BRENTWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR

WELCOME TO BRENTWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL,

HOME OF THE BENGALS!

This agenda belongs to:

Name: ______Grade:______

When we BELIEVE, we ACHIEVE!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome and Brentwood Basics...... 3

Welcome

Mission and Vision Statements

Bell Schedule

Contact Information

Student Attendance and Grades...... 6

District Attendance Policy

School Make-up Work Policy

Grade Reporting

Progress Report Dates

Homework Policy

Student Conduct and Climate...... 8

District Code of Conduct

School Based PBIS

Major Discipline Matrix

District Universal Dress Code

School-specific Dress Code

District Policy-Bullying

Personal Property, cell phones, technology, electronics

Athletics and Activities ...... 18

Athletic Information

Physical Examinations and Insurance

Sportsmanship

Fight Song

Clubs

General Information/School Procedures...... 20

School Arrival and Dismissal

Cafeteria and Meal Information

Counseling Services

Library/Media Center

Health Office

General Conduct In and Around the Building

Welcome to the Bengal Family!

We are pleased to have the opportunity to serve the students and community of Brentwood Middle School. Built 50 years ago, Brentwood’s past is rich, the present powerful, and the future bright. As we move into the 2015-2016 school year, we want you to know just how excited we as a school community are to have each one of you in our Bengal family.

As educators, we are ecstatic that you have chosen Brentwood Middle School to continue your educational journey, and we are committed to providing you a quality academic experience because we want you to be successful in middle school, high school, college, and life. We want you, our students, to know that academic success is of incredible value here, and we will do all that we can to make sure you have the skills you need to achieve your goals. We also want you to know that we are equally committed to providing you with a safe school where every individual feels valued and respected, and we will do all that we can to maintain a positive school climate filled with Bengal Pride.

In closing, please use this handbook to acquaint you with important information about our school. Remember, your success as a student depends upon the effort you put forth and your desire to do great things. Meet the challenges ahead and take advantage of every opportunity extended to you both inside and outside of the classroom as there are many.

We look forward to knowing and working with each of you to create an even better Brentwood!

School District 6 Mission Statement

School District 6 provides a quality education for every learner within a system of high expectations and rigorous, focused instruction.

Corebeliefs:

  • We prepare students for success in a constantly changing and diverse world.
  • We treat every one of our students, parents, staff and community members with dignity and respect.
  • We embrace the individual uniqueness of each student, parent, staff and community member as this diversity enriches the educational experience for all.
  • We pursue excellence and encourage creative and critical thinking skills.
  • We maintain a safe environment to enhance learning and teaching.
  • We welcome vigorous engagement by parents and the community in our schools and district.

International Baccalaureate Mission Statement

The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

Brentwood Middle School Mission Statement

We will academically and socially prepare our Brentwood Bengals for high school, college, and life.

Bell Schedule

The bell schedule at Brentwood Middle School has been created to allow for important professional development opportunities for our staff on Mondays. As a result, students will have a weekly early release.

Please note that school starts promptly at nine. The expectation is that all students are on our campus ready for the day no later than 8:55 AM.

Mondays:

6th Grade / 7th Grade / 8th Grade
Core 1 / 9:00-10:08 / Core 1 / 9:00-10:08 / Core 1 / 9:00-10:08
Core 2 / 10:11-11:18 / Elective 1 / 10:11-10:44 / Core 2 / 10:11-11:18
Elective 1 / 11:21-11:54 / Elective 2 / 10:45-11:18 / Core 3 / 11:21-12:28
Lunch / 11:56-12:26 / Lunch / 11:21-11:51 / Lunch / 12:31-1:01
Elective 2 / 12:28-1:01 / Core 2 / 11:54-1:01 / Elective 1 / 1:04-1:37
Core 3 / 1:04-2:12 / Core 3 / 1:04-2:12 / Elective 2 / 1:38-2:12
CoreEx / 2:15-2:45 / CoreEx / 2:15-2:45 / CoreEx / 2:15-2:45

