TABLE OF CONTENTS
Principal’s Message 1
Important Phone Numbers at the Middle School 2
Extracurricular Activities 2
Lackawanna School District & Middle School Directory 3-4
Important Dates 5
Time Schedule 6
P.T.S.O./Academic Boosters 7
Parental Involvement 7
Student Registration & Residency 8
Grading Policy 8-10
Promotion Policy 10
Guidance Procedures 11
Attendance 11
District Wide Attendance Policy 12
Tardiness Policy 15-16
Class Cutting Policy 16
Truancy Policy 16
Student Health Services 16
Procedures of School Conduct & Discipline 17-21
Alcohol, and Other Drugs, Including Tobacco 17
Visitors 21
Alternate School Program (A.S.P.) 23
School Safety Procedures 24
Bus Procedures 25
Student Grievance Procedure 26
Student Transportation 26
Cafeteria Procedures 26
Study Halls 27
Study Skills 27
Library Passes 27
Conduct at Athletic Events 27
Interscholastic Sports/Activities 28
Students Rights and Responsibilities 31
Index 32
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Publication of our Student Handbook is designed to help acquaint you with the many academic and co-curricular activities available at Lackawanna Middle School. It is essential that all students and parents read the information contained in the handbook so there will be an understanding of the daily operation of our school. It will also familiarize you with the regulations and procedures necessary for the school to achieve its educational purpose. When this handbook does not give you the information you need, you should contact your principal, counselor, or a teacher for help.
An effective school requires a cooperative effort on the part of the students, teachers, administration, parents and community. I ask for your help in this venture and assure you that the result will be well worth the effort. I strongly urge you to take an active part in the life of our school so that we may grow in wisdom and understanding.
Mr. Michael D. Jakubowski
Principal
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Athletic Director, Mr. Minniefield 827-6733
Attendance Office, Mrs. Helen Swisher 827-6750
Audio Visual Office (AV), Mr. Sikorski 827-6756
Kitchen 827-6752
Custodian's Office & Middle School Cafeteria 827-6738
Guidance Office (7 - 8), Mr. Amarante 827-6783
Ms.Cynthia Balcarczak, Secretary 827-6783
827-6786 – Fax
Middle School Office, Mr. Jakubowski, Principal 827-6704
Ms.Geri Rodriguez, Secretary 827-6704
827-6784 - Fax
Maintenance Office / Buildings & Grounds, Fran Michaels 827-6729 or 6730
Nurse's Office, Ms. DePasquale, Ms. Bozich 827-6765
Physical Education & Athletic Office, Mr. Hubbard 827-6720
School Lunch Program, Ms. Morales 827-6716
Social Worker, Ms. Carolyn Sanchez 827-6755
Special Education Office, Ms. Christine Sawran 827-6731
Superintendent’s Office, Dr. Frederick A. Wille 827-6767
Board of Education Clerk’s Office, Mrs. Annette Iafallo 827-6706
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
National Junior Honor Society
Yearbook Club
Middle School Student Council
School Service Club
Interscholastic Sports (7th and 8th Grade)
(Subject to Restrictions)
H.E.L.P.
Honor’s Technology Club
Foreign Language/International Club
Explorer’s Club – Disbanded until further notice
School Store – Disbanded until further notice
Chorus Club – Disbanded until further notice
School Newspaper – Disbanded until further notice
LACKAWANNA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
PRESIDENT Mrs. Patricia Bryniarski
VICE PRESIDENT Mr. Michael Sanders
MEMBERS Mr. Steve Hetey
Mr. Ron Miller
Mr. Kevin Rozwood
Mr. Omar Saleh
Mrs. Sandra Seittz
SUPERINTENDENT…………………………………………… Dr. Frederick A. Wille
MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL (7 - 8) Mr. Michael Jakubowski
MIDDLE SCHOOL FACULTY
ART DEPARTMENT Ms. Katie Parks
A.S.P T.B.A.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT Ms. Mary Anne Schwartz, Dept. Chairperson
Mrs. Nancy Childs
Ms. Jessica Coccionitti
Mrs. Kristie Russell
Mr. Gregory Staniszewski
E.S.L. Mrs. Lois Hooper
FOREIGN LANGUAGE Mrs. Paolina Hubbard, Dept. Chairperson
Mrs. Jamie Jo Janiga-Long
Ms. Mariah Kramer
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT……………… Mr. Thomas Tutak, Dept. Chairperson
Mr. Gregory M. Amarante
HEALTH DEPARTMENT…………………… Mr. Rick Hubbard, Dept, Chairperson
Mr. Joseph Russo
HOME CAREER/TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS….. Mr. Patrick Cook, Dept. Chairperson
Mrs. Marcia Bek
Mr s. Mary Sharon Cassano
Mr. Steven Hebert
Mr. Michael Penz
LIBRARY Ms. Lisa Berst
