Desert Sky Middle School

“Building a Community of Learners”

9850 E. Rankin Loop Tucson, AZ 85747 (520) 879-2702 dsms.vailschooldistrict.org https://facebook.com/DesertSkyTucson

2020-2021 Student Handbook

Katie Dabney, Principal Rebecca Marsh, Assistant Principal

Student Name: ______

Grade: ______

Mascot: Cougars School Colors: Red and Navy Blue

Vail School District Superintendent John Carruth

Vail School District Governing Board

Callie Tippett President Jon Aitken Clerk Allison Pratt Member Claudia Anderson Member Mark Tate Member

Table of Contents

Student Agreement / Parent Signature Letter …………………………….2

Vail School District Telephone Number Directory …………...... 3

Desert Sky Telephone Directory …………………………………………………4

Vail School District Calendar K-8 ……………………………….………………5

Vail School District Guiding Principles ……………………………………….6

Desert Sky Middle School’s Mission Statement ………………………….7

Student Attendance …………………………………………………………………..8

Cougar Guidelines …………………………………………………………………9-16

Cougar Attire ……………………………………………………………………………17

The School and the Law ………………………………………………………18-19

Cougar Conduct Consequences ……………………………………………….. 20

Read with CURAJ …………………………………………………………………… 21

Raising Expectations Document ………………………………………………22

Student Concerns, Complaints & Grievances ………………………23-24

ACT Statement ………………………………………………………...... 25

DSMS Citizenship Rubric …………………………………………………………26

PRIDE Program…………………………………………………………………..27-28

PRIDE Cards (July – May) ………………………………………………….30-50

“If I plan to learn, I must learn to plan.”

Dear Parents,

The staff of Desert Sky Middle School is pleased to give this agenda to your child. Students are expected to have it with them at school 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 three things:

1. Review the features of the agenda with your child. It contains the school handbook and assignment calendar. Please be sure to discuss the Cougar Guidelines and Conduct Consequences with your child.

2. 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.

3. Please let us know that you have reviewed the handbook and the importance of this agenda with your child by signing at the bottom of this page. Please feel free to add your comments in the space provided.

Thank you, The Desert Sky Middle School Staff

Yes, I have reviewed and understand the handbook and agenda, and I have discussed it with my child.

Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature

I have read and understand the information on pages 27-28 regarding the P.R.I.D.E. Program.

Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature

Vail School District -Telephone Number Directory

Vail School District 879-2000 Superintendent 879-2003 Business Office 879-2021 Community Services 879-2030 Curriculum & Instruction Department 879-2038 Food Services, Sodexho 879-2041 Human Resources Department 879-2064 Preschool Services 879-2084 Special Education Department 879-2051 Transportation Department 879-2050 Vail School District Fax 879-2001 Vail School District Web Page http://www.vailschooldistrict.org Acacia Elementary School 879-2200 Andrada Polytechnic High School 879-3300 Cienega High School 879-2800 Civano School 879-1704 Copper Ridge Elementary School 879-3700 Corona Foothills Middle School 879-3500 Cottonwood Elementary School 879-2600 Desert Sky Middle School 879-2700 Desert Willow Elementary School 879-2300 Empire High School 879-3000 Esmond Station 879-3400 Mesquite Elementary School 879-2100 Ocotillo Ridge Elementary School 879-3600 Old Vail Middle School 879-2400 Pantano Alternative School 879-3940 Rincon Vista Middle School 879-3500 Senita Valley Elementary School 879-3100 Sycamore Elementary School 879-2500 Vail Academy & High School 879-1900 Vail Innovation Center 879-1300

3 Desert Sky Middle School 2020 / 2021 Phone Directory

NAME Extension Room Position Abrigo Gabriella 2742 400 8th Math Aken Sheri 2747 308 Behavior Specialist/ELL Bruyn Muriel 2705 105 Office Manager Bustamante Angela 2732 303 8th Language Arts Chen Ming 125 6th / 7th Chinese Immersion Program Collier Seana 2758 505 Resource Conference Room 2797 Office Costa Nic 2745 403 8th Language Arts Costa Anna 2743 401 STEM Couzens Stacey 2709 127 Student Achievement Teacher Dabney Katie 2704 106 Principal Edwards Denise 2735 317 8th Science Escalante Jessica 2712 Office Registrar Francis Michelle 2724 207 ISS Francis Michelle 2775 125 Lab Tech Galvan Amanda 2751 415 8 Social Studies Golwasser Sharon 2739 316 7th Science Gourley Karen 2708 125 Library Gremel Julie 2757 504 8th Math Gulotta Nancy 2713 124 Psychologist Hill Kristi 2729 300 6th Lang. Arts/Social Studies Hill Todd 2731 302 7th Language Arts Hughes Daniel 2707 125 Technology Coordinator Hunter Jocelyn 2766 Gym PE Irvin Deana 2734 305 Resource Isaac Joe 2760 513 7th Language Arts Jackson Abby 2756 503 Language Arts James Spenceer 2748 412 Language Arts/Social Studies Jeffries Michelle 2752 416 6th Math/Science Jordan Kevin 2719 136 8th Social Studies Kitchen Supervisor 2788 204 Kitchen Lifeskills 2737 314 Marsh Rebecca 2715 104 Assistant Principal Mischel Anka 2726 215 Band/Orchestra Moore Taylor 2738 315 7th Social Studies Murray Tina 2762 515 7th Science Nussmeier Lisa 2761 514 7th Social Studies Olvera Andrew 2749 413 6th Lang. Arts/Social Studies Ramos Kellina ELP Repavich Kristin 2717 125 Student Data Coordinator Ricciardelli Matt 2763 516 8th Science Rodriguez Sal 2767 Gym PE Rojas Edsel 2720 137 8th Math Seaman Pat 2721 123 Copy Tech Sherwood Brandon 2744 402 8th Science Short Eileen 2709 Advanced Math Smith Micah 2780 313 Inclusion Smith - Dryden Sally 2753 500 6th Lang. Arts/Social Studies Staff Lounge 2723 Stout Tory 2736 313 Inclusion Sundquist Melissa 2754 501 Math Talley Karleene 2711 113 Volunteer Coordinator Talley Karleene 2711 113 Intervention Specialist Tanner Becky 2741 318 7th Math Thach Melissa 2750 414 6th Science / Math Thorpe Wiliam 2755 502 6th Science/Math Valdez Maxine 2710 108 Health Aid Vera Katie 2764 517 8th Social Studies Vines Desiree 2746 404 Resource Wactor Denise 2702 Office Principal Secretary Wilkes Aubry 2727 201 Choir Willard Meagan 2730 301 6th Math/Social Studies Wilson Sabrina 2728 213 Art Wright Jennifer 2706 126 Student Services Coordinator Yturralde Shenee 2718 134 Speech

4 9850 E. Rankin Loop Tucson, AZ 85747 Vail School District Guiding Principles

VAIL SCHOOL DISTRICT

“Where Education is a Community Effort “

Mission Statement It is the mission of the Vail School District to provide parents with safe and nurturing school communities, where their children can obtain a quality education.

