My Schedule - Ashland School District · My Schedule Blue Days Gold ... November 26 1st Trimester Report Cards Mailed Home ... • Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information

My Schedule Blue Days Gold Days _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ Name: __________________________________________________

100 Walker Ave Ashland, OR 97520

2008-2009 S tuden t and Pa ren t Handbook

Ashland Middle School

Phone: 541-482-1611

The Ash land Midd le S choo l Commun i ty Embr aces L i f e long Lea rn ing th rough Coope r a t ion , I nnova t ion and D i s cove r y.

Ashland Middle School

2008-2009 Student and Parent Handbook

Ashland Middle School • 100 Walker Ave • Ashland, Or

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Welcome to Ashland Middle School Our school district’s vision is that students, parents, teachers, and community work to-gether to ensure each other’s success. We hope to make that vision live each day at Ashland Middle School. To ensure each stu-dent’s success, we will strive to create a school climate that builds self-esteem and to create a school program that develops each stu-dent’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being. To ensure each parent’s success, we will strive to communicate regularly and to help you foster your child’s growth outside of school. To ensure each teacher’s success, we will strive to provide him or her with the resources and structures that allow him or her to take action that helps students. To ensure the community’s success, we will strive to provide evidence that our students are developing the values and skills needed to lead our city, state, nation, and world. Each of us - students, parents, school staff, and community - should feel ownership in creating our school’s program and be part of helping each other achieve our individual visions.

Blue and Gold Calendar

2008-2009

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TH F M T W TH F M T W TH F

6 7 1 2 3 4 5 1 2G B B G B G B

13 14 8 9 10 11 12 5 6 7 8 9B G G B G B G G B G B G

20 21 15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16G B B G B G B B G B G B

27 28 22 23 24 25 26 19 20 21 22 23G B G B

29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30G B G B G

TH F M T W TH F M T W TH F

2 3 1 1 2 3 4 5B G G G B G B G

9 10 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12G B B G B G B B G

16 17 11 12 13 14 15B G G B G B G

23 24 18 19 20 21 22G B B G B G B

30 25 26 27 28 29B G B G B

__Conference Day 1/2 Day Schedule

January

May June

December

June 9th = Last day for 6th & 7th graders

June 10th = Farewell Ceremony

for 8th graders

X X X

X

X X X

X

X

X X

X


Page 34 Blue and Gold Calendar

M T W TH F M T W TH F M T W

26 27 28 29 29 30 1 2 3 3 4 5. . G B G B G B G B

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12B G B G B G G

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19B G B G B B G B G B B G B

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26G B G B G G B G G B G

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31B G B G B B G B G

M T W TH F M T W TH F M T W

2 3 4 5 6 2 3 4 5 6 1B G B G B B G B G G

9 10 11 12 13 9 10 11 12 13 6 7 8G B G B G B G B G B B G B

16 17 18 19 20 16 17 18 19 20 13 14 15B G B G B G B G G B G

23 24 25 26 27 23 24 25 26 27 20 21 22G B G B G B

30 31 27 28 29B G B G

Inservice Day Holiday Recess-No School

February March April

Aug./September October November

X

X X X XX

X

School Calendar September 18 School Picture Day

October 10 Statewide Teacher In-Service Day (no school)

October 23, 24 & 27

Parent, Student, and Teacher Conference Days (no school)

October 30 School Picture Re-Take

November 10 , 11 Veteran's Day Recess (no school)

November 26 Early Release

November 27-28 Thanksgiving Vacation

November 26 1st Trimester Report Cards Mailed Home

December 22 Winter Vacation Begins

January 5 Classes Resume

January 19 Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday (no school)

February 16,17 President’s Day & In-service Day (no school)

February March

26, 27 2

Parent, Student, and Teacher Conference Days (no school)

February 26 2nd Trimester Report Cards Mailed Home

March 23-27 Spring Vacation

March 30 Teacher In-Service Day (no school)

