BOONE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

Dear Students & Parents,

Welcome to Boone Middle School. Our goal is to provide the highest quality educational program possible. We sincerely believe that your positive attitude and good work ethic will highly contribute to the success you attain while attending Boone Middle School.

The students are the heart and soul of any school. Make the most of your educational opportunity at Boone Middle School. The administration and faculty hope your four years at Boone Middle School are rewarding. You are the focus of our educational program and need to be sure to demonstrate the skills, abilities, and potential that we know you possess. This cooperative effort will make our school one in which we can take great pride.

This handbook has been developed to help you and your parents to become better acquainted with your school. Every effort has been made to outline school policies, procedures, and services. This handbook is an extension of board policy and is a reflection of the goals and objectives of the board. Basically, the contents reflect the expectations for being a good citizen. We encourage you to take the time to carefully study the guidelines in this handbook. Have a great 2017-2018 school year!

Scott Kelley BMS Principal 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION Mission Statement ………………………………………………… 4 Handbook Information ………………………………………… 4 Equal Education Opportunity ………………………………………… 4 BMS Faculty ………………………………………………………… 5 Academic Programming ………………………………………… 6

GENERAL PROCEDURES School Day ………………………………………………………… 6 Daily Schedule ………………………………………………… 7 Advertising ………………………………………………………… 7 Cafeteria ………………………………………………………… 8 Cafeteria ID Cards ………………………………………………… 8 Emergency Closings ………………………………………………… 8 Emergency Drills ………………………………………………… 9 Food & Drinks ………………………………………………… 9 Fundraising ………………………………………………………… 9 Lockers ………………………………………………………… 9 Lost & Found ………………………………………………………… 9 Passes ………………………………………………………………… 9 Student Records ………………………………………………… 9 Student/Parent Complaints ………………………………………… 10 Visitors ………………………………………………………… 10

ACADEMIC AND COUNSELING PROGRAM Advisory/Homeroom Program ………………………………… 10 Club Day ………………………………………………………… 10 Converge and Infinite Campus Academic Support ………………… 10 Counseling Services ………………………………………………… 10 Eligibility ………………………………………………………… 10 Grades ………………………………………………………………… 11 Honor Roll ………………………………………………………… 11 PBIS ………………………………………………………………… 11 Physical Education Policy ………………………………………… 11

ATHLETIC/ACTIVITY PROGRAM Activities Passes ………………………………………………… 11 Conduct Outside of School: Athletic /Activity Eligibility ………… 11 Recommended Procedures for Discipline ………………………… 12 Fun Night Dances ………………………………………………… 12

ATTENDANCE Attendance Procedures ………………………………………… 12 Academic Detention & In-School Suspension ………………… 12 Excused Absences ………………………………………………… 13

2 Unexcused Absences ………………………………………………… 13 Unexcused Tardy ………………………………………………… 13

BEHAVIOR & STUDENT SUPPORT Conduct Code ………………………………………………………… 13 Bullying and Harassment ………………………………………… 13 Dress Code ………………………………………………………… 13 False Alarms ………………………………………………………… 13 Gambling ………………………………………………………… 14 Search and Seizure ………………………………………………… 14 Student Conduct ………………………………………………… 14 Tobacco, Alcohol, and/or Drugs ………………………………… 14 Weapons ………………………………………………………… 14

HEALTH & WELLNESS Dental Screening Forms ………………………………………… 15 Health & Vision Screening ………………………………………… 15 Immunizations ………………………………………………………… 15 Medication Consent Forms ………………………………………… 15 Physical Education Excuses ………………………………………… 15

PARKING Automobiles ………………………………………………………… 15 Bicycle Parking ………………………………………………… 15 Mopeds ………………………………………………………… 16 Skateboards & Roller Blades ………………………………………… 16

TECHNOLOGY 1:1 Computers………………………………………………………… 16 Cell Phones & Other Electronic Devices ………………………… 16 Plagiarism……………………………………………………………... 16

3 BCSD MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Boone Community School District is to provide an educational environment that promotes academic and extra curricular excellence and the development of good character in our students.

HANDBOOK INFORMATION In support of the district mission, Boone Middle School provides the following guidelines and policies in support of student academic and extra-curricular achievement. The intent of this handbook is to provide a student focused, positive, organized, and supportive school environment. Applicable policies are noted beside each handbook topic.

While many guidelines and expectations are stated within the handbook, all district Board of Education Policies apply to all students and/or any individuals while on school property or attending school events. The full volume of the policies is available on the BCSD website at https://boone.k12.ia.us/new/index.php/board/policy/. All of these policies have been established by the Board of Education in support of the district mission.

