Concord Middle School

1500 Gold Rush Drive Concord, NC 28025 (704)786-4121 Fax (704) 782-8632

Home of the Miners

Student Handbook 2013-2014

Ms. Susan Owens, Principal Mr. Kevin Fox, Assistant Principal of Instruction Ms. Tiana Graves, Assistant Principal

Name:______

Venture Teacher:______

WELCOME All athletes must purchase school insurance or be The faculty and staff of Concord Middle School would covered by personal insurance in order to participate in like to welcome all students. We look forward to any interscholastic sport. providing each student with an opportunity for a If a student becomes 15 years old on or before October quality education. We also look forward to working 16 of the school year, he/she will be ineligible to play. with the parents of all our students. Together we can Athletes should report to their designated area for be successful in helping each student grow emotionally, practice or games immediately after dismissal. socially, physically, and intellectually. We will strive to A student may not be a member of 2 school teams develop each student into a healthy, skilled, and during the same season. responsible young person. A student who is placed in In School Suspension (ISS) is not eligible to play in a game or practice on those CMS VISION particular days. Team coaches decide if the athlete will Concord Middle School empowers students to prepare be allowed to attend game or practice. Coaches and themselves for the demands of a global future in a safe, the administration will decide on future games. inviting, innovative, and accountable environment that Any student who receives Out of School Suspension will values, engages, challenges, and inspires. be dismissed from the team for the remainder of that sport season. It is expected that CMS Miners will be respectful, responsible, and safe. Individual team rules, regulations and guidelines are mandated by the head coach. Each team will have a This means all Miners will… parent meeting before the season begins where Follow the directions of CMS staff members coaches will set expectations. CMS works to create a Show respect to people and property positive experience participating in our athletic Act responsibly programs. Know and follow school rules Be on time Being a part of a team teaches many desirable Come to school prepared daily character traits, we therefore ask that you model those Dress appropriately traits as fans and parents. Our coaches put in many hours working with our athletes and should not be inconvenienced by waiting for student rides to arrive. ATHLETICS As parents we ask you to pick your child up after Athletic teams are available for 7th and 8th grade practices and games on time. students. The teams are: Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Football, Girls’ Softball, Track, Volleyball and Wrestling. In addition the Winterguard Team ATHLETIC EVENTS permits girls from all three grade levels to participate. Students who are in In School Suspension or who have been suspended the day of a game may not attend. The following rules apply to all students participating Students must make all arrangements for on any athletic team at Concord Middle School: transportation before the day of the game. Students will not be allowed to use the office phone to call and Athletes are representative of Concord Middle School; make those arrangements. therefore, it is not only expected, but mandatory that Students should report directly to the appropriate area they behave in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. in a safe and orderly manner upon leaving the A student must meet local promotion guidelines and be classroom. No running will be permitted. present 85% of the preceding semester in order to Students should use the main ticket entrance at all maintain athletic eligibility. times. Each player must receive a medical exam by a licensed Students should sit in designated and appropriate physician each calendar year in order to be eligible for areas. tryouts, practice, or participation in interscholastic Students will not be permitted to return to the game athletic contests. All medical exam forms are accepted once they leave. for 365 days (1 year) from the date signed by the Dress code will be enforced at all events. doctor. Students are expected to come to watch the game and participate in an appropriate manner. All CMS school rules will be followed.

Fighting will not be tolerated. Anyone involved in a parent or guardian and be checked out in the main fight will be escorted from the game and may not be office. Students who leave campus without permission allowed to attend ANY future athletic events for the or cut class will be subject to disciplinary actions. In remainder of the year. addition students are NOT allowed to walk to or from school for safety reasons and will be reported to ATHLETIC EVENT CARDS administration. All students are encouraged to attend athletic events. Pep Club membership is open to all students, parents, Parents are required to sign their children out using the and friends of Concord Middle School. Adult Cabarrus County Schools Ident-A-Kid security program. membership is $30.00; student membership is $20.00. Parents should make arrangements with their children This provides free admission to all home CMS athletic for afternoon activities before coming to school. No events. However, according to state athletic guidelines, student check outs will be permitted after 3:30 p.m. the cards will not be honored during tournament games. EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY When it is demonstrated that the purpose of the ATTENDANCE absence is to take advantage of a valid educational Regular attendance in all classes is essential for the opportunity, such as travel, the absence(s) may be educational progress of students. With absences, not considered valid/lawful. Approval for such an only is the academic progress for the absent student at absence(s), however, must be granted prior to the risk, but instruction is interrupted when the teachers absence(s). An Educational Opportunity form (available are helping absent students catch up. in the main office) must be completed and submitted to the principal and approval notification returned to By state law, absences that are lawful are as follows: the student prior to the absence in order for the absences to be considered as valid/lawful. No student Illness or injury will be excused for more than the five (5) school days Quarantine per school year. (School Attendance & Student Death in the Immediate Family Accounting Manual, Public Schools of NC, 2009-2010, Medical or Dental Appointments Chapter 2, Section IV-D) Court or Administrative Proceedings Religious Observance EXCESSIVE ABSENCES Educational Opportunity In accordance with NC law, students who miss 10 days each semester or 20 days during the school year may When a child is absent, regardless of the reason, he/she receive no credit and may be retained; this includes must bring a note signed by a parent upon his/her excused and unexcused absences. Written notification return, even if the parent called earlier. All absences will be provided by the school indicating an excessive will be coded unexcused until a written note is received number of absences. In addition a mandatory parent from a parent or guardian. If, at any time, a student is meeting with the school social worker, Ms. Dunlap- absent from school for five consecutive days, parents Elder, and the principal, Ms. Owens, will be scheduled. must contact the school and provide information If absences continue, legal intervention against the regarding the reason for the extended absence. parent and/or student may occur. Parents or legal guardians have the responsibility for ensuring that CHECKING IN & CHECKING OUT students attend and remain at school each day.

