WLMS — 1

Student Handbook and Planner

2011– 2012

Principal: Mr. Melvin Marshall (8th

Grade Admin.)

Assistant Principals:

Ms. Monika Kerner (7th

Grade Admin.)

Ms. Delores Caviness (6th

Grade Admin.)

3301 Wicker Street

Sanford, NC 27330

Telephone: (919) 775-7351

Fax #: (919) 776-3694 http://www.lee.wlm.schoolfusion.us

A complete and updated version of all Lee County School’s policies and regulations may be obtained

online at www.lee.k12.nc.us , at the Lee County Schools Central Office at 106 Gordon St., Sanford,

NC and at our own WLMS website above.

Name

Address

City/Town

State Zip Code

Home Phone Cell Phone

Transportation: Walk Car Bus #:

Locker #: Student ID#:

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West Lee Middle School Student-Parent Handbook and Planner

2011-2012

Greetings to Parents and Students:

Welcome to a new school year! As your principal I am excited about the great opportunities that lay ahead

for us here at West Lee Middle School for the 2011-2012 school year.

Our theme at West Lee Middle School will continue to be “A Community of Learners-A Community of

Excellence.” But we are also emphasizing our school as a place “Where Student Failure Is NOT an

Option!!!” I invite you to join with us to provide support for the West Lee students and staff. With your

support, I believe we will have an excellent learning environment for our students which will sustain and

nourish the level of excellence we desire for our school community. The pages that follow describe the

motto, mission, and vision for West Lee Middle School. We believe these ideals are important for a

school’s success.

This handbook addresses many of the things one must know to have a fulfilling experience here at West

Lee. I ask that parents and students review the entire handbook together. If these guidelines are followed,

students, parents and staff will have a greater opportunity for success.

We must continually work toward maintaining a safe and orderly environment. If you have information

about anything that poses a danger to anyone at West Lee, please call me (919-775-7351) or one of the

assistant principals, a teacher, the School Resource Officer, or Lee County Schools’ Crime Hotline: 776-

7541, ext. 259.

I believe learning should be an exciting, interesting, and fun part of life. We must work together to help

our children value the importance of learning. If we can help students develop an appreciation for learning,

we can help our students move successfully toward a richer and fuller life.

I look forward to having a wonderful year together.

Sincerely,

Melvin Marshall

Principal

¿En Español?

Tenomos Manuales en español. Por favor solicitelos en la oficina o al maestro de su niño.

Contents and verification

This planner-handbook is a valuable item to help students succeed at West Lee. It serves as a

planner, a student-parent handbook, a calendar, and a communication vehicle between teachers and parents.

A number of additional items are included for parent/student information. You will be responsible for items

in the handbook and these additional important items, so please check to ensure you have all of them. Let

your child’s teacher know immediately if you are missing something.

• Lee County Schools' Code of Student Conduct (LCSCSC). This is considered part of this handbook.

• Free and Reduced Lunch information and application

• Lunch prepayment schedule and information

• Student insurance information

Using the Planner... Parents, to successfully monitor your child’s middle school experience:

Have child write down all assignments.

Exchange notes with teacher.

Have child record all grades.

Have child record all disciplinary incidents.

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School Calendar

2011-2012

August 25 First Day for Students March 22 3rd

Quarter Ends

September 5 Labor Day Holiday

(No school)

March 23

Teacher Workday

(No School)

October 11 Early Dismissal April 3 Report Cards Go Home

October 27 1st Quarter Ends April 6 through

April 13

Spring Break

(No School)

November 8

Teacher Workday

(No School)

May 8 Teacher Workday

(No School)

November 10 Report Cards Go Home May 28 Memorial Day Holiday

(No School)

November 11 Veteran’s Day Holiday

(No school)

June 8 Last Day for Students

November 23-

25

Thanksgiving Holiday

(No School)

Southern Lee Graduation June 7

Dec. 20 Early Dismissal Lee Co. HS Graduation June 8

Dec. 21 through

January 2

Christmas Vacation

(No school)

For Information on Inclement Weather resulting in School

Closings or Delays:

WFJA Radio 105.5 FM WRAL TV Channel 5

WWGP Radio 1050 AM WBF TV Channel 46

WRAL Radio 101.5 FM WTVD TV Channel 11

WRDU Radio 106.1 FM WNCN TV Channel 17

WQDR Radio 94.7 FM

WLHC Radio 103.1 FM

Lee Co. Schools Website: www.lee.k12.nc.us

Call The Lee Co. Schools Central Office @ (919) 774-6226

January 3 Students Return

January 13 2nd

Quarter Ends

January 16 Martin Luther King

Holiday (No School)

January 17 Teacher Workday

(No School)

January 27 Report Cards Go Home

February 20

Teacher Workday

(No School)

Clock Schedule

7:15am Student Arrival Begins

7:35am

7:37am

Release Gym Students to Class

Release Cafeteria/Bus Students to

Class

7:40am Tardy Bell (All students in class)

7:40-2:40 Classes in Session*

2:38

2:40

Dismiss Car Riders and Walkers

Dismiss Bus Riders & ASD Students

3:00 All Students should be off Campus

Unless for Athletic or Club Activity

*20 min. between 1st & 2

nd Block for Rosetta Stone/TAA/Grade Level Remediation, etc.