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY The Boone Community School District does not discriminate in either educational program or employment on the basis of race, national origin, creed, religion, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation and disability. It is the policy of this district that curriculum content and instructional materials utilized reflect the cultural and racial diversity present in the United States and the variety of careers, roles and lifestyles open to women as well as men in our society. A goal for the total curriculum and for teaching strategies is to reduce stereotyping and to eliminate bias on the basis of race, national origin, creed, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation and disability. The curriculum should foster respect and appreciation for the cultural diversity found in our country and an awareness of the rights, duties, and responsibilities of each individual as a member of a multicultural, nonsexist society. A goal of the Boone Community School District is to provide a free, appropriate public education to each qualified, handicapped person within the district’s jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the person’s handicap. Inquiries regarding program or employment compliance may be directed to the Central Office, Equity Coordinator: Boone Community School District: 500 7th Street: Boone, Iowa 50036-2838 (515) 433- 0750. Inquiries may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Region VII Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 310 W. Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 800, Milwaukee, WI, 53203-2292, (414) 291-1111, or the Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0146, (515) 281-5294.

4 BOONE MIDDLE SCHOOL FACULTY

Scott Kelley ------BMS Principal Hughes, Karlene ------Guidance Counselor 5th/6th Gradoville, Sue ------Guidance Counselor 7th/8th grade Computer Kiesel, Scott ------District Media Specialist Christa Reynolds ------YSS At Risk Liaison Bouk, Lauri ------Secretary ------Secretary Welterlen, Maureen ------Nurse Ahrens, Judy ------Custodian Linda, Olson ------Custodian Bailey, Drake ------8th Civics Bruck, Dan ------8th Language Arts Carey, Alma ------7th Reading Carter, Jayce ------5-8 STEM Crandall, Brittany ------7th Special Education Cunningham, Amanda ------5-8 Vocal Music Cunningham, Meaghan ------6th Special Education Danner, Joel ------7th Geography Doolittle, Jared ______8th Special Education Doyle, Connor ------8th PE/Health Drake-Gibson, Valarie ------6th Social Studies Eggett, Dallin ------7/8 Special Education Erb, Dennis ------5-8 Industrial Technology Greiner, Lynne ------8th Math/Algebra Green, Lisa ------6th Special Education Hagen, Georgiann ------7th Language Arts Henson, Ben ------7/8 Orchestra Aaron Holm ------Instructional Coach Hoover, Josh ------5/6 PE Irvin, Jessica ------5th Grade Teacher Johnson, Lance ------5th Grade Teacher Jordan, Andrea ------5-8 Visual Arts Kundel, Rose ------5-8 Band Lashier, Jamie ------8th Reading Latimer, Shawn ------5-8 Computer Leeds, Stacie ------6th Language Arts ------5/6 EXCEL Mann, Chris ------7th Science Moen, Quentin ------5th Grade Teacher Morris, Monica ------5th Special Education Newcomb, Darci ------Technology/Literacy Coach Parsons, John ------7-8 Special Education Patterson, Gabrielle ------5th Grade Teacher Price, Angel ------5th Special Education Prouty, Deb ------5-8 Special Education Reinke, Taylor ------5-6 Special Education Runestad, Carrie ------5th Grade Teacher Sandvig, Steven ------7th Math Sporaa, Nate ------6th Science Stanzyk, Kylie ------6th Reading Stotts, Shelly ------6th Math Titman, Ryan ------7th PE/Health Watkins, Peggy ------7/8 EXCEL Wengert, Paula ------5/6 Orchestra Williams, Ashley ------8th Science Zinnel, Shannon ------5-8 TLC

5 ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Fifth Grade Sixth Grade Required Courses: Required Courses: Reading Reading Math Math Social Studies Social Studies Science Science Language Arts Language Arts Music/Physical Education Music/Physical Education Exploratory Program: (7weeks) Computer Exploratory Program: (7 weeks) Art Computer STEM STEM Industrial Technology Art Guidance Guidance Electives: Industrial Technology Music – Orchestra, Band Electives: EXCEL-must qualify Music-Band, Orchestra EXCEL-must qualify

Seventh Grade Eighth Grade Required Courses: Required Courses: Language Arts Language Arts Math / Pre-Algebra (must qualify) Math-Pre-Algebra/Algebra Physical Education/Health (must qualify) Reading Physical Education/Health Science Reading Social Studies (Geography) Science Exploratory Program: (9 weeks) Social Studies (Civics) Computer Exploratory Program: (9 weeks) Industrial Technology STEM Visual Arts Computer STEM Industrial Technology Electives: Visual Arts Music- Band, Orchestra, and/or Chorus Electives: EXCEL- must qualify Music- Band, Orchestra, and/or Chorus EXCEL – must qualify

GENERAL PROCEDURES

SCHOOL DAY (Policy 601.2) 7th and 8th grade students start their day at 7:50 and end at 3:00. At the end of the day 7th and 8th grade students that ride the bus will be expected to ride the 1st set of buses, unless waiting for a sibling that rides the 2nd round or with permission from the principal.

