CHAPEL HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2015 – 2016
CHAPEL HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL
Administration:
Dr. Donni Cook, District Superintendent
Mrs. Debbie Black, Campus Principal
Mrs. Ashley Loyd, Assistant Principal (A – K)
Mr. Rickey Hassell, Assistant Principal (L – Z)
Counselors:
Mrs. Cheryl Conner (A – K)
Mrs. Julie Simms (L – Z)
Key Support Staff:
Mrs. Vickie Cantrell, Campus Principal’s Secretary
Mrs. Elvira Barroso, Assist. Principal/Counselor’s Secretary
Mrs. Carla Ansley, Registrar
Mrs. Rhonda Laney, Bookkeeper
Mrs. Julie Sanches, Attendance
Mrs. Susanna Claussen, Receptionist
Nurse:
Mrs. Elaina McMullen
Security:
Officer Wendy Savering
Food Service:
Mrs. Billie Jo Hubbard
PREFACE
The Chapel Hill Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in providing education services. Mrs. Marienela Bowen, Director of Special Programs, has been designated to coordinate compliance with the non-discrimination requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 504 concerns for CHMS should first be addressed to Mrs. Julie Simms.
In addition to the following guidelines, students are subject to administrative regulations and Chapel Hill School Board Policies pertaining to student activities. These are on file in the Principal’s office or online at the district website. In case of a conflict in any guideline in this student handbook and regulations or policy, the board regulation or policy will take precedence.
A student or parent who has a complaint should first bring the complaint to the appropriate teacher. If the outcome is not satisfactory, a conference with the assistant principal can be requested. If the outcome of this conference is not satisfactory, a conference with the campus principal or his designee may be requested after the conference with the assistant principal. If the outcome of this conference is not satisfactory, then a conference with the Superintendent may be requested after the conference with the principal. If needed, the student or parent may appear before the Board of Trustees, in accordance with Board policy.
This handbook contains a great deal of required and useful information for a large number of students and parents. Because it cannot be as personal a communication as we would like, we address students not directly as “you” but rather as “the students”, “student”. Likewise, the term “student’s parent” may refer to the parent, legal guardian, or other person who has agreed to assume responsibility for the student.
ATTENDANCE
Regular school attendance is essential for the student to make the most of his or her education—to benefit from teacher-led and school activities, to build each day's learning on the previous day’s, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s mastery of the instructional materials; therefore, the student and parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences. Two state laws, one dealing with compulsory attendance, the other with attendance for course credit, are of special interest to students and parents. They are discussed in the following sections:
COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE
State law requires that a student between the ages of 6 and 18 attend school, as well as any applicable accelerated instruction programs, extended year programs, or tutorial sessions unless the student is otherwise legally exempted or excused. A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her eighteenth birthday is required to attend each school day. If a student eighteen or older has more than five unexcused absences in a semester, however, the district may revoke the student’s enrollment. The student’s presence on school property thereafter would be unauthorized and may be considered trespass.
A court of law may also impose penalties against both the student and his or her parents if a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school. A complaint against the parent may be filed in court if the student:
Is absent from school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year.
ATTENDANCE FOR CREDIT
To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. A student who attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered may be referred to the attendance review committee to determine whether there are extenuating circumstances for the absences and how the student can regain credit.
In determining whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences, the attendance committee will use the following guidelines:
All absences will be considered in determining whether a student has attended the required percentage of days. If make-up work is completed, absences for religious holy days and health care appointments will be considered days of attendance for this purpose.
PARENT’S NOTE AFTER AN ABSENCE
When a student must be absent from school, the student--upon returning to school--must bring a note, signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence. The note must be sent to the attendance clerk within three days of the absence. A note signed by the student, even with the parent’s permission, will not be accepted unless the student is 18 or older.
DOCTORS NOTE AFTER AN ABSENCE FOR ILLNESS
Upon return to school, a student absent for more than five consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s extended absence from school.
[See FEC (LOCAL).]
SIGNING STUDENTS OUT OF SCHOOL
Students that are signed out of school in the office before the end of the school day are required to bring a note signed by the parent/guardian or an excuse from a health care prfessional upon their return to school.
RELEASE OF STUDNETS FROM SCHOOL
A student will not be released from school at times other than regular dismissal hours except with the principal’s permission or according to the campus sign-out procedures.
A student who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parent/guardian that morning. A student who becomes ill during the school day should report to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parent.
