Braves Pride, Students First
Tuba City Jr. High School
PO Box 67
Tuba City, Arizona 86045
(928) 283-1040
Student-Parent Handbook
2015-2016
Mascot: BravesSchool Colors: Green & White
Student Name: ______
Grade: ______
Tuba City Unified School District Superintendent
Harold G. Begay
TCUSD Governing Board
William LongreedPresident
Judy Begay Clerk
Marie Wheeler Member
Mary Worker Member
Lee Tsinigine Member
Contents
District/School Goals and Mission
If I plan to learn, I must to plan.
Parent/Student Teacher Compact
Tuba City Unified School District Telephone Directory1
Tuba City Junior High School Telephone Directory2
Tuba City Unified School District Calendar3
Student Attendance 5-6
Braves Guidelines7
Braves Attire 22
Raising Expectations 24
The School and the Law29
Disciplinary Action29 - 33
Braves Conduct Consequences34
Discipline Referral Form35
Appendix: Governing Board Policies/Arizona Revised Statutes36
ACT Statement37
Citizenship Rubric38
Tuba City Jr. High School
Brave’s Pride, Students First
To provide a quality education for all of our students
Tuba City Unified School District’s Mission:
The TCUSD mission is to provide a quality education in a safe and encouraging environment for all of our students.
Tuba City Unified School District’s Goals:
Goal 1: All schools will increase student achievement, to exceed State Standards, and become Excelling Schools.
Goal 2: Parental Partnerships will be strengthened at each school (Board Approved: August 6, 2008)
Tuba City Junior High School’s Mission is to provide:
To meet the academic, physical, social, and emotional needs of our student so that they may become self-sufficient in school, in life, to be successful in a safe, nurturing, and challenging school-community environment.
Tuba City Junior High School’s Goal is to provide:
Our goal to provide opportunities and support of adolescent students making the transition from elementary to high school. The administration and staff are committed to the development and implementation of curriculum and activities that will empower students to become lifelong learners, and productive members of their communities. The Junior High environment will foster opportunities for the students’ intellectual growth, creativity, self-awareness, self-discipline, and maturity.
“If I plan to learn, I must learn to plan.”
Dear Parents,
The staff of Tuba City Jr. High School is pleased to provide this agenda to your child. Students are expected to have it in their possession each day and during each class period. Consistent use of it, with encouragement from you, will help ensure success in school this year.
The purpose of the agenda is two-fold:
It is an organization tool for your child.
It is a home-school communication tool for you and your child’s teachers.
We ask that you do the following 3 things:
- Review the features of the agenda with your child. It contains the school handbook and assignment calendar. Please be sure to discuss the Braves Guidelines and Code of Conduct with your child.
- Each page of the assignment calendar provides space for teacher comments. Homework and study assignments are to be written on the assignment calendar in the appropriate spaces each day. Teachers will periodically communicate with you on these pages and may require your signature. You may also use this agenda to communicate with teachers.
- Please let us know that you have reviewed the handbook and the importance of its use with your child by signing at the bottom at this page. Please feel free to add your comments in the space provided.
Thank you,
Tuba City Jr. High School Staff
Yes, I have reviewed and understand the handbook and agenda, and I have discussed it with my child.
______
Student SignatureParent/Guardian Signature
We invite your comments:
______
______
Parent/Student Teacher Compact
(Please remove, sign and return to your first period Teacher)
Parent Responsibilities
We, as parents, will support our children’s learning in the following ways:
• Support school attendance and discipline policies.
• Makesure that homework is completed and returned to the teacher as requested.
• Monitor amount of television my child watches.
• Meet with teachers to discuss my child’s classroom performance at each quarter. Visits will be documented.
• Participate in decisions relating to my children’s education by attending meetings, three parent/teacher conferences,collaborating with administration, teachers, sponsors, and athletic coaches. Visits will be documented quarterly.
• Assist with school and classroom activities; volunteer for 1 (or more) activities each year. Activity will be documented.
