Pleasant View Middle School

Pleasant View Middle School “A family learning atmosphere where kids come first” “Home of the Lions” 2017-2018 Handbook

Pleasant View Middle School 23600 Everett Road Pueblo, Colorado 81006 Telephone: (719) 542-7813 FAX: (719) 545-6291

Laura Guardamondo Ronda Rein Jason Neal Assistant Principal Principal Counselor

2017 -2018 CLASS SCHEDULE Period Subject Teacher Room 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Access Hour

1 PLEASANT VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL “A family learning atmosphere where kids come first” School Colors: Purple and Gold Mascot: The “Lions”

GREETINGS:

Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year! During this school year, our staff will be working hard to provide the best educational experience to all of our students. We will continue to provide our students with two nationally renowned programs: Pre-Advanced Placement classes and the Gateway To Technology curriculum. Pre-AP classes will be available to students that are accepted into the program and whose NWEA scores reflect they should be in the program. In the Gateway To Technology program, all sixth grade PV students will go through nine weeks of this program which will introduce them to engineering fields and hands on technology. Seventh and eighth grade students will be able to take the GTT classes as a semester long elective. We are also very proud of all of the different clubs, activities and sports that we provide for our students. Please look into everything we have to offer and find something that is the right fit for you. This student handbook is intended to acquaint you with the school policies at Pleasant View Middle School. Students and parents should become very familiar with this information, so you should read this section of the booklet carefully. Students are expected to understand and abide by the policies contained in this handbook. It is our desire to make this school year successful for all of our students. Good luck as you strive for excellence during the 2017—2018 school year!

Pleasant View

Putting Respect In Diverse Education

NOTICE In order to provide for the safety of our students and staff, ALL VISITORS entering the school building are REQUIRED to check into the office. No person will be permitted to enter the classroom area, gym, shop, or cafeteria without prior authorization from office personnel.

The policies and procedures outlined in this student handbook are accurate at the time of printing and are subject to change.

Pueblo School District No. 70 does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or handicap (disability) in admission or access to, or treatment, or employment in its educational programs or activities. Inquiries about ADA, Section 504, and Title IX may be addressed to the Superintendent of Schools, 24951 East Highway 50, Pueblo, Colorado 81006. (719) 542-0220 THE 8 PERIOD SCHEDULE 2 NOTE: Students should arrive at school no later SOME EXPENSES YOU CAN ANTICIPATE than 7:25 a.m. Late arrivals are considered (subject to change) TARDY unless excused by the office. Students arriving after 7:35 AM must have a parent sign School Lunch $ 2.45 them in. Extra Milk .60 Extra Juice .50 7:30-8:30 1st Period Snacks .50-$2.00 8:34-9:28 2nd Period Adults without Milk $3.00 9:32-10:26 3rd Period Breakfast FREE 10:30-11:24 4th Period 11:28 1st Lunch Begins Student Insurance (available if desired): Premiums 11:58 1st Lunch Ends depend on coverage. Information will be sent home to 12:02 Tardy Bell/5th Period all students at the beginning of the school year. 12:32 Dismiss for 2nd Lunch Students participating in athletics should have medical 12:36 2nd Lunch Begins insurance, either a policy purchased at school or a 1:06 2nd Lunch Ends family health insurance plan. 1:10-2:04 6thPeriod 2:08-3:02 7th Period Gym Uniform $20.00 3:06-3:30 Access Hour Gateway To Technology (Each Class) $10.00

Materials for Shop, Art, or other electives $5.00 and up, depending on projects selected

School Pictures, if desired $8.00 and up

Middle School Activities, dances or assemblies $1.00-$3.00

Middle School Athletic Events (Preschool with parents) FREE (Students through high school) $2.00 (Adults) $3.00

Athletics: $65 participation fee for the first sport/child and $55.00 per sport thereafter. Athletic fee must be paid by the first practice session for each sport. Families with hardship situations are encouraged to contact the principal to make arrangements for athletic fees.

Memory Book (estimated) $15.00 (Cost not yet determined for 2015-2016 school year)

