Providing a Safe Harbor Where All Students Are Successful s1

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P.S. Jones Middle School

Parent & Student Handbook

“Providing a Safe Harbor Where all Students are Successful”

2017-2018

Table of Contents

Welcome………………………………………………………………………………………….…………..p.4

Board of Education- Beaufort County Schools…………………………………………………….……..p.4

School’s Vision and Mission Statements………………………………………………………….………p.4

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities…………………………………………………………….……….p.4

School Lunch Program………………………………………………………………………….…………..p.5

School Closing Due to Weather………………………………………………………………….…...……p.5

Bicycles and Skateboards……………………………………………………………………….………….p.5

Posting Material………………………………………………………………………………………….…..p.5

Letter from the Administration………………………………………………………………………………p.5

Office Telephone…………………………………………………………………………….……………….p.6

Injury or Illness at School……………………………………………………………………………………p.7

Medicine……………………………………………………………………………………………………....p.7

Lockers………………………………………………………………………………………………………..p.7

Media Center………………………………………………………………………………………………....p.7

Multimedia…………………………………………………………………………………………………….p.8

Lost and Found……………………………………………………………………………………………....p.8

Student Services Department……………………………………………………………………………....p.8

Counselors’ Office Phone………………………………………………………………………………..….p.8

Visitors…………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..p.8

Textbooks……………………………………………………………………………………………………..p.9

School Bus Information…………………………………………………………………………………..….p.9

Fighting on the Bus……………………………………………………………………………………….....p.10

Student Activities…………………………………………………………………………………………….p.10

Requirements for Clubs/or Organizations Participation………………………………………………....p.10

Athletics……………………………………………………………………………………………………….p.11

Random Testing of Students Participating in Athletics…………………………………………………..p.11

Eligibility Rules and Regulations……………………………………………………………………………p.12

School Accident Insurance…………………………………………………………………………………..p.13

Selection Criteria for National Junior Honor Society……………………………………………………...p.13

Student Fees…………………………………………………………………………………………………..p.13

Progress Reports……………………………………………………………………………………………..p.14

Grading Scale…………………………………………………………………………………………………p.14

Report Cards…………………………………………………………………………………………………..p.14

Honor Rolls…………………………………………………………………………………………………….p.14

Homework Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………...p.15

Items Not Allowed at School…………………………………………………………………………………p.15

Off Limits Area…………………………………………………………………………………………………p.15

Arial Sprays…………………………………………………………………………………………………….p.15

Fire, Tornado, Lockdown Drills……………………………………………………………………………….p.15

School Wide Discipline Plan………………………………………………………………………………….p.16

PBIS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..p.16

P.S. Jones Expectations………………………………………………………………………………………p.17

Classroom Rules……………………………………………………………………………………………….p.17

Hallway Rules…………………………………………………………………………………………………..p.17

Cafetorium Rules……………………………………………………………………………………………….p.17

Gymnasium Rules……………………………………………………………………………………………...p.18

Restroom Rules………………………………………………………………………………………………...p.18

Consequences………………………………………………………………………………………………….p.18

Student Code of Conduct……………………………………………………………………………………...p.18

Entering the Building…………………………………………………………………………………………...p.19 Student Drop Off (Loading and Unloading) Carpool Line…………………………...……………………..p.20 Student Pickup from All Afterschool Events…………………………………………………………………p.20

Attendance Policy………………………………………………………………………………………………p.20

Absence-Note Procedures……………………………………………………………………………………..p.21

Lawful/Excused Absences……………………………………………………………………………………..p.21

Unlawful/Unexcused Absences………………………………………………………………………………..p.21

Make-up Work…………………………………………………………………………………………………...p.21

Volunteering……………………………………………………………………………………………………...p.22

Communication……………………………………………………………………………………...…………..p.22

Beaufort County Schools Dress Code……………………………………………………………...………...p.22

PSJ Daily Schedules………………………………………………...………………………………………….p.24

WELCOME

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The policies and procedures contained in this handbook have been carefully prepared and presented so that it will be of great value in helping you to adjust and become part of our school. This information should be studied by you and shared with your parents. Parents should go over the handbook with their child and make sure they understand all information contained within.

BOARD OF EDUCATION – BEAUFORT COUNTY SCHOOLS

Terry Williams, Board Chairman E. C. Peed

F. Mac Hodges Carolyn Walker

Butch Oliver Barbara Boyd-Williams

Mike Bilbro Terry Draper

Eltha S. Booth

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Dr. Don Phipps, Superintendent

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SCHOOL’S VISION and MISSION STATEMENTS

P.S. Jones Middle School is committed to preparing our students to be lifelong learners and global citizens. P.S. Jones Middle School’s vision will be achieved through positive character building, community involvement, and visionary leadership focusing on responsibility, academic excellence, and personal success.

