deemed a cademically el igible after earning at least a 93.0 average for ea ch of the first two quarters. They m ust m aintain this average throughout the entire application pr ocess and earn a 93 .0 average for t he third quarter a s well. NOT an average of the quarters.

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Serv ice – Students m ust com plete a minim um of 1 0 service hours t o the school or com munity w ithout com pensation and with a positive, courteous and enthusiastic sp irit. The hours m ust be com pleted prior to the application process but during the school year they are a pp lying (September – Febr uary). Students m ust show proof—a signed letter from t he activity advisor or certificate of com pletion m ust be a ttached to t he application packet. Students are encouraged to v olunteer at m or e than on e location.

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Cit izenship – A pplicants must participate in at least two ongoing clubs or activities that t hey have been involved in m onths before the application process began. It is recom mended that one activity be sch ool based and the other outside of school. Advisors will need t o com plete r ecom mendation for m s that will com ment on the a pplicant’s leadership and character.

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A list of students seeking m embership will be sent to a ll faculty m embers. T eachers will be asked to pr ov ide information a bout t he students in regards t o leadership, citizenship and character. T his in formation will be used to su pplement the student activity information and file.

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St u dents’ disciplinary records, interim r eports and r eport card comments will also be considered.

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T h e principal will appoint a five m ember selection com mittee that will be ov erseen by the NJHS a dv isor. Mem bership is granted on ly t o those students selected by the Faculty Council on the con dition of t heir having met the standards for selection.

Membership in the National Junior Honor Society is one of the highest honors that can be awarded to a middle school student. Criteria for acceptance into National Junior Honor Society are based on: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Citizenship and Character.

Teacher and activity recommendations are based on a rating scale. A minimum rating is required for acceptance into the Society.

Applications for membership are sent to qualifying 7 th and 8th grade students at an application meeting in March. The induction ceremony is held in early May. T he Candlewood Chapter of National Junior Honor Society offers an ongoing tutorial service. Students meet in the library, after school, on mutually convenient day s, for as many sessions as necessary. This informal arrangement, having a peer as a tutor, has proven to be successful. Students interested in being matched with a NJHS tutor should see the Counseling Center secretary.

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TEXTBOOKS       

St u dents should keep their textbooks covered at a ll t imes.

If a t extbook is lost or damaged, the student must r epor t it t o their t eacher immediately.

St u dents will be required t o pay for any lost or damaged t extbook.

Ea ch student is responsible for his/her belongings and for the books and equipment issue d by the sch ool.

T h e same textbook number issued at the beginning of t he school year must be returned t o the t ea cher at the end of the school y ear.

St u dents are financially liable for the loss or damage of school books and equipment.

Sch ool authorities assume no r esponsibility for the loss of st udents’ personal belongings or for the loss of books a n d equipm ent issued to the student by the school.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES T h e club program is set up during the first weeks of school. These clubs offer studen t s t h e oppor t u n it y t o m eet new friends and t o pursue the special interests they may have. Clubs a re open to a ll grade l ev el s.

Clu bs constitute a major part of ou r co-curricular program. A variety of clubs and activities are offered.

T h ese offerings m ay change from year-to-year depending u pon budget and changing student interests.

St u dents are urged to participate for their own benefit, experience and enjoy ment. Ma ny of our clubs also offer leadership opportunities.

Ca n dlewood offers a wide range of a ctivities t o m eet t he interests of all students. Please check the Ca n dlewood website for a list of a vailable after sch ool clubs.

LUNCH CLUBS Ca n dlewood Middle School will be offering Lunch Clubs this year. These c lubs will m eet during students r egularly scheduled lunch periods. Please listen to t he m orning announcements and check the website for a v ailability and start dates.

ATHLETIC PROGRAM Gr ade 7 & 8 students are eligible t o join interscholastic t eams. Grade 6 students may join t he intramurals t eam s. In accordance with the NY State Commissioners r egulations, interscholastic t eams are not open to 6 th g r ade students. Traditionally, Candlewood has offered a variety of sports that have included the following: cr oss country, football, soccer, soft ball, baseball, field hockey, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, wrestling, a nd ot h ers. In a ddition, several sports that are not offered in the m iddle school are available for our students at t h e high school. Transportation for these activities is provided.

Befor e a student can t ake part in any of our athletic teams, h e/she m ust first have parental permission to join a t eam, and then he/she must pass an a thletic physical g iven by a school doctor. Proper paperwork m ust be on file in the nurse’s office. See the school website for m ore information.

INTRAMURALS Ca n dlewood offers a variety of intramural programs for 6 th g rade students. In tramural activities are an oppor tunity t o get involved, learn a n ew skill, or in som e cases can prov ide a gateway into the Candlewood A t hletic program. In tramural offerings can change slightly from year to y ear, but usually include weight t r aining, flag football, boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer, y oga, basketball, volleyball, softball, and ping pong, am ong ot h ers.

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INFINIT E CA MPUS In fin ite Campus is a web based student m anagement sy stem that permits parents/guardians with Internet a ccess t o view their child’s school calendar, schedule, attendance, secondary progress report a nd secondary r eport card.

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T h e parent portal m ay be a ccessed through t he district’s website at Parent Portal OR w ww.hhh.k12.ny.us Click on Quick links (top r ight) t hen, Infinite Campus for Parents/Students.

T o u pda t e pa r en t con t a ct in for m a t ion – em a il: pa r en t por t a l@h h h .k1 2 .n y .u s

ST UDENT DISCIPLINE Lu n ch Detention Lu n ch detention is assigned for minor infractions of school rules, such a s inappropriate cafeteria behavior, in a ppropriate hallway behavior, etc.

