Student & Parent Handbook
2017-2018
Student & Parent Handbook Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Welcome from the Middle School Director ...... 2
The Seven Hills School Mission Statement & Educational Philosophy ...... 3 Mission Statement ...... 3 Educational Philosophy ...... 3 Seven Values of The Seven Hills School ...... 4 Nondiscriminatory Policy ...... 4 The Seven Hills Annual Fund ...... 5 Why is The Seven Hills Annual Fund so important? ...... 5
Aims of the Middle School ...... 6
Basic Information and Procedures ...... 7
Campus Security ...... 7
Arrival and Dismissal ...... 7 Before School Procedures ...... 7 Start-of-the-School Day Procedures………………………………………………...7 After School Procedures ...... 8 Attendance Information ...... 8 School Closings and Delayed Openings ...... 9
Health, Safety and Security Information ...... 9 Infirmary and Medical Procedures ...... 9 Guidelines for Administering Medications in School ...... 10 Insect and Food Allergy Protocol ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. For Students With Food Allergies ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Controlled Substances Policy ...... 11 Care and Use of Belongings ...... 16 Fire Drills ...... 16 Tornado Evacuation Procedures ...... 17 Other Emergencies ...... 17 Campus Boundaries/Use of School Facilities ...... 17 Food on the Campus ...... 17 Visitors ...... 17
Behavioral Expectations and Discipline ...... 18 Bullying Policy………………………………………………………………………..14 Disciplinary Actions (listed in order of severity) ...... 18 Detention During School ...... 18 Detention After School ...... 19 Suspension and Expulsion ...... 19
Dress Code ...... 19
Services of the School ...... 20 Food Services ...... 20 Lost and Found Items ...... 21 Young Family Library ...... 21 Borrowing Policies ...... 21 Public Library Card ...... 21 Overdue Books ...... 21 Parent Association ...... 21 2017-2018 Seven Hills Middle School Table of Contents Student & Parent Handbook
Parent Networks ...... 22 Student Supplies ...... 22 Student Support Services ...... 22 Telephone Usage and Messages at School ...... 22 iPads, Textbooks and Loaned Materials ...... 22
Programs of the School (Curricular and Extracurricular) ...... 23 Program of Courses ...... 23 Advisory System: Academic and Personal Growth ...... 23 Extracurricular Activities ...... 23 Athletics ...... 23 Theatre ...... 24 Student Council ...... 24 Year Book ...... 24 Lunchtime Clubs ...... 24 After The Bell ...... 24 Field Trips ...... 25 Student of the Week ...... 25
Academic Matters ...... 25 Academic Honesty ...... 25 Technology, Computer Ethics, and the Seven Hills Network ...... 25 Guidelines for Use of Internet and On-Line Services ...... 26 Use of iPads ...... 26 Consequences for Violating These Rules and Guidelines ...... 26 Homework and Studying ...... 26 Additional Support and Private Tutoring ...... 27 Tests and Major Assignments ...... 27 Evaluation of Students ...... 27 Incomplete Grades ...... 27 Communication Between School and Home ...... 28 Communication with Teachers and Middle School Administrators ...... 28 Seven Hills Website (www.7hills.org) ...... 28 Reporting on Student Progress ...... 28 “Back-to-School” Night for Parents ...... 29 Parent/Teacher Conference Day ...... 29 Student/Advisor Conference Days ...... 29 Policy Regarding Separated and/or Divorced Parents ...... 29 Teacher/Class Requests ...... 30 Parent Participation ...... 30 Parent Education Meetings ...... 30 Out-of-School Parties ...... 31 Statement by the Middle School Parent Association ...... 31 Off-Campus Social Activities Guidelines ...... 31
Notes ...... 32
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Welcome from the Middle School Director
August, 2017 Dear Middle School Parents and Students: ...the scribe who writes the Torah, the “instructions” for life, uses erasable ink, so the parchment could be washed clean and a new generation of scribes could write the Torah, assuring the passage of the learning through the ages, but also writing in terms of contemporary values. We can learn from this. We should be prepared to wash the old words from our minds to prepare to learn, to have an open mind. -Terry Tamminen, former Head of the California EPA This Middle School Student-Parent Handbook is meant as a helpful and practical guide for Middle School families, explaining many of the policies and resources of the School. We continually update this Handbook, in the hopes of making it relevant to the current generation of students and families. I will refer to its contents at various times throughout the year, often in future mailings. However, no set of rules and regulations can cover every circumstance. Most are unstated and simply consist of a lot of common sense and abiding by these three simple words; True, Kind, and Necessary. We must all be committed to following the spirit of these guidelines as well as their specifics if we wish to live happily together and have the best community that supports student learning and growth. This handbook should act as a reference book. It is easily accessible on the School's website (www.7hills.org) where it can either be viewed or downloaded; keep it with other important school publications. If this handbook doesn't contain the answer you are looking for, it might at least point you in the right direction. If all else fails, please feel free to get in touch with me or your child's advisor. This handbook should remain a living and breathing document. It should be constantly changing and growing, as the School (and your child) will change and grow over the course of this academic year. If something is confusing, let us know. If some useful topic is missing, we'll add it. It certainly isn't a finished product, just like your Middle School child! It needs your continuing input and support. Take care.
Bill Waskowitz Middle School Director
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The Seven Hills School Mission Statement & Educational Philosophy
Mission Statement
Seven Hills engages hearts and minds, challenging students to develop their unique capacities and preparing each for a meaningful role in a rapidly changing world.
Educational Philosophy
1. Our Approach to Teaching • We believe that learning should be engaging and relevant. • We use teaching methods designed to ensure that students acquire the intellectual and social skills they need to thrive in an increasingly complex global community. • We focus not only on the acquisition of knowledge, but on inquiry, discovery, and the application of skills to meaningful problem solving. • We teach students to make choices, to manage their time, to think critically and creatively, and, above all, to take responsibility for their own learning. • We are committed to exploring educational best practices and to adapting our instructional methods to advances in technology and developments in the world. 2. Our Environment for Learning • We believe that students learn best when they work in an atmosphere of open inquiry and mutual respect. • We believe that the school should provide a safe, supportive, and challenging environment, with clear goals and high expectations for student achievement and conduct. • We believe that education is relationship-based and that students learn best when teachers fully understand the interests, motivations, and individual learning styles of each of their students. • We believe that the school should provide the widest possible range of opportunities for students to explore personal interests and develop individual talents. • We believe that extracurricular and athletic activities should be open to all students who wish to participate, regardless of their innate ability. 3. Our Commitment to Character • We believe that the school, in partnership with our families, plays a critical role in helping students develop character and core values. • We strive to nurture the intellectual, aesthetic, moral, and social skills our students will need to become engaged citizens and responsible leaders.
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• We see our teachers, administrators, and staff as role models, mentors, and collaborators, engaging with students in meaningful and mutually respectful ways. • We value individuality and believe that a rich diversity of backgrounds and perspectives enriches our community. • We encourage students and faculty to be actively involved in their communities, making us all more aware of the needs of others.
Seven Values of The Seven Hills School
These are the values which we at Seven Hills strive to instill in our students:
✤ respect for others and appreciation of diversity
✤ kindness, caring and compassion
✤ honesty and integrity
✤ fairness and justice
✤ personal responsibility and accountability
✤ commitment to community
✤ striving for excellence
Nondiscriminatory Policy The Seven Hills School recruits and admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation to all rights, privileges, programs and activities of the school. The school will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, scholarships, loans, tuition remission, fee waivers, educational programs, athletics, or extracurricular activities. The school is not intended to be an alternative to court or administrative agency ordered, or public school district initiated, desegregation. The school will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation in the hiring of its certified or non-certified personnel. For more information, please call (513) 728-2400.
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The Seven Hills Annual Fund
An important part of the culture at The Seven Hills School is its tradition of support through Annual Giving. Throughout the history of the School, countless alumni, parents, grandparents and friends have supported Seven Hills through our Annual Giving program, The Seven Hills Annual Fund.
Why is The Seven Hills Annual Fund so important?
• The Seven Hills Annual Fund is earmarked for many of the educational materials used by your children every day – ranging from maps to microscopes, art supplies to sports equipment. • Funds raised support infrastructure, such as campus facilities and technology. • Teacher salaries, curriculum development, scholarships and athletics are supported through Annual Giving.