May TBD Bear Fair

May 25 Memorial Day (no school)

June 9 Last Day for 6th and 7th grade students

June 10 8th Grade Farewell Ceremony (11:00 am)

2008-2009

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School Hours Monday - Thursday 8:45 - 3:00 Fridays 9:30 - 3:00

Campus supervision begins at 8:15 a.m. Monday through Thursday and at 8:50 a.m. on Fridays. Students who arrive to school early may go to the large gym, library, cafeteria, or commons. Classrooms, halls, and other facilities are available to students at 8:35 a.m., Monday through Thursday and at 9:20 a.m. on Fridays. Students not involved in an after-school activ-ity or under the direct supervision of an authorized adult should leave the school following the end of classes.

Bell Schedules Bell schedules vary according to grade level and team assign-ment. Homeroom teachers will distribute schedules during the first week of school.

Grade Level Classes Sixth Grade Los Ositos is the sixth grade team at AMS and includes six teachers working together in two person teams.

Each classroom of students is assigned to one primary teacher who will be the homeroom teacher and will teach the core in-struction in either Language Arts and Social Studies or Math and Science. The partner teacher will provide instruction in the other core subjects not taught by the homeroom teacher.

Seventh and Eighth Grade Blended Teams Seventh and eighth graders are grouped together for Lan-

guage Arts, Social Studies, Science, Math and Spanish classes. Students spend the majority of their day to-gether on these teams with their team of teachers.

Currently there are three 7th and 8th grade teams, Amistad, Ami-gos Nuevos and Rio Del Fuego.


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School Hours

2008-2009

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School Policies and Information

School Contact Numbers

School / Staff Directory : 482-1611

Main Office : 482-1611 Ext. 100

Attendance Office: 482-1611 Ext. 104

South Office / Records: 482-1611 Ext. 102

Principal Steve Retzlaff : 482-1611 Ext. 109

Assistant Principal Doug Geygan : 482-2811 Ext. 107

Counseling, Jody Bradley: 482-1611 Ext. 106

Nurses Office: 482-1611 Ext. 105


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School Policies and Information ing is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement: • Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for mar keting, sales or other distribution. • Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED. • Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screen ing as described above. Parents who believe their rights have been violated may speak with the Director of Student Services, Ashland Public Schools, or file a complaint with: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-5901 Communicable Diseases Parents of a student with a communicable or contagious disease are asked to telephone the school nurse so that other students who have been exposed to the disease can be alerted. A student with school “restrictable” disease is not allowed to come to school while the disease is contagious. This restriction is removed by the written statement of the local health officer or a licensed physician (with the concurrence of the local health officer) that the disease is no longer communicable to others in the school setting. For those diseases indicated by an asterisk (*) below, the restriction may be removed by a school nurse. These diseases include Chicken pox*, diphtheria, measles, meningitis, mumps*, lice infestations*, whooping cough, plague, rubella, scabies*, staph infections*, strep infections*, and tuberculosis. Parents with questions should con-tact the school nurse.

Physical Education and The Arts Every other day, for 65 minutes, students will take Physical Edu-cation (PE). On the opposite day, students will have one term of health and 2 terms of an applied arts class. Applied arts include TV Production, General Music, and Art. Band and Orchestra classes Beginning band starts in 6th grade and begin-ning orchestra continues from their 5th grade classes in elementary. These classes are year long and are normally taught during the INC period. Some students may be taking band during their PCAT class, depending on the number of students enrolled in band and the need for more classes. Individual Needs Classes INC. meets every other day for 65 minutes. It is a graded, one credit class that allows teachers to respond to the individual needs of students. It will enhance student learning and increase person-alization of educational instruction at AMS. Students may be as-signed to a different INC. class each trimester or the same one all year. In addition to the rich instruction, support and challenge that students receive in their other classes, INC will provide:

1. Opportunities for increased academic challenge and enrichment.

2. Support for students that need additional time to learn core academic skills.

3. Teachers will assign student to their INC period based on previous teachers’ recommendations, classroom performance, as well as results on assessments.

