Sycamore Middle School Student Handbook
Sycamore Middle School Students and Parents,
You are responsible for knowing the contents of this handbook and for abiding by the policies, procedures, and standards contained in it.
The Sycamore Student Handbook does not include all policies, procedures and regulations covered by the Gridley Unified School District and the State of California “Education Code.” It is designed to serve as a guide and a source of information to help you with achieving success during the 2007-2008 school year and beyond. Final disciplinary decisions are at the discretion of administration.
Message from the Principal
Welcome to the 2007-2008 school year. I am confident this is going to be an exciting and productive year. The staff at Sycamore School is committed to providing a quality educational environment for all of our students.
The staff and I hope you have found this handbook helpful and informative. It is our goal to work closely with you to help your child have a very successful year.
Parent’s attitude and support toward their child’s school has proven to be one of the top ingredients for a successful year. Please do not hesitate to call us whenever you have a question, concern or would just like to give us your input.
Sincerely
Jim Walters, Principal
ACADEMIC RECOGNITION
HONOR ROLL
Students who earn a 3.0 (B) grade point average, or higher, for all classes taken during a quarter receive recognition by having their names placed on the Sycamore School Honor Roll. (Any grade of “D” or “F” automatically disqualifies a student).
Awards Day-Awards Day is held mid-May recognizing extra curricular activities of the school year.
Awards Night-Awards Night is held in mid-May recognizing academic accomplishments throughout the year.
CJSF
California Junior Scholarship Federation is an academic club. Students with a qualifying G.P.A. for the first semester of the 7th grade year are qualified to join. Upon graduation, students with 3 qualifying semesters of membership will receive the CJSF honor medallion.
EIGHTH GRADE VALEDICTORIAN
The 8th grade Valedictorian shall be the student(s) with the highest grade point average during the eighth grade. GPA is determined by averaging grade points in all subject areas during the 8th grade year. A = 4 points, B = 3 points, C = 2 points, D = 1 point. Algebra is an honors class and earns one extra point (Example: a “B” in algebra earns 4 points instead of 3). Students being considered for Valedictorian must be taking a full schedule of seven classes and be functioning at grade level or above. Citizenship over all four quarters in the 8th grade year must be an “A” for a student to be considered for Valedictorian. The Valedictorian(s) must maintain their qualifying G.P.A. (‘s) until grades are closed fourth quarter.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is very important for success in school. You can request work for an absence of any length. Allow a full day for the teachers to prepare assignments. Parents may pick up assignments in the office after 3:10 PM.
STUDENTS WHO ARE ABSENT ON THE DAY OF A SCHOOL ACTIVITY MAY NOT PARTICIPATE IN THAT EVENT.
PARENT VERIFICATION OF ABSENCES
Whenever a student misses school for any reason the parent/guardian must call or send a note from home to the office on the first day back explaining the reason for the absences, date(s) of the absence(s) and a parent signature. A student returning from an absence must get an admit slip from the office before the first bell rings.
TRUANCY
Truancy occurs when a student willfully stays away from classes or school, generally without the parent or guardian’s knowledge. Example: babysitting a sibling, vacation, Etc.
TARDINESS
Students will receive demerits for being tardy. Continued tardiness will result in disciplinary action from the office.
CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL
Cancellation of school occurs only during circumstances such as extreme weather conditions, equipment failure, or public crisis. School personnel are aware of the hardship, which can be caused by an abrupt cancellation therefore, school will not be cancelled unless a significant safety risk has been created by unusual circumstances. Every possible means is used to notify parents of cancellation, including radio, television, and newspapers. In the unusual circumstance where school must be cancelled during the school day, school personnel will determine that all students have satisfactory transportation and supervision at their home before releasing them from school.
Behavioral Expectations
HALLWAYS
Due to traffic congestion in the hallways before and after school students must move through the halls in an orderly fashion. Students are to remain outside the building until 8:30 a.m., at which time teachers will open their classrooms. Students may go to their classroom to conference with a teacher or to work on schoolwork with teacher permission.
OFFICE PHONE
The office telephone is for emergency purposes only. Students are not allowed to use the office telephone unless a sports activity has changed and they need to notify a parent. Students will be allowed to call in the event of illness or injury.