Did you know that tuition and fees cover approximately 80% of the cost of educating a child at Seven Hills? Other sources, such as The Seven Hills Annual Fund, are relied upon to meet the budget.
• Additional funds bridge the gap between income from tuition and our total operating expenses. These crucial additional dollars come primarily from people like you as annual contributions to The Seven Hills Annual Fund.
Participation by each family is a vital part of our budget commitment. • The faculty and staff who nurture your children, the innovative programs and the excellence you have come to expect from Seven Hills would not be possible without the support of parents just like you. • Foundations and corporations often decide which schools to support based on the level of participation by core groups like parents. The more people who give to The Seven Hills Annual Fund, the better our chances of being selected for grants and corporate donations. • Each family will be contacted in the fall and asked to make an annual gift. If you make your gift early in the school year, the Development Office won’t need to follow up with you.
The Seven Hills School, its students and faculty are counting on your support! Questions? Contact Andi Fischer Simon ’98, Director of Annual Giving, at 513-728-2436 or [email protected].
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Aims of the Middle School
In order to address the specific emotional, social, intellectual, and physical needs of young adolescents within the context of The Seven Hills School’s Mission, the Seven Hills Middle School aims to;
• offer a superior academic program
• attract and continue to train dedicated professionals who understand and enjoy working with young adolescents
• create an environment that stimulates intellectual curiosity and the desire to learn
• design a program which emphasizes the mastery of key academic skills and the development of strong study habits in the context of an academic curriculum that is relevant, challenging, and exciting.
• use teaching strategies which stress exploratory and interdisciplinary approaches
• develop a comprehensive advisory system to guide students through this critical time of growth and change
• build individual self-esteem through real challenges and opportunities for success
• foster responsible, moral, and ethical behavior
• expose students to diverse cultures, environments, and people
• stress the value of service to others
• encourage participation in a wide variety of activities
• provide appropriate opportunities for responsible risk-taking, decision-making, and choice, all in the context of a safe and supportive community
• establish a separate identity for and sense of community within the School, while providing a developmentally sound transition and progression from Lower to Upper school.
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Basic Information and Procedures
This section of the Middle School Handbook deals with the day-to-day activities of the School: arrival and dismissal, attendance, health, safety and security issues, behavioral expectations, and appropriate dress. Reading this section will give you an idea of what the school community and its members must do to function on a daily basis in order to achieve the Mission and Aims of the School.
Campus Security All Seven Hills School personnel and Middle and Upper School students wear ID badges on lanyards. (NOTE: If a student loses/damages their ID badge and/or lanyard, it must be replaced at a cost of $6.00 for the ID badge and $4.00 for the lanyard). The ID badges enable the School to control access to the buildings during school hours and allow faculty and students to be quickly identified. All school buildings are equipped with door access technologies that permit the building exterior to remain secure throughout the day. All visitors, including parents and contractors, are required to report to the main office, located in the Upper School on the Hillsdale Campus and in Haile Hall on the Doherty Campus, so that they can be validated and registered. The visitors will then be given a temporary ID controlled access badge to wear at all times while on school grounds. The ID badge must be returned when the visitor leaves the campus. Additionally, the School has installed video cameras for the protection of assets and crime prevention. The cameras are focused on the school parking lots and main entrances and are recording on a 24/7 schedule.
Arrival and Dismissal
Students arrive-to and depart-from school by bus or private vehicles. Some buses will drop-off and pick-up students on the access road at the base of the Middle School; other buses will drop off and pick up students in front of Lotspeich. Students should be dropped-off and picked-up at the Middle School entrance by the tennis courts or at the main entrance to the Hillsdale campus by the Upper School & Lotspeich buildings. When using the Middle School drop-off/pick-up points, we ask that cars pull as far down the access road as possible when dropping-off or picking-up students so that students will use the sidewalk and not walk among vehicles or upon the embankment.
Before School Procedures
Students arriving before 8:10 AM should wait in the Middle School Commons.
Start-of-the-School Day Procedures
Students need to arrive to school in time for the following start-of-the-day activities:
• 8:10 AM – students go to their lockers to prepare for the day
• 8:15 AM – students travel to their first class
• 8:20 AM – classes begin
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After School Procedures
School will be dismissed at 3:15 PM. Students are expected to leave campus promptly unless they are under the direct supervision of a teacher or coach.
Students who are not picked up by 3:30 PM and are not involved in a supervised activity(e.g. a sports practice or play rehearsal) are to register in the Middle School Commons for the after school Encore Club and sign-in for this supervised activity. There will be supervision in the Middle School Commons until 6:00 PM. Please note that parents are required to physically come into the Middle School Commons in order to sign-out and pick-up their child.
Attendance Information
Attendance is taken promptly at 8:20 AM in first bell classes. If a student arrives after 8:20 AM, he or she must report to the office and sign in to be removed from the absence list.
Attendance Policies Seven Hills believes that regular class attendance by all students is crucial for academic success. The School's expectations are high, and faculty and students both need time to meet them. The School takes seriously its responsibility to students and parents to make every school day count. The following policies help to insure regular attendance. Please note that violations of these attendance policies may result in a student receiving a lunch or after school detention: 1. Students will be excused from classes only for illness, emergencies, religious holidays, prearranged appointments, or very special family circumstances. A note or email from home sent to the Middle School Office, prior to a planned absence, is a necessary courtesy. 2. If a student will be absent, and unless a note was sent prior to the absence, parents must phone the Middle School Office before 9:00 AM: (513) 728-2450. Such notice confirms our own attendance procedures and helps assure the safety of students. 3. When reporting their child’s absence, parents should realize that homework and other important class materials are posted on each teacher’s online Schoology page; parents should consult these on-line resources in order to obtain homework assignments for which students are responsible during their absence. If parents have difficulty obtaining homework and other important materials, they should call the Middle School Office for assistance. Please remember that it is the student's responsibility to keep up with class work and homework missed during absences. 4. If students know in advance that they will arrive late, leave school for an appointment and return, or leave early, they are to bring a note from their parents ahead of time. The note should be brought to the Middle School office before school begins. Announcements of scheduled appointments or early departures can then be put in the School's morning bulletin for faculty. Students must sign-out and/or sign-in on a list in the office when they are leaving and/or arriving during the school day. For safety's sake, parents must meet their child in the Middle School Office. 5. A student must be in school for all classes and commitments during the school day to be able to participate in any after -school activities, including rehearsals, sports practices, and games. Doctors' appointments, funerals, field trips, etc., are excused absences and students will be allowed to participate in after-school activities.
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NOTE: If a student is ill in the morning and stays home from school but comes to school in the afternoon, the student will not be eligible to participate in contests or events on that day. 6. The School asks that families plan trips to coincide with the published scheduled vacation times. On those rare occasions when an absence cannot be avoided, parents need to discuss the absence with the Middle School Director at least two weeks in advance. Parents must not assume that individual assignments can be prepared and evaluated by teachers in these instances, and not all material covered in class can be made up. Students are responsible for gathering assignments from teachers prior to these prearranged absences. 7. Excessive Absences—Students in courses that receive Upper School credit may be denied credit after 15 absences from class. The Middle School Director, in consultation with the teacher, will determine any denial of credit.
School Closings and Delayed Openings
On days when the School is closed or delays opening due to inclement weather or other emergencies, parents will be informed by a phone blast from the School and by local radio and television. School closings or delays will also be posted on the School's website. Once school is in session, it is the School's practice to continue to hold classes for the remainder of the school day. Specifically, Seven Hills rarely closes early for anticipated weather emergencies (predicted snow, tornado watch, etc.). In all cases, students picked up early from school must be signed out by the parent or by someone the parent has designated on the school's medical emergency form.
Health, Safety and Security Information
Infirmary and Medical Procedures
Illness — Students who are ill or who need first aid should report to the Middle School Office; the Middle School Office Administrative Assistant will then contact the school nurse. Please note that students may not call/email/text a parent on their own when they feel ill; this is the responsibility of the school nurse. When a sick student needs to go home, the nurse will call his or her parents to make arrangements. If the School is unable to reach parents in an emergency, the nurse may call a physician, family contact, or take the student to an emergency room (as indicated on a student’s Emergency Medical Authorization form), if deemed necessary by the nurse.
