Welcome to ArcolaIntermediateSchool
Methacton School District Mission Statement
The MethactonSchool District, with its strong tradition of excellence, will challenge all students to achieve their greatest potential and create a vibrant community of learners who appreciate diversity and will lead and succeed in a dynamic global society.
Learn, Lead, Succeed – Together
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CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL
Dr. Timothy J. Quinn, Superintendent
Dr. Diane Barrie, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Mr. Denis J. McCall, Director of Business Services
Mr. Robert P. Harney, Director of Human Resources/Labor Relations
Dr.Todd Fey, Director of Pupil Services
Geraldine Ryan-Washington, Secondary Special Education Supervisor
Jenifer Brucker, Coordinator of Staff Development
METHACTON SCHOOL BOARD
Joyce E. Petrauskas, President
Herbert B. Rothe III,Vice President
Howard A. Jones
S. Christian Nascimento
Maria Shackelford
James W. Phillips
Kim Woodring
Mark E. O'Neill
Cathleen Barone
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2012 – 2013 Arcola Intermediate School Handbook
The 2012-2013 Arcola Intermediate School student handbook is online. To access the student handbook go to → Arcola Intermediate School → student/parent handbook (located on the left side under site shortcuts). Once you have read and understood the student handbook please print out the attached document, sign, and have your son/daughter return it to their homeroom teacher by Friday September 7th.
Principal’s Message
Greetings from Mrs. Page….
I want to welcome each of you to Arcola Intermediate School! This school year promises to be an exciting time for you filled with classes to challenge your academic endeavors, activities designed to enrich the curriculum, and after-school events that reach out to your interests. Plan now to be an active participant in these opportunities!
You will also want to visit our school’s web site frequently. Web pages are updated regularly and are an excellent source for information regarding academic expectations, team events, field trips and news specific to Arcola students.
Throughout the year you will hear me quote a phrase penned by Henry David Thoreau which reminds us: “If you have built castles in the air…first put the foundations under them.” This is your year to become involved and begin building the foundations that will ultimately lead you to your goals!
Remember, we will Learn, Lead and Succeed – Together!
Table of Contents
Arcola Intermediate School Contact Information
Counseling Services
2012 – 2013 Counseling Staff
Arcola Intermediate School Time Schedule
“D” Day Time Schedule
Two Hour Delay Time Schedule
2012-2013 School Calendar
Report Card/Marking Periods 2012-2013
Interim Timeline 2012-2013
Academic Information
Marking System
Homebound Instruction
Homework Policy
Honor Roll
Library
Make-Up Work
National Junior Honor Society
Parents of Exceptional Children
Physical Education
Promotion Criteria
Six-Day Cycle
Social Events and Class Trips
Transfers and Withdrawals
Technology Education
Attendance
Absence
Excused Absence
Unexcused Absence
Absences for Educational Travel
Tardy to School
Tardy Policy for Athletics and Activities
Extended Absence School Work
Early Dismissal Procedure
Discipline
After School Detention
Back Pack/Book Bag Policy
Bullying/Cyberbullying
Cheating
Conduct
Drug, Alcohol, and High Risk Behavior Policy
Methacton Assistance Program for Students (MAPS)
Personal Listening & Electronic Devices
Philosophy of Dress
Plagiarism
Saturday Morning Detention
School Property
Searches
Disciplinary Procedures and Responses
School Property
Searches
Terroristic Threats
Unlawful Harassment
Weapons Policy
Health services
Inhalers & Epi-pens
Carrying Medications In School
Use of the Elevator
State Mandated Health Exams
Forms for Documentation of Required Health Exams
Administration of Prescription Drugs
Safety Information
Emergency Closing
Emergency Preparedness Drills
Parent Pick-Up
transportation
Bus Stop
On The Bus
Transportation Policy
Bus Note Procedure
Athletics
Interscholastic Sports Program
Methacton Athletic Policy
Additional Information
Arcola Home and School Association (AHSA)
Awards System
Bicycle/Skateboard Policy
Activity Nights/Dances
Display of Materials in the Halls
Exploratory Activity Period
Guidelines and Procedures for Public Concerns
Cafeteria Point of Sale
Responsible Use Agreement
Student Hall Passes
Student of the Month
Student Records
Student Visitors
Telephone Usage
Arcola Intermediate School Contact Information
Telephone Number - 610-489-5000 ext. 30200
Fax Number - 610-831-5317
Counseling Services
Counselors may see students based on referrals made by students, parents, teachers, and administrators.When a problem arises, whether it is academic, social, or emotional, we encourage each student to speak with his or her counselor. With teacher's permission, a student may come to the Counseling Office at any time. A counseling slip will be given directly to the student or placed in the homeroom teacher’s mailbox on the appropriate day.
