Lewis Middle School

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2005-2006

281 MISSISSIPPI AVE.

VALPARAISO, FL 32580

www.lewismiddleschool.com

 

FRONT OFFICE: 833-4130

FAX: 833-4197

GUIDANCE OFFICE: 833-4132

WEEKLY PHONE MESSAGE: 833-4133 EXT:3000

HOMEWORK HOTLINE:

6TH GRADE 833-4133 EXT:3600

7TH GRADE 833-4133 EXT:3700

8TH GRADE 833-4133 EXT:3800

 

   DR. LINDA N. SMITH                                        DENNIS SAMAC

   PRINCIPAL                                                  ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

 

MASCOT: FALCON    COLORS: GREEN, GOLD, AND WHITE

 

                                    

This School Agenda Book belongs to:

 

Name___________________________________________________

 

Address________________________________________________

 

City_____________________________ Zip Code_____________

 

Phone_____________________ Advisory____________________

 

2005-2006  OKALOOSA COUNTY SCHOOL CALENDAR

AUGUST 1-3, 2005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PRE-SCHOOL PLANNING AUGUST 4, 2005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FIRST DAY FOR STUDENTS SEPTEMBER 5, 2005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LABOR DAY HOLIDAY OCTOBER 6, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . END OF FIRST NINE-WEEK PERIOD OCTOBER 7, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . TEACHER WORKDAY/STUDENT HOLIDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 24, 25, 2005. . . . . . . . . . . THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY DECEMBER 15, 2005. . . .END OF FIRST SEMESTER/LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS DECEMBER 16, 2005. . . . . . . . . .TEACHER WORKDAY/STUDENT HOLIDAY DECEMBER 19, 2005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WINTER BREAK BEGINS

WINTER BREAK-DECEMBER 19, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 3, 2006

JANUARY 3, 2006. . . . . . . . CLASSES RESUME/BEGIN SECOND SEMESTER JANUARY 16, 2006. . . . . . . . . . .M.L.KING, JR. BIRTHDAY HOLIDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2006. . . . . . . . . .. .WASHINGTONS BIRTHDAY HOLIDAY MARCH 10, 2006. . . . . . . . . . . . END OF THIRD NINE-WEEK PERIOD MARCH 13, 2006. . . . . . . . . . .TEACHER WORK DAY/STUDENT HOLIDAY MARCH 27-31, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . SPRING BREAK HOLIDAY MAY 18, 2006. . . . . .END OF SECOND SEMESTER/LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS MAY 24, 2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LAST DAY FOR TEACHERS

 

 

BELL SCHEDULES
NUMBER 1	NUMBER 3
*REGULAR SCHEDULE		*60 MINUTE ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
ADVISORY   7:00-7:15 PERIOD 1 - 7:19-8:12        2 - 8:16-9:09        3 - 9:13-10:09        4 - 10:13-11:41        5 - 11:45-12:38        6 - 12:42-1:35		ADVISORY   7:00-7:05 PERIOD 1 - 7:09-7:51        2 - 7:55-8:36        3 - 8:40-9:24        5 - 9:28-10:09        4 - 10:13-11:41        6 - 11:45-12:26 *ADVISORY/ACTIVITY - 12:30-1:35
NUMBER 2		NUMBER 4
*30 MINUTE ACTIVITY SCHEDULE		*90 MINUTE ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
ADVISORY   7:00-7:05 PERIOD 1 - 7:09-7:55        2 - 7:59-8:45        3 - 8:49-9:38        5 - 9:42-10:28        4 - 10:32-12:00        6 - 12:04-12:50 *ADVISORY/ACTIVITY -  12:54-1:35		ADVISORY   7:00-7:05 PERIOD 1 - 7:09-7:45        2 - 7:49-8:25        3 - 8:29-9:08        5 - 9:12-9:48        6 - 9:52-10:28        4 - 10:32-12:00 *ADVISORY/ACTIVITY - 12:04-1:35

 

 

 

                                    