In the interest of other students and staff, parents should keep students at home if they have any of the following: a fever or digestive upset in the last 24 hours, a rash of undetermined origin (which must be diagnosed by a physician), or symptoms of a cold such as frequent coughing or nasal drainage that the student is unable to take care of him/herself. Parents should notify the School immediately if the student develops a communicable disease. If any restriction of activity is necessary upon returning to school after an illness, parents should send a note from a doctor to the office with the specific details. Students will be excused from and allowed to return to physical activities only upon receipt of this written note. Permanent or long term gym excuses require a physician's statement. Medical Records — Each student must have a medical record on file in the nurse's office by the first day of school. All students new to Seven Hills must have their immunization record on file within two weeks after the start of school and their medical record completed by a physician within 90 days of the first day of school.
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If the student is new to Hamilton County, documentation of a tuberculosis (TB) skin test is required within 90 days of the first day of school. Every Seven Hills student needs to have a current list of immunizations, meeting state requirements, on file in the nurse's office. Emergency Medical Authorization — The Emergency Medical Authorization form must be signed by a parent and be on file in the nurse's office by the first day of school. It does not require a physician's signature. This form gives the school staff parents' work numbers as well as emergency contacts in the event of an injury or illness. If the student is receiving routine medications, it is important that these be noted on this form. In the event of an emergency, this form will accompany the student when he/she goes to the hospital for treatment. In emergency situations, if the parents cannot be reached, the school nurse or other school personnel will call the student's physician and/or have the student transported to an emergency room if necessary.
Guidelines for Administering Medications in School
The school nurse, Middle School Director, or his/her designee may administer medication during school hours to pupils in his/her school according to the following guidelines. Medication may not be kept and taken by individual students except as outlined below in #7. 1. The medication must be prescribed by a licensed prescriber: a. A written order for the prescribed medication, dosage, duration of dosage, and a statement explaining the administration of the dosage and the possible side effects, signed by the licensed prescriber, must be on file in the nurse's office before the medication can be given. A new form must be completed if a medication dosage is adjusted. In an emergency, orders may be faxed to the school from the licensed prescriber. b. A staff person may administer pills, capsules or liquid medication or may assist a child with his/her inhaler. The staff MAY NOT administer any medications requiring injections or the use of syringes or similar instruments with the exception of an EpiPen in the treatment of an allergic reaction. Care guidelines for diabetic students will be determined on an individual basis. c. Over-the-counter drugs may be given provided they are prescribed in writing by a licensed prescriber and all of the above qualifications have been met. 2. A statement signed by the parent or guardian giving permission to the school nurse, Middle School Director, or designee to administer prescribed medication must be on file in the nurse's office before medicine can be given. Medication will not be given without this statement and the licensed prescriber's order on file. 3. The parent's statement must also include a clause providing that the undersigned agree not to file or make any claim against anyone for negligence in connection with the administration or non-administration of any medicine and further agree to save such individuals and hold them harmless from any liability incurred as a result of the administration or non-administration of any medicine. Forms for this information are available in the nurse's office. 4. In all cases, the parent must assume responsibility for the safe delivery of the medication to the school. All prescribed medication must be in the original containers, clearly marked by the pharmacist with the student's name, the dosage direction, physician's name, and the prescription number. The pharmacy is able to provide a second container for use at school if asked. 5. The school's nurse, Middle School Director, or designee must keep medications in a locked place. Seven Hills Middle School 2017-2018 Student & Parent Handbook Page 11
6. Upon receipt, the school's nurse reviews each order and medication and then assumes responsibility for the administration and monitoring of all medications given during school hours. The nurse provides other school personnel with specific instructions pertinent to the medication. The school’s nurse is not responsible for medications given on overnight field trips; all medications required during After School Supervision must be supplied by the parent(s). 7. In order for a student to carry and use an inhaler, insulin or EpiPen on her/his own, s/he must have a statement from the licensed prescriber and parent indicating that assistance is not required.
Insect and Food Allergy Guidelines
The Seven Hills School recognizes the potential severity of allergies, whether they are to food, insects or latex. The school wants to partner with families to provide for the safety of the allergic student, to ensure that there is a plan in place to try to avoid allergen exposure as much as possible and to provide direction for treatment in the event of accidental exposure.
Of course, the policies described in these guidelines will not completely eliminate the risk of an exposure; therefore, students should be taught to advocate for themselves and use preventative measures to avoid allergens. It is in the student’s best interest to educate your student about his or her allergy.
Because younger students are still learning about how to manage the risks associated with their allergies, the Lower School policies have been designed to reduce, as much as possible, the risk of accidental exposure to allergens. This will involve a partnership among parents, teachers and staff, the school nurse, whose specific responsibilities are spelled out below.
Since older students are better able to manage their allergies, policies regarding food are less stringent than in Lower School. At Middle and Upper School, the school nurse will provide guidance for these students and their families, and students will be allowed to carry their own Epinephrine auto-injector with the doctor’s permission in conjunction with an additional Epinephrine auto-injector in the Nurse’s Office.
The following guidelines have been developed for this purpose.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities: Communication 1. The parent of a new student will initiate a meeting with the school nurse and the homeroom teacher (if applicable) prior to the first day of school, or as soon as possible after a new diagnosis of allergy once school has begun. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the student’s history, needs, and care during the school day. For returning students, this meeting is optional.
2. The parent will supply the following medical forms and medications (Benadryl is already stocked in the Nurse’s Office) prior to the first day of school or as soon as a student is determined to have a life-threatening allergy: • Emergency Care Plan form • Consent to Administer Medication at School form (one medication per form) • One Epinephrine auto-injectors (or two, if the student travels between campuses), for use during the school day. Auto-injectors will not be transported between the Lower School campuses.
3. If your student has had an allergic reaction requiring the administration of Benadryl and/or Epinephrine, he or she will either be sent to the hospital via a 911 call or, if parent/EMS agree, 2017-2018 Seven Hills Middle School
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home with a parent/guardian for the remainder of the school day.
4. Parents will educate their child in the self-management of his or her food allergy including: • Safe and unsafe foods • Strategies for avoiding exposure to unsafe foods • Symptoms of allergic reactions • How and when to tell an adult/friend that they may be having an allergy-related problem • How to read food labels (age appropriate)
Food/Parties 1. Most families of students with food allergies prefer to pack their child’s lunches. Lunch is available for purchase; however, it will be the parent’s responsibility to discuss their student’s food allergy with the cafeteria staff and check those ingredients before purchase. Parents of an allergic student are responsible for informing the school staff of all precautions to be taken at lunchtime. The parent will inform the teacher if they desire for their student to sit at the allergen free table at lunch. Parents may also be asked to call and check food that may be consumed at a field trip destination (i.e. a restaurant). a. Snacks—Students in grades PreK-5 will be permitted to eat a healthy peanut and tree nut free snack (fruits/veggies) supplied by the parent or the school. During a snack break, a student with a snack containing a known allergen may be asked to move away from the allergic student until he/she has finished their snack. When in doubt, do without!
b. Ingredients of school-provided daily snacks must be checked by the parent for safety and marked as such for use in the classroom and After the Bell. The parent will supply safe snacks for unexpected times. Safe snacks may be kept frozen for unexpected events. Parents are to label the snacks with the student’s name and homeroom. Food items brought into the classroom are not to be given to an allergic student unless approved by the student’s parent.
2. Birthday celebrations in grades PreK-5 should not involve food.
3. Classroom holiday parties in grades PreK2-5—The parent volunteer who coordinates the event will inform the teacher of any food/drink brought into the classroom one week prior to any holiday party. We request all parents NOT to bring any foods that include peanuts or tree nuts.
After School Activities: 1. Epinephrine auto-injectors given to the school for student’s use during the school day will not leave the school building except for all day and overnight field trips. They will not travel to athletic activities which occur outside of the normal school day. Accordingly, it is the parent’s responsibility to be sure the coach is aware of the child’s allergy and has access to an Epinephrine auto-injector, if necessary, and is trained to use it. The parent will supply safe snacks at practices and games. We request all parents NOT to bring snacks that include peanuts or tree nuts.
