Student Handbook 2013/14
Table of Contents
BMS SCHOOL MAP......
BMS DAILY SCHEDULE 2013/14......
QUICK REMINDERS......
ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS......
ATTENDANCE......
SCHOOL DAY......
ABSENCE......
APPOINTMENTS......
EMERGENCY......
MAKE-UP WORK......
TRUANCY......
GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES......
ALCOHOL/OTHER DRUGS......
ASSIGNMENT BOOKS / PLANNERS......
ATHLETIC PROGRAMS......
BAND / CHOIR......
BULLYING......
BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS......
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT......
CLASSROOM INTERRUPTIONS......
CLOSED CAMPUS......
DISPLAYING AFFECTIONS......
DISRESPECT AND USE OF PROFANITY......
DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE......
EXPULSION......
EXTRA CURRICULAR TRIPS......
HONOR LEVEL SYSTEM AND PBIS EXPECTATIONS......
LUNCH......
LUNCHROOM RULES......
LUNCH / RECESS REGULATIONS......
PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNIFORMS......
PLAYGROUND REGULATIONS......
RESTROOMS......
SCHOOL PROPERTY......
THEFT OF PROPERTY......
TOBACCO......
WEAPONS......
GENERAL INFORMATION......
ACCIDENT BENEFIT PLAN......
CHEATING......
COMMUNITY NIGHT......
CONFISCATED ARTICLES......
DANCES/EVENING ACTIVITIES......
FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT......
FIRE/SEVERE STORM/EMERGENCY DRILLS......
GAMBLING......
GRADING SYSTEM......
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SERVICES......
ILLNESS......
LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER......
LOCKER......
LOST AND FOUND......
NONDISCRIMINATION......
NONDISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURES......
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES......
POLICIES......
PROGRESS/DEFICIENCY REPORTS......
RADIOS, RECORDERS, CELLULAR PHONES, ETC.......
REPORT CARDS......
SCHOOL CLOSING & SCHOOL MESSENGER SERVICE......
STUDENT COUNCIL......
TELEPHONE......
TEXTBOOKS......
VISITORS......
WRITTEN NOTES......
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF BLOOMER MISSION STATEMENT
In partnership with the community and its students, the School District of Bloomer is committed to excellence by empowering and challenging all students to achieve their potential as life-long learners in an ever-changing global society.
BELIEFS
We believe that:
- A partnership among community, parents/guardians, and school is essential to a quality education
- Teamwork and communication are essential skills
- Every child deserves an excellent education
- All individuals can learn
- Individual needs are met and growth is achieved by providing a variety of opportunities to develop talents and strengths
- Schools help develop individuals of character
- All individuals have value and should be treated with respect
- Critical and creative thinking are essential to adapting to an ever-changing global and technological society
- Learning should be a fulfilling, life-long experience
- All individuals have a right to a safe, welcoming environment
- All individuals are responsible for their actions
- Taking pride in school facilities enhances school climate
- Setting high goals promotes excellence
BMS SCHOOL MAP
BMS DAILY SCHEDULE 2013/14
Regular Day
GRADE 5 / TIMESPER. 1 / 7:55 - 8:52
PER. 2 / 8:55 - 9:52
PER. 3 / 9:55 - 10:35
PER. 4 / 10:38 - 11:35
PER. 5 / 11:38 - 12:18
PER. 6 / 12:21 - 12:45
PER. 7 / 12:48 - 1:28
PER. 8 / 1:31 - 2:45
PER. 9 / 2:48 - 3:12
GRADE 6
PER. 1 / 7:55 - 9:10
PER. 2 / 9:13 - 9:53
PER. 3 / 9:56 - 10:53
PER. 4 / 10:55 - 11:35
PER. 5 / 11:38 - 12:02
PER. 6 / 12:05 - 12:45
PER. 7 / 12:48 - 1:45
PER. 8 / 1:48 - 2:45
PER. 9 / 2:48 - 3:12
GRADE 7/8
PER. 1 / 7:55 - 8:57
PER. 2 / 9:00 - 10:02
PER. 3 / 10:05 - 11:07
PER. 4 / 11:10 - 12:12
PER. 5 / 12:15 - 12:55
PER. 6 / 12:55 - 1:19
PER. 7 / 1:22 - 2:02
PER. 8 / 2:05 - 2:45
PER. 9 / 2:48 - 3:12
First Wednesday / Early Release Schedule
TIMES / GRADE 5 / GRADE 6 / GRADE 7 & 87:55 - 8:31 / 1 / 1 / 1
8:34 - 9:10 / 2 / 3 / 2
9:13 - 9:49 / 4 / 2 / 3
9:52 - 10:28 / 3 / 7 / 4
10:31 - 11:07 / 7 / 9 / 9
11:10 - 11:46 / LUNCH / RECESS / RECESS / LUNCH / 7
11:49 - 12:25 / 8 / 6 / LUNCH / RECESS
12:28 - 1:12 (W/ ANN.) / 9 / 8 / 8
QUICK REMINDERS
The following are some short pointers on non-acceptable conduct that may not be covered further in the handbook.