TEACHERS AND STAFF

TEACHERS

SHIRLEY ANDREWS BETTY BEARD LINDA BURKE TOM BURKE DONNA EARLE KRIS HAGBERG CATHY HALL RUSS HARRIS JIMMY HARRISON JANE HEBERT NANCY HUERKAMP CINDY JANNAZO	JANE KLEPPINGER STACEY LAVIN PAT MACK ALEC MACBETH BOBBY MCELROY JEROME MCINTOSH   ANNA METHVIN GRANT MEYER LU MORRIS ROBERT PAYNE      ANN PETERS KATHY SELLERS	JONI SHAW SONDRA SINGLETON BONNIE SMITH LINDA STRICKLAND CAROLINE SULLIVAN CHRIS TREDWAY SHELLEY WEEKS JASON WHEELWRIGHT JACK WILSON DAVID WILLIAMS DOOD WOOD
FRONT OFFICE SECRETARY-CHERYLE FORAKER PHONE-833-4130 FAX-833-4197   SUPPORT STAFF BOOKKEEPER-CHERYL PATRICK OFFICE CLERK-MARIA TEMPLE TEACHER AIDE- THERESE LITSCHER BRENDA SAWYER MARTI SHURGOT    RUTH THOMAS	RESOURCE OFFICER KEVIN FOY   GUIDANCE COUNSELOR-ROGER HOHN SECRETARY-HOPE JIMENEZ PHONE-833-4132	CAFETERIA STAFF MANAGER-LORRAINE BREWSTER CYNTHIA ADDISON DEBORA BURNS   CUSTODIAL STAFF HEAD CUSTODIAN-GARY SAMPLE STANLEY CELEBRADO WILL EASTRIDGE KIM BROWN

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

 

On behalf of the faculty, staff, administration, and Parent /Teacher/ Student Organization (PTSO), welcome to Lewis Middle School!  The middle school years are some of the most challenging for our children. Our goal is to help students and parents make a smooth successful transition to this exciting phase of their educational experience. 

 

Middle school is characterized by specialized activities for the young adolescent, exploratory course offerings, and an advisory. An exploratory program exposes students to more subjects and allows them to determine their interests.  Examples of exploratory courses are chorus, art, computer applications, wellness and speech.  Advisory provides a teacher to help each student build positive self-esteem, develop decision-making skills, and increase academic and social achievement.

 

It is suggested that you read this handbook thoroughly and jointly discuss its contents with your child.  Our goal is for every student to experience success at school everyday.  We can insure that this happens by working cooperatively toward a common end.  We must all do what is best to enable our most precious resource, our children, to develop the skills for a successful life.  In this spirit, I challenge you to participate in our varied activities and join as active partners in this vital process.  If any of our staff can ever be of service to you, please do not hesitate to call.

WEBSITE

 

School information, homework hot line, on line computer, newsletter, student handbook,and other data relating to Lewis Middle School can be accessed at:  www.lewismiddleschool.com 

 

FOREWORD

 

This agenda book has been prepared to provide each student and parent with a source of information about Lewis Middle School.  We believe that learning and total student development can be maximized in a safe and orderly environment.

 

This agenda book does not cover every School or Okaloosa District policy.  It is

intended only as a reference source for some of the more frequently asked questions. For more specific rules and regulations refer to:

1.  Okaloosa County Schools Code of Student Conduct Book

2.  Policies and Administrative Regulations of Okaloosa County

3.  State Board Rules

4.  Florida School Laws

 

ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND PROMOTION POLICIES

                                               

Mid nine week reports will be printed and distributed at the mid point of each grading period.  To obtain teacher comments or the scores that were used to calculate this grade, please access the Parent Internet Viewer. (see below)

A report card will be furnished at the end of each nine weeks.

 

The marking system is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Promotion policy: A middle school student must pass a total of 15 courses to be promoted to the 9^th grade.  They are:  Three levels of Math; three levels of Language Arts; three levels of Science; three levels of Social Studies: one year of Physical Education, and two years of an elective. Students will retake any core (Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies) course that is failed. 

 

*The "All A" list is the list of students who make All A's in all classes regardless of weighted grades.

 

INSTANTANEOUS ON LINE COMPUTER ACCESS TO STUDENT GRADES

 

The PIV (Parent Internet Viewer) is a website designed to give parents and guardians the ability to monitor their child's performance at Lewis Middle School from any computer with Internet access.  All you will need is your child's student ID.  If you don't have a computer or Internet access, the computers in our Media Center are available for your use and we will assist you.  To access the PIV, go to our school website: http//www.lewismiddleschool.com 

 

When the PIV page loads you will see an introduction, then a button in the middle that says <<click here to begin>>.  Click.  You are instructed to enter your student ID, PIN code and school.  The Student ID is the 10-digit student number located on both the report card and mid-nine-nine-week report.  The PIN CODE IS THE LAST FOUR DIGITS OF THAT NUMBER.  After selecting Lewis from the list of schools, click on "Request Report".  For the sake of privacy, the child's name will not be seen on the PIV.  Students should not give out PIN numbers or ID'S to anyone other than their parents.

