Skyline Middle School
Student Handbook
Introduction
2008-2009
Public Notice
All responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate, and identify children with disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the agency, regardless of the severity of the disability, including children attending private schools, highly mobile children, such as migrant and homeless children, and children who are suspected of having a disability and in need of special education even though they are advancing from grade to grade. The Hickory County R-1 School District assures that it will provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 under its jurisdiction. Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disorders, hearing impairment and deafness, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment/blindness and young child with a developmental delay.
The Hickory County R-1 School District assures that it will provide information and referral services necessary to assist the State in the implementation of early intervention services for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri First Steps program.
The Hickory County R-1 School District assures that personally identifiable information collected, used, or maintained by the agency for the purposes of identification, evaluation, placement or provision of FAPE of children with disabilities may be inspected and/or reviewed by their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians may request amendment to the educational record if the parent/guardian believes the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of their child. Parents have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
The Hickory County R-1 School District has developed a Local Compliance Plan for the implementation of State Regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This plan contains the agency’s policies and procedures regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, retention and destruction of personally identifiable information and the agency’s assurances that services are provided in compliance with the General Education Provision Act (GEPA). This plan may be reviewed at the office of the Special Education Director’s Office located in the Skyline Middle School building during normal business hours while school is in session.
The Hickory County R-1 School District will conduct meetings in September and December to discuss the process for private/parochial/home school students, including referral, evaluation, diagnosis, and service options. Contact the District’s Special Education Director, Mrs. Rebecca Richards, for more information.
This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.
Last revised September 2007
Phone 417/993-4254
Mr. Daniel Roberts
Middle School Principal
Dear Parents and Students,
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you back to Skyline Middle School. If you are new to our school, we would like to assure you that our school is one of the top schools in the state.
The focal point of our commitment is to teach and instruct our youth. In the Skyline Middle School there are many people who are involved in effectively educating our young people. Your child’s teachers are well trained and will know and love children. However, the teachers cannot do their best job without your close cooperation and understanding. The adjustment between home and school is a vital part of a successful learning experience for your child, and a close association with the school should be beneficial for you as well as the school staff.
This handbook was prepared for your information concerning the middle school learning program, important school policies and other activities that go on in our school. We encourage you to contact the Middle School Principal, Mr. Daniel Roberts, or the Superintendent, Mr. Mark Beem, if you have any questions or problems. An appointment can be scheduled with your child’s teacher or the counselor by calling the Middle School Office at 417/993-4254.
Mr. Daniel Roberts
Middle School Principal
Philosophy
The Board of Education, administration, faculty, staff, and patrons believe the Hickory County R-1 School District exists to help students by preparing them to become productive citizens in a democratic society. Strong emphasis must be placed upon democratic values, which are important for an effective and satisfying personal and social life.
We believe that the role of the teacher, in the educational process, is to provide opportunities for the individual to achieve, at the maximum level of capacity; to create a learning situation in which individual motivation for learning is the stimulus for achievement; and to promote through teaching and example the principles of the democratic way of life.
We believe that parents and guardians have definite responsibilities in education. They need to have a basic confidence in the school, and they need to impart this confidence to the students. We believe that the student must have responsibilities in the educational program of the community. The most important of these is attitude. The student is obliged to come with an open mind, to be equipped with all the necessary materials, and to show a readiness to fulfill the responsibilities in the learning process.
We believe that the foundation of the district’s educational program is based on the development of competencies in the basic fundamentals of reading, oral and written communications, mathematics, and technological skills, thereby preparing them to be able to make sound choices, participate effectively in a vocational pursuit, and become citizens of the 21st century.
The mission of the Hickory County R-1 Schools and community is to accept and share the responsibility to provide a nurturing environment and well-balanced sequential program of studies which leads to academic proficiency for the whole child to learn through traditional and innovative instructional techniques and to utilize current educational trends and technology to prepare themselves for responsible citizenship in a democratic society.
The Board of Education believes in the right of every student to receive equal opportunities in all educational programs and activities conducted by the school district. The Board also believes in the right of every qualified individual to expect fair and equal treatment, both as an applicant for employment and as an employee.
It is the policy of the Board to accord equal consideration and impartial treatment, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, socioeconomic status, marital status, sex, age, handicapping conditions, or organizational memberships. This policy will prevail in all matters concerning the staff, students, public, educational programs, and services of the district and individuals with whom the Board does business.
