1062 Pleasant St.
Web site: www.arms2000.org
2008 – 2009
Approved by School Council 6-11-08
Table of Contents
Administration.........................................................................1
Middle School Mission Statement and Vision..........................2
Who to Go to in a Nutshell......................................................4
Athol-Royalston Regional School Committee...........................5
General School Rules..............................................................6
Athletic & Activities.................................. .............................8
Health Issues..........................................................................10
Academics…………………………………………………..15
Computer Technology Rules....................................................20
Dance Rules............................................................................22
Dress Code..............................................................................23
Drugs, Alcohol & Intoxicants.................................................24
Erasing Hate............................................................................26
Sexual Harassment Policy.......................................................27
Lunch Rules............................................................................28
Disciplinary Terms..................................................................31
Suspension Code.....................................................................32
Expulsion Code.......................................................................33
Staff Listing w/telephone extensions......................................36
Handbook Sign Off Sheet.......................................................38
Athol-Royalston Middle School
1062 Pleasant St., Athol, MA 01331
Tele: 978-249-2430 Fax: 978-249-0055
Web site: www.arms2000.org
Assistant Principal Patricia LaBombarde
Guidance Counselor Joseph Quinton
School Social Worker Kathy Begin
School Nurse Sally Quinton
Computer Coordinator Linda Harris
Office Secretary Patricia Erickson
Attendance Secretary Carol Rogers
Athol-Royalston Middle School Mission Statement
Preparing students intellectually, socially, ethically, and physically to work collaboratively and competitively in the 21st century.
The staff of Athol-Royalston Middle School is committed to building a supportive and caring atmosphere, which enhances learning. To this end, the teams share common planning time and benefit from regularly scheduled preparation time. During these times, the team members exchange ideas, address school and/or team related issues, and develop flexible schedules and interdisciplinary units that contribute to the sense of team unity. Awareness of current research and teaching practices enables the staff to implement ideas and programs. The staff makes use of technology and other appropriate resources to insure that all students learn the curricula. Student progress is reviewed and shared with other staff members, students, parents, and the community. The Athol-Royalston Middle School staff encourages and utilizes community involvement in school programs. This involvement fosters a productive exchange of ideas, resources, and services. The staff practices the principals upon which a quality middle school is based.
Athol-Royalston Middle School respects the diversity, uniqueness, and learning styles of each student. To this end, students are supportive, caring, and courteous. Students develop a sense of responsibility for their actions and gain awareness of how those actions impact on the learning environment. Students exhibit pride in their school and in their accomplishments. Students produce quality work and appreciate each other's displayed efforts. Students have a voice at Athol-Royalston Middle School and take an active role in their own learning. They help formulate policies and are a part of curricula planning. Students initiate learning and utilize teachers as facilitators and resources. They develop a productive interaction with the community. To develop and expand their interests, students use both community and school resources to attain the expected curricula. Athol-Royalston Middle School students take pride in the physical plant, caring for and improving its appearance. They also take an active part in extra curricular activities. Students understand their social and academic progress and take responsibility for sharing this progress with staff and parents/guardians.
Understanding the value of education, parents/guardians send their children to school fed, rested, emotionally ready for each day, prepared to learn, and with necessary materials. They realize the importance of middle school and the role of its teachers. Parents/guardians are involved in their children's learning experiences through daily discussions of the highlights of the day and nightly participation in homework time. Parents/guardians serve as a link to the community and its resources by assisting in classrooms, participating in extra curricular activities, and joining parent organizations. They work with staff to develop mutual understanding of roles and responsibilities. They support school programs, activities, and the middle school concept. Parents/guardians are supporters and collaborators in the education at Athol-Royalston Middle School.
Athol-Royalston Regional School Committee
Ms. Mary Forristall, Chairman Mrs. Roberta Newman
1450 Main St. 121 Athol Road
Athol, MA 01331 Royalston, MA 01368
(978) 249-7991 (978) 249-6679
Mrs. Karen McNiff Mr. Lee Chauvette, Vice Chairman
2362 New Sherborn Road lchauvette@verizon.net
Athol, MA 01331 P.O. Box 592
(978) 249-2108 Athol, MA 01331
(978) 249-5509
Mrs. Kelly Newton Mr. William Caldwell
P.O. Box 106 15 Haven Street
Athol, MA 01331 Athol, MA 01331
(978) 249-9252 (978) 249-9574
Mr. Chet Hall Mr. Wayne Whitfield
Beryl Hill Rd. 493 Pequoig Avenue
Royalston, MA 01368 Athol, MA 01331
(978) 249-8346 (978) 249-4858
Mr. Joseph Maga Mrs. Kala Fisher
62 Oak Avenue ksarschibald@yahoo.com
Athol, MA 01331 130 Mt Pleasant Street
(978) 249-8385 Athol, MA 01331
(978)249-4074
Students should arrive at school between 7:15 a.m. and 7:25 a.m. and report directly to the gymnasium or the cafeteria if eating breakfast. Breakfast is served in the cafeteria until 7:25 a.m. Some Royalston students who arrive on the bus shortly after 7:00 will report directly to the cafeteria, as there is no supervision.
No student should arrive before 7:00 a.m.
The school day ends at 1:55 p.m. Students should leave school by 2:05 p.m. unless engaged in a school approved club, activity, sport, or staying with a teacher for extra help. Students must be supervised by a staff member at all times after school. There is a late bus available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, which leaves school at approximately 2:50 p.m. Limited seats on the late bus are available on a first come first served basis. Students must get a pink late bus pass from their teacher and sign up in the office during the day no later than 2:00 p.m.
Pink Late Bus Pass
A pink late bus pass will be given to students by the teachers supervising them after school for makeup work, or other after school activities such as: Stomp, Drama, Sports, Knitting Club, etc. No students will be allowed on the late bus without a pink late bus pass.