- The student handbook/agenda is provided to the student. Any defacing of the handbook, or writing of inappropriate pictures, words, etc., will require the confiscation of the handbook. The student is then responsible to purchase a new handbook. Likewise, the student will be issued an office discipline referral as deemed appropriate by the school staff.
- Any behavior that jeopardizes the safety of self and/or others will not be tolerated. Any student who possesses a weapon may be subjected to expulsion by the Board of Education.
- There will be NO throwing, kicking, etc. of snow anywhere on the school grounds or the immediate area.
- There is no running in the halls or school building except when directed by a teacher.
- Shoes with soles that leave marks on the floors will not be allowed.
- We encourage families to make every effort to make arrangements outside the school day so that use of the telephone is not necessary.
- We do not have the office personnel to relay messages except those that are emergencies.
- For your own safety, students are to cross at the crosswalks when leaving the school grounds.
- If students bring pop to drink with their noon lunch, for a field trip, or any other school activity, it must be in a can,or opened in the presence of an adult supervisor if in a bottle.
- Any medication needed by a student must be kept in the office (as indicated in Emergency Nursing Policy). Any medications left in the office at the end of the school year will be disposed of.
ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is an important factor in school success. No student should be absent unless it is absolutely necessary. The valuable classroom help and discussion is missed forever. With this in mind, the school seeks the active cooperation of the student and parents in attending school regularly. In case of absenteeism, you are not excused from the assignments due when you return.
SCHOOL DAY
The school will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. during school days. Students are encouraged to use the extra time they have to seek special help from teachers. Students wishing to meet with teachers prior to the start of school should make arrangements the day before. Students staying after regular dismissal must do so to participate in a school sponsored activity with an authorized adult in charge and present. Students arriving at school prior to the AM warning bell must sit in the gym until the warning bell rings. Students may not wait outside the school. Students may eat school breakfast in the cafeteria.
ABSENCE
Following or prior to any absence, it will be necessary for the pupil to bring to the Middle School office a written explanation from their parents or legal guardian, stating the exact reason and date for such absence. An Absence Excuse Blank shall be obtained from the office. This is to be done before you report to your first (or next) class.
A student who has been absent from school during the day may not attend school functions in the evening. In order for a student to be eligible to attend evening activities, they must be in attendance by the beginning of the period immediately following the lunch period. Also, in the event that students are not eligible for a field trip, and they go to the same location of the field trip on that day, the student will either forfeit their upcoming school field trip(s), or be suspended from school for a period of days determined by the principal. Consequences may carry over to summer school, or the next academic school year.
Upon receiving the properly filled out Absence Excuse Blank, it shall be presented to and initialized by each teacher of the periods missed by the student. This initialing of slips is to provide the opportunity for a pupil-teacher discussion on assigning of make-up work. The Absence Excuse Blank shall be returned to the office for proper filing.
The following absence policy is in effect:
According to Wisconsin State Statute s. 118.15, school attendance is compulsory and the responsibility of the parent or guardian. All student absences will require a written note from the parent or guardian indicating the reason for the absence. This note will be furnished to the office upon return to school of the student (within three days), and will serve as proof of parental knowledge and responsibility for the absence. In addition to the note, on the day of the absence, the school requires a telephone call prior to 8:30 a.m. from the parent or guardian informing the school of the student’s absence. This is to ensure parental knowledge of the absence on the day it occurs. Absences without a parent/guardian phone call will be considered unexcused.
