DILLON MIDDLE SCHOOL
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2017-2018
PRINCIPAL'S INTRODUCTION
The faculty, staff, and administration welcome you to Dillon Middle School. It is our sincere hope that you will find this year challenging, exciting, and rewarding. Your success in this school will depend on the development of effective study habits, perceptive listening skills, and the practice of regular attendance.
The goal of Dillon Middle School is for each student to achieve his/her greatest potential. To reach this goal, there must be a cooperative effort on the part of students, teachers, administrators, parents, and the community. We urge your cooperation in this venture and assure you that the results will be well worth the effort.
It is generally recognized that participation in school activities increases one’s academic success. For this reason, all of us at Dillon Middle School encourage you to become involved in the wide variety of activities that will occur this year. Participation in school activities generates a sense of loyalty and pride. Remember this is YOUR school. Plan to attend extracurricular events and show your school spirit.
If you or your parents have questions or concerns about the procedures outlined, please feel free to contact a teacher, counselor, or administrator for an explanation.
______Dillon District Four will provide equal employment opportunities and educational opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, creed, sex, age, disability or national origin. Dillon School District Four will make reasonable accommodations for an individual who is otherwise qualified for a position unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship upon the district.
Persons with disabilities who need additional accommodations should make their request for reasonable accommodations, in writing, to the Section 504 Coordinator. Inquiries and complaints may be made to the following: Title IX Coordinator and Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, Dr. Polly Elkins; Section 504 Coordinator, Jayne Lee and General Concerns, Mr. D. Ray Rogers, Superintendent.
All of the above are located in the district office. Address:1738 Hwy 301 North, Dillon, SC 29536 Phone: 843-774-1200
______
______
DILLON MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION AND BELIEFS
Mission Statement:
The mission of Dillon Middle School is to promote life-long learning in all students by providing challenging educational experiences that include family and community partnerships.
Statement of Beliefs:
We believe that
  • All individuals have value
  • Everyone can contribute
  • Respect for each other is necessary for learning
  • The family is the foundation of society
  • Learning is a life-long process
  • Individuals are accountable for their actions
  • Individuals have the potential to achieve success through effort
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORT SERVICES
TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS
In order to help students in grades 6 through 12 retain course content and to give students cumulative examination experiences prior to their enrollment in post-secondary educational settings, students in grades 6, 7 and 8 will be given cumulative nine-weeks exams.
In grades 6, 7 and 8, tests will be administered at the end of the nine-weeks grading period. Cumulative nine-week examinations will count 10% of the nine-week course grade.
GRADING
A serious attempt is made at all times to evaluate in the best possible manner the progress of the students. The following grading system has been devised for that purpose. The primary purpose of grading is to keep parents and students fully informed of a student’s progress and to provide a continuous and accurate record of each student’s achievement for use in instruction. While a completely uniform grading system at and between all school levels may not be possible, the grading system must be fair and have enough consistency to accomplish its purposes.
A - (90-100) The student exceeds the demands of the teacher. His/her work is on time. The work is of superior quality. It shows mastery of the subject matter. He/she has the ability to carry the job through. He/she exerts a positive influence on the class.
B - (80-89) The work is of superior nature and the required work is well done. The student meets the demands of the teacher and exerts a positive influence on the class.
C - (70-79) The student does satisfactory work. The work is on time and is of average quality.
D - (60-69) The student is not doing all of the assigned work, is dependent on others, is inconsistent, uncertain and confused. Work is below normal, but it shows some evidence of growth.
F - (0-59) The student's work is unsatisfactory, with little growth taking place. There is a lack of interest, irregular attendance or lack of attention.
REPORT CARDS
Schools will issue report cards with numerical averages at the end of each nine-weeks or quarter grading period. Progress reports with numerical averages will be sent home at midterm of each nine-weeks grading period. The teacher must compute the actual numerical average for these reports with the following exceptions:
In gradesix, no average below 50 will be given for each nine weeks grading period. In gradesseven and eight, no average below 50 will be given for the first and second nine-weeks grading period. No average above 100 will be given for any grading period. (Reference Policy: IKAB)
These reports will give parents an opportunity to contact the school to arrange a conference if they wish to discuss their child’s academic performance.
The teacher will notify parents of the need for a conference, especially when there is a significant change in the student’s academic performance.