PARENT COMMUNICATION/PARTICIPATION We not only welcome, but encourage parent communication with staff. Many venues of communication to parents are used throughout the year. The website calendar is available online with important information and dates. At any time, parents may request a conference with teachers, which should be arranged through the counselor, Mr. Jason Neal. If you 3 wish to visit your child’s classroom, please sign-in at be tolerated and appropriate disciplinary action the office window to receive a visitor’s badge. Our will be taken. computerized grading system is available to parents, so 2. Students shall not create disturbances while that you may check your student’s grades at any time. classes are in session. Students shall not interfere in any way with the learning process in the We also welcome parent participation through the classroom. school accountability committee, office help, tutoring 3. No drinking, tobacco or use of narcotics are help, or occasionally helping with the concession allowed in the school building or on the school stand. Please call the office, 542-7813, if you can help. grounds at any time, including e-cigarettes. 4. Students, while in the building or on the school CHANGE OF ADDRESS grounds, are not to hold hands, hug, kiss, or show If at any time during the school year it becomes any outward demonstration of affection. necessary to change the home or mailing address or 5. Fighting will not be tolerated on school property, phone number, please report this change immediately on the way to or from school, or on the bus or at to the office or update your powerschool information the bus stop. Any infraction will result in police through the parent portal. It is also vital for the school charges and suspension, possibly expulsion. to have the current employer, address, and phone 6. Students are not to threaten or do any bodily harm number of both parents or guardians in case of an to school personnel and/or personal property. This emergency. is a violation of State Law and School District 70 policy, and is grounds for suspension/expulsion. LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS 7. Permission to leave school grounds must be Permission to leave the school grounds early in case of granted by PVMS Office Personnel. If a parent or illness, doctor appointments, etc., must be cleared guardian cannot be contacted, the student will not through the office. All calls home to arrange for be permitted to leave campus. If the student leaves parents to take students home need to be made in the anyway, they will be marked truant or unexcused office. If you leave the school grounds without signing and may be suspended. No parent will be allowed out you will be considered truant for the school time to excuse the student at a later date. Any missed. PARENTS MUST COME INTO THE student who leaves the grounds during the day for OFFICE TO SIGN OUT STUDENTS. THE lunch, ditching classes, etc., faces disciplinary SCHOOL MUST HAVE WRITTEN PERMISSION action. FOR A STUDENT TO LEAVE SCHOOL WITH 8. Damaging school property is considered a serious ANOTHER STUDENT OR PARENT. offense and the expense of repairs and replacement will be paid for by the offender. Offender faces CELL PHONES, CD PLAYERS, I-PODS, ETC. suspension and police charges. School is a place of learning and should be treated as 9. Throwing snowballs, rocks, or other objects is not the student’s “workplace.” Cell phones, pagers, cd allowed on school grounds because of the danger players, i-Pods, etc. should not be taken into or used in involved to other students, and could result in the classroom unless requested by the instructor. suspension. Electronics should not be used before or after school 10. Scuffling, running or yelling in the halls is not because this causes the students to miss allowed. announcements and possible emergency information. 11. Rudeness, vulgarity, rebelliousness and profanity These items have become both a disruption and safety will not be tolerated at any time. issue at Pleasant View over the past few years. Such 12. Students are not permitted to wear hats, caps, leg, items that are used on school time will be confiscated arm, or head bands in the building. and returned only to the parent at the end of the school 13. The use of radios/cassettes/electronic games is day and a consequence as a disruption will be given. strictly prohibited. These items are not to be Under no circumstance will the school be responsible brought to school. for loss or damage to property. Personal property is The school will not be responsible for brought to school at your own risk. WE WILL NOT confiscated or stolen items and PVMS will not CONDUCT SEARCHES FOR LOST OR STOLEN investigate lost or stolen electronic items, ELECTRONICS. including Ipods, cell phones, etc. 14. The use of water guns/water balloons or similar PLEASANT VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL items on the campus of Pleasant View Middle GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS School is prohibited. Any student who disregards Administration reserves the right to change or modify this rule could be suspended from school. These these general rules and regulations due to safety items will be confiscated and may not be returned. concerns or changes in District policy. 15. Graffiti will not be tolerated and any student found defacing school property may face suspension 1. Maintain a respectful attitude toward other and/or expulsion. students, teachers, and administrators. 16. Cell phones may not be used during class time Insubordination toward any staff member will not (including text messaging.) Parents, please do not 4 call your student on his/her cell during school off of school property. Suspension or expulsion shall hours. In case of an emergency, please call PVMS be mandatory for serious violations in a school Office at 542-7813. building or on school property. 15. Serious offenses and repeated violations of the 1. Causing or attempting to cause damage to school above rules and regulations are grounds for property or stealing or attempting to steal school suspension. Colorado Law permits students to be property of value. suspended or referred for possible expulsion for 2. Causing or attempting to cause damage to private “habitual disruptive behavior.” Specific property or stealing or attempting to steal private procedures to identify “habitually disruptive property. students” are outlines in District 70 policies JK 3. Commission of any act which if committed by an and JK-R. adult would be robbery or assault as defined by state law. Expulsion shall be mandatory in " HANDS OFF" POLICY ” accordance with state law except for commission of Pleasant View Middle School has a "hands off" policy. third degree assault. Students are not to touch other students in an 4. Violation of criminal law which has an immediate unwelcome manner. Pushing, shoving, tripping, effect on the school or on the general safety or bumping, grabbing or hitting other students is welfare of students or staff. prohibited. Students are expected to refrain from 5. Violation of district policy or building regulations. horseplay while at school. 6. Violation of the district’s policy on dangerous weapons in the schools. Expulsion shall be STUDENT DISCIPLINE mandatory for carrying, bringing, using or The Board of Education of School District 70 assigns possessing a dangerous weapon without the the responsibility of student discipline to the principals authorization of the school or school district, unless of each building and their staff. Refer to Colorado the student has delivered the firearm or weapon to a Revised Statute 123-20-7. teacher, administrator or other authorized person in the district as soon as possible upon discovering it, Students must respect the rights of others as outlined in in accordance with state law. the Code of Conduct. 7. Violation of the district’s alcohol use/drug abuse policy. Expulsion shall be mandatory for sale of Students suspended are not allowed at any school drugs or controlled substances, in accordance with function or activity during the time of their suspension. state law. Infractions can and/or will be referred to proper 8. Violation of the district’s tobacco-free schools authorities. policy. 9. Violation of the district’s policy on sexual Students suspended are not allowed at any school harassment. function or activity during the time of their suspension. 10. Throwing objects, unless part of a supervised Infractions can and/or will be referred to the proper school activity, that can cause bodily injury or authorities. damage property. 11. Directing profanity, vulgar language or obscene DISCIPLINARY PROCESS gestures toward other students, school personnel or Once a student is referred to the office with a written visitors to the school. discipline referral, it is at the discretion of the school 12. Engaging in verbal abuse, i.e., name calling, ethnic administration, along with school and board policy, on or racial slurs, or derogatory statements addressing what actions will be taken. The action(s) taken would publicly to others that precipitate disruption of the depend on the severity and number of offenses by the school program or incite violence. individual student. Consequences range from verbal 13. Committing extortion, coercion or blackmail, i.e., and/or written warning, detention, and out of school obtaining money or other objects of value from an suspension or possible referral for expulsion. If a unwilling person or forcing an individual to act parent or student has any questions they should refer to through the use of force or threat of force. the Pueblo School District No. 70 Student/Parent 14. Lying or giving false information, either verbally Information Handbook or the Pueblo School District or in writing, to a school employee. 70 Board Policy Manual. Please call Pleasant View 15. Scholastic dishonesty which includes but is not Middle School’s administration if you have any further limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism or questions or concerns. unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work. CODE OF CONDUCT FILE: JICDA 16. Continued willful disobedience or open and The principal may suspend or recommend expulsion of persistent defiance of proper authority including a student who engages in one or more of the following deliberate refusal to obey a member of the school activities while in school buildings, on school grounds, staff. in school vehicles or during a school-sponsored activity and in certain cases when the behavior occurs 5 17. Behavior on or off school property which is or when students are being transported in vehicles detrimental to the welfare or safety of other dispatched by the district. students or school personnel. 2. Possess alcohol or other drugs on school grounds, 18. Repeated interference with the school’s ability to at school sponsored activities or when students are provide educational opportunities to other being transported in vehicles dispatched by the students. district. 3. Be engaged in acts of using, selling or distributing Each principal shall post a copy of these rules in a alcohol or other drugs on school grounds, at school prominent place in each school and post the sponsored activities or when students are being handbook/rules on the school website for students, transported in vehicles dispatched by the district. parents, and community to review. Copies shall be available to any member of the public upon request.