WLMS — 4

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Parental Support We Strongly Encourage Parents to “Team-Up”

with Teachers & Administrators in working

together to make this year a successful one by

doing the following:

1. Have High Expectations for your child.

Expect your child to do all of the assigned

work and to follow the school’s instructions.

2. Model the educational values you wish

your child to have. Children tend to do as

you do more than do as you say. Have

discussions with them about what they are

learning. Children like to talk with their

parents.

3. Know about your child's classes,

programs, homework patterns, and testing

schedule. Give your child your attention and

support.

4. Communicate with your child's teachers.

5. Talk with your child about school. If there

are any problems call us so we can address

them promptly.

6. Make sure we can contact you with your

correct email address, home, cell, and work

phone number.

7. Make sure your child attends school

regularly and gets to class on time.

8. Keep your child in school by discouraging

them from leaving school because of minor

health problems. Try to schedule

appointments after school hours or at a time

when students will miss as little school as

possible.

9. Attend school functions such as Open-

House night, PTSO meetings, athletic

events, plays, programs, and concerts.

10. Go through this handbook with your

child so both of you are familiar with

procedures and policies of the school.

11. Explain and support school discipline so

that your child understands that actions

taken are in his/her best interest.

12. Read the school calendar in this handbook

and be aware of testing dates, dates that

quarters begin and end, report card dates,

and other significant events.

Parent Conferences We encourage you to have conferences with

your child's teachers. Most conferences should

be set up before school or immediately after

school; however, with proper notice you will be

able to schedule conferences during teacher

planning periods. Always enter through the front

office and get a visitor’s pass. Be prepared to

show photo identification.

Progress Reports Each grading period, teachers will issue

students individual classroom progress reports

on or about the following dates:

September 22, 2011

December 1, 2011

February 22, 2012

May 3, 2012

Homework Assignments Homework gives you practice with skills

and prepares you for activities in class. People

who do homework learn more and make good

grades. You can expect homework assignments

any night, including weekends. You are

responsible for homework you missed due to an

absence. See "Make-Up Work" in this handbook.

Honor Rolls The Honor Roll: all A's and B's on your

report card quarter grades.

The Principal's List: all A's.

WLMS Honors Plus Club: All A’s & B’s

with Teacher Recommendations & No Discipline

Referrals

Grades and Report Cards Grades symbolize what you have learned.

You will receive a report card at the end of each

of the four nine-week Quarters. A copy must be

signed by your parent or guardian and returned

to the teacher. We use these numbers to report

grades.

93-100 A Outstanding work

85-92 B Good work

77-84 C Average work

70-76 D Below average work

69 or lower F Failing grade

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If you have been absent and you have

not had the time allowed to make up all of your

work, you may get a grade of "INC"

(incomplete) on your report card. You still need

to make up that work. If you do not, the work not

completed will be graded zero (0) and averaged

in with other work for the nine weeks. (See also

"Make-Up Work" in this handbook)

Poor grades (F’s and D’s) on a report card

are sufficient alerts to a possible retention in that

grade. If your child is making poor grades,

contact teachers immediately to find out what the

student needs to do to correct this.

Promotion and Retention

Requirements The school principal shall have authority to

grade and classify students. A student should

repeat a grade when repetition is likely to benefit

the child in acquiring minimum skills or

competencies. [G.S. 115C-288(a)]

To be considered for promotion to the next

grade level, students must show adequate

progress in various educational standards. Those

standards must provide multiple criteria for

assessing the student's readiness, such as

standardized tests, grades, a portfolio or

anthology of the student’s work and, when

appropriate, consideration of accepted standards

for assessing developmental growth. Principals

will ensure that the standards are used by

teachers and school administrators in assessing

each student's readiness to progress to the next

level of study. Principals have the authority to

promote and to retain students based upon the

standards set by the board and the State Board of

Education. Students may be retained no more

than once in grades K-2, 3-5 or 6-8 and no more

than twice in grades K-8.

Waivers may be granted for students exempted

under IEP or ESL guidelines, or for students for

whom the teacher and parent can demonstrate

sufficient evidence that the student has indeed

been consistently working at grade level in the

classroom, based upon the North Carolina

Standard Course of Study.

See also “Grades and Report Cards.”

Textbooks The Lee County Board of Education

purchases textbooks and loans them to students.

Take care of them since they are somebody else's

property and must be used for five years. You

are responsible for the books issued to you. If

your books are lost or damaged beyond the

minor, normal wear and tear, you will be charged

a damage fee. If you lose your book, report it to

the teacher. If you can't find your book after a

few days you will need to pay your teacher for

that one so you can be issued another. If you

later find the book, we can refund your money at

the end of the quarter.

In some classes you may not be issued a

textbook. This is because much of what you will

need to succeed in that class will not come from

the book, but from the experiences you have in

that class. If you need a book to study, catch up

on some work, or for review and understanding,

let your teacher know. You can arrange to take

these books home while you need them.