In keeping with the requirements of federal and state law, this school district strives to remove any vestige of discrimination in employment, assignment, and promotion of personnel; in educational programs, offerings, services, and vocational opportunities offered to students; in the assignment of students to schools and classes; in student discipline; and in the location and use of facilities and educational materials. The Board will designate an individual to act as the district’s nondiscrimination compliance coordinator and will ensure that the coordinator’s name, business address, and telephone number, as well as the statements of nondiscrimination by the district, are published to patrons, employees, and students on an annual basis.
The Superintendent shall continue all necessary actions to ensure that discrimination does not occur in the educational program, employment practices, or activities of the school district.
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Our district is required to inform you of certain information that you, according to The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110), have the right to know.
Chapter I
Parents enrolling students for the first time in the Hickory County R-1 (Skyline) School District must present a copy of the child’s birth certificate, social security card, immunization record, proof of residency, and evidence of enrollment or records of previous schools attended, if any. Students transferring from private schools will be given a standardized test for grade placement. Placement will be at the discretion of the principal.
Immunization of Students
As required by Section 167.181 RSMo., it shall be the duty of the parent or guardian of every pupil hereafter entering the public schools to furnish to the principal, or to such person as the superintendent may direct, satisfactory proof that said pupil has been immunized against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, rubella, and measles, or that the immunization process is being accomplished in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Division of Health of the Department of Public Health and Welfare of Missouri, or within such time, to furnish the principal his or her written objection to the immunization of such student.
The enrollment of the pupil shall be upon the condition that such proof be furnished at the time of student enrollment.
Upon the failure of any pupil or his or her parent or guardian to timely comply with this regulation, the superintendent, or such delegated by him, shall exclude such pupil from attending school pending compliance herewith.
***ATTENTION PARENTS, If you have a child approaching the 7th grade, he or she must have his or her Hepatitis B series shots before entering school. A copy of his or her current shot record must be presented to the school nurse before he or she will be allowed to attend.***
Arrival at School
Students should not arrive at school before 7:55 a.m. Problems of behavior and supervision arise when large numbers of students congregate at school earlier than necessary.
Schedule of School Hours
School begins at 8:15 and dismisses at 3:05.
Regular attendance on the part of your child is a significant factor in determining his or her school progress. The program of the effective classroom is planned to develop and sustain the interest of the pupil. When a child is irregular in attendance, the sequence of learning is broken. This frequently results in learning difficulty and decreased interest which, in turn, slows progress and dulls the urge to attend regularly. The importance of being in school every day is emphasized by the compulsory attendance laws of the state of Missouri which require students to attend school regularly.
It is sincerely hoped by the administration and faculty that all parents will cooperate in making certain that their children are present at all times when the students are in good health. This is the only way of assuring each child the full benefits of his or her education. We shall proceed on the theory that all parents are desirous of their children receiving the most from their educational experience and are expecting the schools to make certain that their children are in attendance each day.
Regular attendance is very important to all students who wish to do their best work in school. Those students who do not attend regularly find it difficult to keep up with regular class assignments. Although students with absences are allowed to do make-up work, it is very difficult, if not impossible, for students to make up material brought out in class discussions. This fact alone is enough to indicate the importance of regular attendance.
With this in mind, the following attendance regulations will prevail:
1. The Missouri State Law, Senate Bill No. 16, enacted by the 69th General Assembly, effective August 29, 1957, states that all mentally and physically capable children between the ages of 7 and 16 are compelled to attend school or receive adequate private instruction in the State of Missouri. Names of children in this age group not meeting attendance regulations of their local school district shall be submitted to county juvenile authorities for further action.
2. Persistent absences from school by a student may result in disciplinary action by the Principal’s office and could result in retention as determined by the Retention Committee.
Attendance Procedures
1. All absentees are recorded on the daily record.
2. All students leaving the building must be checked out through the office.
3. The Principal, or Guidance Counselor, will make random calls on absentees and record the calls on the daily record sheets.
