Student & Parent Handbook
TIMS PHILOSOPHY
Welcome to Thousand Islands Middle School. Every student at TIMS has the to develop academic, physical, emotional, and social skills that will lead to success in life. The Board of Education, principal, faculty, staff, parents, and students share the responsibility of making sure that no one is denied that important right.
Technology Acceptable Use Policy
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
a. A.M. ARRIVAL/GETTING TO CLASS ON TIME/BUILDING PASS SYSTEM
Go to your locker to get books, notebooks, pen, pencil, etc. for the day. There may not be enough time to go to your locker between every class, so plan ahead. When you have everything you need, report directly to the homeroom and take your assigned seat.
When walking in the halls, turning corners, and walking through doorways, stay to the right side as much as possible. Take the most direct route to your next class. The time to pass between classes should be sufficient for you to get to class and be in your seat prepared to begin work. If you are late to class or study hall, you must have a pass explaining why you are late.
Students must have a pass when they are not in assigned areas. Students are to be supervised by staff at all times. Students in the hallways while classes are in session need a written pass from a teacher or from the office. Students passing in the hallway during class must do so quietly as not to disturb others. Students in the hallways without permission and/or pass will be sent to the office.
The school day does not end until 3:30 p.m. The 2:30 dismissal is an early release for those students who do not have academic, detention, or athletic obligations. Students must stay until 3:30 dismissal for Academic Support Time when directed to do so by staff members. No student is to remain during Academic Support Time without supervision.
1. Be on time and in your seat when class begins.
2. Come to class prepared.
3. Raise your hand or wait to be recognized before making your contribution to the class.
4. Keep hands, feet, objects, etc. to yourself.
5. Follow directions.
6. Communicate with respect -- no put downs.
7. Get permission to leave your seat, the room, or any other supervised area.
8. Expand your ideas on your own! Learning doesn't just take place at school.
d. HOMEWORK AND DAILY ASSIGNMENTS
All assigned work is due the next day unless otherwise stated. This means it is due at the at the regularly scheduled class time. If it is not ready at
class time, it is not done. Students who are in school but not in the classroom are still responsible for the homework assignment for that particular class.
Should the student be absent, it is his or her responsibility to make arrangements with the teachers to complete outstanding assignments. Parents are requested not to call the Middle School Office to ask for a student's homework.
1. AUDITORIUM RESPONSIBILITIES
During the course of the year, the school auditorium is used for various programs. The following will be observed when using the school auditorium:
a. Students will be called to the auditorium by grade and will sit in assigned seats.
b. Appropriate behavior will be expected at all assemblies and functions.
2. BOOKS
Textbooks and library books are loaned to students and should be returned in acceptable condition. Lost or damaged books must be paid for by the student. If lost books are later found, the amount paid will be refunded. If the lost or damaged book is not paid for by the final report card period, a bill will be sent. Students will not receive their report cards until such debts are paid.
3. CAFETERIA
Our cafeteria is maintained for the health and benefit of students and faculty. The lunchroom management would appreciate your cooperation when using the school cafeteria. The following cafeteria rules have been established:
a. Food and drink are to be consumed only in the cafeteria.
b. Students may bring a lunch or purchase one from the school cafeteria.
c. Trash and trays should be carried to the appropriate location.
d. Tables and floor should be left in a clean condition.
Applications for free or reduced lunches are available in the middle school office.
4. HALLWAY RESPONSIBILITIES
a. Walk.
b. Keep to the right.
c. Talk quietly.
d. Avoid loitering.
e. Use acceptable language.
f. Use most direct, possible route.
5. LOCKERS
Each student is assigned a hall locker. Lockers should not be banged, kicked, defaced or otherwise damaged. Use only your locker. Don't open a locker that is not assigned to you. If your locker has a combination on it, do not give the combination to anyone. Don't leave valuables in your locker. Take valuables or large sums of money to the office for safekeeping. Don't change lockers except with permission of the office. Your locker may be subject to inspection by an administrator or teacher. Periodic locker cleanouts will be held throughout the year.
6. STUDY HALLS
It is our belief that study halls should be used to the best advantage of the student. Therefore, the following rules will be observed during study hall periods:
a. Attendance will be taken after everyone is in his or her seat and quiet.
b. Passes will be signed after attendance is taken. Pre-signed passes will be handled first.
c. Before leaving the room you must sign your name, destination, and time on the sign out sheet.
d. You are expected to work quietly throughout the period. If you do not have homework to do, bring other work or a book to read.
e. There will be no games or electronicitems allowed in study halls.