Athletic Participation The Lee County Board of Education, West

Lee Middle School, and the North Carolina High

School Athletic Association govern student

participation in extra-curricular or co-curricular

activities. Currently, 6th graders are not eligible

to participate in interscholastic athletic programs.

Minimal Requirements for Participation

1. Must pass 3 out of 4 required core courses

in the previous school semester.

2. Must pass at least one-half of non-core

classes in previous semester.

3. Must be in attendance at least 85% of the

previous semester.

4. May not be 15 on or before October 16.

5. Provide a copy of appropriate physical exam

before they can try out. The physical is

good for one full year.

6. Must provide proof of medical insurance or

completed waiver form. Primary cost of

treating injuries is the responsibility of the

parent.

7. Inappropriate behavior may result in

dismissal from a team.

Seasons:

Fall: Football, Boys Soccer, Volleyball,

Cheerleading

Winter: Girls & Boys Basketball,

Cheerleading

Spring: Baseball, Softball, Girls Soccer,

Golf, Cheerleading tryouts.

(Physicals are required to participate in tryouts)

Athletic participation requires high levels of

commitment and responsibility. Athletes are

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responsible for bringing necessary equipment on

appropriate days. Athletic material will not be

delivered to a student during the school day.

Cancelled practices will be posted on the

Athletics board in the cafeteria by lunch, if

cancelled after lunch the coach will be

responsible for student supervision after school.

Athletes are responsible for arranging rides

to and from West Lee for games and practices as

needed. Athletes need to always wait for rides at

area supervised by coach and not be at other

points on campus.

Students may be suspended or dismissed from

the team if responsibilities and expectations are

not met.

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

Attendance and Absences School attendance in North Carolina is a legal matter. The state recognizes the following three types of

absences: Lawful, Unlawful, and Suspension.

Absence Type Reasons Comments and consequences

Lawful:

code 1

Illness, quarantine, death in immediate family,

medical or dental appointment, court, religious

observance, absences of an educational nature

(requires prior approval of the attendance Asst.

Principal), emergency circumstances (requires

approval of attendance Asst. Principal)

Excused absence: Work is expected to be made up.

Students will receive full credit for this work if done

within the guidelines. (See "Makeup Work" in next

section.)

Unlawful:

code 2

Absences for any reason other than those defined

for Lawful or Suspension are considered

unlawful.

Unexcused: Work may not be made up for credit.

Students receive zeros for work due on days missed.

Suspension:

code 3

Administered and determined by the Principal's

office.

Excused absence: Work is expected to be made up for

full credit according to guidelines. (See "Makeup Work"

in next section.)

Students must deliver a note to their teacher within three (3) days of an absence(s), and signed by a

parent or legal guardian. If you do not bring a note within three (3) days you must be counted unlawfully

absent.

Family trips fall into the category of “absences of an educational nature” and require prior approval

to be counted as lawful absences. The grade level assistant principal has application forms, which must be

completed prior to the absence. Once all conditions on the application are completed, the absence will be

coded “lawful.” See the front office receptionist for an application.

The Lee County Board of Education requires 164 days of attendance in all classes in all grades in order

for a student to be eligible for promotion. Absences of all types count as days not in attendance. Lawful

absences are not an exception to this rule. Excessive "tardies" and "checkouts" may also cause one not to

meet this requirement. Extremely unusual circumstances impacting this requirement need to be addressed

through the principal at that time.

Parents of students who accumulate unlawful absences will receive letters informing them they may be

prosecuted according to the North Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law.

Make-Up Work Following an excused absence, you will

receive full credit if you make up work within

the time allowed (the length of the absence plus

one day). You will never have to make up a test

on the day you return.

Late Arrival to School by Car If you arrive to school after the tardy bell,

you must go to the office and get an admit slip

before reporting to class. Students who are

chronically tardy to school will be required to

have parents come into the office and sign them

in before they may enter class. Excessive

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unexcused tardiness may result in ASD, ISS or

OSS.

Checking-Out Early You must check out through the office and

be picked up by your parents, legal guardian, or

we must have in writing a note from the parent

or guardian specifying who will be signing the

student out. Whoever checks you out must come

in and sign you out (persons other than the

parent or guardian must show proper

identification) along with written authorization

from parent/guardian. If you know in advance

that you will be leaving school early you should

bring a written note stating the reason. Students

who chronically miss class due to early check

outs will be treated the same as “tardies.” Any

student who signs out of school prior to 11:00am

will be counted absent for that school day.

Withdrawals Students withdrawing from West Lee

Middle School must secure an official form from

the front office at least 24 hours prior to

withdrawing from our school. The student must

get all teachers, library personnel, and offices to

sign that all accounts are cleared.

SUPPORT SERVICES

School Counseling Services Counseling services are available to all

students during the school day. You can see a

counselor either individually or in small groups

to talk about things like relationships, friendship,

controlling your temper, making better grades,

understanding your family, and much more. A

counselor will help you sort out issues of

concern. You can also count on your counselor

to keep your concerns a secret.