STUDENT TOBACCO FREE POLICY GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION Notice of enactment of Colorado law - C.R.S., The following may be grounds for suspension or Section 25-14-103.5(3)(a)(II) expulsion of a child from the schools: PROHIBITION AGAINST THE USE OF A. Any grounds authorized by the Colorado Statutes TOBACCO AT SCHOOLS including but not limited to the following: 1. Continued willful disobedience or open Effective July 1, 1999, all Colorado public schools, K- and persistent defiance of proper 12 are required under Colorado law to prohibit tobacco authority; use on all school property, including building interiors 2. Willful destruction or defacing of school and grounds, and at all school-sponsored activities. property; This applies to students, teachers, staff, and visitors. 3. Behavior which is detrimental to the welfare, safety, or morals of other pupils. If students are observed with tobacco products during B. Violation while on school property or while the school day, including e-cigarettes, those tobacco engaged in school functions or school sponsored items will be confiscated and possible suspension will activities of any criminal statute of the State of occur. Colorado, or the doing of an act made unlawful by the statutes of this state. ZERO TOLERANCE: USE, POSSESSION, AND *C. Violation of any policy of the Board of Education. ABUSE OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS *D. Violation of any written rule or regulation adopted Student use, possession, distribution, or sale of alcohol by the principal of any school, or adopted by any or other drugs is prohibited in all District #70 schools, other employees of the district who is authorized on school grounds, at school sponsored activities, or by the Board of Education to establish rules and when students are being transported in vehicles regulations in regard to a particular school, or in dispatched by the District at any time during the regard to a particular activity. calendar year. *E. Insubordination or continued and willful misconduct. Students violating this policy shall be subject to *F. Student behavior which is detrimental to the disciplinary sanctions which may include suspension welfare and safety of teacher or school employees. and/or expulsion from school and referral for G. In addition to the foregoing, the following prosecution. procedures shall be followed in instances of assault, disorderly conduct, harassment or alleged The term “other drugs” includes, but is not limited to, criminal offense by a student directed toward a narcotics, stimulants, depressants, inhalants, teacher or school employee. These same hallucinogens, and cannabis derivatives, other than that procedures shall be followed in instances of which can be purchased at a pharmacy without a damage by a student to the personal property of a prescription or prescribed by a licensed physician, or teacher or school employee occurring on school any other item being represented as a drug. district premises. 1. The teacher or employee shall file a The regulations which shall guide the enforcement of written complaint with the building this policy shall be in keeping with applicable laws and principal, the Superintendent’s Office and shall be observed by all school personnel. the Board of Education. 2. The principal, after receipt both of the Appropriate procedures shall be followed by all complaint and adequate proof of the District #70 school personnel in working with students charges, shall suspend the student for up who may: to five days in accordance with 1. Be “under the influence” of alcohol or other drugs established procedures. on school grounds, at school sponsored activities

6 3. The Superintendent shall initiate 40-29-3. Unlawful to Deface. - It shall be unlawful procedures for the further suspension or for any person to deface or cause, aid in, or permit the expulsion of the student. defacing of any public or private property without 4. The Superintendent or his designee shall consent of the owner of such property. report the incident to the district attorney 40-29-4. Definition. - The term “defacing” as used in or the appropriate local law enforcement this article shall include any painting, marking, or in agency or officer who shall then any other manner placing of any letter, character, sign, investigate the incident or determine the paper, or device upon any public or private property so appropriateness of filing criminal charges as to change in any way its former appearance. or initiating delinquency proceedings. 40-29-5. Violation - Penalties. Any person violating 5. A copy of this policy shall be distributed the provisions of this article shall be guilty of a to each student and posted in each school misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be building punished by a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars or 6. The foregoing shall not be construed as a by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to limitation on the normal powers of a exceed thirty days. Superintendent in regard to suspension or 40-29-6. Public Officials Required to Publicize expulsion. Article. - All public officials having supervision of H. If suspension or expulsion involves a handicapped properties of this state are authorized, empowered, child (as defined by federal and state law), before and instructed to establish and to post signs and to such child can be expelled, it shall be determined otherwise publicize the requirements of this article (1) that the child has been appropriately placed and along state roads and highways, in, on, or about (2) that the child’s conduct giving raise to public areas where defacing frequently has been or suspension or expulsion was not caused by the is likely to be a problem. child’s handicap. A handicapped child may be suspended however in an emergency situation in STUDENT DISTRIBUTION OF NON- which the child is endangering himself/herself or CURRICULAR MATERIALS others. Otherwise during the pendency of any (CONSTITUTIONAL RELATIVITY) SEE administrative or legal proceedings the placement POLICY JIC BC of the child shall not be changed. The foregoing To understand Constitutional values such as the right to factors shall be determined by the same group free speech, students must not only study such established to determine placement and the same principles but also have an opportunity to put them into procedures shall be used. After an affirmative practice. However, there are limitations on the right of finding as to both factors, the foregoing grounds student free speech in the school setting that have been for a suspension or for an expulsion shall be upheld by the courts because of the unique nature of applied and the factors set out shall be applicable. the school community. I. Suspension/expulsion is considered an unexcused absence per district/state policy. (JED-R) It is the goal of this policy to strike a necessary balance Assignment to In School Suspension/In School between a student’s right of free speech and the Exclusion is also considered an unexcused school’s responsibility to maintain an orderly school absence. Students who have been assigned to environment which respects the right of all students on ISS/ISE will be required to take final exams in the school grounds and during school sponsored activities. classes that were not attended as a result of being assigned to ISS/ISE. Students shall be allowed to distribute non-curricular *Please note that these grounds may support materials on school property subject to restrictions on suspension and could be grounds for expulsion as time, place, and manner of distribution set out in the further highlighting A, but grounds of A are the only accompanying regulations and the prohibitions set out ones provided for in the statute. below and in state law.

