Student Planner/
Family Handbook
2017-18
This book belongs to:
Name: ______
Core Team:______
RMS IMPORTANT DATES
First Day of Classes August 31, 2016
First Marking Period Ends October 20, 2016
Second Marking Period Ends January 9, 2017
Third Marking Period Ends March 20, 2017
Fourth Marking Period Ends May 30, 2017
First Day of ESP June 1, 2017
ESPJune 1 – 7, 2017
ESP Presentation Day June 8, 2017
Class DayMay 31, 2017
Last Day of School June 14, 2017
(Note: Last day of school is subject to change, based on school closings during the year.)
OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, September 1, 2016 – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
SCHOOL PICTURES - September 20, 2016
STANDARDIZED TESTING – Specific dates still to be determined
SBAC Testing (both grades)TBD
NAEP (grade 8 only)TBD
Science NECAP (grade 8 only) May, 2017
PARENT CONFERENCES
October 20-21, 2016
March 15 -16, 2017
TEACHER IN-SERVICE
August 26, 29 & 39, 2016
March 17, 2017
June 15, 2017
STUDENT VACATION DATES
December 22, 2016- January 2, 2017
February 20-24, 2017
April 17-21, 2017
HOLIDAYS:
Labor Day September 5, 2016
Veterans' Day November 11, 2016
Thanksgiving Recess November 23-25, 2016
Martin Luther King, Jr. January 16, 2017
Memorial Day May 29, 2017
RUTLAND CITY BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS[DH1]
6 Church Street
Rutland, Vermont 05701
March 2016
PRESIDENT:Dick Courcelle
CLERK:Robert KurChana
COMMISSIONERS
TERM
NAME HOME WORK EXPIRES
Mr. Daniel P. Alcorn49 Evergreen Ave485-27602019
(330) 416-4774
Mr. Hurley Cavacas, Jr. 68 Phillips Street 773-23372019
773-2337
Mr. Dick Courcelle38 Giorgetti Blvd. 775-21672019
775-2167
Mr. Peter Fagan 17 Clinton Ave. 342-12142017
773-7446
Mr. Robert KurChana26 Marolin Acres 773-12322019
773-1232
Ms. Alison Notte8 Orchard Dr.770-40452017
770-4045
Mr. Matthew Olewnik54 Edgerton St.855-14032017
855-1403
Ms. Joanne Pencak19 Laverne Dr.353-06152018
353-0615
Ms. Erin Shimp114 Jackson Avenue345-39132019
345-3913
Ms. Kate Thomas 56 Edgerton Street 747-04792017
747-0479
Mr. Christian Wideawake92 Edgerton St.775-64062018
775-6406
Welcome to Rutland Middle School!
We are very excited about the 2017-18 school year. Please take time to read this handbook and discuss it with your parent(s)/guardian. It provides information about the operations of Rutland Middle School. The policies and procedures outlined in this handbook allow us to maintain a safe and enjoyable learning environment. You will find important information in this handbook including: grade level schedules, phone numbers, how to report absences, policies and rules of how students are expected to conduct themselves. In addition to this information, the book contains a planner for students to write down their assignments and also general information and expectations for our school.
We are excited to share with you some of the changes to our school for 2017-18. They include some changes to our daily schedule, and opportunities to integrate instructional technology into our school and connect within our school and community. During the summer we have been busy working on school improvement in the areas of mathematics, English/language arts, personalized learning plans(PLP)/standards based grading(SBG) and family/community involvement. We have made revisions to our character education initiative REAL (Responsibility, Excellence, Acceptance and Leadership) program. In addition, our custodial staff has been very active this summer with their usual cleaning regimen and summer work.
If you have any questions about the content of this handbook, please do not hesitate to contact us. We have an outstanding staff and they are looking forward to working with each of you. Please take advantage of all of their expertise while you are a student at Rutland Middle School. Your time at Rutland Middle School will pass very quickly. We recommend that you get involved in the numerous extra-curricular activities that we offer. Your middle school experience will be what you make of it. Be proud of it and take good care of it. Together we will make Rutland Middle School the best!
