EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL
If an absence is due to travel, or some similar reason, a parent must
complete an education travel form at least five (5) days before the
absence. Forms are available in the office. Students are now only permitted to have 5
days for educational travel to be excused
Excuses:
All absences, will require a written excuse containing:
1. parent/guardian signature
2. phone number for inquiries
3. student's full name
4. date for the day(s) of absence
5. the reason for the absence
An excuse must be submitted within five (5) days of the absence or it will
be ruled unexcused. The excuse should be given to the homeroom
teacher when returning from an absence. Students will not be permitted
to participate in or to attend any school function or activity on the day the
student is absent.
ATTENDANCE
School board policy states that a student may miss up to 15 days of
school with an excuse from their parent/guardian. Absences of more
than 15 days will be referred to as "habitually truant". Days missed due
to doctor's appointments will not be counted toward the fifteen days if a
written excuse from the doctor is presented upon return to school.
A warning letter will be sent prior to accumulation of 15 days. After 15
days, a letter will be sent stating that the district shall require a written
doctor's excuse for each additional day of absence for the remainder of
the school year. Unexcused absences will be reported to the
classroom teachers and a zero will be given for all work missed.
If you received a 3 day letter at some point while your child is in the Middle School, you
do not have to be sent another.
DRESS CODE - POLICY #10505
Wearing apparel that promotes, advertises or displays material related
to tobacco, drugs, alcohol and/or violence, or is sexually suggestive in
nature, or is racially offensive, contains profanity or vulgarity, or is not
gender appropriate is considered to be inappropriate for the school
environment and is not permitted
Head coverings are not permitted in school buildings. Head coverings
are described as anything worn on or around the head. Hats,
headbands scarfs, and bandannas serve as examples of head
coverings.
Shorts, skirts or dresses may not be higher than four (4) inches,
including the slit, above the knee from a kneeling position.
Tank tops of any kind are not acceptable. The width must cover from the
neck to the top of the shoulder. No garment which expose
undergarments or cleavage are acceptable. Tops which expose any part
of the stomach when arms are down may not be worn. Clothing that is
tight or revealing is also not appropriate.
Additional items that may not be worn in school include chains, spiked
arm bands (bracelets, rings), etc. The decision will be at the discretion
of the building administration.
Students are to wear slacks or jeans that are in good condition (without
holes or tears that allow undergarments or bare skin to be seen). The
waistband of all slacks and/or jeans being worn is to be located above
the hips. Pants are not to appear to be falling down. Gloves or
outerwear are not to be worn in the classroom unless permitted by the
teacher due to uncomfortable room temperature.
In addition to the specific limitations described above, students are
prohibited from wearing any attire that is potentially disruptive to the
educational environment or presents a health or safety hazard as
determined by the building administration.
Part of our mission as an educational institution is to provide an
environment that promotes responsible behavior. Strict adherence to
this policy is mandatory. The following procedures will be followed:
First Incident:
• Change inappropriate clothing
• Meeting with counselor and/or administrator
• Letter home to parent for signature returned & filed in the office
Second Incident:
• Change inappropriate clothing
• Student assigned 2 1/2 hour det.
• Telephone conference with parent
Third Incident:
• Change inappropriate clothing
• Saturday detention
• Meeting with parents
Fourth Incident:
• Change inappropriate clothing
• Suspension
• Hearing with students & parent before board and/or Superintendent
If student continues to violate the policy, expulsion will be considered.
CAFETERIA BEHAVIOR
The school cafeteria is an extension of the school program. In addition
to the Conduct and Behavior rules listed above students are also
responsible for:
* Depositing all lunch litter in wastebaskets
* Leaving trays at the end of the table
* Cleaning the entire area around them, including wiping tables
* Properly disposing of garbage
* Not making loud or disruptive noises
Students will be asked within the first two weeks of school to choose a
table and will be assigned that table unless given permission to
change. Students are to remain seated unless getting food. Students
will go by tables to get their food and will be dismissed from the
cafeteria by tables. Students will also clean the entire area around
them, including wiping tables if asked to do so. Permission must be
given from a cafeteria monitor to use the pay phone or restroom.
Refusal to cooperate in the cafeteria will have serious consequences.
There will be no warnings!
BUS PASSES
A signed bus pass from the school office is required for any student
wishing to be dropped off anywhere other than their designated stop. A
note signed by a parent or guardian must be submitted to the office
before 2nd period.
Passes can be picked up after lunch.
WEAPONS POLICY
The Northwestern School District, in accordance with the statutes
enacted by the State of Pennsylvania, prohibits the possession of any
weapon on school property.
For the purpose of this policy, a weapon shall be defined as, but not
limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchuck stick,
firearm, shotgun, rifle and any other tool, instrument or implement
capable of inflicting serious bodily harm.
When an individual (adult or student) is found to be in violation of this
policy, the Northwestern School District will exercise all of its legal
options.
In the case of a student, he/she will be prohibited from attending school
until the Administration makes a recommendation relative to a hearing
and the expulsion of the student.
The Administration will establish the procedures to be followed when an
incident occurs. The procedures should be designed to provide for the
greatest degree of safety possible for the students, faculty and staff.