There are several ways you can make an

appointment to see your counselor. Use your

laptop to email us, ask your teacher to contact us,

or fill out a counselor request form and slide it

under our door. We will make every effort to see

you as soon as possible, but please be aware that

if it is not an emergency, you may have to wait a

day or two. We may also call you in to talk if a

teacher, parent, or administrator has referred you

to us.

Counselors also serve parents. Call us

if you have any concerns about your child.

We’ll be happy to assist you in any way we can.

School Nurse Services of a school nurse are available on

scheduled days during week. If you need to see

the nurse, contact one of your teachers or the

front office.

Medication Students are prohibited from possessing or

using prescription or over-the-counter drugs or

medicine on school property or at school

functions except as specified below.

The school cannot purchase, provide, or

otherwise secure medicines.

Every effort should be made to schedule

medications during hours away from school. In

the situations where medication—prescription or

non-prescription—must be administered at

school, the following procedures must be

followed:

Short-Term Medication—(antibiotic for an

infection, pain medicine after an accident, etc.) If

medication is required for a short time the doctor

can write an official request for the child to take

medication at school.

Long-Term Medication—(Ritalin, asthma

medication, Tylenol as needed for chronic

headaches, etc.) If long-term medication is

required, the physician must complete a "Request

for Medicine To Be Given During School Hours"

form (available at school) before school

personnel can give medication.

All medicine must be brought to the school

in the appropriately labeled bottles or containers.

Students should bring medication and notes to

the front office at the beginning of the school

day.

Medicine or drugs not handled in

accordance with this policy are considered illicit

drugs for school disciplinary purposes.

School Insurance If a child is injured at school, parents have

the primary responsibility for the cost of medical

treatment that may be necessary. The Lee

County Board of Education has approved certain

insurance arrangements to supplement parent

resources.

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Lee County Schools provides limited

“accident” school insurance for every child. The

parents’ insurance is the “primary,” these

overages are secondary.

Voluntary student insurance is offered at a

very modest cost for those who wish to purchase

it. Read the policy carefully to determine if it

meets your needs. Direct mail envelopes will be

provided with the application for parents wishing

to purchase it.

All athletes are covered under an All Athletic

Plan. Field trips are insured by the Voluntary

Student Insurance provider at no expense to the

school system.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Morning Arrival Early bus students enter the gym through the

back door from the bus parking lot.

Car riders and walkers from the east (town)

should use the Winterlocken Drive and enter the

building through the end door of the exploratory

wing. Car riders and walkers from the west

should use the "flagpole" drive and enter the

building through the front lobby doors.

Walkers & Bike Riders use crosswalk.

Campus Supervision begins at 7:15 A.M.

For safety reasons, students are not to arrive

on campus before this time.

Breakfast students may go directly to the

cafeteria once being acknowledged by duty

teacher.

Students entering the building after the tardy

bell must use the front entrance…Excessive

tardiness for sickness may require a doctor’s note

to be excused.

After School Dismissal Students should leave the building after 2:38

dismissal as soon as possible and go to either the

bus parking lot or one of the lobby exits. No

student should be in the building after 3:00

without signed Agenda from or being

accompanied by a staff member. Car riders need

to wait at one of the supervised exits and be

picked up no later than 3:00 pm. Do not leave

campus and return. (see below)

Walkers, use crosswalks the same as in the

mornings.

After School Events Students wishing to attend any kind of

events after school need to understand

instructions for that particular event. In no case

should the students be wandering around the

campus or building unsupervised.

Events beginning immediately or shortly

after school (FIP, club meetings, practices,

ball games, makeup work): go directly to the

announced, designated area.

Events beginning after 4:00 (dances,

programs, contests): go home and come

back at appropriate time.

Planned activities associated with school

groups or teams need to be approved by the

principal and be conducted in accordance with

Lee County School Board Policy, even if they

occur off school grounds, beyond school hours,

or are initiated by non-school personnel.

Leaving campus and returning to school is

forbidden unless accompanied by your parents.

Students attending athletic events are

expected to be there to watch the athletic event.

Certainly there is room for socialization, but this

does not mean congregating in unsupervised

areas. You may be asked to remain at a sporting

event and watch the game or simply leave.

School rules governing dress are still in

effect.

Rides are expected to pick students up at the

end of the event. Students without rides at proper

time will not be allowed to attend after school

events. Rides for games should be prepared to

pick up by 6:00pm; Boy’s basketball at 6:45.

Inclement Weather Listen to local radio and television stations

for information when weather may be too bad for

school. Do not call the school; listen to your

radio or television station, or check the Lee

County Schools’ website (www.lee.k12.nc.us)

Student Grooming and Dress The Lee County School Board has adopted a

Student Dress and Appearance Policy. (Policy

Code 4301) Individual Schools are given the

discretion to specify additional examples of dress

or appearance that are appropriate under the

policy.

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See Lee County Schools Code of Conduct

for consequences. The dress code is in effect for

all school related events and on all school

property. In all cases, the student will be

required to correct the situation before being

allowed to return to class.

The following are inappropriate and not

permitted:

Sagging pants and oversized clothing. Pants

are to be worn at or above the waist. All

male students must keep shirts tucked.