Mrs. Deb Hathaway, Principal Mrs. Sharon Napolitano, Assistant Principal
RMS Team Schedules
7th / 7th / 8th / 8thBlock 1
7:45 am – 8:33am29 am / Extension / Extension / Extension / Extension
Block 2
8:36-9:29am8:32am-9:25am / E-block / E-block / E-block / E-block
Block 3
9:28 am – 10:16pm9:32am-10:23am / Core Class / Core Class / UA / Core Class
Lunch/Real
10:19 am-11:02 am10:26am- Lunch/Real
10:41am
10:43am-11:02am / Lunch/Real / Lunch/Real / Lunch/Real / Lunch/Real
Block 4
11:05am – 11:53am / Core Class / Core Class / Core Class / UA
Block 5
11:56 am -12:44pm / Core Class / Core Class / Core Class / Core Class
Block 6
12:47 pm– 1:35 pm / UA / Core Class / Core Class / Core Class
Block 7
1:38 pm – 2:26 pm / Core Class / UA / Core Class / Core Class
RUTLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL – 2017-2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 - General Information
Important Dates Inside Front Cover
Board of School Commissioners 1
Principal’s Message 2
School Schedule 3
Telephone Numbers8
RMS Principles and Expectations10
SECTION 2 - Academic Information
Academic Progress 11
Academic Teams 11
Academic Eligibility for Sports & Activities 11
Attendance Procedures 14
Conferences and Meetings 14
Counseling 14
Enriched Studies Program (ESP) 14
Enrichment Block ('E' Block)15
Grading Policy 15
Home School Compact 16
Homework 16
Library 16
Parent Portal 16
P.O.D.17
Promotion & Retention 17
School Safety Box 17
Standardized Assessments 17
Student Records 18
Summer Academy 18
Teacher Advisories 19
SECTION 3 - Student Behavior Guidelines
Discipline Philosophy 19
Bullying 20
Drugs & Alcohol 20
False Alarms/Bomb Threats 20
Fighting 20
Firearms, Weapons & Fireworks 20
Gambling 20
Gum Chewing/Candy 20
Hall Passes 21
Harassment & Intimidation 21
Hazing 21
Leaving School Grounds 21
Plagiarism/Cheating 22
Public Displays of Affection 22
Theft/Vandalism 22
Threats 22
Tobacco Use 22
Procedures
Intervention Options Prior to
Referral to the Main Office23
Continued Rule Violation 23
Detention 23
Planning Room 24
In-School Suspension 24
Suspension 24
Expulsion 25
TABLE OF CONTENTS -- continued
SECTION 4 - School Services/General
Information
Accidents 25
Assemblies 25
Backpacks 25
Building & Grounds 25
Bus Rules and Regulations 26
Cafeteria 26
Cell Phones 27
Change of Address 27
Co-Curricular Activities 27
Dances 27
Dress Code 27
Emergency Card 28
Field Trips 28
Guest Teachers 29
Gymnasium 29
Health Screening 29
Immunization Requirements 29
Lockers 30
Lost and Found 30
Medication Policy 30
No Idling
School Nurses31
Parent Collaborative/Involvment 31
Rest Rooms 31
Safety Drills 31
School Closings 31
School Resource Officer 31
Skateboards, Bicycles, etc. 32
Page
Student Insurance 32
Telephones 32
Textbooks 32
Valuables 32
Visitors 32
SECTION 5 - Policies and Procedures
Policies Statement 33
Annual Notification of Designation 33
of Directory Information and
Right of Refusal
Bullying 34
Harassment 40
Interrogation By Law Officials 45
Non-Discrimination Policy 46
Policy on Parent Involvement
Protection of Pupil Rights Act 47
Search & Seizures 47
Substance Abuse 48
Safe Schools Ordinance 51
School Calendar 52
Rutland Middle School
67 Library Avenue
Rutland, VT 05701
Phone (802) 773-1960 Fax (802) 773-1914
ADMINISTRATION Ext.
Hathaway, Deb - Principal 1888
Napolitano, Sharon- Assistant Principal 1862
TEACHERS[DH2]
Adams, Jack - Information Technology 1871
Anderson, Kelly - Math 1879
Astin, Marisa – English 1882
Bachmann, Christina - Science 1892
Barnett, Brent- Band 1868
Bloomer, Geoff – Physical Education 1785
Boerner, Lisa – Special Ed. 4352*
Borkowski, Sara - Special Ed./Lifeskills 1880
Brissette, Aria - Science 1894
Canfield, Grace – Nurse 1780
Celauro, Sandy – English 1885
Coon, Sara – Science 1893
Cornwell, David - Social Studies 1881
Dayton, Lisa - Speech 1921
Desjardins, Breana – 8th Grade Spanish 1812
Filskov, Liz – 8th Grade French 1787
Geno, Kathleen – Social Studies 1789
Gillam, Marci – Special Ed. 4353*
Graves, Dan – 8th Grade Chorus 770-1132
Kirk-Elkin, Tegan - Math 1874
Labate, Rob - Social Studies 1873
Lindgren, Ted - Social Studies 1875
Looney, Carlene - Nurse 1782
Pinson, Danielle – Special Ed. 4354*
Pringle, Janet - English 1882
Sabataso, Karen - Science 1893
Schmidt, Jenn – School Based Clinician 1869
Spafford, Dina – Special Ed, POD 1864
Sowards, Jim – Music 1970
Timmons, Sally – Art 1793
Tobin, Debra – FACS 1866
Trombetta, Tony – English 1877
Wallett, John – Health/Physical Education 1889
Zimmer, Taylor – Math 1895
OFFICE AND STAFF
Colwell, Natalie – Special Services Secretary 1826
TBA - Planning Room/Attendance 1883
Labate, Amy – 8thGrade Counselor 1783
Schmidt, Jenn – School Based Clinician 1869
Snyder, Laura - Library 1872
Spaulding-Ness, Nancy –7thGrade Counselor 1898
Yakunovich, Patty - Administrative Assistant 1890
CUSTODIANS Kennedy, Cindy
Zouladek, Penny
TBA
PARAEDUCATORS
Alberico, Sue
Hamel, Deb
Pearo, Karen
Rogers, Caitlin
Rutland Middle School Principles and Expectations
Rejoice
We rejoice in our community. We are REAL.