CAMPUS SUPERVISORS
Supervisors are on duty before school, during the lunch hour and after school. They are to be given the same respect and consideration as teachers and administrators. Campus supervisors have the authority to issue demerits and to write behavioral referrals.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Items such as, but not limited to: skateboards, electronic games, radios, CD players, large amounts of money, roller-skates/blades, dice or other gambling items, cards, games, toys, squirt guns, baseball gloves, bats, balls, studded jewelry, beepers, matches, lighters, poppers, or other fireworks, etc.
These items are prohibited from school and THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE OF SUCH ITEMS. We want to do everything possible to create a safe and orderly school environment. This list is not all-inclusive, but contains items that have a potential for causing problems. If a prohibited item is taken away from a student, parents will be required to pick up the item at the school office. Glass containers or water bottles, or other types of bottles may not be brought to school. Water bottles will be allowed during warm weather for those students participating in after school sports/activities. These bottles may not be used during the school day. Candy, gum and sunflower seeds are not allowed. S Students who possess or use them at school should expect to be assigned demerits and a work detail before or after school or lunch detention.
CELL PHONES
Cell Phones must be turned off during school hours and may be used only after school. Cell phones must be inside backpack or inside pants pocket. If a student is caught using the phone during school hours the phone will be taken away from the student. A parent will then have to pick up the phone in the office after school.
SERIOUS BEHAVIOR OFFENSES
Students involved in serious defiance of authority, fighting, “pantsing” another student, gambling, theft, forgery, defacing (marking, such as graffiti), damaging or destroying school property, hazing or any act that tends to injure, degrade or disgrace a fellow student, or using explosive devices of any kind, possession or use of weapons (including pocket knives), possession/use/sale of drugs or substances represented as drugs, possession/use of tobacco or smokeless tobacco (chew), engaging in racial or sexual harassment or the use of profanity/vulgarity will be subject to suspension and/or expulsion.
PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION
Inappropriate public displays of affection, inappropriate touching, hugging, holding hands or kissing by students of Sycamore School will not be allowed.
DEFINITIONS OF SUSPENSION & EXPULSION
Suspension is the removal of a student from school for up to 5 days for each offense. During the period of suspension, the student may not be on or around any Gridley school campus, nor attend school activities.
Out of school suspension will result in the exclusion from all school activities within the next 10 school days upon returning to school. In-school suspension will result in the exclusion from the all school activities with in the next 5 school days upon returning to the regular classroom.
Expulsion is the removal of a student from school for a period of time determined by the Board of Trustees, usually at least one semester. During this time, the student may not be on or around any Gridley school campus.
PLEASE NOTE
Serious violations of school rules, district policies, or state laws will be dealt with by the administration, and in some instances, may involve the police.
PARENTS
Parents are expected to take an active role in supporting the academic, attendance and discipline policies of the school and the individual teachers. Parents are encouraged to call the school periodically to inquire about their child’s progress.
FIRST AID AND ILLNESS
MEDICATIONS:
In compliance with Section 49423 of the California Education Code and Sections 2725(b) of the Nurse Practice Act, medication can be given to a student during school by the school nurse or designated personnel only if the school has on file written instruction and consent from both the PHYSICIAN and the PARENT. This includes pain relievers and cough drops. If it is necessary for medication to be given during school hours, the school must receive the following information:
- A written statement from the Physician detailing the NAME of the medication and METHOD of administration, DOSAGE to be given, and TIME to be administered.
- WRITTEN CONSENT from the PARENT or GUARDIAN of the pupil indicating the desire that the school district assist the pupil.
ALL MEDICATIONS MUST BE KEPT IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND ALL MEDICATIONS MUST BE KEPT IN THE OFFICE.
In addition, “ASTHMA INHALERS” AND “BEE STING KITS” CAN BE CARRIED by a student at school only WITH A WRITTEN STATEMENT from both the PHYSICIAN and PARENT.
Medication forms are available in the school office.
INSURANCE:
A low cost insurance policy is available for students at the beginning of each school year. This insurance is recommended for all students. Insurance coverage is required before a student may participate in after school sports.
