Student Handbook

SCHOOL DAY

ATTENDANCE

If your child is going to be absent, please call and leave a message on our 24-hour attendance line.

ATTENDANCE PHONE - 228-4870

Regular attendance is imperative for student learning. A student may be excused from school attendance if he/she is ill. Please notify the school by note or a phone call, explaining the reason for any absence or tardy.

A. Any absence or tardiness from a class or school shall be considered an "unexcused" absence unless the school is notified. State Law (the BECCA Bill) requires that we take action regarding continued unexcused absences.

B. A student’s academic progress in a particular subject may be adversely affected by continued absence or tardiness.

C. Continual unexcused absence shall be cause for disciplinary action. When such action fails to result in regular attendance...(the student’s) non-attendance shall be deemed as sufficient cause for the BECCA Bill procedure.

Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Students may be in the commons or gym until 8:16 a.m. Classes begin at 8:20 a.m. and end at 2:50 p.m.

CHECK IN AND OUT

If a student arrives late to school, he/she must check in through the office with a note or phone call from the parent and receive a pass to class.

Once at school, a student leaving during the day must show a written note from parent/guardian to the teacher to be excused from class and then bring the note to the office to check out. Parents/guardians must sign the student out at the front desk.

SCHOOL CLOSURE

In the event of adverse weather and the need to close school or specific bus routes, Central Valley School District officials will notify local stations with closure news.

There is a free student phone located in the front foyer. The office telephones are available to students (with permission) for emergency use.

VISITORS

Parents are always welcome and encouraged to visit the school. Please check in at the office upon entering to receive a visitor pass.

Former students and other student visitors who enter the building after the school day, must receive a visitor pass at the school office.

In order to reduce disruptions during the instructional day, parents wishing to speak with a teacher in person should call to make an appointment.

Student visitors are not allowed during the day.

VOLUNTEERS

Please be respectful and follow all school policies.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

Students leaving Greenacres must have their parents notify the school and sign the necessary withdrawal form. All books and school property must be returned or fees and fines paid before records will be transferred to a new school.

INDIVIDUAL PICTURES

Individual pictures are taken in the fall at no charge. These pictures are placed on the ASB cards and in the yearbook. Students may also purchase individual packages through the photo company at that time. Information will be sent home and dates announced concerning initial and retake picture times.

INSURANCE

Students are NOT covered by school district insurance. Basic medical and dental accident coverage is available through a private company if students are not otherwise covered. It is recom-mended that students have some sort of insurance, particularly if they are participating in extracurricular activities such as sports. Brochures are given out at the beginning of the year and are also available in the office.

MUSIC GROUPS

Choir Band Orchestra

Jazz Band

STUDENT GOVERNMENT WEB

SPIRIT SERVICE CLUB HIGH 5

HONOR SOCIETY ART

MATH IS COOL ±

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

SPELLING BEE

YEARBOOK JOURNALISM

ATHLETICS

PTA FAMILY EVENTS

REFLECTIONS CONTEST

INTRAMURALS / EXTENDED DAY

ACTIVITIES

STUDENT MANAGEMENT

Students, as citizens of the United States, are guaranteed certain individual rights and have corresponding individual responsibilities. Our discipline policy is designed to protect the rights of students while maintaining an educational atmosphere conducive to the teaching and learning process.

Greenacres Middle School has established a discipline philosophy consistent with the rights and responsibilities of all involved.

Students are expected to review with their parents, the Central Valley School District Student Responsibilities and Rights Policy which is given to all students each school year.