Students must be present at school for at least half of the day to avoid being counted absent. This means ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL students must check-in before 12:30 p.m. or check out Students may arrive at school no earlier than 8:35 a.m. after 12:30 p.m. in order to be counted present for the Upon arrival students who are not eating breakfast will day. Students must be in attendance for at least half of report to the following areas: 6th graders will sit in the the school day in order to participate in after-school LGIA; 7th graders will sit on the away side of the main events. gym; and 8th graders will sit on the home side of the CHECK OUT PROCEDURES main gym. Students arriving after 9:00 a.m. are considered tardy and must be checked in by a Students are not to leave campus without permission. parent/guardian in the front office. Students who leave campus must be accompanied by a

In order to be assigned to a bus, students must Dismissal time is 4:00 p.m. and all students should complete a transportation request form. Please note either be on the bus lot or in the designated area at the that because the transportation office, and not main entrance of the school. Students must be picked Concord Middle School, complete bus assignments, this up by 4:15 pm in the afternoon. When students are request may take one to ten school days. All stops and not consistently picked up by an acceptable time it may assignments are made based on state bus guidelines. become necessary to contact the proper agencies to Students are expected to ride at least once a week in investigate. order to retain their seat on the bus.

Student check-outs are not permitted after 3:30 p.m., BUS EXPECTATIONS and messages for changes in transportation will be BE SAFE at all times delivered at the end of the instructional day. Remain seated, facing forward in your assigned seat. No eating or drinking. AUDITORIUM/LGIA EXPECTATIONS Keep your body and all other objects to yourself and Students should pay attention to the program and inside the bus. respond appropriately to the speaker. Miners will: Use appropriate noise levels. Enter the auditorium at Voice Level 0. BE RESPECTFUL at all times Walk in a single file line to designated area. Follow School Bus Driver and/or Monitor’s direction the Keep hands, feet, and objects to self. first time given. Sit seat to seat and back to back. Be respectful with words and actions. Students will use appropriate applause, be an active BE RESPONSIBLE at all times listener, and sit quietly. Ride only on your assigned bus; get on and off at your All students will follow adult directions. assigned stop. Maintain cleanliness and appearance of the bus. Do not BUSES damage the bus in any way. Buses are provided so that students can be transported May use personal electronic devices responsibly. to and from school in the safest manner possible. Misbehavior on the bus endangers the lives of all who CAFETERIA ride and will not be tolerated. Riding a bus is a The school cafeteria is maintained as a vital part of the privilege, not a right, and the administration at Concord health program at our school. To encourage good Middle reserves the right to take this privilege away if a nutrition, a well-balanced lunch is offered at a student exhibits irresponsible and/or inappropriate reasonable price and breakfast is also served each behaviors. Bus drivers should receive the same respect morning. as any teacher or staff member at Concord. Students who do not cooperate with the bus driver or who Students must remember their student ID numbers violate bus conduct rules will be subject to disciplinary since the payment system is computerized and actions that may include loss of bus privileges and/or numbers must be entered at every meal. Parents may suspension from school. Students are required to prepay for meals by paying online at follow all school rules on the bus and at bus stops. www.lunchprepay.com or sending checks or cash.