• Be informed about my child’s education; communicate with the school, read all notices from the school district
• Support Responsible Thinking Process Protocols (RTP).
Update Telephone contact numbers & records each Quarter. Data Clerk will document changes.
Student Responsibilities:
We, as students, share the responsibility to improve our academic achievement to meet StateStandards. Specifically, we will:
• Believe I can and will learn.
• Show respect for property by not stealing or vandalizing.
• Come to school prepared with my homework and supplies.
• Obey classroom, school and bus rules.
• Do my homework every day and ask for help when I need to.
• Spend at least 30 minutes or more reading every day.
• Set aside adequate study time to complete Jr. High level homework.
• Be responsible to relay all information received from school to home.
• Abide by Responsible Thinking Process (RTP); 3 referrals could result in One Day out of School Suspension.
Maintain passing grades for eligibility; academic standing, sports and other extracurricular activities.
Teacher Responsibilities:
• Show respect for each student and their family
• Make efficient use of learning time.
• Provide a safe and comfortable environment that’s conducive to learning.
• Help each student grow to his or her fullest potential
• Provide necessary assistance to parents so they can help with assignments; communicate with every parent once each semester or schedule a home visit.
• Enforce school and classroom rules fairly and consistently
• Demonstrate professional behavior and positive attitude
• Support and follow the procedures for the Responsible Thinking Program.
Now, hand in hand, we will work together to carry out this contract.
Signed:
______
Parent/Guardian Signature
______
Student Signature
Telephone Number Directory
Tuba City Unified School District283-1001
Superintendent283-1006
Business Office283-1011
Food Services - 283-1120
Special Education Department283-1160
Transportation Department283-1130
ELL Department 283-1179
Culture and Language Office283-1183
Tech Support Office283-1104
Security Department283-1190
Dzil Leibi Elementary School (Cameron)283-1176
Tsinaabas Habitin (Gap) Elementary School283-1090
Tuba City Primary School283-1020
Tuba City Junior High School283-1040
Tuba City High School283-1050
Tuba City Junior High School Fax283-1219
Tuba City Unified School District Fax283-1228
Others:
Name:Telephone Number:
Staff Directory
Name / Ext / Room / PositionBaca, Joe / 31 / Teacher Assistant
Begay, Keith / 19 / 7th Grade Math Teacher
Bigman, Gloria / Home Liaison
Bitsui, Henry / Custodian
Crosby, Louise / Language Arts Teacher
Elmer, Effie / 1040 / Custodian
Evangelista, Marilyn / 11 / 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Goldtooth, Belinda / 30 / Teacher Assistant-Low Incidence Program
Gould, Michael / 1040 / Custodian
Grant, Rick / Academic Coach
Hardy, Cherish / 1040 / Teacher Assistant-ESS Resource Dept.
Hanlon, James / 111 / 7th Grade Science Teacher
James, Patrick / 29 / Teacher Assistant-ESS Resource Dept.
Kerley, Louise / Navajo Language & Culture Teacher
Myron, Arvis / Hopi Language Teacher
Naha, Beulah / 18 / School Nurse
Navaho, Sharlimar / Technology Teacher
Nesmith, Morris / 48 / Band/Music Teacher
Nez, Debra / Social Worker
Nockideneh, Clarissa / 1040 / Office / School Secretary
Odronia, Leonor / 12 / 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Payne, Delores / 14 / 8th Grade Science Teacher
Principal / 1042 / Office / School Principal
Slimko, Terry / 17 / 7th Grade Social Studies
Sumatzkuku, Dottie / Data / Data Clerk
Tomasiyo, Enid / 29 / 7th Grade ESS Resource Teacher
Tsingine, Janet / Gym / Girls’ Physical Education/Health Teacher
Yazzie, Geri / 30 / Teacher Assistant-ESS Low Incidence Program
Teacher / Dean Of Students
Teacher / 8th Grade Math Teacher
Teacher / ELL Teacher for 7th & 8th Grades
Teacher / Intervention Teacher for 7 & 8 Grades
Teacher / Gym / Boys’ Physical Education Teacher
Teacher / 29 / ESS Low Incidence Teacher
Teacher
Begay, Ernestine / 6th Grade Teacher
Ignacio, Trerena / 6th Grade Teacher
Masayesva, Denise / 6th Grade Teacher
Tallsalt, Priscilla / Librarian/Reading Teacher
Williams, Eleanor / 6th Grade Teacher
Burright, Rebecca / Counselor
Richards, Tammy / Navajo Language & Culture Instructor
Tuba City Junior High School’s Mission is to provide:
- To meet the academic, physical, social, and emotional needs of our students so that they may become self-sufficient in school, in life,
- To be successful in a safe, nurturing, and challenging school-community environment.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE
Attendance
Regular attendance contributes to success in school. At Tuba City Jr. High, attendance is a high priority.
