Candlewood Student Handbook 2007-08

CANDLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL Student Handbook 2007-2008 Andrew Greene Principal

Dr. Sy Roth Assistant Principal

Allison Strand Assistant Principal

1200 Carll’s Straight Path Dix Hills, New York 11746 Telephone 592-3300 Absence Attendance Line 592-3308

Guidance 592-3310

Nurse 592-3301

Fax 592-3921

This Middle School Agenda Book Belongs To: Name___________________________________Phone_________ Address_______________________________________________ Grade______

Guidance Counselor _____________

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School Contract September 2007 – June 2008 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, policies, and rules. 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 homework assignments are thoroughly completed and ready to be submitted on time.

It is also imperative that you make your child aware that his/her actions have consequences. Breaking rules may result in his/her loss of privileges. These lost privileges in school may include exclusion from school dances, field trips, class trips, Moving-Up Ceremony for eighth graders, or other school related activities. A committee of teachers will review your child’s behavior during the year to determine whether he/she can be included in school activities. It is our hope that you will support the school’s consequences and impose home consequences that reinforce school policy.

This handbook is an important guide to success in the middle school Each student is responsible 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.

Student I,____________________, am expected to fulfill all my responsibilities and obey school regulations, as described in my handbook.

Parents I/we,____________________, as the parents/guardians of _______________________ pledge our cooperation, support and active participation in our child’s education.

School We, the teachers of the above named student, will maintain open lines of communication with students and parents.

Signatures:

____________________ Guidance Counselor

_________________ _______________ Parent(s)/Guardians Teacher Representative

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SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION A Message From the Principal This is an exciting time in your life because you are about to embark on an adventure that may be confusing and contradictory. You are now a part of a new culture. You’ve just completed one segment of your educational adventure—elementary school. The new middle school years come with additional expectations. The people around you expect even more from you academically and socially.

• They expect you to organize and structure your time in such ways that will lead to academic, personal success.

• They expect you to follow rules and regulations.

• They expect you to involve yourself in a variety of extracurricular activities.

• They expect you to contribute positively to the culture of your building.

But, the most important expectation is what you will expect of yourself. Expect to do your best to contribute positively to the process.

Although you will be measured by adult expectations, you must be personally satisfied that you have given your best effort. All your teachers, guidance counselors and administrators are dedicated to helping you to make your years at Candlewood successful ones. At the end of each school year, you will be asked to take a series of assessments that will help the school to measure its success in your personal education. Your teachers will provide you with all the tools you will need to demonstrate what you know and are able to do. Make the right decision now. Put your best foot forward and make yourself proud of the fine education you will receive at Candlewood Middle School.

LETTER FROM THE FACULTY Dear Students, Did you ever wonder why the middle school is called the middle school? Well, oddly, it’s because, in terms of your education, you are in the middle.

Your education is like the process of building the house that will shelter you for the rest of your lives. In elementary school you poured your foundation. We all know that without a solid foundation whatever we build on top of it will collapse. In high school and in college you will decorate your house and determine the style in which you will live for the rest of your life.

In the middle school, we are designing and building the basic structure of your house (or your life). We want to help you to decide whether you want to live in a hut or a mansion?

Or whether you wish to have a swimming pool or a mud puddle in your backyard? We are here to help develop your plans and begin construction. In short, we want to help you set goals, to formulate a plan to achieve these goals, and to get you started on working on your plan.

Always keep in mind that we are here for you. We are here not only to teach you, but also to advise you and to help you become all that you are capable of becoming.

Sincerely, Candlewood Faculty 3

SECTION 2 – GETTING A GOOD START ADVISORY GROUPS During these periods an advisor/teacher develops a thorough knowledge of his/her students through group activities and discussions, individual conferences, comments from advisees, teachers, academic and discipline records and parent contacts. As an outgrowth of this close personal relationship, advisors are able to intervene and often prevent many of the common academic, social and discipline problems that plague the typical middle school student. In this way students have access to a nurturing, supportive adult in a relaxed, non-academic setting. Advisory creates a forum for discussion, venting, listening, exchanging and valuing, all of which are integral to personal growth and development. Be an active participant. Be sure to arrive at advisory on time not only because you want to participate but because attendance is required.