2008-2009

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Student Fees Required Fees: Student Body Fee ($21.00) Student body fees are used for special assembly programs, student awards, student computer labs, social functions, newspaper, calen-dar/handbook, binder reminders, etc.

Fine Arts Fee ($10.00) Fine arts fees are used for materials and supplies for art, band, or-chestra, TV Production, and World Music.

Mailing Fee ($5.00 per student) To help offset mailing costs, each family is asked to pay $5.00 per student per household. Optional Fees: Yearbook ($15.00) School Insurance (prices vary by coverage chosen) Miscellaneous Fees: Additional fees that may apply during the year may be collected from teachers for fieldtrips, special projects, instrument rental, loss of or damaged textbooks, library books, athletic uniforms, change of lock for your locker, student body replacement card, etc.. Financial Assistance To provide a rich educational experience, extra fees are often charged. Extra fees, however, can prove a hardship for families. Parents are encouraged to talk with teachers and administrators when extra fees bring a financial strain. Each child, whether or not he or she has paid a fee, will be allowed to participate in school activities.

2008-2009

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School Policies and Information Inspect, upon request and before administration or use – 1. Protected information surveys of students; 2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students

for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution pur-poses; and

3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curricu-lum.

These rights transfer to from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.

Ashland School District will review relevant Board Policies (JOA), in consultation with parents through building site councils, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for mar-keting, sales, or other distribution purposes. Ashland School Dis-trict will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. Ashland School District will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to par-ticipate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. Ashland School District will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or ap-proximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For sur-veys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Follow-


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School Policies and Information Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)– 1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s par-

ent; 2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s

family; 3. Sex behavior or attitudes; 4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; 5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have

close family relationships; 6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with law-

yers, doctors, or ministers; 7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or

parents; or 8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program

eligibility. Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of – 1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding; 2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening re

quired as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening per-mitted or required under State law; and

3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.

Student Lockers Students may be assigned a locker by their homeroom teacher to use throughout the school year. Even though combinations have been changed, lockers are not secure. Stu-dents should leave money and expensive or valuable items at home. The school does not assume responsibility for student property in lockers or any other place on campus. Students agree to accept the responsibility to

maintain the confidentiality of the locker combination and to keep the locker in good order. Students who wish to have their locker combination changed will be asked to pay a $15.00 ser-vice charge. Students also must have written permission from a parent or guardian authorizing the change. Although students are assigned lockers, the lockers remain the property of the school and are to be kept clean by students. The school has the right to search lockers under certain conditions relating to the safety, security, and orderly conduct of school. Items that are disruptive, dangerous, or illegal may be seized. All property taken from lockers will be returned to the true owner, parents, or proper authorities at an appropriate time. When possible and practical, students will be present for any searches or locker inspections. Confiscated materials not claimed by the end of the school year will be discarded or given to charity. Student Backpacks Students should keep their backpacks or other “carry-alls” in their locker during the school day. Backpacks and “carry-alls” are subject to the same search and seizure guidelines as school lockers.

2008-2009

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Attendance Students leaving during the school day for appointments must bring a note (signed by the parent or guardian) to the attendance office. To be excused, stu-dents must sign out in the attendance or south office when leaving school and sign in when returning. Students who have

been absent from school must present a written reason for the absence (signed by the parent or guardian) to the attendance sec-retary when returning to school. Students will only be released to those adults listed on the registration form. Excused Absences Excused absences (ORS. 339.150) are those caused by the pu-pil’s sickness, sickness of a member of the pupil’s family, or an emergency. Other absences may be excused when arrangements have been made in advance. Please contact the attendance secre-tary to arrange a pre-excused absence (482-1611, x104). Unexcused Absences If the student has no excuse for his/her absence, or it is an unex-cused absence, the student may be required to make up the time missed before or after school or at lunchtime. Restrictions may be imposed on a truant student’s participation in school social or activity groups, including representing the school in sports con-tests, for an indefinite period of time. Tardies Student tardies fall under the same guide-lines and restrictions as student absences. A student who is tardy (unexcused) will be subject to makeup time before or after