We believe that P. S. Jones Middle School should serve as a place to provide students with a gradual transition from elementary school to high school. At the same time, it should allow a smooth transition from childhood to adolescence. P.S. Jones Middle School will recognize the needs of each student and promote academic excellence through a challenging curriculum. The success of P.S. Jones Middle School is dependent upon the active participation of students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community members.

STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Students have full rights of citizenship as guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. These rights must not be abridged, obstructed or in other ways altered except in accordance with due process of law. The right to an education is one of these rights.

Students are responsible for attending school regularly, for making conscientious efforts in their schoolwork, and for following rules. Most importantly, students, faculty, and administration all share the responsibility for making our school a safe and clean center for learning. No student has the right to interfere with a fellow student’s education. Students are free to express themselves, but they should do so in a way that does not slander or offend other people. Students must, at all times, show respect for teachers, staff and other students.

At P.S. Jones Middle School, all classes and activities are offered to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.

SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

Well-balanced and nourishing lunches are served in the cafeteria. Students may bring their lunch if they desire. Milk and snack items may be purchased separately. Charging of snacks is strictly prohibited. All students will eat in the cafeteria unless specific permission has been given by the administration to do otherwise.

Note: ALL BEAUFORT SCHOOLS STUDENTS WILL EAT FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FOR THE 2017 – 2018 SCHOOL YEAR!! PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR CHILD EATING BREAKFAST AND LUNCH IN THE CAFETERIA.

SCHOOL CLOSING DUE TO WEATHER

The superintendent of schools will announce by radio, television, and phone his decision regarding schools operating during inclement weather. Usually, announcements will be made by 6:00 a.m. over the following stations:

Radio WDLX 930 AM Washington

TV WITN Channel 7 Washington

TV WNCT Channel 9 Greenville

BICYCLES AND SKATEBOARDS

Students are not allowed to ride bicycles or skateboards on campus.

POSTING MATERIAL

Permission from the administration must be obtained before students can post or distribute material or media on school bulletin boards or property.

LETTER FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

Dear Students:

I hope you have had a great summer vacation. By now you have begun to think about the new school year. Remember to set goals. They are very important to your success at school.

There are several questions that the staff thinks about every year with regards to our new students. How will they deal with peer pressure, motivation, success, or lack thereof? The life of a teenager is full of tough issues and life-changing decisions. The administration at P.S. Jones has decided to include some information from Stephen Covey’s book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens.” This is an excellent book that I would suggest all students and their parents read.

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Be Proactive
Being proactive is the key to unlocking the other habits. Take control and responsibility of your life. Proactive people understand that they are responsible for their own happiness or unhappiness. They don't blame others for their own actions or feelings.

Begin With the End in Mind
If teens aren't clear about where they want to end up in life, about their values, goals, and what they stand for, they will wander, waste time, and be tossed to and fro by the opinions of others. Create a personal mission statement which will act as a road map and direct and guide your decision-making process.

Put First Things First
This habit helps teens prioritize and manage their time so that they focus on and complete the most important things in their lives. Putting first things first also means learning to overcome fears and being strong during difficult times. It's living life according to what matters most.

Think Win-Win
Teens can learn to foster the belief that it is possible to create an atmosphere of win-win in every relationship. This habit encourages the idea that in any given discussion or situation both parties can arrive at a mutually beneficial solution. You need to learn to celebrate the accomplishments of others instead of being threatened by them.

Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood
Because most people don't listen very well, one of the great frustrations in life is that many don't feel understood. This habit will ensure that you learn the most important communication skill there is: active listening.

Synergize
Synergy is achieved when two or more people work together to create something better than either could alone. Through this habit, teens learn it doesn't have to be "your way" or "my way" but rather a better way, a higher way. Synergy will allow you to value differences and better appreciate others.

Sharpen the Saw
Teens should never get too busy living to take time to renew themselves. When a teen "sharpens the saw" she is keeping her personal self sharp so that she can better deal with life. It means regularly renewing and strengthening the four key dimensions of life – body, brain, heart, and soul.

All students are encouraged to always do your very best in all your classes. Developing and practicing good habits of listening, studying, and reflecting in the middle school years will provide the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Equally important is the task of bringing unity to our school. This involves everyone. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Be a friend and take an active role in making P.S. Jones Middle School a great school.