5th and 6th grade students start their day at 8:05 and end at 3:15. At the end of the day 5th and 6th grade students will ride the 2nd round of buses that leave between 3:30 and 3:40.

Students arriving early will be allowed to work in the library, eat breakfast and sit in the commons, or wait in the gym. Students will be expected to remain in those designated areas until 7:45 a.m. for 7th and 8th graders and 8:00 a.m. for 5th and 6th graders, when they will be dismissed to the classrooms. 6 DAILY SCHEDULES-7th and 8th grade

Period Regular Day 2-HR Early out 2 HR Late Start

HR 7:50-8:02 7:50-8:02 9:50-10:02 1 8:05-8:48 8:05-8:31 10:05-10:31 2 8:51-9:32 8:34-8:58 10:34-10:58 3 9:35-10:16 9:01-9:25 11:01-11:25 4 10:19-11:00 9:28-9:52 11:28-11:52 9:55-10:19 (7th) 5A 11:03-11:28 10:22-10:47 11:55-12:20 5B 11:28 -11:54 10:47-11:12 12:20-12:45 Dear 11:57-12:07 11:15-11:25 12:48-12:58 6 12:07-12:48 11:25-12:05 12:58-1:38 7 12:51-1:32 1:41-2:05 8 1:35-2:16 12:08-12:32 2:08-2:32 9 2:19-3:00 12:35-1:00 2:35-3:00

5A: 8th grade lunch 5B: 7th grade lunch DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) with your 6th hour class

DAILY SCHEDULE-5th and 6th grade

Period Regular Day 2-HR Early out 2 HR Late Start

1 8:05-8:48 8:05-8:31 10:05-10:31 2 8:51-9:32 8:34-8:58 10:34-10:58 3 9:35-10:16 9:01-9:25 11:01-11:25 4 10:19-11:00 9:28-9:52 11:28-11:52 5 11:03-11:44 9:55-10:19(7th) 11:55-12:35 10:22-11:02(5th) Dear 11:44-11:54 11:02-11:12 12:35-12:45 6A 11:57-12:22 11:15-11:40 12:48-1:13 6B 12:22 -12:48 11:40-12:05 1:13-1:38 7 12:51-1:32 1:41-2:05 8 1:35-2:16 12:08-12:32 2:08-2:32 9 2:19-3:00 12:35-1:00 2:35-3:00 HR 3:00-3:15 1:00-1:15 3:00-3:15

DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) with 5th hour class 6A-6th grade lunch 6B-5th grade lunch

ADVERTISING – OUTSIDE ORGANIZATION (POLICY 903.5, 903.5R1, 904.2) BMS welcomes community organizations and businesses to post information or notices on the school provided Community Bulletin Board. Additionally, information may be posted in the district Digital Backpack on the district website.

7 CAFETERIA (Policy 503.1, 710.1, 710.2) The cafeteria menu provides a well-balanced diet at a nominal cost to students. Students may bring their own lunch, and those lunches will be eaten in the school commons. No food may be taken outside of the commons unless granted specific permission by a staff member.

Courtesy, cleanliness, and orderly conduct are essential on student’s part in order to maintain a pleasant atmosphere. Everyone is expected to take their turn, return used dishes and trays, and deposit all waste in the containers provided.

The Boone Community School district provides a breakfast and lunch Food Service Program for students to support healthy lifestyles and a balanced diet. The BCSD offers these at a nominal cost to families while meeting the benefits of the federal lunch guidelines. The cost for breakfast and lunches in 201516 will be:

Meals 2016-17 Milk $0.50 Student Breakfasts $1.85 Adult Breakfast $3.50 PK-4 Student Lunches $2.60 5-12 Student Lunches $2.85 Adult Lunches $3.75

NEGATIVE ACCOUNT BALANCES: To ensure positive lunch balances, student account may not exceed a negative $25.00. Any accounts below a negative $25.00 will no longer allow charging of breakfast or lunch until the account has a positive balance.

MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: Student with a negative balance greater than $25.00 need to pay cash for their meal at the time of purchase or have a qualifying free application on file with the food service secretary to receive a regular lunch. Note: Sack or ala carte items may not be charged if a student has a zero or negative balance.

ACCOUNT BALANCE NOTIFICATION: Emails reminders are sent to parents regarding balances once the account reaches a positive $10.00 or less. Additionally, elementary students receive weekly notices per their Thursday Folder. Parents may check account balances at anytime through School Dining on the BCSD website. Thank you for your support as the Boone Community School District continues to offer a quality Food Service Program for our students.

