LAUREL PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL
280 Laurel Park Avenue
Martinsville, VA 24112
Phone: (276) 632-7216 Fax: (276) 632-4865
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Address
City-State-Zip
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Advisory Teacher
How to Use The Planner
Using the planner every day will help you reach your potential. Use it to keep track of homework assignments, test dates, special events, and other items of importance. You can even use it to keep track of your friends’ phone numbers and addresses, or your favorite web sites. The more you use the planner, the better you’ll like it and the more you’ll get out of it. And getting the most out of life is what life is all about! The monthly calendar also is a good place to track long-term assignments, like that book report that’s due next month. Record those extra-special events that require more details and write down your objectives each day.
This planner is designed to help you become more organized and succeed in school. If it is used effectively, you will always be aware of your class assignments and expectations for each teacher. The planner is also a very positive and important link between the student, the parent, and the school.
· Take your planner to each class every day.
· Write all homework assignments in your planner. You are also expected to take your planner home each night.
· Keep a clean and neat planner. If you intentionally tear or write graffiti on the planner, you will have to purchase a new one. You are also responsible for lost planners. The cost for replacement is $5.00. (subject to change)
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**Parents, please check your child’s planner daily. If used correctly, this is an excellent tool for teacher and parent communication.
Mission Statement
Henry County Public Schools is, a high performing school division, provides all students with an exemplary education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes self discipline, motivation, and excellence.
Suggested Steps to Student Success
· Believe in yourself!
· If you find yourself having problems, seek the help of any staff member. Remember, we can’t help if we don’t know.
· Take the opportunity to get to know as many students and teachers as possible.
· Be prepared with all necessary materials.
· Look for someone you can help in school. We are all part of a team that is working for success.
· Get involved! At Laurel Park Middle School, we have many recognition and extracurricular programs that can help make your school year a great experience!
“The Bill of Student Rights”
EVERY PERSON has the right to be treated as an exceptional human being. With that in mind, each student must treat teachers, staff, and other students with respect. By being a student at Laurel Park Middle School you can expect these things:
· The right to an education. Teachers should be free to teach and students free to learn without being interrupted by inconsiderate or disruptive students.
· The right to be safe in school and to have personal and school property respected.
· Freedom from physical abuse and/or mental abuse such as name calling, intimidation, harassment, or vulgar language. Swearing and use of inappropriate language are not acceptable. Discipline will be in compliance with school and district policy.
· Freedom from being segregated or mocked because of race, sex, religion, physical strength, friendship groups, age, culture, etc.
· The right to be able to make decisions that directly affect the student, and the acceptance of the consequences that go along with making decisions.
· The right to develop ones own personality (as long as it does not interfere with the rights of others) without disrespectful criticism or pressure from peers and cliques.
High Expectations = High Student Achievement
During this time of your life, EDUCATION is your career. Coming to this school is your job and your basic job expectations are as follows:
· Take PAPER AND PENCIL to each class daily.
· Take your PLANNER to each class daily. Carry it with you wherever you go in school. It is your “driver’s license.”
· Take appropriate TEXT BOOKS to each class daily.
· Know which classes require SPECIAL MATERIALS. Be responsible for taking those materials to each appropriate class.
· Be prepared and complete all HOMEWORK assignments.
· Be responsible for LEARNING at school. Learning is your first responsibility. It is great to have friends but you should not socialize during class time. Socializing interferes with both learning and the general atmosphere of the classroom.
· Put forth your best EFFORT at all times.
YEARLY SCHEDULE 2013-2014
Official Opening August 12
Labor Day Holiday September 2
Interim Reports (High School) September 3
Interim Reports (Middle and Elementary Schools) September 12
End of First Six Weeks Grading Period (High School) September 23
Report Cards Sent Home (High School) September 30
End of First Nine Weeks Grading Period (Middle/Elementary Schools) October 14
Interim Reports (High School) October 15
Report Cards Sent Home (Middle and Elementary Schools) October 21
End of Second Six Weeks Grading Period (High School) November 4
Report Cards Sent Home (High School) November 12
Interim Reports (Middle and Elementary Schools) November 15
Fall Break November 27-29
Interim Reports (High Schools) December 2
End of First Semester/Third Six Weeks/Second Nine Weeks December 20
Winter Break December 23-January 6
School Re-opens January 7
Report Cards Sent Home (All Schools) January 13
Lee/Jackson/King Holiday January 20
Interim Reports (High School) January 29
Interim Reports (Middle and Elementary Schools) February 7
End of Fourth Six Weeks Grading Period (High School) February 18
Report Cards Sent Home (High School) February 25
End of Third Nine Weeks Grading Period (Middle/Elementary Schools) March 11
Interim Reports (High School) March 12
Report Cards Sent Home (Middle and Elementary Schools) March 18
Spring Break March 31 – April 4
End of Fifth Six Weeks Grading Period (High School) April 8
Report Cards Sent Home (High School) April 15
Interim Reports (Middle and Elementary Schools) April 22
Interim Reports (High School) May 2
End of Second Semester/Sixth Six Weeks/Fourth Nine Weeks May 22
HENRY COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
Dr. Jared A. Cotton Dr. Joseph A. DeVault, Chairman
Division Superintendent Member-at-Large
Betsy S. Mattox, Vice-Chairman Terri C. Flanagan
Reed Creek District Horsepasture District
Rudy J. Law Curtis R. Millner, Sr.
Blackberry District Iriswood District
Kathy H. Rogers Francis E. Zehr
Collinsville District Ridgeway District
GENERAL INFORMATION
Business Hours
The main office will be open from 7:45 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For the safety of our students, students are not allowed to be dropped off at the school prior to7:45.