Guiding Principles OUR SCHOOLS ARE COMMUNITIES OF LEARNERS. We define a community as a place where each individual is important and has something valuable to contribute to others in the community. We believe that learning is a lifelong activity. We are all learners. We expect parents, staff members and volunteers to model this belief for students.

WE CARE ABOUT STUDENTS. We believe that each student should be given the opportunity to be educated in a physically and emotionally safe, personalized, and caring environment.

ONE OF OUR HIGHEST PRIORITIES IS KEEPING CLASS SIZES SMALL. Working with students in smaller groups increases opportunities for learning, personal attention, a sense of belonging and the development of a supportive classroom community.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY. We are entrusted with using public resources to provide a quality education for our students. We carefully develop priorities based on student needs, legal responsibilities and cost-effective methods.

WE ARE RESPONSIBLE TO OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY. Our schools are the centers of the community. We actively seek community involvement. And, we respond to community needs.

WE RESPECT PARENTS AND THEIR VALUES. We operate on the behalf of parents. It is our responsibility to assist parents in the education of their children. We value parental involvement, and make every reasonable effort to address and respond to parental concerns.

SMALL SCHOOLS ARE THE BEST PLACES TO DEVELOP CARING COMMUNITIES OF LEARNERS. We like the atmosphere of a small school that has been developed into a positive, healthy community. We prefer small schools. We seek to create that small school atmosphere in all of our schools, regardless of the size that growth and economics may force them to become.

WE BELIEVE LEARNING EXTENDS WELL BEYOND THE CLASSROOM. Our educational program is enriched and extended with opportunities such as: field trips, recreational activities, academic competitions and club activities.

WE UPHOLD TRADITIONAL VALUES SUCH AS RESPECT, PERSONAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, HONESTY AND HARD WORK. We model socially responsible behavior, expect it from each student and make it part of our curriculum. We believe these traditional values have served our society well in the past, are cherished by our community and are important to our future.

WE ARE CONTINUALLY IMPROVING. We are never content with the status quo in our operations or in our curriculum methods. We recognize that we live in a changing world and we respond to those changes. And, we are constantly looking for better and more efficient ways to accomplish our mission.

WE VALUE OUR EMPLOYEES. We specifically and carefully select our staff on the basis of their ability to carry out the mission and guiding principles described above. We hire the best people suited for the task. We respect their expertise and depend on them to work with parents to make our vision for a community of learners a reality. 6

DESERT SKY MIDDLE SCHOOL

“Building a Community of Learners”

Desert Sky Middle School’s Mission is to Provide:

• A safe and positive learning environment

• High standards for academic and behavioral excellence

• Trusting and respectful relationships

• Varied learning opportunities

7 STUDENT ATTENDANCE

should not exceed one week from the time ARRIVING LATE OR LEAVING EARLY a student returns to school following an absence. It is important for students to arrive on time to school for a variety of reasons such as: HOMEWORK REQUESTS • Being late can cause a disruption to the class. A request for homework can be made when • Students may miss important the absence is called in. Requested work information if they are late. may be picked up the following day. Work • Being on time is an important life skill may also be sent home with another for students as it is highly valued by student the following day. Another way of many important people such as checking on homework, is by visiting each employers, creditors, and loved ones. teacher’s website/blog.

Please be aware of the following policies WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL should a student happen to be late to school: All students withdrawing from Desert Sky • Only medical and dental appointments Middle School must check out through the may be deemed as excused tardies. A school office and take a copy of the student must have a note from the withdrawal form to the next school they office of the medical practitioner at the will be attending. time he/she is tardy in order for the tardy to be excused. It is helpful if you can provide the DSMS • Emergencies and special circumstances office with your new address and the name may be approved at administration’s of your new school at the time of discretion. withdrawal.

• Students who receive an unexcused Students who withdraw are responsible for tardy receive a “No” stamp for PRIDE. returning all books and paying for any lost Students with continued unexcused or damaged books. This includes library tardies will be deemed as truant and books and textbooks. law enforcement will be contacted.

INCLEMENT WEATHER Students who are tardy prior to 8:15 a.m. are to report to their advisory classroom, In cases of inclement weather, please rather than go to the office. Students who check our school’s web site at are tardy after 8:15 a.m. are to report to dsms.vailschooldistrict.org, or our the office and sign in. Students leaving Facebook page, or call our front office at early must have permission from a parent. 879-2702 to gain information and updates For safety reasons, students may not on how this may affect the opening of check themselves out of school. Only school on such a day. authorized persons may check a student out.

MISSING ASSIGNMENTS

Upon returning to school, students will be responsible for compiling and completing missing assignments. Make-up work