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT Mrs. Louise Krolikowski, Dept. Chairperson
Mr. Peter Fiore
Mr. Brian Fischer
Mr. Joshua Gabel
Mr. Jeffrey Otremba
MUSIC DEPARTMENT …………………….. Mr. James Hayes, Dept. Chairperson
Ms. Linda Cellini
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPT Mr. Rick Hubbard, Dept. Chairperson
Mr. Dennis Daley
Ms. Marisa Mauro
REMEDIATION SERVICES Ms. Sandra Marinelli
SCHOOL DOCTOR…………………………………………… Dr. Frederick Occhino
SCHOOL NURSE Mrs. Diane Bozich
Mrs. Lisa DePasquale
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT ………………Ms. Elizabeth Hackett, Dept. Chairperson
Mrs. Michelle Knavel
Mrs. Ida Butwin
Mrs. Mary Powers
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT Mr. Thomas Kacalski, Dept. Chairperson
Mr. Martin Hernik
Mr. Darrell Skelton
Mr. Joseph Troiano
SOCIAL WORKER Ms. Carolyn Sanchez
SPECIAL EDUCATION …………………..Mrs.Nancy DeMarco, Dept. Chairperson
Ms. Maria Brogcinski
Mrs. Susan Hannon
Ms. Roberta Lisowski
Mrs. Sandra Lagree
Mrs. Cori Lynch
Mrs. Jennifer Willats
BUILDING SUPPORT STAFF
SECRETARY TO PRINCIPAL Ms. Geri Rodriquez
SECRETARY TO GUIDANCE Mrs. Cynthia Balcarczyk
CLERK TEACHER REGISTRY Mrs. Camille Zephro
A.V. TECHNICIAN Mr. Thomas Sikorski
CENTRAL PRINTING Mrs. Marcia Tos
TEACHERS AIDES Ms. Karen Orosco
Mrs. Janet Radich
Mrs. Mary Ellen Tokarz
MONITORS…………………………………………………………. Mrs. Rose Gelyon
Mrs. Rosemarie Liberta
CUSTODIANS Mr. Greg Paryz, Custodian
Mr. Joseph Palczak, Custodian
IMPORTANT DATES
2008-2009
September 1 *Labor Day Holiday
2 *Superintendent’s Conference Day
3 First Student Attendance Day
October 3 Emergency Drill – Early Dismissal
13 * Columbus Day
24 *Superintendent’s Conference Day
November 11 *Veteran’s Day
27-28 *Thanksgiving Recess
December 24- Jan 2 *Winter Recess
January 5 First Day of Attendance after Winter Recess
21-22 NYS Assessments in English Grades 7 & 8
19 *Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
27-30 January Exams
February 2 *Superintendent’s Conference Day /NCLB Scoring
10 Early Dismissal/Parent Teacher Conferences (Grades 7 & 8)
16-20 *President’s Week Recess
23 SCHOOL RESUMES
March 10-11 NYS Assessments in Math – Grades 7 & 8
23 *Superintendent’s Conference Day
April 8 NYS Science Performance Assessments - Grade 8
9-17 *Spring Recess
20 SCHOOL RESUMES
29 NYS Science Written Assessment - Grade 8
May 22-25 *Memorial Day Recess
June 2-3 NYS Social Studies Assessment – Grade 8
22-25 Final Exams
26 *Rating Day/Teachers’ Last Day
28 High School Graduation
* = No School Attendance
TIME SCHEDULE 2008-2009
STUDENTS ENTER THE BUILDING 7:50 AM
Breakfast Period 7:50 - 8:10 AM
Period I 8:14 - 8:54 AM
Homeroom Period 8:54 - 9:03 AM
Period 2 9:07 - 9:47 AM
Period 3 9:51 – 10:31 AM
Period 4 10:35 - 11:15 AM
LUNCH 1 11:19 – 11:49 AM
Period 5A 11:19 - 11:59 AM
Period 5B 11:53 - 12:33 PM
LUNCH 2 12:03 - 12:33 PM
Period 6 12:37 - 1:17 PM
Period 7 1:21 - 2:01 PM
Period 8 2:05 - 2:45 PM (Bus Dismissal at end of Period)
Walker Dismissal 2:50 PM
Daily Activity Bus 3:20 PM
Detention Bus (Tues., Wed., Thurs.) 3:50 PM
EXTRA HELP OR TEACHER ASSIGNED 2:50 – 3:20 PM
DETENTION
*** All students are scheduled for all 8 Periods; however, the majority of students will be released at 2:45 PM unless a teacher requires them to stay until 3:20 for extra help or detention. Students should plan after school activities, jobs, etc. taking the 3:20 dismissal time as their regular dismissal time.
2:55 PM – 4:00 PM PRINCIPAL ASSIGNED DETENTION
TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY
Since the Middle School and the High School are located in the same physical structure, there will be an area where the schools meet. That area is the center staircase. It will serve as a dividing point between the two groups of students, i.e., grades 9-12 versus grades 7-8. In keeping with the division of the physical structure into two separate units, there are two separate entrance times for each student group. Grades 9-12 and Grades 7-8 will enter the building in the morning using the glass doors in the U-Drive, but will arrive at the school at different times (40 minute separation). During the course of the school day (8:14 AM – 3:20 PM) the only student entrance from Grades 7-8 will be the glass doors near the High School office. At dismissal Grades 9-12 will use the same doors plus the Exit near A31 to dismiss. The Middle School students will utilize the eastern exits. No Middle School student will be allowed in the U-Drive area at dismissal until after the buses leave.