1. BUS RESPONSIBILITIES
All students are expected to ride assigned buses to and from school at all times. Students will obey the rules when riding school buses, or the privilege of riding the bus will be denied.
a. Be at the bus stop on time.
b. Be courteous to the other students.
c. Obey the bus driver as he or she is in charge.
d. Stay in the seat while the bus is in motion.
e. Enter or leave the bus only when it is completely stopped.
f. Enter and leave the bus in an orderly manner.
g. Keep hands, feet, and head inside the bus and feet out of the aisles.
h. Never throw objects on the bus or out of the bus windows.
i. Do not be destructive.
j. Do not smoke or bring flammable materials on the bus.
k. Do not eat or drink on the bus unless
permission is given. Place refuse in container.
l. Take all personal articles when you leave the bus.
m. When leaving the bus, cross in front of the bus.
2. CALLING HOME
Students will be allowed to use the office phone during the school day, and the student has a pass, providing the call is for school business. Students will not be called out of class to answer the phone. Parents may call the office to leave messages when they feel it is absolutely necessary.
3. ELECTRONIC DEVICES OR GAMES
Radios, tape recorders, Walkmans, stereo players, skateboards, Nintendo games, and other non-required but valuable items should not be brought to school. The school will not be held responsible for losses or thefts.
4. GUM
Gum chewing is forbidden in the middle school. Whether it be in the cafeteria or any other part of the building, it is not permitted.
5. ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES
Students may not use tobacco products anywhere in the school building or on school property. The use of alcohol or drugs is not permitted in school or on school property. Students suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or any drug will not be allowed to attend school.
6. MONEY - SCHOOL IS NOT THE PLACE FOR IT...FINDERS, NOT KEEPERS
If a student brings a large amount of money or a valuable item to school, it should be brought to the office in the morning and picked up at dismissal time. This is for your own benefit and protection.
Any article or money found in the building or on school grounds should be brought to the Middle School Office. Loss of any valuable article should be immediately reported to the office.
7. PROPER ATTIRE
Students must use good taste in selecting appropriate clothes to wear to school. Good taste involves cleanliness, neatness, and properly fitting clothing. Items such as halter tops, mesh shirts, "short" shorts, short skirts, or short dresses is not appropriate middle school attire. Shirts with offensive statements, slogans or pictures are not to be worn to school. Hats of any variety are not to be worn in the building. If a student's dress is considered inappropriate, the student will be sent to the office.
8. PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION
School, like any other place of business, is not the appropriate place for flagrant displays of affection. Should it be necessary, parents of involved students will be notified.
9. RESPECT OF OTHERS AND POSSESSIONS
It is important that we respect the rights of others. Therefore, acts of verbal abuse, physical, or psychological intimidation are not tolerated. Acts of sexual harassment, sexual advances, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, will be resolved in accordance with the district’s policy. Middle School students are to report suspected cases of sexual harassment to the Guidance Office.
The mutual respect of personal possessions is important. You must respect the possessions of other students while they, in turn, must respect yours. Fighting, cheating, or other acts of disrespect are unacceptable. Acts of stealing and vandalism are considered serious violations and will be dealt with in accordance with the school's discipline policy.
10. SAFE AND ORDERLY ENVIRONMENT
For your own safety and the safety of others, items deemed inappropriate for the safety of all concerned such items as firearms, knives, flammable material, etc. are not to be brought to school. Possession of such items will be considered a serious act of misconduct and dealt with in accordance with the school discipline policy.
11. SCHOOL EVACUATIONS
The assigned exit route for each room is posted on the inside of the room near the door.
When the fire alarms sounds, you must leave the building in an orderly manner under teacher supervision. You should move away from the building and listen to any announcements or instructions. Students should not stand on any paved areas where vehicles enter or leave the school grounds.
12. SWEARING AND OTHER UNNECESSARY GESTURES
Using profanity, swearing, or other obscene gestures will not be tolerated in the middle school. Students will be disciplined according to the severity of the situation.
Thousand Islands Middle School has a Comprehensive Discipline program. Our discipline plan is based on the theory that all students can behave appropriately. A student is clearly informed of the rules and consequences. Thus, if a student breaks a rule, he or she makes the choice not only to misbehave but also to accept the responsibility of his or her behavior.
The teaching team is the primary group responsible for refocusing student behavior. Each student will be provided with a copy of the team’s rules consequences, and rewards at the beginning of the school year. The classroom responsibility rules are listed above. Teachers will assume responsibility for Minor Disciplinary Offenses.
1. Minor Disciplinary Offenses include:
a. Disruptive behavior (talking, yelling, pushing, etc.)
b. Throwing objects
c. Eating, chewing, drinking food products outside the cafeteria
d. Tardiness
e. Loitering
f. Physical displays of affection
g. Completion of assigned work.
Students who commit Major Disciplinary Offenses will be automatically referred to the principal.