COLORADO SCHOOL LAWS 1971, ARTICLE 29 Any written materials containing expression which is PROPERTY DEFACING CONTROL LAW obscene, libelous, slanderous or defamatory shall be 40-29-1. Legislative Declaration. It is the intent of prohibited. Students shall not distribute any material the general assembly by this article to prohibit which advocates commission of unlawful acts or throughout the state any and all defacing of public and violation of Board policy and/or regulations, which private property and thereby to curb harm to the health, violates another person’s right to privacy or which welfare, and safety of its citizens. This article shall not causes a material and substantial disruption of the be construed to preempt or limit the authority of any orderly operation of the school. city, city and county, or town. Students who distribute materials in violation of this 40-29-2. Short Title. - This article shall be known and policy and/or materials that cause a material and may be cited as the “Property Defacing Control Act.” substantial disruption or damage to a person or

7 property in the judgment of school officials shall be to the superintendent or other legal authorities for any subjected to appropriate disciplinary action. behavior that jeopardizes the safety and welfare of any other student(s). School equipment and supplies shall not be used for publication of such written material unless authorized as a school-sponsored activity. Students who wish to MAKE UP WORK distribute non-curricular printed materials on school Make-up work shall be provided for any class in which property or in conjunction with a school activity must a student has an excused absence unless otherwise notify the principal a minimum of one day in advance determined by the building administrator or unless the so that details may be worked out regarding the time, absence is due to the student’s expulsion from school. place, and manner of distribution. It is the responsibility of the student to ask the teacher for any make-up assignments on the day returning to Students do not have to produce an advance copy of class. There shall be one day allowed for make-up the materials that will be distributed for the principal’s work for each day of absence. review. However, materials which are distributed on school grounds containing information prohibited by Make-up work shall be allowed following an Board policy and/or materials that create a significant unexcused absence or following a student’s suspension or substantial disruption or damage to persons or from school with the goal of providing the student an property in the judgment of school official may subject opportunity to keep up with the class and an incentive the responsible students to disciplinary action to attend school. following distribution. Unless otherwise permitted by the building The following restrictions will apply to all requests for administrator, make-up work shall not be provided distribution of non-curricular materials by students: during a student’s expulsion. Rather, the district shall 1. PLACE offer alternative education services to the expelled Distribution of printed materials must be made at student in accordance with state law. The district shall places within the school or school grounds as determine the amount of credit the expelled student designated by the principal except that in no event will receive for work completed during any alternative may such materials be distributed in any classroom education program. of any building then being occupied by a regularly-scheduled class. For prolonged absences or pre-arranged absences 2. TIME homework assignments will be given upon request for Distribution may be made one-half hour before two or more days’ absence. These requests should be school and/or 15 minutes after the close of school. made before 10:00 a.m. to allow adequate time to Any other times during the school day are gather materials. Homework for a one-day absence considered to be disruptive of normal school can be made upon return to school. Make-up work activities. completed at home should be returned to school 3. LITTERING before asking for more work to be sent home. If all All distributed items discarded in school or on homework previously requested is not turned in school grounds must be removed by the persons complete, no more will be sent home until the first distributing such materials. request is completed. 4. MANNER No student may in any way be compelled or coerced to accept any materials being distributed LATE WORK by any person distributing such materials or by Late work will be accepted in accordance to each any school official. In the alternative, no school teacher’s policy, as outlined in their syllabus. Teachers official or student may interfere with the may accept late work for partial credit, but they may distribution of approved materials. not penalize the student more than 40%. It is at the teacher’s discretion whether they take late work or not, Violation of any of these regulations will be sufficient but they must remain consistent with their policy in cause for denial of the privilege to distribute materials their syllabus. at future dates, subject to the right of appeal as stated above. PLEASANT VIEW DRESS CODE The Board of Education has approved a school GANG ACTIVITIES uniform for Pleasant View Middle School. Pleasant Pleasant View Middle School has a Zero Tolerance View will follow the rules below for the uniform: Policy for gang-related behavior and/or paraphernalia (including clothing). Some of these 1. Clothing must be size-appropriate. It is behaviors or paraphernalia may be, but are not limited understandable to purchase clothing a size to, weapons, threatening language or gestures. bigger, so that growing middle school students Students may be subject to suspension and/or referral can fit into them for a time period. However, 8 we will not accept excessively baggy pants or 12. Tattoos need to be covered if they are tops that are too long. determined to be a distraction, as determined 2. Pleasant View accepts pants, slacks and shorts by administration. that are traditional in nature. Pants are acceptable if they can be pulled away from the 13. Spiked jewelry of any kind is not allowed at student’s thigh no more than four inches. school. Excessively baggy pants, ragged pants that are torn, ripped or cut up are not considered 14. Undergarments, including bras, should not be traditional. Short and skirt length should be exposed when the student walks, stands, no less then 2 inches from the knee. Cargo bends, kneels, or sits. pants are acceptable, but military style pants with expanding pockets are not acceptable. 15. Non-traditional clothing, make-up, nail polish, Pants will be worn on the hips or higher, no lipstick, piercings and other attire that exceptions. Any pants that are being worn distracts from the educational process and below the hips will be considered sagging. environment is not acceptable. Traditional Chains attached to pants and wallets are not attire is defined by the building acceptable. Building staff will have the administration. discretion to determine if pants are sagging. 3. No adornments can be added to uniform 16. Building administration reserves the right to clothing. make any modifications or changes to the 4. The only outer garment allowed is the fleece dress code as it deems necessary. zipper jacket or approved hoodies. Students will not be allowed to wear other sweatshirts. This dress code has been established by the Pleasant Heavy jackets worn to school will remain in View Middle School administration and faculty to the student’s locker for the day. create a positive learning environment that promotes academic growth and safety for all students and staff. 5. All pants/shorts must be worn on the waist line. Tights are NOT part of the uniform. CONSEQUENCES FOR DRESS CODE 6. Students must be in uniform at all school VIOLATION sponsored events. 1. Warning/call to parent 7. Trench coats are not acceptable at any time. 2. Lunch Detention 3 Friday School 8. Hats are not to be worn in the building. The 4. 1 day out of school suspension term hat includes stocking caps and bandanas. 5. 2 day out of school suspension 6. 5 day out of school suspension for willful 9. Pleasant View accepts all forms of shoes as disobedience the manufacturer originally produced them. VALUABLES Sandals are acceptable if they do not distract Students should not bring valuables of any kind to from the learning environment. Laced shoes school. Jewelry, expensive clothing, collectable items, will be laced and tied at all times. Slippers are etc. that have value should remain at home. THE not allowed at any time at school. SCHOOL WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO VALUABLES BROUGHT 10. Any hair color, hairstyle, haircut, or TO SCHOOL NOR WILL WE LOOK FOR THEM IF arrangement that distracts from the THEY ARE STOLEN. educational environment is considered unacceptable. (For example, Mohawks, TARDY POLICY brightly colored hair, long hair in to the face Tardiness is defined as the appearance of a student covering the eyes.) Pleasant View accepts without proper excuse after the scheduled time that a traditional hair colors, whether natural or class begins. Because of the disruptive nature of colored with dyes. Colored hair that is tardiness and the detrimental effect upon the rights of considered distracting to the educational the non-tardy student to uninterrupted learning, environment, such as green, orange, blue, etc., appropriate penalties may be imposed for excessive is not acceptable. tardiness. Parents/guardians shall be notified of all penalties regarding tardiness. Getting up late in the 11. Traditional ear piercing is accepted as morning is not an excused tardy, even if a parent calls appropriate attire. Piercing through the nose, the tardy into the office. eyebrows, tongue, and lips is not acceptable and cannot be worn in the school building. In an unavoidable situation, a student detained by another teacher or administrator shall not be considered tardy provided that the teacher or administrator gives the student a pass to enter his next class. Teachers 9 shall honor passes presented in accordance with this attendance. Frequent absences may lead to poor policy. Students are expected to be in the classroom academic work, lack of social development and and to be seated before the time class is scheduled to possible academic failure. Regular attendance is of begin. Students who are late to class due to being utmost importance for school interest, social detained by a teacher should obtain a pass to admit adjustment and scholastic achievement. No single them to the next class. Students who are tardy and are factor may interfere with a student’s progress more not excused will have the following consequences, quickly than frequent tardiness or absence. which will start over at the beginning of each semester: According to state law, it is the obligation of every  3 tardies in any class per semester– 1 lunch parent/guardian to ensure that every child under their detention care and supervision receives adequate education and  6 tardies in any class per semester – 1 week training and, if of compulsory attendance age, attends lunch detention school.  9 tardies in any class per semester – 1 day In- School-Suspension Each year the Board establishes the school attendance  12 tardies in any class per semester– parent period by adopting a school calendar. Secondary conference and In-School-Suspension students are required to have actual teach-pupil  15 tardies in any class per semester – parent instruction and contact time of 1,056 hours for conference, behavior plan, In-School- secondary students and 968 hours for elementary Suspension students during each school year.