4. Absences for the following reasons will be excused, pending approved written explanation:
Reason for Absence Letter From
a. Doctor/Dentist Visit Doctor
b. Hospitalization Doctor
c. Chronic Health Problems School Nurse
d. Court Dates Court Official
e. Funerals Principal
f. Personal Calamity Principal
g. Catastrophic illness (Includes Principal/Doctor
immediate family members and/or
members of the same household)
5. A note written by a health care professional will be filed in the student’s attendance folder when given to the principal’s secretary for future reference. All notes must be turned in to the office within 3 days of absence.
6. A student will NOT receive an excused absence if missing for any of the following reasons:
a. Truancy
b. Skipping class
c. Transportation problems (unless school bus is late)
7. Attendance letter will be sent out quarterly for students who miss 4 or more days of school.
Penalty for Irregular Attendance: A passing grade will not be issued to any student who has been absent from a class more than six (6) times per quarter without approved written explanation, as above referenced. Students who miss more than six (6) days per class per quarter without approved written explanation must petition the Attendance Committee. The Attendance committee will review the attendance records and recommend whether or not the existing grade should be issued.
Tardiness
School begins at 8:15 a.m. Students arriving after that time are tardy. A student arriving after 8:15 must sign in at the principal’s office and obtain a permission slip to go to class.
A student must be in the classroom and ready to work when the last bell rings. Students with errands to run between classes need to check in with their next period teacher before performing tasks.
Any student that is tardy 4 or more times in a quarter will receive the following punishment: 4 tardies – 1 day of ISS; 5 tardies – 2 days of ISS; 6 tardies – 1 day of OSS; 7 tardies – 2 days of OSS; beyond 7 tardies – automatic 3 days of OSS.
To the Student
Regular and punctual attendance is important to your success in school, as the habits thus formed will be to your success in an occupation. If the purpose of school is to train youth for successful living, then an important part of this training is the development of habits and attitudes, which leads to success.
When a student has been absent, students should ask their teachers for assignments for making up schoolwork missed. This opportunity cannot be given to students who delay the securing of such assignments.
Make-Up Work
Any student having an absence from school will have one day for each day missed to make up his or her work. For example, if you were absent on Monday and came back to school on Tuesday your work would be due on Wednesday.
Students do not need to request their homework on the days they are absent. Students will be responsible for securing their missed assignments on the day they return.
In the case of absence when oral work is done, it will be the decision of the teacher in each case as to whether a written report or an oral exercise for the student will be required as make-up work for the missed assignment.
When a test or any other assignment has been announced during a student’s presence, previous to his or her absence, he or she will be required to take the test. If the student is absent when the test is announced, he or she will not be required to take the test upon his or her return. However, common sense and fairness should be the guiding rule in all cases.
Students are to acquire class assignments prior to going on school trips.
Students Leaving School During the Day
The safety and protection of your child while in our care are extremely important. In order to protect your child from unauthorized persons removing him or her from school, please do the following:
1. Always check in with the office to pick your child up early from school. No teacher will be allowed to release your child until he or she is notified to do so by the office.
2. If you are taking your child out of school early, send the office a note with your child in the morning stating the time your child will be leaving and exactly who will be picking him or her up.
3. If you are bringing your child into school late, please come to the office and sign your child in.
4. Please notify the office of any changes as to who may be allowed to take your child out of school.
People remaining on campus after the regular school day need to have a note from their parent/guardian and a faculty sponsor and will need to remain with that sponsor until approved transportation arrives.
Anyone not complying with this regulation will lose the privilege of staying for any after-school activity. Students who represent Skyline Middle School in extra-curricular activities are examples of our school. They are expected to act as ladies and gentlemen.
Due to lack of adequate supervision, brothers and sisters may not stay after school to attend practices or events which are not their own.
Any student who leaves the building at an after-school event must leave the school-grounds immediately.
Chapter II
General Information
Balloon and Flower Deliveries
All balloons and flowers will be kept in the office until the end of the day for delivery to students.
A number of bulletin boards exist in various areas of the school for the convenience of the student body. Information relative to classes, social functions, and extra activities are posted. All information to be posted in these areas must first be given approval by the office.
A clean, neat school reflects on the good reputation of students who attend the school. How your school appears to others will have something to do with what they think of you.
1. Never mark, scratch, or deface school property.
2. Do your part to keep the grounds and buildings clean.
3. Trash thrown in the halls from the snack/pop machines may result in the machines being turned off or the student commons room being locked.