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2008-2009

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School Policies and Information If you do not want Ashland School District to disclose directory information from your child's education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing by Octo-ber 1, 2008. Ashland School District has designated the following information as directory information: • Student's name • Participation in officially recognized activities and sports • Address • Telephone listing • Weight and height of members of athletic teams • Electronic mail address • Photograph • Degrees, honors, and awards received • Date and place of birth • Major field of study • Dates of attendance • Grade level • The most recent educational agency or institution attended Footnotes: 1.These laws are: Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110), the education bill, and 10 U.S.C. 503, as amended by section 544, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (P.L. 107-107), the legislation that provides funding for the Nation's armed forces. Annual Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) For Ashland Public Schools PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of sur-veys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:


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School Policies and Information Annual Notice for Directory Information for Ashland Public Schools The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Fed-eral law, requires that Ashland School District, with certain excep-tions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of person-ally identifiable information from your child's education records. However, Ashland School District may disclose appropriately des-ignated "directory information" without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Ashland School District to include this type of in-formation from your child's education records in certain school publications. Examples include: • A playbill, showing your student's role in a drama production; • The annual yearbook; • Honor roll or other recognition lists; • Graduation programs; and • Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight

and height of team members. Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent's prior writ-ten consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories - names, ad-dresses and telephone listings - unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student's information disclosed without their prior written consent.(1)

2008-2009

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School Policies and Information school or at lunch or break. Students who cannot make it to class within the allotted passing time will be subject to the rules and restrictions of the classroom teacher. *Teachers or administrators will call parents to arrange times for before or after school detention.

PE/Athletics Students may be excused from physical education for up to three consecutive days for illness or in-jury. After the third day of non-participation, the school requires that a medical excuse signed by a medical doctor or by a nurse, under the supervision of a doctor, be pre-

sented to the attendance office if non-participation is to continue. In order to be eligible to participate in athletics and after school activities, such as concerts and parties, students must attend all classes on the day of the concert or activity. Exceptions may be made by prior approval of an administrator if the student is attend-ing a school-related activity during the school day or seeing a phy-sician. Gym Clothes Students must provide their own gym clothes according to guide-lines given the first day of PE or fitness class. Telephones Phones are available in every classroom. Students should ask for teacher permission before using the phone.

http://www.ed.gov/print/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/mndirectoryinfo.html#notes�

Health Room The health room is available for emergencies. Stu-dents who become ill should report to class, if pos-sible, before checking in with the Nurse’s office. When the nurse is gone, students should go to the south office, the attendance office, or the main of-fice. If sufficient recovery is not made during one class period, arrangements will be made for the student to go home.

Medications All medications (prescription and nonprescrip-tion) must be brought to the nurse’s office in the original container, with written instructions and a parent signature. Self-medication is not allowed in grades K-8, except for asthma inhal-ers and epi-pens which must still be checked in through the nurse’s office.

Emergency Numbers Every student must have an emergency number that the school can call when a child is ill or injured and a parent cannot be contacted. The number should be given on the registration form or to the of-fice secretary as soon as possible. Injuries Injuries, which may or may not need the attention of a doctor, should be reported immediately to the teacher and to the atten-dance office. If medical attention is needed, parents will be con-tacted, if possible, so that they may arrange for treatment. Lost and Found The lost and found is located in the hallway outside the cafeteria.


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2008-2009

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School Policies and Information One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is

disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational inter- ests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an ad-ministrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a per son or com-pany with whom the School has contracted to per form a special task (such as an attorney, audi-tor, medical con- sultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educa-tion record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. [NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the par ent or student of the records re-quest unless it states in its an nual notification that it intends to forward records on request.]4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Edu- cation concerning alleged failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-5901


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School Policies and Information Annual Notification of Rights under FERPA for Ashland Public Schools

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") cer-tain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are: 1. The right to inspect and review the student's education re cords within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the School prince pal [or appropriate school offi-cial] a written request that iden- tifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate.

Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the School principal [or appropriate school official], clearly iden- tify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. 3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without con-sent.

On the last Friday of each month, unclaimed items are taken to a local charity. Please put your child’s name on items that he or she may forget to bring home (i.e., lunch bag, jackets, vests, musical instruments, sweatshirts, etc.). Pets With prior approval of the principal, a student may bring his or her pet to school when the pet is an integral part of a classroom pres-entation.

Breakfast/Lunch Students may bring their lunch to school or purchase hot lunch for $2.50 (breakfast, $1.50). Meals may be purchased on account before school and at meal times. Students who forget their money may charge up to $5.50 in meals. Students may not purchase meals for other students. Students may not buy separate dessert items if they owe money on their account. Students may not eat in halls. Students may

have only bottled water (i.e., no soft drinks, juice, etc.) in class-rooms. Gum is not allowed at school. Closed Campus Ashland Middle School is a closed campus, which means that stu-dents are not to leave the school grounds between arrival at school and the end of the day, including lunch periods. All students are to remain on campus between the time of delivery in the morning and pickup in the afternoon. Once off school property, including bus stops, the school is not responsible for students’ safety and behavior. High school students are not allowed on campus.

2008-2009

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Visitors Parents, volunteers, and community members must check-in at the office before visiting classrooms or staff mem-bers. Student visitors are not allowed at school without the approval of the school principal. Requests must be made one week in advance. Student visitors must be between 11 and 14 years old and live at least 150 miles from Ashland. Interscholastic Program Ashland Middle School offers a 6th, 7th and 8th grade “no cut” interscholastic program where students play teams from other schools. Students are encouraged to participate. Library Our library is a place where students are welcome from 7:45 am to 4:00 p.m. every school day. The library’s mission is to ensure that students and staff are effective lifelong seekers and sharers of in-formation and ideas. The library provides books for leisure reading and research along with a variety of other resources. Computers are available to stu-dents who wish to use educational or word processing programs. Students are allowed to access the Internet for research purposes

after their parents have signed the Internet permis-sion form at registration. A copy machine is also available for students at a rate of ten cents a page. Students are encouraged to use the library’s many offerings. Resources may be borrowed for one day to three weeks. A student may not check out addi-tional books if he or she has any overdue books.


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School Policies and Information ent referrals, and student self-referral or teacher referrals. Each student nominated for the program is presented to the school’s Child Study team for further evaluation under district and state guidelines. The CST will help develop strategies to support indi-vidual TAG students in the classroom. Parents are encouraged to be part of the process. If you believe your child is academically talented or intellectually gifted, please speak with your child’s teacher about their observations of your child and how to initiate the referral process. Legal Notices to Parents

Parents of Students Eligible or Poten-tially Eligible for Services Under I.D.E.A. By law, parents of students eligible for special education services under IDEA who do not believe that the district can provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) and who are seeking public funding for a unilateral private placement are required to provide the district with prior notice before making such a placement if they wish to pursue their due process rights. Notice may be provided at a student’s last IEP meeting

prior to the unilateral placement, or in writing a minimum of 10 days prior to placement. If your child is eligible to receive special education services under IDEA, or if you suspect your child may be eligible, you may have additional rights defined by federal law. Please ask the school office manager for a copy of the Parental Procedural Safeguards for parents with IDEA eligible children.

not wish to allow the release of directory information, please no-tify the school office in writing within 10 days of registration. If you do not allow the release of directory information, the school will not be able to include the student in Honor Roll, press re-leases, yearbook, other media production, team rosters, programs, and other publications.