2. If your student uses the shuttle between campuses for After the Bell care or athletic practices, parents will need to supply an extra Epinephrine auto-injector for use on the shuttle or the other campus. No food is to be eaten on the shuttle by any student, unless medically indicated.
3. The parent will supply Epinephrine auto-injectors for use at Holiday Care/After the Bell if Seven Hills Middle School 2017-2018 Student & Parent Handbook Page 13
the session is not on their home campus. No food is to be eaten on the shuttle by any student, unless medically indicated.
Responsibilities for Students with Allergies: 1. The student will not trade food with others, or eat anything with unknown ingredients or with known allergens in it.
2. The student will know the signs and symptoms of their allergic reactions, if age appropriate.
3. The student may carry emergency medication responsibly, if age appropriate and physician has approved by checking appropriate box for self-carry on the “Consent to Administer Medication at School.”
4. The student will be able to demonstrate proper self-administration of Epinephrine auto- injector, inhaler or other prescribed emergency medication to the school nurse (when age appropriate).
5. The student will notify a teacher/staff/friend immediately if allergic reaction occurs.
6. The student will go to the nurse/office immediately, accompanied by staff/student, if able.
7. If student is traveling between campuses on school shuttle, no food will be consumed on shuttle unless medically indicated.
School Responsibilities: Administration 1. Each school cafeteria will have an “allergen free” table. This table will be cleaned with a sanitizing solution/Clorox wipes after each lunch. Students with allergies will decide with their parent as to whether or not they will sit at this table prior to the start of each year.
2. Cafeteria staff will be made aware of which students have food allergies and will receive a copy of their Emergency Action Plans. They will be trained by the school nurse in signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and how to follow the Emergency Action Plan, including administration of the Epinephrine auto injector and calling 911.
3. Food consumption on buses for long distance/overnight field trips will not include food that contains the known allergen for the allergic student who may be on that trip.
4. The athletic department will give all coaches a copy of each athlete’s Emergency Medical Authorization, which indicates allergies. The athletic department will highlight the food/insect allergic students to the coaches. Coaches in 7th-12th grades will receive Epinephrine auto injector training when certified in CPR/AED/FA and can be trained yearly as made available to the school nurse via the athletic department.
School Nurse 1. The school nurse will include the allergic student’s name on a confidential list given only to teachers as well as give a copy of the student’s Emergency Action Plan to those teachers who will be involved in the teaching for that student’s grade level. Copies of the completed “Emergency Care Plan - Allergy” are to be given to administrators and staff members, each 2017-2018 Seven Hills Middle School
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teacher in the student’s Unit or grade as well as all specials or MAPELL teachers. Copies are also kept in the Nurse’s Office medication binder and in each student’s emergency box, After the Bell binder, & the cafeteria, as well as each student’s health file.
2. The school nurse will provide bi-annual (or more often as necessary) training for faculty/staff with regards to allergy signs/symptoms, Epinephrine/Benadryl administration, and inhaler administration. Teachers/staff will be required to complete an online training module available through F.A.R.E at http://www.allergyready.com prior to the beginning of the school year or a comparable training recommended by the school nurse.
3. The school nurse will place all emergency medications in pre-determined locations in each division and/or as agreed upon with the student’s parents and note these locations on the Emergency Action Plan.
4. Parent supplied emergency medication will be sent by school nurse on all field trips, including overnight trips, that take place during the school week.
5. The school nurse will notify parents of upcoming expiration dates on emergency medications.
6. A child who has had an allergic reaction requiring the administration of Benadryl and/or Epinephrine will either be sent to the hospital or, if parent/EMS agree, home with a parent/guardian for the remainder of the school day.
Teachers/Advisors Training and Communication 1. All teachers/staff will be required to complete an online training module available through F.A.R.E at http://www.allergyready.com prior to the beginning of the school year or a comparable training recommended by the school nurse.
2. Lower School teachers will review the Emergency Action Plan for each of their students who has one and keep a copy of each in the sub folder. The teacher needs to inform the substitute teacher of the allergic students in the class. Middle/Upper School teachers will review Emergency Action Plans on Middle and Upper students in the appropriate Nurse’s Office.
3. Lower school homeroom teachers will send a note home at the beginning of the school year to notify other parents of the food allergy in the classroom.
4. In the absence of the school nurse, teachers will follow the Emergency Action Plan in the event of a suspected or known accidental exposure to the student’s allergen. In accordance with the school guidelines, a child who has had an allergic reaction requiring the administration of Benadryl and/or Epinephrine will either be sent to the hospital or, if parent/EMS agree, home with a parent/guardian for the remainder of the school day.
Field Trips 1. The teacher will notify the school nurse of all field trips via email at least a week before the trip.
2. The teacher will notify parents of potential risks on field trips, such as where food may be consumed, so that parents can call the restaurant to check ingredients.
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Food 1. Safe snacks for allergy students will be kept frozen for unexpected events. Food items brought into Lower School classrooms should not to be given to an allergic student unless approved by the student’s parent. When in doubt, do without! 2. Teachers will NOT read labels. Teachers may email or text parents a picture of the ingredient label to get approval by the parent.
3. Instructional food use must be pre-approved via email by the parents of food allergy students and the school nurse. These foods are not permitted to contain peanuts, tree nuts or any known allergen for the food allergic student involved in the class.
4. Snacks: a. Students in grades PreK2 through K and all After the Bell students will be provided with a snack that will be parent pre-approved for the food allergic student. Any snack provided must be peanut and tree nut free.
b. Students in grades 1-5 will be permitted to bring in a parent supplied healthy peanut and tree nut free snack (fruits/veggies). During a snack break, a child with a snack containing a known allergen may be asked to move away from the allergic child until he/she has finished their snack.
c. Students in grades 6-12 will be permitted to have snacks. Snacks may need to be restricted in some areas to ensure the safety of the students with allergens.
5 In grades PreK-5, lunch duty teachers will monitor the allergen free table to be sure that there are no students sitting there with known allergens in their lunches and pass out hand wipes to students who have eaten a possible allergic food.
Parties 1. Birthday celebrations are not to involve food. Teachers may provide a special non-food item to recognize the student’s birthday.
2. Classroom holiday parties in grades PreK2-5—The parent will inform the teacher of any food/drink brought into the classroom one week prior to any holiday party. Food items brought into the classroom are not to be given to an allergic student unless approved by the student’s parent. We request all parents NOT to bring any foods that include peanuts or tree nuts.
3. School sponsored activities—Seven Hills requests that all foods brought to these activities to be peanut or tree nut free. This includes but not limited to bake sales, team lunches, advisor parties, athletic sport events, and P.A. functions.
Controlled Substances Policy
The Seven Hills Middle School will not tolerate the possession or use of any controlled substance, such as alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, during school hours, or at any school-related activity. We shall deal very firmly with anyone who comes to school or a school-related activity under the influence or in possession of any illegal drugs and/or controlled substances. There will most likely be a suspension and the strong
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Page 16 Student & Parent Handbook possibility of permanent expulsion from school for violations of this nature. If suspended, a condition of the student's return will be written confirmation from a physician that he or she is neither physically nor emotionally dependent upon the substance involved, or that the problems are being appropriately addressed in a professional manner.
Care and Use of Belongings
Every student will be assigned a secure locker in the Middle School building and in the Stoehr Gym. These lockers are to be used to store valuables, school items, and personal items. Lockers are the private space of individual students; no other student is to go into another student’s locker or book bag, backpack, etc. While a student’s locker is considered “private space,” a school administrator does have the right to access a student’s locker. Because many people come into school, especially visiting sports teams and groups, students are strongly urged to lock their lockers and keep their combinations confidential. Listed below are some of the most common items students bring to school about which the School has some concerns. Obviously, this list is not complete as older devices combine (i.e. cell phones with digital cameras) and new items arrive on the market.
✦ Cell/Smartphones. The School understands the convenience of cell phones, especially to arrange for transportation. However, students cannot use this device during the school hours of 8:10 AM–3:15 PM without the permission from school personnel. Cell/Smartphones must be turned off and locked in a locker during school hours.
✦ Electronic Book Readers. Students are allowed to use these devices for the sole purpose of reading when/where appropriate during the school day.
✦ Digital cameras. For privacy and other reasons, students cannot use cameras without the permission of school personnel.