ASSIGNMENT BOOK This year you have been given this special Middle School Agenda Book. You are expected to carry this to all your classes every day. The main purpose of this book is to help you organize and to give you a place to write down your daily assignments. It is also to be used as your hall pass.

YOUR LOCKER Your locker is provided for your books and clothing. Keep it uncluttered and locked.

During the first week of school, note the times you are close to or pass your locker when traveling between classes. Organize yourself so you carry and replace only those books and notebooks you need.

If you leave your locker open or unattended you are responsible if anything is lost. The school will not assume responsibility.

HELPFUL LOCKER HINTS 1. Clearly label all bindings of books and notebooks to save time.

2. Place all loose paper in the appropriate notebook as quickly as possible.

3. Don’t share your combination number with anyone.

4. Do not put anything of value in your gym or hall lockers.

LOCKER RULES A locker will be issued to you without cost at the beginning of the year. Hall lockers and athletic lockers are the property of the school district and are loaned to the student for the school year. The administration reserves the right to enter these lockers at any time they deem necessary without prior knowledge or consent of student or parent.

Here are a few simple rules to follow: 1. Do not bring large amounts of money or other valuables to school.

2. Safeguard your locker combination.

No one else should know it.

3. Be sure you close your locker door properly and snap it shut.

4. If your locker does not work properly, report it immediately to the Main Office.

5. Coats and backpacks should be left in lockers.

LATENESS There is enough time for any student to arrive promptly from any place in the building. Arriving late disturbs the class, and you miss valuable information. There are classroom consequences as well as loss of privileges for students who are chronically late.

LOST AND FOUND All inquiries relative to lost and found articles are to be referred to the Main Office. Check the cafeteria lost and found bins first. All textbooks should be properly identified so that they can be easily located.

TAKING CARE OF TEXTBOOKS Students should keep their textbooks covered at all times. Regular textbook inspections are conducted to see that this is done. If a textbook is lost, a student must pay for it in the Main Office before a new one can be issued. All textbooks are numbered and students are required to return the same textbooks at the end of the year. If a student returns a textbook that was not the one assigned at the beginning 4

of the year, he/she will be required to pay for the originally assigned book.

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 homework assignment, you are expected to study things that you do not know perfectly and completely.

Remember, homework is evidence of how well you have learned the day’s lesson.

Practice…Practice…It is recommended that every student should also select a partner in each class who can be called for homework assignments when you are absent.

COURSES OF STUDY 6TH GRADE 1. English 2. Reading (Title I) (recommendation) 3. Social Studies 4. Math 5. Science 6. Phys. Ed/Music 7. Art/H-C/Comp/Health 8. Foreign Language 9. Lunch 7TH GRADE 1. English 2. Social Studies 3. Math/Math AC 4. Science 5. Foreign Language 6. Phys. Ed/Music 7. Art (Rdg)/ELA AEP/Art(Rdg)/ Math AEP 8. Home & Careers/Technology or Resource Room 9. Lunch 8TH GRADE 1. English 8 or 8H 2. Social Studies 8 or 8H 3. Math 8 or Math 8H 4. Science 8 or Earth Science AC/Lab/PE 5. Foreign Language 8/ASL 8 or Foreign Language AC/Basic Spanish 8

6. Technology 20 wks./Health 20 wks.

7. Music/Art/Studio in Art/RR or Music/Rdg 8 8. PE/AEP Math/AEP ELA 9. Lunch SECTION 3 – SUCCEEDING IN SCHOOL Quick Tips for Students 1. Go to extra help if you are having trouble.

2. Seek out advice when you have questions.

3. Seek out your counselor for any concerns.

Quick Tips for Parents 1. Check homework assignments daily.

2. Emphasize the value of homework in helping your child practice skills and acquire information.

3. Offer positive reinforcement and encouragement.

4. Provide a quiet, well-lit place for your child to study.

5. Periodically check your child’s progress with his/her teachers.

6. If your child says homework was not assigned, call your child’s teacher.

HOW TO STUDY Studying doesn’t have to be boring, dull or difficult. This section will point out some basic steps in developing good study habits.