A fter-school detention A ft er school detention is assigned for infractions of school rules such a s tardiness t o class, classroom disr uptions, cutting, inappropriate language, etc.

Det en tion will be held from 2:45pm until 3:45pm . At the conclusion of t he detention session, student t r ansportation will be available in the form of a n activity bus run. Refusal t o serve detention, or r emov al fr om detention, will r esult in the assignment of additional detentions. Continued r efusal t o serve detention w ill result in further disciplinary action.

ST UDENT S WHO A RE A SSIGNED A FTER-SCHOOL DET ENT ION MAY NOT BE PERMIT T ED T O PA RT ICIPATE IN A NY AFTER-SCHOOL A CTIVITIES OR CLUBS. In -sch ool suspension In -sch ool suspension is a ssigned t o a student whose behavior warrants im mediate r emov al from the g eneral set t ing such a s insubordination, or unacceptable behavior that disturbs the educational process. Students w h o are a ssigned in-school suspension are r esponsible for obtaining the work for that school day, as well as t h e hom ework relative t o the day’s work. Students will work quietly in the in-school suspension room and com plete t heir work for the day.

Ou t -of-school-suspension Ou t -of-school suspension m ay be a ssigned for serious infractions of school rules, a s follows: r epeated t r uancy, sm oking, fighting, possession of a lcohol or any contr olled substance, false fire alarms, in subordination, a buse of a teacher (verbal or physical), extortion, possession of a weapon, or any conduct w h ich otherwise endangers the safety, morals, health or welfare of on eself or others. Pa rents are notified of ou t -of-school suspension.

Loss of Pr ivileges St u dents who develop a r ecord of disciplinary referrals will be subject t o a loss of privileges. The con sequences will be determined by t he types of disciplinary infractions that occur. Loss of pr ivileges m ay include social probation, n on-attendance on school trips, pass restriction a nd exclusion fr om a variety of sch ool r elated a ctivities.

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TITLE IX TITLE IX is the portion of the Educational Amendments of 1972 which prohibits sex discrimination in federally assisted programs. Specifically, Title IX states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal Financial Assistance.�

Sex ual Harassment is a form of discrimination in that it constitutes improper differential treatment on the basis of sex. Candlewood Middle School condemns all unwelcome and uninvited physical, verbal or non-verbal sexual overtones that are personally offensive and fail to respect the rights of others of the same or opposite sex.

Any student who believes that he/she has been violated with regard to sexual harassment should report such conduct to a school administrator. All complaints will be investigated and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any person v iolating this policy or guilty of retaliatory conduct against the person lodging a complaint.

Official complaints will be field with the Assistant Superintendent, the District Compliance Office for all sexual harassment complaints.

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Half Hollow Hills Central School District Code of Conduct Implementing Project SAVE and The Dignity for All Students Act Board of Education Diana Acampora Betty DeSabato Eric Geringswald Stephanie Gurin Adam Kleinberg David Kaston Michael Prywes Superintendent Dr. Patrick Harrigan Assistant Superintendent for District-W ide Administration Dr. Jeffery Woodberry Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Facilities Anne Marie Marrone Caliendo Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Diana Ketchum Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education John O’Farrell Principals Otsego Elementary School Dr. Stacey Gillespie

Vanderbilt Elementary School Martin Boettcher

Paumanok Elementary School Kendra Cooper

Candlewood Middle School Pamela Higgins

Signal Hill Elementary School Maryann Fasciana

W est Hollow Middle School Steven Hauk

Sunquam Elementary School Karen Littell

High School East Dr. Milton Strong High School W est Dr. Michael Catapano

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Introduction The Board of Education of the Half Hollow Hills Central School District is committed to prov iding a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive, and District personnel may deliv er quality educational services without disruption or interference. Responsible behavior by students, teachers, other District personnel, parents and other v isitors is essential to achiev ing t his goal.

The District has a long-standing set of expectations for conduct on school property and at school functions. These ex pectations are based on the principles of civility, mutual respect, citizenship, character, tolerance, honesty and integrity .

The Board recognizes the need to clearly define these expectations for acceptable conduct on school property school property, to identify the possible consequences of unacceptable conduct, and to ensure that discipline when necessary is administered promptly and fairly. To this end, the Board adopts this Code of Conduct (“the Code”).

Unless otherwise indicated, this Code applies to all students, school personnel, parents and other visitors when on school property or attending a school function whether on or off school property .

Definitions For purposes of this code, the following definitions apply .  “Bullying” is a hostile activity, which harms or induces fear through the threat of further aggression and/or creates terror. Bullying may be premeditated or a sudden activity. It may be subtle or easy to identify, done by one person or a group. Ex amples of bullying include, but are not limited to:  V erbal bullying includes, but is not limited to, name calling, insulting remarks, teasing, v iolent threats, frightening phone calls, extortion, taunting, gossip, spreading of rumors and racist slurs.  Physical bullying includes but is not limited to, poking, slapping, hitting, tripping or causing a fall, choking, kicking, punching, biting, scratching, spitting, twisting arms or legs, damaging clothes and personal property or threatening gestures.  Social or relational bullying includes but is not limited to, excluding someone from a group, isolating, shunning, spreading rumors or gossiping, arranging public humiliation, undermining relationships, teasing about clothing or looks, giving dirty looks or aggressive stares.  Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to, threatening electronic communications via social media, instant messages, text messages, email, blogs, c hat rooms, gaming systems, and any social networking sites.  “Discrimination” is the act of denying rights, benefits, justice, equitable treatment or access to facilities available to all others, to an individual or group of people because of the group, c lass or category to which that person belongs.  “Disruptive student” means any student under the age of 21 who is substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority over the classroom.  “Gender” means actual or perceived sex, and a person’s gender identity or expression. (N.Y. Education Law § 1 1.6)  “Harassment” means the creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well being; or conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that reasonably causes or would reasonably be ex pected to cause an individual to fear for his or her physical safety; such conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse includes but is not limited to conduct, v erbal threats, intimidation or abuse based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (identity or expression) or sex. (N.Y. Education Law § 1 1.7)

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 “Hazing” is an induction, initiation, or membership process involving harassment which produces public humiliation, physical or emotional discomfort, bodily injury or public ridicule or creates a situation where public humiliation, physical or emotional discomfort, bodily injury or ridicule is likely to occur. 