Our District strictly adheres to the following policy:

FIREARMS/DANGEROUS WEAPONS & EXPLOSIVES

A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, exhibit, use or display any firearm (a weapon or device from which a projectile may be fired by an explosive, such as gunpowder) or rifle, airgun, or any other object that can reasonably be considered a dangerous weapon or look like a weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, e.g. laser pointer, knives, stun gun, et cetera, in a manner under circumstances and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another person or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons. Nor shall a student possess, place or control any shell, bomb or similar device (e.g. stink bomb) charged or filled with one or more explosives including imitation devices on school property, school provided transportation, or at any school related activity. (RCW 70.74). Following due process, the student may be expelled. Any violation of the law against firearms or rifles on school premises or school-provided transportation by an elementary or secondary student shall result in expulsion for not less than one year. A school administrator shall promptly notify law enforcement and the student’s parent/guardian/custodian.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR

It is the goal of the GMS staff to create a caring, stimulating, and creative atmosphere for our students. Our student behavior management plan is progressive, meaning that corrective action for misbehavior begins in the classroom where the mildest form of intervention appropriate to the situation is implemented. Communication with parents, detention and counseling are among the ways that students who do not meet expectations are encouraged to modify their behavior. Should a student receive a disciplinary referral to the office before a planned event (field trip, assembly, etc.), they may become ineligible to attend the event.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

A student shall not sexually harass another student or an adult. Intimidation, bullying or harassing another person because of that person’s race, color, gender, religious beliefs, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability or for any other reason is considered harassment.

CLOSED CAMPUS

The Central Valley School District has closed campuses in its middle schools requiring all students to remain on the school grounds from the time of arrival until school is dismissed. Bus students may not leave the grounds after the bus arrives in the morning or before boarding the bus to go home after school. Students violating closed campus policy will face disciplinary action.

STUDENT DRESS AND GROOMING

Dress standards for Central Valley School District students (policy 3200) are designed to promote the educational mission of the Central Valley School District and ensure a safe learning environment. Student dress cannot disrupt the educational process. These standards are designed to prepare students for transition to the next educational level or workplace. Principles of cleanliness and appropriate attire are necessary to establish an atmosphere conductive to successful learning. The basic responsibility for appropriate attire must rest with the student and his/her parent/guardian, and be consistent with the educational mission of the school district. Each school’s administration and staff are responsible for determining when a student’s dress does not conform to district policy. This policy is in effect at all school activities.

Examples of Middle School Dress Code Policy:

• Caps or headwear must be removed upon entering the school building (except for religious observance or medical reasons)
• Apparel/accessories (e.g. chains, jewelry, bandanas) that can be considered gang-related or that may be used as a potential weapon may not be worn
• Sagging is not permitted
• Dress that communicated the promotion of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, violence, vulgarity or profanity may not be worn
• Shoulders are to be covered (not visible) and shirts must have sleeves.
• Midriffs and cleavage are to be covered
• Shorts and skirts must be below fingertips
• Footwear is required
• Overside coats remain in lockers
• Underwear should not be visible
• Long belts must be tucked into belt loops
• Revealing clothing is not school attire
• Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of dress code violations.

DON’T BRING:

• Water guns, knives, anything that could be considered a weapon, toy/look-alike weapons, fireworks, beepers, laser pens, or lighters.
• Cell phones or CD players
• Shock devices

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Each teacher will instruct students about the procedure for fire or other emergencies. Drills will be conducted periodically (fire, lock down, evacuation and earthquake).

BICYCLES

Students who ride bicycles to school do so at their own risk. Please secure them with a locking chain to the bicycle racks west of the building.

TECHNOLOGY ACCESS

Due to the importance of maintaining confidentiality of records and files, the computers, desks, and property of staff members are off-limits to students. Unauthorized use or theft will result in disciplinary action being taken.

All building technology must be used appropriately according to the School District Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy. Students must have signed parental permission for Internet access.

PASSING TIME EXPECTATIONS

Students are expected to come to class prepared. Unless called to the office, all students in the halls during class periods MUST have a hall pass from a staff member.

--Students will walk to their next class/destination in a safe and timely manner.

–All students will arrive to class before the tardy bell rings.

–All students will use conversation-level voices and use appropriate language.

–All students will keep hands, feet and objects to themselves.

–Displays of affection are not permitted at school.

TARDY PROCEDURES

Students late to school MUST check in through the office to obtain a pass to enter their class. Without a note or parent phone call, students will receive an unexcused tardy and are required to serve a lunch detention the next day. Sleeping in is not an excused absence.