Attendance Policy
The Athol-Royalston Middle School is involved in a school attendance program called “School Is Where It’s At.” This program was established by the District Attorney’s office in an attempt to work with schools to improve school attendance throughout Massachusetts. While there are a number of reasons that a student may be absent from school, the principal has legal responsibilities when the number of absences exceeds a certain limit. A student may be considered truant and court proceedings may be initiated when the student accumulates seven unexcused absences in a six-month period (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Sec. 2). The decision whether an absence is determined to be excused is made by the principal, not by the parent/guardian. Diligent attention is given to attendance: all students need to attend school on a regular and consistent basis.
If you are absent from school, please have your family call the school to let us know. Bring a note from home to the office on the day you return. The note needs to explain your absence. It must be signed by an adult in your family. You will be given a slip, showing your teachers that you have properly checked into the office. If we do not receive an excuse note from home, we will call home to make certain that your family knew that you were absent from school. In other words, we expect you to be here unless you are ill, and, if you are not here, we will inform your families of your absence. We also expect you to make up any unexcused absences.
Excused Absences
Reasons for an excused absence or lateness include: medical, dental appointments, required attendance at family events, civic duty, religious observance, school sponsored events/activities, or an educational trip.
It is extremely important that you attend school every day. It is impossible to fully benefit from a lesson when you are doing the assignments but not participating in the classroom activities. We understand that, occasionally, families have to take you out of school because of a planned trip. Your parent/guardian must contact the Principal, in advance; to notify the school of any planned absence. Teachers may be available after school to help you make up the work that you miss, but cannot guarantee that you will easily be able to keep up with your class learning.
Your teachers take attendance during every class period and send an attendance record to the office at the end of the day. If you miss a particular class, the office will check to see why you were not at class. If you were not excused from the class, you will be seen by the Assistant Principal and assigned time to make up that class, and may receive further consequences. In addition, your family will be informed if you cut a class.
Tardiness
If you are tardy to school in the morning, after the 7:30 bell you must report to the office to sign in and receive a late pass. If you have a reason for being tardy, you need to bring a written note from home signed by your parent or guardian that explains the reason. If you do not have a note for being tardy, you may be asked to make up the time. A continued pattern of tardiness will be referred to the assistant principal.
If you are tardy to class, your teacher will record you as tardy on the attendance form and may ask you to make up the time. If tardiness continues to be a problem, the administrators will work with you and your teachers to correct the problem. We expect students at the Middle School to move quickly and quietly from class to class, arriving on time.
Green Hall Pass
Students in the hallways during instructional time must have a green pass issued by their teacher.
Athletics
Interscholastic sports are an important piece of the middle school experience. Students are encouraged to participate in grades 6, 7, and 8. Student eligibility for participation on interscholastic teams includes authorization by the school physician, written parent consent, and endorsement by the school principal based on established school and MIAA rules.
Clubs and Activities
Various clubs and activities may be offered throughout the school year. Students will be made aware of and may participate in activities/clubs that are offered.
Sports Teams
Subject to funding, teams may include the following: Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Field Hockey, Football, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field, and Wrestling. User fees may apply.
Students are welcome to attend athletic competitions but should leave school at their dismissal time and return for the start of the game, usually 3:15 p.m. Appropriate school behavior is expected at all athletic events. All school rules apply at these events.
Racks are provided for parking bicycles. The school is not responsible for damage or theft of bicycles or parts. Bicycles are to be parked upon arrival at school and are not to be used until the end of the school day, and only after the buses have left the campus. Students are reminded that the Massachusetts General law requires helmets. A helmet is also recommended for skateboards and scooters.
Scooters and skateboards are to only be stored in the designated area. Students are not allowed to use scooters or skateboards on Middle School grounds beginning at the school sign near the parking lot entrance, and not until after the buses have left the campus after school. For safety reasons, students may not ride scooters or skateboards on school property beginning at the intersection of Pleasant Street.
After school, walkers may not leave the Middle School campus until after the buses have left.
Book bags and backpacks should be stored in student lockers.
Please be sure to inform the Main Office if there is a change of residence including custody, address, or telephone number during the school year. This is necessary for permanent records, as well as for report cards, newsletters, post cards, and other mailings. An accurate record of your child’s information is essential to communicate with you and those the custodial parent chooses in the event they cannot be reached.
In the event of a storm or hazardous road conditions or other emergencies requiring schools to be closed, the Athol fire alarm system will be sounded at 6:30 a.m. with four blasts, followed immediately with four more blasts. No school or delayed openings will also be given over radio stations: WCAT (700 AM) and Eagle (99.9 FM) in Orange, WSRS (96.1 FM) in Worcester, WJDF (97.3 FM) in Orange, WWLP (TV 22) in Springfield, WGGB (TV40 in Springfield, WCVB (TV 5) and WBZ (TV 4) in Boston.
Directory information is defined as: name, address, telephone number, date of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, and awards. Athol-Royalston Middle School reserves the right to exercise its judgment in releasing such directory information to requesting agencies, institutions, and individuals. It is the policy of this school to protect its students from invasion of privacy. The school will not release information when it is to be used for solicitation.
Students may be dismissed from school for the following reasons only:
· Family or personal emergency
· Illness or medical appointments
· Court appearances
If it becomes necessary for a student to be excused from school, a note must be presented from a parent or guardian to the Main Office. If a student is ill, he/she must see the nurse or an administrator to leave school. The parent or authorized adult should come into the office to sign the student out. Students are not to leave school without having gone through this process. Upon returning to school they must sign back in at the Main Office.
Teachers will provide students with a permission slip for field trips. These forms must be returned to the teacher prior to the day of the field trip. Students are expected to follow all school rules when on a field trip. No student who has consistently demonstrated poor attendance, continual tardiness, attitude or behavior problems, or who has not completed the required work will be permitted to go on a field trip. This decision is up to the administrator or teacher serving as leader on the field trip.
The school nurse’s function is to establish a comprehensive school health program consistent with the Massachusetts guidelines, regulations and statues governing nursing, school health, and local school district policy.
Students who are ill or injured must receive a pass from their teacher, and report to the Nurse’s Office or the Main Office if the school nurse is unavailable. At no time should a student administer treatment to another student. School administration will dismiss a student for health reasons such as illness or accident. Parents or guardians will be notified prior to dismissal and the student will be released to a parent, guardian, or other person authorized on the emergency form.