ATTENDANCE POLICY Continuity in the learning process and social adaptation Regular attendance is absolutely essential for success is seriously disrupted by excessive absences. In most in your school work. When an absence is necessary, it situations, the work missed cannot be made up is the student’s responsibility to see that work is made adequately. Students who have good attendance up in a reasonable amount of time. Generally, students generally achieve higher grades, enjoy school more and will have one school day to make up each day’s work are more employable after leaving school. For at least while absent. these reasons, the Board believes that a student must satisfy two basic requirements in order to earn full Parents are asked to call the school office, 542-7813, class credit: (1) satisfy all academic requirements and on the day of the absence, before 10:00 a.m. (2) exhibit good attendance habits as stated in this PARENTS MUST STATE THE REASON FOR policy. THE ABSENCE. FAILURE TO STATE A REASON WILL BE CAUSE TO CONSIDER THE Excused absences ABSENCE TO BE UNEXCUSED. Each student who The following shall be considered excused absences: is absent from the building any period of the school 1. A student who is temporarily ill or injured or whose day must report to the office as soon as he/she returns absence is approved by the administrator of the school to school. If the parent or guardian has not talked with of attendance on a prearranged basis. Prearranged the office, the student must present a written excuse for absences shall be approved for appointments or their absence signed by the parent or guardian. At that circumstances of a serious nature only which cannot be time the student will receive a class admission slip taken care of outside of school hours. either excused or unexcused signed by the office staff. 2. A student who is absent for an extended period due Students may not miss any class period throughout the to physical, mental or emotional disability. year to be eligible for perfect attendance. Access Hour 3. A student who is pursuing a work-study program is considered a class period. ALL ABSENCES MUST under the supervision of the school. BE CLEARED IN THE OFFICE WITHIN 24 HOURS 4. A student who is attending any school-sponsored OR THE ABSENCE(S) WILL BE UNEXCUSED. activity or activities of an educational nature with THE DUE DATE FOR PREARRANGED WORK IS advance approval by the administration. THE FIRST DAY THE STUDENT RETURNS TO 5. A student who is suspended or expelled. SCHOOL. As applicable, the district may require suitable proof Students must be in attendance for ½ day to regarding the above exceptions, including written participate in school or athletic events. statements from medical sources. If a student is in out- Additionally, students must be passing all classes to of-home placement (as that term is as defined by attend any out-of-school events or field trips. C.R.S. 22-32-138(1)(e), absences due to court appearances and participation in court-ordered ATTENDANCE activities shall be excused. The student’s assigned Based on the Board’s attendance philosophy outlined social worker shall verify the student’s absence was for in the District 70 Student/Parent Handbook, student a court appearance or court-ordered activity. absences will be closely monitored. One criteria of a student’s success in school is regular and punctual 10 Parents must report the absence within 24 hours of except for reasons of expulsion, excused long term the occurrence of the absence. In situations where an illness or death, is considered a “dropout” and shall be extended absence will be necessary, the parents need to reported to the Department of Education by the school communicate with the school ahead of time. It is district. However, if the student is in attendance at the important that parents attempt to arrange medical end of the school year, or enrolled in another school, appoints outside of school hours. If this cannot occur, home study course or on-line program, such student is parents are expected to have their student’s absence not considered a dropout and shall not be reported. pre-approved by building administration. Students are allowed to have prearranged absences for up to three CONSEQUENCES FOR ABSENCES days if the absence has an educational value. These For each unexcused absence, the student may be will need to be prearranged with building allowed to make up work for up to 60% of the grade at administration and will be granted only if the student PVMS. Truancies are unexcused absences where does not have unexcused absences. If the excused students are missing classes without their parent’s absences appear to be in excess, the principal/designee knowledge and the code of conduct will be applied in may require suitable proof that the absence was these cases. In addition, the following consequences justified. If a student misses 4 or more days in a month will be imposed for unexcused absences: or 10 days in a year, documentation will need to be • Fifth Absence-Notify parents with a warning letter provided in order for the absences to be excused. The and call parents. proof may include written statements from the • Eighth Absence – Notify parents with a warning student’s physician. Students may not miss more than letter regarding truancy court. 10 days in a school year, excused or unexcused or • Twelfth – Notify parents with letter of truancy, judicial proceedings will be considered. parent conference, behavior plan.