Child Study Team The Child Study Team (CST) is a group of school professionals that work to help families, students, and teachers meet the needs of each child by reviewing the child’s school perform-ance, relevant medical or personal considera-tions, learning style, behavior, development and social skills. Parents are invited and encour-

aged to participate as team members in the process of finding solu-tions that work for their child. A CST can make suggestions for specific strategies to help a child, connect families with outside service agencies, or refer a child for an educational disability evaluation that can result in the identifi-cation of a student for special education or a “504” plan, where learning accommodations can be made even if a child does not qualify for special education. To make a CST referral, please see your child’s teacher Talented and Gifted Our District TAG Program is designed to provide education for students who are academically talented or intellectually gifted in all academic areas. The program attempts to develop the full po-tential of each and every student. Students may be nominated for TAG when scoring above the 97th percentile on state assessment results, individual or group administered intelligence testing, par-


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School Policies and Information Recognition It is the goal of Ashland Middle School to recognize students who make responsible choices and demonstrate behaviors that promote learning in a positive school environment. Recognition of stu-dents' positive and productive behavior will be provided through classrooms, teams, and a school wide award system. In addition, encouragement will be provided on an ongoing basis to help de-velop the students' intrinsic value system.

In accordance with the stated expectations, teams will de-velop their own criteria for positive recognition. The manner of recognition may include, but not be limited to, the following:

Schoolwide: Student of the Month Ceremonies: Schoolwide Grade Level Team (assemblies, celebrations, potlucks, etc.) Materials: AMS T-Shirts Recognition Buttons Achievement Certificates Glad Cards (postcards to parents) Community: Going to lunch Newspaper coverage

2008-2009

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Basic Student Responsibilities and School Rules Ashland Middle School uses a school-wide support system designed to pro-mote students’ academic, social and emotional growth. This system is called Positive Behavior Support (PBS). It is the goal of Ashland Middle School to provide a positive, caring environ-ment where learning can be accom-plished in an orderly manner. In order for students to assume responsibility for themselves, it is important for them to

know what is expected of them. To achieve this goal, it is ex-pected that all students follow three simple rules: Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful. All students and adults will display courtesy and respect toward each other, our guests, and our building. Be Safe Ways we behave safely are Meeting in small groups away from congested areas Walking slowly on the right Slowly opening doors Ways we fail to behave safely are: Grabbing, shoving, tripping, and bumping into people in the halls Running in the halls Throwing things Congregating in the middle of hallways


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School Policies and Information Annual Notification of Rights Concerning Student Records Parents of students currently in attendance and eligible students (18 years or older) have the right to: • Inspect and review the student’s education records. • Request an amendment of the student’s education record to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights. • Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records. • File with the United States Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged failures by the school district to comply with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. • Obtain a copy of the school district’s policy concerning student records. Copies of this policy may be requested at any school building or at the district office.

Intent to Disclose Directory Information The Ashland School District hereby gives notice of its intent to release student directory informa-tion. Directory information is information about students that includes the following: student’s name, date and place of birth, address, phone number, parents’ or guardians’ names, major field of study, GPA, participation in recognized sports and activities, weight and height of athletic team

members, dates of attendance, degrees or awards received, most recent previous school attended, such illness or accident informa-tion as may appropriate for dealing with health and safety emer-gencies. Parents and eligible students (18 years or older) have the right to refuse to let the district release any of this information. If you do

2008-2009

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School Policies and Information Rules Governing Pupils Riding School Buses (OAR 581-53-010) 1. Pupils being transported are under authority of the bus driver. 2. Fighting, wrestling, or boisterous activity is prohibited on the bus. 3. Pupils shall use the emergency door only in case of emergency. 4. Pupils shall be on time for the bus both morning and evening. 5. Pupils shall not bring animals, firearms, weapons, or other potentially hazardous material on the bus. 6. Pupils shall remain seated while the bus is in motion. 7. The bus driver may assign pupils seats. 8. When necessary to cross the road, pupils shall cross in front of the bus or as instructed by the bus driver. 9. Pupils shall not extend their hands, arms or heads through bus windows. 10. Pupils shall have written permission to leave the bus other than at home or school. 11. Pupils shall converse in normal tones; loud or vulgar language is prohibited. 12. Pupils shall not open or close windows without permission of driver. 13. Pupils shall keep the bus clean, and must refrain from damage- ing it. 14. Pupils shall be courteous to the driver, to fellow pupils, and passersby. 15. Pupils who refuse to obey promptly the directions of the driver or refuse to obey regulations may forfeit their privilege to ride on the buses. Rules Governing Pupils Riding School Buses must be kept posted in a conspicuous place in all school buses.


