1.Students Are to Show Respect to Others

1

TMS

School-Wide Rules

1.Students are to show respect to others.

2.Students are to speak in a polite manner at

all times.

3.Students are to keep hands, feet, elbows, etc.

to themselves.

4. Students are not permitted to fight.

5.Students are to have their school agendas with

them at all times.

6.Students are to demonstrate responsible behavior

for school property, and the rights and property

of others.

7.BE PREPARED TO LEARN.

August, 2017

Dear Parents:

In order to provide the best possible educational environment for your child, and one which he/she fully understands, we ask that you support us with the behavioral guidelines of the school as outlined in the Student Code, as well as the Dress Code explained in the Student Agenda. Please take the time to review the material with your child ensuring that he/she understands the rules and procedures of the school. We ask that this form be signed by both you and your child, and returned to his/her 1st period teacherby August 21, 2017.

We thank you for your cooperation and assistance in helping your child begin the 2017-2018 school year as smoothly as possible. We look forward to a successful school year for your child and welcome your participation in your child’s educational process.

______

I have read the student handbook material outlined in the Student Agenda and have discussed it with my child. We understand the expectations of the Tallmadge Middle School and know that should we have any questions or concerns regarding this information, we may contact the school for further clarification.

Date ______

Student’s HR Room # ______HR Teacher ______

Student’s Name (Please Print) ______

Student’s Signature ______

Parent’s Name (Please Print) ______

Parent’s Signature ______

Sincerely, Sincerely,

Mr. Robert J. Kearns Mr. Jeff ManionPrincipal Assistant Principal

Tallmadge Middle School
Student & Parent Handbook

Welcome to Tallmadge Middle School. All the members of the staff are pleased to have you here as a student and will do our best to help you make your experience here as productive and successful as you wish to make it.

Robert Kearns, Principal

Jeff Manion, Asst. Principal

Anne Kostko, School Secretary

Kim Dyer, Clerk/Treasurer
Beth Sands, Secretary/Athletics Secretary

Counselors:

James Shannon(A-L)
Laura Wieland (M-Z)

Jeffrey M. Ferguson, Superintendent of Schools

Tallmadge Board of Education Members:

Mr. Rick Kellar, President

Mrs. Christine Cipa, Vice President

Mrs. Jennifer Justice-Carter, Member

Mr. Chris Tywon, Member

Mr. Mark Fairhurst, Member

EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of this District to provide an equal education opportunity for all students. Any person who believes that the School or any staff person has discriminated against a student on the basis of race, color, creed, disability, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, place of residence within the boundaries of the District, or social or economic background, has the right to file a complaint. A formal complaint can be made in writing to the School District’s Compliance Officer, Steve Wood-Business Director –(330)633-3291. The complaint will be investigated and a response, in writing, will be given to the concerned person. The Compliance Officer can provide additional information concerning access to equal education opportunity. Under no circumstances will the District threaten or retaliate against anyone who raises or files a complaint.

Tallmadge Middle School

DAILY Bell SCHEDULE

6:55 AM – Building open to students (all students must go directly to the cafeteria.)

7:05 AM – Busses drop off, Morning Meeting in the Gym

Block 1 7:20 – 8:40
Block 2 8:45 – 10:05
Academy A (Grade 8 Lunch) 10:05 – 10:35
Academy B (Grade 7 Lunch) 10:36 – 11:06
Academy C (Grade 6 Lunch) 11:07 – 11:37
Block 3 11:40 – 1:00
Block 4 1:05 – 2:25

Buses leave at 2:30 p.m.

*All students must be picked up and off campus by 2:35 p.m. unless students are involved in an after school activity.

** Students may not arrive on campus in the morning before 6:55 A.M.

REPORT CARDS/INTERIM REPORTS

Report cards will be sent home with students except for the last report card of the year, which will be mailed home.

MONITORING STUDENT PROGRESS: Parents may review their child’s academic performance through our on-line progress book. A confidential password (provided to students and parents) is required to gain access to a child’s records. Updates to progress book are made on a weekly basis.

BUS REGULATIONS

With safety in mind, it is the responsibility of all students using transportation provided by the Tallmadge Board of Education to observe both the guidelines and expectations established by bus drivers as well as the district conduct code. Bus drivers have the right to issue students yellow warning cards for misbehavior and/or pink cards denying bus privileges for a given number of days. Both cards require a parental signature and will be kept on file in the transportation office. Please refer to policies listed in the back section preceding the school calendar. Students are required to follow school rules and follow the code of conduct at all times while utilizing school transportation. Administration may suspend students from transportation services if they fail to follow school and bus rules.

Parents can contact the Transportation Supervisor at (330) 633-2215 for information concerning specific bus routes or changes. Temporary or one day bus passes will not be issued.

MORNING ARRIVAL

Students are to immediately enter the building upon arrival at school and are not permitted to congregate on or within sight of school grounds. Students may not arrive at school before 7:05 A.M. Students arriving prior to 7:15 must go directly to the cafeteria (no locker) and remain seated there until dismissed by a staff member. While in the cafeteria, students may talk quietly or work on assignments. Students found in unsupervised areas of the building prior to 7:15 may receive disciplinary consequences.

BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS AND ROLLER/IN-LINE SKATES

Students may ride a bicycle to school. While on school property, students are to walk with their bicycles. Bicycles are to be secured with a lock at the bike near the front entrance. Skateboards/roller/in-line skates are not permitted on school property.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

Students are expected to dress appropriately at all times. Any fashion (dress, accessory, or hairstyle) that disrupts the educational process or presents a safety risk will not be permitted.**Backpacks cannot becarried to class and must stay in the student’s locker during school hours.

The following styles or manners of dress are prohibited:

• Nospaghetti straps, muscle shirts, tank tops, sleeveless tops, tube tops ormesh tops.
• No exposed midriffs, bare backs or see-through clothing.
• Shorts and skirts are to come to the kneemid-thigh (Shorts may not be worn during the 2nd and 3rd grading periods)
• Leggings may be worn with a top or shirt that reaches the mid-thigh in length.
• No holes or tears in any article of clothing
• No alcohol, drug, tobacco, sexual, vulgar, or violent symbols or sayings.
• No offensive language, symbols or pictures on clothing
• No underwear exposed or worn as outerwear.
• No droops in the pants. Pants must be worn at the waist. Underwear must be concealed at all times.
• Coats, fleeces, jackets and outerwear may not be worn to class. Students may choose to wear a lightweight single lined hoodie to class as long as the hood is not worn on the head. Hoodies that have lining or that extend below the waist are considered outerwear and must be stored in student lockers
• No sunglasses or nonprescription glasses are to be worn in the school building
• No hats, head-coverings or distracting hair accessories or styles are to be worn in school.
• Hair may not cover the student’s eyes
• Spray colognes, perfumes or deodorants are not permitted in school.
• Other prohibited items include: 1.) tight or form fitting pants, shorts, or skirts 2.) tops with low necklines 3.) visible bra straps 4.) gloves or false sleeves 5.) pajamas 6.) flannel pants 7.) slippers 8.) stiletto heels or heels higher than two inches 9.) studded belts 10.) heel skates 11.) bandannas 12.) chains of any kind 13) skirts with a slit that extends more than two inches above the knee
  

Violations to the student dress code will result in the following disciplinary actions:

• 1st offense: Warning and change clothes into school provided clothing
• Additional offenses may result in after school detentions, Saturday detentions, in-school suspensions and out of school suspensions.

** Students will not have the option to call home for a change of clothes when they are out of dress code. Students refusing to change into TMS supplied clothing will be considered insubordinate and may be suspended from school. *** The student dress code is in effect from student arrival until 2:45 p.m. each school day. The dress code applies during all field trips and detentions regardless of time.

Food and Beverage

Gum chewing is not allowed on the TMS campus

Students are not permitted to bring coffee or similar beverages to school.

Sunflower seeds are not permitted on the TMS campus

Energy drinks and coffee are not permitted on the TMS campus

Water is the only drink allowed outside of the cafeteria.

Physical Education Dress Code/Participation

Students must dress for class every day. Appropriate dress consists of shorts or sweat pants, T-shirts (in conformity with school dress code), socks, and non-marking athletic shoes with laces tied. Clothes worn in P.E. must be entirely different from the clothes worn to school. Students must have all of these items on in order to participate in class. TMS athletic uniforms may not be worn. Physical Education is a class that is mandated by the State of Ohio, Department of Education Curriculum. Students are expected to not only dress on a daily basis, but also to “actively participate”. If a student cannot participate in P.E. because of an illness or minor injury for approximately 1-5 days, a note from a parent or guardian is required. There is no grade reduction for an excused non-participation. A medical note from a physician is necessary to excuse a student if they will be missing more than 5 days of class. Alternate activities or assignments will be given to all excused students. Students will be responsible for and graded on the alternate assignment.

Students excused by a physician must have the physician’s clearance (by note, fax, or phone call) to return to physical activity in class. Those students that are not prepared for class will also be expected to participate in an alternate activity such as walking.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Pursuant to legislation, House Bill 410 (2016) and Tallmadge City School District Board of Education:

A district or school absence intervention team, a team of educators, district representatives and other supportive adults, will develop a specialized absence intervention plan for students who are habitually truant. Absence intervention plans incorporate academic and non-academic supports to help the student and remove barriers to regular attendance. Current legislation highlights the importance of parental engagement and accountability as part of a student’s absence intervention plan.

Habitual Truant:

1. Absent 30 or more consecutive hours without a legitimate excuse;
2. Absent 42 or more hours in one month without a legitimate excuse; or
3. . Absent 72 or more hours in one year without a legitimate excuse.

Excessive Absences

1. Absent 38 or more hours in one school month with or without a legitimate excuse; or
2. Absent 65 or more hours in one school year with or without a legitimate excuse.
   