 

SCHEDULE CHANGE REQUESTS

 

Any change in the classroom schedule for a student must be coordinated with the teacher, the parents, the student's counselor and/or assistant principal.  All schedule changes will be handled through the assistant principal's office.

 

STUDENT SERVICES

                                               

GUIDANCE

 

Counseling services are available to all students.  Appointments can be made with our guidance counselor, Mr. Hohn, by requesting a pass from your teacher.  The guidance

department coordinates the administration and interpretation of standardized tests.  These tests are used as aids in planning a student's curriculum and in the determination of student aptitude and level of achievement.

 

An important part of the guidance program is to try to reach all students in some helpful way.  You are encouraged to make an appointment or to get a pass and come into the guidance office.  If you just want to meet your counselor, come to the guidance office!

STUDENT AGENDA BOOKS

 

Student agenda books will be sold for a nominal fee and will be used to assist students in the organization of their school activities and assignments. Student agendas are highly recommended for each class.  Agenda books should be brought to parent/teacher conferences, so progress and record keeping can be discussed.  It will be the student’s responsibility to take the mid nine-week reports, the report cards and agenda books home for their parents to review. 

 

SECTION 504 INFORMATION

 

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provides that a person who has a physical or mental handicap, which substantially limits one or more major life

activities, will be treated equally under the law.  Parents are requested to provide any information to the guidance office concerning the special needs of their child that could affect learning.

REGISTRATION

 

Registration will be held during the second semester of the school year for the next school term.  Students, parents, and teachers will coordinate in selection of subjects included in the student’s curriculum.  Students who enroll during the school year must present a withdrawal form or some form of official release with grades and the name and address of the previous school.  All new students must have:

MEDICAL EXAMINATION: According to Florida Statutes, each child who initially enters a Florida     Public School, must present certification of a Medical Examination performed within the twelve (12) months prior to enrollment, or obtain a physical examination within 30 days of entering school.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS: Any student entering Okaloosa County Schools must present a "Florida Certification of Immunization" BEFORE being admitted to class. (FL Statutes 232.032,s.10D-3,088,F.A.C. and s.10M-12,F.A.C.) Florida Law requires all students entering the 7^th and 8^th grade must have completed the Hepatitis B Series, a Tetanus-Diphtheria Booster within the past 5 years and a second MMR vaccine.  Immunizations must be current to attend a Florida school.

 

                                      PERMANENT RECORDS

 

See Right of Access, Annual Public Notification of Student and Family Rights, pg.14. 

 

WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES

 

A student who is leaving school or is transferring to another school will notify the guidance office no later than two (2) days before the date of withdrawal.  A parent

or guardian must come to the guidance office and sign the withdrawal form.  On the student's last day of school at Lewis, the student will report to the guidance office at the beginning of the day to obtain the withdrawal form.  The student must be prepared to stay the full school day to complete the withdrawal process.  The classroom teacher will indicate on the withdrawal form the student's grades to date of withdrawal and assess all lost or damaged books.  The student will take the withdrawal form to be cleared through the main office, the media center and the cafeteria. They must also remove all personal belongings from their hall locker and clear through the physical education teacher and remove all personal belongings from the PE locker. At the beginning of sixth period the teacher will release the student to complete the withdrawal form by checking out at the guidance office.

 

At the end of the school day, when the withdrawal form is completed and all fees are paid, the parent or guardian may come to the guidance office to sign for records to be hand carried to the next school.  If a student withdraws prior to ten (10) school days before the end of the school year they must re-enter another school before the end of the school year to be promoted.

 

 

                                HEALTH SERVICES

 

                                ACCIDENTAL INJURY/MEDICATION

 

It is the responsibility of all students, when injured on the school grounds, no matter how trivial the injury may seem, to report it to their teacher immediately so the teacher can refer them to the office.  The parents will be contacted by the school when an injury occurs which must be cared for by a physician.  PARENTS SHOULD KEEP THE SCHOOL INFORMED OF CURRENT PHONE NUMBERS.  If the school is unable to contact the parents, the student will be taken to a doctor for emergency aid.  The school or county board does not assume financial responsibility for care provided by a physician.  (Accident insurance will be made available to all students for a reasonable premium. Applications for this are sent home at the beginning of each school year.)  Athletes must obtain some type of accident insurance. 

 

Lewis does not have a school nurse.  A phone is available in guidance for students who become ill during the school day.  Our personnel and facilities will only allow us to care temporarily for a student who is ill and cannot return to class. In the event a student becomes ill and cannot attend classes, parents or guardians will be contacted and asked to pick the student up in the front office.

