LaGrange Middle School

 

 

 

YOUR SCHOOL DAY

 

Students will be permitted to enter the building at 7:20 a.m.  A bell will ring at 7:30 a.m. indicating the start of your homeroom.  This marks the beginning of a five-minute period for the Pledge of Allegiance, teacher and school announcements, and taking attendance.

 

TARDINESS

 

Students have a legal obligation to arrive to school on time.  If a student arrives late to school, after 7:30 a.m., you are to report directly to the Attendance Office, with your note, explaining a valid reason for arriving late.  Students may then sign in and will receive a pass to class. Students who are repeatedly late to school may be interviewed by administration, and parents may be notified.

 

UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM CLASS

 

Cutting class is not tolerated and will result in disciplinary action.

 

LOCKERS

 

All students should be aware that school lockers, desks and other such storage spaces remain the exclusive property of the LaGrange Middle School.  Students have no expectation of privacy with respect to these areas from school officials.

We suggest the following times to visit your locker:

 

·         When you arrive at school

·         Beginning of lunch period

·         End of lunch period

·         At regular dismissal time, typically about 2:10

 

It may become necessary to occasionally search one or more lockers.  This will be done in the event that administration has reason to believe the locker contains materials deemed inappropriate for a school setting.  DO NOT share your locker combination with any student not assigned to your locker.

 

HALL TRAFFIC

 

Students should:

·         Stay on right side of the hallway                             

·         Walk                                               

·         Use appropriate staircases

·         Use a quiet voice

·         Listen and respond to adult directions

    

THE FOLLOWING ARE A POTENTIAL DISRUPTION TO INSTRUCTION AND/ OR JEOPARDIZE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT, AND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED:

           

* disrespectful behavior	* selling candy/other items for personal profit
* abusive or obscene language	* candy or gum
* fighting	* water guns/ pistols
* pushing	* paint balls and/or paint ball guns
* failure to respond, or deliberately providing    inaccurate responses, to staff members when    they address you	* magic cards, playing cards, dice or    gaming
* laser pens or laser pointers	* skateboards, rollerblades
* pyrotechnic devices	* balloons or flowers
* tobacco, alcohol, drug use	* pocket knives or other weapon-like objects
* damage and/or vandalism to school property

 

*All forms of radios, compact disc players, cell phones, IPods, MP3 Players and other electronic gadgetry have been determined to be a potential disruption to the school environment.  Electronic devices should be put away, and powered down to an off position. These items should not be used during the school day.  In the event that an electronic device becomes disruptive to the school environment, administrative action may be necessary.  In some cases, items may be retained until picked up by a parent.

 

LaGrange Middle School believes in a progressive discipline policy.  If a student continues a pattern of misbehavior, the consequences may change accordingly.

 

TELEPHONE USE AND MESSAGES FOR STUDENTS

 

In the case of an emergency, students will be permitted to use the phone in the main office. If ill, students can call from the Health Office at the nurse’s suggestion.  Any after-school plans should be made at home and students should not expect to call home to make after-school arrangements.  Only emergency messages will be given to students.

 

SCHOOL PROPERTY

 

Proper use of school property is expected at all times.  Persons responsible for property damage and/or vandalism will be held financially responsible.  Appropriate disciplinary and legal action will be taken.

 

DISCIPLINE, SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS AND SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

 

Students that are assigned In-School-Suspension and/or Out-of-school Suspension are NOT PERMITTED to attend school-sponsored activities during the time of suspension.  This time period commences at the time the student is suspended and ends at the beginning of the school day following the day (s) of suspension.  The administration reserves the right to review each case and its consequences.

 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

 

The Board of Education is committed to safeguarding the right of all members of the school district community to an educational and work environment that is free from all forms of sexual harassment.  To this end, the Board prohibits all forms of sexual harassment on school grounds, school buses and at all school-sponsored activities, programs and events including those that take place at locations outside the District.  Sexual harassment does not only depend upon the offender’s intention but also upon how the target perceives the behavior or is affected by it.  The Board recognizes that sexual harassment can originate from a person of either sex against a person of the opposite or same sex, and from peers as well as supervisors. 

 

Therefore, the Board prohibits all unwelcome behaviors of a sexual nature, which are either designed to extort sexual favors, or which have the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.  The Board also prohibits any retaliatory behavior against complainants or any witnesses.