Unexcused Absences Unexcused absences are those absences that are not FREQUENT ABSENCES DUE TO ILLNESS approved by the school officials and may include, but Students who are absent from school for three or more are not limited to, absences due to baby-sitting, consecutive days will need a medical excuse from a shopping, truancy, or waking up late. School officials physician stating that the student cannot attend will determine if an absence is excused or unexcused. school because of medical reasons in order for the Please provide a doctor’s note for any medical absences to be excused. absences. Six or more absences in any one nine-weeks grading An unexcused absences is defined as an absence that is period will require the parents to contact the school to not covered by one of the foregoing exceptions. Each explain the frequent absences. A doctor’s excuse may unexcused absence shall be entered on the student’s be required in order for the absences to be excused. record. The parent/guardians of the student receiving Re-occurring absences will require a physician’s an unexcused absence shall be notified orally or in statement to explain why the child cannot attend school writing by the district of the unexcused absence. on a regular basis.

In accordance with law, the district may impose Continued absences from school without a physician’s appropriate penalties that relate directly to classes excuse may result in the child being referred to the missed while unexcused. Penalties may include a district truancy officer for legal action according to warning, school detention or in-school-suspension. School District Policy and State Law. Academic penalties, out-of-school suspensions or Habitual (more than 10) absences in a school year will expulsion shall not be imposed for any unexcused be unexcused without a doctor’s documentation. absences. INCOMPLETES Students and parents/guardians may petition the Board Incompletes are given only where work has been of Education for exceptions to this policy or the missed because of an extended absence. An “I” accompanying regulations provided that no exception automatically becomes an “F” three weeks after it is shall be sustained if the student fails to abide by all given unless the work is made up satisfactorily before requirements imposed by the Board as conditions for that time. No incompletes will be given at the close of granting any such exception. the second semester.

The maximum number of unexcused absences a EARLY CLOSING OF SCHOOL student may incur before judicial proceedings are If bad weather or other emergency situations requires initiated to enforce compulsory attendance is 10 school the early closing of school, parents should arrange for days during any calendar year or school year. the supervision of their children. Parents should indicate on the “Emergency Information” form the Any student who has been absent from class for six name, address, and telephone number of a neighbor or consecutive weeks or more in any one school year, 11 relative near your home where your child should be MEDICINE AND PRESCRIPTIONS taken in the event of early school closure. Any medication or prescriptions needed by our students are to be stored in the office and dispensed there. We are not allowed to dispense any prescription HONOR ROLL/ MERIT ROLL or non-prescription medication without a Medication The purpose of the honor roll is to encourage students Form (available in the office) signed by your doctor. to maintain high scholastic achievement. In order to This includes all prescription drugs as well as non- qualify for the honor roll, a student must maintain a 3.5 prescription medications such as aspirin, cough drops, average on a 4.0 scale. Students cannot be on the Tylenol, etc. honor roll if they receive an “F” or unsatisfactory grade STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTS in any class. The honor roll will be published at the Parents will have computer access to look at student end of each nine week period and at the end of each grades. You will need to get your access code and semester. Students who are on the honor roll will be password from the school office. Please allow teachers eligible for certain activities as a reward for good time to grade assignments and enter them. Teachers grades. will have grades updated in a timely manner