Tuesdays-Fridays

6th Grade / 7th Grade / 8th Grade
Core 1 / 9:00-10:30 / Core 1 / 9:00-10:30 / Core 1 / 9:00-10:30
Core 2 / 10:33-11:58 / Elective 1 / 10:33-11:15 / Core 2 / 10:33-11:58
Elective 1 / 12:01-12:43 / Elective 2 / 11:16-11:58 / Lunch / 12:01-12:31
Lunch / 12:45-1:15 / Lunch / 12:01-12:31 / Core 3 / 12:34-1:59
Elective 2 / 1:17-1:59 / Core 2 / 12:34-1:59 / Elective 1 / 2:02-2:44
Core 3 / 2:02-3:27 / Core 3 / 2:02-3:27 / Elective 2 / 2:45-3:27
CoreEx / 3:30-4:15 / CoreEx / 3:30-4:15 / CoreEx / 3:30-4:15

Important Contact Information

Brentwood Middle School

Nicole Petersen, Principal 348.3009

Suzette Luster, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director 348.3011

Avelina Vasquez, Attendance/Front Office Secretary 348.3000

Linda Rulla, Activities and Athletics Secretary 348.3002

Loeta Hendrickson, Office Manager 348.3001

Health Clerk Office 348.3026

Megan Steward, Counselor 348.3196

Clark Shaw, Counselor 348.3018

Susan Mackenzie, GT Facilitator 348.3062

District 6 Administration Information

Address: 1025 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631

General Information: 348.6000

Website:

District 6 Transportation: 348.6800

Nutrition Services: 348.6600

Student Absences and Excuses

Significant learning is provided daily for all students in every district classroom. This educational opportunity is the result of in-class participation and quality classroom instruction. The benefits of this experience cannot be fully replaced. Consequently, regular and punctual attendance is an important criterion for success in school and absences are detrimental to effective learning. Each student in the district is required to attend school daily as established by the calendar determined annually by the Board and in compliance with state law. Unauthorized absences shall be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in accompanying procedures. A cooperative effort between the student, parent, district and the community regarding attendance fosters a positive educational experience. Therefore, the following goals and guidelines have been developed to establish good attendance habits at an early age. These habits will positively transfer with the students and their parents/guardians as students’ progress through the district’s educational program and beyond the scholastic setting.

Excused absences: Excused absences are defined as any absence from school due to temporary illness or injury and any other reason deemed acceptable by the school administrator. In general, prior notice of absence from the student’s parent or guardian is required and the school administrator may require verification, such as a physician’s statement, when appropriate.

The following shall be considered excused absences:

  • A student who is temporarily ill or injured or whose absence is approved by the administrator of the school of attendance on a

pre-arranged basis. Prearranged absences shall be approved for appointments or circumstances of aserious nature onlywhich cannot be taken care of outside of school hours. Approval for a pre-arranged absence(s) may necessitate a parent conference.

  • A student who is absent for an extended period due to physical, mental or emotional disability. Medical documentation may

be required.

  • A student who is pursuing a work-study program under the supervision of the school.
  • A student who is attending any school-sponsored activity or activities of an educational nature with advance approval by the

administration.

5.A student who is suspended or expelled.

Attendance Plan and Attendance Court: When a student has reached four absences from school in any month or ten absences during any school year, the school shall either require a meeting or other form of communication between the student’s parent guardian and appropriate school personnel to review and evaluate the reasons for the student being habitually absent from school. A plan may be developed for the student with the goal of assisting the student to remain in school. When practicable, the student’s parent/guardian may participate with school personnel in the development of the plan. The district may require suitable proof regarding the above exceptions, including written statements from medical sources. When the district is aware that criteria exist to designate a student as habitually truant, the district shall refer the students and his or her parent/guardian to the Weld County Judicial System, Youth and Family Connections and/or the Weld County District Attorney’s Juvenile Diversion Unit.