Since instructional time is limited, it is imperative that students be in class and prepared for the lesson to begin when the tardy bell rings. Tardiness is disruptive to the teaching and learning activities being conducted in the classroom. Unexcused tardies to class will be dealt with according to the following:

EACH SEMESTER:

1^st tardy - Teacher discipline

2^nd tardy - Teacher discipline

3^rd tardy - Teacher discipline & parent contact

4^th tardy - 2-hour detention

5^th / 6^th tardy - Short term suspension or Saturday school

7^th tardy - Short term suspension or long term suspension from class.

DETENTION

Detention time may be assigned before school, at lunch or after school. Students will be given a detention notification form 24 hours in advance that the parent must sign or parents will be called. The following detentions are used:

* teacher-assigned detention, before or after school;

* 30 minute office-assigned detention, before or after school or during lunch;

* 2-hour office-assigned detention from 3-5 PM for office discipline, snowballs, inappropriate use of language, truancy issues, missing a 30 minutes detention, four tardies.

***The missing of a 2-hour detention will be subject to Saturday School detention or short term suspension.

STUDENTS MUST SERVE ASSIGNED DETENTIONS BEFORE THEY CAN PARTICIPATE IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.

AFTER SCHOOL

1. All students not involved in an activity or not working with a teacher should leave the grounds by the time of the last regular bus.

2. All students involved in an activity will report to their assigned areas by 3:00 p.m.

3. Students are to take coats, books, etc. to after school activities. Students will not be allowed in the halls after practice or game is finished.

4. Greenacres students make a positive impression by respecting private property. This includes not gathering in yards in our neighborhood.

5. Students staying after school to watch a school sponsored activity must stay on school grounds unless picked up by a parent or given written permission by parent or guardian to leave and return.

6. Students attending after school activities or evening events must exhibit appropriate behavior and be in the immediate area of the activity. Students who do not comply will be asked to call home and leave.

7. Once a student leaves the school grounds, they may not come back and ride a school bus home.

ACADEMICS

TEXTBOOKS

All books, when issued, are listed on the student book card and are the responsibility of the student. Complete names are to be written in each book in ink. Textbooks need to be covered by the student. Fines are assessed for any damage or loss.

CLASS PREPARATION

Students are expected to come to class with the appropriate materials: textbook, notebook, assignment, paper, pen, etc. each day. Homework should be completed prior to class. Class projects should not be left until the night before they are due. Backpacks, food and drinks are not permitted in the classroom.

PLANNERS

If students lose their provided planners, they will be expected to purchase a new planner at a cost of $5.00.

EXTRA HELP

Teachers are available by appointment to provide extra help before and after school for students who do not understand an assignment, find the work difficult, or have been absent due to illness.

A student is required to have a pass or permission to see a teacher before school or during lunch.

MAKE-UP WORK

Students are responsible for work missed due to absences. Upon his/her return to school, each student should arrange for make-up assignments. Normally one day is allowed for each day of school missed unless special arrangements have been made with teachers. If students will be out of school for an extended period of time, the office should be notified so they can assist those students in getting their work.

Long-term absences due to illness or family problems have a great impact on a student’s learning. If it is anticipated that a student will be absent for more than three days, please call the school office to request homework. Books and assignments will be brought to the office so that parents can pick them up after school.

If students know of an upcoming absence, an advanced absence request form may be picked up from the school office and taken to each class to notify teachers and ask for homework. A parent/guardian note should be sent to school to attach to the request.

REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS

Report cards are issued three times per year. The trimester report cards and the end of the year report card are mailed home approximately one week after the end of the trimester. Midway through each trimester, Academic Progress Reports are issued to all students for parents to sign.