Dismissal During School Day
All students are expected to remain in school for the entire school day. If a student must leave school for an appointment, he/she must check out in the office. The student must have permission from his/her parent/guardian and from the school before leaving school grounds. No student will be released to a brother or sister who is a minor or any person other than the student’s parent or legal guardian without a parent or guardian’s written permission. No early dismissals will be given by phone for a student to leave the building.
For safety reasons: photo identification is required of all persons picking up a student! This is the policy every time!
Attendance
Virginia law requires that all students attend school regularly. Students are expected to report on time to school and to all classes in order to receive maximum benefit from the instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline, and responsibility.
While on school grounds, students are expected to be in class or their specifically assigned area. Unauthorized absences from class, or assigned areas, will result in disciplinary action. (See Henry County Public Schools’ Student Code of Conduct for additional attendance regulations.)
Attendance Procedures
Absence from school – A parent/guardian needs to call the school office prior to 9:00 a.m. on the day of their child’s absence. The student’s name, grade, and reason for absence are needed.
5 Unverified Absences= Attendance Meeting to be set up to sign and agree to an Attendance Contract
7 Unverified Absences= Referral to Student Services to proceed with Court Action for truancy/Diversion Program.
Tardy to school – Students who arrive at school after 8:30 are considered tardy.
Absence from Class-Students must have permission from his/her scheduled teacher in order to be excused to another classroom. Violation of this policy will be Out of Assigned Area or Skipping.
Early dismissal – No student may leave the school grounds prior to the dismissal bell without the written permission of a parent/guardian. Such permission must include the time and reason for dismissal and the name of the individual who will be transporting the student from school. Students must be signed out by a parent/guardian or authorized individual prior to the student leaving the building. Altering or forging of any school record, document, note, or signature will void the document.
For safety reasons: photo identification is required of all persons picking up a student! This rule is enforced every time!
Make-up work – Students are responsible to secure assignments missed due to absences from any class. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for all make-up work within three days of each absence. When requesting make-up work over the phone, please allow 24 hours for guidance to collect the make-up work before picking it up in the main office.
Disciplinary penalties – Students who are consistently absent or tardy for unexcused reasons will be subject to disciplinary action. (See Henry County Code of Student Conduct for additional attendance regulations.)
A student must be physically present for at least 50% of a class period in order to be counted present for that day.
Class Responsibilities
It is the student’s responsibility to get to each class on time. Students should come to class prepared with necessary materials: pencil, pen, notebook paper, notebooks, textbooks, and any other necessary materials. Students should remember that the classroom is a place of learning and should come to class with an alert mental attitude. In no way should students interfere or disturb the learning environment for other students in the classroom.
General Classroom Rules
· Be prepared.
· Bring only appropriate materials.
· Complete all assignments on time.
· Keep your hands to yourself.
· Be polite to everyone.
Student Behavior
Laurel Park Middle School sets very high behavioral expectations for students. We believe that students learn best in an environment that is both safe and respectful. We will not allow a student to interrupt the learning of others. Student behavior expectations and discipline infraction consequences are clearly stated in the Henry County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct handbook. It is the responsibility of the student (and parent) to be familiar with the Code of Conduct.
The teachers and administration at Laurel Park Middle School will apply disciplinary actions fairly and consistently. We ask parents to take time to review the disciplinary handbook with their children. We further realize that parents are a crucial link in establishing appropriate behavior in students. We seek parental support. Please feel free to contact the school with any questions.
Electronic Devices
· Cell phones, if and when confiscated, will be turned over to the parent only.
· Cell phones must not be ON nor VISIBLE during the school day.
· IPods, MP3 players, and any other music device/instrument are not allowed in school.
· Multiple violations of cell phone use will result in ASD.
After School Detention
Students that violate the Henry County School’s and/or Laurel Park’s Code of Conduct will be assigned After School Detention. The hours are from 3:30 to 5:30, Monday thru Thursday. Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation and all students must be picked up at 5:30. If a student continues to receive ASD for disruptive behavior and transportation continues to be a problem (pick up time), then a meeting with the parents and the principal must be held before the student returns to school.
After school detention will be given for offenses such as, but not limited to:
· Skipping
· Excessive Tardies
· Disrespect/Insubordination
· Class disruption/disturbance /horseplay
· Potentially dangerous behavior
· Harassment
· Inappropriate language
· Out of assigned area
· Preventing personnel to break up a fight
· Showing of affection
· Misrepresentation
· Any other disruptive, disrespectful, or inappropriate activity not listed
· Possession and use of electronic devices. (CD players, cell phones, and other such devices should not be brought to school.)
· Cutting the lunch lines
· Abuse of electronic devices
Failure to attend ASD may result in suspension, suspension until a parent conference and/or ASD attendance on the next scheduled day. Excessive violations of school policies and the Code of Conduct will forfeit any opportunity for attendance and/or participation in any school-sponsored event.
Fighting
Students involved in fighting may be suspended up to ten days and a referral to the Henry County Juvenile Intake Office may be made. Fighting will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Self-defense will be determined as a victim trying to physically remove themselves from the situation. Retaliation is not self-defense.
First Fight------5 Day Suspension
Second Fight----10 Day Suspension
First Fight/Injuries----- 10 Day Suspension and Discipline Hearing
Food and Drink
Chewing gum is not allowed to be chewed while in school without a note from a doctor (or orthodontist). No food or drink will be allowed in a classroom without the permission of the teacher. Students possessing food or drinks at times during which they are not allowed will have the items confiscated and may be subject to other consequences. Repetitive offenses may result in further consequences.
School Nutrition Programs – Middle Schools
The Henry County Schools’ Nutrition Programs participate in the federally funded School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP), providing nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free breakfasts and lunches to children each school day. Our programs meet federal nutrition standards, which have been modified to reflect the Institute of Medicine recommendations that have been adopted for the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.