4. Eat food only in those places that have been set aside for this purpose.
5. Keep the restrooms clean and neat.
6. Consider the efforts of the custodians and help make their work easier.
The public school provides for each student property of considerable value in the form of books, supplies, and equipment. While some wear and tear on these materials is to be expected, improper use or abuse of them cannot be tolerated. If an item issued to a student is misplaced, stolen, or damaged, the student will be expected to pay for the item at the current cost of replacement. Replacement materials will not be issued until all outstanding bills are paid.
Respect for other people’s property, as well as their own, should be a part of every pupil’s growth and development. Teachers and administrators provide supervision and guidance with the hope that such an attitude by the student will be the result.
Cell Phones - Electronic Devices
Possession of cell phones or other electronic devices is not allowed during school hours. If you wish your child to have a phone for use at after school activities it may be brought to the office for safekeeping until the school day is through.
Closing of School
We will have school if at all possible. Should school have to be canceled, listen to your radio or television. We will be listed as Hickory County R-1, not Skyline.
Each bus driver knows his or her route. In some cases he or she may not be able to run the entire route due to high water, etc. The bus driver may want to set up a pre-arranged pickup place for these situations.
Please discuss with your child emergency plans in the event of an early closing. No form will be sent home. Students are old enough to know where they need to go and what they should do.
The school is for teaching and learning. A mode of dress and grooming which is conducive to establishing a climate for such teaching and learning is encouraged. The appearance of the individual student is primarily the responsibility of the student and parents.
Students and parents are requested to exercise good taste in school dress and grooming, keeping in mind the appropriateness and decency of choice as well as the health and safety of the student.
Students are asked to wear clothing that is respectable and in good taste. Students are asked to wear clean clothing. Students may be asked to “change” an article of clothing and asked not to wear it to school again by the principal. In some cases, parents will be notified of students’ extreme dress. Decorative patches on hats or clothes promoting drugs, alcohol, sex or tobacco are not to be to worn to school. Hats are not to be worn in the building at any time. Chains are not to be worn to school. Bare midriff blouses or shirts, open net shirts are not acceptable to be worn to school or any school sponsored activity. Students may wear shorts and skirts of a suitable length to school.
All physical education students will wear prescribed attire. Students are expected to change clothes following active play in the physical education classes.
Driving Privileges
Only students in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 may drive to school.
Eligibility
A student doing failing work cannot represent his/her school in any extracurricular activity. A student receiving an “F” for the quarter will not be able to participate until grade shows improvement on progress reports at mid-quarter. Any student who has an “F” at mid-quarter will not be allowed to participate until the sponsor receives a note from the teacher stating that his or her grade has been raised to passing.
A student must be in attendance for at least half a day in order to participate in a nighttime activity. Friday attendance is required for Saturday events, such as dances, scholastic competitions, etc.
Students elected to represent their class as a carnival candidate are eligible one time in grades K-6 and one time in grades 7-12. They will still be eligible for Miss Merry Christmas or Homecoming Queen candidacy in their junior and senior years.
Sports Eligibility
1. All players must be in good academic standing.
2. A player must be in school attendance at least ˝ of the day the ball game is scheduled. Students must be in attendance for at least ˝ of the day on Friday to be able to play on Saturday.
3. A player who is in detention the day of the game may not participate.
4. Saturday morning games at Skyline, intramurals, are not affected by the above guidelines, except for Friday attendance policy.
Parents will be required to provide transportation to all 5th and 6th grade basketball games.
Fire and tornado drills are held to prepare students and school personnel to cope with such emergencies. All persons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the emergency procedures posted in each classroom.
The signal for fire is a constant beeping of the pulsating tone of the school bell.
The signal for tornado is a constant three-second beep then a three-second pause of the school bell.
Grades and Grading
Report cards will be given out after the completion of the 9th and 18th weeks of each semester. Progress reports will be sent home for all students at mid-term. Parent-teacher conferences will be held at the end of the first quarter. At this time parents have the opportunity to discuss their child’s progress. All parents are encouraged to attend.
The following percentage scale shall be used as a basis for determining grades for students in grades 5-12: A 100-95; A- 94-90; B+ 89-87; B 86-83; B- 82-80; C+ 79-77; C 76-73; C- 72-70; D+ 69-67; D 66-63; D- 62-60; F 59 & below; NC No Credit.