8 COUGAR GUIDELINES

ASSEMBLIES DMS Each morning, after our announcements in Assemblies are a regularly scheduled part of the advisory class, students partake in DMS curriculum and as such are designed to be (Daily Math Skills) in the area of math. educational as well as entertaining experiences. Students in each class do a three-minute They provide an opportunity in school to learn practice of the skill they are on, beginning formal audience behavior. Regardless of the type with skill #1 in the Middle School Skill of program, courtesy demands that the student Sequence for the grade, then take a two- body be respectful and appreciative. Talking, minute test. This occurs daily. The goal of whispering, yelling, stomping feet and booing the daily DMS is that students develop are discourteous and will not be permitted. stronger accuracy and fluency of math skills necessary at their grade level Guest speakers and program presenters have always been quick to point out how polite Desert v Formative Assessments Sky students are at assemblies. Let's keep our When a math or language arts teacher good reputation. A student who fails to follow finishes teaching a performance objective in these guidelines will have his/her privilege to the classroom, he or she will give the attend assemblies suspended. students a short five question multiple choice test based on the topic that was ASSESSMENTS taught to check for mastery of the concept. Scoring is as follows: v AzM2 (Previously called AzMERIT) • 4/5 or 5/5 correct = proficient AzM2 (Arizona’s Measurement of • 3/5 correct = partially proficient Educational Readiness to Inform Teaching) • 2/5, 1/5 or 0/5 correct = minimally is Arizona’s statewide achievement test. In proficient 2010, the Arizona State Board of Education • Students scoring 4/5 or 5/5 correct will adopted new standards in English language be considered proficient on that concept. arts and mathematics for all students in Those students who score 0 - 3 points Arizona. With the adoption and correct will need extra help with the implementation of new standards, a new concept. At this point, the math or test was necessary. Arizona public school language arts teacher may place the students in Grades 3 through high school students that need extra help in a will take AzM2. Students in Grades 3 reteach class to reteach the through 8 will take an assessment in concept again. The student will then English language arts and mathematics at take a formative test again at the end of their grade level. AzM2, based on the new the learning to measure proficiency at standards, will tell teachers, students, and that time. The teacher will then take an parents if students are on track to be average of the two test scores for a final college and career ready upon graduation score. We believe doing smaller from high school. The Arizona Science assessments along the way, and Standards are changing as well, so reteaching prior to benchmark tests, will students in Grades 4, 8, and high school help students be more prepared to build will take the new AzSCI test. on future learning and be more successful on the Benchmark and v Benchmark Assessments AzM2 assessments. Benchmark assessments measure the academic standards taught in math, reading, writing, and science. Scores reflect whether students are highly proficient, proficient, partially proficient, or minimally proficient in the standards in each area.

9 COUGAR GUIDELINES

AWARDS

Students may earn the following awards at our quarterly awards assemblies: Principal’s Award, High Honor Roll, Honor Roll, Citizenship,

P.R.I.D.E. Award, Specialist Awards, GRIT and DMS Award. CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS

BIKES and WALKERS • Keep backpacks under the table • Remain seated until dismissed Because of our location on Rita Road, • Keep tables and floors clean precautions are in place for students walking or • No throwing food riding bikes to school. Students must cross at • Leave all drinks and food inside the designated areas, follow crossing guard instructions, and follow the walking routes. Possible Consequences for Bikes must be locked to the bike rack. Non-Compliance

CAFETERIA • Clean the cafeteria • Moved to an alternative seat The school cafeteria is maintained as a vital part • Serve detention of the health program of the school. To • Perform community service work encourage good nutrition, a well-balanced lunch • Receive an office referral is offered at a reasonable price. Students have the opportunity to pre-pay for their lunches. CELL PHONES & OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES & Smart Watches Meal prices for the 2020-2021 school year: Lunch: $2.80 Use of cell phones or electronic devices, Breakfast: $1.25 including portable blue tooth speakers, is not permitted on campus during school hours (8:00 We encourage families to make payments for a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) including PRIDE and school meals through MealTime Online or at the remediation. Any student who brings a cell school with cash or check. There is a nominal phone or electronic device to school must keep fee for using the MealTime Online payment it turned off and in his/her backpack during option. This fee is a processing fee and does not school hours. Consequences for violation of this benefit the District. Payments through policy are as follows: MealTime Online may take 1-2 business days to reflect the credit. Go to www.MyMealTime.com • 1st offense – cell phone or electronic device to create an account. is taken and turned in to the office – parent is notified and student may pick it up at the If a student’s meal account balance is end of the school day inadequate to pay for the entire meal, the school • 2nd offense – cell phone or electronic will provide K-8 students with a healthy device is taken away and turned in to the alternative to the menued school lunch and the office – student receives a written referral - meal account will be charged. High school parent is notified and parent may pick up students will not be permitted to charge any part cell phone or electronic device from front of a student meal if the charge will result in a office negative balance. • 3rd offense – cell phone or electronic device is taken away and turned in to the For any questions concerning negative balances, office – student receives a written referral - delinquent student meal accounts, or for parent is notified and cell phone or assistance with the free or reduced price meal electronic device is returned to parent or application please contact Vail School District student on the last day of the semester. Food Services at [email protected] or call Please keep in mind that additional 879-2015 or 879-2072. consequences will occur for a student who not

10 COUGAR GUIDELINES

only violates our policy, but also uses a cell • Do not run, but move quickly and quietly phone or electronic device in such a way that to a designated area until instructed to breaks other school rules. The school is not return to the classroom. responsible for lost or stolen items. Always remember: IT COULD BE THE REAL Please also know that students are permitted to THING. Observing the above rules will ensure use the office telephone or classroom telephone the safety of all. only with permission or a pass from a teacher. Please keep telephone calls short. No student Any student who falsely reports a fire or rings will be called from class to receive a telephone the fire alarm without cause will be subject to call. suspension from school and will be reported to the county Fire Marshall for legal action. CELL PHONES & OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES & Smart Watches – INTENTIONAL HALL PASSES USE • Any student who leaves a classroom during Students who intentionally use their cell phone class time must be accompanied by a on the Desert Sky campus between normal teacher or have a hall pass form completed school hours (including PRIDE and remediation) in his/her student agenda from an to text message, e-mail or make a phone call will authorized staff member. Passes must be disciplined according to the following include the student's name, the date, time guidelines: and purpose of the trip. • Students should not take any side trips. 1st offense – 1 day of in-school suspension; • Except for emergencies, all students should parent must pickup the student’s phone from have a pass from his/her teacher before the front office reporting to the health office. • Only one student at a time may be released 2nd offense – 1 day of out of school suspension; from class except in an emergency. phone is kept by administration and returned to the student at the end of the semester HEALTH OFFICE

Further transgressions of intentional cell phone The District has a registered nurse to train and misuse will continue to result in progressive supervise all health aides and clinic facilities. consequences. The health aide is on duty each school day during regular school hours. All emergencies EXTRA HELP should be reported immediately to the teacher, who will send or accompany the student to the Students may always seek extra help from health office. Except for emergencies, all teachers if they do not understand an students should have a pass from his/her assignment, if the work is too difficult, or if they teacher before reporting to the health office. have been absent and have missed assignments Students should not go to the restroom if feeling and class discussions. Remediation ill. opportunities and Intersession classes will be made available (dates and times TBA). Students who have been absent due to an illness should be fever or nausea-free for 24 hours FIRE DRILLS AND EMERGENCY DRILLS before returning to school.