Sunglasses and head coverings of any kind are

not to be worn inside the buildings.

Clothing and accessories which can be

perceived as weapons (including

chains/spikes).

Clothing and attire with any symbols or styles

frequently associated with intimidation,

violence, or violent groups. (color bandanas,

towels or “dew-rags”)

Clothing and items with messages or

illustrations which are lewd, derogatory,

indecent, vulgar or advertising any product

or service not permitted by law to minors

such as drugs, illegal substances, tobacco

and alcohol.

Clothing, shorts, dresses and skirts which are

excessively tight or shorter than mid-thigh.

All shorts, skirts, dresses must fall at or

below the longest fingertip (Leggings or

other tight spandex material worn by girls

must be covered by a long shirt, shorts or

skirt that meet the finger-tip rule).

Clothing with excessive holes, see-through

materials, strapless, tank and spaghetti tops.

Clothing exposing cleavage, midriff and

undergarment

Clothing worn inappropriately such as

unbuckled belts, inside out or backward,

unfastened, pants and skirts not at waistline,

rolled-up pants and shoes not tied or

secured.

Face paint is not allowed unless it is related to

school activities or events.

School Safety A school plan exists for a variety of

emergency conditions. Listen to announcements

and instructions from your teachers. We will

conduct drills throughout the year. Students are

expected to respond swiftly, safely, orderly, and

quietly. Know the route to the nearest exit from

any room in which you have a class.

Misbehavior during an emergency drill is

dangerous and will not be tolerated. Students

violating a rule during any emergency drill will

receive a more severe consequence level than

would normally occur.

If you see anything suspicious, report it to a

teacher or principal immediately.

Video cameras survey the campus and

record 24 hours a day. All students and other

persons entering the building or campus are

subject to random metal detector searches.

Lockers Lockers are school property. Keep in mind

that school authorities have the right to open,

search, and remove any harmful or unauthorized

items. Random locker searches may be

conducted during the school year.

Articles seized during the search of lockers

may be retained and used as evidence in

disciplinary proceedings by school officials, or

law enforcement officials.

1. Homeroom teachers may assign you a locker

and issue you a school lock.

2. You are only allowed to use issued school

locks.

3. You must keep up with this lock and turn it

in at the end of the year. Do not share

combinations with anyone.

4. Do not dangle the lock from the holes in the

inside of the door. It will jam your locker

door closed!

5. Keep locker locked at all times.

6. Keep locker clean. Do not write, mark, or

place stickers or tape in or on your locker.

7. Do not go into someone else's locker. Do not

share your lock or locker with anyone.

You are responsible for and must pay for any

damages or loss of the lock/locker at the end of

the year.

Lost and Found If you find personal belongings on school

grounds, turn them in to a teacher or other school

employee. If you are missing personal items,

check the lost & found cage in the cafeteria

before or after school and during lunch. Any

item still remaining in Lost & Found not claimed

after at least 30 school days will be subject to

donation to the PTSO Thrift Store or disposed.

Student School Phone & Cell Use Students are to use school phones in

classrooms only with teacher permission and

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supervision. If you are sick, you may only be

allowed to use the front office phones with your

teacher’s consent. Calls should be brief and

restricted to the purpose of the call. Cell phones

are now allowed on campus, but they must be

turned off and put away upon entering the school

building. Any student using a cell phone for

talking or texting or any other reason inside the

school will have their phone confiscated* and

subject to administrative discipline (*see pg. 13).

Tardies, Delivering Messages to

Students and Other Interruptions We strive to minimize the number of

interruptions to the instructional program.

Students may receive After School Detention

&/or In-School Suspension for excessive

unexcused tardiness. Students should be on time

and should bring to school all items and

information they will need. Parents, please do

not depend on calling your child at school to

routinely deliver things like messages, athletic

equipment, class work, and reminders.

Transportation changes WILL NOT be taken

over the phone – all such requests must be

made in writing. These can usually be handled

at home, and when excessive, they interfere with

your child's learning at school as well as the

development of responsibility. We will deliver

emergency messages only.

We will not allow delivery of flowers,

balloons, birthday presents, outside fast foods,

etc. during the school day. These need to be

handled at home.

Preventing Thefts Do not bring large amounts of money or

personal items of great monetary value to school

(Unless they are for after school activities; if so,

those items must remain in student lockers

during the school day). You, not the school, are

responsible for your personal property.

School Dances West Lee may sponsor at least one dance

each year. Dances are well supervised by

teachers & administrators. Students attending

dances should follow these rules:

1. Good conduct must be shown at all

times. School rules will be strictly

enforced.

2. No passes outside.

3. School Rules & Dress Code still applies

4. Dances are held for the students at West

Lee only. An outside student may be

invited (1 per student-No guest 16 or

older will be permitted to attend) from

another middle school in the district, but

their name must be submitted to the

main office at least 24 hours prior to the

dance for principal approval.

5. If your invited guest is approved, they

must arrive with you before being

permitted to enter into the dance.