Keep your child at home or call your physician when any contagious disease is suspected. A child who has a temperature or shows signs of illness should be kept at home and should not return to school until he or she has a normal temperature and is again healthy.
Although being absent adversely affects a pupil’s school progress, it is not fair to him or her or to the other children for a child who is too sick to be in school.
A good night’s rest is very essential to the child’s health and to the type of schoolwork the child can accomplish.
Our school is receiving funds from the Missouri Department of Health to provide a basic school health service program. This service is not to replace the care your child gets from your regular doctor or clinic, but will provide:
*Basic emergency and first aid care
*Administration of medication for your child with a doctor’s order and your request
*Screening exams for eye, ear, dental, and spinal problems
*Assistance to help correct any problems discovered
*Immunization records
*Health information for you and your child
*Additional health education based on a risk assessment regarding healthy lifestyles, nutrition, personal hygiene, injury prevention, and personal safety
*Health care plans for students with special needs, developed with students and parents
*Screening for lice and nits. Students who have acquired lice or nits will not be allowed to re-enter school until all lice and nits are absent from the student’s hair.
Medications, prescription or otherwise, are to be turned in to the nurse. Student will be excused to take his/her medication. No student will be allowed to see the nurse without a pass.
Students with asthma will be able to carry their inhalers with them after they register the medication with the nurse’s office. This privilege will be revoked if the student is found not to be responsible.
In case of a serious accident at school, the parent is called immediately. Upon failure to locate the parent, we will contact any other individual whom you indicate should be called in case of an emergency. Please be certain we have your correct home and employment phone numbers, and, as a safety measure, please give the telephone number of a near neighbor or friend who can be called in case of emergency.
Honor Roll students must earn all grades B- or above. To be on the Principal’s List a student must earn all grades A or A-. At the end of each quarter, the counselor will submit a list of students to be recognized for their high academic achievements.
The honor roll list is run in the local newspapers, and posted on the school website. At times, newsworthy events and pictures of your child may be published. If, for some reason, you do NOT want your child's name or picture published in the paper, website, or any other media, please submit a written request to your child's teacher.
Library Information
Library Hours: Open 7:30 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.
Library Passes: All students must have a pass to visit the library during school hours unless accompanied to the library by the teacher. Students without passes will be sent back. Passes are not required before or after school.
Library Rules: Most matters of conduct in the library can be covered by the “Golden Rule” and mutual respect. Food and drink are not permitted in the library or ITV room at any time. This includes unopened items.
Library Computers: Library computers are intended for the use of all students and faculty. You must log in before use. Desktops, screensavers, home page, and favorites are set by the librarian. Students are not to change these unless directed to do so by the librarian. No games, programs, screensavers, toolbars, etc., are to be downloaded or added to browsers.
Loan Periods: Students may check out as many books as needed, within reason. Reference materials, magazines, and videos may not be checked out. Articles from reference books and magazines may be taken to the office to be copied. Books are checked out for two weeks, and may be renewed once.
Overdue Notices: Overdue notices are prepared during the morning of the first day of school each week and are put in teacher’s mailboxes by noon, to be handed out to their fifth period classes. Please do not ignore these notices. If you want to renew the book just write “renew” on the notice and return it to the librarian. Students with chronic overdue problems may have their borrowing privileges suspended.
Lost/Damaged Materials: Students are expected to pay for any lost or severely damaged library materials at the current replacement cost.
Socializing: The library is primarily a place for quiet study. During the school day it is expected that all users keep conversations as quiet and short as possible. The library is not a “hang out” place – there are lounges and lobbies for that. Groups of students who are obviously in the library just to visit may be asked to go elsewhere.
Locks and Lockers
Bags and backpacks are not allowed in classrooms. Lockers are assigned to students for personal storage. Combination locks are available to students through the Middle School Office. If a student uses his/her own lock then the office must be given the combination or extra key. The students lock may be cut off of the locker if access is needed and the office does not have the correct combination or spare key. Do not put a lock on a locker without office approval. Do not use a lock that you would not want cut off if access to the locker is deemed necessary by school staff.
All vehicles, lockers, bags, backpacks and personal items are subject to being searched if deemed necessary by school staff.
1. Students without cards can still eat lunch but will be served at the end of the line after all other students.
2. No student may use another student’s card.
3. A lunch card will be given to each student at the beginning of the school year. There will be a two dollar ($2.00) charge for all subsequent replacement cards.