Fire and emergency drills are held regularly. No medications will be administered unless a Students will be instructed by each of their Prescribed Medication Permission Form is classroom teachers as to which exit they will use properly completed and signed by BOTH when vacating the building. Students should PARENT and PHYSICIAN and this form is on file adhere to the following rules when the alarm in the school health office. ALL MEDICATIONS sounds to leave the building: are to be kept in the health office and never • Keep in single file. carried by a student. Tylenol and antibiotic • Stay quiet to listen for announcements. ointment may be administered with a parent signature on the Medical Information Form.

11 COUGAR GUIDELINES

Arizona law requires students to be up to date with their immunizations in order to attend school. Upon entering 6th, 7th & 8th grade, students should be up to date with all the following immunizations.

Immunization Number Time Allotments DTP 4-5 The following are average time frames a student IPV/OVP 4 may be assigned for homework each evening, MMR 2 Monday – Friday: Hep B 3 Varicella 2 (or date of disease) 6th grade – 60 minutes Tdap 1 (must be 11 or older) 7th grade – 70 minutes Meningococcal 1 (must be 11 or older) 8th grade – 80 minutes

By law, we are unable to release your child to Please keep in mind that there may be more anyone that is not on his/her emergency contact homework on some evenings or weekends when list. For that reason, it is imperative to provide long-term projects are assigned. In addition, the us with several emergency contacts and updated amount of time students take to complete information if those contacts change in any way. homework assignments may vary. What may If a child is left in temporary custody of another take one child 60 minutes, may take another adult (i.e., parent on vacation or out-of-town), child 30 minutes, and yet another 90 minutes. please notify the school office by filling out the If your child takes substantially longer than the Child Care Authorization Form located in the average time allotments to complete homework school office so we can add that adult to the assignments, please schedule a meeting with student’s emergency contact list. If a parent or his/her teachers. emergency contact cannot be reached in the event of an emergency, 911 will have to be Tips for Parents called. Here are some helpful hints in assisting and/or supporting your child with his or her homework. HOMEWORK POLICY You might also check the teachers’ website/blog for periodic updates on assignments. Purpose of Homework • Check the student agenda daily for assigned At Desert Sky Middle School, we believe there homework from each class. are several important purposes of homework. • Designate and set aside a certain block of • Homework builds responsibility, time for homework every evening. organization, and study skills. • Find a quiet place in your home where your • Homework allows for practice and child can focus on completing homework. reinforcement of a skill that has been taught • Homework assigned to your child is typically in class. from the day’s lesson and your child should • Homework can also serve as an extension of be able to complete it by himself or herself. learning from the classroom environment. Provide support by checking in from time to • Homework may allow for a preview of time and give praise for good work. upcoming learning that will take place in a • Check to make sure all homework has been new unit of study. completed at the end of the homework • Homework completion leads to better grades session each evening. and higher overall academic achievement. • Please encourage your child to use his/her • Homework prepares students for real-life time in class wisely; this will greatly responsibilities they will encounter in future diminish the amount of homework he/she years. has each evening. • You can check your child’s progress on Powerschool to see how he/she is doing on his/her homework Usernames and passwords will be mailed out to all parents within the first month of each school year.

12 COUGAR GUIDELINES

Should you not receive this information • Taking proper care of library books so that please contact your child’s advisory teacher others may use them. or check your child’s report card. • Returning library books on time so that • Read the monthly editions of our school’s others have access to them. newsletter, The Cougar Call, and your • Always signing in so that teachers and the student’s teaching team newsletter. Both media center specialist know where you are are emailed home with the goal to be to you and who has visited the library. by the first of the month. The Cougar is • Asking questions! The library staff is happy also available on our school’s Facebook page to help you locate information, teach you and web site at dsms.vailschooldistrict.org how to use a computer resource, recommend • Read the marquee that is located in front of a book to read, or help you think through a the school. research project. • Check out the display case located just outside the school office. NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION • Read our announcements from our student- led, daily school news broadcast called Vail Unified School District #20 does not Cougar News Central (CNC). They are discriminate on the basis of race, color, national available at dsms.vailschooldistrict.org. origin, sex, age, religion, or disability in • Look at the section of the student agenda admission or access to, or treatment or where your child writes assignments and employment in, its educational programs or important dates. activities. Inquiries concerning Title VI, Title VII, • Be on the lookout for flyers that come home Title IX, Section 504, and Americans With with your student. Disabilities Act may be referred to the • “Like us” on Facebook. Superintendent, John Carruth, or Kevin Carney, Assistant Superintendent and Title IX and LOST AND FOUND Section 504 Coordinator, 13801 E. Benson Hwy. Vail, AZ 85641, (520) 879-2000. Please bring any articles you have found to the office. The lost and found is located in the MPR. Aviso de No Discriminación, Any valuables that have been found and turned El Distrito Escolar Unificado de Vail # 20 no in to the office will remain in the office. After an discrimina a base de raza, color, origen de extended period of time, articles will be disposed nacionalidad, sexo, edad, religion, o inhabilidad of, as there is a limited amount of storage space. en admisión o acceso a, o tratamiento de If you lose something, always check the LOST personas o empleo en, sus programas AND FOUND in the MPR and with the front educacionales o actividades. Si usted tiene office. Many good articles of clothing, jewelry, preguntas o algun otra cuestión sobre Titulo VI, and other items are not claimed each year. Titulo VII, Titulo IX, Sección 504 ud. puede digerirse con al Superintendente Sr. John MEDIA CENTER Carruth , o Asistente al Superintendente Sr. Kevin Carney, 13801 E. Benson Hwy., Vail, AZ The Desert Sky Library Media Center is open 85641 (520) 879-2000. every day from 7:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for reading, researching, studying, and learning. Students may visit the library at any time with a pass from PHYSICAL EDUCATION the classroom teacher. Up to three books may be checked out of the library for two-week Physical Education is required for 6th - 8th periods, and may be renewed upon request. graders for two quarters. Students can purchase Consideration and thoughtfulness towards uniforms from their PE teachers at the school others should be a priority in the library since price. T-Shirts are sold for $10.00, athletic the entire school shares this space and the shorts are $12.00, sweatpants are $15.00, and resources there. Please show mutual respect for hooded sweatshirts are $22.00. If students others in the library by: choose not to purchase a school uniform, they • Speaking in a low voice so that you do not MUST DRESS OUT IN A WHITE OR GRAY T- disturb those trying to concentrate. SHIRT AND BLUE GYM SHORTS/SWEATPANTS. Every student is expected to dress out for every P.E. class.