Due to a child-centered approach at Arcola, the role of the counselor is even more vital to the total school operation. The counselors are in continuous contact with their teams through frequent team meetings.
2012 – 2013 Counseling Staff
Stephanie Berardelli – 7th grade
Mark Mueller – 8th grade
Arcola Intermediate School Time Schedule
Homeroom…………....8:10 - 8:19
Period 1………………..8:21 - 9:06
Period 2………………..9:08 - 9:53
Period 3………………..9:55 - 10:40
Period 4……………… 10:42 - 11:27
Grade 7 Grade 8
Lunch……....11:27 – 11:57 Period 5……….11:29 – 12:14
Period 5….....11:59 – 12:44 Lunch…………12:14 – 12:44
Period 6………………12:46 - 1:31
Period 7……………….1:33 - 2:18
Period 8……………….2:20 - 2:50
“D” Day Time Schedule
Homeroom………....8:10 - 8:19
Period 1…………….8:21 - 9:01
Period 2…………….9:03 - 9:43
Period 3…………….9:45 - 10:25
Period 4……………10:27 - 11:07
Grade 7 Grade 8
Lunch……….11:07 – 11:37 Period 5……….11:09 – 11:49
Period 5…...... 11:39 – 12:19Lunch…………11:49 – 12:19
Period 6…………….12:21 - 1:01
Period 7…………….1:03 - 1:43
Homeroom/Flex Period …………….1:45 - 2:18
Period 8…………….2:20 - 2:50
Two Hour Delay Time Schedule
Homeroom………...10:10 - 10:15
Period 1……………10:17 - 10:45
Period 2……………10:47 - 11:15
Period 3……………11:17 - 11:45
Grade 7 Grade 8
Lunch……….11:45 – 12:15 Period 5……….11:47 – 12:20
Period 5…...... 12:17 – 12:50 Lunch…………12:20 – 12:50
Period 4……………..12:52 - 1:20
Period 5……….……..1:22 - 1:50
Period 6……….……..1:52 - 2:20
Period 7……….……..2:22 - 2:50
2012-2013 School Calendar
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September 4 First Student Day
September 17 Holiday (Schools Closed)
September 26 Holiday (Schools Closed)
November 6 In-service Grades K-12 (Election Day)
November 20-21 In-service Act 80 Grades K-8
(Conferences)
November 22-23 Holiday (Schools & Offices Closed)
December 5 In-service Act 80 Grades K-12
Dec. 24 - Jan. 1 Winter Holiday (Schools Closed)
(Offices Closed Dec. 24,25,31,Jan 1)
January 21 Holiday (Schools Closed)
January 22 In-service Act 80 Grades 7-8
(Conferences)
February 15 In-service Grades K-12 (FLEX #1)
February 18 Holiday (Schools & Offices Closed)
February 19 In-service Act 80 Grades K-12
(Graduation Projects)
March 20 In-service Act 80 Grades K-12
March 27-April 1 Spring Holiday (Schools Closed)
(Offices Closed March 29)
April 1 In-service Grades K-12 (FLEX #2)
April 26 In-service Act 80 Grades 9-12 (Prom)
May 21 In-service Grades K-12
May 24 In-service Grades K-12 (FLEX #3)
May 27 Holiday (Schools & Offices Closed)
June 13 Last Student/Teacher Day
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*All dates are subject to change as result of changes in the school calendar.
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Report Card/Marking Periods 2012-2013
Period #1 / Ends / November 8 / ThursdayPosted to Parent Portal / November 12 / Monday
Period #2 / Ends / January 25 / Friday
Posted to Parent Portal / January 30 / Wednesday
Period #3 / Ends / April 11 / Thursday
Posted to Parent Portal / April 15 / Monday
Period #4 / Ends / June 13 / Thursday
Posted to Parent Portal / June 17 / Monday
Interim Timeline 2012-2013
Interim #1 / October 5 / FridayInterim #2 / December 13 / Thursday
Interim #3 / March 4 / Monday
Interim #4 / May 10 / Friday
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*All dates are subject to change as result of changes in the school calendar.