 

In order for the Board to effectively enforce this policy and to take prompt corrective measures it is essential that all victims of sexual harassment and persons with knowledge of sexual harassment report the harassment immediately.  The District will promptly investigate all complaints of sexual harassment, either formal or informal, verbal or written.  To the extent possible, all complaints will be treated in a confidential manner.  Limited disclosure may be necessary to complete a thorough investigation.  If, after appropriate investigation, the District finds a violation of this policy, prompt corrective action will be taken. 

 

INJURY

 

All injuries, both major and minor, are to be reported to the teacher in your immediate area and to the school nurse.  If an injury occurs on the school bus, when you are going home, report it by telephone to the principal’s office.

 

 

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXCUSES

 

All students are required to dress in appropriate physical education attire.  Any notes or problems are to be taken to the Physical Education teacher who will then determine the extent or participation for that particular day. Students who need to be excused for more than one week must have a doctor’s note.

 

A student who is dismissed from participating in Physical Education class due to a medical excuse issued by a doctor or a parent may not participate in an intramural or interscholastic sport activity.

 

INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS PHYSICALS

 

The interscholastic sports programs at LMS for 7^th and 8^th grade boys and girls are regulated by the rules set forth by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

 

One of these regulations is that, to participate in school sports, a sports physical exam must be done by the school physician.  Sports physicals are conducted numerous times during the school year.  This physical also fulfills the requirement for the mandated 7^th grade examination.

 

POSITVE BEHAVIORAL SUPPORTS AND INTERVENTIONS PROGRAM

 

We are pleased to share the features of LaGrange Middle School’s Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) program with you.  The goal of this program is to increase our school’s capacity to address the behavioral support needs of all students and staff effectively and efficiently.

 

Our staff members have developed school-wide behavioral expectations and an acknowledgement system designed to be implemented consistently across all settings, and include all staff and students.  In addition, special adaptations and extensions of the school-wide system have been developed to address the unique needs of specific non-classroom (e.g., cafeteria, hallways, and gymnasium) settings. Posters containing examples of these expectations are spread throughout the building.  Throughout the school year, staff members will focus on teaching and modeling the school-wide expectations and recognizing students who exhibit positive behaviors.

 

LUNCH TIME

 

·         There are four lunch periods: 4, 5, 6, and 7

·         All students must remain on school grounds during lunch

·         Students can buy a hot lunch, buy items a la carte, or bring lunch from home

·         All food and beverage items purchased in cafeteria must be consumed in the cafeteria

·         Anyone who brings a lunch can buy milk, juice and/or dessert

·         Students should take their coats with them when going to lunch; a period of outdoor recess may be available to them.

 

KEEP CAFETERIA CLEAN

 

·         Return trays to the clean-up window

·         Place garbage in garbage cans

·         Clean up after yourself, you are expected to clean your area

·         Keep the floor around your table clean

·         Recycle

 

CAFETERIA BEHAVIOR

 

Students should:

        

·         Talk at a conversational level                                        

·         Report any problems to the lunch duty teacher              

·         Get permission to leave cafeteria for any reason                       

                                                                                   

DRESS CODE

 

Students should dress for school in a safe and practical manner that does not interfere with the learning process.  While students should dress comfortably for school, their dress should be appropriate for school, particularly in warmer weather.  Examples of inappropriate attire include, but are not limited to:

·         In indoor areas, hats of any kind

·         Clothing with explicitly or implicitly vulgar or profane writing

·         Clothing referring to alcohol or drugs

·         Any outfit exposing undergarments such as low riding pants or pants with revealing holes 

·         Revealing shirts that expose midriffs and/or plunging necklines

·         Strapless clothing including tube tops

·         Spaghetti strap shirts

·         Clothing that obstructs a student’s identity, including hoods from sweatshirts or jackets. 

·         Excessively short shorts or skirts

o        Shorts should be loose fitting and finger tip length when your hands are held relaxed at your side.  We have found that a 4 inch inseam (at least) is a good guide for shorts that are appropriate for school. 

 

The principal or the assistant principal will use their discretion to determine if the student’s attire is appropriate for school.  Students who violate the student dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item and, if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item.

 

HONOR ROLL

 

There will be three different ways of distinguishing student’s academic performance.  Students who maintain an overall academic average of 85% will be placed on the Honor Roll.  Students who maintain an overall academic average of 90% will be placed on the High Honor Roll.  Students who maintain an overall academic average of 95% or higher will be placed on the Principal’s List.  