 

Students are not allowed to carry medicine on school grounds nor on school buses. Parents or guardians may bring medicine to the front office to be dispensed by school personnel. The parent or guardian must complete an “Administration of Medication in the School Permission Form”. In addition, the medicine must be in the original container labeled with name, dosage, and time to be given.

 

When it is necessary for students to keep medication with them at all times (for example: inhalers, emergency antidote for insect bites, enzymes, etc.) a physician's written order stating such, must be obtained and kept with the Administration Of Medication Permission Form for each student.

 

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

 

STUDENT ABSENCES

 

Attendance Requirements F.S. 1003.24 and 1003.26.  Students may be counted in attendance only if they are actually present or if they are away from school on field trips or other activities sponsored by the school and under the supervision of school

authorities. (School Board Policy, Chapter VI,F-5)

1. Attendance Policy

   To fully benefit from the instructional program, students are expected to             attend school regularly, be on time for classes, and satisfy all course               requirements. Poor attendance or excessive tardiness may result in low or             failing grades.

2. Required Attendance

   If a student is not in attendance for ninety (90%) percent of the instructional

   time required for each course, the credit for the course might be withheld.

3. Reporting an Absence

   When a student accumulates a total of nine (9) excused or unexcused absences in       any class period per semester, the student must have an excuse from a doctor or       an official agency (i.e. Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Children       and Families, etc.) for each subsequent absence.

  A. After the fifth, but before the eighth, absence (excused or unexcused) per           semester in any class period, the parent will be notified of the absence.

  B. After the ninth absence (excused or unexcused) per semester in any class             period, a letter will be sent to the parents notifying them of the necessity          for a doctor’s excuse or an excuse from an official agency.  In addition,             this letter will notify parents of the consequences of any additional                 absences. The principal may review any absence caused by some insurmountable          or extraordinary situation or event that placed an undue hardship on the              student.

   C. After the fifteenth absence per semester in any class period, all absences            are unexcused and no make-up work will be allowed.  The teachers grade book           on the individual class attendance is the official record of attendance.  The         student can still pass the class, if at the end of the semester he has a              passing grade.  The student's parent or legal guardian can appeal to the              school’s attendance review committee within three days of the absence in              question for permission to make up missed work. 

   D. Students will have three (3) school days, including the day they return, to           bring in verification to excuse an absence.  The absence will be                      considered unexcused if the school does not receive verification for the              absence.

   E. A student who is not in class for at least one-half of the class period shall         be counted as absent.

4. Absences Defined (Make up work)

   A. Excused Absences are absences resulting from:

1.  Death in the family or any other bona fide family emergency.

2.    Illness or injury requiring medical or dental attention (physician’s     statement required).

3.    Appointments for medical or dental care (physician’s statement required).

4.    Religious holidays, pupils are permitted to be absent in observation of  established religious holidays, but they must be counted absent on all   school records.  Absences of a religious nature, preceded by prior parent

   notice, will not require written notification on the student’s return to    school.  Religious holidays considered excused absences include Good        Friday, Yom Kippur, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Hanukkah.  In addition     to these recognized holidays, parents may request in writing, five days     prior to the absence for their child to be excused for other religious      holidays.

5.    A written note is required from a parent/guardian or government agency   explaining the student’s absence for example, sickness, court appearance, Department of Children and Families appointment, etc.

   B. Unexcused Absences are absences resulting from

         1. Unverified absence (no communication in writing from the parent)

         2. Truancy

         3. Suspension

         4. Expulsion

   C. Make Up Work

For excused absences (up to 15 days) the student will be expected to make up          the work missed during the time of absence.  As a general rule all such make up work must be completed within five (5) school days after the student returns to school.  The teacher shall determine the exact day that make-up work is due.  The teacher and/or principal may grant additional time for the make up work if the individual situation warrants.  Useful tools for obtaining missed work include the homework hotline and Lewis web site.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

ABSENT ALL DAY

For an absence to be excused, the student must bring a note from his/her parent to the front office within three (3) days of returning to school.  The note must include the student’s full legal name, date of the absence, reason, and parent signature.  An Excused Admit Slip will then be issued.  The student must have the Excused Admit Slip initialed by all teachers.  If this procedure is not followed, the absence is considered unexcused. (We are no longer able to excuse an absence per telephone conversation with parents.) 