“Parent” means parent, guardian or person in parental relation to a student.

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No student shall be subjected to harassment, intimidation, discrimination or bullying by any school employ ee or student. All forms of harassment, intimidation, discrimination or bullying are st rictly prohibited and will not be tolerated on school property and at school functions.

The Dignity Act (DASA) includes, but is not limited to the following 11 protected classes, groups or characteristics.

The Dignity Act prohibits any discrimination based on actual or perceived characteristics. Students in Public Schools in New Y ork State are protected from discrimination, harassment and persecution on the basis of actual or perceiv ed:

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Race Color Weight National Origin Ethnic Group Religion Religious Practice Sex Gender Sexual Orientation Disability

In compliance with Section 801-a of New York State Education Law and the Dignity Act, all schools in the Half Hollow Hills Central School District will provide instruction in civility, citizenship and character education by expanding the concepts of tolerance, respect and dignity .

The Half Hollow Hills Central School District encourages student, family and community inv olv ement in the reporting and prevention of discrimination and harassment. A Dignity Act Coordinator (DAC) has been appointed to each school building within the District. The Dignity Act Coordinator or the Principal’s designee will inv estigate all reports of discrimination or harassment related to DASA. Dignity Act Coordinators Otsego Elementary School - Dr. Stacey Gillespie Paumanok Elementary School - Kendra Cooper Signal Hill Elementary School - Mary ann Fasiana Sunquam Elementary School - Karen Littell V anderbilt Elementary School - Martin Boettcher Candlewood Middle School - Pamela Higgins West Hollow Middle School - Stev en Hauk High School East Dr. Milton Strong High School West Dr. Michael Catapano

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Student Rights The District is committed to safeguarding the rights given to all students under state and federal law. In addition, to promote a safe, healthy , orderly and civ il school env ironment, all District students hav e the right to:   

Take part in all District activities on an equal basis regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender or disability.

Present their v ersion of the relevant events to school personnel authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty in connection with the imposition of the penalty.

Access school rules (Students will be required to sign an acknowledgment that they received a Student Handbook) and, when necessary, receive an explanation of those rules from school personnel.

Student Responsibilities All District students hav e the responsibility to:            

Contribute to maintaining a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and to show respect to other persons and their property.

Be familiar with and abide by all District policies, rules and regulations dealing with student conduct.

Attend school every day unless they are legally excused and be in class on time and prepared to learn.

Work to the best of their ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward their highest level of achievement possible.

React to direction given by teachers, administrators and other school personnel in a respectful, positive manner.

Work to develop mechanisms to control their anger.

Ask questions when they do not understand.

Seek help in solving problems that might lead to discipline.

Dress appropriately for school and school functions in accordance with the adopted “Dress Code.”

Accept responsibility for their actions.

Conduct themselves as representatives of the District when participating in or attending school-sponsored ex tracurricular events and to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship.

Be forthcoming with information concerning violations of the Code.

Student Dress Code All students are ex pected to giv e proper attention to personal cleanliness and to dress appropriately for school and school functions including ex tracurricular and athletic activ ities.

Students and their parents hav e the primary responsibility for acceptable student dress and appearance. Teachers and all other District personnel should ex emplify and reinforce acceptable student dress and help students dev elop an understanding of appropriate appearanc e in the school setting and at school activ ities.

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A student’s dress, groom ing and appearance, including hair sty le/color, jewelry , m ake -up and nails, shall:        

Be safe, appropriate and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process.

Recognize that extremely brief, tight and short garments such as tube tops, net tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, plunging necklines (front and/or back), see-through garments and garments which expose bare midriffs are not appropriate.

Ensure that underwear is completely covered with outer clothing.

Include footwear at all times. Footwear that is a safety hazard will not be allowed.

Permit head covers in school; however, head cover in classrooms are at the teachers’ discretion except for a medical or religious purpose.

Not include items that are vulgar, obscene, libelous or denigrate others on account of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability or gang related.

Not promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs and/or encourage other illegal or v iolent activ ities.

Attire that may disrupt the educational process is unacceptable.

Each building principal or his or her designee shall be responsible for informing all students and their parents of the student dress code at the beginning of the school year and any revisions to the dress code made during the school year. Additionally, the principal or his or her designee shall hav e the authority to determine what is a violation of the “Dress Code.”

This code is designed to be a guide and is by no means all inclusive. Final decision concerning the appropriateness will be made by the building administration or principal.

Students who violate the student dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item and, if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item. Any student who refuses to do so shall be subject to discipline, up to and including out-of-school suspension. Any student who repeatedly fails to c omply with the dress code shall be subject to further discipline, up to and including out -of-school suspension.

Prohibited Conduct The Board of Education expects all individuals to conduct themselves in an appropriate and civil manner, with proper regard for the rights and welfare of students, District personnel and other members of the school community, and for the care of school facilities and equipment.