If a student has a medical reason for using the school elevator, he/she must report to the nurse’s office and receive a written pass to use the elevator.
Health screenings shall be performed annually. All students are screened yearly for vision and hearing loss, and height and weight is recorded. Postural screening is provided to all students grade 6 through 8. If a parent or guardian refuses to have postural screening done by the school physician, written documentation provided by the family physician must be submitted to the school nurse. Physical exams are required for 7th grade students and are required annually for all students before participation in competitive sports. The school physician will be available to perform these exams, with parental permission. The parent or guardian of any student with an area of concern discovered during these screenings shall be notified in writing for follow-up and/or evaluation. Physician’s evaluations should be returned to the nurse to be filed in the student’s permanent health record.
State law requires the following immunizations:
6th grade:
(1 dose if < 13 yrs. of age: 2 doses if >13 yrs. of age)
7th and 8th grade
(1 dose if < 13 yrs. of age: 2 doses if >13 yrs. of age)
Ideally, all medication should be given at home. If your child’s physician feels it is necessary to receive medication during the school hours, the school must receive the following:
Both of these forms are available from the school nurse and must be returned by the parent/guardian with the medication in a pharmacy or manufactured labeled container. This is applicable for all prescription and over the counter medication. No more than a thirty-day (30) supply of the medicine should be delivered to the school. Students are not allowed to carry any medication with them during school hours. A student will be allowed to carry an inhaler on his/her person provided the school nurse determines it is safe and appropriate and there is a physician’s order to do so. Designated school staff may dispense medication when authorized to do so.
Medical excuses
Medical excuses are required for those students who cannot participate in physical education classes. A parental note will suffice for one gym class. After that, a note from a physician with the medical diagnoses, specifying the length and extent of the excused absence, must be submitted.
Lockers and belongings
Lost and found
Items will be placed on the cafeteria stage one week before December, February, and April vacations, and one week before the end of school. Articles unclaimed after a period of time will be donated to the Salvation Army. Every year thousands of dollars worth of shoes and clothing is donated. Using a handy marking pen to identify clothing would help to find the rightful owners.
Breakfast and Lunch Program
Breakfast and lunch are served daily by the cafeteria staff. Students eligible for the federal school breakfast and lunch program are encouraged to apply. Forms are provided in the opening of school packet of information but can be requested at any time. If a student forgets his/her money, with permission from the cafeteria director, lunch may be charged for that day. This is an emergency situation only. The money must be repaid by the end of that week.
Morning announcements
Information is provided in many different formats. It is the student’s responsibility to listen to all announcements. The printed announcements will be posted throughout the school and distributed to teachers.
Student records
Individual student records are on file in the school. They are open to parental review upon written request. The principal will act on this request within two days.
Substitute teachers
A substitute teacher is an important visitor whose impressions of our school will be carried into the community. Let us be certain that these are good impressions by being polite, helpful, respectful, and considerate. Students know what is expected when their regular teacher is present and no less is expected when a substitute teacher is with us for the day.
Paper, notebooks, pens, pencils, etc., will not be supplied by the school. Students are expected to come to school prepared with supplies necessary to complete ordinary assignments. Students who continually show up unprepared will be assigned detentions/appropriate disciplinary action.
Telephone calls
Classroom phones may be used by students with permission from the classroom teacher. School phones are not to be used for social calls. Incoming telephone calls or messages for students should be made on an emergency basis only. The occasional emergency message will be delivered to the student’s classroom as soon as possible.
All students are expected to cover their textbooks and to replace the book jacket if it becomes worn during the school year. If a textbook is misused, a fee will be charged to repair the book. If a textbook is lost, it is to be paid for and another book will be issued.
Doors to the school will be locked during school hours. Visitors must ring the bell to be admitted into the school. Upon entering the school, all visitors must sign in at the main office and will be issued a visitor’s pass. Parents/guardians are encouraged to visit the school and should contact the school to arrange details.
Students from other schools will not be permitted into the building during school hours without prior approval of the administration.
If students want to have student visitors, they must observe the following regulations:
1. At least one day in advance of the visit, student must obtain the appropriate form from the office and obtain approval from the teachers that they will have on the day of the visit.
Athol-Royalston Middle School
Non-Negotiable Building Rules
. Hats may not be worn at any time inside of the school building. Hats must be kept locked in lockers during the school day.
. Cell phones as well as Discman/Walkman/MP3 Players, I Pods, etc. may not be used at any time inside of the school building or during class time. These must be kept locked in
lockers during the school day.
. Hallway behavior must be safe and appropriate at all times. There is no running, roughhousing or physical contact at any time.
. Students must have a hall pass at all times when in the halls other than during their team passing times.
. Students are expected to dress appropriately in school. Appropriate dress is that which is safe, does not call too much attention to the wearer, does not promote alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances and is not profane or vulgar. Specific examples of unacceptable clothing are listed in the student handbook under “Dress Code” page 23.
Academics
Students have benchmarks and targets in all subjects, which are tied to the State curricula, high school expectations, and real world requirements. Targets are important skills and products that should be mastered. Students are taught the necessary skills and knowledge to complete both benchmarks and targets.
Extra help
Students or parents may always seek extra help from teachers if the student does not understand an assignment, if the work is difficult, or if they have been absent and have missed assignments and class discussions. A late bus (approximate 2:50 p.m. departure) is provided on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to common stops in Athol and Royalston.
The student school year is 180 days long and is divided into four quarters. At the end of each quarter, students will receive report cards. Progress reports are sent home half way through each quarter. Below are the approximate dates that report cards are distributed. These dates may have to be adjusted depending on the length of the teacher school year, the actual starting date of the school year and because of snow days. Approximate dates report cards are distributed: November 12, 2008, February 4, 2009, April 5, 2009 and June 19, 2009. Exact dates
will be sent home in newsletters and displayed on the Middle School website: www.arms2000.org.
Teachers assign grades to report all aspects of a student’s classroom performance: effort, achievement, homework, class work, and tests as well as special requirements that vary from class to class.