ABSENT PART DAY

Late arrivals to school follow the same guidelines as absences.  See absence defined on pg. 6.  PARENTS SHOULD ACCOMPANY THEIR CHILD TO THE MAIN OFFICE AND SIGN THEM IN OR GIVE A NOTE TO THE CHILD SIGNED BY THE PARENT EXPLAINING THE LATENESS TO SCHOOL, WHICH

WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE OFFICE.  Any student who is a LATE ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL must always check-in through the main office before reporting to class. An Excused Admit Slip will then be issued for the classes that were missed.  If a student is SIGNED OUT by a parent, he/she will receive an Excused Admit Slip for the classes that he/she will be missing. It is the student’s responsibility to bring the Excused Admit Slip to school the next day to have it initialed by the appropriate teachers. Please note that if a student misses more than half of a class period, he/she will be counted as

absent. If this procedure is not followed, the student will have an unexcused absence in the classes he/she missed.  After an Excused Admit Slip has been initialed, the student leaves it with his/her last teacher of the day.

 

 

 

ABSENCE CALLS

 

Parents should receive an automated call if their student is absent or signs in late. Please be sure to follow the procedures outlined above so that the absences will be excused.

ABSENCE/LATE TO SCHOOL CHART

Absence/ Late to School 1-9	Parent Excuse Accepted if provided within 3 days of absence	Make Up Work Allowed
	No Excuse or Excuse provided after 3 days	No Make Up Work Allowed
Absence/ Late to School 10-15	Doctor’s or Official Agency’s Excuse Required	Make Up Work Allowed
	Parent Excuse or No Excuse	No Make Up Work Allowed
Absence/ Late to School 16+	No Excuse Accepted (may be appealed within 3 days of absence)	No Make Up Work Allowed

 

                                   STUDENTS LATE TO SCHOOL

 

1. Parents will be notified on the fifth and ninth late to school per semester.

2. Following the 9^th late to school per semester students will be entered into        detention for each subsequent unexcused lateness.

 

TARDINESS TO CLASS

 

Punctuality is a trait that we should all develop.  Students should be in their seats, quiet and ready for work when the tardy bell rings.  If not, they are considered tardy to class.  The policy for being TARDY is:

1. STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TWO (2) TARDIES PER SEMESTER.

2. THREE-FOUR (3-4) TARDIES PER SEMESTER - the teacher may assign extra work or a        detention, and will notify the parent.

3. FIVE TARDIES OR MORE PER SEMESTER- OFFICE REFERRAL

   An unexcused tardy is considered misconduct.  The parents of a student who is         habitually tardy to school or any class will be notified of such tardiness.           The matter will be handled by the parent and/or the school administration.

 

STUDENT CONDUCT

TRUANCY

 

Students with five (5) unexcused absences in a calendar month or ten (10) unexcused absences in a 90 day calendar period will be reported as truant (Florida Statute 232.17).  Parents will be notified by letter from Lewis Middle School and reported to school board authorities.

 

LEAVING CAMPUS

 

Once students arrive on the school property (including on the buses) they may not leave the campus until dismissal except with permission of a school administrator

through the checkout procedure in the front office.  If a student leaves the school grounds any time during the day without permission, severe penalties will be enforced.

 

STUDENT CONDUCT/DISCIPLINE

 

A DISCIPLINED, ORDERLY ENVIRONMENT PROMOTES LEARNING.

During the course of the school year, it may be necessary to discipline students who do not exhibit self-discipline so that the on-going process of education for all children can occur.  Parent involvement to encourage appropriate behavior is crucial to a student's success.

 

Discipline, is handled primarily by the individual teacher.  Warnings: often times when an infraction of school rules occurs, the school representative/bus driver, teacher, SRO, principal may warn the child.  This is merely a courtesy and is not a requirement of the school conduct/discipline code and the five step discipline plan.  More serious and/or persistent offenders are handled by the administration.  Our discipline plan includes a variety of corrective measures.  Less severe punishments usually correct

problems with most students. However, recurring or disrespectful behavior will require more stringent measures. 