Unexcused absences: An unexcused absence is defined as an absence that is not covered by one of the foregoing exceptions. Additionally, an unexcused absence shall be recorded if a student leaves a school or leaves a class without permission of the teacher or school administrator. Each unexcused absence shall be entered on the student’s record. The parents/guardians of the student receiving an unexcused absence shall be notified orally or in writing by the district of the unexcused absence. In accordance with law, the district may impose academic penalties which relate directly to classes missed while unexcused. Penalties may include a warning, school detention or in-school suspension. Academic penalties, out-of-school suspensions or expulsion shall not be imposed for an unexcused absence. The maximum number of unexcused absences a student may incur before judicial proceedings are initiated to enforce compulsory attendance is 10during any calendar year or school year.

Tardiness: Tardiness is defined as the appearance of a student without proper excuse after the scheduled time that a class begins. Because of the disruptive nature of tardiness and the detrimental effect upon the rights of the non-tardy student to uninterrupted learning, appropriate penalties shall be imposed for excessive tardiness. Parents/guardians shall be notified of all penalties regarding tardiness. In an unavoidable situation, a student detained by another teacher or administrator shall not be considered tardy provided that the teacher or administrator gives the student a pass to enter the next class. Teachers shall honor passes presented in accordance with this policy.

Make-up Work: Make-up work shall be provided for any class in which a student has an excused absence unless otherwise determined by the building administrator. It is the responsibility of the student to pick up any make-up assignments permitted on the day returning to class. There shall be two days allowed for make-up work for each day of absence. Make-up work shall be allowed following an unexcused absence or following a student’s suspension from school with the goal of providing the student an opportunity to keep up with the class and an incentive to attend school.

Homework Practices: The goal of homework is to assist with student learning that is relevant to instruction. Students will be provided with strategies and resources from teachers that will allow them to complete homework. A student will not fail a course based solely on incomplete homework.

Grade Reporting

It is essential for parents/guardians to be kept fully informed of their student's progress in school. Regularly issued report cards, combined with scheduled parent-teacher conferences, serve to promote a process of continuous evaluation of student performance. This process informs students and their parents and provides a basis for bringing about change in student performance if such change seems necessary. Parents shall be informed at regular intervals of the progress of their students.

Report Cards/Progress Reports

TRIMESTER END DATES
November 6, 2015
February 12, 2016
May 24, 2016

Student Code of Conduct

District 6 expects all students to behave appropriately for an educational environment and follow school rules. All schools are expected to establish behavior guidelines as defined in the school’s positive behavior intervention and support (PBIS) plan. Any behavior which disrupts the learning environment, and/or is detrimental to the safety and welfare of other students or staff is subject to disciplinary action. The principal or designee may apply disciplinary consequences including suspension or a recommendation for expulsion for any student who engages in one or more of the following activities while in school buildings, on district property, when being transported in vehicles dispatched by the district or one of its schools, during a school-sponsored or district-sponsored activity or event and off school property when the conduct has a reasonable connection to school or any district curricular or non-curricular event.

Behavioral Expectations and Positive Behavior Support

Brentwood is committed to providing students with a school that provides clear expectations for student behavior. These behaviors will be taught formally to students in each of their classes. Also students will receive a refresher on behavioral expectations during grade level class meetings.

Students will receive recognition for upholding the Bengal Way (our behavioral expectations) by receiving Bengal Bucks, CLAW-mpliments, and/or Bengal Booster awards. These awards will describe the appropriate behavior, where and when it occurred, and will list the student’s name, as well as the staff member who gave the recognition to the student. Bengal Bucks can be used to purchase prizes ranging from Bengal apparel to snacks to gift certificates from area businesses. Students who receive Claw-mpliments are entered into a weekly drawing for Bengal Floats!

Our PBIS motto is “Give Them the CLAW.” By following CLAW expectations, we are confident that all students will know how to achieve success. We believe the “CLAW” represents four primary principles that guide student growth…

Brentwood Bengals Give Them the CLAW…

Come prepared

  • Bring materials to class
  • Come to class ready to learn and participate
  • Not only be on time, but use time efficiently

Listen and learn

  • Demonstrate self-control
  • Use appropriate language
  • Be a self-advocate

Act respectfully

  • Be kind to others and keep an open mind
  • Keep our school clean
  • Honor the Bengal Way and show pride

Work hard

  • Perform at the top of your academic potential
  • Take ownership of your actions
  • Participate in and support co-curricular activities