Students reporting to school without an excuse or an unacceptable excuse after being absent will receive an unexcused absence. The principal or designee shall determine unexcused absences. Student absences that show a pattern of poor attendance or violation of the state truancy statute will result in truancy procedures being initiated as prescribed by Wisconsin State Statute 118.16. The school recognizes the occasional need for extended absence or emergency situations that may arise. It is required that parents make prior arrangements with the school in writing for such absences. Tardiness is not allowed at Bloomer Middle School. Students will be issued office discipline referrals for being late to class. A tardy may be considered an unexcused absence for attendance purposes. Students who arrive late at school will receive 2 “free” tardies.In addition, parents may excuse a child late to school 5 times throughout the year. After the 2 free, and the 5 excused tardies, all further tardies will be unexcused, and will count towards truancy. After 7 tardies, office discipline referrals will be issued to the student.
APPOINTMENTS
To leave the building for appointments, the student must submit a parent note to the office before school. The office will issue a pass authorizing the student to leave the building. At the time of departure and/or return, the student must notify the office.
EMERGENCY
Realizing that emergencies do arise, to be excused, a pupil’s parent shall notify the office, if possible in advance, either in person, or by telephone, or by letter stating exactly the cause of absence. You and your parents decide your emergency absences. Should you take your emergencies for unacceptable reasons (Principal’s decision), these absences will be considered unexcused absences and treated as such.
MAKE-UP WORK
All work shall be made up with no exceptions. Appropriate make-up work shall be determined by the teacher whose class has been missed, but it is the responsibility of the student to get the work from the teacher and hand it in by the designated times.
When a student is absent and would like to have the work to do at home, the student should contact the school by 8:00 a.m. and make arrangements to have teachers get materials together. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the office will not collect homework for a student who is absent for one day. If a child is absent for more than one day, parents may contact the office and request work to be collected. It is the parent’s responsibility to acquire the collected work.
TRUANCY
Under s. 118.16(1) of the Laws of Wisconsin, “truancy” means: any absence of one or more days from school during which the principal or teacher has not been notified in writing of the legal cause of such absence by the parent or guardian of the absent pupil, and also means intermittent attendance carried on for the purpose of defeating the intent of s. 118.15.
When it has been determined that a student meets the legal definition of truancy, a student-parent-principal conference may be required before a student may be returned to classes.
In addition, the juvenile authorities will be informed of the truancy. Repetitious acts will involve the juvenile authorities that shall cause an action to be brought under s. 118.15(5) of the Laws of Wisconsin.
Students leaving the school building at any time during the regular school day must have a pass from the office. Students leaving without this pass will be considered truant.
GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES
The students of Bloomer Middle School have a reputation for excellent behavior. You, as a member of this student body, can share this reputation, individually as well as part of the total school. To maintain this reputation, you must be aware of the following:
Students should avoid extreme violations of school and common sense regulations that may result in a suspension. You, as a student, should show the same respect for teachers, other students, the building, materials, books, and facilities as you would want and like shown to you and yours. A student who bases their conduct on this type of mutual respect will not encounter discipline problems.
The matter of student conduct is not so much one of rules and regulations as one of consideration of the rights of other people. The degree to which conduct is right or wrong is determined by whether or not that conduct interferes with the rights and privileges of others. If it does interfere, then it is unacceptable conduct, even if there are no specific rules to govern that behavior.
Students should give thought to the consequences of their actions. Whenever restrictions are placed on students as individuals, it is because of the possible consequences of their actions to the larger group of which the individuals are a part. Students who disobey specific rules will be subjected to the disciplinary plan in place at Bloomer Middle School. Serious infractions will result in the student being sent to the office. It is a serious matter to be sent to the office for disciplinary reasons regardless of the offense. A record of the reason for the referral and the action taken will be sent to the parent and also placed in the office records. Should these offenses become habitual, the incidents will be entered into your cumulative folder. Parent conferences and suspension from school are probable actions resulting from a serious offense. Expulsion from school by the Board of Education is the extreme action that may be taken when the student fails to conform to the school rules and regulations.