6. Have your ride pick you up

immediately after the dance (times,

based on grade level, will be printed on

the ticket). You will not be allowed to

buy tickets for future dances if your ride

does not pick you up on time.

7. You may not attend a dance if:

• you have been suspended out of school

during the current or previous grading

quarter.

• you have been assigned to ASD/ISS

two or more times since the previous

dance

• you owe the school money.

• you are currently on any type of Out-of-

School suspension

Visitors on Campus We encourage parents & legal guardians to

visit the school. You can participate in special

activities, volunteer to help in classrooms,

proctor tests, or just simply come by to see what

your child experiences in school. Report to the

front office, show identification, sign in, and get

an identification badge. You must sign out upon

leaving campus and return your identification

badge.

No one will be allowed on campus that in

any way disrupts the educational process. We do

not call students out of class to visit with family

members or friends except in extreme

emergencies. Visitors who come on campus

without first reporting to the office to receive a

proper identification badge will be charged with

trespassing. No one under 18 years of age or

currently a student in another school in the

district will be allowed to simply come onto

campus to visit students or staff.

WLMS — 11

1:1 Student Laptop Program

The focus of learning with laptops at West Lee

Middle School is to prepare students for their

future, a world of digital technology and

information. Excellence in education requires

that technology is seamlessly integrated

throughout the educational program. Increasing

access to technology is essential for that future,

and the learning tool of these students is the

laptop computer. The individual use of a laptop

is a way to empower students to learn at their full

potential and to prepare them for the real world

of college and the workplace. Laptops encourage

students to solve problems and think critically by

stimulating analytical thinking.

As we have during the last school year,

all students will have access to a laptop computer

in each of their core classes. During Exploratory

classes, students may have access to desktop

computers in one of our school’s computer labs

on campus.

This guideline is provided to make all

users aware of the responsibilities associated

with efficient, ethical, and lawful use of

technology resources. If a person violates any of

the User Terms and Conditions named in this

guideline, privileges may be terminated, access

to the school district technology resources may

be denied, and the appropriate disciplinary

action shall be applied.

Prohibited technology resource activities include,

but are not limited to the following Computer

(Laptop) Violations:

Sending, accessing, uploading,

downloading, or distributing offensive,

profane, threatening, harassing,

pornographic, obscene, or sexually

explicit materials.

Threats and/or cyber bullying of any

kind

Using a computer to plan a fight, cause

harm or commit a crime

Gang related content

Images of weapons

Videoing or taping on school property

when not requested as part of a school

assignment

Gaming

Cheating

Logging into a computer/application

using a stolen login

Downloading or transmitting multi-player

game, music, or video files using the

school network.

Vandalizing, damaging, or disabling

property of the school or another individual

or organization.

Accessing another individual’s materials,

information, or files without permission.

Using the network or Internet for

commercial, political campaign, or

financial gain purposes.

Releasing files, home address, personal

phone numbers, passwords, or other vital

accessing information to others.

Promoting or soliciting for illegal activities.

Attempting to repair, remove or install

hardware components reserved for an

authorized service technician.

Violating copyright or other protected

material laws.

Subscribing to mailing lists, mass email

messages, games or other services that

generate several messages that can slow the

system and waste other users’ time and

access.

Intentionally wasting school resources.

Accessing blocked websites via proxy sites.

Consequences: The consequences of violating this guideline

may include but are not limited to the following:

In school suspension

Out of school suspension

Loss of laptop

Referral to law enforcement

Long term suspension or expulsion

from school

Any student who intentionally damages or

abuses a laptop or desktop computer on campus

will be disciplined as well as be held responsible

for paying the repair cost. A letter will be sent to

the parent(s) regarding repair costs along with an

explanation of the damage. Failure to pay repair

costs may result in loss of computer privileges

for that student along with loss of other

privileges at West Lee such as attending dances

and other extra-curricular activities for the

remainder of the school year until the cost is

paid.

WLMS — 12

Student Self-Defense: The privilege of student self-defense is

limited. A claim of self-defense when using

physical force will not exempt a student from

discipline when: the student provokes or

encourages the use of physical force by another;

the force being used against the student is lawful

(administrators or teachers); the student has an

opportunity to avoid force or to inform a school

official of threatened use of force; the student

uses force after the other student abandons or

attempts to abandon a confrontation.

Administrative Investigations: We are committed to creating a safe,

orderly environment for students and staff.

School Administrators & SRO are authorized

and responsible for investigating anti-social

behavior and other conduct that may violate

board policies, school standards or rules. All

employees and students, including students

alleged to have engaged in misconduct, are

expected to respond fully and truthfully to any

questions or issues raised in the course of the

investigation and any other related proceedings.

Authority to Conduct Searches &

Seizures: School administrators & SRO have the

authority to conduct reasonable searches & seize

materials in accordance with board policy for the

purpose of maintaining a safe, orderly

environment and for upholding standards of

conduct established by the board or school.

Reasonable suspicion that a student has an

unauthorized or illegal material is generally

required before an individual will be singled out

for a search. It is not a requirement for school

administrators to have parental consent or a

parent present when a student is being searched.