Separate grades will be given for conduct. Criteria include responsibility, self-control, respect for others, organization and preparation of work, attention, class participation, and use of time. Conduct will be graded as follows.
5 = Superior
4 = Above Average
3 = Average
2 = Improvement Required
1 = Unsatisfactory
A student is a candidate for retention is he/she fails two (2) or more major subjects (English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Unified Arts collective average) with a grade below 60 for the school year. Parents will be notified in writing at the beginning of the second semester if their child is in danger of being retained. Input from teachers, guidance personnel, parents, and administration will be sought; however, the final decision for retention rests with the administration.
A student who successfully completes a summer school program that is approved by the ARMS administration may be reconsidered for promotion.
Any eighth grade student who fails two or more subjects as listed above will not be allowed to participate in the end of the year step-up ceremony.
Homework
There is always something to do each night. Students at least should be studying, reviewing, recopying notes, reading, and organizing notebooks. Nightly assignments and studying usually requires one and one half hours.
If a student is absent from school for one day, s/he may make arrangements with classmates, use the homework hotline, or speak with the teachers the next day to get assignments or classroom notes. It is very difficult for the office to collect work for one day. If s/he will be absent for more than one day, parents/guardians may contact the Main Office. Homework requested through the Main Office is often not available until the next day.
If you have a concern about homework, contact the homework hotline (978-249-2430) and then dial your teacher’s extension number for daily assignments after 3:30 p.m.
Teachers try to coordinate homework and tests so that there is a balance. Generally, homework is not assigned on weekends, holidays, or vacations. Students, however, sometimes may choose to do long term assignments during those times.
The purpose of homework is to:
Make-up Work
Make-up work is the student’s responsibility. Work missed because of absences should be made up when the student returns to school. It is the student’s responsibility to get the assignments from the teachers. Make-up work takes precedence over all extra-curricular activities including sports.
Honor Roll – all classes are used for determining honor roll each quarter.
Gold Straight A’s
Silver All A’s and B’s (no grade lower than an 80%)
Bronze All A’s and B’s with one C of 75% or higher permitted.
There is a special honors event held in June for honor roll students in good standing. To be invited to the 6th grade Honors Breakfast, a student needs to have made silver, or gold honor
roll 2 of the 3 terms. To be invited to the 7th grade Honors Luncheon, a student needs to have made silver or gold honor roll 2 of the first 3 terms. To be invited to the 8th grade Honors
Dinner a student needs to have made silver or gold honor roll 2 of the first 3 terms. In all cases, students receiving more than one “C” (any grade below 80%) during the school year will not qualify for this event.
Academic Honesty
Cheating is to act dishonestly, to trick, or mislead regarding one’s schoolwork. Plagiarism is taking another person’s ideas, writings, or work, and passing it off as one’s own. Any form of cheating or plagiarism is an act of dishonesty and is strictly prohibited. All students involved in such dishonesty are in violation of this rule and are subject to disciplinary action.
Cheating/Plagiarism includes:
To be eligible to apply for the ARMS National Junior Honor Society, 7th and 8th grade students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 85 or better. They must have no serious discipline issues. Students may be removed from NJHS for academic or disciplinary reasons. Students must also complete an application form on which they identify their participation in community service and leadership activities. Selection is made by a committee of teachers and administrators who rate the entire application package. Only those truly outstanding students in the areas of knowledge, leadership, service, and character are selected to the ARMS National Junior Honor Society.
Library
The middle school library is a learning center. The print and non-print materials are meant for student study, research and browsing. We expect you to use the library in an orderly and quiet way and according to established procedures. Students cannot checkout books unless a librarian is on duty. We expect you to follow these guidelines:
· When you arrive at the library, check in at the main desk and present your library pass to the librarian.
· You may not take materials out of the library unless you check them out through the librarian.
· When you are ready to leave the library, please check out at the main desk with the librarian.
· Other library rules are posted in the library. Please become familiar with these.
Safety and Behavior Rules
School rules apply and are enforced at all times when students are on school grounds, all ARRSD property, on school buses, during all athletic events, field trips and during all school sponsored activities.
The Principals use a discipline log system, which clearly outlines the consequences for each office discipline referral. The log is divided into two parts – consequences for minor offenses and consequences for major offenses. This will ensure that all students are treated equally. Each office discipline contact will result in parent/guardian contact by phone or letter.
Bus Rules
Please read the bus rules outlined below and follow them whenever you ride on a school bus.
Waiting for the Bus
· Students should be at their bus stops ten minutes before the published pick-up time.
· While waiting for the bus students must act in a safe manner and be respectful of neighboring property owners.
· Use common sense around roadways and avoid crossing streets when possible.
· Do not move toward the bus to board until the bus has come to a full and complete stop.
Riding on the bus
· While buses are in motion, students are to be seated quietly at all times, and cannot change seats.
· Talk quietly and do not use profanity or offensive language.
· Do not eat food while you are on the bus.
· Nothing is to be thrown either on the bus or out the windows.
· Listen carefully and obey all directions issued by the driver.
· Keep windows closed until directed by the driver to open them. When a window is open, students will not call to people outside or put any parts of their body outside of the bus.
Unloading from the bus
· Do not leave your seat until the bus has come to a complete stop and the driver has opened the door.
· Obey all directions issued by the driver.
· Leave the bus quickly but in a courteous manner, without pushing any other pupils.
· If you must cross a street as you leave the school bus, be sure to walk in front of the bus (never in back) at a distance of at least 12 feet from the bus. If you get too close to the front of the bus, the driver may not be able to see you, and a serious accident could occur.
· Again, be sure to observe all safety precautions as you travel from your bus stop to your home.
· When arriving at school, upon leaving the bus, immediately remove any headphones, earplugs, Walkmen, Ipods, or MP3s or electronic devices and store them out of sight before entering the school building.
Loss of riding privileges initiated from the Bus Behavior Report form
Students engaging in unsafe or inappropriate behaviors may be suspended from riding the school bus for a period of time. Any such suspension will be initiated by the school principal or assistant principal. Suspension of riding privileges for a specified period of time is automatic when a student receives a third and subsequent bus misconduct notice. During this period of time parents are responsible for transportation.