 

HOMEWORK

 

The quality of your homework and the promptness with which it is completed are factors in determining your report card grade.   Set aside a regular time each day for doing homework.  Homework may be assigned over the weekends and during vacation periods.  In the event a student is out for a few days, he/she should have the telephone numbers of a few classmates to call for homework assignments.  For more than one day, you may contact the Guidance Office at 486-4884 no later than 8:15 a.m. if you are unable to obtain the assignments from Teacher Web.

 

 

TEACHER WEB

 

Teacher Web is a program designed to enhance parent/school communication.  Teacher use of Teacher Web is voluntary.  If your child’s teacher uses Teacher Web, you can get up to date information by using your computer to log online to the school’s website at: http://www.teacherweb.com/NY/Arlington/LaGrangeMiddleSchool.  Follow the link to the faculty page and look for the teacher’s name. Click on the teacher’s name to link to their website.

 

NEWSFLASH

 

You may sign up for the Newsflash feature on our school website if you wish to be notified of any emergency/immediate announcements that may occur during the school day.   If you register for this feature an e-mail or text message will be sent to you with any immediate announcements.  To sign up, visit the school’s website at http://www.teacherweb.com/NY/Arlington/LaGrangeMiddleSchool and click on the Newsflash option on the left hand column.  You will be directed to give your phone number and/or email address for the notification. 

 

PASSES

 

You are not to leave your assigned room during the period without a pass from the teacher in charge.  You must have passes to go to the offices, lavatory, library, guidance office or any other place that is not on your regular schedule.  If you wish to go from a study hall or cafeteria to the guidance office, art room, computer lab, etc., a pass must first be obtained before school from the counselor or teacher whom you wish to see.  It is best not to try to get such a pass between classes or during lunch.  Obtaining a pass before school ensures that you will be able to meet with that particular teacher or counselor at a mutually convenient time.  Study hall teachers will not issue passes for students to see counselors or teachers except in an emergency situation.

 

If you become ill during the school day, obtain a written pass from your classroom teacher to go to the Health Office.  No student is allowed to go to the Health Office between classes except in an emergency.  Students should report to their next class, obtain a pass and then proceed to the Health Office.

 

Late passes are to be issued by the teacher causing the lateness.  If you arrive late to class without a pass, you will not be admitted to class upon arrival.  For illegal lateness, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

 

ALTERNATE BUS PASS

 

Notes requesting permission to ride a different dismissal bus home from school must be signed by a parent or guardian and brought to the Main Office when you arrive at the building in the morning.  Permission by telephone is not legally sufficient.  A written permission note must be submitted before a bus pass will be issued.

 

LATE BUSES (Monday through Thursday)

 

Extracurricular activities and teacher extra-help sessions are conducted after school and bus transportation will be provided Monday through Thursday.  Teacher help can also be scheduled for at a mutually convenient time during the regular school day.  The library is open until 3:15 p.m. 

 

Pupils who ride the bus and remain after school, for school approved reasons, will be able to return home on the activity bus.  The late bus leaves approximately at 3:20 p.m. and a later bus at 4:15 p.m. may also be used when it is appropriate.  THESE BUSES ONLY TRANSPORT ALONG THE MAIN ROUTES. 

 

NO student should be in the school building after regular school hours, unless under the supervision of a teacher or a parent. 

 

Students may not leave the school grounds and return expecting to ride an after-school activity bus.  Violators are subjected to disciplinary action.

 

BATHROOMS

 

Bathrooms may be used before homeroom and between classes without a pass.  You must have a pass from your classroom, lunchroom or study hall teacher when you leave that teacher’s class or area.

 

STUDY HALLS

 

The purpose of study halls is for the completion of schoolwork.  When students have finished their schoolwork, they should use this time for leisure reading.  Students are required to be working or reading quietly for the entire study hall period.  Students may request permission to go to the library for research or to obtain reading materials.  In addition, students may request a pass from a teacher for the computer lab.

 

TO THE STUDENT AND PARENT

 

ATTENDANCE/MISSED SCHOOL WORK

 

Regular attendance and punctuality are necessary to ensure success in school. Makeup of schoolwork missed, because of absence, becomes the responsibility of the student.  Students who are absent more than one-half of the school day are ineligible to participate in after school activities, unless prior approval has been granted.