Read it carefully and use it.

Set Goals 1. It is not enough to say, “I want good grades.”

2. Set a time frame for reaching your goal.

3. Develop a plan of “action”.

4. Write down your goal and read it every day.

Classroom Skills 1. Be prepared – Complete all assigned readings and homework before class.

2. Active listening – Focus on what the teacher is saying and the classroom discussion.

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3. Ask questions – about anything you don’t understand. You learn through questioning.

4. Take notes – Write down all the main points of the lesson.

5. Be an active participant – When you are prepared, you can assume an active role in class discussions.

Homework 1. Plan a homework schedule – Do your homework the same time and place daily.

2. Do your homework in a well-lit, quiet place.

3. Do your homework in a place free of distractions.

Study 1. Don’t cram – Review a little each day.

2. Set up a time schedule to plan your week of study.

3. Read carefully, review notes, re-write notes, make lists, make up questions that you think might be on the test.

4. You may find it worthwhile to study and review with a friend.

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

6. Eat breakfast every morning.

SECTION 4 – SUCCESSFUL SOLUTIONS EXTRA HELP Special help is offered in all subjects, and 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 days of the week when extra help is available is posted in each classroom.

SCHOOL LIBRARY We have an excellent school library available for your use. The library will be open before and after school as well as during the school day. Any closing of the library for a period of time will be announced in advance.

During the early part of the school year, you will receive library orientation and instruction classes which will help you become familiar with the various services.

You are permitted to work in the library under the school-pass system.

The library is a quiet place for learning and research. To maintain this atmosphere, the following must be observed: 1. Quiet, courteous, studious behavior is expected.

2. Keep your space tidy; put your chair away neatly; discard trash in the waste basket.

3. Books circulate for two weeks and may be renewed.

4. Sign up no later than 10:15 a.m. for a lunch pass.

5. Ask permission to use library computers; sign Library Computer Log; if you do not understand the program, ask for help. Do not guess.

6. No food or drinks in the library.

COMPUTER LABS There are several computer labs in Candlewood. Teachers may elect to bring their classes to the lab or to send individuals with their work and passes. No student is allowed in the lab unsupervised.

While in the lab, students should be working only on specific assignments or projects for class. Proper behavior and care of computer equipment is necessary. We want all students to become computer literate and to encourage appropriate academic computer use.

Each student has his/her own password. Do not share it with anyone. All students must sign an internet agreement included in this handbook.

MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELORS The sixth, seventh and eighth grade students are assigned to our four counselors.

The comprehensive counseling program is designed to meet the ever-changing needs of our students, parents, staff and community. It is the counselors’ challenge to continually evaluate the services offered.

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In order to accomplish this task, the counselors must develop and maintain an open and working relationship not only with students, but with parents, teachers and administrators as well.

Some of the services and programs offered by the Counseling Center are: • Comprehensive Orientation Programs • Crisis Intervention and Developmental Counseling • Conferencing Individual and Group Counseling • Coordination of Standardized Testing Programs • Interpretation of standardized testing • Academic follow-up • Career Exploration • Peer Mediation • Liaison to Community Services

TUTORING The Candlewood Chapter of National Junior Honor Society offers an ongoing tutorial service. Students meet in the library, after school, on mutually convenient days, for as many sessions as is 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.

SECTION 5 – FINISHING A WINNER

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY 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 is 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 7th and 8th grade students in March. Induction is held in early May.

REPORT CARDS Report cards will be issued four times each year or approximately every ten weeks.

Between reporting periods, teachers will make every effort to contact parents.

Report cards will be mailed home. They reflect both your achievement and classroom attitude. Our grade reporting system is: A+ Outstanding Achievement A Excellent B+ Very Good B Good C+ Satisfactory C Fair D Poor F Failing High Honor Roll -- 90 and Up Honor Roll--------- 85-89 INTERIM REPORTS Interims will be issued four times a year, approximately every 10 weeks, in the middle of each marking period. Subject teachers may selectively issue interim reports.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES You may call the Counseling Center at any time to arrange an appointment with any teacher you wish to see. Usually these conferences are held during school hours.