Car Transportation
If your family chooses to drive you to school or pick you up, they should use the lower levels of the parking lot for pickup and drop-off. The upper level is reserved for buses and emergency vehicles from 7:00 to 7:40 a.m. and from 1:15 to 2:20 p.m. The ramp entrance near the cafeteria is available for students with special circumstances as long as the office is notified of the need.
The middle school has one computer lab in Room 211, one in the library, one in Tech Ed in Room 111, and computers in each classroom, all of which are networked and have Internet capability. All students must have a signed Internet Use Contract on file at the Middle School in order to use the Internet. It is important that students abide by the district’s Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policies. Even after you and your parent/guardian have signed the
user Contract, you should regularly review the policy. You may view a copy of the Computer and Internet Use Policy on the ARMS website at www.arms2000.org.
We encourage you to use the computers at the school to do your work: writing and research assignments as well as other assignments that teachers have developed that use technology. The computers are available to students throughout the day as well as after school when a student is supervised by one of our teachers. Computers may not be used in a classroom when a substitute teacher is in charge of the room. Absolutely no food or drink at the computers.
If a student violates any of the district’s acceptable Internet use rules, applicable state and federal laws, or posted classroom or middle school rules, the student may be subject to the loss of computer privileges and any other district disciplinary options as determined by the administration.
Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies and regional networks. The operation of the Internet relies heavily on the proper conduct of the users, who must adhere to strict guidelines. The district staff has the right and obligation to monitor student Internet activities. Please remember that Internet access at the middle school is a privilege, not a right.
Personal computers, pen drives, or disks may not be brought to school. Students needing to print a document from home should see Ms. Harris in room 211.
Computer Use Policies
Students shall not:
Students must:
The Internet is a great resource for knowledge, but it can also be an inappropriate and even dangerous place for children. Follow the rules for safe Internet use. Talk about your activities on the Internet with your parents/guardians, teachers and administrators. If you encounter problems, notify them immediately.
Dance Rules
Dances are meant to be fun. It is everyone’s hope that no problems arise. BUT just in case, we want everyone to know the rules.
1. Staff members and parents serving as chaperones have complete authority at dances and their directions are to be followed.
2. No student may leave the dance early without the permission from the staff member in charge of the event. If permission is granted, a student must call home and have a parent come to the school entrance before being allowed to leave.
3. All school rules apply – such as no profanity, no public display of affection, no rough housing, no gum chewing, no hats, and no inappropriate clothing, etc. Any violation of student handbook rules and regulations may mean removal from dance and follow up action with parents.
4. Students must wear shoes at all times.
5. No guests from outside Athol-Royalston Middle School are allowed.
6. No moshing allowed – deliberate bumping and tossing of bodies.
7. Any use of alcohol, or drugs, inappropriate substances or possession of a weapon will mean immediate removal from the dance by police.
8. Students must attend school on the day of the dance in order to be able to go to the dance, and must not be assigned to in-house suspension on the day of the dance.
Dress Code
Students are expected to dress appropriately while attending school. Appropriate attire is that which is safe, does not call undue attention to the wearer, does not cause a disturbance in the school, does not promote or seem to promote the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances, and, is not vulgar or profane.
Students will not be permitted to wear the following:
Boys: Tank tops with baggy armpits are not allowed to be worn. Undershirts are to be worn under shirts, not as shirts. We also ask that you pull your pants up and make certain that your underwear is not showing.
Girls – There is to be no skin showing between the bottom of your shirt and the top of your skirt, shorts, or pants. This means that no skin is to show even if you are raising your arms. Spaghetti strap tops are not allowed in school. Some shirts with just straps are okay because the strap is thick enough and the cut under the arm high enough not to be a distraction. In addition, you are welcome to wear shorts to school but they need to be reasonably long.
If any item of clothing is viewed as inappropriate, students will be asked to fix the problem immediately. This may be done by turning T-shirts inside out, phoning parents/guardians for a change of clothing, or removing the item. All dress code violations will be acted upon by using the discipline log.
Safety and cleanliness with regard to footwear is our primary concern. The foot should be protected from items that may fall on them. Footwear must be secured to foot with a heel strap if not a regular shoe
or sandal. Flip-flops are not permitted.
Drugs, alcohol and intoxicants
· Students may not possess alcohol, drugs or other intoxicants.
· Students may not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicants.
· All pills or other forms of prescription and non-prescription drugs are banned.
· Any substance used as an intoxicant is banned.
· All medicines and drugs prescribed by a physician must be dispensed only under the supervision of the school health office.
· The school building and grounds may be searched by trained police dogs if deemed necessary by school administration.
If, in light of reasonable suspicion, it becomes necessary to question a student, the following process will be followed:
· The administrator or designee will hold a conference/interview with student regarding the issue. The investigation will continue as needed, which may include interviewing other students and/or searching the student and/or his/her locker with another adult present.
· If necessary, the student will be given a GAZE NYSTAGMUS TEST (eye pupil dilation and movement test) by an administrator or nurse to determine eye response and its relationship to possible alcohol use. Parents will be notified if there is an issue. If the student refuses to cooperate with this test, the administrators without benefit of this information will make a judgment.
· Once available information has been gathered, a collaborative conference will be held by the office administration to decide the course of action.
If, in the administrator’s judgment, the student is found to be in violation, the following steps will take place:
Drug Paraphernalia
Students may not be in possession of pipes, tools, papers, or other paraphernalia that the administration considers to be related to marijuana or other drug use.
Erasing Hate
A Guide to Your Civil Rights in School:
Your Right to be Free From Discrimination, Harassment, and Hate-Motivated Violence
Attorney General Martha Coakley
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
617.727.2200
By joining together, we can erase hatred in our schools. I believe that all of us – students, teachers, school administrators, and law enforcement officials – share the responsibility to create a safe, diverse, and positive, learning environment that prepares young people for the world of the 21st century. We must celebrate our people for the world of the 21st century. We must celebrate our differences and applaud our diversity.
