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Athol-Royalston Middle School

1062 Pleasant St.

Athol, MA  01331

Telephone: (978)-249-2430             Fax: (978)-249-0055

Web site: www.arms2000.org

STUDENT HANDBOOK

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

General School Rules

Arrival/Departure Times

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.

Absences due to illness

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.

Planned absences

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.

Class attendance

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 and Activities

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.

Student spectators

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.

Bicycles/Scooters/Skateboards/Walkers

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

Book bags and backpacks should be stored in student lockers.

Change of address

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.

Delayed opening and school closing

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

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.

Early dismissal and passes for leaving school

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.

Field trips

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.

Student Health Issues

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.

Illness/Injury

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.

Use of elevator for medical reasons

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 Screening

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 7^th 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.

Immunizations

State law requires the following immunizations:

6^th grade:

• 3 doses Hepatitis B
• At least 4 doses DTP (Diptheria, pertussis, tetanus)
• At leaset 3 doses polio vaccine
• 2 doses MMR (2 doses measles, 1 mumps, 1 rubella)
• Physician certified reliable history of chickenpox or 1 or 2 doses of varicella vaccine

(1 dose if < 13 yrs. of age:  2 doses if  >13 yrs. of age)

7^th and 8^th grade

• 3 doses Hepatitis B
• 4 doses DTP
• 1 dose Td booster (tetanus) or Tdap if a dose of DTP, Dt, or DTaP has not been given within the past 5 years.
• At lease 3 doses Polio
• 2 doses MMR (2 doses measles, 1 mumps, 1 rubella)
• Physician certified reliable history of chickenpox or 1 or 2 doses of varicella vaccine

(1 dose if < 13 yrs. of age:  2 doses if  >13 yrs. of age)

Medication administration

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:

1. A signed consent by the parent or guardian to give the medicine.
2. A signed medication order from your child’s licensed prescriber.

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

• Student lockers are the property of the Athol-Royalston Regional School District and remain under control of the school.
• Students are expected to assume full responsibility for the locker and its contents.
• The school reserves the right to inspect any locker at any time – without student consent and without a search warrant.  When it is possible the search will be conducted in the student’s presence.
• Students will sign a locker usage form when the locker is used.  A school lock will be provided.
• Students are cautioned not to bring large amounts of money or cameras to school, and if they wear glasses or watches, to keep track of them at all times.
• Students, not the school, are responsible for their personal property.

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.

Supplies and materials

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.

Textbooks

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. 

Visitors

General Procedures

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.

2. Under no circumstances will visitor passes be granted without first complying with the one-day notice clause already stated.  Guests unannounced will be asked to leave.
3. All guests must be registered at the main office upon arrival.
4. Students and parents/guardians are responsible and answerable for the conduct of their guest.  Parents/guardians might have to pick up the guest if a problem arises.
5. Visitors’ passes will not be issued on days prior to school vacation, days of examinations, or the first week or the last week of school, or to students in the immediate vicinity of Athol-Royalston Middle School whose schools are closed.  Only one request is allowed per student per day.

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

Benchmarks and targets

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.

Grading information and Promotion

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.

Homework Hotline

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:

• Reinforce school learning by providing practice and application.
• Develop reading ability and speed.
• Offer practice in budgeting time.
• Help students learn how to learn by reinforcing the study skills and techniques taught.
• Offer opportunities for enriching the school experience through related home activities.
• Stimulate voluntary effort, initiative, independence, responsibility, and self- direction.
• Include creative work and primary research, which requires more time than is available in class, and which may be opportunities for purposeful use of leisure time.
• Meet a need for extra study or drill in subjects where students are having difficulty.

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

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:

1. Copying of another student’s test paper or any other school assignment
2. Using material during a test which is not authorized by the person giving the test
3. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of a test or other assignment
4. Substituting for another student or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self to take a test or complete an assignment
5. Bribing another person to obtain a test or other assignment that is to be administered
6. Securing copies of a test or answers to a test or other assignment in advance of a test or assignment
7. Copying or copy and pasting information from print or Internet sources without proper citation (See Computer Technology Rules #13).

National Junior Honor Society

To be eligible to apply for the ARMS National Junior Honor Society, 7^th and 8^th 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.

Computer Technology Rules

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:

1. Attempt to access or send email
2. Attempt to access chat rooms or personal gathering websites
3. Access or type in any Internet address (URL) unless directed to do so by their teacher and is for a legitimate educational purpose. This includes selecting inappropriate links
4. Reveal their account password or shall not permit or authorize any other person to use their name or login password.
5. Gain unauthorized entry into a file, either to read or change information or transfer files
6. Use another individual’s account or vandalize another user’s data
7. Degrade damage or disrupt equipment or system performance
8. Gain unauthorized access to network resources
9. Download, install or load programs or disks
10. Use the network to access and/or transmit material in violation of any U.S. or Commonwealth law, including copyrighted material     
11. Access, download, display, transmit, produce, generate, copy or propagate any material that is obscene or pornographic material; that advocates illegal acts, that contains ethnic slurs, or racial epithets; or that discriminates on the basis of gender, national origin, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, handicap or age
12. Use of the Internet for personal commercial activities, product advertisement or political lobbying

Students must:

13. Provide proper citations for all information taken from the Internet; plagiarism is prohibited.
14. Treat all computers and equipment with the utmost care and respect.
15. Be aware of potential security risks at all times and take all reasonable steps to minimize risks by, at a minimum, logging off the network when a computer is unattended, and reporting all unauthorized use of one’s account to the computer coordinator, Mrs. Harris in Room 211.
16. Respect commonly accepted practices of computer network etiquette:  Do not watch when others type in their passwords.  Be polite.  Do not use vulgar or obscene language. 
17. When using the Internet, do not give out personal information; reveal your home address, telephone number, or the telephone numbers of others.
18. Use the Internet and other electronic resources only for legitimate educational purposes consistent curriculum.
19. Access the Internet only with adult supervision, and notify a teacher or Ms. Harris, the computer coordinator in Room 211 immediately if you come across inappropriate content.

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:

• T-shirts expressing profanity, referencing drugs, alcoholic beverages, inappropriate substances, or cigarettes, or having sexual or degrading connotations – expressing hatred or serious “put-downs” of groups
• Clothing that is ripped or tattered in a deliberate manner
• Spaghetti strapped shirts, tank tops, muscle shirts, short skirts, tight clothing, and midriff blouses
• Tops/clothing which show the midriff when sitting or standing or revealing clothing
• Bandanas and/or other gang related attire
• Chains, spiked bracelets/necklaces or anything that may be a potential safety concern
• Shorts, skorts, and skirts that are more than 2 inches above the knee
• Any roller blade type shoes (Heelies)
• No hats or head covering are allowed to be worn in the building
• Other items not specified above because of changing fashions, but are deemed inappropriate or dangerous by the administration