Responsibility
We are honest.
We take ownership for any action or inaction that breaks our rules.
We are prepared for the school day.
We treat ourselves, others and property with care.
We follow the directions of people responsible for our safety and care.
Excellence
We participate, listen and ask questions.
We celebrate our strengths and the strengths of others.
Acceptance
We interact respectfully with others, including those with whom we have differences. For example, we…
●Actively listen.
●Consider the point of view of others.
We are kind and patient with each other.
We use polite, thoughtful words and actions to resolve our disagreements.
Leadership
We help ourselves and others learn and succeed.
We help others by sharing our skills and talents as equals.
Section 2: Academic Information
Academic Progress: Rutland Middle School proudly supports the use of the Parent Portal on Infinite Campus as a way for parents and studenst to keep up to date on progress. RMS will no longer print and send paper report cards and progress reports unless parents/guardians request them in writing. Dates of the mid-point of the marking period and the end of the marking period are listed on the important dates page. Please contact Mrs. Yakunovich at 786-1890 if you wish to receive the sign-up form for the Parent Portal.
Academic Teams: Rutland Middle School is split into four academic teams, two at the 7th grade level and two at the 8th grade. This arrangement enables each team to establish a school schedule which will best serve your child’s educational needs. All core academic teams have three core curriculum teachers (Math, Social Studies, and English), a shared Special Education teacher and a shared Science teacher. Students will take these four courses (Math, English, Science and Social Studies) throughout the year. At the 8th grade level, some students will also take a World Language. At both grade levels, if a student is experiencing great difficulty in English or Math, they will be assigned to an extension class to help them with that curriculum material. At the seventh grade level, students who do not need that assistance will take a Social Studies extension class which willprovide additional learning opportunities for them. A separate Unified Arts team provides educational opportunities in a wide variety of other areas. For grade 7 students these areas include art, family and consumer science (FACS), physical education and health classes. Grade 8 students take classes in art, physical education, music and FACS.
Academic Eligibility for Sports and Activities: Research has shown that the more one becomes involved with the school, the more success he or she will have academically, socially and behaviorally. Students must remember, however, that academics will always be the priority. As a result, students must maintain good academic standing in order to participate in any RMS co-curricular activity. An explanation of these standards follows:
1. A student who receives a two or higher in all of his/her courses in a given marking period is eligible for participation in co-curricular activities for the following marking period.
2. A student who receives a one in one course may retain his/her eligibility by attending three sessions of tutorial assistance per week. This assistance may be in the form of supervised study hall, EPIC afterschool help, peer tutoring or any other such program approved by the Principal and/or Athletic Director and parents. The student may continue on with the chosen activity as long as he/she attends these sessions.
3. A student who receives a one in twoor more courses will be ineligible for participation. An ineligible student may practice provided he/she is getting three sessions of tutorial assistance each week for each class they have received a one, and HOW report is in good standing. However, an ineligible student cannot participate in any game, event or performance at any level. Students are responsible for eligibility tracking forms. You may participate in games once you have earned the grade of a 2.0 or higher and can show that you are attending tutorial sessions (30 minutes) 3 times per week for each class you may be failing and your HOW grades are in good standing
4. Fourth term grades, not the final overall grade, determines eligibility for the first term of the following school year. Students may regain their eligibility for the start of the following year by taking and passing the appropriate course in summer school.
5. An incomplete grade in a course will be considered a failing grade unless excused by the Principal. Excused incompletes must be made up within ten school days. The Principal may grant additional time in certain circumstances.