You have the right to learn in an environment that is free from hate-motivated violence, harassment, and discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. This guide is designed to inform you of the laws protecting you against hate based crimes, as well as the resources available for reporting bias-motivated harassment, discrimination, or violence.
I am confident that, working together, we can ensure that all students in Massachusetts have access to an educational experience free from harassment and victimization by hate crimes.
Sincerely,
Martha Coakley
HARASSMENT
Harassment in school occurs when a student or adult’s behavior or inappropriate language creates a hostile, offensive or intimidating school environment. A single incident, depending on its severity, may constitute illegal harassment.
A hostile, offensive or intimidating school environment may be created by behaviors such as the following:
· Degrading, demeaning, insulting or abusive verbal statements or writing of a sexual or racial nature or related to a student’s race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation or disability;
· Graffiti, slogans or other visual displays (such as swastikas and burning crosses) which contain racial, ethnic, religious slurs or insults based on the student’s gender, sexual orientation or disability;
· Treatment of a student in a more or less favorable way because the student submitted to or rejected sexual advances or requests for a social relationship; and
· Unwelcome sexual advances, including same-gender harassment.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual harassment in any form is strictly forbidden in school, on school grounds or at school related activities. Sexual harassment refers to behavior which is not welcome, which is personally offensive, which debilitates morale and which therefore interferes with work effectiveness and individual learning. Sexual harassment in the educational setting is also prohibited by law and is defined, in part, as follows with respect to students, “sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature…such conduct having the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive environment. for the person towards whom the harassment is directed. Any student who believes he/she is a victim of sexual harassment should talk to the building principal or another adult in the school.
HATE CRIMES
You have the right to attend school without being the victim of physical violence, threats of harm, intimidation or damage to your personal property. A hate crime occurs when you or a fellow student is targeted for physical assault, threat of bodily harm or intimidation, at least in part because you are a member of a different race, color, religion, ethnic background, national origin, gender or sexual orientation from the offender or because you have a disability.
Certain types of language or conduct may indicate that a hate crime has occurred. Some indicators that a crime was hate-motivated include:
· Use of racial, ethnic, religious, sexual or anti-gay slurs;
· Use of symbols of hate, such as a swastika or a burning cross;
· Similar behavior by the wrongdoer towards other students from the same racial, ethnic or religious group or against students of the same sexual orientation or gender; and
· The incident occurs while the victim was participating in an activity promoting a racial, religious, ethnic/national origin, disability, gender or sexual orientation group, such as attending a meeting of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), a students’ gay rights alliance, or a disability rights demonstration.
Hate crimes most frequently occur in the following ways:
· A physical attack or a threat of bodily harm, on the basis of a student’s race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation or disability;
· Intimidating or threatening language based on a student’s race, color religion, national origin, ethnic gender, sexual orientation or disability;
· Damage to a student’s personal property or belongings because of the student’s race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken when there is a violation of the hate crime policy/rules. All disciplinary actions are at the discretion of the administration. These may range from a warning, to lunch suspension, to in-school suspension, to out of school suspension.
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1. Students must show respect to all cafeteria workers at all times.
2. Students are not allowed to leave their seats except to get lunch, return tray, and at dismissal time.
3. Only eight students are allowed per table, four on each side.
4. All lunches must be eaten in the cafeteria, unless designated by the principal.
5. Students should not be in the academic areas during lunch.
6. Students may not throw, toss, or forcefully slide food or drink.
7. Students must follow lunch supervisors’ and cafeteria workers’ directions in the food lines and at all times during lunch.
8. Students must walk quietly to and from lunch staying to the right in the hallways.
9. Gum is not permitted in the cafeteria.
10. Students must follow all other school rules while in the lunchroom.
Appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken when there is a violation of the lunch rules. All disciplinary actions are at the discretion of the administration. These may range from a warning, to lunch suspension, to in school suspension, to out of school suspension.
Water or drinking bottles, or open containers of any kind are not permitted in school during school hours.
Selling Gum/Candy Etc.
Selling of any gum, candy, soda, snacks, etc. in school is not allowed by students unless under the direct supervision of a teacher. Selling of anything for personal profit is strictly against school rules.
· Cell phones, hand-held video games, electronic equipment, discman/walkman/MP3 players, Ipods, etc. may not be used in the school building. These items should be securely stored in lockers and out of sight during the school day. If any of these items are found either visible or in use, they will be confiscated and returned only to parent or guardian.
· Laser pointers are not to be brought to school.
· Skateboards/Scooters must be stored during the school day.
· Squirt guns, toy guns, playing or trading cards, or other distracting items are not permitted on campus at any time.
· Matches and lighters are not allowed at ARMS for safety reasons.
· Improper cell phone use will initiate a consequence
· Cell phones (texting) are not allowed on extended, overnight field trips.
Removal from a course
A student who frequently violates classroom rules, repeatedly disrupts the educational decorum of a class, or presents a safety hazard may be removed from the course. Prior to removing a student from a course, attempts will be initiated to improve the student’s behavior in accordance with the procedure outlined below. Such, attempts shall include but not be specifically limited to: (not necessarily in this order):
Student/teacher conference
Detention
Referral to Guidance
Suspension
Parent conference
The parent conference will result in a specific written recommendation to the principal to either continue the student in the course or to remove the student from the course. If the student is recommended to continue in the course, the recommendation must include the conditions the student must meet in order to remain in the course. The written conditions must be signed and agreed to by the student. If the student is recommended for removal from the course, the recommendation must include proposed alternatives. The principal shall make a decision to either continue or remove the student from the course.
A student who engages in dangerous behavior will be removed from the course by the principal on a temporary basis, not to exceed five (5) school days. During this period, a parent conference shall be convened as described above.
Students who continually disrupt the educational process in the classroom, and prevent other students from learning, may be assigned to our Alternative Classroom for a period of time until the student learns to modify the disruptive behavior. Parents/guardians will be involved in this process with the goal of returning the student to the regular classroom setting.
Smoking/Tobacco Products
No one, including adults, is permitted to smoke on school grounds. Students who are in possession of cigarettes, lighters, or matches, on school grounds, will face disciplinary consequences. Parents will be notified. The rule is simple: students are not to bring cigarettes, hold cigarettes or smoke a cigarette anywhere on school property.