The best discipline is self-imposed, and individuals must learn to assume and accept responsibility for their own behavior, as well as the consequences of their misbehavior. District personnel who interact with students are expected to use disciplinary action only when necessary and to place emphasis on the student’s ability to grow in self-discipline.

The Board recognizes the need to make its expectations for conduct while on school property or engaged in a school function specific and clear. The rules of conduct listed below are intended to do that, and focus on safety and respect for the rights and property of others. Individuals who will not accept responsibility for their own behavior and who v iolate these school rules will be required to accept the consequences/penalties for their conduct.

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The Code of Conduct shall apply to conduct off of school property and/or outside of school functions, for conduct that may endanger the health or safety of pupils within the educational system, or adversely affect the educational process.

Engage in conduct that is DISORDERLY. Examples of disorderly conduct include, but are not limited to:        

Running in hallways.

Making unreasonable noise.

Using language, actions or gestures that are profane, lewd, vulgar or abusive.

Obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Engaging in any willful act which disrupts the nor mal operation of the school community.

Trespassing. Students are not permitted in any school building, other than the one they regularly attend, without permission from the administrator in charge of the building.

Computer/electronic communications misuse, including any unauthorized use of computers, software, or Internet/Intranet account; accessing inappropriate web sites; or any other v iolation of the District’s acceptable use policy.

In addition, students are not permitted on school grounds outside of no rmal school hours without administrative authorization unless attending a school function or an event sanctioned by the school.

Engage in conduct that is INSUBORDINATE and/or DISRUPTIVE. Exam ples of insubordinate or disruptive conduct include, but are n ot lim ited to:    

Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of teachers, school administrators or other school employees in charge of students or otherwise demonstrating disrespect.

Lateness for missing or leaving school without permission.

Skipping detention.

Being disrespectful or acting inappropriately toward teams, groups of people, or persons visiting the school.

Engage in conduct that is VIOLENT. Exam ples of violent conduct include, but are not lim ited to:       

Committing an act of v iolence (such as hitting, kicking, punching, and scratching) upon a teacher, administrator or other school employee, or attempting to do so.

Committing an act of v iolence (such as hitting, kicking, punching, and scratching) upon another student or any other person lawfully on school property, or attempting to do so Possessing a weapon. See Board of Education Policy #5535. Authorized law enforcement officials are the only persons permitted to have a weapon in their possession while on school property or at a school function.

Displaying what appears to be a weapon.

Threatening to use any weapon.

Damaging, defacing or destroying the personal property of a student, teacher, administrator, other District employee or any person lawfully on school property, including using graffiti or arson.

Damaging, defacing or destroying school District property.

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Engage in conduct that ENDANGERS THE SAFETY , MORALS, HEALTH OR WELFARE OF THEMSELVES AND/OR OTHERS. Exam ples of such conduct include, but are not lim ited to: 

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The sending, receiving or forwarding of sexually provocative language, images, nude or nearly nude photos and/or v ideos through text message, email or other digital means which can be used to hurt, harass and humiliate others.

In cases where a student engages in such conduct, and school officials have reason to believe the images involved constitute child pornography, a referral will be made to the appropriate law enforcement officials.

Possessing, consuming, sharing, selling, distributing or exchanging alcoholic beverages or illegal substances or prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicine or being under the influence of any of the above. Being under the influence of “illegal substances” includes, but is not limited to, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, steroids, look-alike drugs, and any substances, commonly referred to as “designer drugs.”

Using or sharing prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Possession of drug paraphernalia, including, but not limited to: pipes, bongs, rolling papers, grinders, lighters, plastic bags used for packaging and distribution of drugs, scales, and any other items used for distribution, packaging, exchanging or use of drugs, whether in school, at school facilities or at school functions conducted off school grounds.

Ly ing to or concealing the truth from school personnel.

Stealing/acquiring the property of other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property or attending a school function.

Defamation, which includes making false or unprivileged statements or representations about an individual or identifiable group of individuals that harm the reputation of the person or the identifiable group by demeaning them.

Discrimination, which includes, but is not limited to the use of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sex, sexual orientation or gender (including gender identity and expression) as a basis for treating another in a negative manner. See definitions.

Harassment, including sexual harassment and bullying. See definitions.

Intimidation, which includes engaging in actions or statements that put an individual in fear of bodily harm.

Hazing. See definitions.

Using vulgar or abusive language, cursing or swearing.

Possessing, smoking, selling, distributing or exchanging a cigarette, cigar, pipe or using chewing or smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, Hookah cigarettes or possessing tobacco products as defined by the Board of Education Policy and Suffolk County Legislation.

Gambling.

Selling, using, or possessing obscene material.

Indecent exposure, that is exposure to sight of the private parts of the body in a lewd or indecent manner.

Initiating a report warning of fire or other catastrophe without valid cause, misuse of 91 1, or discharging a fire extinguisher.

Engaging in any activity that v iolates any local state or federal law.

Bully ing is understood to be a hostile activity, which harms or induces fear through the threat of further aggression and/or creates terror. Bullying involves an imbalance of power or strength and can manifest itself phy sically, v erbally or through non-verbal communication such as gestures or social exclusion.

Cy ber bullying (also known as “digital” or “electronic bullying”) which is the repeated use of information technology such as the Internet, email, social networks, instant messaging services, blogs, cell phones and gaming systems to deliberately harass, threaten or intimidate others. Cyber bullying may involve sending mean, vulgar or threatening messages or images; posting sensitive or private information about another person; pretending to be someone else in order to malign that other person; or intentionally excluding someone from an internet-based group or activity.

Students may not be in possession of any type of medication. All prescriptions and medications must be given to and dispensed by the school nurse.