GRADING SYSTEM
ACADEMIC GRADES
Academic Grades are based primarily on a percentage scale as follows (plus/minus may be used with any of these grades):
90-100 - A
80-89 - B
70-79 - C
60-69 - D
59 and below - F
CITIZENSHIP GRADES
The Sycamore School citizenship system is based on the belief that all students are capable of following the rules and students who follow the rules are deserving of recognition and reward. When students break the rules, any adult employee may issue demerits. In most cases, students will sign the demerit slip to indicate that they are aware they have received them. At that time, they may write on the slip that they request a conference with an administrator to discuss the incident. Signing the demerit slip is not an admission of guilt; it is an acknowledgment that the student has received the demerits.
Resulting citizenship grades are as follows:
00-10 - A
15-20 - B
25-30 - C
35-40 - D
45+ - F
CITIZENSHIP VOCABULARY
- Extra/co-curricular Activities
- Qualification Students who maintain a citizenship grade of “C” or higher are eligible for all extra/co-curricular and reward activities.
- Extra/co-curricular Activities Exclusion
- When a student’s grade has dropped to the 35 + points “D” level, the student will be excluded from activities for the rest of that quarter.
- Activity Participation
- Activity participation, i.e. end of the year trips, will be based on citizenship grades for the entire year.
- Suspension
- A suspension from school will result in 20 demerits and the student will be excluded from any school activities for the next 10 school days upon returning to school.
- ISS (In School Support)
- Any student who is assigned In School Support (ISS) by an administrator will be excluded from any school activities for the next 5 school days upon returning to school.
- Possession of Prohibited Item (weapon, tobacco, drugs, alcohol, contraband, etc.)
- Possession of a weapon, possession or use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol will result in automatic suspension and a referral to the Board of Trustees for expulsion.
- Referral by Substitute Teacher
- A referral to the office by a substitute teacher will result in 20 demerits.
- Merits
- Students can earn merits by working with the custodian for one hour after school. Merits cannot be earned the day of the activity which the student wants to attend.
- Demerits
- Demerits will be accumulated each quarter. Each quarter the students will start with an A in citizenship.
Final disciplinary decisions are at the discretion of administration.
HOMEWORK
Parents should expect their student to have an average of thirty to sixty minutes of homework Monday through Thursday. Students should also read for a minimum of 30-60 mins. four night per week to complete 10-12 book reports during the school year.
Retention Policy
According to California Education Code 48070, each student must meet minimum standards in order to be promoted to the next grade level. Students with failing grades and/or California State Standards test scores are identified as at-risk of being retained and may be put on a retention consideration contract. (California BP 5123 (a), outlining the California Education Code and board policy on retention standards, is available upon request.)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR EIGHTH GRADE GRADUATION
PARTICIPATION IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY SPECIAL EIGHTH GRADE ACTIVITIES
The following are the minimum requirements for eighth grade graduation and participation in the graduation ceremonies and special eighth grade activities:
- The graduating student must have achieved a minimum grade point average of 1.0 (“D”) in all classes during the 8th grade school year.
- The graduating student may have no more than four “F’s” for the entire year and during the fourth quarter may receive no more than one “F” in all classes.
- A student may have no more than two “F’s” in a single subject throughout the year.
- Students who do not meet these requirements will not be allowed to participate in the graduation exercises and the related activities, and will not receive a diploma.
- Satisfactory citizenship and conduct must be maintained by the graduating student prior to graduation, maintaining a citizenship grade of “C” or higher for at least two grading periods. (Students who meet academic requirements for graduation, but who do not maintain satisfactory citizenship, may not, at the discretion of the principal, be allowed to participate in the 8th grade trip.)
- Nothing in this policy is to be interpreted as eliminating the right of the school, upon consultation with the parent, to retain a student in the 8th grade for the best interest of the student, due to immaturity or for other good causes.
SCHEDULE
Morning supervision is provided at 7:45 a.m., students may arrive on campus after this time. It is recommended that students arrive at school by 8:30 a.m., to avoid being late to homeroom class. School ends at 3:10 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Wednesdays and minimum days (refer to district calendar) school is dismissed at 2:15 p.m.