Weapons
All weapons including but not limited to knives or any kind of guns are banned from school. This includes penknives, exacto knives, or any other dangerous objects that could be used as weapons.
Fire Safety Rules
· Students may not possess or ignite matches, lighters, or other flaming devices.
· Students may not ignite any material except under supervised conditions, as, for example, in a laboratory experiment.
· Setting fire to any material or property will be considered arson.
· Students may not ignite or possess any incendiary device, firecracker, sparkler, stink bomb, etc.
· Setting off a false fire alarm will be considered a criminal act as well as a violation of school rules.
Property Damage
It is against the law to deface or damage public school property or the property of others. You will be held accountable for damage costs.
Malicious Physical Abuse or Assault
A student who abuses others and with whom normal school disciplinary action is not effective may be subject to a complaint filed by school officials with District Court.
A student who clearly assaults another may be subject to a complaint filed with District Court.
Any intentional act which results in the serious abuse or injury of another may be considered an assault or assault and battery and treated accordingly.
Disciplinary Referral Slip
If you are sent out of your classroom for disciplinary reasons, you must report directly to the Main Office. Do not report directly to ISS. Your teacher will also send a white discipline referral slip to the office explaining the problem. The Assistant Principal or Principal will process this discipline slip with you and consequences may follow. The Principals may send you to the in-school suspension, or take other action. A copy of the discipline slip will be returned to the teacher explaining the action taken, and if you are suspended, your parent/guardian will be notified.
Administrative Detention
If you continue to have problems and you are required to speak to an administrator, you may be assigned one or more school detentions by that administrator. You will need to report to the ISS Supervisor at the end of the school day, where you will be expected to study quietly until dismissal for the late bus.
If you are late to class or have other behavioral problems, or have not completed an assignment in a timely manner, your teacher may assign you an after school detention. The teacher may also inform your parents of the situation. It is required that you show up for this detention and take it seriously.
Suspension code
The principal or assistant principal, or designee may suspend a student for acts of a serious nature.
Some acts for which suspension will be considered are as follows:
1. Open or persistent defiance of authority and/or school rules and regulations. This includes failure to report to the main office
2. Not complying with a teacher’s request
3. Threatening, striking, and/or assaulting a student
4. Threat of physical assault on another student or school employee
5. Damaging or defacing the property of students, teachers, or the school district, including computer hardware/software
6. Profanity (word, materials, gesture, or deed)
7. Verbal harassing, intimidating, or provoking another student
8. Theft or attempted theft
9. Failure to abide by corrective measures, such as detention for previous acts of misconduct
10. Possession or use of tobacco products
11. Possession or use of alcohol, drugs or intoxicants
12. Possession of weapons or dangerous objects or substances
13. Gambling in any form
14. Leaving school without permission (Students must sign out with office personnel before leaving campus.)
15. Cutting class or leaving class without permission
16. Being truant from school
17. Continually being deceitful, i.e., lying and/or forging information
18. Harassment
19. Hazing
20. Certain computer violations
21. Unauthorized use of the elevator
22. Possession of disruptive products
23. Releasing strong or obnoxious odors
Suspension procedures
All students referred to the office for disciplinary reasons will receive due process. The following procedure will be implemented in cases of suspension:
1. Notify the student of the charge against him/her
2. Explain the evidence against him/her
3. Give student the opportunity to present his/her story and explain the situation
4. Notify parent-guardian by phone or phone message, letter, or in person
5. Hold conference with all concerned parties
6. Impose removal from class or school for up to ten (10) days through internal or external suspension
7. Impose additional consequences if appropriate. These include: revoking extracurricular privileges from the time of student notification until reinstatement in school. Notify police when required by law and/or school policy. Request parent/guardians to accompany student upon return to school.
(a) Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games, in possession of a dangerous weapon, including, but not limited to, a gun or a knife; or a controlled substance as defined in chapter ninety-four C, including, but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
(b) Any student who assaults a principal, assistant principal, teacher, teacher’s aide or other educational staff on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
(c) Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (a) or (b) shall be notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing; provided, however, that the student may have representation, along with the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses at said hearing before the principal.
After said hearing, a principal may, in his discretion, decide to suspend rather than expel a student who has been determined by the principal to have violated either paragraph (a) or (b).
(d) Any student who has been expelled from a school district pursuant to these provisions shall have the right to appeal to the superintendent. The expelled student shall have ten days from the date of the expulsion in which to notify the superintendent of his appeal. The student has the right to counsel at a hearing before the superintendent. The subject matter of the appeal shall not be limited solely to a factual determination of whether the student has violated any provisions of this section.
(e) When a student is expelled under the provisions of this section, no school or school district within the commonwealth shall be required to admit such student or to provide educational services to said student. If said student does apply for admission to another school or school district, the superintendent of the school district to which the application is made may request and shall receive from the superintendent of the school expelling said student a written statement of the reasons for said expulsion. The ARRSD Handbook Supplement contains the full procedural requirements for expulsion under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, sections 37H and 37H1/2.
Chapter 71, Section 37H1/2
Felony Complaint or Conviction of Student; Suspension;
Expulsion; Right to Appeal
Notwithstanding the provisions of section eighty-four and sections sixteen and seventeen of chapter seventy-six:
(1) Upon the issuance of a criminal complaint against a student, the principal or headmaster of a school in which the student is enrolled may suspend such student for a period of time determined appropriate by said principal or headmaster if said principal or headmaster determines that the student’s continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. The student shall receive written notification of the charges and the reasons for such suspension prior to such suspension taking effect. The student shall also receive written notification of this right to appeal and the process for appealing such suspension; provided, however, that such suspension shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by the superintendent.
The student shall have the right to appeal the suspension to the superintendent. The student shall notify the superintendent in writing of his request for an appeal no later than five calendar days following the effective date of the suspension. The superintendent shall hold a hearing with the student and the student’s parent or guardian within three calendar days of the student’s request for an appeal. At the hearing, the student shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on his behalf, and shall have the right to counsel. The superintendent shall have the authority to overturn or alter the decision of the principal or headmaster, including recommending an alternate educational program for the student. The superintendent shall render a decision on the appeal within five calendar days of the hearing. Such decision shall be the final decision of the city, town or regional school district with regard to the suspension.