A 3.0 average is required of all students to qualify for If you wish to have a printed grade report, please call the merit roll. Students cannot be on the merit roll if the counselor’s office to arrange this. they receive an “F” or unsatisfactory grade in any class. Students who are on the merit roll will be PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES eligible for certain activities as a reward for good Parents are encouraged to communicate on a regular grades. basis with the teaching staff. Parent-teacher conferences can be arranged at any time through the COUNSELING SERVICES counselor’s office. Scheduled parent conferences will When a student needs to see the counselor at anytime, be held during the second and fourth quarters. he/she should sign up on the sheet provided in the Information will be sent to parents. office and he/she will be called to the office as soon as possible. Remember to sign up - do not wait! The SICK ROOM goal of the counselor’s work is to help students with When a student feels ill, a sick room is provided. The school problems, social problems, growing up student must first get teacher permission to go to the problems, and career exploration. sick room. STUDENTS MUST CHECK WITH THEIR TEACHER, AND THEN MUST SIGN IN REPORT CARDS WITH THE OFFICE STAFF TO USE THE SICK Report cards are issued by the teachers at the end of ROOM. If you are ill and feel you need to go home, each nine week period. These reports are intended to you must check with the nurse or office staff before inform students and their parents about the quality of calling home. The office staff will call home if a work done. Please contact the school counselor for any student is too ill to continue in school. questions about your child’s report card. PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXEMPTIONS FIELD TRIPS Physical education is required of all students. A Occasionally, field trips are scheduled by teachers to doctor’s excuse is required to be excused from physical supplement class content with experiences outside of education for more than one day. the school setting. The instructor in charge is directly responsible to the school and the parents for the If you are ill or have an injury and cannot participate in conduct of students on the field trip. PE, you must bring a note from your parents to the office between 7:55 and 8:00 a.m. Parent notes can Any student who has excessive absences: five (5) or excuse a student for up to two days. Exemption for more unexcused or excused absences in any semester, more than two days requires a written statement from a may not be school excused for field trip activities. physician. If you have a note from your doctor, you will be excused from PE as the doctor prescribes. Parent permission is required for any field trip. Permission must be received at least one day prior Alternate assignments will be given to earn the daily to the field trip and must be in written form. NO PE grade. For extended exemptions from Physical EXCEPTIONS!!! Students must be passing all Education, your schedule may be changed to replace classes in order to be eligible for field trips or PE with another class school-sponsored activities. Attendance for field BUS PASSES trips at the end of the year will be determined by Students must ride their own bus and get on or off at student discipline record. their designated stop. No passes will be given unless there is an emergency or for baby-sitting purposes. PRIOR written notification from parents is required for bus passes. Written requests for bus passes should be 12 turned in to the office as soon in the morning as the office secretary when you are looking for a lost possible. article. Unclaimed articles of clothing are donated to a BICYCLES/WALKING local charity at the end of the school year. We prefer that students not ride bikes to our middle school. This is due to the danger to students because of HALL LOCKERS narrow roads. Students are to ride school buses, in Students are assigned a hall locker at the beginning of their parent’s car, or walk. If a bike is ridden to school, the year. This locker is for your use only. Do not use the school will not be responsible for the bike during another student’s locker or let someone use yours. school hours. A bike rack is provided for students to This leads to problems such as missing books, personal lock their bikes. If a student walks or rides a bike, they property, assignments, etc. Do not exchange lockers or need to leave the campus by 4:10 unless they are padlocks with your friends. If you have a problem getting after school help from a teacher. with your locker, lock, or missing items, please report this to the office. A locker clean-out is held SELLING CANDY, COOKIES, ETC. periodically. School lockers are school property and We have reserved the right for all money making sales should be kept in good order. This locker clean-out is at Pleasant View to our school club groups, classes, or supervised by the librarian and/or classroom teachers. school activities. All sales or money making projects Because school lockers are school property, the school are to be scheduled through the Principal’s office. No may search the lockers at any time. sales are to be made by any individual or group not sponsored by the school. The student assigned to the locker is solely responsible for any damage to the locker or for any lost locks. LIBRARY UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL THE The purpose of the library is to serve the staff and SCHOOL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LOSS OR students of PVMS. Presently we have approximately DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY KEPT IN 6,000 volumes plus a collection of magazines, videos, OR OUT OF LOCKERS. and other informational materials. The library is available for group or individual use. The library is RESTROOMS open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Students may check The restrooms are provided for the convenience of the materials out during this time. Books may be checked students. Students must assist in keeping them out for two weeks. Fines may be charged on overdue attractive and sanitary. It is up to the students to see books. Certain encyclopedias and reference books may that no one defaces or mars the walls, mirrors, and be checked out overnight. This is your library. We fixtures. Any malicious activity should be reported to hope you will have pride in it, abide by library rules, the office immediately. Students must sign out with and return books on due date. their teacher in order to use the restroom. VISITORS TEXTBOOKS School hours are considered work time for students, Basic texts are loaned to students for their use during therefore, STUDENT VISITORS ARE STRONGLY the school year. These textbooks are to be kept clean DISCOURAGED. However, under certain and handled carefully. Please be sure your name, circumstances, a visitor may be approved by the grade, and school are written in ink in the book in case principal. Parent contact with the principal prior to they are lost or misplaced to help insure their return. the date of the visit is REQUIRED. No visitors will Fines will be charged for misuse or abuse of books. be allowed on campus without a visitor pass. Visitors You will be charged for replacement of books lost or will be restricted to middle school age students. not returned. The student to whom the textbook is Students from nearby schools will not be approved as issued is responsible for any damage or loss visitors, whether their school is in session or not. REGARDLESS OF WHO CAUSED THE DAMAGE No visitors will be approved during the last two weeks OR LOSS. Replacement costs for textbooks are of the school year or the week before or after usually $30-$50. Christmas vacation or spring break. TELEPHONE USE The office telephone is for official school business only LUNCHES and is to be used by students only for emergency calls A reasonably priced, nourishing hot lunch is available approved by the office staff. Students requesting use to students. Paper sacks, milk cartons, trays, and of the office phone will be required to discuss the silverware are to be placed in receptacles provided for nature of the call. Student use of the office phone will that purpose. No food is permitted in the halls or on be approved only for emergency calls. CELL the playground. No one is to leave the school grounds PHONES MAY NOT BE USED DURING SCHOOL during lunch. Rough play or rock throwing during the TIME. lunch recess is NEVER PERMITTED. ATHLETICS LOST AND FOUND All students going out for athletics will be given a copy Lost and found articles will be turned in to the office, of our policy governing participation in school where they may be claimed by the owner. Check with 13 activities. This policy is to be signed by the student Students may NOT participate in any activity if they and their parents. This policy is intended to inform are not present for ½ of a school day. both student and parent of academic and citizenship or behavior expected of our athletes. STUDENT COUNCIL Student Council is the arm of student government in At Pleasant View Middle School, we believe that the school. Members are selected to this body each academics are first priority and athletics are second. year through an application process.

PARTICIPATION FEE CLUBS The School District No. 70 Board of Education has Technical Student Association, FCA, and others are approved a participation fee for student athletes. The available for students who have interest in these areas. amount of the participation fee is set by the Board of Students are encouraged to become involved in club Education and applies to each sport in which a student activities. athlete chooses to participate. The fee is $65 for the first sport/child and $55 for each sport/child thereafter. NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY Families with hardship situations are encouraged to The purpose of the National Junior Honor Society is to contact the principal to make arrangements for athletic create a reputation for excellence among its members. fees. Membership is an honor bestowed upon a student. Selection for membership is based upon scholarship, If you have any questions regarding the participation character, leadership, citizenship and service. Once fee or catastrophic insurance coverage, please contact selected, a student must continue to demonstrate these the principal or the Associate Superintendent, at 542- qualities. Members must maintain a 3.2 average or 0220. higher each semester.

