OMRO

MIDDLE SCHOOL

PARENT HANDBOOK

- Home of the Foxes -

Revised August 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PARENT HANDBOOK

Office Hours/Attendance/Assignments/Make-up Work/

Communication/Elevator Keypage 3

Medication/Emergency Carepage 4

Visitor Policy/Lost & Found/School Closings/Insurance/

Lunch/Photograph/Videotapingpage 5

Technology in Classrooms /Progress Report, Conferences,

Report Cards/Promotion and Retention Policies/Cheatingpage 6

Laws of the Landpage 7

Co-Curricular Activities/Conduct Rules
Co-Curricular Conduct Rules Consequencespage 8

Co-Curricular Academic Rules/Spectator Behaviorspage 9-10

Staff Contact Informationpage 11

PARENT HANDBOOK

OMS OFFICE HOURS

OMS office is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The school telephone number is 685-7403 Ext. 226. You are encouraged to call the office if you have any questions or wish to arrange to speak to any staff members. If you child must leave school during the day, he/she must sign out to leave school and in to return to class. An appointment log is provided in the middle school office.

STUDENTS STAYING AFTER SCHOOL

Students attending extra-curricular activities, Homework Club, or using the recreational area (which, closes at 4:30) should be picked up shortly upon completion of the activity. If reasonable arrangements cannot be made, students should be picked up at an alternate location.

ATTENDANCE

Students of middle school age are required by law to attend school regularly unless the child has a legal excuse. Legal causes for absence include students illness, parent in the hospital, death in the immediate family, religious retreat or holiday. Please be aware that absence(s) for reasons other than these are unexcused and will be considered truant. Students must fill out a prearranged absence form for deer hunting or family vacations. Students who do not fill out the form will be unexcused and considered truant.

When a student is absent, it is very important for parents to phone the school in the morning (685-7403 Ext. 226) no later than 8:30 please! At this time parents need to state the reason for the absence(s) and make any request(s) for homework. Parents my also call in an absence the night before by leaving a message on our answering machine.

To participate in an athletic or extra curricular event, a student must be in attendance the ENTIRE day.

Compulsory attendance law states that if a student is absent without excuse for 10 or more days the student is considered habitually truant. More detailed information on student attendance procedures is located in school board policy.

ASSIGNMENTS FOR ABSENT STUDENTS

When students are absent from school you may call the office (685-7403 Ext. 226) to request assignments they have missed before 10:00 a.m. Homework may be picked up in the middle school office from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Students must make up all work missed because of absence or suspension, whether the absence was excused or unexcused. It is the student’s responsibility to contact teachers regarding any make-up work, which needs to be completed. Time allowed for completing make-up work shall be two days for each day absent. Example: absent 1 day = 2 days to make-up the work, 2 days absent = 4 days to make-up the work.

HOME SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

Parents can expect regular information about middle school happenings, missing assignments, newsletters, etc. through the manila envelope (Parent Pouch) on Fridays. Parents are always encouraged to call the office or check out our web site with questions.

ELEVATOR KEY

Elevator keys are available in the office for those students who are physically unable to use the stairs. The key MUST be returned at the end of the day and may be picked up the following morning for use.

ADMINISTERING MEDICINES TO STUDENTS

The following procedures will be used for dispensing medication to students in the OmroMiddle School. Medication Request forms are available in the office.

  1. The parents submit a signed and dated Medication Request Form for the school to administer medication. The request must include the name of the drug, the exact dose to be given, and the time the medication is to be given.
  2. For prescription medication the Medication Request Form must also be signed by medical personnel.
  3. Prescription medication to be administered at the school must have a pharmaceutical label giving:
  1. Child’s name
  2. Name of drug and dosage
  3. Name of pharmacy and telephone number
  4. Name of physician
  5. Please transport the prescription to school to ensure the integrity of the medication.

It may be necessary to ask the pharmacy for an extra labeled container to send to school.

  1. Non-prescription medication to be given at school must be labeled with:
  1. Child’s name
  2. Name of drug and dosage
  3. Kept in the original manufacturer’s container.
  1. A student may self-administer an inhaler for asthma or an Epipen for allergic reactions if:
  1. A parent must submit a signed and dated Medication Request Form for the student to be allowed to carry and use the inhaler or Epipen. The Medication Request Form must include the name of the inhaler, and interval it should be used.
  2. The Medication Request Form must be signed by a physician who recommends the student be allowed to carry and self-administer their own inhaler.
  1. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide needed medication in appropriately labeled containers. All medicine is to be taken to the office unless requirements are met for self-administration.
  2. It is the parent’s responsibility to administer any medication required by a student during the school day unless the above criteria are met.
  3. If more knowledge is needed by the school authorities to exercise prudent judgment for the safety and protection of the pupil on medication, the school nurse, building principal, or person administering medication will contact the physician or pharmacist directly.
  4. All medication to be administered by school personnel will be kept in a safe place, dispensed only by designated school personnel and documented in a medication log.
  5. The school nurse will be given a copy of medication requests form. School personnel should record and report to nurse or prescriber any unusual behavior of the pupil on medication.
  6. Medications shall under no circumstances be dispensed unless all of the above criteria are met. All changes must be in writing and all requests must be renewed each school year.