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Engage in HAZING, INITIATION ACTIVITIES, HARASSMENT AND BULLY ING: Hazing, initiation activities, harassment and bullying are abusive and often illegal behaviors that harm v ictims and negatively impact the school environment by creating an atmosphere of fear, distrust, meanspiritedness, intimidation and intolerance. Hazing is especially troubling at the middle and high school levels because of issues of adolescence, in which many students are more vulnerable to peer pressure due to the tremendous need to belong, make friends and find approval from one’s peer group. Accordingly, hazing, initiation activities, harassment and bullying will not be tolerated at any level in Half Hollow Hills as they are deemed dangerous, volatile of the law and district policy and immoral.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff that is free from hazing, initiation activities, harassment and bullying and that promotes respect, civ ility , dignity and equality .

Hazing, initiation activities, harassment and bullying activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational goals of the District, and are condemned and strictly prohibited at all times. Moreov er, it is the policy of the District that no student or adult will participate in or be members of any secret fraternity or sorority , athletic team, club or organization that is in any degree related to the school or to a school district activity which engages in any form of hazing, initiation activities, harassment or bullying, whether on school grounds, school buses or at all school-sponsored activities, programs and events, including those that take place at locations outside the district.

General Policy Statements A. No student, teacher, coach, administrator, paraprofessional, v olunteer, contractor or other employee of the District shall plan, direct, encourage, aid or engage in hazing, initiation activ ities, harassment or bully ing.

B. No student, teacher, coach, administrator, paraprofessional, v olunteer, contractor or other employee of the District shall permit, condone or tolerate hazing, initiation activ ities, harassment or bully ing.

C. The District strictly prohibits students, teachers, coaches, administrators, paraprofessionals, v olunteers, contractors or other employ ees of the District from engaging indiv idually or collectively in any form of hazing, initiation activ ities, harassment or bully ing on school property , off school property or on a school bus, in connection with any school activ ity or inv olv ing any person associated with the school, regardless of where it occurs.

D. Consistent with this policy , the District’s Code of Conduct and the At hletic Code of Conduct, any student who participates in hazing, initiation activ ities, harassment or bully ing will face immediate and strong disciplinary action, up to and including suspension, ex pulsion, ex clusion and loss of the privilege of attendance and participation in ex tracurricular activ ities and sports and school ev ents (i.e., graduation, prom, dances, field trips, etc.)

E. Students, teachers, coaches, administrators, paraprofessionals, v olunteers, contractors or other employees who participate in hazing, initiation activ ities, harassment or bully ing will also be referred to appropriate law enforcement authorities and may face subsequent prosecution for hazing, harassment or assault.

F. Consent is no defense to a charge of hazing, initiation activ ities, harassment or bully ing.

Apparent permission or consent by a person being hazed, initiated, harassed or bullied does not lessen the prohibitions or penalties contained herein.

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G. This policy applies to behav ior that occurs on or off school property or on any school bus ride and during, before and after school hours.

Reporting- In order for the District to effectiv ely enforce this policy , it is essential that all v ictims of hazing, initiation activ ities, harassment or bully ing and persons with knowle dge of hazing, initiation activ ities, harassment or bully ing report them immediately . V isit our website at hhh.k1 2.ny .us to access forms for reporting any complaints.

School District Action- the District will promptly inv estigate all complaints, either fo rmal or informal, v erbal or written of hazing, initiation activ ities, harassment or bully ing.

Engage in MISCONDUCT WHILE ON A SCHOOL BUS OR AT A BUS STOP: It is crucial for students to behave appropriately at the bus stop and while riding on District buse s to ensure their safety and that of other passengers and to avoid distracting the bus driver. Students are required to conduct themselves at the stop and/or on the bus in a respectful manner consistent with established standards for classroom behav ior. Ex cessiv e noise, pushing, shov ing and fighting will not be tolerated.

Engage in MISCONDUCT WHILE AT A SCHOOL-SPONSORED ACTIVITY on or off school property.

Exam ples of such conduct include, but are not lim ited to: 

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Conduct that is disorderly, insubordinate, disruptive, v iolent, and/or endangers the safety, morals, health or welfare of themselves or others.

Activation of cell phones, tablets, laptops or any other electronic device, without prior approval from the Principal.

Engage in any form of ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT. Examples of academic misconduct include, but are not lim ited to:     

Plagiarism Cheating Copying Altering records Assisting another student in any of the above actions

Student Use of Electronic Devices To av oid disruption of the learning process and to prevent possible theft, cell phones, tablets, laptops or any other electronic devices are not to be activated or v isible during the school day (7 :15 a.m. - 2: 00p.m.) p.m. at the high schools, 7 :45 a.m.-2:40 p.m. at the middle schools) without prio r written approv al from the Principal. These items may be confiscated if activated or visible in school, and only released to the student’s parent or guardian. However, in the event o f a school-related emergency , cell phones may be activ ated and v isible.

Requests for the approved usage of electronic devices during the school day must originate from a teacher and must be accompanied by a detailed description of the intended use. Requests may be granted only for specific time periods as articulated in the description of intended use. Requests for unlimited use within the building or throughout the day will not be approv ed. Requests will not be accepted from students or their families.

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Zero Tolerance for Drugs, Alcohol and Weapons The Half Hollow Hills Central School District has “zero tolerance” for drugs, alcohol and the possession of weapons. Students who are involved with drugs, alcohol or are in possession of a weapon in the school setting or at a school related event will be suspended from school and automatically referred for a Superintendent’s Hearing for an ex tended out of school suspension. If a student is found to be in possession of an illegal substance of any quantity or a weapon, law enforcement personnel will be called and the student may be arrested at the school. The school administration will cooperate with the police and provide them with any relev ant information regarding the incident.