Cabarrus County Policy does not allow for students to Students who receive free or reduced lunch must ride a bus they are not assigned. Students may only return the appropriate forms before they are eligible to ride their assigned bus. If an emergency situation receive those discounted meals. The deadline for occurs, parents/guardians may request their student turning in this form is October 6, 2012. Unfortunately, get off at a bus stop that is not their assigned stop. no grace period is allowed. Parents must send in a written request that includes the date of the request and phone numbers of both Students are only able to charge up to two meals from parties responsible. Any request for changes in bus the home cooking line. Students, who do not have a assignment or stops should be directed to the bus lunch from home or are unable to charge, will be coordinator, Ms. Graves, and allowed a minimum of 3 provided an alternative meal upon request. days to process. Breakfast $1.30

Reduced Breakfast $ .30 is implied unless parents/guardians specifically request, Lunch $2.25 in writing, that their child be excluded. Reduced Lunch $ .40 Extra Milk $ .50 Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact their child’s counselor if they have any questions or concerns CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS about their child or the school counseling program. The cafeteria staff appreciates the cooperation of students and the expectations are as follows: SCHOOL COUNSELORS Ms. Watson 7th Grade Enter the cafeteria at voice level 1. Ms. Fisher 6th Grade Be polite to all cafeteria staff. TBD 8th Grade Eat your own lunch. Use manners in line and at the tables. DANCE EXPECTATIONS Only talk to people at your table. Use no more than a All CMS rules will be followed. Students who are level 2. continuously disruptive will be asked to leave and their Clean up after yourself. parents will be called. Follow clean up procedures. Any student who demonstrates inappropriate behavior Make sure you get everything you need the first time at a school dance may lose the opportunity to attend through the line. future dances for the school year. Know your lunch number. Students must purchase tickets during lunch before the Stay seated until time for dismissal. dance and are advised to place their names on the Carry tray with both hands and walk. tickets in ink. Students who lose or forget tickets will not be admitted. CONNECT-ED Students not dressed appropriately will be denied CMS uses the Connect-ED notification system. This is a entrance to the dance. system that allows the school to send phone messages Students must make all arrangements for to all parents within a matter of minutes. It is utilized transportation before the day of the dance. Students for important school announcements as well as any will not be allowed to use the office phone during the inclement weather messages. school day to call and make arrangements. Students should report directly to the dance area in a COUNSELING PROGRAM safe and orderly manner upon leaving the classroom. The CMS School Counseling Program is committed to No running will be permitted. facilitating student learning by providing inter and No “dirty dancing” (sexually explicit gestures/ intra-personal experiences which nurture respect, movements) will be allowed. responsibility and development of life-long skills in the Students are expected to remain until the end of the areas of academics, personal/social and career dance. A student will be allowed to leave the dance development. These goals are accomplished through early only if his/her parent arrives. individual counseling, small/large group counseling, Food and drinks must be kept in designated areas. classroom guidance, referrals to special programs and On the day of a dance, students who are in In School community involvement. Suspension or who are suspended from school may not attend. No refund will be given to students who are School counselors are accessible to all members of the unable to attend because of ISS or OSS. school community. Students may contact their school Only Concord Middle School students may attend counselor by completing self-referral forms, which are dances. available in every classroom and in the counseling office. Parents/guardians, teachers, and other school DISCIPLINE POLICY personnel may refer students as well; a written referral The aim of the CMS discipline policy is to be fair and is preferred. In an effort to develop a true helping equitable to all students. It is the goal of the CMS staff relationship, your child will have the same counselor to provide a safe, inviting, and orderly environment for all three years of middle school. Consent for where students can learn and succeed. The intent of student participation in the school counseling program the discipline program is to redirect inappropriate behaviors with appropriate consequences.

2nd Offense: Lunch detention CELL PHONES 3rd Offense: Lunch detention (3 days) Cell phones are permitted, but may not be used from 4th Offense: Lunch detention (5 days) morning arrival until dismissal. Phones are required to 5th Offense: ISS (1/2 day) be in the student’s secured locker during the 6th Offense: ISS (1 day) instructional day. If the phone is heard (ringing, 7th Offense: ISS (2 days) beeping, etc.) or seen, it will be confiscated and turned 8th Offense: OSS (1 day) into the main office. If a student refuses to give the 9th Offense: OSS (2 days) phone to an adult, it is an immediate office referral. 10th Offense: OSS (3 days)