13 COUGAR GUIDELINES

Students may wear sweat suits during winter Students are expected to keep the restrooms months. Failure to dress out will have the affect clean. These restrooms are for student use, so of lowering a student's P.E. grade. please help maintain them in a healthful condition. Students are to report to their teacher In case of illness or disability, notes from the for a pass to the Health Office if they are feeling parent will be accepted to excuse the student ill. from that one day of activities. A DOCTOR'S WRITTEN NOTIFICATION WILL BE NECESSARY SCHOOL AND OFFICE HOURS TO RELEASE ANY STUDENT FROM P.E. ACTIVITIES FOR MORE THAN ONE DAY. The School begins for students at 8:00 a.m. The first doctor's excuse should include length of release bell rings at 7:55 a.m. The school day ends at time from class, type of activity the student is 3:00 p.m. The school’s front office is open from restricted from, and any other pertinent 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. information. SPORTS AND SCHOOL ACTIVITIES All clothes and personal items should be locked in the gym locker before students leave the Opportunities will be provided for students to locker room. Anything of value should be participate in team athletics. There will be a secured in the teacher’s office before class $1.00 general activity fee for any club or extra begins. The student, not the school, is curricular activity. responsible for his/her personal belongings. Sports Seasons PROMOTION CRITERIA • All Year: Cheerleading • August–October: Co-Ed Flag Football, Girls’ Promotion considerations will include the Volleyball, Cross Country following: • October–December: Boys’ Basketball, Girls’ • Grades Soccer • Test scores • January–March: Girls’ Basketball, Boys’ • Age Soccer, and Co-Ed Wrestling • Current achievement • March–May: Baseball, Softball, Track and • Social maturity Field, Boys’ Volleyball • Attendance • Teacher evaluation and judgment • Students who fail to successfully complete required remediation hours per the District’s Raising Expectations policy will be retained. • 4th Quarter Suspensions Eligibility In order to be declared eligible for participation in team sports, students must meet the following criteria: • Current physical form must be on file in the Desert Sky Health Office before participating in any sport including practices - physicals are good for one year from the time they are completed. • Maintain a C grade point average, no Fs in any class PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION • Maintain a “Meets” or “Exceeds” rating on the Citizenship Rubric Students are reminded that they are to be • Pay a non-refundable, activity fee per responsible and appropriate at all times. student per sport. Fees for the 2020-2021 Kissing and holding hands are not permitted. season are $75.00 per sport. • Fees must be paid before the first RESTROOMS game/meet.

14 COUGAR GUIDELINES

Students’ eligibility to participate, using the until all buses are gone. There will be no adult criteria listed above, is determined each supervision after 3:10 p.m. unless the student Thursday during the season. Students who are is in an organized after school activity. The declared ineligible are not able to participate in school cannot be responsible for pick-ups after games and remain ineligible for an entire week that. Regarding after school activities, until eligibility is checked again the following supervision will be provided up until one-half Thursday. They are, however, permitted and hour after the conclusion of the event. The expected to participate in practices. school cannot be responsible for pick-ups after that. Other Important Information • Students who are suspended from school STUDENT VALUABLES may not participate or attend a game or practice. Students are responsible for personal property. • Students who are absent from school may If you wear glasses or a watch, keep track of not participate or attend a game or practice them at all times. If it is necessary to bring more on the day of an absence. money than needed to pay for lunch, leave it in • Students who are declared ineligible three the office for safekeeping. DO NOT leave it in times during a given season are dismissed your backpack or classroom desk. The school from the team. will not take responsibility for the loss of such • Students who are ineligible at the start of items. Selling of personal items on campus is intersession will remain ineligible for the prohibited. remainder of the season if the season ends during the intersession break. • Students who are required to serve PRIDE hour on the day of a game or practice must serve the PRIDE hour before attending the game or practice. • Students who owe PRIDE hour on the same TEXTBOOKS and CHROMEBOOKS day his/her team will be traveling to another school for a game will need to attend PRIDE Students are responsible for maintaining their hour and make other transportation textbooks and/or chromebooks. Please do not arrangements if he/she still wants to attend write in books or intentionally damage them. the game. Each student will be issued textbooks to take home. Teachers will check the condition of the Students are reminded that school rules apply books prior to distribution to the students and at all extra-curricular activities. Good again when they are returned at the end of the sportsmanship should be shown at all times. year. Students will be charged for damage Athletes who present chronic disciplinary beyond the normal wear and for loss of books. problems will be removed from the team/activity Students will not receive replacements until at the discretion of the coach/sponsor or school payment is made. Students should check the administrator. condition of their books when issued. If

students or parents feel that the condition listed

is inaccurate, please bring this to the attention STUDENT DROP-OFF AND AFTERNOON of the office immediately. Book covers are PICK-UP TIMES recommended.

Parents are reminded that students are to be VISITORS PASSES dropped off and picked up in the parking lot in front of the gym. Drop-off time should not be We welcome all visitors, yet for the safety of our earlier than 7:30 a.m. Scheduled supervision campus we must know who all visitors are. All does not begin until this time. visitors must report directly to the Desert Sky Desert Sky Middle School cannot be responsible office. Students from other schools are not for your child if he/she is dropped off at an allowed as visitors during our school day unless earlier time. Students being picked up after they have received prior written permission from school must wait for their rides on school a Desert Sky Middle School staff member. grounds. School officials will supervise them

15 COUGAR GUIDELINES

WANT TO KNOW HOW YOUR CHILD IS DOING celebrate. With a little imagination, snacks and IN SCHOOL? parties can be a lot of fun while still providing healthy, nutrient-rich food. Just as children • There is internet access to your child’s acquire tastes for sweets, they acquire tastes grades and behavior for each class based for healthy fruits and vegetables too. That is upon our Citizenship Rubric that can be why encouraging these foods for snacks is so accessed anytime at important for good health. Getting children in ps.vail.k12.az.us/public/ as long as you the habit of eating healthy snacks not only know your child’s username and password. provides them with the nutrients they need to A web letter is mailed home at the grow, it helps set them up for a lifetime of beginning of each year to provide parents healthy eating as they get older. with the login information. • On a daily basis you can check the PRIDE All food items purchased to be shared at section of your child’s student agenda and school, must show the nutritional fact label. No find out if he or she did not turn in an food items can be “homemade” or prepared/cut assignment on time, was late to class, or did at home. For more information, go to: not bring the required materials for each http://www.azed.gov/health-nutrition/nutrition- class. standards/ • Attend our quarterly awards assemblies. This will hopefully help serve as a guide to • Engage your child daily about his/her progress and how things are in school. what snacks are allowed in the classroom if a parent is bringing a treat to share. While we • Call or e-mail your child’s teachers. Our hope that families will also encourage healthy teachers strive to return voice mail and e- choices on an individual family basis, there will mail by the following day, Monday - Friday. be no “policing” of what foods or drinks a • Attend parent-teacher conferences. student brings from home to school, as long as • Progress reports will be mailed home every it is only for the child’s own consumption. four to five weeks to students with D’s or F’s. Report cards will be mailed home to all Gum students every nine weeks. • We will mail you home the results of how Gum is not permitted on campus. Please refrain your child did on each Benchmark test as from chewing gum while on school grounds. well as the AzM2 test. • Our teachers will be contacting you should academic or behavioral concerns arise as well as for positive behaviors.