The Counseling Center can assist you in meeting with the teacher. Call 592-3310.

SECTION 6 – BE A PART OF YOUR SCHOOL The club program is set up during the first weeks of school. These clubs offer you the opportunity to meet new friends and to pursue the special interests you may have.

Listed below are the various clubs and activities available for your participation. A listing of meeting times is available in the Main Office or Counseling Center. Clubs are open to all grades.

HONOR ROLL Our Honor Roll is based upon student averages, including all subject areas.

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ATHLETICS Interscholastic Sports 7th & 8th Grades Soccer Football Baseball Softball Basketball Volleyball Wrestling Lacrosse Cross Country Track Before a student can be part of any of our athletic teams, he/she must first have parental permission to join a team, and then he/she must pass an athletic physical given by a school doctor. All students are encouraged to join a team. The more students we have joining, the more teams we will field.

Intramural Sports This program consists of a variety of activities, such as soccer, track, floor hockey, wrestling, weight training, boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, boys’ softball, girls’ softball, handball, and aerobics.

Intramurals are open to all grades.

STUDENT COUNCIL The Student Council is an organization which provides an environment where students practice good citizenship.

The general objectives of the Student Council are: 1. To conduct Student Council elections.

2. To provide a forum for students to voice opinions and affect positive change in their school.

3. To promote school spirit.

4. To conduct dances and other social activities.

5. To develop a sense of pride in their community.

SOME OF OUR OTHER CLUBS INCLUDE: MATHLETES MATH OLYMPIADS COMPUTER CLUB KICKLINE CHEERLEADING YEARBOOK MODEL BUILDING CLUB PHOTOGRAPHY

SCIENCE OLYMPIADS BOYS’ and GIRLS’ LEADERS CLUBS FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLUB TECHNOLOGY CLUB SECTION 7 – HELPFUL HINTS We cannot stress too strongly the importance of good attendance. It is the policy of Candlewood to call home and/or a parent’s place of employment to verify a student’s absence from school. We take pride in caring for our students’ health and safety. To report an absence please call 592-3308 as soon as possible.

Students are required to submit an excuse note from a parent or guardian to their advisory teacher on the day following an absence, giving both the reason and the date of absence. Excused absences include: death in family, medical reasons, religious observances and court appearances.

VISITORS The school building is closed to all unauthorized visitors. Those persons who have business to conduct in the school must state their business, sign the visitor’s register, and wear a visitor’s pass. In addition, proper identification must be presented.

HALL TRAFFIC While in the corridors, students are expected to keep to the right and move at a reasonable pace. Be sure to use the “Up” and “Down” staircases accordingly.

SNOW EMERGENCY 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, the announcements will be over News 12 (Cable TV) and the following radio stations: WRCM/FM 94.3 WGBB/AM 1240 WALK/AM 1370 WALK/FM 97.5 WKJY/FM 98.3 WGSM/AM 740 WHLI/AM 1100 WBAB/FM 102.3 WLIX/AM 540 WBLI/FM 106.1 In addition, please ensure you are enrolled for our automated call system in the event 8

that school is closed. Closings will also be noted on the Half Hollow Hills School District Web-site (www.halfhollowhills.k12.ny.us).

Our school buses are well equipped for these conditions, and we ask that for their safety, students should ride the buses. In addition, individual cars become a hazard to the students on the buses as well as the individuals in the car.

If it should become necessary at any time to drive your child to or from school, please remember to use the rear door in the student drop-off lot, not the bus loading area. Your cooperation is necessary to maintain the safety of all concerned.

CAFETERIA Candlewood offers a Breakfast Program from 7:10 a.m.-8:00 a.m. Students must report to advisory after breakfast, therefore, leaving the cafeteria at or before 8:00 a.m. is mandatory. Students who wish to eat breakfast will be permitted to go to the cafeteria as soon as their bus arrives.

NO STUDENTS WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE CAFETERIA UNLESS THEY ARE GETTING BREAKFAST! Students may purchase a full breakfast of either Pancakes, Breakfast Pizza, French Toast, Bagels, Rolls or Cold Cereal with juice and milk or any item a la carte. No breakfast is to be taken out of the cafeteria.