✦ Personal music devices and games on any devices may not be operated during the school hours of 8:10 AM–3:15 PM unless a student has permission from a faculty member. Wheeled items such as bikes, skates, and skateboards are not allowed on campus for safety reasons. Finally, because of the large number of items which accumulate in the school's Lost and Found, families are encouraged to mark clothing and other personal items with their child’s name so that they can be identified and returned to their owners if/when lost.
Fire Drills
As mandated by state law, the School regularly practices evacuating the building in the case of an emergency. Students should listen carefully to the procedures reviewed in assemblies and to the teachers during a drill. The purpose of these drills is to leave the building quickly and quietly and to promptly account for everyone at the predetermined assembly area.
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Tornado Evacuation Procedures
The School is required by state law to practice tornado drills in the spring. Teachers escort students to assigned spaces and instruct them on safety procedures. In cases of extreme weather conditions, the School will assess the situation and take appropriate action.
Other Emergencies
The School has prepared contingency plans for other emergencies or crises. These plans are reviewed with faculty and, when appropriate, with students. For security reasons, these plans are in the possession of faculty members, and are not published or posted for the general community.
Campus Boundaries/Use of School Facilities
The Middle School shares many spaces on the Hillsdale Campus with Lotspeich and the Upper School. As good neighbors, we must be respectful of these shared spaces and of the spaces which are not available to Middle School students. Here are a few of the most basic rules regarding this area:
✦ Students may not leave the school grounds at any time during the day, while on a school-sponsored trip, or during an after-school social activity, such as a party, unless properly excused and accompanied by school personnel.
✦ Recess before school, during the mid-morning Fruit Break, and at lunch can occur only in designated areas, such as the Stoehr Gym and the green space between the Kalnow Gym and the Donovan Art Center. These spots will be designated by the Middle School Director and supervised by school personnel.
✦ The use of facilities can change with conditions, depending on weather or other groups' needs for special activities. Other guidelines for the use of space on this campus will be announced in all-school assemblies, as necessary.
Food on the Campus
For sanitation and custodial reasons, food may only be consumed in designated areas. Students are encouraged to eat in the dining area in Founders Hall and in the patio area on the east side of the Middle School building. No food, including gum and candy, may be brought into buildings, including the gyms, except at designated times. Numerous trash and recycling receptacles populate the campus. Students are urged to use them correctly.
Visitors
For security reasons, all external doors on the campus are locked upon arrival during the school day. All visitors, including parents, must be admitted through the main entrance, register at the office, and receive an identifying badge that must be returned upon their departure.
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Behavioral Expectations and Discipline
Our expectations of how students will behave are based upon our experience and belief that young people are honorable and good. The School sets guidelines for behavior which reinforce the values of the School and ensures that our school is a place where students can grow in independence and responsibility, be recognized for their kindness and helpfulness, and remain accountable for all of their behaviors. Students are expected to demonstrate honesty, trustworthiness, responsibility, kindness, and consideration for others. We also believe that students at this age need limits and boundaries. But, in order to balance the needs of the individual with the needs of the community, we choose to avoid too formulaic of an approach to discipline. We try to identify the behaviors we hope to see by reinforcing the School's values, reminding students of behavioral expectations and recognizing examples of good behavior. For those times when behavior is inappropriate, we will patiently work with students and their families to bring about the desired change. Most discipline issues at the Middle School are handled within the classroom. At times the advisor, Dean, or School Counselor may be asked to intervene in a disciplinary matter. Other, more serious, consequences may include after school detentions or meetings with the Middle School Director. When the situation warrants, the Middle School Director may determine to suspend or expel a student, in consultation with the faculty and/or Head of School. We trust parents will understand and support the School's overall efforts to maintain a positive and nurturing environment for our students.
Bullying Policy As a school that seeks to be a community in which every individual is treated with respect, Seven Hills prohibits bullying and responds seriously to instances of it. Bullying involves systematically, chronically, or severely inflicting psychological distress or physical pain on one or more students. It may include verbal, written, electronic, or physical acts, and may occur on or off campus and during or outside of school hours. Bullying is often characterized by an imbalance of power and by the aggressor targeting one or more students on the basis of an actual or perceived characteristic. Bullying goes beyond peer-to-peer conflict, disagreement, or dislike. Rather, it is behavior that is severe enough to create an intimidating or threatening environment for a student or to have a substantively negative impact on his or her emotional or mental wellbeing. Students or parents who believe that there has been an instance of bullying in the school should contact their division head to report it. The appropriate administrators will investigate any such reports, and will respond to bullying by following their division’s disciplinary procedures and by applying disciplinary consequences. Because bullying violates the values of the school, consequences can be quite serious and may include suspension or expulsion. In some instances, these consequences may also include a counseling or mediation component. The school’s response is meant both to respond to a specific situation as well as to deter future instances of bullying.
Disciplinary Actions (listed in order of severity)
Detention During School Teachers sometimes find it necessary for a student to spend time with that teacher during a midmorning break or lunch period. This could be a result of the student’s inability to attend or behave in class.
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Families are not informed of these instances unless it becomes a pattern. An after-school detention will be assigned when a student receives a fourth lunch detention during a given quarter.
Detention After School A student may be required to serve a detention after school for a variety of reasons, including habitual tardiness to school or class, hurtful behavior towards other students, habitual unpreparedness for class, or disrespectful behavior towards teachers. After school detentions occur from 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays. When a detention is assigned, the student is notified and the family is contacted to arrange for the detention. After school detention assignments supersede all extracurricular activities.
Suspension and Expulsion Suspension means a student may not attend classes or school functions for a specific period of time. Expulsion means the student may not return to the Seven Hills Middle School. Suspensions and expulsions will be made by the Middle School Director in consultation with the faculty and/or the Head of School.
The following major infractions may warrant suspension or expulsion: • Major or frequent breaches of trust or honesty, including theft, vandalism, cheating (either giving or receiving help on tests or homework) or plagiarism (passing off the words or ideas of another as one's own). • The use or possession of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons on the school grounds, or at any school-related function, or whenever students are under the School’s jurisdiction. • Gross misconduct or disrespect toward another student or staff member. • Harassment, either physical, verbal, or written (hard or digital copy) of other students and/or members of the Seven Hills community • Threats, whether verbal, physical, or electronic, are taken seriously by Seven Hills. At the Middle and Upper School level, when we determine that a serious threat has been made and can identify who made it, we will remove the student and the student's possessions from school and will notify his or her parents. Based on the School's assessment, the student may be required to have an evaluation by educational, medical, and/or law enforcement professionals. Suspension or expulsion may result.
Dress Code
The guidelines for student dress are not meant to be oppressive or to stifle individual expression. Instead, they are designed to ensure that students will dress appropriately for school. Just as parents' work clothing may or may not be interchangeable with their “dress up” or recreational wardrobes, so students' closets may contain items which are not appropriate for school. When questions arise regarding appropriate dress, the faculty and/or Middle School Director will make the final decision as to proper/acceptable student attire. We ask parents to be our partners in enforcing the following guidelines:
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1. Students should wear modest, neat, clean, comfortable clothing which is in good repair (no holes, rips, frayed hems, or patches of any kind). 2. Graphic designs (writing, pictures, etc.) on any clothing which refer to or promote any behaviors which are illegal or inappropriate for students are not allowed. For example, alcohol, cigarette, drug, or sexual statements are not allowed. If in doubt about the appropriateness of any clothing, a student should ask in advance: is it True, Kind, or Necessary?
3. Headwear: Students may not wear hats within buildings on campus. This includes bandanas and other cloth worn on the head unless intended for religious purposes.