SPORTS SEASONS Membership is open to qualifying 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Middle school sports are offered during four seasons: students that have been enrolled at least one semester. 1. August/September/October: Students must demonstrate behavior that is consistent with good citizenship and high moral character. Any Boys Football, Girls Softball & Girls discipline referral to the office resulting in any form of Volleyball, Cross Country. suspension will be grounds for dismissal from the National Junior Honor Society. Candidates must have 2. November/December: Boys Basketball a cumulative scholastic grade point average of at least 3.5. An induction during the spring will be held. 3. January/February: Girls Basketball & Pleasant View Middle School is a member of the Boys Wrestling National Junior Honor Society of Secondary Schools. The chapter membership was established on April 19, 4. April/May: Boys and Girls Track 1962. All standards of the Pleasant View Chapter meet guidelines established by the national organization. ELIGIBILITY Several moneymaking projects and service projects are Students who are participating in sports or conducted throughout the year. cheerleading are expected to maintain satisfactory grades in their classes. The philosophy of District 70 AWARDS is that student-athletes are students first and The award day assembly is on the last day of school. athletes second and that classroom performance Among the awards presented are 6-8th grade academic takes priority over any athletic participation. A awards, 8th Grade Promotion, and perfect attendance weekly check of grades is done by the Dean of awards. Students or principal. If a student is failing in any class, he/she is declared ineligible to participate in that week’s events. The student must bring his/her grade up before being able to participate again. The student can not continue practicing with the team while they are ineligible. A student must have satisfactory grades from the beginning of practice for each season until the last contest of that season.

A student may be declared ineligible by the principal due to citizenship as a result of behavior problems. Out-of-school suspensions will result in a minimum of one week of ineligibility.

14 School District 70 Policy: JICBA

Acceptable Use for Accessing the Internet Guidelines for Use

The Internet is a global network, linking computers at universities, high schools, science labs, and other sites. Through the Internet, one can communicate with people and access information from libraries and museums all over the world. In addition, many files are available for downloading in the Internet. Because of its enormous size, the Internet’s educational potential is boundless. There is, however, some potential for abuse.

The most important prerequisite for someone to access the school Internet account is that he or she must take full responsibility for his or her actions. Pueblo School District No. 70 will not be liable for the actions of anyone connecting to the Internet through this hook-up. All users assume full liability, legal, financial, or otherwise, for their actions. In addition, Pueblo School District No. 70 assumes no responsibility for any information or materials that are transferred through the Internet.

Because of the size of the Internet, many kinds of materials find their way onto the system. Should a user happen to find materials that may be inappropriate for an academic setting while using the school’s Internet account, the user shall 15 exit the site immediately, notifying a school official, refrain from accessing the site again, and shall not share the location of the site with another user. Users should be aware that the transfer of certain kinds of materials may be illegal and punishable by fine or imprisonment.

The primary purpose of the Internet connection at Pueblo School District No. 70 is to serve as a resource for academic coursework applicable to education; it is not intended for interpersonal communications by students. Therefore, any student who accesses the Internet for purposes not directly related to the approved curriculum of Pueblo School District No. 70 shall have the Internet privileges suspended. Continued, willful abuse of the system may result in permanent access denial and/or suspension from school.

Pueblo School District No. 70 makes no guarantees, implied or otherwise, regarding the reliability of the data connection. School District 70 shall not be liable for any loss or corruption of data while using the Internet connection.

Pueblo School District No. 70 reserves the right to examine all data stored in the machines involved with the Internet link to make sure all users are in compliance with these guidelines. Furthermore, no user shall use the Internet connection at Pueblo School District No. 70 to perform any act that may be construed as illegal or unethical, including the use of the link to gain access to the systems on the network.

Pueblo School District No. 70 does not condone the illegal distribution of software, otherwise known as “pirating.” Any user caught transferring such files through the Internet shall have access privileges revoked. Furthermore, all users are on notice that software piracy or copyright infringement is a Federal offense and is punishable by fine or imprisonment.

Finally, all students should be mindful that when they use the Internet, they are entering a global community, and any action performed by them over the Internet is a reflection upon our school community as a whole.

Approved by the Board of Education, Pueblo School District No. 70 February 17, 1998

School District 70 Policy: JICBA-E

CONTRACT Pueblo School District 70 INTERNET ACCESS

I, ______, agree to abide by the following rules relative to the use of Pueblo School District No. 70’s Internet connection:

I have read and agree to abide by Pueblo School District 70’s Internet Access Policy Guidelines.

I understand that the primary purpose of the School District 70 Internet connection is educational, and I will use my access privileges for purposes related to my classroom assignments. I will not use my access privileges for interpersonal communications (ie. Chat groups, e-mail, news groups, etc.), without prior approval of the instructor.

I agree not to participate in the transfer of inappropriate or illegal materials through the school’s Internet connection. I understand that in some cases, the transfer of such materials may result in legal action against me. I also understand that my access privileges may be denied for misuse of the Internet connection, and I may be suspended from school for repeated misuse of the system.

I release Pueblo School District No. 70 from any liability or damages that may result from my use of the Internet connection. Furthermore, I accept full responsibility and liability for the results of my actions with respect to the use of the Internet. 16 Student Signature ______Date ______

Current School: PLEASANT VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL

I, ______the parent/guardian of the above, have read the Pueblo School District 70 Internet Access Policy guidelines. I agree to accept all financial and legal liabilities that may result from my student’s use of the Pueblo School District 70 Internet connection. Furthermore, I do not hold School District 70 nor any teacher employed by School District 70 liable in any manner for the misuse by my student of the Internet connection.

Parent/Guardian Signature ______Date ______

I have read the policies and procedures in this handbook.

Parent /Guardian Signature ______Date ______