HONOR ROLL/HONOR SOCIETY

A student will be invited to join a GMS Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society if his/her cumulative trimester grade point average is 3.5 or higher.: The Honor Roll is computed each trimester. A student qualifies for the GMS Honor roll if his/her trimester grade point average is 3.2 or higher.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All students are required to change clothes for Physical Education classes. Participation is a key element in the students’ grades and many students find full participation difficult without proper clothes. We expect our students to have the following clothes for class:

• Students are required to make up days missed due to absence or for medical reasons. A doctor’s note is required if a student is unable to participate in PE for longer than three days.
• If a student does not dress down and participate in PE, they may not participate in after school sports.
• Students are expected to purchase a P.E. uniform from the school which will include shorts and a t-shirt, for $13.00.
• A pair of athletic shoes with non-marking soles (no black soles please).

6^th GRADE INTRAMURALS

A sixth grade intramural program will be developed based on the interests of the students. Athletics and non-athletic activities will be included in this after school program. All activities will be held at our school.

A physical will not be required for participation. Payment of the ASB fee of $15 is required to participate in intramurals.

7^th and 8^th GRADE ATHLETICS

7^th and 8^th grade athletics are part of the Washington State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Student teams compete with teams from other schools in our area. The following information is important to all students wishing to participate.

An ASB fee of $15 is required for a student to participate. In covers the entire year and is payable before participation in an activity.

Eligibility Requirements

At Greenacres Middle School, school responsibility and academic responsibility are a priority. Therefore, students will no be allowed to participate in athletic events and practices until they have served assigned detentions/suspensions.

Before the first practice, a student must have on file at the school:

• a current physical form signed by a medical authority and parent/guardian;
• a completed Middle School Activities Code
• a signed safety guidelines form for each specific sport.
• In addition, the student must have paid their ASB fee, per sport fee and any fines.

Prior to competing in the first match or game, a student must have:

• completed the required 10 days of practice (football-14, wrestling-12)
• a participant must be in attendance for NO LESS THAN four (4) hours on the day of a practice/contest or obtain permission from his/her principal designee before she/he is eligible to participate in that activity.

A student shall maintain passing grades in ALL subjects. In addition, a student shall have and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 with no "F" grades. Those students not meeting these requirements must enroll and actively participate in the school’s academic assistance program.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 7^th / 8^th Boys’ Football - Cross Country

7^th / 8^th Girls’ Softball

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 7^th / 8^th Boys’ Wrestling - Girls’ Volleyball

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 7^th & 8^th Boys’ Basketball

FEBRUARY-APRIL 7^th & 8^th Girls’ Basketball

APRIL-JUNE7^th / 8^th Boys’/Girls’ Track

7^th / 8^th Girls’ Tennis

7^th / 8^th Boys’ Baseball

STUDENT SERVICES

TITLE V

Academic tutoring and counseling are available to students of Native American heritage. For further information, please contact the counselor.

COUNSELING

Our counselor is available to help students with their day-to-day middle school experiences, both academic and personal. Both the principal and assistant principal are also available to assist students with problems or concerns. Request slips for appointments may be filled out in the office.

GMS LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER

The GMS Library Media Center (LMC) is proud to provide approximately 12,000 circulation and reference items for your use. In addition, the LMC has over 20 computers with Internet access, word processing, and on-line encyclopedias. Greenacres also has the Accelerated Reading program with over 1800 titles designated as AR books.

Regular books are available for checkout for two weeks and may be renewed once. You may check out 3 items at once. Overdue fines of 5¢ per day begin to accumulate on the 15^th day, ending with a maximum per item of $1.00. A student will be denied checkout privileges if a book is overdue or fines exceed $1.00. Overnight items such as reference materials have a 50¢ fine beginning on the second day. It may be possible for students to work off fines in lieu of payment. Arrangements need to be made with the Media Specialist.

Students are required to know their student ID numbers to check out materials and to log onto the school’s computer network.

LMC hours are 7:50-3:00 daily including all three lunches. Students need to obtain a library lunch pass prior to lunch time.

Other times may be arranged with the media specialist.

FINES

Students are accountable for the materials checked out to them. Fines for late library books, lost or damaged textbooks/library books, school equipment such as PE locks, or athletic uniforms will assessed as necessary.