A close correlation between attendance and academic achievement has always existed. Likewise, success in the job market is also dependent upon establishing good attendance patterns and work habits. It is with these thoughts in mind that the attendance policy has been developed.
It is our objective to assist students in developing more responsibility and to maintain acceptable attendance behavior. Reading the material and performing satisfactorily on tests does not compensate for the loss of insight gained during class discussion. The daily student/teacher/peer dialogue is extremely important and cannot be duplicated effectively outside of school. Each student contributes to the learning atmosphere.
Parents’ strong commitment to see that their child attends school daily and arrives on time is critical.
Absences
The Governing Board recognizes that the responsibility for school attendance rests with parents and students, with the school assisting them to fulfill that responsibility. Prompt, regular attendance is not only required by law, it is the key to student success and progress in school programs. Students must maintain regular class attendance, as much of the classroom experience cannot be duplicated (i.e. benefits of instruction, discussion and participation). The attendance goal for grade promotion is 90% or better of the days of the school year. Arizona’s truancy law has been amended to provide two circumstances when a student can be cited for failing to attend school:
- A student is “habitually truant” if he/she has five or more unexcused absences from school Truant means an unexcused absence for at least one class period during the day.
- A student has “excessive absences” when the student misses more than ten percent (18) of the required number of school days per year whether the absence is excused or unexcused.
Sufficient documentation to excuse an absence includes a doctor’s note, chronic illness form, etc. Arizona state law requires that parents ensure that their children between the ages of six and sixteen attend school. On the fifth unverified absence or 18 total verified/unverified absences, regardless of the reason, you and /or your child could be issued a citation for violation of Arizona Revised Statute A.R.S. 15-802,803 and 10 N.N.C. 118.
Tardy
TCJHS strives to educate its students. To be effective, classes must start on time and each class must experience a minimum number of interruptions to allow teachers and students to complete the necessary requirements ensuring that each student has for an optimal education. Students entering a classroom late not only miss a part of the class experience, but also disrupt the learning environment. For this reason, TCJHS has implemented the “Start On Time” program to teach students the importance of being on time. The JHS tardy policy will be implemented as follows: School-Wide Consequences for UNEXCUSED Tardies:
- 4th Tardy: Students are referred. A notification letter is mailed to parents by the Principal.
- Grade level teams hold a conference with the students. The student will be monitored by teachers for ONE WEEK following the 4th tardy incident. During this time, teachers will enter the student’s tardies into the system, so everyone involved can view the student’s tardie[HS1]s and team can support student improvement by escorting them to the next classroom.
Excessive Tardy Procedures:
6th Tardy: 1 Lunch Detention
7th Tardy: 2 Lunch Detentions
8th Tardy: 3 Lunch Detentions
9th Tardy: One DAY ISS
10th Tardy: One day OSS and parent conference scheduled with the Principal.
Excused Absences
Any absence due to illness, accident, medical, bereavement, religious observance, or other circumstance with prior approval of school administration, will be excused provided a call is received by the school data clerk on the day of the absence. Written notification will be accepted by the data Clerk the morning following the absence. Academic grades may suffer as a result of excessive absences.