4. Torso: Students wearing sleeveless shirts should have straps that are modestly appropriate (e.g. at least 2.5 inches wide and covering underwear). In addition, shirts must be long enough to cover a student's midriff. For example, if a student's belly shows when his or her arms are raised, this is unacceptable clothing. Similarly, pants must be worn high enough so that underwear is not exposed in the course of normal movement. Strapless and backless shirts are not allowed. At no time should a student's undergarments show (e.g. bra straps, underwear, etc.). 5. Legs: As a general guideline, a student's shorts or skirt should be modest in length and appropriate for school activities. 6. Shoes: In science, art, and physical education, appropriate shoes are required, depending on the specific activity. Shoes not allowed in these classes during such activities are sandals, open toe shoes, platform shoes, high-heeled shoes, and unlaced shoes. 7. Special Occasions: Dress should be suitable for the event. At some school assemblies, field trips, and the final end-of-year 7th and 8th grade dance, boys may be required to wear coats, ties, dress shirts, slacks, socks and shoes; girls may be required to wear dresses, skirts, or slacks with an appropriate dress blouse and shoes. These special dress occasions will be announced in advance. Suitable dress involves a notion of good faith support for the sake of the community. Other clothing questions, which arise each year as fashions change, will be answered in light of whether the clothing or accessories in question affect the school community and classroom environment. Infractions of the dress code will be dealt with by the faculty and Middle School Director. Students may be asked to wear appropriate clothing provided by the school over their own clothes (NOTE: these school- provided clothes need to be returned to the Middle School Office at the end of the school day) or parents may be asked to bring appropriate clothing to school before the student will be admitted to class. Repeated violations may result in the student serving an after school detention or being sent home.
Services of the School
This section of the Handbook describes some of the services which the Middle School provides to parents and students.
Food Services
Salad and a variety of hot and cold foods are available for purchase in the school cafeteria. In addition, fruits, juices, and snacks are available from 7:30 AM until 3:45 PM. Students are allowed to purchase food at Fruit Break and before and after school, as well as during the regular lunch period. Students may also charge the cost of food purchases using the school-issued student I.D. badge that is given to each student at the Seven Hills Middle School 2017-2018 Student & Parent Handbook Page 21 beginning of the year. Families will be billed monthly for any purchases made on the I.D. badge. Parents who do not want their daughter/son to charge food should contact the school's Food Service Director: Jan Alford, 513-728-2420, [email protected].
Lost and Found Items
Lost clothing items that are collected are placed on the clothing rack in the Middle School Prow. If students find books or valuable items that are not theirs, they should turn them in to the Middle School Office. Items that are not claimed are periodically donated to the Resale Shop.
Young Family Library
The Young Family Library serves students in grades six through twelve. The library is open from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM weekdays. The library has a wealth of resources for students: a large and up-to- date fiction collection for independent reading, ebooks, databases, and nonfiction books for research, magazines, and newspapers. The library website and catalog are accessible from school and home at http://7hills.libguides.com/mshome. Passwords for the databases are also available on the library website, Schoology, or at the librarian’s desk. Have a question for the librarian? Email [email protected].
Borrowing Policies Students are allowed to check out up to three books at a time. When a book is signed out in a student’s name, he/she is responsible for the item. The item should not be loaned to another student. Books may be borrowed for up to four weeks. A book may be renewed once if no one else has requested it. Students can view their library account online, check due dates, renew items and place holds.
Public Library Card
All students are encouraged to have a local public library card for research projects.
Overdue Books
A fine of 10 cents per school day is charged for overdue books. Students in excess of 2 overdue books or charges above $2.00 may have their library privileges suspended. Payment for lost books must be made to reinstate library privileges. Students receive weekly emails to their Seven Hills account notifying them of overdue materials and pending fines.
Parent Association
Each division in The Seven Hills School has a Parent Association (P.A.). The Middle School's P.A. provides much support for the curricular and extracurricular programs of the school through its volunteer and fund- raising activities. It is also a valuable forum for communication and feedback. Parents are encouraged to participate in P.A. activities and to attend its meetings. Information about P.A. events is sent home regularly in the weekly Middle School Blast to Middle School families. A Parent Council, made up of members from the four separate parent division associations, meets regularly to coordinate events between these divisions
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Parent Networks
Parent Networks, one for each grade, form at the beginning of every school year. The expressed purpose of the Parent Networks is to provide appropriate social activities for each grade's students and parents that supplement the all-school social activities organized by the School. Information about Parent Network events is sent home regularly in the weekly Middle School Blast to Middle School families.
Student Supplies
Lists of necessary supplies are posted on the School’s website. The school's Spirit Shop, located in the lobby of the varsity gym, carries many school supplies if students need to purchase them during the school day. Spirit Shop hours will be posted. Parents should regularly check and replenish their child’s school supplies as needed.
Student Support Services
Middle School Dean—The Middle School Dean meets regularly with teachers and the Middle School Director to coordinate and implement academic recommendations made by the faculty. The Dean arranges with families and the Middle School learning specialist any private tutoring or testing deemed necessary, and serves as the liaison between the school and tutors/evaluators (See also “Additional Support” and “Private Tutoring”). Learning Lab— Learning Lab is an academic support program taught by the Middle School Learning Specialists for students. Students are enrolled in this course as result of teacher/administrative recommendation. The class is designed to be both supportive and instructive. Class size is intentionally small, usually seven students or less. Learning Lab is taken in lieu of a foreign language. School Counselor—The School Counselor provides social/emotional counseling and support for students. The Counselor also oversees the Second Step Social Emotional Learning curriculum for each grade as well as coordinating each grade level’s sexual education curriculum. The Counselor attends weekly grade-level team meetings with teachers and also makes referrals to outside professionals for psychological intervention as the need arises, and serves as the School's liaison with the therapeutic community. (See also Advisory System: Academic and Personal Growth and Parent Education Meetings.)
Telephone Usage and Messages at School
A phone for student use is located in the Middle School Office. With permission, students may use this phone to contact parents and to arrange after-school transportation. Students may not use the phone without direct faculty permission and supervision. If parents need to contact the student during the school day, they should call the Middle School Office (728-2450) to leave a message. There is a message board located in the Commons where notes for students are posted. Students are reminded to check the board often. When necessary, parents may e-mail/Message their child, realizing that students are only allowed to check their iPads for e-mails/Messages before the school day begins (8:10 AM), during Fruit Break (9:45-9:55 PM), at the beginning of Homeroom (2:45 PM), and after the school day ends (3:15 PM). After school hours, an answering machine is connected to the Middle School Office phone. Please keep special messages to a minimum (see the information about the use of cell phones in the section titled Care and Use of Personal Belongings). iPads, Textbooks and Loaned Materials Seven Hills Middle School 2017-2018 Student & Parent Handbook Page 23 iPads and textbooks are provided by the School and loaned to the student for the academic year. In addition, sports uniforms, drama costumes, library books, etc. are also made available for student use. It is the responsibility of each student to care for and return these materials when their use is complete. Failure to meet this responsibility will result in a school detention or, if the materials are damaged/not returned, an appropriate bill will be sent to the parents at the end of the year.
Programs of the School (Curricular and Extracurricular)
This section of the Handbook provides an overview of the programs of the Middle School, in its broadest sense. It describes the curricular and extracurricular offerings of the entire program. Reading through this section will give you a good sense of the scope of the program and of the opportunities available to students.
Program of Courses
A student's schedule is based on placement tests and the recommendations of former and present teachers. World languages and some fine arts courses are the student's choice. For more course information, refer to 2017-2018 The Seven Hills Middle and Upper School Program of Studies booklet that is posted on the School's website.
Advisory System: Academic and Personal Growth
Each student is placed in an advisory/homeroom group with an appropriate grade level faculty advisor. The advisor is the primary source of guidance for students. The advisor may also serve as an informal sounding board for questions and problems which concern an advisee, as well as an arbiter in any interpersonal or disciplinary matters which may arise. Advisors also implement the Second Step Social Emotional Learning curriculum during weekly advisory meetings. As the advisor has the best overview of a student's standing in the school they are, generally, the first person whom parents should consult concerning their child's well-being at school.
Extracurricular Activities
School is much more than the classes a student takes. Indeed, curriculum is everything the student experiences at school — classes, assemblies, teacher and classmate relationships, lunch, extracurricular activities, and sports. Student development and important Middle School goals are achieved through these nonacademic experiences. The School encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities as fully as possible. Listed below are some of the major extracurricular activities of the School:
Athletics
Many students choose to participate on many of the Seven Hills interscholastic sports teams. Supporting the belief that experience in a team sport is most important, we maintain a “no cut” policy that allows all students to be an active part of any team. Listed below are the sports teams students may choose to join throughout the academic year:
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• 6th grade: • Fall: Girls - soccer, volleyball. Boys - soccer. • Winter: Girls - basketball. Boys - basketball. • Spring: Girls - lacrosse, softball, track. Boys - lacrosse, baseball, track.