Call-In Procedures For Students Who Will Be Absent
Parents/Guardians are required by OHIO STATE LAW to notify the school of a student absence,(prior to the beginning of the school day if possible) by calling our main office line at (330) 633-4994. If this is not done, the office staff must attempt to notify parents by phone. This is a time-consuming process, which occupies phone lines. Parents are required to send in a follow-up note, explaining the student’s absence.

Parents are also asked to notify the office of upcoming absences whenever possible, especially vacations.

Please call the office and send in written confirmation. Students are responsible to request their homework assignments from their teachers when an absence is planned.

• After 7 absences per semester that are excused by a parent/guardian, a doctor’s excuse will be required for each additional absence. Failure to provide a doctors’ excuse will result in an unexcused absence for any missed days after the 7th absence per semester.

• Students who are marked as “unexcused absent” for 7 or more days per grading period will automatically receive the grade of “F” in any courses they are enrolled in for the grading period. Students will not be given the opportunity to make up work following unexcused absences.

Perfect Attendance

Students who are in attendance for everyday of the school year and have less than 4 early dismissals and/or late arrivals will be awarded a “Certificate of Perfect Attendance.” Students arriving late, dismissing early, or signing out early for more than four doctor’s appointments a year will not be eligible for a perfect attendance certificate.

TARDY TO SCHOOL POLICY

In addition to regular attendance, being on time is an important habit for students to develop for the future work place. Students arriving after the 7:30am 1st Period bell are required to sign in at the office and will be considered tardy. Progressive detention time for excessive tardiness will be assigned by the office throughout the year. Late arrivals after second period without a medical/dental excuse will be considered a half-day absence.

The following TARDY consequences will apply:

• 4th through 8th tardy = After-School Detentions
• 9th through 11th tardy = Saturday Morning Detentions
• 12th through 14th tardy = In-School Suspensions
• 15th tardy and beyond = Out-of-School Suspensions and/or Police & Court referral.

Note: There will be a “New Start” granted at the beginning of the second semester.

Students are also expected to arrive on time to each class throughout the day. Tardy students will only be exempted from consequences with a documented medical or dental excuse. Teachers will assign consequences at their discretion for excessive tardiness to their classes.

EARLY DISMISSAL

An early dismissal will be granted for the following reasons: medical appointment, funeral, school-relatedactivity (non-athletic) or illness. Students requesting an early dismissal must present their 1stperiod teacher with a signed note from parent/guardian during morning attendance. Any early dismissal beyond two periods will be considered a half-day absence. Only Parents/Guardians, (and the names on the emergency medical form) are permitted to meet their child in the office and sign them out before escorting them out of the building. Students may sign themselves back in with a note from the appt. or parent. A pass back to class will be given to them from the office staff.
ATTENDANCE AT EXTRA-CURRICULAR EVENTS

In order for students to be permitted to attend or participate in extra-curricular events, they must attend a minimum of half the school day. Students that have been suspended from school are not permitted to attend after school events within the District on the days of their suspension. Students who are suspended or absent may not attend District extra-curricular events that are held on or off school property.

Attending extra-curricular activities/events is a privilege, not a right. Students who do not obey school rules will be in jeopardy of losing that privilege. Students who have lost the right to attend extra-curricular activities will be notified by school administration. The student’s privileges will be reinstated when they have demonstrated an improvement in behavior.

VISITORS

By state law, visitors are required to report to the main office immediately upon entering the building and sign in. Visitors must enter the building through the main entrance. For reasons of safety, all entrances will be secured during the school day and all entrances are monitored by a security camera/recording system.

STUDENT LOCKERS

Each student will be assigned a locker and provided with a school-owned lock by their homeroom teacher to use for the school year. Students will occupy only their assigned lockers. Students placing material in a locker other than their assigned locker or sharing a locker will be issued disciplinary consequences. Students will be asked to complete a locker card stating their name, locker number and lock combination. These cards will be safely stored in the office and used in case of emergency. In order to avoid theft and/or pranks all students will be required to lock their locker with the school supplied lock only. A $10.00 replacement cost will be charged to the student for lost locks. Students failing to lock their locker will be issued disciplinary consequences.
Due to athletics and other community functions, many individuals/groups have access to the building throughout the year in addition to the regular student population. Because lockers are the property of the school district, they can legally be searched by school staff if there is reason to believe that an illegal or prohibited item, or evidence of a conduct code violation, exists. It is the responsibility of the student to properly maintain his/her locker throughout the year and report any possible damage or defacement that may occur. Of course, students are expected to occupy only their assigned locker.
TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks are owned by the school district and should be carefully maintained throughout the year. Students are required to place a protective cover on textbooks and teachers have the right to issue fines for lost or damaged books.

FEES AND FINES

Students and parents will be notified of any fees and/or fines that are levied throughout the year. Fees could pertain to workbooks, lab supplies, field trips, etc. Failure to pay fees may result in grade cards being withheld and/or the denial of privileges to attend field trips and/or end-of-year functions.

Please contact our financial clerk, Mrs. Dyer, in the main office for information regarding specific fees/fines. In the event of financial hardship, an alternative payment plan can be confidentially arranged.