6. The eligibility of a student transferring to the Rutland Middle School will be determined by the same regulations as a student already enrolled at RMS.
7. School administrators have the discretion to modify the eligibility requirements based upon student’s educational plans if appropriate.
Attendance Procedures: The school day begins promptly at 7:45 A.M. and ends at 2:25 P.M. Please note that the school cannot guarantee adultsupervision for students who arrive at school prior to 7:30, therefore, we ask that you not drop your student off prior to 7:30 or let them walk/ride to school before that time. Students must be in their first class by 7:45 A.M. for attendance. Students who come to school after 7:45 A.M. must first report to the Planning Roomto sign in. Students who are late must have a written excuse from their parent or guardian explaining their lateness. Students who are absent from school for a full day or days must report to the Planning Rroom on the day they return to school and present an written excuse from the parent/guardian. All written excuses shall give the name of the student, reason for the absence, the date(s) of absence and parent/guardian’s signature.
●Excused/Unexcused Absence or Tardiness:
The school reserves the right to determine if an absence is excused or unexcused. Excused absences include validated illness and medical or other appointments that can only be scheduled during the day. All absences or tardiness not explained by a valid note will be considered unexcused. Unexcused absence or tardiness may include, but is not limited to, oversleeping or missing the bus. Please note that, at this age, students need to become responsible for their own behavior. As a result, tardiness or absence from school because of parental issues (sleeping late, etc.) will generally be considered unexcused and may result in parent or truancy meetings. Students will receive consequences for repeated (more than one) unexcused tardiness or absence from school. During this school year, if a student has more than two unexcused tardies, the student will be assigned detention.
●Early Dismissal: Students are expected to be in school for the entire school day. Students who have a legitimate excuse to leave school early must turn in a written note to the Planning Room from their parent/guardian giving the date and time of the early dismissal, reason for the early dismissal and the parent/guardian’s signature. This note must be turned into the planning room as soon as students arrive that day. In the event of illness at school, a parent/guardian will be notified and must give his or her permission before any student will be dismissed from school. In the case of an emergency when a parent cannot be reached, we will call the emergency number as designated by the parent/guardian on the emergency card.
●Vacation Absence: Students who are to be absent from school for more than two days and not more than ten days because of a family vacation must obtain a request for absence from the attendance office. If the request is granted, the student will be allowed to make up the work. Work will be completed in a reasonable time to be determined by the teacher and student. This request should be made at least ten school days prior to the planned vacation date so teachers can plan for the child’s absence. To the greatest degree possible family vacations should be planned for times other than school days.
●School Attendance and Activity Eligibility: Students must arrive at school by 7:45 A.M. in order to participate in afterschool activities unless prior arrangements have been made with a Rutland Middle Schooladministrator. A doctor’s appointment would be considered a reasonable request. If a co-curricular event is held on a Saturday, students must be present at school during the entire day on Friday. This means that unless students have prior approval from the Administration, they may not participate or come watch any activity if they have been absent that day. Students dismissed from class to take part in an activity must turn in all school work due in the classes they will be missing before leaving for the activity unless arrangements have been made with the teacher. Participation in an activity is not a valid excuse for turning work in late.
●Make-Up Work: Students will have the same number of days they were absent to make-up missed work. If an absence is unexcused make-up work will receive reduced credit. Students returning to school following an absence have the responsibility to seek out instructors for missed assignments. Extended opportunities to make up work beyond what is outlined above is up to the discretion of the teacher(s).
●Truancy: Truancy is defined as an unexcused absence or insufficient excuse for an absence from school or class. The school will notify parents of students who are truant for five days. Further truancies will result in a meeting with parents, the district truancy officer and other community agencies as needed. After 10 days affidavits of truancy are filed.
●Early dismissal due to illness: if a child is ill and needs to go home, the nurses will contact a parent or guardian. If your child contacts you asking to go home, please call the school and have the child sent to the nurses’ office to determine if there is a medical need for an early dismissal. If a child contacts a parent to go home without the intervention of the nurses, the absence will be considered unexcused.
Conferences and Meetings: If you have a concern or you are simply interested in talking with someone about your child’s experience at the Rutland Middle School, there are a number of ways to access the school. Teachers on your child’s academic team are your primary initial contacts. You may also contact your child’s counselor or the main office. In addition, you can call a particular teacher directly. Each teacher has a “voice mailbox” where parents may leave messages. Teachers will make every effort to return your call within a reasonable amount of time. A complete list of “voice mail” numbers can be found on pages 8-9 in [DH3]this handbook. Please call the school if you would like to set up a meeting. If parents or students come in without an appointment, school personnel may not be available. Please note, teachers are unable to respond to phone calls during their teaching blocks.