2. Major Disciplinary Offenses include:
a. Alcohol related incidents
b. Drug related incidents
c. Tobacco related incidents
d. Incidents involving weapons & firearms
e. Acts of dishonesty
f.. Pronounced disrespect
g. Failure to comply (insubordination)
h. Stealing
i. Verbal or physical intimidation
j. Fighting/causing harm to another
k. Fighting/causing harm to faculty or staff
l. Profanity - language
m. Obscene material
n. Truancy, illegal absence
o. Willful disruptive act
P. Health/safety
1. ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
Homeroom teachers take daily attendance and submit homeroom absentee cards to the office for official documentation. A student who has been absent from or late to school must report to the office the day he or she returns to school. Signed written excuses should accompany the student upon his or her return to school. A student who is absent three or more days may receive a call from the clinic to verify illness. After the student signs in officially, a pass will be issued for admittance to class. A student requesting an early dismissal for doctor or dentist appointments, etc., must bring to the office a note from a parent or guardian stating the reason and requested dismissal time before homeroom in the morning. An unexcused or illegal absence is regarded as a truancy. Generally, any student who has not been in attendance for the "normal" school day, suspended out-of-school, or placed on in-school suspension will be excluded from any type of extracurricular activity, including athletic practices or competitions, concerts, or Activity Nights.
Students who become ill during the school day should report to the nurse with a pass from a teacher. If the nurse is not in, students are to report to the Middle School Office. If a student's condition warrants it, the parent is notified, and the student is sent home. Students are not to leave the building because of illness without the authorization of the school nurse or principal.
In case of serious injury or illness requiring a physician, and a parent or other responsible person cannot be reached, a physician will be called at the request of the principal.
Students unable to physically participate in class (gym, art, music) must have a signed excuse from a parent. All excuses must be approved by the school nurse before class. In instances where a student should be excused from class for more than one week, a doctor's excuse may be required.
Medications are not to be brought to school or consumed in school without permission from the parent or guardian. Students using medication are to report to the clinic with their medications.
Each year, every seventh grade student must have a school physical. If the parent/guardian chooses to have the physical performed by the family physician, a written statement to the nurse is required. However, physicals performed by a private physician are done at the parent's expense.
F. GRADING
REPORT CARD GRADE CONVERSION AND HONOR ROLL CRITERIA
QUARTERLY LETTER
LETTER NUMERIC INDEX
GRADE RANGE NUMBER
A+ 97 - 100 5.0
A 93 - 96 4.5
A- 90 - 92 4.0
B+ 87 - 89 3.9
B 83 - 86 3.5
B- 80 - 82 3.0
C+ 77 - 79 2.9
C 73 - 76 2.5
C- 70 - 72 2.0
D+ 67 - 69 1.9
D 65 - 66 1.5
F Below 64
a. Principal's Honor Roll Criteria Cumulative index number that is greater than or equal to 4.5
b. Honor Roll Criteria Cumulative index number that is equal to or greater than 3.5 but less than 4.5
2. REPORT CARDS/PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parents are urged to contact the school to request a parent/team conference as need dictates. The guidance office will assist in making the necessary arrangements. Whenever possible, the counselor and/or the principal will be present at parent/team meetings.
It is also the responsibility of the teacher to arrange conferences with parents when, in the opinion of a teacher or team, the need arises. In addition to regular ten week marking periods, when report cards are issued, teachers/teams send progress reports to parents at five week intervals. Near the end of the first ten weeks, parent/teacher conferences will be scheduled.
If schools must be closed due to inclement weather or emergencies, announcements will be made between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. on local radio
and television stations. If no broadcast is made, school is in session. Please do not call the school.
2. CHANGE OF ADDRESS, TELEPHONE, ETC.
In order to maintain accurate and updated records on all TIMS students, any changes of address, telephone number (home and work), or any other important information during the school year should be promptly reported to the Middle School Office. This allows for more effective communication between the teachers and the parents and is very important in case a child is ill or injured.
3. GUIDANCE IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
The middle school guidance department exists to help each student in all aspects of school life. The counselor is trained to help other people in problem-solving and decision making. Most students -- and even adults -- find some periods in their lives that are more difficult than others. At these times, the counselor can provide support and can help students choose the best way of dealing with the difficulty at hand, whether it be academic, social, or personal.
Students wishing to make an appointment with the guidance counselor should stop into the guidance office to obtain a pass to give to the teacher. However, students may see the counselor without an appointment in emergency situations.
Students are not allowed to leave the school building during school hours without permission from the office.
Students who plan to withdraw from school or transfer to another school must obtain a withdrawal form from the Guidance Office. All books and materials checked out to the student must be returned to the teachers and staff. All lunch charges must be paid. Respective staff members will sign the withdrawal form which then is returned to the Guidance Office.
Today, drugs are available nearly everywhere in our country. That makes parents and students worry about whether student friends may be using drugs.
Unfortunately, most parents and students don't know much about drug use. In order to help you identify other students who may need help from our counselor, please check out some warning signals below:
- Low self esteem or personality changes
- Abrupt behavior change or drop in grades
- Decreased interest in school, hobbies
- Change of peer group, friends or withdrawal
- Trouble with police or other authorities.