 

Students who are absent must check with their teachers to be sure all missed work is made up.  “I was absent,” is an unsatisfactory excuse for incomplete assignments.  Extra time may be allowed for an assignment completion after a prolonged absence.  Teachers are not obligated to give extra help in the case of an illegal absence.

 

ABSENTEES

 

When you return from being absent, report to the Health Office with a written excuse from your parent or guardian stating your full name, grade, the date(s) of the absence, and the reason for the absence.  This excuse is a legal document and must be kept on file for three years. Failure to present a note following an absence will result in the absence being recorded as truant.

 

Examples of legal absences follow:

           

1.                  Personal illness

2.                  Critical illness or death in the immediate family

3.                  Recognized religious holidays (religious observance)

4.                  Required attendance at court

5.                  Quarantine

6.                  Impassable roads or weather conditions

Illegal absences fall into two categories: unlawful absence and truancy.  Unlawful absence occurs when a student is absent with the knowledge and consent of his/her parent for other than legal reasons.

Examples of an unlawful or unexcused absence are:  Visiting, away, shopping, vacation, needed at home, caring for baby, work, overslept, and missed the bus.  Also, failure to present a note following an absence.

 

Students may be excused for part-day absences of a legal nature.  He/she should bring a signed note requesting permission to the Main Office before going to homeroom.  Students will be called down the Main Office when they are to be dismissed.  If he/she returns the same day, student should return to the Attendance Office, sign in, and receive a pass to class. Any person signing a student out of school must have written permission from the parent or guardian, or must be on the student’s emergency card.

 

THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT

 

Every pupil is assigned a guidance counselor.  If you have a problem with your schedule, or if you are doing poorly in some subject, or if you just wish to talk with someone, your counselor is always willing to help. In addition to scheduling and counseling, the counselors are in charge of all standardized tests. They discuss these test results and other matters with you, your parents, and your teachers.  They also help you with plans for the future and give you educational and occupational information.  Counselors meet with pupils in groups as well as individually.  Your counselor works with you, and your teachers to help you to succeed. 

 

Mrs. Sawicki    -           6^th Grade

Mr. Gaetani      -           7^th Grade

                                    Ms. Paolo         -           8^th Grade

 

 

EMERGENCIES

EMERGENCY DRILLS

 

These drills are held during the school year for the purpose of saving lives and property in the event of a real fire emergency.  It is important that they be taken seriously.  Regulations for exiting your classroom are posted in each room and your teachers will go over the procedures with you.  We will have emergency drills during the course of the year.

 

VISITORS IN THE BUILDING

 

1.                  All visitors to LaGrange Middle School may be required to present identification when requesting entry to the building.

2.                  For security purposes, all entrances are locked during the school day.

3.                  A door bell is located on the right hand side of the main entrance doors.  After ringing the bell, a main office staff member will speak to you through a monitor system.  A door lock release will be initiated which will grant you entry into the building.

4.                  Upon gaining entry into the building, all visitors must report directly to the Main Office to sign in. 

5.                  Faculty members are to question all strangers they see in the building and direct them to the Main Office.   No unauthorized personnel (including former students) are permitted in the building or parking lot during the regular school session.

                 

DAILY TIME SCHEDULE

 

                                    7:20     Pupils report directly from buses to homerooms

                                   7:30  - 7:35   Homeroom begins

                                    7:35     Period I begins

 

PERIODS

 

                                      1        7:35  -      8:16

 

                                      2        8:19  -      9:00

 

                                      3        9:03  -      9:44

 

                                      4        9:47  -    10:28

 

                                      5        10:31          -    11:12

 

                                      6        11:15          -    11:56

 

                                      7        11:59          -    12:40

 

                                      8        12:43          -      1:24

 

                                      9        1:27  -      2:09

 

                                             2:09  DISMISSAL

__________________________________________________________________________

                                                            2 HOUR DELAY

                                    9:20                 Students enter

                                    9:30 – 9:35      Homeroom

 

                                                                   Periods

 

                                                   1       9:35     -   10:03

                                                   2       10:06   -   10:34

                                                   3       10:37   -   11:05

                                                    4      11:08   -   11:36

                                                   5       11:39    -   12:07

                                                   6       12:10    -   12:38

                                                   7       12:41   -    1:09

                                                   8         1:12    -    1:40

                                                   9         1:43   -    2:12

 

                                                                  2:12  Dismissal