The following are consequences: DISCIPLINE PLAN/PBIS 1st Offense: Warning and parent must pick up the The staff at Concord Middle School believes that phone students should be recognized for their efforts in 2nd Offense: Lunch Detention and/or Community maintain a respectful, responsible, and safe learning Service and parent must pick up phone environment. Students and staff at CMS will use 3rd Offense: ISS (1/2 day), parent must pick-up phone Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) 4th Offense: ISS (1 day), parent must pick-up phone when addressing student behaviors. Students will 5th Offense: ISS (2 days), parent must pick-up phone, follow the school PBIS plan where they will be mandatory parent conference rewarded for positive behaviors. Also, students that 6th Offense: OSS (1 day), parent must pick-up the choose not to follow school rules will receive referrals phone and then receive consequences appropriate for their 7th Offense: OSS (2 days) and the phone will be kept behaviors. Students that receive Level 1 or Level 2 for the remainder of the year. Parent may pick up the referrals will receive lunch detention, community phone on June 6, 2014. service, and Choices interventions. Students receiving Level 3 referrals will receive a higher level of consequences such as In School Suspension or Out of SWEEP & KEEP School Suspension. Students are expected to arrive on time for class. Being tardy prevents teachers from beginning class Choices (Level 1 or Level 2 Referrals) immediately and causes a disruption when students Students are sent to the ISS/Choices room when they arrive late. For each class, students must be in their have disrupted instruction and need to be removed for seats when the bell rings. At the bell, teachers will shut the remainder of the class period. The teacher will their doors and with assistance from administration send the referral to the ISS/Choices room when the and staff, students will be swept to the ISS/Choices student is removed from the class. While in the room where they will be given a consequence and will ISS/Choices room, students complete a reflection on receive a pass to enter the class. Please be aware that why they were sent out of the class and what they can tardies are not for each class—they are cumulative. For do to not repeat the same behavior. Work will be sent example, if a student is tardy to 2nd, 3rd, and 6th by his/her current teacher to the ISS/Choices room for period in one day, he/she will be assigned additional the student to complete while waiting to be seen by consequences for the multiple offenses. administration. The Choices Coordinator will contact the grade level administrator who will speak to the For the first 4 days of school (August 26-29), students student as well as contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be given a grace period to become familiar with the and communicate the reason(s) for the referral. At the policy. On day 5 (August 30) we will do a trial run where end of the period, students will be released to the next students will be locked out, but not receive a class period. consequence. The Sweep and Keep policy will begin with consequences on Tuesday, September 3rd. Major (Administrative) Referral (Level 3) A major referral indicates that the student’s behavior requires the immediate attention of the administration. Direct referral behaviors include disrespect, insubordination, bullying/harassment, fighting, etc. The following are consequences: When these behaviors occur, the teacher will 1st Offense: Lunch detention

immediately write a referral and send the student to BULLYING the Choices room. He/she will remain there and wait to Bullying and/or harassing are strictly prohibited. The be seen by the grade level administrator. repeated pattern of intimidation may be real or threatened. There are 3 types of bullying: physical, **Referrals also may be written by teachers and/or emotional, and relational. Bullying may include, but is staff members for behaviors that warrant the attention not limited to verbal taunts, name-calling, implied or of school administration, but not in an immediate, stated threats, and exclusion from peer groups. direct removal from instruction. The student’s grade Bullying can occur in person, or through social level administrator will speak to the student, assign networking sites, texting, blogging, and the internet. discipline accordingly, and contact the student’s Students who feel bullied, harassed or intimidated at parent/guardian. school by an adult or another student should report the concern to a teacher, administrator or other staff member at school. Bullying and Harassment Reporting School rules apply at CMS, on the bus, at the Forms are available on the CCS website, and the bus stop, and any event where the school is Student Services Center at Concord Middle. represented, regardless of the location. Students will behave appropriately at all times Prohibition against discrimination, harassment and bullying CCS Policy Code: 1710/4021/7230 in a manner that will reflect positively on Student use of social networking sites, blogging and the internet CCS themselves and Concord Middle School. Policy Code: 4312 Discrimination, harassment and bullying complaint procedure CCS Policy Code: 1720/4015/7225

SEXUAL HARASSMENT ANTI-GANG POLICY The Cabarrus County Board of Education has adopted a No student shall commit any act that furthers gangs or policy, which reflects the law, dealing with sexual gang-related activities. Conduct prohibited by this harassment as it applies in the workplace and among policy includes: students. Some examples that could involve students -Wearing, possessing, using, distributing, displaying, or are 1) making telephone calls and sending notes, selling any clothing, jewelry (including rosary beads), letters, or materials of a sexual nature or content; 2) emblems, badges, symbols, signs, visible tattoos and touching and initiating physical closeness of a sexual body markings, or other items, or being in possession nature; 3) making obscene or sexually suggestive looks, of literature that show affiliation with a gang, or is gestures, sounds, advances or propositions; 4) making evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang or sexually provocative or graphic comments about that promotes gang affiliation; another's body; 5) pressuring for dates or sexual -Communicating either verbally or non-verbally activity; 6) engaging in sexual banter or teasing, making (gestures, handshakes, slogans, drawings, etc.), to jokes or remarks or asking questions of a sexual nature; convey membership affiliation in any gang or that 7) displaying sexually suggestive pictures, cartoons, or promotes gang affiliation; other related items. Students and/or parents report -Tagging, or otherwise defacing school or personal any such incident to a teacher, counselor, or property with gang or gang-related symbols or slogans; administrator for immediate review and investigation. -Requiring payment of protection, money or insurance, or otherwise intimidating or threatening any person as related to gang activity; SOCIAL NETWORKING -Inciting other students to intimidate or to act with The school respects the right of students to use social physical violence upon any other person as related to networking sites (e.g., MySpace, Facebook), personal gang activity; Web sites, Weblogs, Wikis and other web tools -Soliciting others for gang membership; (collectively “Internet Postings”) as a medium of self- -Conspiring to commit any violation of this policy or expression. However, inappropriate Internet Postings committing or conspiring to commit any other illegal by students can cause substantial disruptions to the act or other violation of school district policies that school environment. A student will be disciplined for relates to gang activity. creating and/or distributing written or electronic material, including Internet Postings that causes