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior- Middle School Level

Consequences for inappropriate behavior are contained in the following chart which is used in all schools. The school’s responses to inappropriate behaviors are subject to change by the direction of Weld County District 6 Board of Education. Prior to the imposition of a consequence, the student will be informed of the behavior for which the consequence is being imposed and will have some opportunity to explain his/her side of the story. Students using Internet must abide by the provision of the District 6 Technology User Agreement and Colorado Revised Statute 18-5.5-101 and 18.5.5-102 (also Title 17, USC Section 102). Copies are available upon request. For students identified as disabled and on an Individual Education Plan, please refer to policy/procedure JK*-2. Please note that any infraction marked with an asterisk (*) may involve school police resource officer or local law enforcement agency. CCS means community/campus service and suspension can be in-school (ISS) or out-of-school (OSS).

District 6 Discipline Matrix

The following consequences apply to behavior on campus, in school vehicles and at school activities and events.

BEHAVIOR / FIRST OFFENSE / SECOND OFFENSE / REPEAT OFFENSES
* Possession/use of drugs or other controlled substances or possession/use of drug paraphernalia. / School counseling and 3 day OSS suspension. / School counseling, 5 day OSS suspension, recommendation for evaluation and treatment program or recommendation for expulsion. / School counseling, 10 day OSS suspension, recommendation for evaluation and treatment program or recommendation for expulsion.
*Sale/distribution of drugs or other controlled substances. / School counseling, 10 day OSS suspension, and recommendation for expulsion. / School counseling, 10 day OSS suspension, and recommendation for expulsion. / School counseling, 10 day OSS suspension, and recommendation for expulsion.
*Possession/use of alcohol, consumption of alcohol or under the influence of alcohol. / School counseling and 3 day school suspension. / School counseling, 5-day suspension, recommendation for evaluation and treatment program or recommendation for expulsion. / School counseling, 10 day suspension, recommendation for evaluation and treatment program or recommendation for expulsion.
*Sale/distribution of alcohol. / School counseling, 10 day OSS suspension, and recommendation for expulsion. / School counseling, 10 day OSS suspension, and recommendation for expulsion. / School counseling, 10 day OSS suspension, and recommendation for expulsion.
Smoking/chewing or use of tobacco or nicotine products including but not limited to e-cigarettes, vaporizers or accessories. / School counseling, warning, and/or CCS. / School counseling and 1 day suspension. / School counseling and 3 day suspension.
*Possession/use of a weapon as defined by Colorado Revised Statutes. / 10 day OSS suspension and recommendation for expulsion. / 10 day OSS suspension and recommendation for expulsion. / 10 day OSS suspension and recommendation for expulsion.
Any act which disrupts the normal educational process. / School Counseling and 1 of the following: loss of privileges or suspension or expulsion depending on the severity of the offenses. / School Counseling and 1 of the following: loss of privileges or suspension or expulsion depending on the severity of the offenses. / School Counseling and 1 of the following: loss of privileges or suspension or expulsion depending on the severity of the offenses.
Disrespectful behavior. / Warning, School Counseling, CCS and/or detention. / School counseling, CCS, or 1 day ISS or OSS suspension. / School Counseling and 1-3 day OSS suspension.
Disruption of class. / Warning, School Counseling, CCS and/or detention. / School counseling, CCS, detention, or 1-3 day ISS or OSS suspension. / School counseling and 3-5 day OSS suspension.
Insubordination/refusal to follow a reasonable request of a staff member. / School counseling, CCS, or 1-3 day ISS or OSS suspension. / School counseling, CCS, or 3 day OSS suspension. / School counseling, 3-5 day OSS suspension, recommendation for expulsion.
*Possession of or setting off fireworks or other incendiary devices. / School counseling and 1-2 day OSS suspension. / School counseling and 3-5 day OSS suspension. / School counseling and 5 day OSS suspension.
*Possession or use of a weapon or other article to cause bodily harm. / School counseling, 3-5 day OSS suspension, and/or recommendation for expulsion. / School counseling, 10 day OSS suspension and recommendation for expulsion. / School counseling, 10 day OSS suspension and recommendation for expulsion.