IMPROVING STUDY SKILLS
We often hear students say, "I don't have any homework." The point needs to be made that, even when no specific written work has been assigned, there is still homework. It is called study time. We strongly recommend that all students spend a minimum of one-half hour of homework/study time daily for each academic subject. The student who has no studying to do should spend this time reading a good book!
This study time, in contrast to specified homework, includes but is not limited to:
  • rewriting or correcting classroom notes or lab reports
  • reviewing lecture notes while they are still fresh in the mind
  • outlining an assigned reading passage
  • reviewing concepts and applying them to problems
HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION
Homebound instruction is available for students who cannot attend school because of illness, accident or pregnancy. See the school counselor for information and application.
HOMEWORK
Home study is a necessary part of each pupil's educational program. Students are expected to spend some time in home study in addition to scheduled class instruction. As homework is generally assigned at Dillon Middle School, we urge parents to see that students do their homework assignments daily. If homework is not assigned, we encourage students to read at least thirty minutes per night.
MEDIACENTER
Students are encouraged to use the media center. Open from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, students have at least two opportunities each day to use the media center – before schooland after school. A pass is required for all visits to media center. Teachers also sign up to bring classes to the media center. Books may be checked out for one week and may be renewed. Students will be required to pay for any lost or damaged books. Reading Counts!, S.C. Jr. Book Award Program, and Lunch Bunch Book Club are some of the reading programs sponsored by the media center.
MAKE-UP WORK
Students will be allowed to make up graded work only for one of these reasons.
  • Absences due to illness
  • Death in the family
  • Other reasons approved by the administration
Students should make arrangements for make-up work the first day they return to school. It is the responsibility of the student to schedule make-up work at the convenience of the teacher. Teachers must assist with make-up work before school, after school or at a mutually convenient time during the day. All make-up work must be completed within five school days upon the student’s return. The principal must approve any exceptions to extending make-up work and incomplete grades.
PROGRAM OF STUDIES
The program of studies at Dillon Middle School is organized into a system of required subjects and electives. It is recommended that students plan their program of study well and look ahead not only to high school curriculum, but to the course offerings of college and technical schools as well. The administration, faculty and counselors are eager and able to assist each student with his/her program of studies. It is hoped that each student will confer with the principals, teachers, or counselors. A complete list of ninth grade course offerings is given to each eighth grader in the spring.
During the 8th grade year, each student will develop his/her four-year high school plan. This plan is reviewed and revised annually prior to course selection for the next year.
PROMOTION--Grades 6, 7 & 8
For English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science:
Students must maintain a 60% average on the report card based on the established grading criteria.
RETENTION--Grades 6, 7 & 8
If the student has failed English, mathematics, social studies, or science, he/she has failed to meet promotion criteria. The student will be required to attend and pass summer school depending upon availability of funds.The principal upon consultation with the superintendent or his/her designee, will make a final decision.
HONOR ROLL
A Honor Roll – The student must earn no grade lower than an "A" in any subject.
A-B Honor Roll – The student must earn no grade lower than a "B" in any subject.
ABSENCES AND EXCUSES
The Board believes that attendance is a key factor in student achievement. Any absence from school represents an educational loss to the student. However, the board recognizes that some absences are unavoidable.
In accordance with state law and state board of education regulations, a student must attend at least 170 days for a year-long course in order to receive credit. Local school officials must approve/disapprove any absences beyond 10. Because of differences in traditional and block scheduling, the schools will do the following regarding excessive absenteeism.
Grades 6, 7 & 8
In grades 6, 7 & 8, where students are required to pass certain subjects for promotion/credit, the following will apply:
  • Where the total absences in a yearlong course exceed 10 days, a student will not receive credit.
  • Where the total absences in a semester course exceed five days, a student will not receive credit.
  • In the event of students transferring into the district, all attendance laws and requirements of the prior school district must be met in order to receive credit in the district’s schools.
Written excuses (required at all grade levels)
A written note from a parent/guardian, health practitioner or church official, as appropriate, must address student absences within three days of the student’s return. Excuses submitted after this time will be marked as received but unapproved. Excuses must include the following:
  • Student’s full name
  • Grade
  • Date(s) of absence(s)
  • Signature of the parent/guardian, health practitioner or church official
Excuses should contain other pertinent information as directed by the school administration. Written excuses do not determine the lawfulness of absences, but help school officials to make that determination. If a student fails to bring an excuse following an absence, the absence will be considered unexcused. Any false or forged excuses will be referred to the school administration for appropriate action.