substantial disruption to school operations and/or interferes with the rights of other students or staff

members. Violation of this policy will result in persons intends to possess, handle or use such items, disciplinary action, up to and/or including alternative must notify a teacher, administrator or other CMS staff educational placement, 365 days suspension or member immediately. expulsion. DRESS CODE EXPECTATIONS PROHIBITED BEHAVIORS The dress expectations of Concord Middle School Students shall not use Internet Postings to harass, bully, parallel those of the Cabarrus County School System. or intimidate employees or other students. Behaviors Respect for one’s appearance is an important concept that constitute harassment and bullying include, but to instill not only modeled by CMS staff, but also for are not limited to, comments that are derogatory with students. Any dress deemed by the administration to respect to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, be clearly inappropriate or may potentially disrupt or color, age or disability; sexually suggestive, humiliating, detract from the educational process will not be or demeaning comments; and threats to stalk, haze, permitted. If there is a doubt as to the appropriateness physically injure or damage the property of another of an outfit, refrain from wearing the clothing while on student or employees. school campus. Staff will not discuss or debate with Students shall not post pictures of school system students whether something is appropriate—it either employees without obtaining written permission. follows dress code or it does not. Students shall not falsely represent themselves as an employee of the school system. Guidelines for dress: Skirts/Dresses WEAPONS -Skirts, dresses, shorts, and skorts will be no higher Cabarrus County Schools and Concord Middle School than 3” above the knee. An ID badge held lengthwise is will not tolerate the presence of weapons, bomb or a guide for 3” of length. terrorist threats, or actions that constitute a clear -Leggings may be worn, but not by themselves. If threat to the safety of students and employees. Any leggings are worn, the skirts, dress, or shorts worn student violating this policy will be removed from the overtop must follow the 3” rule school environment according to CCS Board Policy to -If a skirt/dress/shorts are frayed or ripped, no skin may ensure a safe and orderly environment for learning. show 3” above the knee.

Students are prohibited from possessing, handling, Jeans/Pants using or transmitting, whether concealed or open, any -Jeans/Pants will be worn at the waist at all times, weapon, or any instrument that reasonably looks like a sagging is not permitted. weapon or could be used as a weapon. Weapons -No holes in pants above the knees. include, without limitation, all of the following: loaded -No under garments will be visible. or unloaded firearm, including a gun, pistol, rifle, -No skin may show 3” above knee. explosives, including a dynamite cartridge, bomb, -No leggings worn as pants. grenade, mine, knife, including a pocket knife, bowie -No clothing with writing on the rear. knife, switchblade, box cutter, utility blade, dirk, dagger, slingshot, slingshot, leaded cane, blackjack, Shirts/Tops metal knuckles, BB gun, air rifle, air pistol, blowgun, -Shirts worn by female students must cover cleavage stun gun, other electric shock weapon, such as tasers, -Tank top straps must be the width of an ID badge ice pick, razor or razor blade, fireworks, laser pointers, (shoulders, sides, and back are covered at all times). mace, pepper spray, any sharp pointed or edged -Bare midriffs, spaghetti straps, halter-tops, muscle instrument except unaltered nail files and clips and shirts with huge arm openings, mesh shirts, tube tops, tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction, see-through shirts/blouses are not permitted. and maintenance. Other Items No student may knowingly or willfully cause, encourage -Clothing which advertises or portrays drugs, tobacco, or aid any other student to possess, handle or use any alcohol, violence, is sexually suggestive, or has any of the weapons or weapon-like items listed above. A slogan which is not in good taste, is not to be worn to student who finds a weapon or weapon-like item, who school. witnesses another student or other persons with such -Heavy coats must be kept in lockers. items, or becomes aware that another student or other

-Purses which are large enough to hold a textbook must school is a chance to learn and correct mistakes, be kept in lockers. students will be held to this standard within a -Sunglasses, hats, gloves are not to be worn while in reasonable time frame of the trip. For example, if a the building. field trip is planned to Camp Spencer on June 1st and -Pajamas/pajama pants/slippers are not allowed. the letters and expectations are given March 15th, the -Stiletto heels and flip-flops are discouraged for safety student may not have OSS and can only be assigned to reasons. ISS once between March 15th and May 31st. The 8th -Chains on clothing are not permitted. grade dance is also covered by this policy.