MAKE-UP WORK
For any class missed, the teacher may assign the student make-up work based on the instructional objectives for the subject or course and the needs of the individual student in mastering the essential knowledge and skills or in meeting subject or course requirements. A student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the make-up work in a satisfactory manner and within the time specified by district policy[see EIAB]. A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher will receive a grade of zero for the assignment.
A student will be permitted to make up tests and to turn in projects in any class missed because of absence. Teachers may assign a late penalty to any long-term project in accordance with time lines approved by the principal and previously communicated to students.
SKIPPING CLASS
A student who is tardy to class by more than 20 minutes on the 90-minute block schedule or 10 minutes on the 45-minute class schedule will be considered as skipping class and subject to disciplinary action. A student who does not report to an assigned class during the school day is skipping and will be subject to disciplinary action.
TRUANCY
Truancy is an unexcused absence from class. Students have a responsibility to attend and be accounted for every class period they are scheduled for. Students who skip one class period or more will be subject to disciplinary action. Students must present a signed student planner when out of class.
BEFORE and after School Policy
Students are not allowed in the building before 7:15 a.m. and after 3:45 p.m. unless they are involved with an extra-curricular activity or tutoring with a coach or teacher. Normal dress code is to be followed. Students found in the building or on the school campus after 3:45 p.m. for any reason unless approved by an administrator or teacher are subject todisciplinary consequences determined by a campus administrator.
BULLYING/CYBER-BULLYING/HARASSMENT
Bullying, cyber-bullying, and harassment are considered detrimental to the learning environment and are considered serious offenses. Any student who believes that he or she has experienced bullying or believes that another student has experienced bullying should immediately report the alleged acts to a teacher, counselor, principal or other district employee. Students may report anonymously online through the CHMS website “Anonymous Tips. Com”.
All reports will be investigated and, if warranted, the following steps will be taken:
- Verbal warning
- Move to the next major infraction on the office levels
- Suspension/DAEP placement/Citation
CAFETERIA SERVICES: CHILD NUTRITION
Breakfast Price / Lunch PriceMiddle and High Schools / $1.50 / $2.50
For parents wishing to pay online and to view their student’s accounts they may go to this website .Parents wishing to apply for free or reduced price meals may go online at the CHMS website or .
CLOSED CAMPUS
All Campuses of the Chapel Hill ISD are closed. After arriving on campus during a school day, students must remain on campus for the duration of the school day unless they are checked out of school through the office by a parent/guardian. If a student leaves the campus before the normal end of school, that student will be subject to disciplinary action.
LEAVING CAMPUS
Students cannot sign out without permission from the attendance clerk or principal. Students who do not follow proper sign-out procedures will be subject to disciplinary action
COMPUTER RESOURCES
To prepare students for an increasingly computerized society, the district has made a substantial investment in computer technology for instructional purposes. Use of these resources is restricted to students working under a teacher's supervision and for approved purposes only. Students and parents will be asked to sign a user agreement regarding appropriate use of these resources; violations of this agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.
Students and parents should be aware that e-mail using district computers are not private and may be monitored by district staff.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Students who change their telephone number or contact information after enrollment should document this change using Skyward Family Access. A change of address must be made through the campus registrar and a proof of residency must be provided. Correct information is essential in case of emergencies at school or home. A student may be asked to verify his/her address.
COUNSELING
School counselors are able to help students with a wide range of personal concerns. Counselors are familiar with community resources and may direct students to other sources of information and assistance. Students who wish to discuss academic or personal concerns with a counselor should check with the counselor’s secretary for an appointment.
DELIVERING ITEMS TO SCHOOL
If a parent needs to deliver items left at home by a student (lunches, lunch money, books, coats, etc.) please deliver these items to the campus office. All packaged items must be labeled with the student’s name. Items that will not be delivered to students during the school day include birthday presents, flowers, candy, balloons, holiday gift items, Valentine’s Day gifts, and homecoming mums.
DISCIPLINE
The process of achieving good self-discipline simply means learning the value of obeying reasonable rules and regulations that are necessary in a group situation. Good discipline while in school will make a significant difference to students for many years to come in order to be productive, independent, and happy American citizens. Proactive approaches are used to help students realize responsibility for behavior. Rules help students learn responsibility. Students who violate the district’s Student Code of Conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action.