CAFETERIA LUNCH CARDS AND IDs (Policy 710.1) ID and Lunch Cards are made available to all students to use throughout the school year. Replacement cards may be purchased in the Main Office Principal’s Office at a nominal charge.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS The Board authorizes the Superintendent to close the schools in event of hazardous weather or other emergencies, which present threats to the safety of students, school staff members or school property.

Whenever it is necessary to call off school for a full day due to inclement weather, an announcement will be made over KWBG, on local news TV stations, and on Infinite Campus Messenger. At any other time when school must be dismissed in an emergency Infinite Campus Messenger will be used.

If school is canceled for any reason before the regular close of the school day, the school administration will make the decision as to whether extracurricular activities, events, rehearsals, meetings, etc. will be held.

8 EMERGENCY DRILLS (CODE NO. 507.6) Four fire drills and four natural disaster drills each year while school is in session will be planned by the principal of each building to assure orderly movement and placement of students in the safest available building area. Not less than two drills of each type shall be conducted between July 1, and December 31 of each year and not less than two drills of each type shall be conducted between January 1 and June 30 of each year. Since many parents may not be at home, it shall be the policy to retain children and faculty at the school site in case of extreme emergency where less than one hour of warning time is known. Parents may come to the school premises to pick up their children if they so desire.

FOOD /CANDY / BEVERAGES Beverages, candy, or other food items are allowed only in the lunch and commons areas. Food is not allowed in student lockers or hallways to eat throughout the day. No gum will be allowed. No food deliveries will be allowed. Individual teachers may allow for parties, on special occasions that will permit food to be consumed in the classroom. High energy/caffeine drinks and are not allowed to be consumed at school.

FUNDRAISING (Policy 504.5) Fundraising and solicitation of funds falls under the district fundraising guidelines and district approval is required for any fundraising. Information and forms may be found on the district website at https://boone.k12.ia.us/new/index.php/athletics/fund-raising/.

LOCKERS (Policy 502.2, 502.5, 502.8, 502.8E1, 502.8R1) Students are issued a locker with combination lock at the beginning of the year. Students are responsible for the contents and orderliness of their assigned’ locker. Students must be aware that damage to lockers, other than normal wear and tear, will incur a repair charge to the student.

LOST AND FOUND Misplaced articles found in and around the school building should be placed in the lost and found. Lost and found items are not the responsibility of the school, but are the responsibility of the individual students. The school will not be held responsible for personal items misplaced by students. At the end of each quarter, semester, or winter/spring breaks, a donation of unclaimed items will be made to the local Boone Goodwill. One week prior to setting aside items to be donated to Goodwill, students will be reminded to check the lost and found for lost items. Prior to donating to Goodwill, the items will be held for one additional week to ensure any lost items may be claimed.

PASSES (Policy 503.4) To support student safety, students leaving a classroom, study hall, library, or any other room in the school must secure a pass from the instructor, which indicates that they have permission to leave. A student must have a pass on their person to be in the halls during the class hour.

STUDENT RECORDS (Policies 506.1, 503.4R1, 503.7E1, 503.7R1, 506.2, 506.3, 506.4, 507, 507.1, 507.2, 507.3, 506.1E1, 506.1E2, 506.1E3, 506.1E4, 506.1E5, 506.1E6, 506.1E7, 506.1E8, 506.1E9, 506.1R1, 506.2E1, 506.2R1) Procedures for student records are established in federal and state law and directed through Board of Education policy.

Students and parents should be aware student directory information may be released to the public in regard to any individual student of the Boone Community School District. Any student, parent or guardian not wanting this information released to the public must make objection to said release in writing to the principal in charge of the school which the student is attending by the end of the first full week of school in the fall, or within ten days of enrolling in the district if a student enters after the start of the school year. Therefore, policies 506.2, 506.2E1, and 506.2R1 will apply.

The procedure to be followed in exercising any of the rights under the school policies or rules may be obtained from any building principal responsible for maintaining student records. If a parent/guardian or student feels that the student’s rights have been violated under the Student Record Policy, he/she may file a complaint with the district superintendent or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office, Department of Education, 330 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington D.C., 20201.

9 STUDENT/PARENT COMPLAINT PROCEDURES (Code No. 502.4R1) In support of collaboration with students and parents, issues may arise concerning student matters such as grading procedures, discipline, building assignments and classroom questions, etc. Such concerns should be directed to the teacher or administrator most directly working with the student in this area by calling the Middle School Office at 433-0020. If issues regarding policy arise, policy 502.4 and 502.4R1 provide procedures for addressing these concerns.