LOCKERS

Each student will be assigned locker space by the first day of school. It is the student’s responsibility to keep the lock combination confidential. DO NOT give out your locker combination to anyone. All combinations are changed during the summer.

Students should NOT bring large sums of money or expensive items to school. Such items should be brought to the office for safekeeping if they need to be at school. Electronic devices are permitted at school only when permission is given by a staff member or administrator. Back packs should fit in the locker without causing damage, as they are not taken to class rooms.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost textbooks are turned in to the media center. Complete names inside the front cover will ensure that books are returned to their owners. P.E./athletic clothes found outside of lockers are placed in the P.E. lost and found barrels. Names on clothing help identify rightful owners. All other found items are turned in to the office.

STUDENT ASSEMBLIES

Assemblies are provided as a part of the educational program of Greenacres Middle School. The following standards of conduct are expected of students going to an assembly and during the assembly.

When released from class:

• Students walk to the gymnasium escorted by their teachers.
• Students sit in their assigned seating areas.
• As soon as the speaker walks to the microphone, students give that person their respectful attention.

CAFETERIA

Greenacres is a participant in the National School Lunch Program. Free and reduced priced lunch applications are available through the school office and must be completed each school year.

All food and drink must be kept in the commons area.

CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS

Students will:

1) Enter the cafeteria in an orderly manner.

2) Get their lunch, milk, etc., and sit and eat their lunch at the table.

3) Clean up after themselves.

4) Stay seated while in the cafeteria except to purchase food. You must return to your seat immediately.

5) Treat cafeteria staff and supervisors with respect and courtesy.

6) Keep all food and drinks in the cafeteria.

7) Follow the discipline plan of the school.

8) Not run, rough house or throw food.

LUNCH

Students may only get up during lunch:

a. to throw garbage away

b. to purchase food 

Full Meal Deal: cheeseburger/hamburger/pizza, sub sandwiches or other entree each day; french fries, ½ pint milk, cookie and choice of one of the following: salad, orange, banana, apple or carrot/celery stick.

Hot and cold ala carte items are also available each day. No food will be sold the last 5 minutes of lunch.

The cafeteria will accept checks or cash for prepayment on lunch cards and cash for purchase of ala carte items.

Please stop by our office for more information or it you have any questions.

LUNCH TIME AREAS

1) Weather permitting, students will be encouraged to go outside for the last part of their lunch period. Students who are planning on going outside should bring their coats with them to the cafeteria. Outside, students are to remain in designated areas.

2) Library passes need to be obtained prior to the student’s lunch time.

3) If you need to go to the office to use the phone, a supervisor will give you a pass.

OFF LIMITS:

Gym and locker rooms

Hallways and lockers without a pass

Fields

STUDENT HEALTH

IMMUNIZATION

All students must have a completed immunization form on file in the school office the first day of attendance. 6^th graders must have the 2^nd MMR vaccination before the first day of school.

MEDICATION

According to state law and school district policy, medication may not be brought to school without parent and physician written instructions/permission. This applies to all prescription medications and over the counter medications including aspirin, inhalers, and cough drops. The appropriate forms are available in the office.

ILLNESS

Students who feel ill during the school day should check in with their teacher to get a health room pass.

NURSE

The school nurse is in the building 1-1/2 days per week. Vision and hearing screening along with scoliosis screening are just a few of her many responsibilities. Students may schedule an appointment with her by filling out a request form.

STUDENT FEES

All students are issued an I.D. card with their picture. Students who have paid the Associated Student Body fee of $15 will have their card marked appropriately.

All participants in extracurricular activities (sports, music, intramurals) must pay their associated student body fee (ASB).

All students are strongly encouraged to purchase a card to help support student activities such as sports, student government, and extracurricular music. 

Sports Fees: there is an individual sport fee of $10 per sport (football - $20).

All band members must purchase a Junior Lilac Parade t-shirt. The cost is approximately $10 and must be paid by the parade date.

YEARBOOK

A memory book with pictures of students and the year’s activities is available at the end of the school year. The cost if $15.00. In order to reserve a copy, yearbooks are purchased in the fall.