 

Discipline at Lewis Middle School is handled at the lowest level consistent with the

offense.  Therefore, most discipline is handled in the classroom with student/teacher interaction and communication.  Discipline at this level is not entered in the county database and therefore does not appear on the student's record.  However, from time to time an offense may be committed where a student is referred to the discipline administrator.  In these instances the student is informed of the offense and is allowed due process.  After this hearing the student will be informed of action taken. Referrals requiring discipline will be entered in the county database and become a part of the student’s record.  The following is an ascending scale of discipline:

1. After school detention - Tuesday (normally) 1:40 - 3:10 located within the     school.  Parent notification is by form letter notifying the parent of the     detention. It is sent home with the student to be signed by the parent and     returned the next day by the student (students responsibility). After three    detentions in a year, more punitive discipline is administered.
2. Suspension from class - Student is isolated from other students during a class period when a student is sent to the office for class disruption.  This may    be assigned for more than one day.  Students have the responsibility to tell   parents/guardian.  The administration will make every attempt to contact the   parents/guardian and will send a letter of notification with the student.  Make up work is allowed.
3. In school suspension - similar to suspension from class except the student is  isolated all day.  The administration will make every attempt to contact the   parent/ guardian by phone and will send a letter of notification with the      student if contact by phone was not made.  Make up work is allowed.
4. Suspension from school-student not allowed to attend school nor school events. Parents/Guardians will be contacted and mailed a letter.  No make up work is   allowed.
5. Expulsion-student not allowed to return to school.  Expulsion is determined by school board action.

*The severity of infraction or the total number of referrals the student has may   result in an escalated entry onto the discipline scale.

 

                                    BEHAVIORAL GUIDELINES

 

1.    Students are not to chew gum at school.  They are not to eat at school other   than during the supervised lunch periods.

2.    It is the responsibility of students to be prepared for their classes with     textbooks, paper, pen, pencil, and any other appropriate items.

3.    Any student who leaves the classroom/cafeteria for any reason must have a pass from the teacher stating the time and destination of the student.  A hall      monitor may check this pass.  Do not stop between classes at the front office  or guidance office without a pass from your teacher.

4.    There will be no visiting from room to room by the students.

5.    Public display of affection is prohibited.

6.    Gambling is prohibited.

7.    Any student who is caught cheating should be given a zero on that work and sent to the office so it can be recorded on the student’s discipline record.  The   student will call his/her parents in the front office and notify them of the   incident.

8.    Eighth grade students exhibiting serious discipline issues or those who fail to pass their core courses will not be allowed to participate in the eighth grade graduation ceremony.

*See Okaloosa County School District Code Of Student Conduct book concerning   discipline.

 

Student Supervision Guidelines:

 

STUDENT WELFARE

 

FALCON PRIDE - Good citizenship and responsibility are important and expected.  Your citizenship is a contribution to our school image and our community.  These rules are not made to confine you, but provide for the smooth flow of the day.

1.    All visitors must check in through the main office.

2.    Threatening remarks will be taken very seriously and thoroughly investigated.

3.    Candy or other food items brought from home may only be eaten in conjunction   with the student’s school lunch.  No food or drink may be taken from the       cafeteria.

4.    The following items may not be brought to school and are subject to            confiscation:

a.    Chewing gum

b.    Hats

c.    Radios, CD’s, electronic games, VCR tapes, cassettes, tape players, cameras, walkman, electronic toys, cigarette lighters, laser pointers etc.

d.    Toys (water guns, play guns of all types, playing cards or trading cards, yoyo’s etc.) - Long key straps (Tommy, WWJD, etc.) must be tucked into shirt or put in pocket.  Confiscated items must be picked up by the parent within five school days. Lewis Middle School is not responsible for items not picked up after the 5-day limit. It is the student’s responsibility to notify their parent/guardian when school authorities take up an item.)

5.    The following items should not be used in the classroom or cafeteria: combs,   brushes, hair spray (no aerosol spray cans of any type), perfume, lotions, and make up.

6.    Unsupervised students on campus outside of school hours are subject to         disciplinary action.    

7.    Students are not to bring pet animals to school.

8.    Students may not bring friends to visit with them during the school day.

9.    All bicycles must be parked and locked at the bike rack. You must wear a helmet when riding on campus. 

10.  Students are encouraged to come to school prepared for class and extra         curricular activities.  Cell phones are permitted but should not be seen or  heard during the school day.  Unnecessary use of phones, which interferes with class time, will be discouraged.

 

CASES FOR SUSPENSION/EXPULSION

 

1.  SMOKING:  The possession and/or use of tobacco by students on school property      is prohibited.  The penalty for the first offense may be up to three (3) days      suspension from school, the second offense up to five (5) days suspension, and     the third offense up to ten (10) days suspension with a referral to the            Director of Safe Schools.

2.  ALCOHOL:  The possession and/or use of alcoholic beverages at any time on school   property shall warrant the offender up to ten (10) days suspension. Any subsequent offense of this nature shall require the presence of the parents or guardian and   offender before the School Board.