Unexcused Absences
Any absence not verified will be classified as unexcused. An absence without prior knowledge and consent of the parent/guardian, which is in violation of state law and district procedure, will be classified as truant. School discipline procedures for an unexcused absence/truancy will range from a conference with the principal to suspension and/or referral to the appropriate authorities. Students need to be in attendance a full school day to be eligible to participate or attend extra-curricular activities.
Make-Up Work
When students are absent, it is their responsibility to talk with their teachers or obtain missed assignments whenever possible. Students should get missed assignments completed and turned in to the teacher as soon as possible. Students are allowed time equal to their period of absence to submit makeup assignments (i.e. one day absence equals one day for makeup). Parents of students absent for 2 or more days may call the school and pick up assignments at school. Homework for absences less than 3 days in duration may be handled by the teacher and student upon their return. Requested homework will be available in the front office; parents should allow teachers reasonable time –i.e. until the end of the day- to prepare the requested homework assignments. OSS students may be allowed to make up work. If you know your child is going to be checking out during the school day, please send a note in with the student to be given to the school office. Please work to schedule vacations and appointments outside of the regular school day. If an absence is planned, please make arrangements with the student’s teachers for make-up work.
Truancies
Truancy (TCUSD Policy J-1650/JHB)
Students with unexcused absences may be deemed as truant. Truancy is a violation of state and local attendance laws and is considered a serious offense. Continued truancy may result in legal action against the parents and guardians. The Arizona Compulsory Attendance Law makes it the legal responsibility of parents to have their child in school on a regular basis.
Lunch Detention
Students who are tardy to school must come into the school office, sign into school, and obtain a tardy slip to enter their classroom. Students will also be assigned lunch detention. Students serving a lunch detention will go directly to the detention room. The students will spend approximately thirty minutes in the detention room and will eat a sack lunch.
Withdrawing from school
All students withdrawing from Tuba City Jr. High School must check out through the school office and complete check out and take a copy of the withdrawal form to the next school they will be attending. Students who withdraw are responsible for returning all books and paying for any lost or damaged books. This includes library books and textbooks.
It is helpful if you can provide the TCJHS office with your new address and the name of the new school at the time of withdrawal.
Closed Campus
Tuba City Junior High School does not open until 7:30 AM prior to the start of school. Once students arrive on campus they cannot leave the campus unless they are signed out by a parent, guardian or person designated on the emergency contact section of the student registration form. In accordance with District procedure, only a person listed on the student registration form may take a student from the campus during school hours. When take a child off campus, you will be asked to provide the office evidence (picture ID). All adult visitors must be authorized through the main office. Student visitors are not allowed on campus. A student leaving campus without permission will be considered truant and disciplinary action will be taken. It is the responsibility of the parents to inform the school office in writing of any changes to the information on the student registration form.
Inclement weather
In case of inclement weather, please check our school’s web site at tcusd.org for information or call our front office at 283-1040and updates on how this may affect the opening of school on such a day.
Assemblies
Assemblies are a regularly scheduled part of the curriculum and are designed to be educational as well as entertaining experiences. They provide an opportunity in school to learn appropriate behavior. Regardless of the type of program, courtesy demands that the student body be respectful and appreciative. Talking, whispering, yelling, stomping feet, whistling and booing are discourteous and will not be permitted.
Guest speakers and program presenters have always been quick to point out how polite TCJHS students are at assemblies. Let’s keep our reputation. A student who fails to follow these guidelines will have his/her privilege to attend assemblies suspended.
Assessments:
Assessment Fridays: Fridays have been designated as assessment days, which requires all students to be in attendance for testing. Our use of formative assessments will be to inform instruction and determine reteach for the following week, which is why students need to be present on Assessment Fridays. Absences on Friday’s will result in a zero for the week and the recommendation for placement in a Reteach class. Our goal is to provide instruction that will help you child be successful.