The Half Hollow Hills Central School District’s Code of Conduct includes specific prohibition against the possession of drug paraphernalia and weapons (see Prohibited Conduct).

Notification of Law Enforcement The Half Hollow Hills Central School District will notify law enforcement /school personnel when a student has been found to be in possession of:  drugs, alcohol or related paraphernalia  a weapon  child pornography When a threatening statement is directed to a school, student or group of students, staff members, law enforcement personnel will be notified. This includes, but is not limited to statements made v erbally , written, or v ia digital means (i.e. tex t messages, social media, email, etc.).

Disciplinary Penalties, Procedures and Referrals Discipline is most effectiv e when it deals directly with the problem at the time and place it occurs, and in a way that students v iew as fair and impartial. School personnel who interact with students are ex pected to use disciplinary action only when necessary and to place emphasis on the student’s ability to grow in self-discipline.

Disciplinary action, when necessary , will be firm, fair and consistent so as to be the most effectiv e in changing student behav ior. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action, school personnel authorized to impose disciplinary penalties will consider the following:  Student’s age.  The nature of the offense and the circumstances which led to the offense.  The student’s prior disciplinary record.  The effectiveness of other forms of discipline.  Information from parents, teachers and/or others, as appropriate.  Other extenuating circumstances.

As a general rule, discipline will be progressiv e. This means that a student’s first v iolation will usually merit a lighter penalty than subsequent v iolations.

Students with a disability can be suspended ev en if the incident is rel ated to his disability if the incident is related to the safety of others. Discipline, if warranted, shall be administered consistent with federal law and Board of Education Policies for disciplining students with a disability , or presumed to hav e a disability .

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Penalties Students who are found to have violated the District’s Code of Conduct may be subject to the following penalties, either alone or in combination. The school personnel identified after each penalty are authorized to impose that penalty , c onsistent with the student’s right to due process.  Oral warning - any member of the District staff.  Written warning - coaches, activity directors, guidance counselors, teachers, principal, and Superintendent.  Written notification to parent - coaches, activity directors, guidance counselors, teachers, principal, Superintendent.  Detention - teachers, principal, Superintendent.  Suspension from transportation - principal, assistant superintendent, Superintendent.  Suspension from athletic participation - coaches, principal, Superintendent, or Superintendent’s designee.  Suspension from social or extracurricular activities - activity director, advisor, principal,  Superintendent, or Superintendent’s designee.  Suspension of other privileges - principal, Superintendent, or Superintendent’s designee  In-school supervision - principal, Superintendent.  Removal from classroom - teachers, principal.  Short-term (five days or less) suspension from school - principal, Superintendent  Long-term (Pursuant to Education Law § 3214 -more than five days) suspension from school, subject to a Superintendent’s hearing - Superintendent, Board of Education.  Permanent suspension from school - Superintendent, Board of Education Procedures The amount of due process a student is entitled to receive before a penalty is imposed depends on the penalty being imposed. In all cases, regardless of the penalty imposed, the school personnel authorized to impose the penalty must inform the student of the alleged misconduct and must investigate, to the e x tent necessary , the facts surrounding the alleged misconduct. All students will have an opportunity to present their v ersion of the facts to the school personnel imposing the disciplinary penalty in connection with the imposition of the penalty .

Students who are to be giv en penalties other than an oral warning, written warning or written notification to their parents are entitled to additional rights before the penalty is imposed. These additional rights are ex plained below.

Minim um Periods of Suspension Students who bring a weapon to or possess a weapon in school (See Board of Education Policy #5535): Any student found guilty of bringing or possessing a weapon on school property will be subject to suspension from school for at least one calendar y ear. Be fore being suspended, the student will hav e an opportunity for a hearing pursuant to Education Law § 321 4. The Superintendent has the authority to modify the one -y ear suspension on a case-by -case basis. In deciding whether to m odify the penalty , the Superintendent m ay consider the following:  The student’s age.  The student’s grade in school.  The student’s prior disciplinary record.  Input from parents, teachers and/or others.  The Superintendent’s belief that other forms of discipline may be more effective.  Other extenuating circumstances.

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A student with a disability may be suspended only in accordance with the requirements of state and federal law.

Students who com m it v iolent acts other than bringing a weapon to school: Any student who is found to hav e committed a v iolent act, other than bringing a weapon onto school property , shall be subject to suspension from school for at least fiv e day s. If the proposed penalty is the minimum fiv e -day suspension, the student and the student’s parents will be giv en the same notice and opportunity for an informal conference giv en to all students subject to a short-term suspension. If the proposed penalty ex ceeds the minimum fiv e -day suspension, the student and the student’s parents will be giv en the same notice and opportu nity for a hearing giv en to all students subject to a long -term suspension. The Superintendent has the authority to modify the minimum fiv e -day suspension on a case-by -case basis. In deciding whether to modify the penalty , the Superintendent may consider t he same factors considered in modify ing a one-y ear suspension for possessing a weapon.

Students who are repeatedly substantially disruptiv e of the educational process or repeatedly substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority ov er the classroom : Any student who repeatedly is substantially disruptiv e of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority ov er the classroom will be suspended from school for at least fiv e day s. For purposes of this Code, “repeatedly is substantially disruptiv e” means engaging in conduct that results in the student being remov ed from the classroom by teacher(s) pursuant to Education Law § 321 4 (3 -a) and this on four or more occasions during a semester, or three or more occasions during a trimester. If the proposed penalty is the minimum fiv e-day suspension, the student and the student’s parents will be giv en the same notice and opportunity for a hearing giv en to all students subject to a long -term suspension.