• 7th & 8th grades: • Fall: Girls - tennis, soccer, cross country, volleyball, golf. Boys - soccer, cross country, golf. • Winter: Girls - basketball, swimming, gymnastics. Boys - basketball, swimming. • Spring: Girls - softball, lacrosse, track. Boys - baseball, lacrosse, track, tennis. Information about these teams is distributed to parents prior to the beginning of each season.
Theatre
Many opportunities exist for students to become involved in the theatre program outside of the required classes. There are usually two annual performances (a fall and spring production) for students in grades six through eight. Students may audition for acting parts and/or sign-up for stage or production crews.
Student Council
The primary focus of student government at the Middle School is to develop student leadership. Student Council is one vehicle for such experiences. Major projects of the Student Council include planning student social and service activities and dealing with student community issues and concerns. Student Council meetings are held regularly throughout the year.
Year Book
Each year, a group of interested students from all three grades puts together a Middle School yearbook. With the support of faculty advisors, these students take pictures and lay-out the yearbook during the school year. The yearbook is then distributed to students at the beginning of the following academic year.
Lunchtime Clubs
Visit the Extracurricular Activities link in the Middle School section of the School's website (www.7hills.org) to see a list of lunchtime clubs offered in the Middle School this year.
After The Bell
For those students who would like to take advantage of activities that occur after the school day has ended (3:15 PM), After The Bell provides several opportunities for students between 3:30 - 6:00 PM. Activities such as The Homework Club, Encore Club, music lessons, and other enrichment classes may be offered throughout the year. Interested families should visit the After The Bell webpage (on the School’s website) and/or call Linda Clark (728-2442 / [email protected]). Seven Hills Middle School 2017-2018 Student & Parent Handbook Page 25
Field Trips
Periodically, classes will take field trips that enhance topics being studied in class or the entire school will attend a theatre or musical production or visit a museum. A blanket field trip permission form is included with the enrollment contract and will apply to trips that take place entirely within the normal school day. Specific written notification to parents will not necessarily be given for such trips; however, if the trip begins or ends outside of school hours or if special preparations (money for food, dress etc.) are needed, written information will be sent home with the student and/or noted in the weekly Friday Blast that is emailed to Middle School families from the Middle School Office.
Student of the Week
Throughout the academic year, teachers periodically recognize a “Student of the Week” in our all-school assembly. This student is recognized for his/her efforts or achievements in any aspect of life in the school. It is a simple ceremony, but one that acknowledges students who reflect the seven values of Seven Hills.
Academic Matters
This section of the handbook reviews the academic policies of the Middle School. It should give readers a good sense of the academic expectations and demands and the types of support available to help students be successful in their efforts.
Academic Honesty
Underlying the school rules is the belief that students are honorable. In our school community, trust is essential. It is the duty of the Middle School Director and faculty to instill in students the concepts and practices of academic honesty and to hold students accountable to this basic concept of trust. Cheating (either by giving or receiving help), lying, and stealing represent serious breaches of trust and are in fundamental conflict with the philosophy and standards of behavior in both the Middle School and The Seven Hills School in general. Plagiarism (passing off the ideas or words of another as one's own), copying homework, or lying about independent reading are examples of serious forms of cheating. All incidents involving dishonest behavior will be reported to the Middle School Director immediately to facilitate consistent discipline.
Technology, Computer Ethics, and the Seven Hills Network
The Seven Hills School computer network puts enormous power at the fingertips of all members of this community — students, faculty, staff, and families. Inherent in the use of this power, however, is the understanding that it rests on the School's stated values and therefore requires its users to accept the same ethical responsibilities that govern other spheres of school life. The School assumes that individual users will be responsible for their behavior and communication over the network and that they will comply with school standards. The use of the network, like all other aspects of school life, is seen as a privilege and is built on trust. The general rules, values, and responsibilities found elsewhere in the Student Handbook provide a sound basis for good decision making with regard to technology. In brief, users must respect the personal and
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Page 26 Student & Parent Handbook material rights of others. Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored, yet users should be aware that the School may review files and other communications to maintain system integrity and to ensure that users are accessing the system responsibly. The network is provided for students to conduct research and to communicate with others. Access to the network is a privilege, not a right. If it is determined that student use of the Internet, computers, iPads, or the School’s network (whether on or off campus) is negatively affecting the day-to-day interaction of students, appropriate disciplinary steps may result. These disciplinary steps may include loss of use of certain technologies, suspension, or expulsion from school.
• Guidelines for Use of Internet and On-Line Services
In providing links to any off-campus network, the School is required to follow that carrier's acceptable use policy in addition to our own. Those granted either full or supervised use of the Internet through a Seven Hills connection must remember that they become on-line representatives of the School when they exercise this privilege. Violations of the stated rules and guidelines in such situations reflect not only on the individual user but also on the School. Moreover, since a system as vast as the Internet inevitably includes some unethical or even dangerous sites and users, Seven Hills users are urged not to give out personal information to other users on bulletin boards, chat rooms, social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.), or other systems.
• Use of iPads
As all Middle School students are issued a school-owned iPad for the academic year, proper care and use of these devices is expected at all times. Guidelines, procedures, and expectations for the proper care of iPads, as outlined in the iPad Program Acceptable Use and Procedures Agreement, will be reviewed with each grade level at the beginning of the year and, as needed, throughout the year. Obviously, any inappropriate/unapproved use of the iPad by a student will result in a loss of certain privileges and/or disciplinary action.
• Consequences for Violating These Rules and Guidelines
Violations of these general rules and guidelines, and more specific posted rules, should be reported to the Middle School Director and may result in suspension of computer and network privileges or other disciplinary actions, as described in the Student Handbook.
Homework and Studying
Homework is an important part of a student's educational experience. It provides independent reinforcement for skills that are being taught in class as well as practice in organization, responsibility, and long-term planning. Homework is the student's responsibility, but parents also play an important role by placing a priority on completion of homework, providing a suitable place and supplies for efficient study, and helping a child learn to budget time and organize for this task. Sixth grade students may have up to 1 1/2 hours of homework each night, plus additional time for independent reading. Seventh and eighth graders may have up to 2 1/2 hours of homework each night, plus additional time for independent reading. Long-term projects and reports may also require additional time. To the best of their ability, teachers coordinate tests, papers, and other work to avoid unreasonable study time at home.
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Study hall, homeroom, and the library are designed to be quiet places where students can study. A student who needs help in improving study skills, or would like help in any subject area, should not hesitate to seek assistance from his or her advisor, any teacher, of the Middle School Dean. The School provides a planbook “app” on the school-issued iPad for students to record all assignments. The sixth grade stresses the importance of recording daily homework assignments. The seventh and eighth grades continue to refine and reinforce good study skills. Along with this, all teachers post assignments on the Schoology website by the end of the academic day that enables students to access homework and other materials on-line. Students are instructed how to access this site at the beginning of the academic year. Parents should work with their child in order to understand this important educational tool.
Additional Support and Private Tutoring
Sometimes students require more help than teachers can give. In such cases, because the Middle School wants all students to succeed, the School may recommend private tutoring. After approval from the grade level team of teachers, the Middle School Dean will then suggest suitable tutors to the family and try to arrange a manageable time in the school day for such meetings. If this is not possible, tutoring may have to occur outside school hours. Every attempt is made to accommodate the student's needs. All tutoring during school hours is done with the agreement and direction of the Middle School Dean. Private tutoring is the financial responsibility of the parents. Middle School teachers are not allowed to accept fees for tutoring from their own students during the school year.
Tests and Major Assignments
Aside from using the Schoology website, teachers attempt to coordinate their test and major assignment dates so that students do not have an excessive amount of homework. Normally, tests that require lengthy study are not assigned on the days on which major papers or long-term projects are due. Teachers appreciate students informing them of any inadvertent, excessive workload so that appropriate adjustments can be made.
Evaluation of Students
The goals of evaluation are to (1) help students begin to take more direct responsibility of their academic obligations and expectations, and (2) to keep students and parents informed, on a timely basis, of these academic obligations and expectations. The Middle School year is divided into four marking periods/quarters. Letter grades are given in all subject areas. Evaluations are based on various criteria including test and quiz scores, homework assignments, work habits, and participation in class. Individual teachers will explain to students at the beginning of the year the value given to each of these criteria in arriving at the letter grade recorded on the report card. If a student is experiencing difficulty in a class (generally indicated by a grade of C or below) teachers will submit a written comment so as to keep parents informed. In this spirit of open communication, teachers will often submit a written comment for students who are doing well and/or improving in a class.