Every morning after the Pledge of Allegiance, students GRADING SCALE will remain standing for a dress code check. Venture Grades on report cards are assigned by numerical teachers will give students 2 separate warnings for equivalents rather than letter grades. The following dress code violations and send them to either receive a scale can be used in comparing numerical grades to zip-tie for their pants, go to the Guidance office for a t- letter equivalents: shirt or sweatpants, or to call home for a change of clothing. If getting a change of clothes is not possible, Superior 93-100 A the student will spend the day in ISS/Choices. Above Average 85-92 B

Average 77-84 C If a student is seen out of dress code at any point Below Average 70-76 D during the remainder of the day, he/she will be written Failing 0-69 F up for being out of compliance. After 2 warnings in venture, any additional violations of dress code will result in the student spending the remainder of the day Report Card Dates in ISS. 1st 9 Weeks October 28, 2013 2nd 9 Weeks January 27, 2014 3rd 9 Weeks April 7, 2014

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Progress Report Dates School activities are an important role in providing 1st Quarter September 23, 2013 students with opportunities to explore areas of interest 2nd Quarter December 2, 2013 outside the classroom. Concord Middle School offers 3rd Quarter February 24, 2014 students a variety of activities in the areas of athletics, 4th Quarter May 5, 2014 student government, and clubs. Extra-curricular activities (dances, athletic activities, etc.) are for the enjoyment of the students. Students are required to exhibit appropriate behavior and are expected to HOMEWORK BELIEFS follow all school rules when attending extra-curricular Concord Middle School believes that homework is a activities. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in vital part of school instruction and assists in furthering being removed from the event, and if a ticket was the goals of the educational program. Homework purchased, the price of the ticket will not be refunded. increases student achievement by promoting responsibility, extending the thought process, and FIELD TRIP POLICY reinforcing classroom learning. Concord Middle School provides an agenda for every student and students are CMS has a goal for all students to attend field trips, but expected to write homework assignments in agendas maintains high expectations for appropriate student on a daily basis. Students are asked to complete and behavior and academic performance on campus. turn in homework on time. If homework is missing Concord Middle School has adopted a policy that and/or incomplete, the student’s daily grade will reflect prohibits students from participating in field trips if the missing work according to the grading policies of certain behavioral expectations are not met. To be his/her teacher. eligible to go on a field trip, a student may not receive Out of School Suspension and may only be assigned to MAKE-UP WORK 1 time in In School Suspension. Recognizing that middle

Whenever it is necessary for a student to be absent, LOCKS & LOCKERS the responsibility for completing all make-up work rests At the beginning of the year, all students will be with the student. A parent or the student should assigned a school locker and must keep combination request assignments by calling the school when the locks on lockers to protect their possessions from theft. absence is longer than two days. Teachers will have 24 Key and laser locks are not allowed. Students are not to hours to gather work for absences. The student must share lockers, trade lockers, or move possessions to an complete make-up work within three school days upon empty locker without permission. Students who do not his/her return from an absence. Failure to complete secure their locker with a lock risk having their personal make-up work will result in lowering the student's property stolen. Students may visit their lockers at grade and possible failure for that subject. designated times, only use the locker to which they have been assigned, and keep lockers clean. All lockers Please use the following guidelines: are the property of the Cabarrus County Board of It is the student’s responsibility to return all make-up Education and may be opened and inspected by school work to each teacher. This should be taken care of at a authorities at any time. If any unauthorized item is time that does not interfere with instructional time. found, it may be removed and held by the school for Teachers should be granted a 24 hour period to return to a parent/guardian, or law enforcement prepare assignments for students who are out for an authorities when required. In an effort to reduce extended amount of time. clutter that causes unsafe conditions in the classroom, If the assignment is given prior to the student’s students are required to leave all bookbags in their absence, the assignment is due when the student lockers during the day. returns. If the assignment is made during the absence, the LOST & FOUND student will generally be given three (3) days after Students are responsible for their personal possessions returning to school to make-up the work. and are urged not to bring valuables to school. Items Students with extended, documented illness may be such as iPods, cell phones, MP-3 players, cameras, etc. granted additional make-up time at the discretion of are considered non-school items. These items are easily the teacher. lost and/or stolen and school personnel will be under In the case of an Out of School Suspension (OSS), make no obligation to investigate loss/theft of such items and up work can be requested. Teachers will be given 24 assume no responsibility for replacement. hours to gather materials/work. The student will be given the amount of time equal to the suspension to Students who find lost articles are asked to take them complete the work. to the office. If a student finds an item of value and fails to report it, he/she is subject to disciplinary actions for INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN theft. Lost articles that are not claimed within a All announcements regarding school closings or delays reasonable time will be donated to local charitable will be publicized through all available media including organizations. radio, television, school system website, newspapers, and ConnectEd. MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY Television Stations Radio Stations Students are expected to respect school property. NBC 6 (36) WBT 1110 AM WWMG 96.1 Equipment such as computers, flip cameras, Senteos, WBTV (CBS 3) FM etc. will be used appropriately. Inappropriate WSOC (ABC 9) WRNA 1140 AM WKKT 96.9 FM behaviors such as “hacking,” unapproved WCCB (FOX 18) WEGO 1410 AM WPEG 98 FM programming, altering screens, game playing, WRKB 1460 AM WBT 99.3 FM installation of unapproved software or damage to WDAW 89.9 FM WLYT 102.9 FM equipment may result in loss of the privilege of WFAE 90.7 FM WSOC 103.7 FM accessing the internet, monetary restitution for WRCM 92 FM WMIX 107.7 FM replacing the item, and/or other administrative action. All local, state, and federal copyright laws will be Website: www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us enforced. Information will be sent via a Connect-Ed to every student as soon as a delay or cancellation occurs. The User Agreement for Technology access is found in the school information packet sent home at the