Lunch periods provide a complete lunch and an a la carte lunch. Pizza, Chicken Nuggets, Salad Plates, Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Steakums, Hot Pretzels, Yogurt and snacks. Cookies and popcorn, are some of the snack offerings.

STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CAFETERIA BETWEEN CLASSES. Food, Snapple and snacks are not to be taken out of the cafeteria.

CAFETERIA RULES • Good table manners are expected and courtesy is to be extended to teachers, monitors and fellow classmates.

• Students are not permitted to bring fast food of any kind into the cafeteria. There are no exceptions!

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No parties are to be held during lunch periods!

Birthday parties are not permitted in the cafeteria.

Students should arrive on time and be seated in an orderly manner.

Students are to follow directions of cafeteria staff.

Students are to wait on the lunch line in an orderly fashion. Conversations should be conducted quietly.

No food should be taken out of the cafeteria.

After eating, dispose of papers and trays in the proper containers. Clean-up is a cooperative effort.

No student will be dismissed until his/her area is cleaned. Students who have difficulty meeting these expectations will eat their lunch in an alternate setting.

PERSONAL POSSESSIONS Do not bring personal items, money or valuable jewelry to school. It is important for you to remember that the school cannot assume responsibility for the safekeeping of your books or other personal items should they become lost or stolen.

HEALTH SERVICES The school nurse is available during the school day to provide temporary care for children who become ill in school. Students entering 7th grade must provide proof of Hepatitis B Vaccine and a current physical.

Students who fail to do so will be warned and excluded from school after failure to complete the full set of inoculations. Annual screening for vision, hearing and scoliosis are completed by the nurse during the school year. Students in grades 7 and 8 may participate in the interscholastic athletic program and must receive a sports physical examination prior to tryouts. Sports physicals will be scheduled, free of charge, prior to the start of each sports season.

Postings and announcements for exam dates are advertised well in advance of the scheduled exam dates. Sports physicals, doctors’ letters and attachments will not be accepted. All physicals completed by a private physician must be approved by 9

the school doctor. Late clearance may have an impact on the team tryout process.

Medication must be brought to school by a parent or guardian, in the original container, accompanied by a written request from the doctor indicating frequency and dosage of the prescribed medication for students who require medication. Doctors' notes are also required for all over-the counter medications.

STUDENT DRESS Students are encouraged to dress in a manner appropriate to attending school.

Students are expected to dress in clean clothing and to have developed good habits regarding their personal cleanliness.

Clothing, distracting to other students, may not be worn. Students with overly short clothing exposing parts of their body will be asked to cover themselves appropriately. If no clothing is available, they will not be permitted to go to class or they may be sent home.

BIRTHDAY BALLOONS The practice of students bringing in balloons to celebrate a person’s birthday is prohibited. Balloons are not allowed in the building.

Lockers may not be decorated to celebrate a person’s birthday. A message may be placed on the birthday board to commemorate the occasion.

BACKPACKS No backpacks are allowed to be worn in the hallway or brought to class. Backpacks are to be kept in your lockers until the end of the day. If a student is seen with a backpack, the backpack will be confiscated.

GUM POLICY Gum chewing is prohibited in all areas of Candlewood Middle School.

SECTION 8 – SCHOOL RULES Candlewood Code of Behavior One of the ultimate goals of education is to develop good patterns of student conduct.

It is essential for each individual’s success,

as well as being necessary for a good learning environment for all students.

Public schools have the moral and legal responsibility to provide an education for all children. Students have the responsibility to take advantage of the opportunities provided. The purpose of this code is to provide a guideline of rights and responsibilities required for a healthy and safe school environment so that standards of acceptable behavior will be clearly defined. This code is to be reviewed by all Candlewood staff, students and parents.

The school staff and community believe that discipline is learned, and, therefore, should be taught and practiced in the home, school and community. The child also learns through experience and imitation. Discipline is a developmental process. As the child matures, he/she should be given increased responsibility in keeping with his/her developmental level and social maturity, and he/she will be afforded every opportunity to practice selfdiscipline in order to positively reinforce responsible action. The ultimate goal should be the internalization of discipline so that little external enforcement is required. We believe that this philosophy will foster the development of happy, self-disciplined, selfreliant personalities capable of behaving appropriately in accordance with the demands of any given situation. It is felt that this philosophy will produce individuals with social consciences, young people who see the good sense in acceptable behavior and who are spared the consequences of misbehavior.