VISITORS (Policy 903.3) Adult visitors are welcome at BMS. To ensure student safety, visitors must report to the Middle School Office to check-in and receive a visitor’s pass. Parents are welcome to visit classrooms when making prior arrangements by contacting the high school principal 24 hours prior to their requested date of visit. Students from other school districts are welcome to visit outside of the regular school day.

ACADEMIC AND COUNSELING PROGRAMS

ADVISOR/HOMEROOM PROGRAM The advisory program helps bridge the gap between elementary school and high school. It offers middle school students an opportunity to develop a positive relationship with an adult in the school and enables advisors to support students in a caring and nurturing relationship. Advisee groups meet daily and participate in activities related to self- awareness, school and social concerns, character education, and recreation.

CLUB DAY Club Day is a program offered for all students on the first early out Wednesday of each month. We begin each Club Day with an all school assembly. The assemblies are connected to Character Counts and our PBIS school-wide program. Club Day is an opportunity for your child to build a relationship with another adult in the building as well as learn a new skill that is of interest to them. Each club will be responsible to take one Club Day and volunteer in the community. Club Day also offers a time for students to learn in a different way. At the conclusion of each Club Day, students reflect on their learning for the day in their Club Day journal. Each semester students will choose a different club to participate in.

CONVERGE AND INFINITE CAMPUS ACADEMIC SUPPORT The Boone Community School District offers 2 student information systems to support students and parents regarding school information and student academic performance. Information can be found on the district website at: https://boone.k12.ia.us.

COUNSELING SERVICES The school counselors are available to work with students during the school day that may need assistance with academic problems, getting along with others, stress, and other concerns that may get in the way of students having success in school. At various times during the school year, they may be offering small group counseling for students who wish to work on certain areas of concern. They can provide parents and students with referral sources for issues that may be better served outside of the school setting. Students can stop in the counseling offices any time during the school day to make an appointment; parents are also encouraged to call the counselors if they have questions or concerns. Fifth and sixth grade students receive regularly scheduled classroom guidance activities.

ELIGIBILITY Students may be ineligible for activities based on grade level missing assignment study hall (MASH) programs that are determined weekly by each grade level. Students that don’t complete work to get off the MASH list will be ineligible for activities the following week.

Students are reminded that Board of Education policy dealing with extracurricular activities applies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A misconception is that they do not apply “out of season” or during the summer. The Board of Education policies for involvement in extracurricular activities applies year around.

10 If a student is ineligible, he/she cannot represent the school in any activity.

A student must be in regular school attendance during the last half of the school day (by 6th period) if he or she wishes to participate in an activity, unless given permission by the building principal.

GRADES (Policy 505.2, 505.5) Boone Middle School operates on a quarter grading system.

Grading Scale: A+ 98 - 100% A 93 - 97% A- 90 - 92% B+ 87 - 89% B 83 - 86% B- 80 - 82% C+ 77 - 79% C 73 - 76% C- 70 - 72% D+ 67 - 69% D 63 - 66% D- 60 - 62% F 0 - 59%

A letter grade of A has a point value of 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, and F = 0. + or - attached to a letter grade does not adjust the point value.

HONOR ROLL An Honor Roll will be established each quarter. A student must be enrolled full time and carry a 3.2 grade point average. Goeppinger Awards are awarded to students who have accumulated a 3.5 grade point average during grade 7 and the first three quarters of grade 8. Students must attend Boone Middle School for a minimum of three semesters and must be enrolled with a full schedule at Boone Middle School during the spring semester of their eighth grade year.

PBIS (POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION SUPPORT)

The goal of the PBIS program is to improve the climate and culture of our building. Students need consistency and need to know what to expect. Our goal is to teach behavior in hopes that behavior will improve.

Pride points will given for a variety of reasons including positive behavior, following expectations, going above and beyond what is expected, and displaying good traits based on the character counts initiative.

Swiss Suite will be used to track behavior data. This data will be tracked and sent home to the parents after three referrals for each quarter. This process is to reinforce to the students what the behavior expectations are, re-teach situations, and explain the consequences given from the teachers and administration.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION POLICIES ATTENDANCE: Attendance and participation are required by state law unless excused for medical reasons. If a student secures a medical excuse, he/she will receive full credit for that time period. Any written medical excuses must be taken to the nurse’s office where they will be kept on file.

ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES PASSES (Code No. 503.7, 503.7E1, 503.7R1) Students may purchase an activity pass anytime throughout the school year in the Middle School Office. A punch will be placed in the student ID to identify the activity pass.

11 CONDUCT OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL: ATHLETIC/ACTIVITY ELIGIBILITY (Policy 503.4, 503.4R1, 504.4, 504.7) Students positive conduct outside of school, whether it is in public or on private property, reflects Boone Middle School. Conversely, behavior not positively representing the school will have a negative impact. Therefore, policies 503.4 and 503.4R1 will apply.

RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR DISCIPLINE (Policies. 503.1, 503.1R1, 503.2, 503.3, 503.3R1) Student who, by their actions and activities, support a positive school environment are appreciated for their contribution to the strong academic and safe school environment. Therefore, policies 503.1, 503.1R1, 503.2, 503.3, 503.3R1 will apply.

FUN NIGHTS Middle school fun-nights are held periodically throughout the school year. Students are given opportunities to use the gym for basketball and volleyball. A dance is held, and a computer lab will be made available for student use. Fun nights are chaperoned by staff and parents. The Booster Club makes concessions available to students. Fun- nights are available to Boone Middle School, Trinity Lutheran, and Sacred Heart students only. No visitors or students from other schools will be admitted.

ATTENDANCE

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURE (Code No. 501.2, 501.10 501.10R1) Regular attendance is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program. Therefore, the district works collaboratively with parents/guardians and students to support regular school attendance.

Notification: 1. An Awareness Letter will be mailed to the family between 7-10 days for awareness of potential concerns which may be developing due to the number of days the student has been absent and/or tardy. 2. A second Awareness Letter will be mailed home after the student has missed 15 absences from school. 3. If the student continues to be absent and goes beyond 20 absences, the principal will review these absences for unique circumstance and collaborative efforts that have already occurred between the school and families. If there has been no effective communication regarding attendance concern, the Building Principal will notify the County Attorney, and a mediation session may be scheduled. 4. If mediation is not successful, the school is legally required to report this information to the County Attorney who will proceed with steps toward prosecution for non-compliance of Iowa Code 199.1. If the Code does not apply then appropriate steps will be taken and alternatives may be implemented.

ACADEMIC DETENTION AND IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (Policy 503.4) Academic detention and in-school suspension, particularly those related to attendance, are designed to support academic progress and are monitored by a school employee. The purpose of these is to assist the student to catch-up on academic learning and improve opportunities for academic success. Students are responsible for bringing their assignments and the necessary resources to complete the assignments.

Detentions are assigned or approved by the building principal. Most detentions will be held during the student’s lunch and activity period. Students will have detention reminders delivered to them during the morning of the day assigned. During this time, students will eat a sack lunch in an isolated area away from their peers. After the completion of their lunch, students will be expected to work on homework or read. Missing/skipping the assigned detention will result in further detentions or possible suspension.

IN - SCHOOL SUSPENSION/DETENTION ROOM RULES: 1. Students should bring all materials when they report to ISS. 2. Cell Phones must be turned in to the ISS supervisor and will be given back at the end of the day. 12 3. Sack lunch will be provided for students in suspension/detention. 4. At no time is sleeping allowed. 5. Students are responsible for turning in assignments completed during ISS. 6. Failure to follow the above rules may result in additional in-school/out-of-school suspension days.

EXCUSED ABSENCES (Code No. 501.2, 501.10 501.10R1) An absence will be considered excused upon a parent/guardian phone call or in person verification of the following: medical appointments, legal appointments, any type of appointment if a note is brought in, bereavement, religious commitments, illness, family vacation (maximum of five days), college visits (2 per semester) and school functions/activities. Other absences will be considered unexcused unless approved by the administration.

Verified excused absences (including doctor, dentist, therapy, any type of approved appointment) will be considered an excused absence if the parent, doctor, or agency provide written verification of the appointment. Such verification will be accepted up to five (5) school days following the absence or the absence will be considered unexcused. Final determination of excused days is up to school administration.

Attendance procedures regarding excused absences will be as follows:  If a student reaches ten (10) or more excused absences in one class the MTSS team will review the student’s absences and the parent/guardian may be asked to meet with a counselor/administrator to determine if there is academic support or unique needs that the student may have that the school can support.  If recommended by the MTSS team and/or administrator or until the parent meets with the counselor/administrator, future absences will result in a designation as unexcused absence until the attendance issues are resolved. In extreme cases involving excessive absences the County Attorney will be contacted to begin the mediation and court process regarding mandatory attendance.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES (Code No. 501.2, 501.10 501.10R1) Unexcused absences are any absences not approved as stated under “Attendance Procedures.” If a student is absent for a part or all of the day, and the absence is determined to be unexcused, the following disciplinary action will occur.

1. The student will be assigned an academic detention on the day of the unexcused absence, and is expected to serve the academic detention on the day of the unexcused absence during lunch and activity. NOTE: Appointments, work, athletic practices or competition, or school related events are not an excuse for failure to serve a detention on the day of the unexcused absences. When students choose to skip school knowing the consequences, they have made a personal choice that may interfere with other planned activities.

2. Failure to serve the academic detention on the day of the unexcused absence will result in two (2) academic detentions to be served on the next two school days during lunch and activity.