Any student being searched will include the

following that is detailed in LCS Board Policy

#4342:

when feasible, at least 2 adults present

(an administrator and another staff

member) if a student needs to be

searched, A student’s person and/or personal

effects (e.g. purse, book bag, etc.) may

be subject to search by an administrator

and/or SRO,

If a pat down search is necessary, it will

be conducted in private by a school

administrator of the same sex with

another adult witness present, when

feasible.

If school administrator has reasonable

suspicion to believe that the student has

on his/her person an item imminently

dangerous to the student or to others, a

more intrusive search of the student’s

person may be conducted. Such a

search would be conducted in private

with a school administrator of the same

sex with an adult witness of the same

sex present and only with prior

approval of the superintendent or

designee, unless the health or safety of

the student will be endangered by the

delay which might be caused by

following these procedures.

Parental contact or notification will be

attempted by a school administrator or

official upon the conclusion of a

student search.

Student Bullying, Harassment,

Intimidation, & Confrontation: West Lee Middle School has a “Zero

Tolerance” for any kind of student behavior(s)

which compromises the safety of other students

and staff or disrupts the learning process. Lee

County Schools Code of Student Conduct

(LCSCSC) includes the following rules that

address such behaviors & violations that, if

committed, result in immediate student discipline

up to Out-of-School Suspension and/or

Recommendation for Long Term Suspension:

Assault on or Physical Injury to Others

(LCSCSC Rule # 3)

Threatening, Insulting, Abusive or

Seriously Discourteous Words, Signs,

or Other Acts including Sexually

Related Acts (LCSCSC Rule # 8)

Disruption of School (Rule # 9)

Fighting (LCSCSC Rule # 13)

Discrimination, Harassment, and

Bullying (LCSCSC Rule # 15)

Unacceptable Physical Contact

(LCSCSC Rule # 16)

Gang Related Activities (LCSCSC Rule

# 26)

WLMS — 13

Consequences for Rule Violations:

Students learn best in a positive, nurturing and safe environment. The Positive Behavior Matrix lists our

expectations for student behaviors. Students who make the choice to conduct themselves in an improper fashion

should expect consequences. Actions that result in referral to the office may include: Warning, conference, lunch

detention, after school detention, ISS, OSS or other intervention determined by administration.

Combinations of Violations Students who violate a combination of regulations will be held accountable for these violations as if they were a

subsequent violation (suspension for multiple violations may run concurrently).

Repeated Violations

Students who habitually violate rules and disrupt the educational process will be charged with violation of Rule #21

of the "Lee County Schools' Student Code of Conduct," and may be given a 10 day suspension with the

recommendation to the superintendent for long term suspension.

Confiscation of Items

Any items that are impermissible, illegal, inappropriate, or cause a disruption of the educational process are subject

to confiscation.

Illegal items will be turned over to the school’s SRO. Impermissible items will be returned only to a parent or

guardian at the discretion of the school administrator. It is the responsibility of the parent to come to school to pick

up any confiscated item. Any confiscated items not picked up by July 1st from the previous school year may be

donated to a local charity. West Lee Middle School will not be responsible for any confiscated item not claimed by

a parent more than 20 business days after the end of the school year.

After School Detention (ASD)

After School Detention is a consequence for which a student may be assigned by an administrator for violation of

school or district rule. After School Detention begins immediately after school for 1 hour and is held in the In-

School-Suspension room. Students will either be required to complete classroom work or will be assigned to work

with an assigned custodian to help keep our school clean. Parents should arrive at school to pick up students by

4:00pm each afternoon. ANY STUDENT ASSIGNED AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION, BUT FAILS TO

SHOW, WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RIDE THE BUS HOME THE DAY OF THEIR ASSIGNED

DETENTION.

In- School Suspension (ISS)

In-School Suspension is a consequence available at West Lee Middle School as an alternative to Out-of-School

suspension for certain policy violations. The minimum assignment is One (1) class period or entire school day.

Students assigned to In School Suspension are expected to abide by all the rules and regulations of the ISS

Coordinator. Choosing not to do so may result in extension of time to be served or 1 day Out-Of-School suspension.

While in ISS, students are given assignments that correspond as nearly as possible with the work being carried on in

the regular classroom. Credit is given for all work completed while in ISS. Doing the assigned work is a condition of

ISS. Any student in In-School Suspension is not allowed at any school or school system function during the course

of the assignment.

Out-Of-School Suspension (OSS) Out-of- School Suspension is a consequence that prohibits a student from attending school for an assigned number

of school days (Teacher Workdays & Holidays do not count). Students who commit more severe behavioral

infractions and students who repeatedly violate the standards of conduct will be suspended from school. Students

suspended out of school are not allowed on any Lee County Schools' property, both during and after school hours

for the course of the suspension unless written permission is given by the principal. OSS is considered to have ended

at 11:59pm of the last school day of OSS.

WLMS — 14

West Lee Middle School Tardy Policy

This Tardy Policy applies per student, per teacher, per Nine (9) week grading Period (Tardy count starts

over on the first school day of the new Nine (9) Week Grading Period).