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Academic Information
Marking System
Report Card grades shall be expressed numerically, which describe the quality of student achievement. All Arcola teachers use the following system:
90 – 100Outstanding: more than minimum requirements in all work, class participation, reading habits, and relating knowledge to new situations. Responsibility for make-up work done in superior manner.
80 – 89Above Average: above average, shows frequent class participation, exhibits reading skills, possesses good knowledge of subject matter, and assumes responsibility for make-up work.
70 – 79Satisfactory Work: all work is of acceptable quality.
60 – 69Passing Below Satisfactory: work demonstrated is of poor quality,the student has not reached a satisfactory level of achievement in spite of frequent re-teaching and assistance from the teacher.
59 and BelowFailing: Work is of unacceptable quality and achievement below expectation.
I – IncompleteThe work must be made up within a reasonable period of time not to exceed ten school (10) days. Failure to complete major projects of a course or turn in daily assignments regularly is cause for marking the subject “incomplete”. If work is not made up within a reasonable period of time a zero may be recorded for the assignments.
NG - No GradeThis mark may be used when circumstances prevent the use of any other grade. For example,
medical excuse from a course after the course has started, prolonged illness, administrative action, etc. The administration must grant approval prior to the use of this mark.
P – PassingThis letter grade indicates that the student has demonstrated skills suitable for his individual level of achievement. A letter grade of “P” will in no way keep a student from achieving any honor roll.
Homebound Instruction
Students who may be absent from school due to illness or surgery for a period of 10 school days or more are entitled to homebound instruction for the academic work they are missing. A “Physician’s Request for Homebound Instruction” form, obtained from the Counseling Office, should be completed and signed by your doctor and returned to the school prior to the absence. One hour per week/per major subject is provided.Parents who know in advance that you will require this service should inform the Counseling Office at least one week in advance.
Homework Policy
Homework is beneficial for a variety of reasons. It reinforces classroom instruction and informs the teacher of the student’s understanding of the subject matter. Also, homework is a perfect way to engage a parent in your child’sacademic activities. Homework only has integrity when it is authentic, i.e., completed by the student himself/herself. This is also true for special projects, which should be the work of the individual student. Parents should support a child’s efforts to do homework but must resist the urge to "help out" by completing the assignment. Arcola believes that everyone learns by doing . . . especially when the "doing" is done by the student. Chronic difficulty in completing homework assignments must be brought to the attention of the teacher and the counselor. (BP 130)
Honor Roll
Distinguished Honor Roll
A student must obtain a minimum G.P.A. of 93% with nothing lower than a 90% in any subject area. All effort ratings may not be less than “Satisfactory.”
Meritorious Honor Roll
A student must attain a minimum G.P.A. of 85% with nothing lower than an 80% in any subject areas. All effort ratings may not be less than “Satisfactory.”
* Since teachers have already rounded to the nearest tenth in computing subject-specific grades, there will be no rounding in computing G.P.A. Grades for Band, Chorus, Orchestra, and/or Gifted Seminarwill not be used in computing a student’s G.P.A.
Effort Honor Roll
A student must have an even split between “1”s and “2”’s in effort. For example- Eight grades of four-1’s and four-2’s in effort. If there are seven grades there must be at least four-1’s. Anyone receiving a “3 or 4” in effort is automatically ineligible.
“M” Award
A student must attain a minimum of 90% in each subject area with a minimum G.P.A. of 93%. All effort ratings may not be less than “Satisfactory.” All students who achieve “Distinguished Honors” in all four marking periods will receive an “M” Award.
Library
The library may be used before school, during a class, andduring 8thperiod. Students MUST use their Arcola student identification cards to sign out library materials. Arcola student identification cards are issued annually. If a student loses their card, a replacement card may be purchased in the main office for $5.00.
Procedure for Entering the Library
The library is open to all Arcola students. A pink pass is what gains you entrance to the library (not a hall pass). Any students wishing to use the library during 8th period must first report to their homerooms prior to coming to the library. Each homeroom is limited on the number of students that that can be sent to the library.
Make-Up Work
1.Students must initiate request for make-up work missed during absence from school.
2. All make-up work and exams must be completed upon return to school during a period of time not to exceed twice the number of school days of absence.