3.  WEAPONS:  The possession of any sword, sword cane, electronic weapon or            device, destructive device, or other weapon, including a razor blade, box          cutter or knife, while on school property or on school sponsored                   transportation, or while attending a school activity may warrant up to a 10        day suspension or expulsion.

4.  DRUGS:  Any student committing an act at school, on school property, or at         school functions, which results in a criminal offense (such as possession of       drugs) may result in a suspension from school for a period of ten (10) days        and the entire student file shall be transferred to the School Board for           further action.  A "no tolerance" policy exists in Okaloosa County which           may result in expulsion for students involved in drugs and/or weapons.

5.  The possession of obscene material.

6.  The possession of matches, lighters, firecrackers, firearms, explosives of any     type, or any type of weapon.

7.  Willful disobedience, open and persistent defiance of authority, profanity or      vulgarity.

8.  Fighting or instigating fights, either on school property or in transit.

10.   Stealing - Students who take items (regardless of value), which do not belong,     to them may be suspended from school for stealing.  If a student finds             something that does not belong to them, they should immediately turn it in to      the front office, a teacher or an administrator.  If, however, a student keeps     an item in his possession that does not belong to him and one of the school        officials has to recover the item for the rightful owner, it will be               considered stealing.

11.   Making a bomb threat.

12.   Excessive TARDIES, when other disciplinary actions have failed.

13.   Accumulated office referrals for various offenses when other disciplinary          actions have failed.

14.   Repeated failure of students to report to assigned detention.

15.   Willful damage to school property.

16.   Possession of electronic communication devices (cellular telephones, pagers,       beepers, etc.)

DRESS CODE

 

Appropriate student grooming and dress are primarily the responsibility of the student and parent.  However, in adopting a code of student dress, it is the intent of the

school board to insure that a student’s personal hygiene, appearance, or dress is such that it does not disrupt or interfere with the educational process or endanger the health and safety of the student or others.   

 

The wearing of garments appropriate for school is to be encouraged.  All instructors should be alert to give helpful, friendly guidance in these matters without embarrassment to the pupil.  Failure of any student to dress simply and appropriately should be brought to the attention of the principal.  Extremes in dress, hairstyle, make-up, or jewelry are not in good taste and should be discouraged.  The principal will determine when these provisions have been violated and will make the decision based upon the guidelines stated above.

 

If a student is removed from class for violating any provision of this code, he or she will be readmitted to class as soon as the violation has been corrected.  Guidelines to assist students, parents, and administrators toward a better understanding of the

above are specifically:

Middle School and High School Students (6-12)

The following dress code list may not be all-inclusive.  A fashion or fad may appear during the year that may be inappropriate for the academic environment. 

1. General: 

a.    Minimum length of clothing appropriate for school should approach the top of   the knee. (Mid-thigh or below the end of the finger tip when arms are extended by the student’s side.)

b.    No hats are to be worn inside the building.

c.    Garments bearing inappropriate slogans or pictures are not permitted (i.e.,    alcohol, drugs, racial remarks, violence, or sexual connotations).

d.    Shoes or sandals must be worn at all times.

e.    Hair must be neat and clean at all times and must not interfere with           student’s vision.  Unnatural colors are not allowed nor are extremes in hair   color.  No beards or mustaches may be worn to school.

f.    Tank tops, muscle shirts and similar shirts or blouses, when worn without      another shirt, are not permitted (clothing should cover the shoulder).  The    midriff must be covered and undergarments must not show at any time.           Example - Double tank tops are not permitted.

g.    Pants should be worn at the waist.

h.    Dog chains or heavy wallet or watch chains are prohibited.

i.    Clothing must be worn in the manner intended (ie: work overalls must be worn   with the bib top attached to the straps over the shoulder, no pajamas or       bedroom shoes.)

j.    Facial Jewelry (nose, eyebrow - rings or studs) may be a safety hazard that    could result in facial disfiguration if an accident occurs.  Students are      requested to refrain from wearing this kind of jewelry for the extreme         hazard it can cause.

2.  PERSONAL GROOMING FOR ALL STUDENTS WHO VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATE IN EXTRA            CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (i.e., ATHLETICS AND BAND):

a.    Students who voluntarily participate in activities that require certain        uniformity in personal grooming may be required to groom themselves in a more  moderate fashion during the time that they are participating in the            particular activity.

b.    Approved sport uniforms may be worn on designated days when participating in   activities approved by the principal.