The Superintendent has the authority to modify the minimum fiv e -day suspension on a case-by -case basis. In deciding whether to modify the penalty , the Superintendent may consider the same factors considered in modify ing a one -y ear suspension for possessing a weapon.

REPORTING VIOLATIONS All students are ex pected to promptly report v iolations of the Code of Conduct to a teacher, guidance counselor, the building principal or his or her designee. Any student observ ing a student possessing a weapon, alcohol or illegal substa nce on school property or at a school function shall report this information immediately to a teacher, the building principal, the principal’s designee or the superintendent.

All District staff who are authorized to impose disciplinary sanctions are ex pec ted to do so in a prompt, fair and lawful manner. District staff who are not authorized to impose disciplinary sanctions are ex pected to promptly report v iolations of the Code of Conduct to their superv isor, who shall in turn impose an appropriate disciplinary sanction if so authorized, or refer the matter to a staff member who is authorized to impose an appropriate sanction.

Any weapon, alcohol or illegal substance found shall be confiscated immediately , if possible, followed by notification to the parent of the student inv olv ed and the appropriate disciplinary sanction if warranted, which may include permanent suspension and referral for prosecution.

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The building principal or his or her designee must notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency of those Code v iolations that constitute a crime and substantially affect the order or security of a school as soon as practical, but in no ev ent later than the close of business the day the principal or his or her designee learns of the v iolation. The notification may be made by telephone. The notification must identify the student and ex plain the conduct that v iolated the Code of Conduct and constituted a crime.

Revised July 2014

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School Contract September 2019 - T enure at Candlewood As a Candlewood Middle School parent, you have a unique opportunity – and an important responsibility – to be actively involved in your child’s daily education. This handbook is provided to help you and your child understand the school’s procedures and policies. Please read this handbook carefully with your child before signing the contract below. In addition, you should take the time to review the daily assignments with your child each evening, checking to see that your child’s h omework assignments are thoroughly completed and ready to be submitted on time.

It is a l so imperative that y ou make your child aware that his/her a ctions have con sequences.

Br ea king rules may result in his/her l oss of privileges. T hese l ost privileges i n sch ool may include excl u sion from school dances, field trips, class trips, Mov ing-Up Ceremony/dance for eighth graders, or ot h er sch ool r elated activities. A committee of t eachers will r eview your child’s behavior during t h e year to determine wh ether h e/she ca n be included in sch ool activities. It is ou r hope that you will su pport the school’s con sequences and impose h ome con sequences that r einforce school pol icy.

This handbook is an important guide to success in the middle school. Each student is res ponsible for bringing his/her agenda book to every class and use it regularly. Any student who loses his/her agenda book must immediately purchase a replacement.

A contract is an agreement between two or more parties. When all the participants understand and agree to the terms of the contract, each signs his/her name. At our middle school, students, teachers, administrators and parents are expected to accept the responsibilities outlined in this agreement in order to provide a safe learning environment.

In addition, I have reviewed with my child what bus routes my child will take to school, when leaving school at 2:40pm, and for both activity routes (4:00pm & 4:45pm – as listed in this agenda book). If I am unable to determine which after-school bus routes my child is able to take, I will contact the transportation department at 631-592-3855 to obtain this information.

STUDENT PLEDGE

PARENT NOTE

I have read the agenda book. I’m aware that I am required to record nightly assignments in this book and to offer it for review to my parents and teachers. I have noted that the purpose of the book is to help develop skills for organization and to facilitate communication among all parties taking responsibility in the education process: me, my parents, my teachers, and school administrators.

I also understand that my refusal to meet this requirement could result in the loss of privileges, involving athletics, and club membership and participation in other school functions.

Finally, I understand that I am to respect the rights of all members of the Candlewood community.

We are all different; therefore, to forget differences and focus on each other’s strengths is to ensure unity and fairness.

I have read the agenda book and discussed it with my child. I understand that I am encouraged to review this agenda book daily, to note my review of the book periodically on the spot check page and to communicate with the teacher(s) whenever I have a concern. I also understand that I can expect communication from teachers, counselors, and administrators whenever there is a concern about my child.

In addition, I am aware that there are guidance, health, psychological, and social work services as well as access to any administrator should I have concerns that go beyond the classroom, and that I am encouraged to call any or all of those services for assistance.

Signature______________________________

Signature________________________________

Your signature gives the message to your child that you plan to monitor progress and call on him/her to meet required responsibilities 33

Lunchroom Behavior Contract September 2019- T enure at Candlewood I

a m expect ed t o…                

Use a ppr opr ia t e l a n gu a ge i n t h e ca fet er ia a t a l l t im es.

Be r espect fu l t o t h e ca fet er ia m on it or s.

Pick u p a ft er m y sel f a n d keep m y a r ea cl ea n .

Nev er t h r ow food.

Respon d to a ny r easonable r equests by administrators, teachers and monitors in a r espectful m a nner.

Refr a in fr om figh t in g or ca u sin g ot h er s t o figh t in t h e ca fet er ia .

Ma in t a in pr oper decor u m in t h e ca fet er ia a n d m a in t a in n or m a l l ev el of speech .

A r r iv e on t im e t o l u n ch .

Beh a v e a ppr opr ia t el y on t h e l u n ch l in e.

Not a sk ot h er st u den t s for m on ey du r in g t h e l u n ch per iod.

Not a bu se a n y m a ch in e or ot h er pr oper t y in t h e ca fet er ia .

Keep v oices l ow in con v er sa t ion wit h on e a n ot h er .

Keep food or dr in k in t h e ca fet er ia .

Not br in g in t r ea t s (h om em a de or st or e bou gh t ) t o sh a r e t o cel ebr a t e specia l occa sion s.