In order to ensure a healthy and safe environment at Candlewood Middle School, the following list of rights and responsibilities has been developed.

Each person in the Candlewood community has the right: • To be treated with respect within a safe, healthy environment • To an environment conducive to learning In order to guarantee each person’s rights in the Candlewood Educational Community, the following responsibilities are indicated: 10

• To treat others with tolerance and respect • To behave in such a manner that supports a learning environment • To be prepared and on time • To properly care for and respect materials, equipment and facilities In order to guarantee that instruction is not disrupted the following items are prohibited on school grounds, buses, buildings and school sponsored activities: • Walkman, discman, iPods, radios, boom boxes, earphones, gameboys • Beepers, pagers, electronic communication devices • Water pistols, squirt bottles, water balloons, BB guns, laser pointers, spray paint • Cell phones are permitted prior to and following school hours. Should a cell phone be seen/heard during school hours, the phone will be confiscated and may be picked up in the Main Office at the end of the day.

For multiple infractions, the parent/ guardian of the student may be required to pick-up the cell phone.

Please be advised, should any of the above items be brought to school and become lost/stolen, the school will not be responsible for these items nor will an investigation take place in connection with the loss.

The following infractions are of such a serious nature that they may warrant outof-school suspension and, in some cases, the involvement of local police and fire marshals: • Insubordination • Acting in a manner that endangers the welfare of others • Possession or sale of any drugs, alcohol or dangerous substances • Pulling of fire alarms • Possession of weapons, fireworks, smoke bombs, BB guns or dangerous devices STUDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM The Candlewood staff recognizes good citizenship. A variety of activities, privileges,

and incentives will be awarded periodically during the school year to all students who do not have discipline referrals and, thereby, follow school and class rules.

IN-HOUSE DETENTION PROGRAM In-House Detention is an alternative to the regular school program. The purpose of the program is to be corrective. Its purpose is to remove a student from the regular school program for acts which are not in keeping with good learning atmosphere or where the health or well being of others has been endangered. Students will spend the time doing current school assignments in a closely-supervised atmosphere. Students may be required to bring a bagged lunch.

PASSES When classes are in session, no student is to be in the corridors without an official, agenda-book pass.

This pass is to be signed by the student’s assigned teacher. Any student found in the corridor without a pass will be immediately escorted back to class. This pass must be shown to the teachers who are in the corridors. A pass is not a permit to loiter.

LOSS OF PRIVILEGES Students who develop a record of disciplinary referrals will be subject to a loss of privileges. This will be determined by the types of disciplinary infractions that occur.

Loss of privileges may include social probation, non-attendance on school trips, pass restriction and exclusion from a variety of school related activities.

LEAVING SCHOOL WITHOUT PERMISSION Leaving the building without permission is a serious breach of school policy because it endangers the welfare of students. Any student caught violating this rule will be charged with truancy and will be subject to suspension.

ATTENDANCE The State of New York has a compulsory attendance law which places the authority 11

of enforcement on each school district. A Parent/Guardian must call 592-3308 to report an absence or lateness before 8:30 a.m. Students must bring an absence note upon their return.

EARLY RELEASE Students shall be released only to a parent with whom they reside, their legal guardian, or another lawful custodian. When an early release is required, one of the above must send a note with the student and personally present himself/ herself at the Attendance Office. Students will not be permitted to walk home on any early release.

TARDINESS TO SCHOOL/LATENESS TO CLASS Any student who arrives late to school must sign in at the Attendance Office and receive a pass to class. Students who develop serious attendance problems in terms of lateness to school shall be subject to disciplinary measures as deemed appropriate by school authorities.

There is enough time for any student to arrive promptly from any place in the building. Arriving late disturbs the class, and you miss valuable information. There are classroom consequences as well as loss of privileges for students who are chronically late. The following consequences will be applicable for accumulated unexcused tardiness to school/class in any given quarter: Three (3) offenses will result in an afterschool detention.