3. School work and exams should be made up after regular school hours or by special arrangement with the teacher(s).
4. All exams and school work not completed during the prescribed time will receive a zero (0).
National Junior Honor Society
The purpose of the National Junior Honor Society is "to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, to develop character, and to encourage citizenship."
The National Junior Honor Society provides an opportunity to involve chapter members in significant learning experiences, especially in the area of service. It is our hope that students will realize the importance of helping the community and become lifelong contributors of their time. The National Junior Honor Society is an opportunity for the faculty to bestow membership (through the actions of the Faculty Council) - as a student privilege, not a right. The National Junior Honor Society is not an honor roll (more factors are considered in the selection process than just grades). Other factors include leadership, service, citizenship, service, and character.
The Arcola Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society focuses on the area of service based on the interests of the membership keeping in mind the needs of the school, district, and community. Members are encouraged to get involved in the projects of interest to them and to bring new ideas to the organization. We are always seeking new contacts and organizations where we can provide a service.
The National Junior Honor Society meets at least once a month to discuss service activities of interest to the membership as well as plan events where we have been invited to serve. In addition, we meet on club days to organize our service projects which take place during the school hours, on the weekends, and during evening hours. Each member is required to participate National Junior Honor Society activities during club time one day of the cycle. This allows members to participate in other events of interest to them.
Recent National Junior Honor Society activities
1. Operating the Arcola School Store on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year
2. Welcoming the 7th graders to the building
3. Gathering photos of veterans and displaying the Wall of Honor for the Veterans' Day Assembly
4. Participating in the Cell Phone for Soldiers collection
5. Delivering supplies to teachers
6. Serving the Thanksgiving dinner to community senior citizens
7. Serving as helpers for the Read-A-Thon event
8. Organizing and collecting food for the needy of the community
9. Selling flowers & candy during the Arcola musical and Jazz Band Festival
With the profits, donations have been made to such organizations as Ronald McDonald House, American Cancer
Society, animal shelters, and Make-A-Wish Foundation as well as honoring Arcola students for their hard work
10. Reading to the first graders in the elementary schools
After reading stories, NJHS members lead a craft activity based on a theme of the book read. Some activities
include planting seeds, decorating t-shirts, and designing murals. The National Junior Honor Society members
donate the books they read to the school or classroom library.
11. Purchasing food and preparing meals at Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia
12. Serving as guides for building tours for incoming 7th graders
13. Working with the Act Club Relay for Life team to raise money to fight cancer
14. Participate in the Induction Ceremony for the new members each spring
Arcola National Junior Honor Society Membership Criteria
The National Junior Honor Society intends to further recognize Arcola’s exemplary students. The purpose of this organization will be “to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, to develop character, and to encourage citizenship.” While academic criterion is important, membership should never be considered on the basis of grades alone. “Schools that select members solely on the basis of scholarship are violating the National Junior Society Constitution and placing their chapter in jeopardy.”
After an informational meeting with the National Junior Honor Society advisor, academically qualified students are required to complete a Student Information Form highlighting school/community activities, awards, community service, and leadership positions in which they have participated. This form provides some of the essential information necessary for the Faculty Council to make an informed decision about the members to be selected. Faculty surveys allow teachers to provide additional insight into each candidate’s character, service, leadership, and citizenship. Each candidate is interviewed by a panel to two/three teachers from the Faculty Council which is made up of a guidance counselor, expressive arts teachers, and major subject area teachers from each team. Neither the National Junior Honor Society advisor nor school administrators can participate in the Faculty Council’s final vote for membership.
Based on the calculation of a weighted system, seventh grade students who attained a minimum 93% final average for the first three marking periods of their seventh grade school year will be considered for possible membership. This means having a 93% average does not guarantee membership selection. In the weighted system, subject area grades are multiplied by a factor of 4, 2, or 1 depending on the number of times a particular subject meets throughout the year. For example major subject grades are multiplied by 4, health/physical education by 2, and expressive arts by 1. Band, orchestra, and gifted seminar classes are not part of this portion of the evaluation process because not all students receive such a grade. Students must submit all work in a timely manner so that no incompletes appear on the report card.
With a minimum 93% final average for the first three marking periods of seventh grade, and the use of the Student Information Form, faculty input, and interview, five members of the Faculty Council vote on each candidate’s membership. “Membership is both an honor and a responsibility. No student has a right to belong to the National Junior Honor Society. It is an honor bestowed by the Faculty.”