Failure to serve one or both of the double detentions will result in in-school suspension. In school suspension is served from 8:00 a.m. until the end of the school day. No activities are allowed on days of in-school or out-of –school suspension.

UNEXCUSED TARDY (Code No. 501.2, 501.10 501.10R1) Students will receive 2 free tardy passes each quarter. After the 3rd tardy, students will receive lunch/activity detention for each tardy. Tardy days will reset at the end of each quarter. Only verified appointments will excuse tardies in the morning. (notes from the doctor, chiropractor, dentist, etc.) Administration can excuse unique circumstances.

BEHAVIOR & STUDENT SUPPORT CONDUCT CODE (Code No. 502.1, 502.1R1) In order to support a safe, positive, and orderly learning environment the following procedures have been developed.

BULLYING AND HARASSMENT (Policy 502.10) 13 In the interest of student safety, it is the policy of Boone Middle School to maintain a learning environment that is free from bullying and/or harassment. It shall be a violation of this policy for students to harass other students or staff through conduct of a sexual nature or conduct designed to reduce the dignity of that individual with respect to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or any other form of harassment. Therefore, policy 502.10 will apply.

DRESS CODE (Policies 502.1, 502.1R1) Cleanliness and appropriate dress contribute to a positive learning environment. Therefore, policies 502.1 and 502.1R1 will apply.

FALSE ALARMS (Policies 714.31, 714.32) The code of Iowa discussion of false alarms is as follows: No person or persons shall cause or give a false alarm of fire, by setting fire to any combustible material, or by crying or sounding an alarm, or by any other means, without cause.

Any person violating the provisions of section 714.31 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding thirty days. In addition to charges being filed for such offense, the student may be suspended from school for up to ten days.

GAMBLING (Policy 503.1) All forms of gambling are prohibited in the school building or on the school grounds.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE (Policies 502.8, 502.8E1, 502.8R1) In the interest of student safety, school district authorities may, without a search warrant, search students or protected student (purses, backpacks, lockers, etc.) areas based on a reasonable suspicion that a school district policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated.

The school retains authority to conduct routine patrols of the student parking lots. The interior of a student's automobile on the school premises may be searched if the school official has reasonable suspicion to believe that illegal, unauthorized or contraband items are contained inside.

STUDENT CONDUCT (Policies 503.1, 503.1R1, 503.2, 503.3, and 503.3R1) Positive student behavior strengthens the learning environment of the school. Therefore, policies 503.1, 503.1R1, 503.2, 503.3, and 503.3R1 will apply.

TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, AND/OR DRUGS (Policy 502.7, 502.7R1) Possession of an tobacco, alcoholic beverage or non-prescribed drug and/or controlled substance, drinking an alcoholic beverage or using a non prescribed drug and/or controlled substance, or giving the appearance of being under the influence while under the jurisdiction of the school creates a safety hazard for students. Therefore, policies 502.7 and 502.7R1 will apply.

WEAPONS (Code No. 502.6, 502.6R1) Weapons, other dangerous objects and look-a-likes in school district facilities cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district. Therefore, policies 502.6 and 502.6R1 will apply.

The term “firearm” includes, but is not limited to, any weapon which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such a weapon, or any explosive, incendiary or poison gas. Additionally, any cutting device or object, which is displayed in a dangerous or threatening manner or a knife with a blade of 3 inches or longer, is considered a weapon.

14 HEALTH AND WELLNESS

DENTAL SCREENING FORMS (Policy 507) All students entering 9th grade and out of state transfer students are required to have a dental screening form on file in the Nurse’s Office. A dentist or dental hygienist must complete the form. A screening completed one year prior to enrollment is acceptable.

HEALTH & VISION SCREENINGS Vision screening is conducted by the school nurse for all eighth grade students and all 7th and 8th grade special education students. Hearing screenings are done by the Heartland Education Agency on all students in fifth grade, as well as students with known, educationally significant hearing problems in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Students who do not pass the initial vision or hearing screening are rescreened at a later date. When the results of both the initial screening and second re-screening do not meet prescribed standards, a written referral is mailed to the parents. If you do not want your child to participate in the screening program and follow-up assessments this year, please notify the school nurse.

IMMUNIZATIONS (Policy 507. 1) Students are required to be in good health, as certified by their physicians, prior to admission into school. Students enrolling for the first time in the school district will also submit a certificate of immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, rubella, rubella, and other immunizations required by law. The student may be admitted conditionally to the attendance center if the student has not yet completed the immunization process but is in the process of doing so. Students transferring from another school are granted provisional enrollment and 120 days are allowed for their immunization records to be transferred from their previous school.