EMERGENCY CARE INFORMATION FOR PARENTS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!!

The safety and welfare of your child is of great importance to both you and our school. If your child should become ill or injured while under the school’s supervision, the following steps will be taken on behalf of your child.

  1. If you child has a minor accident, the following action will be taken:
  1. First aid will be administered following Standard Red Cross or school approved procedure.
  2. Your child will return to class.
  1. If your child is unable to go back to class because of illness or minor injury, the following steps will be taken:
  1. You will be called and asked to transport your child home.
  2. If you are not available, the emergency number found on the information card will be called.
  3. If we are unable to reach you, the child will be kept in school and continued attempts will be made to reach you or the emergency designate.
  1. If your child is in need of immediate medical attention, the following steps will be taken:
  1. First-aid will be rendered immediately according to Standard Red Cross or school approved procedures.
  2. You will be called. If you cannot be reached, the emergency designate will be called.
  3. When deemed necessary by the school administrator or the parents, the local EMT unit will be called to assist.
  4. Transportation to a medical facility will be arranged for the student through the parent by ambulance or by school personnel when necessary.

We need your cooperation in putting this plan into effect for each child. Please BE CERTAIN that the school has updated emergency information on your child by notifying us throughout the school year of any changes. Also, please feel free to call us at any time if you have any questions.

VISITOR POLICY

No student visitors are allowed in the classrooms. However, as a parent, you are welcome. Please report to the office upon your arrival.

“SOMEONE STOLE MY….’ (LOST AND FOUND)

The Lost and Found is located in the office. Please encourage your child to check in the lost and found or at the office before reporting an item stolen. Numerous items are unclaimed at the end of each quarter. The unclaimed items are given to Good Will.

SCHOOL CLOSING

School closings will be announced on WOSH – 1490 AM, WISS-1090 AM, WNAM-1280 AM, WYNE-1150 AM, WROE-94 FM, WIXX-101.1 FM, AND WBAY-TV Channel 2.

STUDENT INSURANCE

The school district does not have insurance covering student injuries. An insurance brochure is given to each parent the day of registration. If you are interested in this plan, be sure to follow the directions on the enrollment envelope.

PHOTOGRAPHING, AND/OR VIDEOTAPING

In the course of a school year, groups of students are occasionally videotaped or photographed in classroom situations, during fine arts performances, on field trips, for teacher training, etc. The resulting photo or videotape may be used in a variety of ways: to promote the school district, individual school, or specific programs to community; or, to orient new parent, staff, and students. The final product could also take a variety of forms: photo displays, slide presentations, newspaper articles, pamphlets, video programs, or the yearbook. Pursuant to the Family Educational Right and Privacy Act and State Statutes 118.125 (1) (d), any parent, guardian or eligible student (18 years of age or older) may inform the district of their desire that their child not be photographed or videotaped through a PHOTOGRAPH AND/OR VIDEOTAPE DISCLAIMER form available at registration.

VIDEO USE IN THE CLASSROOM

At times teachers will use videos throughout the school year to supplement existing course curriculum or in special projects.

Our selection process for the teachers using recorded materials involves three steps.

1. The video must be consistent with the objectives of the curriculum.

2. The video must be previewed before showing for appropriateness and

technical merit.

3. The video must have a rating of G or PG.

A part of the registration process is to ask for your approval of the intended use of videotapes. Students exempted from viewing of all videos will be given an alternative assignment that reflects the concepts the existing curriculum or special projects required.

TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

We recognize that technology, such as laptop computers, personal digital assistants, electronic readers, and other emerging technologies, can serve as educational tools for students. Personal technology devices are stored and secured, by a double locked (tumbler plus a keyed padlock) system, in your school locker. Students may lose the privilege of using the technology in a classroom for a period of time if it is deemed as being misused, such as, entertainment or distracting others. Students who want to bring these types of items into the classroom need to do the following:

a)Parent/student signature on a Personal Technology Contract

b)Verbal permission from the classroom teacher

c)Check out a padlock with key from office

d)Understand that you are responsible for any loss or damage to the item(s).

e)Agree not to use the item as entertainment or to distract others in class.

f)Use a protective and carrying case for the device: not a backpack.

PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY CONTRACT

This contract will serve to notify school personnel on the use of a personal electronic device ______for educational purposes in the classroom settings. It is understood that my child may lose the privilege of using the technology in a classroom for a period of time if it is deemed as being misused, such as, entertainment or distracting others. Since the item is of personal property it will be double secured in the school locker using the existing tumbler and a keyed padlock. The responsibility of the personal electronic property remains with the family in case of damage, loss, or theft. If necessary, the cost of replacing the padlock and/or key is also the responsibility of the family.