beginning of the school year. This user agreement will provide a written pass to go to the nurse. Students will be enforced unless a parent sends a note to the not be allowed to call home from the classroom. The principal requesting their child not have Internet nurse will evaluate the symptoms and if necessary, help access. All students with Internet access are expected the student contact a parent or guardian. Once parents to abide by this policy. Irresponsible behavior may arrive at school, please come to the main office to result in removal from use of computer equipment check your child out of school. and/or other administrative action, and possible criminal prosecution. MEDICATION Any student who needs to take prescription medicine BYOT on a regular basis must provide a physician’s authorization for medication. This form is available Computer Lab through the nurse and must be completed by the Level “0” or “1” voices should be used. doctor, signed by a parent or guardian, and returned to The computer labs are open daily. the nurse as soon as possible. The school nurse will Students must have written permission to come to the administer the medication as directed on the computer lab, except when accompanied by a teacher. prescription container. Bring only materials directly related to the lab assignment. Office personnel cannot administer other medications, Stay seated at the workstation. such as Tylenol or aspirin. Students are permitted to Use only fingers on the keyboard. self-medicate with over-the-counter products, if Keep the keyboard placed on the table. necessary. Medicine must be in the original container Food and drink are not permitted in the computer lab. and contain only the dosage allowed during school hours. For example, if the dosage is 2 aspirin pills every Media Center 4 hours, only 4 pills should be in the container. An Level “0” or “1” voices should be used. entire container full of medicine is not permitted and The library is open daily. can lead to misuse/abuse of the product. A written Books may be checked out for two weeks. note must accompany any over-the-counter medication Magazines are to be read in the Media Center. brought to school from a parent. This is very important When a book is overdue in the library, an overdue and ensures teachers are aware of any medication that notice is sent to the student through his/her Venture your child is using at school. teacher. Students will be charged $.05 each day that a book is overdue. Students must have written permission to come to the Students may not give either prescription or over-the- Media Center, except when accompanied by a teacher. counter medication to other students. Students will If a student needs materials or equipment for special face disciplinary action should this occur. classroom assignments, the materials must be checked out by the classroom teacher. Computers are to be used for reference. Computer MERIT PROGRAM hacking, inappropriate programming, altering screens, This program is a positive incentive program for or game playing will result in the student losing the students. It is a year-long program that rewards privilege of computer use while on school grounds. students for appropriate behaviors and responsibility in Returned books should be placed in the book various areas throughout the school year. Students depository slot located on the outside of the Media may earn a designated amount of merits each month Center. by meeting the merit requirements of that month. Students who exhibit behavior that results in an office SCHOOL NURSE referral at a merit event may not be allowed to attend Students at Concord Middle have access to a school future events. Students will not be allowed to call home nurse every day through a partnership with the on the day of a merit event to have permission slips Cabarrus Health Alliance. Our school nurse works and/or money brought to school. All forms and money diligently to keep our students safe and healthy. If a are due on the designated date. student becomes sick, he/she should ask permission from their assigned teacher and the teacher will

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT PHONE USE BY STUDENTS CMS is in partnership with parents and guardians in The office telephones are for school business. Students helping to educate our Miners. We encourage are not to use the telephone without staff permission volunteering at the school, attending PTSO meetings, and will not be called out of class to receive phone communicating with teachers, counselors, and calls. Students are expected to make arrangements administration, and committing support and with parents concerning after school activities/rides encouragement for your child’s academic and before coming to school. Phone messages cannot be behavioral success. delivered to a student after 3:30 p.m.