4. No student will be allowed to buy a second meal without money in his or her account.
5. No student will be able to charge over $5.00.
Lunch money envelopes must be dropped in boxes by 9:00 a.m. in order to be credited to your account that day. Any money dropped off after that time will not be credited until the next day.
The 5th and 6th grade classrooms celebrate four parties each year: Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s, and Easter. The students are in charge of these parties and should bring their own treats and favors. We ask parents not to attend.
Any student who plagiarizes material from any source, print, or multimedia, shall receive an “F” for the project. The student shall also receive disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the principal or assistant principal. Legal action will be pending.
The welfare of each individual child will be the primary consideration for promotion or retention. Age, achievement, social, physical, and mental development will all be taken into consideration. If a child is to benefit by retention, it is usually best for him to be retained at the earliest stage of his school development when the problem is recognized.
For students in grades 5 and 6 the teacher recommends promotion or retention, but the final responsibility rests with the administration. As soon as the teacher recognizes the fact that a child is in danger of retention, the parents will be notified and a conference requested. A student may be recommended for attendance at summer school.
For students in grades 7 and 8 to be promoted to the next grade for the upcoming school year, three things will be considered: attendance, class grades, and MAP scores.
School Office
The school office can provide necessary assistance to help solve many school-related problems. A telephone call to the school office or a personal visit can sometimes clarify a situation and help parents with what seems to be a problem. Please feel welcome to call or visit the school for information and assistance. The Middle School phone number is 417/993-4254.
School Spirit
The official school name for our athletic teams is the Tigers. Official colors are red, black, and white. Many organized activities are planned before, during, and after the regular school day. We would like to extend a special invitation to new students to participate in school activities. We encourage each student to take part in some activity.
The school provides special education classes for students with handicapping conditions as outlined in the district’s local compliance plan. The compliance plan allows the district to provide services as required by the IDEA.
For information concerning special education classes for handicapped students please call Mrs. Rebecca Richards, Special Education Director at 417/993-4254.
Grades 7 and 8 will elect a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Grades 7 and 8 will elect two representatives (one boy and one girl) to the student council. Sponsors for the classes will be assigned.
Eligibility: Any student considered a candidate for an election must have attended the Hickory County R-1 school system at least one full semester prior to election. Only 8th grade students may serve as an officer. They follow the same guidelines as other students in regards to failing grades.
Definition: Student Education Records are defined as records which are directly related to a student and are maintained by schools. It does not include records maintained by individual staff members for their personal use. Every effort is made to keep information placed in the Student Education Record factual and objective.
Record Accessibility: Student Education Records are accessible to:
· School officials, including teachers of the district who have legitimate educational interest in the records,
· Parents and/or legal guardians,
· Officials of schools in which the student seeks or intends to enroll,
· Other agencies, institutions, or individuals upon receipt of written release from parent, guardian, or eligible student, and
· Other state and federal offices and agencies as prescribed by law.
A record access log is kept as part of the Student Education Record indicating all who have had access except professional staff members of the district.
The school telephone is for business and emergency calls. To protect the teachers and students from interruptions, and to make sure the best use of telephone service in our school, good judgment suggests some reasonable restrictions in the use of the school telephone. Necessary messages will be taken in the school office and relayed to students or teachers. Requests from parents for a teacher to call are given to the teacher so that a return call can be made when the teacher is free from class assignment. PLEASE MAKE ANY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE AFTERNOON OR EVENING WITH THE CHILD BEFORE HE OR SHE LEAVES HOME IN THE MORNING AS ACCESS TO THE PHONE IS LIMITED IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL. Students and teachers are called directly to the phone only in case of emergency.
Visitors
Parents are welcome to visit their child’s classroom for observation. We believe it is beneficial for parents to have a good understanding of what their children are doing in school. Parents who want to observe their child’s classroom or have a conference with the teacher should arrange an appointment through the Middle School Office.
Students who transfer to another school or who withdraw to move to another community must fill out a withdrawal form in the administrator’s office. All school-owned books and other equipment must be returned to the proper teachers. Failure to follow these procedures may make it difficult for a pupil to be enrolled and classified properly in another school. He or she may also be asked to pay for books or other equipment lost or damaged.