Regular Day Schedule (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)
| HR | 8:40 - 8:46 |
| 1 | 8:49 - 9:36 |
| 2 | 9:39 - 10:26 |
| 3 | 10:29 - 11:15 |
| 4 | 11:18 - 12:04 |
| LUNCH | 12:04 - 12:49 |
| 5 | 12:52 - 1:35 |
| 6 | 1:38 - 2:23 |
| 7 | 2:26 - 3:10 |
Wednesdays and Minimum Days
| HR | 8:35 - 8:43 |
| 1 | 8:46 - 9:24 |
| 2 | 9:27 - 10:05 |
| 3 | 10:08 - 10:45 |
| 4 | 10:48 - 11:25 |
| 5 | 11:28 - 12:05 |
| LUNCH | 12:05 - 12:50 |
| 6 | 12:53 - 1:32 |
| 7 | 1:35 - 2:15 |
CLOSED CAMPUS
Children leaving campus must be signed out in the office. Once students arrive at school they may leave at dismissal time. STUDENTS WHO LEAVE WITHOUT PERMISSION ARE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION. Students may be released to their parents after being signed out in the office.
Students may also leave with another adult AFTER A PARENT WAIVER HAS BEEN SIGNED AND A NOTE FROM THE PARENT IS TURNED IN TO THE OFFICE GIVING PERMISSION TO LEAVE WITH THAT PERSON.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS
Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA with no “F’s” in order to participate in extra-curricular activities. If a student has earned “F’s” in the quarter prior to an activity the student must sign an academic contract if he/she wishes to participate. The academic contract will require the student to maintain a grade no lower than a “C” in all classes while participating in an extra-curricular activity or sport. If the student is earning a grade lower than a “C” the student will not be able to play or participate until the grade is raised to a “C” or better or may be cut from the team at the discretion of the coach.
CITIZENSHIP QUALIFICATIONS
The student must also maintain a “C” in citizenship during the sport or activity. If a student has earned a “D” or “F” in the quarter prior to an activity or sport the student mush sign a citizenship contract. Under a citizenship contract, the student must maintain an “A” in citizenship. If the citizenship grade drops below an “A”, the student can earn a maximum of 10 merits during any one quarter to raise the grade. If the grade cannot be raised to an “A”, the student forfeits the privilege to participate in a sport or activity. Team rosters will be posted in the teachers’ lounge for teacher input and verification of grades. Team member’s citizenship grades will be checked weekly and communicated to the coach. For any student on contracts, performance and grades will be communicated to the coach/leader on a continual basis.
Contracts will be given at the discretion of the administrator.
PARTICIPATION IN YEAR-END ACTIVITIES
Participation in year-end activities will be up to the discretion of the grade level teachers for a student to be able to attend.
P.E. UNIFORMS
Students will be required to wear the school uniform for Physical Education classes. ALL STUDENTS WILL DRESS AND PARTICIPATE DAILY UNLESS THEY HAVE A DOCTOR’S EXCUSE. STUDENTS UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY MUST STILL DRESS DOWN AND BE PRESENT IN CLASS. Student participation grade will be affected if a student does not dress for class. PE uniforms may not be worn to other classes.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Student Dress and Grooming Code
Students should maintain a high standard of cleanliness in personal hygiene and clothing.
MODESTY
Enough clothing must be worn to adequately cover the student’s undergarments and the areas that undergarments normally cover. Shorts, shirts and skirts must be long enough so as not to be unnecessarily distracting.
CLOTHING GUIDELINES FOR GIRLS & BOYS
Slacks/pants/jeans/: Clean, properly fitting (including length), hemmed at the bottom.
Skirts/shorts/dresses: Must not be shorter than first knuckle
Blouses/shirts: Properly fitting, clean, in good condition. tops that reveal any part of the midriff are prohibited.
tops must also cover midsection when student’s arms are raised above the head. This includes midriff with blouse over top. No sheer blouses, braless outfits, tube tops and open side tops. Sleeveless shirts will have no undergarments showing.
Shirts outside waist are OK. No oversized. Extremes in make-up are not allowed. (Example: black lipstick and lip liner)
CLOTHING GUIDELINES FOR BOYS
- Slacks/pants/jeans/:
- Clean, properly fitting (including length), hemmed at the bottom, must be worn at the waist, in good condition, not more than one size larger than actual waist. No excessive bagging or sagging. *No pocket and/or belt loop chains are permitted on campus.
- Skirts/shorts/dresses:
- Must not be shorter than the tip of the student fingers, hemmed. Pants and shorts must be worn at the waistline and must be kneecap length to no more than mid-thigh length. Pajama pants are not approved school attire.