Starting with the 2017-2018 school year, and all future school years, all students entering, advancing or transferring into 7th grade and born after September 15, 2004, will need proof of one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). All students entering, advancing, or transferring into 12th grade and born after September 15, 1999, will need proof of two doses of meningococcal (A, C W, Y) vaccine (1 dose received on or after 16 years of age); or 1 dose if received when the student was 16 years of age or older. Students will not be allowed to attend school without this shot.

Further information can be found at: https://idph.iowa.gov/immtb/immunization/laws

MEDICATION CONSENT FORMS (Policy 507.3, 507.3E1, 507.3E2) In interest of student safety, any medication taken at school (prescribed and/or over the counter medicines) must be in the original container and kept in the Nurse’s Office. Parent/guardian written consent is needed to authorize school personnel to administer the medicine at school.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXCUSES A note from the student’s doctor will be required to excuse students from physical education. In order to be excused, this note must be on file in the Nurse's Office. Physical Education classes excused by a doctor’s note will not need to be made up.

PARKING

AUTOMOBILES (Policy 502.11, 502.11R1, 502.8, 502.8E1, 502.8R1) Parents and Teachers may park in any Boone Middle School parking lot space on the North or South side of the school. Handicap parking is available to those with correct signage or proper plates. Students are not allowed to drive cars to school on a school permit until they are in 9th grade.

BICYCLE PARKING Student bicycle parking is provided in the bicycle racks located at the North corner of the building. The bike rack is monitored by video surveillance. It is recommended that students have a lock and chain to secure their bikes, as the school is not responsible for student bicycles. Any problems at the bike rack should be reported to the office and administration can look at the video surveillance cameras. 15 MOPEDS (Policy 502.11, 502.11R1) Mopeds are to be parked in the designated moped parking area on the East side of the main parking lot. Any issues could result in loss of driving privileges to school.

SKATEBOARDS AND ROLLER BLADES Skateboards and roller blades are not to be used inside the building or on the streets and sidewalks around the building.

TECHNOLOGY

1:1 COMPUTERS (Policy 502.12, 502.12E1, and 503.4) The Boone Community School District provides a computer for all students based on the 1:1 Learning Environment Chromebook Agreement Form. Additionally, Policy 502.12 Technology Acceptable Use Policy and 503.4 Good Conduct Policy apply to use of technology.

CELL PHONES & OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES (Policy 502.12, 502.12E1, and 503.4) Cell phone and computer use in classrooms can be valuable learning tools. Use of these electronic devices is under the instructional direction of the classroom teacher, and to support academic learning, the students will follow the teacher’s academic use expectations.

Cell phones are required to stay in student lockers throughout the day. Phones will be turned in to the office that are in students possession. First offense – students can pick up phone in the office at the end of the day. All future offenses will result in an adult having to come and pick up the phone from school. The school is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged devices.

PLAGIARISM Plagiarism is the undocumented use of someone else’s words and / or ideas or excessive assistance of another person in doing work and / or assignments. Simply stated, plagiarism is cheating. If you, the student, have questions regarding the use of information or assistance from other sources or individuals in doing assignments, you should consult the teacher regarding proper use. Teachers will address the specific citation requirements for their projects. Not all subject areas follow the same stylistic format. Following are examples of plagiarism:

 If your project (paper, presentation, visual) contains facts that are not common knowledge without internal / in-text citations, it is plagiarized.  If your project contains quotations from other work without internal / in-text citations, it is plagiarized.  If you take someone else’s writing and change some of the words to “make it your own,” you are plagiarizing.  If a works cited page or bibliography is required and is not submitted with the project, your teacher must assume you have plagiarized it.  If you use the exact words of another writer in part of a project without both a citation and quotation marks (or block indentation in the case of longer quotations), you are plagiarizing.  If you include the paraphrased or summarized idea of another writer without acknowledging its source, you are plagiarizing.  If you accept excessive assistance from another person in creating a project without informing readers or the teacher of the nature and extent of that collaboration, you plagiarized.  If you submit a complete project or portion of a project created by another person, no matter whether the project was purchased, shared freely, stolen, found, or acquired by other means, you plagiarized.  If you cut and paste material, including images and music, from internet or other electronic resources into a project without proper citation of sources, you are plagiarizing.

Consequences for plagiarism may include: 1. Receiving a ZERO on the assignment 2. Other consequences in accordance with the BMS Student Handbook to include notification of parent(s) / guardian, academic counselor, and principal.

16 As part of the BMS Student Handbook, students and parents are responsible for knowing and following the expectation of assignments provided without use of plagiarism.

* ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL POLICIES ARE TAKEN FROM THE BOONE SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICIES. FULL DETAILS AND EXAMPLES CAN BE FOUND AT BOONE.K12.IA.US – BOARD-POLICIES.

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