Six (6) offenses will result in two afterschool detentions.

Nine (9) offenses will result in four afterschool detentions.

Twelve (12) offenses the result will result in in-school supervision for one day.

Fifteen (15) offenses will result in out-of-school suspension for one day.

For offenses beyond fifteen (15), the consequence will be determined by the administrator.

BIAS ACT A bias act is any offense against a person or property which is motivated wholly or in part by the race, religion, ethnicity, or gender of the victim. Students who harass, annoy, threaten or harm another student because of his/her race, religion, ethnicity, or gender shall be considered in violation of school policy.

BUS SAFETY RULES The safety and welfare of students on school buses is considered to be of utmost importance. Any act by a student or students that endangers the safety and welfare of others is forbidden. Illustrations of the above include smoking, disorderliness, fighting, horseplay or any act that might distract the attention of the bus driver while he or she is driving the vehicle.

Students are reminded that the bus and bus stop are an extension of the school grounds, and all of the rules which are observed at school concerning behavior, respect for property, will be enforced.

Written permission of school authorities is required before a student may ride on a bus other than his or her regular bus or leave the bus except at his or her regular bus stop.

Students, whether they take a bus or not, are requested to leave the building immediately after their last class.

Students who remain after school should do so only if they participate in an authorized activity under teacher supervision. Students violating this will be placed on social probation.

The last buses arrive between 4:45 and 5:00pm. If you are not here to pick up your child at that time, he/she will be told to take one of the afternoon buses home. No child will be left unsupervised on school grounds after 5:00pm. If you arrive after that time and your child is not there, they are on their way home on one of the after-school buses.

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SCHOOL BUS RULES A student will be permitted to ride only so long as his or her conduct is favorable.

Listed below are the rules which each student riding a bus is required to follow.

1. Leave home early enough to arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the normal bus pick up time.

2. Enter and leave the bus only when the door is fully open and never when the bus is in motion.

3. Take your seat promptly on entering the bus and remain in it until you arrive at your destination.

4. Keep your lunch boxes, books, and athletic equipment out of the aisle.

5. Assist in maintaining bus cleanliness by keeping your waste paper off the floor.

6. Objects are not to be thrown in the bus or out of the windows.

7. Avoid loud, boisterous talk or other noises or actions that might distract the driver.

8. Conduct yourself on the bus as you would in school.

9. Leave the bus promptly and in an orderly manner.

10. Cross the road at least 10 feet in front of the school bus.

11. Be respectful to your bus drivers. They have an important job, and need your help.

FIRE DRILL RULES Several fire drills will occur during the school year. At the sound of the alarm, students are to leave the building immediately and silently follow the directions of teachers. Exit directions are posted near the door to each room. Those not in a classroom are required to leave the building promptly and join the nearest class. Students are to remain with their class in a quiet and orderly manner.

When the signal is given to return, quiet and order should prevail.

SECTION 9 – SCHEDULES Normal Period Schedule Advisory 7:50 - 8:00 Period 1 8:05 - 8:44 Period 2 8:49 - 9:28 Period 3 9:33 - 10:12 Period 4 10:17 - 10:57 Period 5 11:02 - 11:42 Period 6 11:47 - 12:27 Period 7 12:32 - 1:12 Period 8 1:17 - 1:56 Period 9 2:01 - 2:40 Extended Advisory Schedule Advisory 7:50 - 8:25 Period 1 8:30 - 9:06 Period 2 9:11 - 9:47 Period 3 9:52 - 10:28 Period 4 10:33 - 11:09 Period 5 11:14 - 11:50 Period 6 11:55 - 12:31 Period 7 12:36 - 1:12 Period 8 1:17 - 1:56 Period 9 2:01 - 2:40 2-Hour Delay Schedule Advisory 9:50 - 10:01 Period 1 10:05 - 10:32 Period 2 10:36 - 11:03 Period 3 11:07 - 11:34 Period 4 11:38 - 12:05 Period 5 12:09 - 12:36 Period 6 12:40 - 1:07 Period 7 1:11 - 1:38 Period 8 1:42 - 2:09 Period 9 2:13 - 2:40

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