Incomplete Grades
Incomplete grades must be made up within two weeks after the end of that marking period. It is the student's responsibility to make these arrangements with the individual faculty member. Failure to do so will result in
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Communication Between School and Home
This section of the handbook details the avenues of communication which exist between school and home. We are committed to keeping parents informed about their child's progress and the activities of the School. We do send home mail and e-mail throughout the year about your child’s academic and social experiences. Along with this, we e-mail to all families a Middle School “Blast” each Friday that is intended to preview upcoming events. We hope parents will read this information and respond quickly to anything that pertains to them and/or their child. In addition to these mailings, listed below are some other methods we use to keep information flowing between home and school.
Communication with Teachers and Middle School Administrators
The most successful relationship between parents and the School is established through open lines of communication. Telephone or email communication is often the best and most immediate way to address a concern. During the course of a school week, emails or calls will be returned within 24 hours.
Seven Hills Website (www.7hills.org)
Our website contains many of the School's basic publications, including the school calendar and events, as well as enabling parent access to their child’s quarter grades and teacher comments. Parents are encouraged to check the website on a regular basis. If there are questions related to the School’s website, please contact Scott Cagle ([email protected]) or Amy Francis ([email protected]). Please visit the Seven Hills website to set-up your personal portal.
Reporting on Student Progress
All reporting on student progress will be done electronically and available via the School’s website. Teachers will write comments for all students at (1) the end of the First Quarter and (2) at the Third Mid-Quarter points of the academic year. Along with this, teachers will write comments to parents at both the Mid-Quarter and Quarter marking periods whenever a student’s work averages a “C” or below, or when there are other concerns. Teachers also send home notices to parents to report on exceptionally good work or contributions to the school. Student grades are always accessible by logging into a student’s Schoology website by using her/his username and password.
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Report MQ1 Q1 MQ2 Q2 MQ3 Q3 MQ4 Q4 Interval
Schoology Schoology Schoology Schoology Schoology Schoology Schoology Schoology Grades Grades Grades Grades Grades Grades Grades Grades
Written Parent Written Types of Comment Teacher Comment Communication from each Conferences from each teacher (November) teacher
Student Advisor Conferences (February)
NOTE: Comments are written at each report interval if a student’s grade is a “C” or below OR if there has been a significant decline (or improvement) in performance
“Back-to-School” Night for Parents
On August 31st, parents are invited to return to school for the annual Middle School Parents Night. Parents will follow a shortened version of their child's schedule and have the opportunity to hear from teachers about each course's content and goals. This is a great way for parents to get a sense of the curriculum and of what each teacher's expectations are. Obviously, this is not a night for conferences about individual students; it is one of the first occasions when teachers and parents can meet and talk about the school. Parents are strongly urged to attend this informative evening program.
Parent/Teacher Conference Day
The School has Parent/Teacher Conference Days on November 2nd & 3rd when parents can arrange short conferences with their child's teachers. Parents will receive specific information about these conference days. These dates are also listed on the School’s master calendar. Aside from these more formal conference times, parents or teachers can always arrange individual conferences whenever a concern arises, simply by contacting the teacher.
Student/Advisor Conference Days
Students will conference with their advisors in late February to review their progress and to set goals for the remainder of the school year. These conferences, occurring in the context of the school day, serve to keep students, parents, and teachers in continuous communication regarding academic progress. More information regarding the Student/Advisor Conferences will be shared with families in the weeks leading up to these conferences.
Policy Regarding Separated and/or Divorced Parents
In situations where a child's parents are divorced or separated, it is our practice to include both parents in the school directory in order to provide equal access to student information to both parents unless the School has a written court order request to do otherwise. Both parents are routinely sent school mailings which include 2017-2018 Seven Hills Middle School
Page 30 Student & Parent Handbook general information, report cards and teacher comments. The School cannot and will not take either parent's side or become involved in visitation, custody, or other matters involving the student. The School strives to work with a student’s parents in order to focus on the student’s experience at school. If a situation develops between the parents and the School that becomes difficult, it will be dealt with in a manner that is most appropriate for the child’s overall experiences.
Teacher/Class Requests
When considering the placement of Seven Hills students into various classes, the faculty and administration carefully evaluate what is in the best interest for each individual learner, balanced with the creation of an optimal class schedule. Although we encourage ongoing communication with parents regarding every child’s particular learning style and academic needs, we are not able to honor individual requests for particular teachers and particular classes. Honoring such requests and not others would undermine both the sense of equity within our community as well as the primary responsibility of such placements appropriately being in the hands of divisional teachers and administrators. All four Seven Hills divisions operate in this manner. If there are ever any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please speak with the Middle School Director.
Parent Participation
The Middle School invites parents to become active and involved in the life of the School. Parents are welcome to visit the School and are encouraged to become familiar with the classroom environment. It is important to confirm such visits with the teacher ahead of time. Along with this, there are many ways for parents to become involved with the Middle School community. Listed below are some of these opportunities:
• The Middle School Parent Association needs volunteer help. Information about such opportunities is sent home at the beginning of each academic year.
• The Resale Shop, whose proceeds directly benefit students, asks each family to contribute time to its operation.
• Chaperones are always needed and necessary for parties and field trips.
• Many of the athletic teams depend on parents to help organize, coach, and transport teams.
• Teachers may request specific help in their classroom program. We hope parents will be able to become involved in the school program. Please contact the Middle School Office if you would like to get involved in any of these worthwhile activities.
Parent Education Meetings
The Middle School Parent Association and the School’s Counselors sponsor a variety of opportunities for parents to meet and to hear from each other and from experts in the community about the development of young adolescents. In addition to Parent Association meetings that feature speakers addressing relevant issues, the Seven Hills’ annual Creating Conversations speaker series brings in prominent experts to address appropriate topics. Please visit the Seven Hills website for more information about the “Creating Conversations” speaker series. Parents find they enjoy (and need) peers at this time in order to share common concerns. These meetings are an opportunity for parents to share what is and is not working in their dealings
Seven Hills Middle School 2017-2018 Student & Parent Handbook Page 31 with their child and perhaps to pick up some helpful hints. Information about speakers and topics for this year will be sent home at the beginning of the year and during the opening Parent Association meeting.
Out-of-School Parties
Although private parties at student homes are not school business, such events do affect students and their lives at the school. Students may not distribute party invitations at school unless all individuals in the class are invited. Students are reminded to be thoughtful about discussing out-of-school functions that do not include all classmates. The Parent Association requests that all parties be carefully chaperoned.
Statement by the Middle School Parent Association
Off-Campus Social Activities Guidelines
Middle School students are in a transitional period. They want more freedom, more independence and a chance to experience new social situations. The following simple guidelines are not meant to inhibit their expanding relationships and maturity. However, parents can help our children develop responsible social skills and become aware of how their behavior affects others. 1. Home is the ideal place for young people to entertain their friends. Parents should always be at home and visible when their children are entertaining. 2. Both large and small parties are far more successful if they are planned in advance. Planning the parties can be as much fun as giving them, but parental advice and guidance are imperative. 3. Reasonable and appropriate times should be set for parties. The host family should always keep in mind that parents provide the transportation and that parties which last too long can be a great inconvenience for all involved. Be prompt when picking up children. 4. Arriving at a party with uninvited friends is unfair to the host or hostess. 5. Parents should remember that it is illegal to serve or make available alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of twenty-one. Host families may be held responsible for any harm that comes to a minor as a result of serving alcoholic beverages. All parents should be aware of state and local laws regarding liquor. 6. The guidelines set up in the Middle School Handbook regarding invitations should be followed (see “Out-of-School Parties” above). Parents should know that, although the School has no jurisdiction over social functions off campus, school life is affected by them and the School will take disciplinary actions where/when appropriate. A little thoughtful planning can save a great deal of commotion. We have a unique opportunity during these three years to work together with our children to prepare for the Upper School years. If we present a united front, perhaps we can avoid the pitfalls that all too commonly confront this age group.
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Notes
Seven Hills Middle School 2017-2018