Not sh a r e food wit h ot h er st u den t s, du e t o t h e pr esen ce of food a l l er gies.

Not h a v e fa st food, pizza , don u t s or ba ked goods del iv er ed or br ou gh t in .

Sh ould I fa il to h onor these expectations, I u nderstand that there are consequences: I m ay be given consequ en ces, a n d might serve after-school detentions, or for serious repetition of offenses I m igh t be su spen ded fr om sch ool. My sig nature below demonstrates that I u nderstand these standards of behavior and that I w ill a bide by t h em t o t h e best of m y a bilit y .

Computer Contract September 2019- T enure at Candlewood 

Ca r e of Equ ipment – com puters, m onitors, printers, keyboards, mice, m odem s a n d ca bles. Equ ipm en t is t o be u sed in a r esponsible m anner. Students should not unplug cables or a buse equ ipm en t . Mice a r e n ot t o be t a ken a pa r t . If a pr oblem is fou n d w it h a com pu t er it sh ou ld be r epor t ed t o a t ea ch er .

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In t ernet – Students may not use t he internet independently in school unless they’ve com plet ed a n d h a n ded in a com plet ed dist r ict in t er n et u se a g r eem en t for m . In t er n et u se is for sch oo l r ela t ed a ct iv it ies.

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Copy r ight La ws – Com puter programs are protected by copyright laws. It is illega l t o m a ke copies of com pu t er pr og r a m s a n d g iv e t h em t o ot h er s. A ft er y ou bu y a pr og r a m y ou m a y m a ke on e copy for y ou r self.

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Pa sswor ds – A ll students will have their own password to be used with our n etwork. Students ma y n ot u se ot h er st u dents’ or t eachers’ password. Learning a pa ssw or d does n ot g iv e a st u den t per m ission t o en t er som eon e’s pr ot ected folder. Students are n ot to share their pa ssw or ds w it h ot h er st u den t s. St u den t s a r e n ot t o ch a n g e pa ssw or ds or a lt er com pu t er sy st em s.

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Com puter Ethics – Students are r esponsible for authoring their ow n w or k. T a kin g w or k cr ea t ed by a n ot h er st u dent, author, CD-ROM En cyclopedia, or any other source a nd representing it as your work is w r on g a n d a v er y ser ious offense. Students m ay n ot use other st u den t s’ pa ssw or ds or t ell ot h er pa ssw or ds t h ey h a v e lea r n ed.

Com pu t er s a r e n ot t o be u sed t o sen d or pr in t u n sig n ed in a ppr opr ia t e docu m en t s t o ot h er people.

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***Please Note***** All parents need to read and sign the Secondary Internet Agreement on the HHH website, hhh.k12.ny.us. This internet agreement can be found on the HHH home page.  Go to Parent  Click on Code of Conduct/Internet Use Agreement  Click on Secondary Internet Use Agreement

 Complete Form CA NDLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL 2019-2020 Dea r Pa r en t s/Gu a r dia n , Plea se t ake a mom ent with your child to r eview the v arious contract s t h a t a r e in t h e Ca n dlew ood Middle Sch ool a g en da book. A ft er r ea din g w it h y ou ch ild plea se in it ia l below t h a t t h ey h a v e been r e v iew ed a t h om e.

1 ) In t er n et A gr eem en t : I u n derstand and will a bide by the In ternet Use Agreement. I fu rther understand that any violation of the regulations listed are u n ethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I com mit a v iolation, my access privileg es m a y be r ev oked; sch ool disciplin a r y a ct ion s m a y be t a ken , a n d/or a ppr opr ia t e leg a l a ct ion .

User Na m e (plea se pr in t )_________________________________________________________ User Sig n a t u r e___________________________________________Da t e:__________________ PA RENT OR GUA RDIA N A s t h e parent or guardian of t his st u den t , I h a v e r ea d t h e In t er n et Use A g r eem en t . I u n der st a n d t h a t t h is a ccess is desig n ed for edu ca t ion a l pu r poses. How ev er , I a lso r ecog n ize it is im possible for t h e Ha lf Hollow Hills Ce n t r a l Sch ool District t o restrict a ccess t o all controversial m aterials and I w ill not h old t hem responsible for materials my child m a y a cqu ire on the network. Further, I a ccept full r esponsibility for supervision if and when my child's u se is not in a sch ool setting.

I h er eby give permission to t he Half Hollow Hills Central School District t o issue an account for my child and certify t h a t t h e in for m a t ion con t a in ed on t h is for m is cor r ect .

Pa r en t /Gu a r dia n 's Na m e (plea se pr in t ):________________________________________________ 2 ) Sch ool Con t r a ct My ch ild a n d I h a v e r ea d t h e Sch ool Con t r a ct a n d w e u n der st a n d it s ex pect a t ion s.

In it ia ls ______ 3 ) Lu n ch r oom Beh a v ior Con t r a ct My ch ild a n d I h a v e r ea d t h e Beh a v ior Con t r a ct a n d w e u n der st a n d it s ex pect a t ion s.

In it ia ls ______ 4 ) Com pu t er Con t r a ct : My ch ild a n d I h a v e r ea d t h e Com pu t er Con t r a ct a n d u n der st a n d it s ex pect a t ion s.

In it ia ls ______ Pl ea se Pr in t Na m es in t h e spa ces pr ov ided My sig n a t u r e below dem on st r a t es t h a t I h a v e r ea d a n d u n der st a n d t h e a bov e m en t ion ed con t r a ct s.

Pa r en t Sig n a t u r e ________________________________ Da t e _____________ St u den t Sig n a t u r e _______________________________ Da t e ____________

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