Please contact faculty through email and phone calls, Students will not be allowed to call home on the day of and you will receive a response within 24 hours. a field trip/after school activity for permission to Conferences are important and welcomed, but attend. In addition, students will not be allowed to call appointments need to be arranged in advance. If you to bring late homework, projects, or PE uniforms to need to see a teacher immediately, please contact the school. Pay phones will be available for student use for student’s grade level counselor and/or administrator. non-emergency calls when the student has a note from his/her teacher or after school. When you arrive at school, please sign in at the front office to receive a visitor’s badge and check out when PHYSICAL EDUCATION leaving campus. Physical education uniforms can be purchased through the PE department for $17.00. Tennis shoes and white PERSONAL PROPERTY socks are also required. If a student loses his/her Students are responsible for their personal possessions uniform or has taken it home for washing and cannot and are urged not to bring valuables to school. Items bring it back the next day, the student should bring a such as IPODS, cell phones, MP-3 players, cameras, etc. tee shirt and shorts from home for temporary use. are considered non-school items. These items are easily Students may not use the clothes they are wearing for lost and/or stolen and school personnel will be under the day as their gym clothes and are not permitted to no obligation to investigate or recover loss/theft of wear anyone else’s uniform. Students are not allowed such items and assume no responsibility for to wear jewelry during the PE class and are advised to replacement. If a staff member takes these items, leave expensive jewelry at home. parents may retrieve the item(s) at their convenience before the end of the school year. Students are expected to participate in physical education classes unless prohibited for medical Students may possess personal property; however they reasons. These reasons must be confirmed through a must be turned off and stored in their locker, and physician’s written statement. Parent medical excuses therefore not used between morning arrival and 4:00 are accepted for three days. A note must be written p.m. If a cell phone is confiscated by a staff member, it each day. A doctor’s excuse is required if more than will only be returned to a parent/guardian. Repeated three days of physical education classes will be missed. violations will result in continued confiscation and increasing disciplinary actions up to and including Out All students will be issued lockers in the locker room of School suspension. area. Students will not be allowed to share lockers. Students are required to bring a combination lock to No beverages are allowed to be carried throughout the put on these lockers. school building. These have the potential to be tampered with and could be used to conceal alcoholic beverages. In addition, spilled beverages can cause MASTER BRAND LOCKS FITS damage to instructional materials and attract insects. OUR P.E. LOCKERS BEST!

Please do not have any items (i.e. flowers, balloons) delivered to the school for any student(s). The front PICTURES office will not accept any deliveries. Student pictures will be made shortly after school begins. Students will receive information and payment packets to return to school if they want to purchase

pictures. All students are expected to have their 3. A student may miss two meetings. He/she is picture taken so they will be included in the yearbook. expected to report all meeting information to his/her Purchase of a package and/or yearbook is optional. Venture.

PROMOTION/RETENTION POLICY Officers of the Student Council are elected in May and Students must meet the promotion standards based on serve for the following year. Officers are as follows: classroom assessments, grades, and attendance. President: Rising 8th grade student 1-Pass three of the following courses with an average Vice-President: Rising 7th or 8th grade student of at least a 70: Secretary: Rising 7th or 8th grade student English/Language Arts Math STUDENT FEES Science Certain classes are required to collect student fees. A Social Studies fee list will be provided to students at the beginning of AND the school year and will be available in the office Pass one out of two Encore classes throughout the year. AND Have fewer than 20 absences this year VOICE LEVELS SCHOOL SUPPLIES Students are expected to respond to indicated voice At the beginning of each year, teachers give students a levels when signaled by staff members: list of supplies they are expected to purchase. Students may purchase paper, pencils, mechanical pencils, pens Voice Level 0 No talking and erasers from several vending machines located in Voice Level 1 Whisper the halls. Students may purchase these supplies before Voice Level 2 Speaking quietly to the person school, after school, or with written permission from immediately beside him/her the teacher. Correct change must be used at the Voice Level 3 Speaking within a group vending machines. Voice Level 4 Outside voice

STUDENT COUNCIL YEARBOOK DEPOSITS The CMS Student Council functions as the student In order to reserve a yearbook, a deposit must be made government. The council sponsors dances and other during the month of October. The remainder of the activities and also organizes and leads school-wide payment must be made by the time yearbooks are community and school service projects. The council distributed in June. Some students may elect to pay the serves as the liaison between the administration and full price for the yearbook in October. Parents are the student body. encouraged to write checks payable to Concord Middle School for yearbook deposits and note that the check is Students interested in becoming representatives will for an annual. All yearbook payments will be receipted need to fill out an application, obtain 50 student and students should keep the receipt(s) until the signatures, and 4 teacher recommendations. yearbook is received. Representatives will be selected from the pool of applications. Each student elected must meet the following requirements: VENDING MACHINES Student vending machine products will be available for 1. A student cannot be assigned to In School students attending after school events (i.e. club Suspension (ISS) or Out of School suspension (OSS). meetings, athletic activities). Car riders who are This will result in immediate removal from the Council. waiting for parents may not purchase drinks. At no time 2. A student must maintain at least a “C” in each class. may students enter teacher workroom areas to use If not, a student will be put on probation until the next vending machines. Students are expected to dispose of progress report. If grades remain below a “C” the wrapping and products appropriately. student will be removed from the Council.