CONDUCT
The objective of Chapel Hill Middle School is to provide students with a quality educational program which encourages the acquisition, exchange, and application of knowledge. The school is committed to those rights of students recognized and protected under state and federal law, but it also expects students to behave in an appropriate manner and to contribute in a positive way to the school and community. Students are responsible for conducting themselves properly, in a manner appropriate to their age and level of maturity.
Students should conduct themselves in a respectful manner. To preserve this dignity, it is considered inappropriate for boys and girls to have their hands on each other. Public displays of affection as described herein are not in good taste. Students are not to engage in any public displays of affection including, but not limited to, embracing and kissing.
Students are not permitted to bring on campus or to a school related function: pocket knives, water guns, stink bombs, water balloons or any other item intended to disrupt the learning environment or school related activities.
CONDUCT AT ATHLETIC EVENTS
Students, behavior at athletic events, are governed by the Student Code of Conduct, due to athletic events being school sponsored events. Students attending football games are to be with their parents or sitting in the student section of the bleachers. Students will not be allowed to wander around the stadium or to loiter at the concession stands or restrooms. Students are required to follow all instructions of school or district staff, administrators, and law enforcement officers. Students who violate the district’s Student Code of Conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action.
DUE PROCESS
All students will have all rights of due process as outlined in board policy whenever their misbehavior results in disciplinary action. Briefly, those rights are as follows:
1. To be given oral or written notice of the charges against him/her (what they did wrong).
2. If the pupil denies the charges, he/she shall be given an oral or written explanation of the facts, which are the basis of the proposed action (the consequences).
3. The pupil shall be given an opportunity to present his/her version of the incident.
There shall be no appeal from a principal's decision in disciplinary matters unless suspension is involved or unless the decision can be proven to be arbitrary and grossly unfair.
CLASSROOM RULES
Students are expected to follow any classroom rules or procedures set forth by individual classroom teachers.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY / CHEATING / PLAGIARISM
Academic dishonesty—cheating or plagiarism—is not acceptable. Cheating includes the copying of another student's work—homework, class work, test answers, etc.—as one's own. Plagiarism is the use of another person's original ideas or writing without giving credit to the true author. A student found to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be subject to loss of credit for the work in question, as well as disciplinary penalties, according to the Student Code of Conduct.
LASER POINTERS
Students are not permitted to possess or use laser pointers while on school property, while using district transportation, or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities, whether on or off school property. Laser pointers will be confiscated and students will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students will be allowed to bring their own electronic devices to school for the sole purpose of research, assessment, and/or learning opportunities. Students are not required to bring their own electronic devices to school. Computers and other electronic devices will be provided for students to use when needed. Classroom teachers and administrators have the ultimate say on when and how personal electronic devices will be utilized.
The middle school is NOT responsible for:
•any damages, injuries, or claims resulting from the use of technology,
•stolen or damaged personal technology devices,
•the maintenance or repair of any personal technology,
•any cost incurred due to the use of personal technology for either texting or Internet usage charges that occur from the use of a student’s personal device.
It is the parent’s responsibility to make sure their child understands the usage options that are available to them, such as the number of texts permitted.
CELL PHONES MAY ONLY BE USED BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL HOURS OR WITH PERMISSION OF A TEACHER OR ADMINISTRATOR. IF A CELL PHONE IS USED DURING SCHOOL HOURS WITHOUT PERMISSION, IT WILL BE CONFISCATED IMMEDIATELY. THESE ITEMS MAY ONLY BE PICKED UP BY A PARENT/ GUARDIAN OR AFTER A PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT AND A $15.00 FEE WILL BE CHARGED UPON RETURN. CELLULAR PHONES THAT ARE NOT PICKED UP AFTER 30 DAYS OF THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL WILL BECOME PROPERTY OF CHAPEL HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
From time to time, students, teachers, and other district employees will participate in drills of emergency procedures. When the alarm is sounded, students should follow the direction of teachers or others in charge quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner.
Exit routes are posted in all rooms at school. During a drill, students must leave the room promptly and quietly, leaving behind all books and other large items. All visitors must evacuate the building during a fire drill.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT
Parents shall complete an emergency care card for each year that includes a place for parental consent for school officials to request medical treatment for the student as provided by law. Parents shall also be asked to supply other information that could be required in case of an emergency; parents should update this information as often as necessary.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS
Participation in school related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students; however, participation is a privilege, not a right. Eligibility for participation in many of these activities is governed by state law and the rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a statewide association overseeing interdistrict competition.