Best wishes for an outstanding year. Our new tradition begins with you!

Sincerely,

Tracey Nixon, Principal

Anthony Bailey, Assistant Principal

Twanna Morales, Assistant Principal

OFFICE TELEPHONE

The phone in the office is for school business only. Students may only use the phone in emergency situations. In cases of emergency, students should report to the teacher. If the teacher feels the student has a valid reason to use the classroom phone, he/she will allow them to use it. Phone calls are limited to two minutes in length. Please discourage your child from using the classroom or office phone except in the case of extreme emergencies (and cancelled after school activities). Please arrange for transportation from school before arriving to school. Classes will not be interrupted to call students to the office for messages. The office will try to get the messages to the students before the end of the day. School is dismissed at 2:41. Please do not come to pick students up between 2:00 and 2:41 for doctor appointments, etc. Classes are still in session. If your child has an appointment and you must leave, please send your child with a note in the morning. School office hours are from 7:30 – 3:30.

INJURY OR ILLNESS AT SCHOOL

A student who becomes ill or injured will be sent or taken to the office where every effort will be made to see that he/she is comforted. Students should ask for an office pass if they feel too ill to stay in class. Office personnel will contact the student’s parent/guardian if the student needs to go home or if medical attention is required. It is vitally important that we have emergency numbers on file so we may reach parents in an emergency. This includes all numbers possible, such as home, work, pager, cellular, close relative, etc. Students will not be allowed to sit in nurse’s office for an extended period of time.

MEDICINE

Prescription medication for students that needs to be taken during school hours must be registered by the office and kept by school officials. A permission form signed by parents and/or a medical doctor must also be on file in the office before medicine can be dispensed. Students may carry non-prescription (Tylenol, Ibuprofen) on them as long as they do not dispense to others.

LOCKERS

Lockers are available to all students. School staff members have the right to inspect the contents of student lockers and remove anything prohibited by school rules or detrimental to the safety and welfare of the school’s students and staff. Students are responsible for items in their lockers. Students can be held accountable for prohibited items found in their lockers. Lockers have built-in combination locks. Lockers are a privilege, not a right!

MEDIA CENTER

Students are encouraged to make full use of the library facilities. The library is open from 7:45 – 1:52 each day. All library materials will be checked out before being taken from the media center. Each student is responsible for all library materials checked out in his/her name. Books are due back to the library media center two weeks after the checkout date.

Students are encouraged to read and will be able to check out books during their assigned ELA class time. Students who lose or damage books are subject to a fine or replacement cost. Failure to return or pay replacement cost will result in student debt. Students who owe debt will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities, athletics, 8th grade Moving Up Ceremony or the outside celebration at the end of the school year.

Note: Students are only allowed to check out two books at any time. If one of the books is overdue, they may not check out a second book.

MULTIMEDIA ACCESS

During the school year, many teachers photograph, videotape and record students for various instructional purposes. We may publish some pictures to our school website, school Facebook page or submit them to the local newspaper. Please inform the front office (administration) in writing if you wish for your child not to photographed, videotaped, or recorded.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost items will be returned to the student or placed in the teacher’s box when they are turned in to the office with a student’s name on the item. Please label coats, sweaters, book bags, handbags, lunch boxes, etc. with the student’s first and last name. Lost and found is located in the front office. Items left unclaimed are donated to a charitable organization at the end of each marking period.

STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Student Services exercises an “Open Door Policy” to all students, parents, and staff. The department’s greatest concern is that students’ needs be handled as promptly and confidentially as possible. The guidance services available range from providing group and individual counseling to providing testing services, educational planning, occupational and vocational information, or assistance in any area that will meet the needs of the individual child. One of the greatest roles of Student Services is to act as a liaison between parents and teachers. Good home/school communications through the use of Student Services is strongly encouraged. Referrals are accepted from teachers, parents, administrators, or any agencies that deem it beneficial to the child.

COUNSELORS’ OFFICE PHONE

Tiana Payne - 946-0874 Ext. 109

Anna Hodges - 946-0874 Ext. 110

Office Hours - 8:00 – 3:00

VISITORS

Parents are always welcome in our school. However, for a smooth and orderly operation, all visitors must report to the front office. Visitors must sign in and be given a visitor’s pass. There will be no exceptions. Please park in a designed parking area, not in the carpool lane. Remember to sign off when you leave the office.

Parent-teacher conferences and administrator conferences should be planned in advance. Parents may contact the teacher directly to arrange for a conference. No phone calls or classroom visits will be allowed during instructional time. Remember that a teacher can talk after school or during his/her assigned planning period.