- Blouses/shirts:
- PROPERLY FITTING With sleeves, clean, and in good condition. No sleeveless tank tops, jerseys, or muscle shirts allowed. Tops that reveal any part of the midriff are prohibited. Tops must also cover midsection when student’s arms are raised above the head. Undergarments shall not be worn as outerwear. See-through or mesh fabrics, spaghetti straps, straps that untie or halter-tops may not be worn unless they are layered with a top which itself follows the dress code. Off the shoulder or LOW CUT, revealing tops of any kind, and swimsuits are prohibited.
- Jewelry:
- Earring diameter must be smaller than a quarter and the length must be no more than 2 inches. Necklace chains must not be longer than 22 inches and pendants or medallions maybe no larger that the diameter of a quarter. These prohibited items will be taken from the student and a parent will be required to pick item up at school office. Second offense by student, item will be taken and kept till the end of the school year.
- Footwear:
- Close toed, properly fitting shoes must be worn at all times. For safety, open-back style shoes or sandals are not permitted.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Personal markings on hands or other body parts are not permitted.
- Hats may be worn outside only, to protect from the sun and must have a 3” brim all the way around the hat.
- No oversized clothing. Extremes in make-up are not allowed. (Ex: black lipstick and lip liner)
- Sunglasses are not permitted anytime
- Gang related attire and accessories, including but not limited to red or blue shoelaces. No logos advertising gang related culture. Shirts with vulgar references, drugs, profanity, alcohol, and tobacco are not permitted. No hairnets and no bandanas.
- Belts, entire belt must be inside the belt loops. Initial belt buckles are not permitted.
- No clothing, such as styles worn in prison, are not to be worn to school.
If you are unsure if an article of clothing is allowed at school, please call the school for clarification before wearing it to school. Questionable clothing will be left up to the discretionary of the administrators.
STUDENTS WHO ARE DRESSED INAPPROPRIATELY WILL BE GIVEN A REPLACEMENT ITEM TO BE WORN. IF REPLACEMENT ARTICLE IS UNAVAILABLE, A PARENT WILL BE REQUIRED TO BRING AN APPROPRIATE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING TO THE STUDENT. CONTINUED DEFAINCE OF THE DRESS CODE WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
LIBRARY
The library is available to provide student with materials for homework, research and recreational reading. Students may visit the library before school, during lunch and after school. Students wishing to visit the library during class hours must have a note from their teacher.
Use of the library carries responsibilities. In addition to our school rules, students using the library shall:
- Conduct themselves in a quiet manner.
- Remain seated except when obtaining materials.
- Not bring food or drink into the library.
- Not move chairs from one table to another.
- Not remove materials from the library without first checking them out.
- Not be allowed to use the computers or check out materials if they are on the overdue list.
Consequences for students unable to follow these rules include loss of library privileges for a specified period of time.
COMPUTER AGREEMENTS
Before using school computers, students and parents must sign a GUSD Online Technology Agreement. Computers are for schoolwork only. Students will not play games, check e-mails, or go on inappropriate sites, or computer use will be denied.
STUDENT OBLIGATIONS
Students are expected to return textbooks and library books on the date they are due. The student is advised that the provisions of education Code 48904, authorizing the withholding of grades and diplomas will be enforced.
LOSS/DAMAGED BOOKS
Students are responsible for all textbooks and library books checked out to them and will be charged full replacement cost for books that have been lost or damaged beyond repair. Books that can be repaired will be assessed individually.
TRANSPORTATION
BICYCLES
Bicycles are to be walked on the school grounds at all times. There is an area provided to lock them. Students tampering with bicycles will be held responsible for all damages. According to City ordinance bicycle helmets must be worn when riding a bicycle, which means that students riding bicycles must wear helmets.
STUDENT PICKUP
All students, except bus students, are to leave the school grounds promptly after classes or activities are dismissed. Parents are advised to deliver and pickup students on the south side of the Sycamore campus (Magnolia Street) between the warehouse and Indiana Street (in front of the bus-loading zone). For safety reasons it is not advised to pick up your child in front of the school entrance on Sycamore Street, as teacher supervision is on Magnolia Street. DO NOT PARK IN THE YELLOW BUS ZONE
VISITORS
Student visitors are NOT allowed during school hours between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. including all school dances. All adult visitors are encouraged to visit and are always welcome. Adult visitors who wish to visit students or teachers are required to check in at the school office and receive a visitor button. The button shall be returned after completing the appointment.