The following absences are considered lawful.
  • Illness, when attendance in school would endanger the student’s health or that of others
In the case of absences due to head lice, no more than three days will be excused for each new occurrence. When a student is absent due to an extended or chronic illness (over five days), the parent should request or school officials suggest homebound instruction as soon as possible. Students legally on homebound instruction are considered present on the school’s attendance records.
  • Death or serious illness in the immediate family, as documented in writing by an obituary, parent note or other form of acceptable documentation
Lawful and excused absences will depend on distances to be traveled to funerals and any extenuating family circumstances approvable by the principal. In no case, however, is the student’s absence to exceed a total of five days without approval of the superintendent.
  • Recognized religious holidays
Documentation must be in writing by an appropriate church official. Such excuses must specify the exact date to be considered by school officials for excuse.
  • Mandatory court appearance (Students must provide the school with written documentation by court officials or another form of acceptable documentation)
  • Medical/dental examination/treatment
Such absences may include hospitalization or restrictions that prevent school attendance as documented by an appropriate medical report. Students and parents should make non-emergency medical/dental appointments during non-school days/hours where possible, and where impossible, students should attend school prior to or immediately following such appointments if at all possible.
Sudden and traumatic disruptions (fire, flood, tornado, serious domestic disputes, etc.) or extreme family hardship that can be documented (preferably in writing) in a manner acceptable to the principal.
  • School-sponsored activities as approved by the principal.
  • Suspensions
    Any graded work missed while a student is suspended may be made up according to directives addressed elsewhere in this policy.
The following absences are considered unlawful.
  • Those without the knowledge of parents/guardians
  • Those without acceptable cause but with the knowledge of parents
  • Those resulting from bus suspensions (students/parents are expected to provide their own transportation during bus suspensions)
The principal may promptly approve/disapprove excessive absences by a student.
WITHDRAWAL AND TRANSFER POLICY
Before withdrawing from Dillon Middle School, a student should do the following:
  • The parent/guardian should appear in person to authorize the withdrawal.
  • Obtain a withdrawal form from the school counselor on the last day of enrollment/attendance.
  • Have the form completed by all teachers; return all school property and textbooks; make sure that all financial obligations are cleared; have the form signed by the media specialist, principal and counselor.
  • Return the completed form to the school counselor. A copy of the form will be sent with the student to assist the student in enrolling in the new school. An official copy of the student’s record will be sent to the new school whenDillon Middle School receives a signed authorization requesting such information.
TRANSFER OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS
Records will not be transmitted to the school district to which a student is transferring without parental permission. The school district will transfer disciplinary records of all students, including students with disabilities, with respect to a suspension or expulsion.
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SERVICES
The guidance and counseling program exists to enhance the school’s total educational program. The counselors seek to meet the needs of students by helping them become more aware of who they are and how to interact effectively with others, develop competencies in career development and life planning and achieve success in school. Because students are individuals with different abilities, interests and needs, the counseling program is designed to help provide an opportunity for each student to develop his/her potential to become a productive and self-sufficient member of society.
Please feel free to call upon the counselors if you feel that he or she can be of assistance for counseling and informational services, consultation and referral, or educational and career planning. Students may schedule appointments during non-academic classes, lunch/activity period, before or after school. Students with emergencies are seen immediately. A teacher or administrator may also refer students to the counselor. Call 774-1212 for an appointment.
SPECIAL SERVICES
Programs for students who need special education are available upon completion of the placement process, which includes referral, parental consent, psychological and achievement testing and other evaluation deemed necessary to determine an appropriate program for the student.
Dillon School District Four offers programs for students who are classified as learning disabled, educable mentally impaired, trainable mentally impaired, emotionally impaired, hearing impaired, visually impaired, speech impaired, orthopedics impaired and other health impairments.
TITLE III – LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS
Summary of Title III
The purpose of Title III is to help ensure that children and youth who are limited English proficient, Native American and/or immigrants, attain English language proficiency, develop high levels of academic attainment in English, and meet the same challenging State academic standards that all children are expected to meet.