Visitors who enter the building will be greeted by school personnel, asked to present a Picture ID, sign in and be directed to the Middle School Office. No exception to this policy will be allowed.
P.T.S.O. Meetings at 7:00 PM – High School Cafeteria
2008-2009
Thursday………………………….. September 18th.
Monday …………………………… November 3rd.
District wide Meeting at
Truman Elementary
Thursday………………………….….. January 15th.
Thursday……………………………….. March 19th.
District wide Meeting at
High School
Thursday…………………………….…….May 28th.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
As the new school year begins a very warm welcome is extended to all! Lackawanna Middle School has a number of different groups and clubs to participate in, for students and parents alike.
There are approximately 1,100 students in the building during any given school day. Their success in their education is greatly enhanced by the degree of involvement of their parents. Studies have shown that students benefit tremendously when parents take an active part in their child’s education. The amount of time each family is able to spend in such activities varies.
Parents of students attending the Middle School are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities directly related to their child's educational experience. Monthly meetings of the P.T.S.O. will be held throughout the year. All parents are encouraged to join the P.T.S.O. to help promote a positive atmosphere in the Middle School community. Schedules for these meetings are included in this handbook (as noted above).
Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (P.T.S.O.) – This formal group meets throughout the school year in the High School cafeteria where a variety of topics are discussed. The evening meetings begin at 7p.m. All parents of students in grades 7-12 as well as the students are welcome at all meetings.
The P.T.S.O. gives recognition and awards to students who attain academic averages of 84.5% or higher quarterly. Every ten weeks, students are presented certificates, plaques, or trophies for their many achievements. An additional award is given to students who may not have earned an 84.5% average but have shown significant improvement in their work. These students receive The Most Improved Student Award.
PARENTAL VISITATIONS
Visitations to the school are encouraged during the school year with prior arrangements made through the School Principal's Office. Classroom visitation, except under extraordinary circumstances, is discouraged due to a disruption of the teaching process.
Parents should be aware of their rights! These include the following:
- Know what is expected of your child.
- Know what and how your child is being taught.
- Know the progress your child is making on a timely basis.
- Be informed if your child experiences difficulty.
- Be able to see your child's school records.
- Be able to visit your child's school and talk to your child's teachers and principal at appointed times.
- Be encouraged and assisted to participate in educational decision making.
- Be treated with courtesy and respect by school personnel.
Parents should also be aware of their responsibilities!! These include the following:
- Send your child to school rested, clean, fed and ready to learn.
- Ensure that your child attends school regularly.
- Be aware of your child's work, progress and problems.
- Maintain continuing contact with your child's teachers and principal.
- Reinforce at home the importance of acquiring knowledge, skills, and values needed to function in society.
- Volunteer time, skills, and resources when needed.
- Take part in school/community programs that empower parents to participate in making educational decisions.
- Respond in a timely fashion to communications from your child's school.
- Attend conferences as requested by school personnel.
- Support the general discipline policies of the school at home.
STUDENT REGISTRATION & RESIDENCY
Any student seeking entry into this district will have the parent or legal guardian present two (2) utility bills as proof of residence, all student records including medical statements, attendance records, academic records and disciplinary history or statements before such application for registration can be processed. If a student seeking entry is not living with his parents, his guardian is required to produce a court ordered document (not merely a notarized statement) AS PROOF OF LEGAL CUSTODY.
GRADING POLICY
1. MISSION STATEMENT
It is the mission of the Lackawanna Middle School to assist each and every child to realize his or her fullest potential, and to become a responsible, productive, life-long learner who accepts and appreciates the multi-cultural society in which we live.
2. PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
As an educational institution, it is our endeavor to help and assist every student to learn and master subject area content. We realize that in this context there is great variety exhibited among students with regard to motivation and application.
It is important that students be recognized for success in learning. This reinforcement will help build positive attitudes toward success that the students can carry through their years of schooling and into their adult lives. A feeling of accomplishment builds self-esteem, character, independence, and a sense of responsibility.
We believe that it is our responsibility to encourage all students to achieve a level of mastery and provide an opportunity to match academic potential with achievement. We also believe that it is not the school's responsibility alone, but one shared with the student concerned, the student's parent/guardian, teachers, guidance counselors, administrators, and support staff in a teaming approach.
3. PURPOSE
To develop an effective evaluation policy, the Lackawanna Middle School has adopted a two-fold approach.
A formal grade reporting system will be used in grades 7 and 8. It will provide information about student progress during a specified marking period in an efficient, concise, and uniform manner using numeric or alphabetic grades. These reports will give the professional staff, parents/guardians, and students an objective and comprehensive picture of student progress. Supplemental reports (interim reports and informal letters) will be used throughout the marking periods to provide more detail in identifying and describing student progress to the parents/guardians.