 

 

BUS AND TRANSPORTATION GUIDELINES

 

Buses are provided for students living outside a two-mile radius of the school and students in a hazardous walking zone.  Students who need to ride a bus other than the

one to which they are assigned should bring a request at the start of the school day from their parents or guardian to the office for an approved signed bus pass.  It is recommended that students be at the bus stop 10 minutes before the scheduled time for the bus to arrive.  Students are not to drive automobiles or motorbikes onto school property.  Automobiles cannot use side bus ramps while buses are loading and unloading.

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR RIDING SCHOOL BUSES

 

*Riding the bus is a privilege.  Misconduct on the bus or at the bus stop will     result in suspension from the bus.

1.  Stand off roadway while awaiting bus.

2.  Pupils must be on time; the bus will not wait for those who are tardy.

3.  Pupils must board and leave the bus at the regular stop location, (unless by       written permission of parent and principal).

4.  Walk 10 feet in front of bus. Wait for the driver’s signal before crossing road.

5.  The driver is in full charge of the bus and pupils. Pupils must obey the           driver.  The driver has the right to assign seats.  Pupils must sit three to a     seat from window to aisle. 

6.  Keep your seat at all times when bus is moving.

7.  Keep arms and heads inside windows. No objects shall be thrown inside the bus,     from the window, or at the bus.

8.  Unnecessary conversation with the driver is dangerous.

9.  Except ordinary conversation, classroom conduct is to be observed.

    a. Pupils must refrain from fighting, pushing, and tripping, while boarding,

       riding, and leaving the bus.

    b. Pupils must not use any abusive or profane language to other pupils or the            driver.

10.   Absolute silence is required at all railroad crossings.

11.   No eating, chewing gum, drinking or use of tobacco allowed on the bus.

12.   Students will not be allowed to carry on the bus any live or dead animals or       reptiles, any glass containers, or any item that will not fit in the student’s     seat (lap).

13.   No cutting instruments or sharp objects allowed on the bus.

14.   Prior permission from the bus driver is required to transport batons, drum sticks,  baseball bats, etc. to be allowed on the bus.   

15.   Large objects including band instruments that interfere with seating and           safety of others, will not be permitted on bus.

16.   All students should ride the bus to which they have been assigned.  Students       will be permitted to ride a bus from school with another student if they have      written permission from their parent presented to the office at the start of the   school day to receive signed bus pass from the principal’s office.

17.   If a student is suspended off the bus he/she must leave campus when the            dismissal bell rings.

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

SCHOOL PROPERTY

 

The physical condition of the school building reflects the care and appreciation of those who use it.  A clean, well-preserved building points to the presence of a responsible student body.  Any student who willfully cuts, defaces, writes on, or otherwise damages property belonging to the school in any way, is subject to suspension or expulsion, and the parent or guardian shall be liable for all damages to the school property caused by such student.

 

SECURITY

 

Students are responsible for the security of personal items.  Locker combinations should not be shared.  Students should insure that all personal items are not left unattended in a manner that would precipitate inappropriate activity.

 

 

LOCKERS

HALL LOCKERS

1.  Lockers are rented at the beginning of the school year from your advisory          teacher at a cost of $3.00.  DO NOT SHARE LOCKERS OR COMBINATIONS WITH ANYONE.

2.  Books, clothing, and personal property left in the locker are the                  responsibility of the individual and not the school.

3.  Any student who has a locker that does not close properly should report this to    the office.

4.  Anyone who abuses lockers in any way may lose their locker privileges.

5.  Forfeiture of lockers will result from stickers and writing on inside of           locker. Scotch or masking tape will be allowed to secure pictures, etc. in         lockers.  Inappropriate materials on the outside of the locker will be removed.

6.  Upon reasonable suspicion, lockers or other areas are subject to search for        prohibited or illegally possessed substances or objects.

7.  Unsecured personal items are the responsibility of the individual.

8.  Backpacks must be small enough to store in lockers without damaging the            closing mechanism. 

PE LOCKERS

PE coaches will issue Physical Education lockers.  Locks will be rented for $1.00.  Personal locks are not allowed.  Due to the size of PE lockers and security of personal affects during PE, students may only take bags to PE that can be locked in the small PE locker.  Unsecured personal items are the responsibility of the individual. 

BACKPACKS/BOOKBAGS

 

Only small backpacks are allowed at Lewis Middle School.  They should be no larger than 12" wide and 12" deep so they will fit in the hall locker.  Backpacks/bookbags are not allowed in the classroom.       

                                           TEXTBOOKS

 

All textbooks must be covered.  When bo