Definition of a Tardy: The student is NOT in the assigned classroom (or assigned station) as defined by

the teacher, when the tardy bell rings…A Tardy may also apply to other class periods if deemed

appropriate. 1st Tardy : 1st Teacher Verbal Warning

2nd Tardy: Teacher/Team Discretion to Assign Student Detention*

3rd Tardy: Admin. Referral/Parent Contact/Assigned 1 Day of ASD or ISS

4th Tardy: Admin. Referral/Parent Contact/Assigned 2 Days of ASD or ISS

5th Tardy: Admin. Referral/Parent Contact/Assigned 3 Days ISS

6th Tardy: Admin. Referral/Parent Contact/Assigned 1 Day of OSS

7th Tardy: Admin. Referral/Parent Contact/Assigned 2 Days of OSS

8th Tardy: Admin. Referral/Parent Contact/Assigned 3 Days of OSS

9th Tardy: Admin. Referral/Parent Contact/Assigned 5 Days of OSS

10th Tardy: Admin. Referral/Parent Contact/Assigned 10 Days of OSS with

. Recommendation for Long Term Suspension and/or Bragg Street Placement **

*A teacher or team’s assigned detention may include (but not limited to) morning detention, after school

detention or lunch detention.

**Recommendation for Bragg Street Placement upon a student receiving his/her 10th

Tardy is included as

part of Lee County School’s Student Code of Conduct Rule #21.

Habitual Violation of School Rules: No student shall through habitual violation of local school or

classroom rules disrupt the educational process. Such habitual violations, no matter how minor, shall be

considered a major violation when the student's disciplinary record shows a clear pattern of

noncompliance with established rules and regulations. Violation of this rule may result in long-term

suspension.

WLMS — 15

School Bus Rules

School buses are state property, and riding is a privilege. Students who ride the bus are expected to conduct

themselves in an orderly manner. The school principal or assistant principals have the authority to suspend pupils

from riding the bus for behavior that threatens the safe and orderly operation of the school bus, including, but not

limited to, the following:

1. Refusing to obey the instructions or directions of Lee County School staff or bus drivers on any Lee County

campus.

2. Using or writing profanity, gang related or obscene gestures on the bus or at the bus stop.

3. Tampering with a school bus.

4. Unauthorized leaving of the bus from home to school or vice versa.

5. Delaying the bus schedule (i.e. Failure to meet the bus on time at the designated stops, failure to go directly to

assigned bus in the afternoon, etc.).

6. Playing, throwing any object (including paper, trash, pencils, or other objects) while the bus is in operation.

7. Talking too loudly, yelling, etc.

8. Boarding or riding an unassigned bus without permission from the school bus office.

9. Possessing food, drink or gum on a bus.

10. Bringing or transporting live animals on the bus.

11. Refusing to let another student sit down. This will result in an immediate suspension from the bus.

Likewise, there is to be no standing if seating is available.

12. Failure to sit in the student’s assigned seat.

13. Creating disturbances or interfering with the safety rules or well-being of the passengers or the drivers.

14. Failure to observe established safety rules and regulations.

15. Use of cellular phones and other wireless communication devices may be prohibited on buses when the noise

from such devices interferes with the safe operation of the buses (this does not include school related materials.)

16. Violation of West Lee Middle School Code of Conduct or Lee County Schools Code of Conduct.

School Bus General Rule Violation Consequences

It is to be understood that the consequences described below are the minimum actions to be taken and that the

principal has the authority to remove any student from the bus for minor misconduct (see LCS Code of Student

Conduct Rule # 24). Furthermore, incidents that violate school rules may result in ISS or OSS in addition to bus

suspension.

1. First Offense: Counsel with student; parent notification and maximum of 3 Days Off Bus.

2. Second Offense: 5 Days Off Bus

3. Third Offense: 10 Days Off Bus and may be suspended from bus for the remainder of school year.

4. Fourth Offense: Student will be suspended from the bus for the remainder of the school year.

School Bus Severe Rule Violation Consequences

Some incidents are considered more severe on a school bus because they endanger other students, the driver,

and other motorists on the roads. The following consequences will be applied to these violations.

Fighting on or near a bus:

First offense: 3 to 5 days out of school and 10 day bus suspension

Second offense: 10 days out of school suspension and bus suspension for the remainder of the year

Weapon/Drugs on or near a bus (possession, use or delivery)

Long term suspension and bus suspension for the remainder of the year

Physical or Sexual assault on another student or staff:

Long term suspension and bus suspension for the remainder of the year

WLMS — 16

Student Hall Pass

The teacher must initial indicating that the student

received permission to leave a designated area

Date

Time

Out

Time

In

Teacher

Initials

*Destination

Date

Time

Out

Time

In

Teacher

Initials

*Destination

WLMS — 17

The teacher must initial indicating that the student

received permission to leave a designated area

Date

Time

Out

Time

In

Teacher

Initials

*Destination

Date

Time

Out

Time

In

Teacher

Initials

*Destination

*1-lockers, 2-guidance, 3-library/media, 4-nurse, 5-office, 6-bathroom, 7-other(specify)