Any referral to the office for disciplinary purposes is, at best, unpleasant and unnecessary. The guiding thought that each student might consider in conduct control could be stated as follows: When you have a problem that is affecting your success and happiness in school, feel free to come to the office for assistance, but make sure that you are not the problem that is sent to the office.
ALCOHOL/OTHER DRUGS
Student use or possession of alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances is strictly forbidden. State laws are very specific and strict concerning their use by persons under legal age.
Any Bloomer Middle School student who has consumed or possessed alcohol or any other controlled substance at or before school or school-related activities will be subject to actions specified in the Student Assistance Program policies as adopted by the Board of Education. A copy of the policy is available upon request from the office.
It is the policy of the school district to take firm but fair disciplinary action against all students found to be abusing alcohol and/or illegal drugs on its premises. A three-day suspension is mandatory, and it is also the policy to take a positive action through education, counseling, parental involvement, medical referral, and police referral in handling of all incidents.
ASSIGNMENT BOOKS / PLANNERS
All students will be provided with an Assignment Book. All students are required to carry the Assignment Book to their classes and record daily assignments and thus, provide parents with a means of monitoring their child’s schoolwork. If the Assignment Book issued is lost, it will be the student’s responsibility to pay to replace it. If it is defaced in any way, students will need to purchase a new one.
The Assignment Book also works as the student’s Hall Pass. When a student needs to leave an assigned room to go to some other part of the building, he or she will need to have the instructor sign approval in the appropriate space. The student is to go only to the indicated destination. A pupil excused from an assigned class remains the responsibility of the teacher issuing the pass.
The student will be required to carry the Assignment Book as their Hall Pass when leaving an assigned area unless escorted by school personnel. There is a limited number of Hall Passes available each day in the Assignment Book. When all available spaces have been used, a student will not be allowed to leave the assigned classroom.
ATHLETIC PROGRAMS
Seventh and Eighth grade students may participate in all interscholastic athletic programs (i.e., volleyball, wrestling, track and field). Fifth and sixth grade students may participate in interscholastic wrestling.
To participate in interscholastic sports, a student is required to have a WIAA Physical Card, signed Activities Code Pledge Sheet, Treatment Waiver, and payment of a participation fee on file with the office before the sport begins. Directors of the various activities will inform students concerning attire, practice times, places, etc. for each event.
All students participating in athletic programs are subject to the Honor Level System rules and procedures.
BAND / CHOIR
Students in band and/or choir make a commitment to the group by registering for the course. Students must make all required rehearsals as determined by the instructor. Likewise, the commitment made to the group is important, as these are performing ensembles that rely on all participants. In order to stop participating in band or choir, a student must submit a note signed by a parent by November 1st (to drop at end of first trimester) or March 1st (to drop at the end of the second trimester).
BULLYING
We realize that a safe and welcoming school environment is critical for student success. Therefore, bullying is not allowed at BMS. The School District Policy regarding bullying states: Bullying is defined as a form of aggression in which there is an imbalance of power between the bully and the victim. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or psychological and is of a repetitive nature. It can be direct (face to face) or indirect. Indirect bullying includes exclusion and gossip. Harassment, intimidation, and bullying are prohibited in all academic and nonacademic settings. This includes, but is not limited to, school classrooms and hallways, school buses, cafeteria, athletic competitions, field trips, locker rooms, and cooperative work programs.
Additionally, at BMS we realize that bullying concerns often arise outside of school or in an online environment. Therefore, we also consider cyberbullying as bullying behavior which will not be tolerated. Cyberbullying issues often negatively impact the learning environment, and they can seriously impede a child’s ability to learn. Cyberbullying is defined as willful or repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices.We will follow laws, regulations, and case law findings when addressing issues of cyberbullying. Additionally, Bloomer Middle School may report a student to the authorities under Wisconsin Statute 947.0125, which classifies various forms of cyberbullying as Class B misdemeanors.