(2) Upon a student being convicted of a felony or upon an adjudication or admission in court of guilt with respect to such a felony or felony delinquency, the principal or headmaster of a school in which the student is enrolled may expel said student if such principal or headmaster determines that the student’s continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. The student shall receive written notification of the charges and reasons for such expulsion prior to such expulsion taking effect. The student shall also receive written notifications of this right to appeal and the process for appealing such expulsion; provided, however, that the expulsion shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by the superintendent
The student shall have the right to appeal the expulsion to the superintendent. The student shall notify the superintendent, in writing, of his request for an appeal no later than five calendar days following the effective date of the expulsion. The superintendent shall hold a hearing with the student and the student’s parent or guardian within three calendar days of the expulsion. At the hearing, the student shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on his behalf, and shall have the right to counsel. The superintendent shall have the authority to overturn or alter the decision of the principal or headmaster, including recommending an alternate educational program for the student. The superintendent shall render a decision on the appeal within five calendar days of the hearing. Such decision shall be the final decision of the city, town, or regional school district with regard to the expulsion.
Upon expulsion of such student, no school or school district shall be required to provide educational services to the student. Added by St.1993, c380, s2.
Disciplining students with special needs
All students are expected to meet the requirement set forth in the student handbook. Chapter 71B of the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 766 and IDEA as amended in 1997 and 2004 requires that additional provisions be made for students who have been found by an Evaluation Team to have special needs and whose program is described in an Individualized Educational Program.
ARMS STAFF LISTING EXTENSIONS
Allen, Eileen------------Grade 7------------------------------------------ 2206
Begin,Kathy------------ Social Worker----------------------- -----------5108
Bertrand, Laureen------Special Education-Grade 6--------------------5129
Castonquay, Marcia----In House Suspension Paraprofessional------1109
Cooley, Angie-----------Physical Education----------------------------5124
Daly, Jerry---------------Grade 8------------------------------------------1108
Deasy, Mike-------------Title I--------------------------------------------2204
Deleo, Jim----------------Grade 6----------------------------------------- 3301
DeVault, Buni-----------Paraprofessional----------------------------- 7006*
Dickson, Bob------------Grade 6------------------------------------------3302
Dodge, Patti-------------Cafeteria Manager----------------------------- 5111
Doty, John---------------Principal-----------------------------------------5102
Drew, Cindy-------------Special Education-Grade 7-------------------3307
Eastman, Deb-----------Title I-------------------------------------------7003*
Elasz, Christine---------Speech------------------------------------5127/5128
Erickson, Patty----------Principal’s Secretary--------------------------5106
Gannon, Justine---------ESL---------------------------------------------7000*
Gauvin, Matt-------------Grade 6-----------------------------------------3303
Gill, Brian----------------Engineering Technology---------------1111/1113
Gladden, Colleen--------Mrs. Drew’s Paraspecialist-----------------7001*
Harris, Linda-------------Computers--------------------------------------5112
Hunter, Scott-------------Grade 8----------------------------------------- 1104
King, David--------------PE----------------------------------------------7008*
LaBombarde, Patricia--Assistant Principal---------------------------- 5103
LaRose, Bill-------------Grade 7----------------------------------------- 2203
Leander, Mike---------- Grade 6------------------------------------------3305
Lewandowski, Tina-----Life Skills Room--------------------------- ---3313
Litchfield, Marianne----Art--------------------------------------------- -2213
McLaren, Barbara-------Grade 5-------------------------------------- ---3308
Miller, Judi---------------Grade 7----------------------------------------- 2202
Moore, Mary-------------Grade 7----------------------------------------- 2201
Otto, Karen---------------Foreign Language-----------------------------2209
Patterson, Elly-----------Alternative Room------------------------------1109
Piragis, Deb--------------Grade 8----------------------------------------- 1106
Piscitello, Alecia---------Band/Music/Chorus-------------------------- 5110
Progen, Shawn-----------Custodian-------------------------------------7011*
Quinton, Joseph---------Guidance Counselor---------------------------5105
Quinton, Sally------------Nurse------------------------------------------- 5104
Reed, Grace--------------1 on 1 Paraprofessional--------------------- 7012*
Robertson, Robyn-------Grade 5------------------------------------------3306
Rogers, Carol------------Attendance Secretary--------------------------5101
Rogers, Kevin-----------Grade 8------------------------------------------1105
Russell, Theresa---------Night Custodian------------------------------7015*
Sanderson, Bill---------- Head Custodian-------------------------------5125
Sheridan, Bob------------Alternative Room Para specialist----------7013*
Simkewicz, Lauren------Health-------------------------------------------3311
Starkey, Chuck-----------Part Time Night Custodian-----------------7007*
Stone, Sally---------------Grade 6-----------------------------------------3304
Strong, Melissa-----------Grade 7-----------------------------------------3307
Talley, Anne----------- --Grade 8-----------------------------------------1102
Tenney, Lisa--------------Special Education-Grade 7---------------- 7010*
Triozzi, Dave-------------Grade 8-----------------------------------------1101
Voutila, Cindy----------- Grade 7-----------------------------------------2205
Wessel, Doug-------------Special Education-Grade 8------------------5116
Winters, Sue--------------Librarian-Para specialist--------------4007/5123
Woessner, Mike----------Physical Education---------------------------5114
Ziguloski, Jamie----------Special Education Para---------------------7004*
*Means that the extension is a mailbox only. You must dial 5451 then 7000#
(An updated listing will be sent in your first newsletter)
Please bring this handbook home and share it with your parent/guardian. Use it as a reference book when you have questions. You and your parent/guardian are required to sign a statement on the Middle School Information Sheet that you have read this handbook and understand its contents
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Athol-Royalston Middle School
HANDBOOK SIGN OFF SHEET –08/09
H.R.
TEACHER
Date
PARENT: Date
STUDENT:
Date