Chapter III
Rules and Regulations
Guidelines for Student Behavior
1. Running is not permitted in the building or to and from the buses.
2. Safe Schools Act will be followed.
3. 5th and 6th grade drinking pop is not allowed at school unless approved by the classroom teacher on special days. (Exception: Students bringing their lunch from home may bring pop in an aluminum can. NO GLASS BOTTLES). 7th and 8th grade drinking pop is allowed before or after school. Each teacher may decide whether he or she will allow pop in his or her room. All pop and food items are to be kept in designated areas. NO OPEN CONTAINERS ARE TO BE KEPT IN THE LOCKERS.
4. Students are not to bring playthings or pets to school unless the teacher gives permission. The school is not responsible for losses.
5. Students are not to be on the playground area before or after school.
6. Students may use school buildings and facilities only under the direct supervision of the school staff or approved adults.
7. Public display of affection is prohibited in school, however, 7th and 8th graders may hold hands.
8. Students will not use profanity in school or at any school function.
9. No radios, tape players, etc., will be played in the halls, cafeteria, classroom, or playground. The school is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage.
10. Hats will not be worn in the school building.
Skyline is a beautiful school and students hopefully will be very proud to attend classes here. It is the responsibility of each student to practice good citizenship in the care of the facilities.
Good cafeteria behavior is an important facet of any student body.
1. No running in the halls to cafeteria.
2. Take your place at the end of the line.
3. Good manners and table etiquette are to be practiced at all times in the lunchroom.
4. Put all trash in the containers.
5. Put all dishes in the proper place for cleaning.
6. Talk quietly, behave like young ladies and gentlemen, and use good table manners.
7. Finish eating in the cafeteria.
8. Students will remain in cafeteria during entire lunch hour. Please stay out of the hallways during your lunch period.
9. No pop is to be taken from the cafeteria. This includes pop brought from home.
1. Free transportation is provided for students in our district in grade kindergarten through twelve.
2. Students should be waiting at the bus stop to board the bus in an orderly fashion with no pushing or fighting. Students should not wait to leave the house after the bus arrives, except in the case of inclement weather. Any incident occurring at the bus stop will be disciplined as if it occurred on school grounds.
3. Students should never stand in the roadway while waiting for the bus.
4. The driver is in charge of all students and the bus. Students will obey the driver promptly and cheerfully or forfeit the privilege of riding the bus.
5. Unnecessary conversation on the bus and with the driver is prohibited.
6. Classroom conduct is to be observed by students while riding the bus. Except for ordinary conversation, unnecessary noise and loud talking are prohibited.
7. All students must remain seated at all times. Drivers may assign specific seats.
8. The use of tobacco is not permitted in the bus. (Use of tobacco on school property by school-age student is prohibited by board policy.)
9. Students must not throw waste paper or other rubbish out of bus windows.
10. Students must not at any time extend arms or head out of bus windows.
11. Students must not try to get on or off the bus, or move about within the bus, while it is in motion.
12. Students must observe directions of the driver when leaving bus.
13. Any damage to bus should be reported at once to the driver.
14. No one is to touch the emergency door except in case of emergency.
15. No food or beverage is to be consumed on the bus without prior approval of the bus driver.
16. If your child is a bus rider, it will be assumed that he or she will ride each day, both ways, unless arrangements are made indicating otherwise. Please notify us if for some reason your child will not be riding the bus home after he or she has ridden it to school. This will save us time searching for a child not accounted for on the bus.
17. Students who refuse to cooperate and to observe these regulations will be denied the privilege of riding the bus.
In order to maintain good behavior and safety for our students, the Hickory County R-1 Board of Education has adopted the following rules and regulations:
The following discipline will be enforced for misconduct on school buses:
1. When a student is issued the first disciplinary notice, it will be mailed to the parent. The principal and student will attempt to resolve the situation.
2. If a second disciplinary notice is issued, the student will be allowed to ride home but will not be allowed to ride the bus the next day. Notification will be sent home with the student, mailed, or phoned to the parent.
3. If a third disciplinary notice is issued, the student will be allowed to ride home but will not be allowed to ride the bus for three (3) consecutive days. Notification will be sent home with the student or mailed to the parent.
4. If a fourth disciplinary notice is issued, the parent will need to meet with the administration before student will be allowed to ride the bus.
As in the regular conduct code,