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Be Responsible Ways we show responsibility: Arriving to school and class on time daily. Bring appropriate materials to class daily. Complete and turn in homework on time. Participate appropriately in classroom activities. Be Respectful We can show care, respect and common courtesy in several ways: Cooperating and caring about each other Responding politely when asked to do (or not to do) something Speaking in a respectful way, using appropriate language and ex-pression Cooperating with substitutes and guests Showing willingness to help and encourage one another Showing respect for speakers by listening Being a good sport Dressing appropriately Practicing good manners, saying, "Please" and "Thank You" Flushing toilets Ways we fail to show care, respect, and common courtesy are: Promoting alcohol, tobacco, and drugs Promoting racism or violence Being confrontational, accusing, or not listening Using profanity or crude slang Name calling, put downs Talking back, using sarcasm, shouting and interrupting Dressing in a provocative or revealing ways; wearing excessively torn clothes, showing bare midriff, showing underwear, etc. Not paying attention Harassment of any kind


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School Policies and Information Ways we show respect for the building, grounds, property and equipment are: Cleaning up after ourselves Taking pride in the appearance of the school, materials, and equip-ment Picking up trash Bathroom cleanliness Ways we fail to show respect for the building, grounds, property and equipment are: Destroying or defacing books, materials, the building or grounds Kicking lockers Writing or scratching on desks, tables and chairs Leaving trash lying around

The above are only some of the examples of how we expect stu-dents and adults to act in a responsible manner. Appropriate be-havior must always be guided by common sense. In addition, students shall be subject to discipline, suspension, or expulsion for misconduct that the school staff believes is inappro-priate and therefore irresponsible, including but not limited to:

• Insubordination • Inappropriate dress • Obscene or profane language or gestures • Persistent failure to comply with rules or directions of the school staff • Disruption of school • Harassment or intimidation • Gambling in any form • Truancy

Suspension The student is excluded from school and related activities for a period of up to ten school days. The student is informed that he/she is subject to suspension and may discuss his/her side of the situation with the appropriate school official. Parents will be noti-fied by phone or letter, and a parent conference may be held. Expulsion The student is informed that he or she is immediately suspended from school with possible expulsion. A hearing will be held to determine if the student is to be expelled.

School Buses Bus transportation is provided for students living beyond a 1 1/2-mile radius of the school. Students riding SCHOOL BUSES are under the direct supervision of the bus driver. All students must follow the rules posted in each bus in order to ensure the safety of all students. Students violat-

ing the safety rules are subject to losing the privilege of riding the school bus. Students will be assigned to buses. If a student wishes to ride a different bus or to get off at a different stop, a bus pass is required. A pass may be obtained from the attendance or south office secre-taries by presenting a note from a parent or guardian, before school or during lunches. Waiting until after school may result in missing your bus.