WELLNESS POLICY

The Vail School District enacted a Wellness Policy under the direction of the Arizona Department of Education and US Federal law, signed 6/30/2004. The Vail District and the staff at Desert Sky are committed to providing a school environment that promotes and protects children’s health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity. Healthy eating is demonstrably linked to reduced risk for mortality and development of many chronic diseases as adults.

We also realize that snacks do play an important part in providing children with nutrients to support growth and learning. It is also recognized that parties are a fun way to

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THE SCHOOL AND THE LAW Schools have gained national attention for student misconduct. It is the intent of Desert Sky Middle School to take the following seriously and act in accordance with the best interest of our students to provide a safe learning environment. Please refer to the Cougar Consequences for further detail.

BULLYING LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS Desert Sky strives to be an environment that Desert Sky staff is responsible for student will be absent of all threat. We create an safety and well being while here at school. atmosphere in and out of the classroom For that reason, students will not be where thoughtful people work together and permitted to leave school grounds after strive to make all students feel honored as having arrived in the morning unless they are important and worthwhile people to know signed out at the front office by a parent or and to be in relationship with. Bullying and guardian. intimidating will not be tolerated. PHYSICAL ATTACK BULLYING IS REPEATED, INTENTIONALLY A physical attack is when one person or HURTFUL BEHAVIOR group of persons assaults another person Bullying is not a mutual conflict, who does not wish to engage in the conflict disagreement, or altercation between peers. and who has not provoked the attack. This is In instances of bullying, there is a clearly a serious offense and law enforcement may defined victim and bully. Bullying includes be notified. but is not limited to physical intimidation, physical abuse, threats, name calling, social STEALING isolation, gossiping, and spreading rumors. Any student who commits or attempts to commit a theft or breaking and entering at EXTORTION school may be suspended and/or referred to Threatening other students or extorting law enforcement. Theft includes stealing money or property from them is prohibited. school property, stealing from faculty, Extreme disciplinary action will be imposed fundraisers, school employees or other on those who attempt this. Students who students. Breaking and entering includes are victims of such acts are asked and entering the school building, lockers, locked encouraged to report it to teachers or to rooms, or other areas prohibited because of someone in the office so that definite action time or specific reason. Stolen or lost can be taken. This is the only way to ensure property should be reported to the school that such acts may be curtailed. office immediately.

FIGHTING AND HORSEPLAY THREATENING BEHAVIOR OR LANGUAGE Horseplay often results in injury or leads to Using threatening, abusive or vulgar serious fighting. Therefore, it is not language towards teachers, students or other permitted and may be treated as fighting people is strictly forbidden and will be when referred to administration. Fighting at severely punished. Making threatening the bus stop, on buses, or anywhere on gestures towards others also will be treated campus is prohibited. Students engaging in as a serious offense. Law enforcement may be such activity face suspension or other notified. disciplinary action. TOBACCO AND CIGARETTES GOING TO AND FROM SCHOOL Smoking chewing tobacco, dipping snuff, or Student safety is our highest priority. We possessing smoking materials or tobacco believe maintaining student safety requires products is subject to disciplinary action and an approach that is both proactive and may be reported to law enforcement. vigilant. Please know that while we are not responsible for the actions of students going WEAPONS, DANGEROUS OBJECTS & DRUGS to and from school, we do have the authority Students are prohibited from having in their to investigate and administer consequences possession any firearms, explosives (such as with students who infringe upon the safety firecrackers), knives, drugs or drug of other students going to and from school, paraphernalia, alcoholic beverages, or other just as we would during normal school dangerous articles. This school will not hours or school events. Furthermore, we tolerate the use of prohibited drugs by any of will exercise this authority if there are its students. Any student apprehended situations that we feel are in the best using, possessing, or transferring possession interest of maintaining student safety and of of prohibited drugs will be suspended and the the school. police will be notified. Passing off any substance as a drug to others will be treated is a serious offense and is punishable by suspension from school.

18 DISCIPLINARY ACTION Students who create discipline problems or who violate the Cougar Guidelines may be disciplined by the school personnel in one of the following ways:

PARENT CONTACT A teacher or SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL administrator will open the lines of The Desert Sky Council and the Vail School communication when there is a discipline District have established that students may problem at school. We believe that when all be suspended out-of-school for the following parties are aware of a problem quick offenses: solutions are more easily found and • Fighting – Acts of violence implemented. • Threats or Intimidation • Bullying TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE SEATING • Severe or reoccurring disrespect ASSIGNMENT Teams of teachers can work • Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drugs out an arrangement to offer temporary • Arson or attempted arson placement of a student in another • Physical attack classroom. During that time, students will • Dangerous objects such as: work independently on schoolwork. firearms, fireworks, explosives, knives, metal pipes, sharpened AFTER SCHOOL or LUNCH DETENTION implements, clubs, pepper spray, A teacher or administrator keeping a etc. student after school will give one day’s • Destruction or damaging of school notice of detention. Parents are expected to property or property of another provide transportation home for their child. • Detention will usually be held after school. Extortion or attempted extortion However, a student may be detained during • Harassment lunch period or other suitable times as well. • Theft • Disrespect to Desert Sky Staff COMMUNITY SERVICE A teacher or an members administrator may assign specific tasks • Repeated classroom disruption around the campus as a logical consequence • Dishonesty to a prohibited behavior. Examples include, but are not limited to, cleaning cafeteria All consequences begin with notification of tables and picking up litter. parents. A student’s out-of school suspension may require a parent conference IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION with an administrator before a student is Students may be removed from their regular readmitted. During a suspension, parents classes and work on their daily assignments will have complete custody and jurisdiction under the supervision of a staff member. of their child. A suspended student may not They receive credit for work completed. appear on school property or at any school Students may not attend any extracurricular sponsored activity at any Vail school. activities including team practice or games while in Alternative Education. Students STUDENT CONDUCT RESPONSIBILITIES causing disciplinary problems while in A student is under the school’s authority at Alternative Education will receive an out-of- any time he/she is on school property. This school suspension. includes the time spent on school buses, field trips, and in any school related RESTRICTION FROM ACTIVITIES activities. It is impossible for any teaching or Students who present discipline problems learning to take place in a classroom unless during assemblies or extracurricular school good order is maintained. This is not only for activities may have their privilege to attend one student’s benefit but for the benefit of such activities suspended for up to the others as well. Responsible behavior is a remainder of the school year. distinguishing feature of a respectful student. BUS SUSPENSION Students are generally Become familiar with these guidelines. They given a warning for the first infraction of a exist to provide an orderly, safe environment bus regulation. Repeated offenses will result where learning can take place. in a loss of bus riding privileges for periods ranging from one day to the remainder of the year. For serious misconduct, bus suspension may result on the first offense.