______
Parent Signature Date

______
Student SignatureGradeLocker Number

PROGRESS REPORTS, CONFERENCES, AND REPORT CARDS

Progress reports will be sent home each mid-quarter. Please call the school if you ever have any questions for your child’s teaches. A conference day is scheduled after first quarter ends. However, feel free to call the school to set up conferences with you child’s teachers whenever you have concerns. The best time to call a team is: 6th grade – 9:30 to 10:00, 7th grade – 10:15 to 10:45, and 8th grade – 2:00 – 2:30.

Report cards will be mailed home.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION POLICIES

The primary instructional objective shall be to provide opportunities that enable individuals to achieve at levels consistent with their abilities. All students recommended for full promotion shall have successfully accomplished minimum expectations in core academic classes (Math, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Science) and standardized tests.

If your son/daughter is at risk of being retained, you will be contacted throughout the year of the possibility unless there is a dramatic academic improvement. A team of teachers and the principal will make the decision on retention.

CHEATING

There is a difference between cheating and collaborating. Collaborating between fellow students is a partnership of effort. Cheating is when one student supplies answers while the receiving student puts forth no input or effort. Cheating is dishonest; therefore, teachers will inform their students of the consequences/punishment that will be administered.

LAWS OF THE LAND

Each student is expected to follow school and classroom expectations. Failure to do so will result in consequences. More information is provided in the student handbook section entitled, “Law of OMS” and “Consequences”.

CO-CURRICULAR/ACADEMIC POLICY

It is the position of the School District of Omro that involvement in co-curricular activities is a privilege with accompanying responsibilities and expectations. It is the interest of the school and community that equitable standards for participation be established and administered. These standards include academic performance and personal behavior at all times.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Any student participating in any co-curricular activity must read and sign the District Co-Curricular Code. This code must be signed by the participant and parent and filed in the office.

Academic BowlGrade 8

Builders ClubGrades 6, 7, 8

ForensicsGrades 6, 7, 8

School YearbookGrade 7, 8

Athletics

Basketball (boys/girls)Grades 7, 8

FootballGrade 7, 8

Volleyball (girls)Grades 7, 8

Cross CountryGrades 6, 7, 8

WrestlingGrades 6, 7, 8

Dance TeamGrades 7, 8

TrackGrades 7, 8

Ski Club Grades 6, 7, 8

*Participation requires that a current physical examination or alternate year card along with insurance/insurance waiver be on file in the middle school office.

Other activities that all students can be involved with that do not require physical exams or Co-Curricular Code signatures are: G.A.P., Office/Library Aides, Dances, Talent Show, Jump Rope For Heart, and Spelling Bee.

To participate in ANY EXTRA CURRICULAR event a student must be in attendance the entire day of the event. Absences must also conform to the school’s attendance policies. If students have an excused appointment (doctor, dentist, funeral) they must be in attendance a minimum of 50% of the school day.

CO-CURRICULAR CONDUCT RULES

Conduct rules are established for the best interests of the students and the team. A student is covered by this Conduct Policy from the time he/she begins his/her involvement with the co-curricular program until the conclusion of his/her middle school co-curricular activities career. Participation in co-curricular activities is a privilege.

OmroMiddle School uses the Honor Level System for rewarding students with good behaviors. All students are expected to abide by the “Standards of Expected Behaviors” as listed on our Infraction Slip and posted on the middle school link of our web site at

Failure to abide by the established rules will result in withdrawal of the privilege to participate. Parents or guardians will be informed of the student’s code violation and suspension.

There is two categories of conduct violations and consequences for our athletes: Class 1 and Class 2 Infractions. The following shall be violations of the Code:

Class 1 Infractions

  • Tobacco – The possession, transfer, and/or use of tobacco products.
  • Alcoholic Beverages – The possession, transfer and/or use of alcoholic beverages.
  • Being in a vehicle where a non-parent driver is ticketed for driving under the influence of alcohol.
  • Presence at a function or in an establishment or portion thereof whose primary purpose is to serve/sell alcohol with a non-parent.
  • Drugs – The possession, transfer and;/or use of any drug not specifically prescribed by a physician.
  • Parties – Attending or participating in any gathering that includes activities considered illegal under the law.
  • Crimes – Being involved in criminal activities such as theft, burglary, assault, vandalism, etc.

Class 1 Consequences

First Offense

Suspension from three events/performances. Participate in the S.A.I.L. (Student Assistance in Life) program or comparable program at parent’s expense

Second Offense

Suspension from all activities for 1 calendar year.

Completions of an AODA assessment at a bona fide AODA Agency (parent’s expense).

Third Offense

Permanent expulsion from co-curricular activities.

Class 2 infractions

These infractions are not carried over from year to year and involve the following:

  • Honor Level Three
  • Honor Level Four
  • Disobeying rules established by the coach/advisor for his/her particular activity.

Class 2 Consequences

Students on Honor Level Three:

These students are entitled to limited school privileges. No athletic competition – they can practice and watch the home games only. These students also have no after school privileges such as dances, clubs, or other incentives. This consequence is in effect until 14 calendar days have past since the date of the infraction.

Students on Honor Level Four:

These students lose all school privileges and rewards. They are not allowed in school after 3:05 p.m. No practices and no games. This consequence is in effect until 14 calendar days have past since the date of the infraction.