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School Policies and Information 4. Parent Involvement : Telephone, personal contact, or letter notifies a parent or legal guardian. A conference may be con- ducted between the student, his or her legal guardian, appropriate school staff, and other individuals involved. The student will complete a problem statement. 5. Formal Conference : A formal conference is held between the student and an administrator. Teacher or counselor involvement is optional. The parent will be notified by phone or letter. Serious Offenses Serious offenses, such as the use of drugs, smoking, vandalism, fighting, theft, truancy, etc., will result in immediate action by the administration without following the previously mentioned steps. Further administrative consequences may include: Detention Assigned by teachers or administrators, parents will be notified by phone or in writing prior to the detention occurring. In-School Suspension The student is assigned to in-school suspension for a period of up to ten days. Students will work on classroom assignments in a designated suspension area. All school activities (lunch in cafete-ria, sports, field trips, etc.) are terminated during the suspension period. Parents will be notified. Behavior Management Classes The student attends classes that model and teach acceptable, posi-tive behavior. Topics may include conflict resolution, decision-making, and goal setting.

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School Policies and Information • Damage or destruction of school or private property on school grounds or during a school activity • Assault or threats of harm (fighting) • Theft • Use or possession of weapons or dangerous instruments (real or simulated) • Real or feigned drug activity including but not limited to possession, use, or sale of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco or related paraphernalia (i.e., pipes matches, lighters, etc.) • Criminal acts Note: Students who know about and fail to report rule violations or who are present while others are violating school rules may also be subject to disciplinary consequences, including suspension. School District Drug Alcohol and Weapons Policies The school district has strict consequences for the pretended or real use, sale, or possession of alcohol and drugs (including para-phernalia). Any student who brings to school or is under the influ-ence of alcohol or drugs while at school will be referred to the po-lice and the school’s intervention team where an intervention plan will be determined. All students in violation of the school’s Drug and Alcohol policy will be assigned an Education Assistant for a minimum of four weeks. Any student who brings weapons (gun or similarly dangerous weapon, real or simulated) to school will be referred to the police and may be recommended for expulsion ac-cording to the school district’s policies and rules. School Rules (Other) It is recognized that school rules are formulated for the safety and consideration of students. Students shall follow the written rules and policies of the school and School Board, conduct themselves in an orderly fashion, and cooperate with school personnel.


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School Policies and Information Any student engaged in fighting will be suspended for a minimum of two days. Students are not to bring anything to school that is illegal, unsafe, or a nuisance. Examples of prohibited items are laser pens, guns (real or simulated) -including dart guns, water squirters, toy guns, etc.; cigarette lighters; matches; explosives; ammunition (including BBs); chemicals; flipping devices; knives (real or simulated); etc. MP3 players, iPods, radios, cell phones, and/or pagers, may not be used on school grounds. They are to be placed in the student’s locker and not used during the school day. Throwing snowballs is prohibited. "Pantsing" or any form of embarrassing exposure, including enter-ing the opposite gender’s restroom, is considered harassment and is strictly prohibited. Excessive displays of affection are inappropriate. No eating, drinking, or running in the halls. Students may not sell candy or any other item at school. Special permission may be granted by the administration for school wide fund raising projects. The front of the school is off limits during the day, unless students are supervised. Students riding bicycles, scooters, or skateboards to school are expected to park and lock them in the racks provided. The school does not assume responsibility for loss or damage to bikes, scoot-ers, or skateboards. Students may bike, skateboard, or roller blade on campus only in designated areas and times.

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School Policies and Information Student Management Program Student behavior is a choice. Students may choose behavior that helps them at school and earns recognition. Responsi-ble choices promote learning and getting along with others. Most students make excellent choices and demonstrate model behaviors, but occasionally a student may choose a be-havior that interferes with teaching and learning. In order for students to learn to assume responsibility for their behavior, it is important for them to know and un-derstand the consequences for their be-

havior. If a student makes an inappropriate choice, then he/she must be willing to accept the consequences. The following are disciplinary actions: Disciplinary Actions 1. Informal Talk : A teacher will talk to the student regarding the student’s inappropriate behavior, asking the student to make a commitment to change his/her behavior. 2. Classroom Consequences : In most cases, teachers will assign classroom consequences (which may include detention supervised by the teacher or a problem statement filled out by the student or both). Parents will be notified. 3. Team Conference with Student : The teacher team and the student will develop a behavior contract. A counselor may at tend. Parents will be notified.

Documents

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