19 Cougar Conduct Consequences

Behavior Possible Consequences Weapons Severe infraction Suspension or Expulsion possession or use of real or simulated weapons, firearms, or law enforcement notified explosives Alcohol 10 days out of school suspension at a minimum Possession, use, and / or distribution law enforcement notified Drugs the non-medical use, possession, distribution or sale of chemical substances – also imitating drug use with other substances or drug paraphernalia Threats of Life 5 days out of school suspension verbal, written or physical threats to anyone law enforcement may be notified Tobacco, Cigarettes, e-cig, Vapor Products and 5 days out of school suspension CBD Oils/Paraphernalia law enforcement may be notified Possession, use, and / or distribution of these types of products – also imitating use with other substances Physical Attack 5 days out of school suspension physical attack of one person or group of persons upon another law enforcement may be notified person, who does not wish to engage in the conflict and who has not provoked the attack Fighting 3 days out of school suspension fighting or abuse of students or staff; two or more parties involved Stealing 2 days out of school suspension taking or concealing property belonging to others Ditching 1 day out of school suspension leaving school grounds or class / failing to attend without adult permission Destruction of School Property 1 day out of school suspension Vandalism, graffiti, and other intentional damage to school property Gang Activity 1 day in-school suspension wearing, carrying or displaying gang paraphernalia including hand signs or graffiti Dangerous Objects 1 day in-school suspension possession or use of a dangerous object or any object which could cause harm Harassment, Intimidation or Hazing 1 day in-school suspension comments, gestures or requests intended to intimidate Loss of Control 1 day in-school suspension acting out to the point of removal from situation Profanity/Obscenity Referral – Any combination of three referrals within a lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct, expression or distribution of semester will result in a one day of ISS materials Disruptive or Disrespectful Behavior Referral – Any combination of three referrals within a behavior or expression that causes a disruption to learning or semester will result in one day of ISS exhibits disrespect Dishonest Behavior Referral – Any combination of three referrals within a including cheating or lying semester will result in one day of ISS Defiance/Uncooperative Behavior Referral – Any combination of three referrals within a choosing not to follow staff instructions or directions semester will result in one day of ISS

20 Desert Sky Middle School Active Reading Strategy Read with CURAJ

Read the question.

RWITH Circle key words in the question, C and say it in your own words. Underline important information U in the passage or problem.

Reread the question and passage to reach understanding. R A Answer the question.

J Justify your answer.

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VAIL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 20 “Where Education is a Community Effort”

RAISING EXPECTATIONS

The following policies were enacted to focus attention on the value of academic achievement and to increase accountability. GRADES 3 THROUGH 8

REWARDS Remediation may include one or more of 1. Students who are “Proficient” on each section the following: of the AzMERIT will receive a ribbon. 1. Tutoring 2. Students who are “Proficient” on all sections of 2. Intersession courses the AzMERIT and “Highly Proficient” on one or 3. Summer school more sections will receive a plaque. 4. Saturday school 5. Additional academic courses in lieu 3. Students who are “Highly Proficient” on all of Specials or Electives sections of the AzMERIT will receive a trophy. 6. Private or Commercial Tutoring pre-approved by the principal REQUIRED INTERVENTIONS

1. A District Assessment will be given to all EXCESSIVE ABSENCES students for math and reading prior to the end of the first three quarters. Regular school attendance promotes learning • Any 3rd - 5th grade student who does not and achievement; therefore, students who meet the district assessment standard will have nine or more days of excused or be required to complete 12 hours of unexcused absences in a semester will be remediation for each deficient area. required to complete 12 hours of remediation. • Any 6th - 8th grade student who falls far below the district assessment standard will be required to complete 12 hours of remediation for each deficient area. CONSEQUENCES

2. If at the end of the1st, 2nd, or the 3rd grading Students who fail to successfully period a student has an F in a core course complete required remediation will be (math, language arts, reading, science or retained. social studies), the student will be required to successfully complete a minimum of 12 hours NOTESHigh School AIMS results will be posted on of remediation for each failing grade. • student’sIndividual permanent schools may transcripts. choose to implement complementary positive and negative consequences for all testing programs. 3. If at the end of the 4th grading period a student • Special Education students requiring has an F in a core course, the student will be interventions will be referred to the IEP team. required to successfully complete12 hours of • Students will be treated as individuals and principals will have the authority to make remediation for each failing grade during the exceptions. summer break. Eighth grade students who fail • Any retention decision may be appealed to the a core course in the 4th quarter will not be Governing Board, as per board policy. permitted to participate in promotion ceremonies.

22 2011 Arizona School Boards Association

Student Concerns, Complaints, And Grievances (To be displayed in school Buildings and in student handbooks)

Students may present a complaint or grievance regarding one (1) or more of the following:

● Violation of the student’s constitutional rights.

● Denial of an equal opportunity to participate in any program or activity for which the student qualifies not related to the student’s individual capabilities.

● Discriminatory treatment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

● Concern for the student’s personal safety.

Complaints and grievances related to allegations of student violence, harassment, intimidation or bullying are to be filed in accordance with Board Policy JICK.

Provided that:

● The topic is not the subject of disciplinary or other proceedings under other policies and regulations of the District, and

● The procedure shall not apply to any matter for which the method of review is prescribed by law, or the Governing Board is without authority to act.

The guidelines to be followed are:

● The accusations must be within thirty ( 30 ) calendar days of the time the student knew or should have known that there were grounds for the complaint/grievance.

● The complaint/grievance shall be made only to a school administrator or a school member.

● The person receiving the complaint will gather information for the complaint form.

● All allegations shall be reported on forms with the necessary particulars as determined by the Superintendent. Forms are available in the school office.

● The person receiving the complaint shall preserve the confidentiality of the subject, disclosing it only to the appropriate school administrator or next higher administrative supervisor or as otherwise required by law.

Any questions concerning whether the complaint or grievance falls within this policy shall be determined by the Superintendent.

A student or student’s parent or guardian may initiate the complaint process by completing Exhibit JII-EA.

23 2011 Arizona School Boards Association

A complaint or grievance may be withdrawn at any time. Once withdrawn, the process cannot be reported if the resubmission is longer than thirty ( 30 ) calendar days from the date of the occurrence of the alleged incident. False or unproven complaint documentation shall not be maintained.

Retaliatory or intimidating acts against any student who has made a complaint under the District policy and its corresponding regulations, or against a student who has testified, assisted or participated in any manner in an investigation relating to a complaint or grievance, are specifically prohibited and constitute grounds for a separate complaint.

Knowingly submitting a false report under this policy shall subject the student to discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion. Where disciplinary action is necessary pursuant to any part of this policy, relevant District policies shall be followed.

When District officials have a reasonable belief or an investigation reveals that a reported incident may constitute an unlawful act, law enforcement authorities will be informed.

24 re Respectful Aand Trustworthy are About C Each Other Take Responsibility

Citizenship Rubric

Students’ behavior will be assessed using the Vail School District’s ACT statement. Criteria for each behavior is listed below. Criteria includes but is not limited to the following:

● Respectful Demonstrates appropriate social skills such as speaker courtesy, polite speech, and courtesy to staff and peers. Trustworthy Demonstrates honest behavior by not cheating, lying, or stealing. ● Caring Demonstrates kindness towards staff and peers by being helpful and supportive, working cooperatively, and encouraging others. Students demonstrate positive interactions by avoiding bullying behaviors such as gossiping, spreading rumors, name calling, and physical aggression. ● Responsibility Demonstrates responsible behavior by following school and classroom rules and by accepting consequences for his/her own actions. Students are responsible for their own learning by following through with assigned work, completing make-up work, and asking for help and clarification.

All students will begin within the “Meets” category at the start of each quarter. Movement up or down within the Citizenship Rubric is based upon students’ behavior throughout the quarter.

● Exceeds Exhibits outstanding, exemplary behavior; citizenship behaviors are easily and frequently observed. ● Meets Consistently exhibits citizenship behaviors. ● *Approaches Inconsistently exhibits citizenship behaviors; needs to focus on improving in one or more areas. ● *Falls Far Below Rarely exhibits citizenship behaviors; needs to focus on improving in one or more areas.

*Students who fall within the “Approaches” or “Falls Far Below” area are not eligible to participate in after school sports for at least one week. At the time of the next eligibility check, students’ eligibility will be reinstated if they have moved to the “Meets” category. Eligibility is checked on Thursday of every week.

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Desert Sky Middle School PRIDE Program

One of the most important goals the staff at Desert Sky Middle School has is to help students establish the necessary and beneficial study skills that will ensure their success in school now and in the future. To help us facilitate this goal, Desert Sky uses the PRIDE Program.

PRIDE is an acronym for Personal Responsibility In Daily Efforts. The PRIDE Program addresses three expectations: • Students will arrive to class on time • Students will complete and turn in assignments on the day they are due • Students will come to class prepared (materials, books, and supplies)

STAMP SHEETS

• On the following pages, you will find PRIDE stamp sheets. For every day of the year, for each class, your child will be given a “yes” if he/she has met the PRIDE Program expectations or a “no” stamp if expectations were not met.

REWARDS

If a student receives all “yes” stamps during a given time period, there are ample rewards in place to reinforce this positive behavior.

• Weekly - At the beginning of each week, students’ PRIDE stamp sheets will be checked for all “yes” stamps from the previous week. Students who have all “yes” stamps for that week will be eligible to have their name drawn for a prize on our Cougar News Central live TV broadcast.

• Monthly – Students with all “yes” stamps for the month will receive a “Homework Pass”. The “Homework Pass” will be used in lieu of a homework assignment. The student must check with his/her teacher first to determine if the “Homework Pass” can be used for that assignment. In addition, students will receive a PRIDE Plus Card. The card will take the place of the student’s stamp sheet. The student will no longer have to be stamped. However, he/she will need to show his/her PRIDE Plus Card. A student who earns the PRIDE Plus Card will keep it as long as he/she does not receive any “no” stamps. When a student has a Pride Plus Card and does not meet one of the PRIDE Program expectations, the card will be taken away, and the student will have to use the stamp sheet again.

• Quarterly - Students with all “yes” stamps for the quarter will be given award certificates at our quarterly award assemblies and be able to participate in a school reward activity.

• Yearly – Students with all “yes” stamps for the entire year will receive a trophy.

WE CARE PASS

We recognize that students are not perfect. Even the most organized students may forget an assignment or book at home. Therefore, all students receive a monthly “We Care Pass”. This pass is in essence a “do-over”, a “mulligan”, or a “freebie” if you will. This pass allows students the opportunity to have either a tardy, missing assignment, or missing materials once a month without consequences. Students are then given a “yes” stamp for that class.

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CONSEQUENCES

• If a student receives a “no” stamp, then the student must serve PRIDE Hour after school the following day. PRIDE Hour will be held Monday – Thursday, 2:55 p.m. – 3:45 p.m., throughout the school year. It is the student’s responsibility to notify his/her parents that he/she will be staying for PRIDE Hour. Bus transportation home after PRIDE Hour will not be available.

PRIDE HOUR EXPECTATIONS

• When students are assigned to PRIDE Hour, they will be expected to work on schoolwork until they are dismissed. Teachers will be available for homework help. If a student refuses to work or is off-task, he/she will be assigned another PRIDE Hour to make up the time.

• When a student is assigned to PRIDE Hour and does not attend he/she will be assigned to PRIDE Hour for the next two days. Failure to report twice during the school year will result in in-school suspension.

• If a student loses his/her stamp sheet, he/she will be issued a replacement sheet for the remainder of the month, receive a “no” stamp for not being prepared, and will serve a PRIDE Hour. The second lost sheet will result in the student serving two PRIDE Hours. After that, lost stamp sheets will result in serving three days of PRIDE Hours.

• Students involved in extra-curricular activities must serve PRIDE Hour before they can attend practices or games/activities.

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